Microlens Array Segmentation for Complex Light Patterns

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microlens arrays struggle to generate light patterns with complex light intensity distributions and asymmetric patterns, limiting their application in advanced technologies like time-of-flight and 3D sensing systems.

Innovation Solution

A microlens array device comprising multiple types of lenses, including first and second lenses, which project distinct patterns on a far field, allowing for the generation of complex light distributions by adjusting the number, arrangement, and profiles of the lenses to achieve desired light intensity and pattern shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a common regular microlens array is used, then a symmetric light pattern with simple light intensity distribution can be generated, but it is difficult to generate light patterns with complex light intensity distributions such as geometric superposition patterns and asymmetric distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight pattern complexityVSAvoidmicrolens array structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microlens array is segmented into different types of microlenses (first microlenses and second microlenses) with different focal lengths. Each type of microlens projects a different light pattern (first pattern and second pattern), allowing the generation of complex light intensity distributions through the superposition of multiple patterns while maintaining a regular array structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light patterns from different microlens types are merged together in the far field to create a composite light pattern with complex intensity distribution. The first pattern and second pattern overlap and combine to produce the desired geometric superposition patterns and asymmetric distributions

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

Enables the projection of complex light patterns with improved light intensity distribution and reduced speckles, supporting advanced applications such as laser homogenization and 3D sensing systems with enhanced pattern quality.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first lenses is used to project a first pattern on a far field. Each of the second lenses is used to project a second pattern on the far field.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS11808953B2Microlens array device used to project at least two patterns for improving control of projecting light

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 HIMAX TECH LTD

AI summary

A microlens array device includes a substrate and a microlens array. The microlens array is disposed on the substrate and includes a plurality of first lenses and a plurality of second lenses. Each of the first lenses is used to project a first pattern on a far field. Each of the second lenses is used to project a second pattern on the far field. The first pattern has a first area on the far field. The second pattern has a second area on the far field. The first area is different from the second area. One of the two patterns is completely overlapped on the other one of the two patterns.