Data handling and representation of freeform surfaces

Ralf Steinkopf; Lars Dick; Tino Kopf; Andreas Gebhardt; Stefan Risse; Ramona Eberhardt

doi:10.1117/12.896848

30 September 2011 Data handling and representation of freeform surfaces

Ralf Steinkopf, Lars Dick, Tino Kopf, Andreas Gebhardt, Stefan Risse, Ramona Eberhardt

Proceedings Volume 8169, Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology IV; 81690X (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.896848
Event: SPIE Optical Systems Design, 2011, Marseille, France

Abstract

Freeform surfaces enable innovative optics. They are not limited by axis symmetry and hence they are almost free in design. They are used to reduce the installation space and enhance the performance of optical elements. State of the art optical design tools are computing with powerful algorithms to simulate freeform surfaces. Even new mathematical approaches are under development /1/. In consequence, new optical designs /2/ are pushing the development of manufacturing processes consequently and novel types of datasets have to proceed through the process chain /3/. The complexity of these data is the huge challenge for the data handling. Because of the asymmetrical and 3-dimensional surfaces of freeforms, large data volumes have to be created, trimmed, extended and fitted. All these processes must be performed without losing the accuracy of the original design data. Additionally, manifold types of geometries results in different kinds of mathematical representations of freeform surfaces and furthermore the used CAD/CAM tools are dealing with a set of spatial transport formats. These are all reasons why manufacture-oriented approaches for the freeform data handling are not yet sufficiently developed. This paper suggests a classification of freeform surfaces based on the manufacturing methods which are offered by diamond machining. The different manufacturing technologies, ranging from servo-turning to shaping, require a differentiated approach for the data handling process. The usage of analytical descriptions in form of splines and polynomials as well as the application of discrete descriptions like point clouds is shown in relation to the previously made classification. Advantages and disadvantages of freeform representations are discussed. Aspects of the data handling in between different process steps are pointed out and suitable exchange formats for freeform data are proposed. The described approach offers the possibility for efficient data handling from optical design to systems in novel optics.

Citation Download Citation

Ralf Steinkopf, Lars Dick, Tino Kopf, Andreas Gebhardt, Stefan Risse, and Ramona Eberhardt "Data handling and representation of freeform surfaces", Proc. SPIE 8169, Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology IV, 81690X (30 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.896848

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available