Light Collecting Device Monocular Binocular Waveguide Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for acquiring data for three-dimensional images are complex, expensive, and bulky, requiring synchronization of multiple cameras and complex calibration methods.

Innovation Solution

A light collecting device that uses a monocular and binocular collecting module with an optical waveguide to guide light to a single light sensor, allowing for two-dimensional and three-dimensional image acquisition without the need for camera synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are used to acquire three-dimensional images, then the image acquisition capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines monocular and binocular light collecting modules into a single device that shares a common optical waveguide and light sensor. The monocular module collects light for two-dimensional imaging while the binocular module collects light for three-dimensional imaging, and both are integrated through the same optical path to a single sensor, reducing overall system complexity despite providing multiple imaging capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light sensor serves multiple functions by receiving light from both the monocular collecting module and the binocular collecting module through the optical waveguide. A single sensor performs both two-dimensional image capture (via monocular module) and three-dimensional image capture (via binocular module), eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are used for three-dimensional imaging, then the image acquisition capability is improved, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical paths of monocular and binocular modules into a single optical waveguide that directs light to a shared light sensor. This integration allows both two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging capabilities to coexist in a compact configuration, avoiding the volume increase that would result from using separate cameras for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The design nests the monocular and binocular light collecting modules within a compact arrangement where both modules feed into the same optical waveguide and light sensor system. This nested configuration allows multiple imaging functions to be packed into a smaller overall device volume compared to using separate dedicated cameras for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are synchronized for three-dimensional imaging, then the image acquisition capability is improved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage acquisition capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the monocular and binocular light collecting modules to share a common light sensor and optical waveguide system. Since both modules capture images simultaneously on the same sensor without requiring temporal coordination, the synchronization complexity inherent in traditional multi-camera systems is eliminated, simplifying operation while maintaining three-dimensional imaging capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device simplifies image acquisition by using a single light sensor, reducing production costs and complexity, while enabling high-quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional image capture.

Implementation Method 1

an optical waveguide configured to guide the light collected from the monocular and binocular collecting modules to a light sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3320398B1A light collecting device
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP3320398B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3320398B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3320398B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a light collecting device (10) adapted to collect and guide light to a light sensor (12), the device comprising: - a monocular collecting module comprising at least one light collector (20) configured to collect light from the environment of the device, - a binocular collecting module comprising a first and a second distant light collector (22, 24) configured to collect light from the environment of the device, - an optical waveguide (18) configured to guide the light collected from the monocular and binocular collecting modules to a light sensor (12) so that: - the light collected by the monocular collecting module is guided to a monocular zone of the light sensor (12), - the light collected by the first light collector (22) of the binocular collecting module is sent to a first zone of the light sensor (12), and - the light collected by the second light collector (24) of the binocular collecting module is sent to a second zone of the light sensor (12), wherein the optical waveguide (18) is configured so that said first zone and said second zone of the light sensor (12) have no overlap.