Object Localization Optics Using Masked Multi-Beam Light Distributions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object localization devices using light modules aligned on the same axis face alignment errors, complexity, and high production costs due to the use of complex light guides, making them difficult to implement and adjust.

Innovation Solution

A device with at least two illumination modules emitting combined secondary light distributions, masked by an optical component, allows for spatially varying main light distributions, using standard components that are easier to arrange and adjust, enabling precise object localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If complex light guides are used to obtain spatially variable intensities, then the light distribution control is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatially variable intensity distributionVSAvoidcomplex light guide shape and alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex light guides with inexpensive optical diffusers that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The diffusers are simple optical elements that provide the necessary spatial intensity variation without requiring complex shapes or precise alignments, effectively using cheap optical components to solve the problem of achieving spatially variable light distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters by using multiple optical diffusers with different properties (different diffusion angles, transmission characteristics) to achieve spatially variable intensity distribution. Instead of changing the physical shape of light guides, the solution modifies the optical parameters through selection and combination of diffusers with specific characteristics, thereby controlling light distribution in a simpler manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If complex light guides are used to obtain spatially variable intensities, then the light distribution control is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatially variable intensity distributionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex light guides with inexpensive optical diffusers that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The diffusers are simple optical elements that provide the necessary spatial intensity variation without requiring complex shapes or precise alignments, effectively using cheap optical components to solve the problem of achieving spatially variable light distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple optical diffusers that can be mass-produced using standard manufacturing processes. These diffusers are simple optical elements that can be replicated easily, allowing for cost-effective production. The solution replaces custom-molded complex light guides with standardized diffuser components that can be manufactured in large quantities at low cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If precise alignment is required for light guides, then the light distribution accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation and adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution accuracyVSAvoidalignment adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex light guides with inexpensive optical diffusers that can be easily manufactured and replaced. The diffusers are simple optical elements that provide the necessary spatial intensity variation without requiring complex shapes or precise alignments, effectively using cheap optical components to solve the problem of achieving spatially variable light distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters by using multiple optical diffusers with different properties (different diffusion angles, transmission characteristics) to achieve spatially variable intensity distribution. Instead of changing the physical shape of light guides, the solution modifies the optical parameters through selection and combination of diffusers with specific characteristics, thereby controlling light distribution in a simpler manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides easy implementation, reduced production costs, and improved accuracy in localizing objects by modeling the main light distributions, facilitating efficient and cost-effective object localization.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical component arranged so as to mask a portion of said at least two secondary light distributions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical masking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

at least two reflected beams, each reflected beam being associated with a reflection, from said object, of the beam emitted by one of the at least two illumination modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260016597A1Device and system for locating an object
Publication Date: 2026.01.15 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • US20260016597A1 patent drawing
  • US20260016597A1 patent drawing
  • US20260016597A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for locating an object includes at least two illumination modules and a computation unit. Each illumination module is arranged to emit an emitted beam. At least one detection circuit is arranged to receive at least two reflected beams. The computation unit is arranged to determine the position of the object by analysing the at least two reflected beams. Each beam emitted by one of the at least two illumination modules has a main light distribution obtained by combining at least two secondary light distributions. The device further including at least one optical component arranged to obscure part of the at least two secondary light distributions. One of the secondary light distributions is arranged to be superimposed at least in part on another of the secondary light distributions.