Range Compensating Lens Aperture Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active optical systems face challenges in managing the high dynamic range of returned signals, which can damage sensitive detectors due to the varying distances to objects, requiring complex feedback electronics and active control methods that are not instantaneous.
Innovation Solution
A range-compensating lens design using multiple optical materials and surfaces that controllably defocus light to moderate signal strength at closer ranges and increase it at longer ranges, eliminating the need for active electronic control by varying the aperture's focus across the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensitive detectors are used to detect weak return signals at long range, then detection capability at long range is improved, but the detectors are vulnerable to saturation or damage from strong return signals at short range
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is divided into multiple zones with different focal lengths, allowing different spatial regions to focus light from different object distances onto the detector. This segmentation enables the system to handle both near and far objects simultaneously without requiring active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the aperture are assigned different optical properties (focal lengths) tailored to specific object distance ranges. The first zone has a first focal length optimized for distant objects, while the second zone has a second focal length optimized for near objects, creating local quality variations across the aperture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active control methods are used to adjust detector gain or source power, then dynamic range adaptation is improved, but system complexity and response time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system automatically adapts to different object distances through its multi-zone aperture design without requiring external control signals. The system self-regulates the amount of light reaching the detector based on the object distance, eliminating the need for complex feedback electronics or active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active electronic control mechanisms (such as variable gain amplifiers or adjustable attenuators) with a passive optical solution using multiple aperture zones with different focal lengths. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex electronics while achieving the same dynamic range adaptation function.
3Measurement precision
If the aperture is designed for long range detection, then long range performance is improved, but short range signal strength becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into zones with different focal characteristics. The first zone maintains the longer focal length for optimal long-range detection, while the second zone provides a shorter effective focal length that reduces signal intensity from near objects, thereby balancing performance across both distance ranges.
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 solution provides instantaneous correction of signal strength, protecting sensitive detectors from saturation and maintaining system performance across a wide range of distances without the need for complex electronics or moving parts, ensuring consistent radiometric throughput.
Implementation Method 1
A range-compensating lens design using multiple optical materials and surfaces that controllably defocus light to moderate signal strength at closer ranges and increase it at longer ranges
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a light gathering lens that instantaneously corrects for the effect of varying distance between an object and a sensor such as a range finding sensor or LiDAR. Methods of designing these lenses using both traditional lenses and exotic metamaterials and gradient index materials are disclosed, as well as methods of optimizing a design for a given detector type and application. Range-finding systems using these lenses in practice to optically correct for radiometric variation of returned signals received from an object of varying distances are further disclosed. Lenses and range-finding systems suitable for use in a variety of electromagnetic wavelength ranges are disclosed including but not limited to visible, infrared, and millimeter wave regimes.