Asymmetric Optical Sensor for Wide-Angle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical Time of Flight (TOF) sensors face limitations in achieving a wide angle of view and detecting objects at different distances due to mechanical scanning restrictions and symmetric optical systems, which hinder their multifunctional applications, especially in automotive applications where a 360-degree detection is required without additional configurations.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric optical sensor device with a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit with pixels arranged in a row, and a lens unit that diffuses light asymmetrically, allowing different light amounts to be received based on distance and angle, enabling detection of wide areas and objects at varying distances using a single light source without additional optical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanning type optical sensor is used to achieve wide angle of view and high resolution, then detection precision and angle of view are improved, but device complexity and reliability deteriorate due to mechanical motor sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a flash LiDAR type optical sensor that uses an array sensor to perform scanning without mechanical motor sections. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining wide angle of view and high resolution detection capabilities through electronic scanning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical sensor to perform multiple functions including blind spot detection, parking area confirmation, and general obstacle detection using a single device. The sensor can detect both close-range objects (for parking assistance) and far-range objects (for blind spot detection) without requiring additional specialized devices.
2Device complexity
If a flash LiDAR type optical sensor is used to simplify structure and reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but angle of view and detection distance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric optical system where the optical axis of the lens unit is intentionally offset from the optical axis of the light emitting unit. This asymmetric configuration creates asymmetric beam distribution that expands the effective angle of view and enhances detection capability in specific directions, allowing the flash LiDAR to achieve wider coverage without mechanical components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a symmetric optical system is used in flash LiDAR, then manufacturing is simplified, but asymmetric beam requirements cannot be met and optical efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry into the optical system by offsetting the lens unit's optical axis from the light emitting unit's optical axis. This asymmetric design enables the generation of asymmetric beams required for expanded angle of view and enhanced detection performance, while the overall structure remains relatively simple to manufacture.
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 asymmetric optical sensor device achieves a wide angle of view and efficient detection of objects at different distances, supporting multifunctional applications like blind spot detection and parking area confirmation, while maintaining a compact design without requiring additional configurations or optical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lens unit to diffuse the light of the light emitting unit
Implementation Method 2
Optical Time of Flight (TOF) sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an asymmetric optical sensor device comprising: a light emitting unit for outputting light; a light receiving unit which receives the light reflected by an external object, and consists of a plurality of pixels which correspond to regions of different angles with respect to the light emitting unit and are arranged in a row; and a lens unit for diffusing the light from the light emitting unit. The light amounts received by the plurality of pixels are light amount values which are asymmetric with respect to the center of the light receiving unit.