Distortion Correction Element for Optical Pattern Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices, such as dot projectors and LIDAR devices, suffer from distortion issues that reduce the number of dots within the desired field of view, cause non-uniform dot shapes, and result in non-uniform dot spacing, leading to suboptimal performance in 3D sensing and LIDAR applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a distortion correction element, in conjunction with a collimating element and a diffractive optical element, to manipulate the pattern generated by the optical device, reducing distortion and shaping the pattern to improve uniformity and increase the number of dots within the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optics are used without distortion correction, then the device structure remains simple, but distortion in the projected pattern increases causing non-uniform dot shapes and spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated distortion correction element. This element simultaneously performs distortion correction, pattern shaping, and dot formation functions that would otherwise require separate optical components, thereby improving manufacturing precision while controlling device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The distortion correction element utilizes variable optical parameters including radial and tangential power distributions, focal lengths, and aperture configurations to dynamically adjust and correct distortion across different field of view regions, achieving uniform dot shapes and spacing
2Quantity of substance
If conventional optics are used without distortion correction, then the device complexity remains low, but the number of dots within the desired field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion correction element divides the optical field into multiple radial zones with different power distributions. Each zone is optimized to project dots uniformly across its specific angular range, maximizing the total number of dots within the desired field of view by preventing distortion-related dot loss
Solution Approach 2:
The distortion correction element acts as an intermediary optical component between the emitter array and the projection screen. It mediates the light paths from emitters at different angles, correcting distortion and ensuring that maximum numbers of dots fall within the desired field of view with proper spacing
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional optics are used, then the optical structure remains simple, but pattern alignment and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The distortion correction element implements local quality optimization by applying different optical power distributions to different radial and angular zones. Each zone is tailored to correct local distortion characteristics, ensuring precise pattern alignment and uniformity across the entire projected pattern
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 distortion correction element significantly reduces distortion to less than 5%, enhancing dot shape and spacing uniformity, thereby improving the performance of 3D sensing and LIDAR applications by increasing the number of dots within the desired field of view and improving pattern alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating element to create an image of the light emitted by the emitter array
Implementation Method 2
a diffractive optical element (DOE) to generate a pattern from the image of the light
Implementation Method 3
a distortion correction element to reduce distortion in the pattern on a screen or to shape the pattern on the screen
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device may include emitter array to emit light. The optical device may include a collimating element to create an image of the light emitted by the emitter array. The optical device may include a diffractive optical element (DOE) to generate a pattern from the image of the light. The optical device may include a distortion correction element to reduce distortion in the pattern on a screen or to shape the pattern on the screen.