Zoom Optics Illumination Device for Fire Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon simulation systems require complex and bulky mechanics for scanning in Cartesian coordinate systems, making them large, expensive, and inefficient for illuminating areas during fire simulation.
Innovation Solution
A device using simple electro-optical or mechanical zoom optics to expand or compress the solid angle of a light lobe, allowing scanning in a polar coordinate system, which reduces the size of the laser unit and enables precise illumination of areas without complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Cartesian coordinate system scanning is used, then area coverage is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with electro-optical or liquid lens technology. Instead of using mechanical mirrors or prisms to deflect light in Cartesian coordinates, the invention uses electrically controllable lenses that change their focal length to expand or compress the light lobe in a polar coordinate system, thereby eliminating bulky mechanical components while maintaining area coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable lens focal lengths to change the solid angle of the light lobe. By electrically varying the focal length of electro-optical or liquid lenses, the system can dynamically expand or compress the illumination pattern to cover different areas, replacing static mechanical scanning with dynamic optical control
2Area of stationary object
If complex scanning mechanics are used, then area illumination is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes bulky mechanical scanning components with compact electro-optical lenses. The electro-optical or liquid lens technology enables area illumination through electrical control of light distribution rather than mechanical movement, significantly reducing the volume of the laser unit while maintaining the ability to illuminate large areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system by electrically adjusting the focal length. This parameter change allows the same optical component to produce different illumination patterns and cover different areas without requiring physical movement or additional components, thereby reducing overall device size
3Area of moving object
If mechanical zoom optics are used, then solid angle control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical zoom optics with electro-optical or liquid lens technology. Instead of using mechanically actuated lens groups to change focal length, the invention uses electrically controllable lenses that achieve the same solid angle control through electrical signals, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precise control over the light lobe's angular dimensions
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
The solution enables a compact, cost-effective, and precise simulation system capable of providing different information to various parts of a larger area, enhancing the accuracy of hit location and effect determination in fire simulation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged to transmit a light lobe, said light lobe being coded with information and having a predetermined solid angle defining the width of the light lobe
Implementation Method 2
without mechanics for example by electrically changing the focal length of an electro-optical or liquid lens
Data Source
Figure 1a~2c
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This invention concerns a device (5) arranged to illuminate an area. The device comprises a light source (1) arranged to transmit a light lobe coded with information, and having a predetermined solid angle defining the width of the lobe. The device (5) is characterized in that the light lobe is expandable/compressible between a first mode in which the light lobe has a first predetermined solid angle and a second mode in which the light lobe has a second predetermined solid angle and in that the light lobe is arranged to carry first information in the first mode and second information in the second mode.