Light Output Optics With Diffusion Patterns for Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR and d-ToF cameras struggle to detect distances accurately at all angles due to distortion in emission and reception patterns, which affects the precision and resolution of depth information extraction.
Innovation Solution
A light output device with a light source, lens group, and diffusion member that transforms emission patterns into symmetrical and concave shapes, allowing for reduced distortion and accurate distance detection at all angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LiDAR cameras or d-ToF cameras use conventional optical systems to transmit and receive light beams, then they can provide distance information, but the emission and reception patterns suffer from distortion that prevents accurate detection at all angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetrical convex patterns on the diffusion member that are oriented in specific directions. These asymmetric convex structures modify the light emission pattern to compensate for optical distortion, enabling accurate distance detection at all angles by creating a symmetrical emission pattern that counteracts the inherent asymmetry in conventional optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion member incorporates convex patterns with specific local geometries (semi-cylindrical shapes) at particular locations on its surface. Each convex pattern is designed with specific dimensions and orientations to locally correct distortion in corresponding regions of the emission pattern, thereby improving overall measurement precision while maintaining system compactness.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical systems are used without additional components, then the device structure remains simple, but distortion in emission patterns reduces depth information extraction precision and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion member acts as an intermediary component positioned between the light source and the optical system. It receives the raw emission pattern from the light source and transforms it into a corrected pattern that compensates for optical distortion. This intermediary element improves depth information extraction precision without requiring fundamental changes to the overall optical system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the emission pattern parameters (intensity distribution, spatial geometry) through the diffusion member's convex patterns. By changing the spatial parameters of the emission pattern, the system achieves more accurate distance detection without altering the fundamental optical components, thus improving manufacturing precision while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If the light source emits a standard beam pattern, then the optical system remains simple, but the inability to detect the same distance at all angles reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion member is segmented into multiple convex patterns arranged in specific configurations. Each convex pattern independently modifies a portion of the emission pattern, and collectively they achieve uniform distance detection capability across all angles. This segmentation allows the system to correct distortion locally in different regions without requiring a complete redesign of the optical 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 device enables high-precision and high-resolution depth information extraction with reduced distortion, enabling miniaturization and eliminating the need for MEMS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a lens group disposed on the light source and configured to transform a first emission pattern output from the light source into a second emission pattern
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion member disposed on the lens group, wherein the diffusion member includes a first surface disposed to face the light source and a second surface that is a surface opposite to the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A light output device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light source having a long axis in a first direction; a lens group which is arranged on the light source, and which deforms a first light-emitting pattern that is output from the light source into a second light-emitting pattern and outputs same; and a diffusion member arranged on the lens group, wherein: the diffusion member includes a first surface arranged to face the light source, and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface; a plurality of convex patterns are arranged on the first surface; and each of the plurality of convex patterns has a long axis in the direction parallel to the first direction.