Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With mirror surface of varied radius
Patent
1990-04-10
1992-03-17
Arnold, Bruce Y.
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With mirror surface of varied radius
5116571, 359900, G02B 510, B24B 4905
Patent
active
050962817
ABSTRACT:
Method and apparatus for generating compound shapes in optical surfaces needed to accomodate variable magnification, off-axis projection, reflection from diverse surfaces, reflector relay, intensity pattern requirements and other complex optical transform functions. The present invention permits the realization of mirrors of which provide a variable magnification. The surface generation capabilities permit controlled magnification changes that nevertheless are still image forming and typically avoid the human eye focussing difficulties normally associated with variable magnification mirrors. The present invention includes a computer driven, reflector design system which permits the designer to see the field of view, ray tracings, reflected beam intensity pattern and other data pertinent to a variable magnification mirror from entered mirror specifications. The effect of changes in specifications can be rapidly determined and a final design achieved through one or more such reiterations. The system further determines machine tool motional controls for grinding a surface corresponding to the entered mirror specifications. The capability of the invention in producing irregular optical shapes for these applications is utilized for the production of mirrors that accomplish complex focussing functions for use in off-axis projection mirrors, relay mirrors, and headlamp reflector mirrors. According to the invention, optical systems capable of accomplishing such complex focussing can be realized with a single reflector.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4173036 (1979-10-01), Ferguson
"Segmented Mirror Polishing Experiment", Robert A. Jones, Applied Optics, Feb. 1982, vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 561-564.
"Figure Control for a fully segmented telescope mirror", Terry S. Mast et al., Applied Optics, Jul. 1982, vol. 21, No. 14, pp. 2631-2641.
Tuck Richard G.
Windebank Robert W.
Arnold Bruce Y.
Optical Profile, Inc.
Phan James
LandOfFree
Optical transform system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical transform system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical transform system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1471602