Illuminator Integrating Diffusing and Directing Optical Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminators require multiple optical elements to achieve uniform illumination and include indicating marks, which complicates the design and increases the number of components needed for field of view calibration.
Innovation Solution
An illuminator design that integrates a light source with a single optical device comprising a diffusing part and a directing part, where the diffusing part provides uniform illumination and the directing part generates indicating marks, optionally using a collimation lens, diffractive optical elements, or microlens arrays to focus and direct light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple optical elements are used to achieve uniform illumination and indicating marks, then the illumination quality and calibration capability are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of uniform illumination generation and indicating mark generation into a single optical element. This optical element simultaneously produces both the uniform illumination field and the indicating marks (such as crosshairs or reticle patterns) that are needed for field of view calibration, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a diffuser for uniform illumination and a pattern generator for indicating marks. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate optical components for each function, simplifying the overall system while achieving the desired illumination quality and calibration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are used to provide indicating marks for FOV calibration, then the calibration capability is improved, but the ease of operation and alignment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the indicating mark generation function into the same optical element that provides uniform illumination, the patent eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures between multiple components. The indicating marks are generated in-situ within the illumination field, ensuring automatic spatial coherence and simplifying the operational process for field of view calibration.
3Device complexity
If a single optical device is used to provide both uniform illumination and indicating marks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single optical element incorporates different structural regions with different functions: one region is designed with diffusing properties for uniform illumination, while another region contains precise geometric features for generating indicating marks. This local differentiation of functional zones allows the element to perform multiple functions while maintaining manufacturability through specialized fabrication techniques for each region.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element may utilize composite structures or materials that combine diffusing properties with precise geometric feature formation. This could involve layered structures, hybrid material compositions, or integrated manufacturing processes that allow both the diffusing function and the precise indicating mark generation to coexist in a single component.
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 integrated approach simplifies the design by using a single optical device to achieve uniform illumination with indicating marks, reducing the number of components needed and enhancing the flexibility in field of view calibration and light intensity distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The diffusing part is configured to provide uniform illumination
Implementation Method 2
The directing part is configured to provide at least one indicating mark
Implementation Method 3
the collimation lens is configured to focus light
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminator including a light source and an optical device is provided. The light source is configured to emit light. The optical device is configured to provide uniform illumination with at least one indicating mark after receiving light. The optical device includes a diffusing part and a directing part. The diffusing part is configured to provide uniform illumination. The directing part is configured to provide at least one indicating mark.