Diffractive Light Redirection for Wide-View Optical Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement apparatuses face challenges in simplifying component outlay, assembly, and adjustment, while also requiring complex optical designs and having limited field of view and resolution.
Innovation Solution
The use of diffractive structures in redirection regions to change the direction of light signals, allowing for a compact and flexible design with reduced complexity and improved reliability, enabling a larger field of view and higher resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional redirection mirrors are used in optical measurement apparatuses, then light signals can be redirected, but the component outlay, assembly complexity, and adjustment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the redirection function and the structural support into a single integrated component. The redirection region is implemented as an integral part of the housing or carrier structure, eliminating the need for separate redirection mirrors and their mounting mechanisms. This merging reduces component outlay and assembly complexity while improving reliability through fewer moving parts and connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical redirection mirrors with an optically effective redirection region that can be integrated into the housing structure. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical mirror mounting, adjustment mechanisms, and alignment procedures, thereby reducing device complexity and improving service life through a more robust, maintenance-free design.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical designs are used, then light signals can be captured, but the field of view and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the internal surface geometry of the housing or carrier as the redirection region, effectively using the third dimension (surface curvature and orientation) to redirect light signals. This approach enables a larger field of view and improved resolution by capturing light from multiple angles without requiring additional optical components or complex multi-element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing or carrier structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, defines the optical path, and acts as the redirection region itself. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to capture a wider field of view and achieve higher resolution without adding separate optical elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If redirection regions are made adjustable, then flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustability through a drive device that can change the orientation or position of the redirection region. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different measurement scenarios and target different areas of interest, providing flexibility without requiring multiple fixed redirection components. The single adjustable redirection region reduces complexity compared to multiple fixed mirrors while maintaining versatility.
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 diffractive structures facilitate a long-lasting and maintenance-free light signal redirection, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in capturing objects with a wide field of view and high resolution, suitable for applications like driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one redirection region has at least one diffractive structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a receiving device (26) for an optical measurement apparatus (12) for capturing objects (18) in a monitoring region (16), to a light signal redirection device (40), to an optical measurement apparatus (12) and to a method for operating a receiving device (26). The receiving device (26) comprises at least one light signal redirection device (40) for redirecting light signals (32) from the monitoring region (16) to at least one receiver (36) of the receiving device (26) and at least one receiver (36) for receiving and for converting the light signals (22) into electric signals. The at least one light signal redirection device (40) has at least one redirection region (42b), which can act on the light signals (22) so as to change their direction. Furthermore, the receiving device (26) comprises at least one drive device (50) with which the at least one redirection region (42b) can be set. At least one redirection region (42b) has at least one diffractive structure.