Intersecting Optical Paths in Light Outputting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light outputting apparatuses, such as those described in JP-A-2015-111385, struggle to provide sufficient light intensity over an area close to the apparatus due to the overlap of light from different sections occurring far from the apparatus, resulting in inadequate detectable intensity for pointing elements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a first and second light outputting section with intersecting optical paths, each comprising a light source, collimator lens, and optical element, allowing the light to overlap closer to the target surface, thereby reducing the size of the apparatus and enhancing optical intensity across a wider area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the first and second light outputting sections are disposed with divergent optical paths, then the apparatus can cover a wide area along the projection surface, but the light intensity becomes insufficient in areas close to the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light outputting apparatus into two separate light outputting sections, each with its own light source, collimator lens, and optical element. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section's optical path, enabling one section to provide wide-area coverage while the other compensates for intensity in near-field regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different optical configurations to different sections: the first light outputting section uses a Powell lens optimized for wide angular distribution to cover large areas, while the second light outputting section uses a different optical element configuration optimized for maintaining intensity closer to the apparatus. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between coverage area and light intensity.
2Volume of moving object
If the optical paths of the first and second light outputting sections are made to intersect, then the apparatus size can be reduced, but the optical path configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the two optical paths at an intersection point, allowing the first and second light outputting sections to share common structural support and housing. This merging reduces the overall apparatus volume by eliminating redundant components and space, while the modular design of the light outputting sections keeps the optical configuration manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention arranges the two optical paths in three-dimensional space such that they intersect at a specific point without requiring complex in-plane maneuvering. By utilizing the vertical dimension and angular separation, the optical paths can cross efficiently, reducing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus while maintaining optical simplicity through careful geometric arrangement.
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 configuration enables the light outputting apparatus to provide sufficient optical intensity over a broader area, including regions near the apparatus, while reducing assembly complexity and increasing flexibility in light source selection.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator lens that parallelizes light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a Powell lens that widens the light parallelized by the collimator lens and extends in a predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light outputting apparatus includes a first light outputting section and a second light outputting section. The first light outputting section includes a first light source, a first collimator lens, and a first optical element that widens light having passed through the first collimator lens, and the second light outputting section includes a second light source, a second collimator lens, and a second optical element that widens light having passed through the second collimator lens. The first light outputting section and the second light outputting section are so disposed that a first optical path and a second optical path intersect each other at a point on upstream optical paths of the first and second optical elements, and that part of the light outputted from the first light outputting section and part of the light outputted from the second light outputting section overlap with each other.