Partnering for Performance
We work side-by-side with our clients to solve their toughest problems.
These case studies show how collaboration and innovation come together to produce measurable outcomes.
Ensuring Image Quality for Tracking Telescopes
Focusing NASA tracking telescopes ITT Corporation was responsible for five NASA Space Shuttle tracking telescope systems at the launch site in Cape Canaveral Florida. These telescopes, called ATOTS, MIGOR, and DOAMS, were used for various types of downrange imaging of shuttle launches. The telescopes were exhibiting less than optimal imaging characteristics from out of focus camera images. ITT was looking for a method to realign and precisely focus the high-speed cameras on each of these tracking telescopes. The solution needed to be simple, robust and cost effective. It also needed to operate on-site at each telescope installation. Optikos engineers developed a solution inspired by a common optical design approach: ray tracing. By tracing single rays of light into the telescope system and monitoring...
Competitive Benchmarking for Surgical Microscopes
Our client wanted to develop a competitive benchmark of a sampling of available surgical microscopes and relate it to a subjective evaluation by physicians. Optikos developed a test plan that included both radiometric and image quality metrics that captured the relevant imaging performance criteria. This evaluation was mapped against the subjective assessments by physicians and used to develop a rational competitive benchmark evaluation. Our client used the information to decide how to improve/augment their own product line. Have a project in mind? Get started here.
3D Imager for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Lens and Camera Testing for Image Quality Assurance Our client had a unique design for a surgical system, but needed a stereoscopic camera system designed for manufacture and 510K FDA clearance. The Optikos team of optical and mechanical engineers reviewed several issues with the client’s development team to streamline the design for future manufacturing. We learned that there were difficulties aligning the customer’s prototype visualization system and achieving reliable imaging performance. Optikos was able to provide a simplified, “drop together” design, updated electronics and in-process verification to assure consistent performance for all units, and helped our client create a stereoscopic camera for its surgical system, enabling 3D high-definition visualization for surgeons. ...
Meeting Specs for Navigational Lighting
Our client had taken on a contract to produce a new type of navigational lighting for marine applications. Initial testing of their design indicated that it did not satisfy US Coast Guard brightness and angular visibility requirements. Optikos engineers worked with the client to identify comprehensive and complete product requirements and reviewed the existing design to fully understand its shortcomings. Optikos developed a design utilizing custom conical surfaces that could be readily fabricated and implemented into the luminaire, and provided a comprehensive evaluation of the distribution pattern of the luminaire to confirm compliance with US Coast Guard specifications. The product was then put into production. Have a project in mind? Get started here.
A New ViewMaster® Meets Cost and Quality Goals
When Fisher-Price procured the legendary ViewMaster® product line, they wanted to bring additional play value to the product. The challenge was to rejuvenate an optically-based consumer product for the toy market while providing excellent viewing quality and meeting aggressive cost-performance targets. Optikos developed, patented, and licensed to Fisher-Price a new type of viewer that combined a binocular optics with a ViewMaster® image disc. Since the ViewMaster® slides were viewed by reflection off a mirror; new discs were required to achieve proper stereo imaging. The aggressive product cost targets were achieved by using plastic optical components, an off-shore manufacturing solution. Along with a tie-in with the Discovery Channel, the Fisher-Price Discovery Viewer reinvigorated the ViewMaster® product line bringing a true...
