Inclined TIR Lens Array for Wide-FOV Light Source Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refractive micro-lens arrays used in light diffuser devices for 3D sensing applications face limitations in achieving a wide field of view (FOV) without becoming difficult to fabricate.

Innovation Solution

A light source module utilizing a total internal reflection (TIR) lens array with inclined surfaces, which totally internally reflect light beams to achieve a wide FOV, while being easier to fabricate compared to steep refractive MLA designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If refractive MLA lens profiles are designed to increase projected FOV, then FOV is improved, but fabrication difficulty increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojected FOVVSAvoidfabrication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical mechanism from refraction-based to reflection-based by using TIR lenses with inclined surfaces. This parameter change in the optical principle allows achieving wide FOV without requiring steep lens profiles, thus resolving the fabrication difficulty while maintaining FOV improvement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the refractive optical system with a reflective optical system using TIR lenses. By replacing refraction with total internal reflection, the system achieves wide FOV projection without the need for difficult-to-fabricate steep lens profiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 TIR lens array enables the light source module to achieve a wide FOV while simplifying the fabrication process, providing uniform illumination across a large viewing angle range.

Implementation Method 1

inclined surfaces of the TIR lenses are configured to totally internally reflect the light beams to form the wide FOV

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12345408B1Light source module
Publication Date: 2025.07.01 HIMAX TECH LTD
  • US12345408B1 patent drawing
  • US12345408B1 patent drawing
  • US12345408B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A light source module having a wide field of view (FOV) is provided. The light source module includes a plurality of point light sources and a total internal reflection (TIR) lens array. The point light sources are configured to respectively emit a plurality of light beams. The TIR lens array is disposed on paths of the light beams and includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of TIR lenses arranged on the transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is located between the point light sources and the TIR lenses. Each of the TIR lenses has an inclined surface inclined with respect to the transparent substrate, and inclined surfaces of the TIR lenses are configured to totally internally reflect the light beams to form the wide FOV.