Optics: measuring and testing – Lens or reflective image former testing – For optical transfer function
Patent
1997-01-06
1998-10-20
Evans, F. L.
Optics: measuring and testing
Lens or reflective image former testing
For optical transfer function
356127, G01M 1102
Patent
active
058254765
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus for mapping optical elements generally.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apparatus for measuring and mapping optical elements is described in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,725,138; 5,083,015; 3,832,066; 4,007,990; 4,824,243; and 5,287,165.
Apparatus for measuring and mapping optical elements is also described in the following patent documents: German Democratic Republic 247,617 and 213,057; Soviet Union 1,420,428 and 1,312,511; Germany 4,222,395; and in applicant's copending Israel application 110016.
A method and equipment for mapping radiation deflection by phase objects is described in Israel Patent 61405.
A method for measuring ophthalmic progressive lenses is described in C. Castellini, F. Francini, and B. Tiribilli, "Hartmann test modification for measuring ophthalmic progressive lenses", Applied Optics, 1 July 1994, vol. 33, no. 19, pp. 4120-4124.
Mathematical methods useful for mapping lenses are described in Yogeh Jalurig, Computer Methods for Engineering, Ally and Bacon, Inc., page 272.
The disclosures of all of the above are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide improved apparatus for mapping optical elements.
The present invention relates to a system for the non-contact testing of the optical parameters of optical elements, in particular ophthalmic elements, both transmissive and reflective, across the entire surface thereof, as well as to the testing of molds, mirrors, and the like.
The invention also relates to a method for the non-contact testing of the optical parameters of optical elements, in particular ophthalmic elements.
For the sake of simplicity, the term "optical elements" as used herein is intended to embrace not only elements such as lenses, but also other elements such as molds used in the production of such lenses, as well as other elements such as mirrors. Such elements include spherical and aspherical, bifocal, multi-focal and progressive lenses, as well as molds for producing some of these lenses and, furthermore, hard and soft contact lenses.
While considerable progress has been made in the manufacturing of sophisticated ophthalmic lenses, most of the quality control equipment has been lagging behind and no longer satisfies the needs of the industry and the market.
Most of the instruments used today provide information concerning power that is based in a very small area of the component to be tested (3-4 mm in diameter. Furthermore, they do not provide objective results, requiring, as they do, operator decision. Also, because of the above-mentioned, very restricted measurement area, they cannot deal with progressive lenses, i.e., lenses with continuously changing power.
The instruments used today to analyze surface geometry are mechanical devices which are liable to damage highly polished surfaces (e.g., finished lenses or molds). Testing with these instruments are very time-consuming.
It is thus one of the objectives of the present invention to provide a system that, within a few seconds, provides non-contact, objective measurement of the optical parameters of the entire surface of any optical component.
It is another objective of the invention to permit measurements either by transmission or by reflections.
It is a still further objective of the invention to facilitate automation of the entire measurement process.
According to the invention, the above objectives are achieved by providing a system for the non-contact testing of optical parameters of an optical elements, comprising a light source producing a beam of a diameter substantially covering the entire active surface of said element; an array of microlenses mounted at a distance from, and coaxial with, said light source, said array being of such a size as to substantially cover said active surface of said element; mounting means to mount said element to be tested in transmission, said element being located between said light source and said array of microlenses; a diffusive screen fo
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G. Cao, et al., Study on the Hartmann-Shack Wavefront Sensor, SPIE (1992) vol. 1752, pp. 112-119.
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Abitol Marc
Blum Ariel
Halimi Alain
Meimoun Elie
Evans F. L.
Visionix Ltd.
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