Integrated Diffuser-Collimator Lens for Lidar Flood Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flood illuminator systems require separate optical elements for diffusing and focusing, which increases complexity, cost, and mechanical parts, and may not provide optimal intensity profiles for applications like lidar and camera systems.
Innovation Solution
A single optical element combining a diffusing surface, such as a microlens array, and a focusing surface, like a Fresnel lens surface, is used to diffuse and focus light, reducing the number of components and improving optical and alignment simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical elements are used for diffusing and focusing light, then the optical system can achieve the required intensity profile, but the device complexity and number of mechanical parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the diffusing function (typically a microlens array) and the focusing function (typically a Fresnel lens) into a single integrated optical element. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical components, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to control light intensity profiles through the combined optical design
2Reliability
If multiple separate optical elements are used, then each element can be optimized for its specific function, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical functions into a single element, the patent reduces the total number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations. The combined element can be manufactured as a single component, eliminating the need for precise alignment and mounting of separate elements, thereby reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - both diffusing and focusing light. This multi-functionality approach allows one component to replace what would traditionally require several specialized elements, simplifying the overall system while maintaining optimized optical performance
3Reliability
If separate optical elements are used for diffusing and focusing, then the system can provide the required light distribution, but the alignment precision and mechanical parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates alignment issues between separate optical elements by integrating the diffusing and focusing functions into a single element. Since there are no separate components to align, the mechanical complexity associated with precision mounting and alignment is completely removed, while the light distribution control is maintained through the integrated optical design
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, simplified optical system that maintains or improves intensity profile control, enhancing performance and safety by reducing potential failure points, and can be used in various applications including lidar and camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface includes a diffusing surface configured to diffuse the emission light to form diffused light
Implementation Method 2
The second surface includes a focusing surface configured to focus the diffused light to provide an intensity profile of light emitted within a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to optical systems and vehicles, which may incorporate lidar sensors. An example optical system includes a light-emitter device configured to emit emission light. The optical system also includes an optical element including a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface includes a diffusing surface configured to diffuse the emission light to form diffused light. The second surface includes a focusing surface configured to focus the diffused light to provide an intensity profile of light emitted within a field of view of the optical system.