Optical System for Distance Data Collection with Aperture Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensors face challenges in efficiently collecting distance information and achieving high signal-to-noise ratios while minimizing power wastage and crosstalk between channels.
Innovation Solution
A one-dimensional optical system with a set of illumination sources, a bulk imaging optic, an aperture layer, lenses, an optical filter, and a pixel array, where each aperture defines a non-overlapping field of view, and a diffuser spreads collimated light across subpixels to enhance detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensors are used to collect distance information, then the system can obtain basic distance data, but the signal-to-noise ratio is low and power wastage is high
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple independent channels, each with its own illumination source, aperture, and detector. This segmentation allows each channel to operate independently with optimized power consumption while collectively achieving high signal-to-noise ratio through parallel processing of distance information from multiple spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each channel in the optical system is configured with local optimization, where illumination sources emit at specific wavelengths matched to the absorption characteristics of the target medium, and detectors are positioned to receive only relevant reflected light through precisely defined apertures. This local quality optimization minimizes power wastage by eliminating unnecessary illumination and detection while maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio for each measurement channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination sources are used to improve distance data collection, then coverage is enhanced, but crosstalk between channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates crosstalk by using physically separated apertures for each channel that define non-overlapping fields of view. Each aperture physically blocks light from adjacent channels, extracting the harmful crosstalk effect from the system and preventing it from degrading measurement accuracy while maintaining comprehensive field coverage through the multi-channel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Apertures serve as intermediary elements between illumination sources and detectors, mediating the light paths to prevent crosstalk. Each aperture acts as a spatial filter that allows only light from its specific field of view to reach the corresponding detector, thereby enabling multiple illumination sources to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's measurements.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If apertures define non-overlapping fields of view, then crosstalk is reduced, but the field coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a single two-dimensional field of view to a three-dimensional coverage volume through the arrangement of multiple channels at different spatial positions and orientations. Each aperture defines a non-overlapping field of view to eliminate crosstalk, but the collective arrangement of multiple channels across three-dimensional space achieves comprehensive area coverage that would be impossible with a single aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the coverage areas of multiple channels, each with non-overlapping fields of view defined by their respective apertures. By combining the measurements from multiple independent channels, the system achieves comprehensive field coverage while maintaining low crosstalk, as each channel contributes unique spatial information that complements the others without interfering with them.
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 system effectively collects three-dimensional distance data with high signal-to-noise ratio and minimal power wastage, achieving efficient illumination and reduced crosstalk between channels.
Implementation Method 1
a bulk imaging optic 130 characterized by a focal plane opposite the field; an aperture layer 140 coincident the focal plane
Implementation Method 2
a set of lenses 150, each lens in the set of lenses 150 characterized by a second focal length, offset from the focal plane opposite the bulk imaging optic 130 by the second focal length, aligned with an aperture in the set of apertures 144, and configured to collimate light rays passed by the aperture
Implementation Method 3
an optical filter 160 adjacent the set of lenses 150 opposite the aperture layer 140 and configured to pass light rays at the operating wavelength
Implementation Method 4
a diffuser 180 interposed between the optical filter 160 and the set of pixels 170 and configured to spread collimated light output from each lens in the set of lenses 150 across a set of subpixels of a corresponding pixel in the set of pixels 170
Implementation Method 5
a set of illumination sources 110 arranged along a first axis, each illumination source in the set of illumination sources 110 configured to output an illuminating beam of an operating wavelength toward a discrete spot in the field ahead of the illumination source
Implementation Method 6
The system can therefore selectively project illuminating beams into a field ahead of the system according to an illumination pattern that substantially matches—in size and geometry across a range of distances from the system—the fields of view of the apertures
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for collecting distance information within a field is provided. The optical system may include lenses for collecting photons from a field and may include lenses for distributing photons to a field. The optical system may include lens tubes that collimate collected photons, optical filters that reject normally incident light outside of the operating wavelength, and pixels that detect incident photons. The optical system may further include illumination sources that output photons at an operating wavelength.