Light Sensor With Movable Secondary Lenses for Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face challenges in accuracy due to the need for increased data point density and the complexity and cost associated with multiple lasers, as well as the reduction of extraneous light interference, which can be mitigated by improving the light sensor's ability to control light passage and focus beams effectively.
Innovation Solution
A light sensor design featuring a primary lens, a light device, and a control structure with an actuator that moves relative to the primary lens and light device, allowing for precise control of light passage and beam alignment using an array of individual light emitters or detectors and secondary lenses, which can adjust to optimize light transmission and block extraneous light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of lasers is increased to generate higher data point density, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single laser beam into multiple separate beams using a beam splitting element, allowing one laser to function as multiple lasers. This segmentation approach achieves high data point density without proportionally increasing the number of actual laser sources, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A single laser source is made multi-functional by using a beam splitting element to generate multiple beams that can be directed along different paths. This allows one laser to perform the work of multiple lasers, improving data point density without linearly increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the number of light detectors is increased to reduce the affect of extraneous light, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitting element as an intermediary between the light source and detectors, and a movable control structure as a mediator to dynamically direct light paths. These intermediaries enable a single detector to effectively monitor multiple paths by redirecting light, reducing the need for multiple detectors while maintaining accuracy in extraneous light rejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable control structure that can dynamically adjust light paths in real-time. This dynamic approach allows a single detector to sequentially monitor multiple beams by redirecting light to its position, replacing the need for multiple stationary detectors and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single light detector with large area of interest is used, then system complexity is reduced, but ability to filter extraneous light is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable control structure dynamically directs different light paths to a single detector, enabling the detector to effectively monitor multiple small areas of interest sequentially. This dynamic light path control allows a single detector to reject extraneous light as effectively as multiple detectors would, while reducing system complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple secondary lenses are added to control light passage, then beam alignment and resolution are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple controlled segments using secondary lenses arranged in an array. Each secondary lens controls a specific portion of the light field, enabling precise beam alignment and resolution. This segmented approach to light control achieves high manufacturing precision while keeping each individual lens element relatively simple.
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 design enhances the resolution and accuracy of light emitting and detecting sensors by allowing for multiple light paths without increasing complexity or cost, while effectively filtering out extraneous light to improve measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR uses a light emitting sensor to transmit a laser light beam through a primary lens. The primary lens spreads the laser light beam across a field of view.
Implementation Method 2
A control structure includes a plurality of secondary lenses, which are arranged in an array. The array of secondary lenses is arranged on a second plane that is disposed between the array of individual light emitters and the primary lens.
Implementation Method 3
An actuator is coupled to the control structure. The actuator is operable to move the control structure relative to the primary lens and the light device to control the passage of light between the primary lens and the light device.
Implementation Method 4
A light detecting sensor detects the returning laser light beam that is reflected from a target.
Data Source
AI summary
A light sensor includes a primary lens, and a light device spaced from the primary lens. A control structure is disposed between the primary lens and the light device. An actuator is coupled to the control structure to move the control structure relative to the primary lens and the light device to control the passage of light between the primary lens and the light device. The light sensor may include a light emitting sensor having an array of individual light emitters, or a light detecting sensor having a light detector. The control structure may include an array of secondary bi-telecentric lenses for use with the light emitting sensor, or a plate having an aperture extending therethrough for use with the light detecting sensor.