Optical Wavefront Subaperture Segmentation for Single-Shot Imaging Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the imaging quality of optical systems, particularly in augmented and virtual reality applications, are time-consuming and susceptible to errors due to mechanical scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that capture an optical wavefront profile in a measurement plane behind the exit pupil, segment it into subapertures, and determine partial optical imaging quality for each subaperture, allowing for a one-shot measurement to assess imaging quality distribution across the entire measurement plane without mechanical scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning processes are used to determine imaging quality, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement time increases and error susceptibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement plane into multiple subapertures and captures wavefront profiles for each subaperture simultaneously in a single shot. This segmentation allows comprehensive measurement coverage without requiring sequential mechanical scanning, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a stationary optical setup that uses multiple wavefront sensors or a single sensor with spatial light modulator to capture data from multiple subapertures simultaneously. This substitution eliminates mechanical movement, reducing measurement time and improving reliability by removing mechanical error sources.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning processes are used to determine imaging quality, then measurement coverage is improved, but reliability worsens due to error susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement into discrete subapertures and capturing them simultaneously, the patent eliminates sequential mechanical scanning. This reduces reliability issues associated with mechanical systems such as positioning errors, vibrations, and wear, while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning with a stationary optical system that uses wavefront sensing techniques to achieve comprehensive measurement coverage. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating mechanical error sources while maintaining measurement precision through optical field-based measurements.
3Productivity
If single-shot measurement is used to reduce measurement time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement plane into multiple subapertures and uses independent wavefront sensing for each segment in a single shot. This allows simultaneous capture of multiple measurement points without sequential scanning, achieving both high productivity and maintained precision through parallel optical measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal measurement (sequential scanning over time) to spatial measurement (simultaneous capture across multiple spatial subapertures). This dimensional change enables single-shot measurement that maintains precision by capturing all necessary data points in parallel spatial channels rather than sequentially in time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces measurement time and error susceptibility, enabling quick and accurate assessment of imaging quality at various positions within the eye box, applicable to AR/VR devices and other near-eye optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an optical wavefront profile in a measurement plane behind an exit pupil of the optical system to be tested
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an imaging quality of an optical system to be tested is presented. The method comprises a step of capturing an optical wavefront profile in a measurement plane behind an exit pupil of the optical system, a step of ascertaining a partial optical wavefront profile for each subaperture of a plurality of subapertures of the measurement plane using the wavefront profile, and a step of determining a partial optical imaging quality for each of the subapertures using the ascertained partial optical wavefront profiles.