Optical Apparatus Microstructure Light Beam Direction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical apparatuses for portable electronic devices face challenges in increasing light collecting efficacy and efficiency, with complex and costly fabrication processes, and limited functionality, particularly in non-contact applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus with a microstructure unit formed on a lens or photosensitive element, guiding light beams to enhance light collection efficiency, integrated with a light source and image sensing unit, allowing for improved light management and reduced volume and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical apparatus use separate independent units for light emitter, light receiver, control and power functions, then the device can perform multiple functions (distance measurement, image capture, object sensing), but the fabrication process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple independent units (light emitter, light receiver, control unit, power unit) into a single integrated optical apparatus structure. The light emitter unit and light receiver unit are positioned in close proximity with shared optical components, eliminating the need for separate fabrication processes for each unit while maintaining all required functions including distance measurement, image capture, and object sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical apparatus is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions. The same optical path and lens system are used for both distance measurement via TOF method and image capture, while the light receiver unit can detect both reflected light for imaging and direct light for distance measurement, reducing the need for specialized components for each function.
2Loss of energy
If conventional optical apparatus use separate independent units to increase light collecting efficacy, then the light collection efficiency can be improved, but the fabrication cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light emitter unit and light receiver unit into an integrated structure where the light receiver unit is positioned to receive both directly emitted light and reflected light through a shared optical path. This integration maintains high light collection efficiency while eliminating the need for separate fabrication processes and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter or dichroic mirror as an intermediary optical element that directs different wavelengths or paths of light to appropriate detectors. This intermediary component enables the system to efficiently collect and separate light signals for different functions (distance measurement and imaging) using a single integrated optical train, reducing fabrication complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical apparatus is designed for non-contact applications, then the application scope expands beyond contact-type measurement, but the light beam guidance and concentration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and configurable optical paths that can be dynamically optimized for different measurement modes. The optical system can adapt its configuration for contact-type measurements with direct light concentration or non-contact measurements with reflected light collection, maintaining versatility while managing optical path complexity through flexible design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical apparatus uses a universal optical path that handles both direct light from contact-type measurements and reflected light from non-contact measurements. The same lens system and detector can operate in both modes, expanding application scope without requiring separate specialized optical paths for each measurement type.
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 optical apparatus achieves enhanced light collecting efficacy, simplified fabrication, and expanded functionality, including non-contact distance measurement and spectral response analysis, while reducing volume and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the microstructure unit receives the plural first light beams reflected by the object and changes traveling directions of the plural first light beams
Implementation Method 2
the photosensitive element receives the plural first light beams reflected by the object... A distance of the object from the optical apparatus is acquired according to a time difference
Implementation Method 3
After the plural first light beams pass through the lens, the plural first light beams are transmitted to an object
Implementation Method 4
The light source provides plural first light beams and plural second light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a photosensitive element, a lens and a microstructure unit. The microstructure unit is arranged between the photosensitive element and the lens. After plural light beams passing through the lens are received by the microstructure unit, travelling directions of the plural light beams are changed. Consequently, at least a portion of the plural light beams is guided to the photosensitive element. In such way, the light collecting efficacy of the photosensitive element is enhanced.