Speckle dodging switching laser, depth camera and electronic equipment

Abstract

A speckle dodging switching laser is characterized by comprising an array laser, a collimating lens, a light splitting element and a DOE. The array laser comprises a plurality of sub light sources and is used for emitting laser; the collimating lens is located on an emergent light path of the array laser; the light splitting element is located on an emergent light path of the collimating lens and comprises a first area and a second area, the first area comprises a microstructure and is used for increasing the divergence angle of the laser, and the second area is not provided with the microstructure; and the DOE is located on an emergent light path of the light splitting element. According to the utility model, switching between speckles and floodlight is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of laser projection, and specifically, to a speckle homogenizing switching laser, a depth camera and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] A laser projector is a device that uses a laser light source to project images or light rays. Laser projectors are widely used due to their advantages such as high brightness, high contrast, high color accuracy, and long lifespan. However, traditional laser projectors often focus on single functions, such as simply projecting structured light or floodlight in a depth camera.

[0003] The floodlight projector is responsible for generating evenly illuminated light, while the laser speckle projector converts the laser into a speckle pattern through specific optical elements.

[0004] Laser projectors that can project floodlight and speckle simultaneously have broad application prospects in multiple fields. In the field of 3D face recognition, it can provide more accurate depth information, thereby improving the accuracy and security of recognition. In the field of machine vision, such projectors can help robots better understand the surrounding environment and achieve more efficient automated operations. In addition, in fields such as assisted positioning, virtual reality, and augmented reality, this technology also shows great potential.

[0005] Compared with traditional single projection methods, laser projectors that can project floodlight and speckle simultaneously have obvious advantages. It can achieve the integration of multiple optical effects without increasing additional hardware costs. This integrated design not only simplifies the system structure but also improves the reliability and usability of the device.

[0006] Currently, when projecting speckle and floodlight in the same projector, there are mainly the following three methods:

[0007] 1. Simultaneously configure a speckle projector and a floodlight projector in the projector, and project structured light or floodlight through separate control;

[0008] 2. Set an electronic control board on the light output side of the structured light projector. By changing the state of the electronic control board, when the electro-optical control board is transparent, it projects structured light, and when the electro-optical control board is opaque, it projects floodlight;

[0009] 3. Set a partially light-transmitting device on the light output side of the floodlight projector, so that only part of the light penetrates the partially light-transmitting device, thereby realizing the conversion of floodlight into structured light.

[0010] The disclosure of the above background art content is only used to assist in understanding the inventive concept and technical solution of the present utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. Without clear evidence indicating that the above content was publicly available on the filing date of this patent application, the above background art should not be used to evaluate the novelty and creativity of this application. Content of the Utility Model

[0011] For this purpose, the present utility model provides an array laser, and a beam splitting element is arranged in front of the array laser. A microstructure is arranged in a partial area of the beam splitting element, so that the divergence angle of the laser passing through the microstructure part becomes larger, while the laser not passing through the microstructure remains unchanged. By controlling whether the laser passes through the microstructure, the switching between speckle and floodlight is achieved.

[0012] In a first aspect, the present utility model provides a speckle uniform light switching laser, which is characterized by comprising: an array laser, a collimating lens, a beam splitting element, and a DOE;

[0013] The array laser includes a plurality of sub-light sources for emitting laser light;

[0014] The collimating lens is located on the outgoing light path of the array laser;

[0015] The beam splitting element is located on the outgoing light path of the collimating lens, and includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a microstructure for making the divergence angle of the laser become larger, and the second area does not have the microstructure;

[0016] The DOE is located on the outgoing light path of the beam splitting element.

[0017] Optionally, the speckle uniform light switching laser is characterized in that the laser passing through the first area exits in a floodlight form after passing through the DOE.

[0018] Optionally, the speckle uniform light switching laser is characterized in that the plurality of sub-light sources include a first group and a second group; the laser emitted by the first group passes through the first area, and the laser emitted by the second group passes through the second area.

[0019] Optionally, the speckle uniform light switching laser is characterized in that the first group and the second group are controlled by different controllers.

[0020] Optionally, the speckle uniform light switching laser is characterized in that the first group and the second group do not work simultaneously.

[0021] Optionally, the speckle uniform light switching laser is characterized in that the first group includes a third group and a fourth group, and the third group and the fourth group are controlled by different controllers.

[0022] Optionally, in the speckle uniform light switching laser, the second group includes a fifth group and a sixth group, and the fifth group and the sixth group are controlled by different controllers.

[0023] Optionally, in the speckle uniform light switching laser, the micro-structure includes a first micro-structure and a second micro-structure, and the first micro-structure and the second micro-structure have different degrees of diffusion of laser light.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present utility model provides a depth camera, which is characterized by including a speckle uniform light switching laser as described in any one of the foregoing items.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present utility model provides an electronic device, which is characterized by including a speckle uniform light switching laser as described in any one of the foregoing items.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] In the present utility model, a beam splitting element is arranged at the front end of the array laser, and the divergence angle of the laser is increased through the micro-structure on the beam splitting element, and then through the diffusion effect of the DOE, the speckle is transformed into floodlight.

[0028] In the present utility model, a first area and a second area are arranged on the beam splitting element, so that the emitted light can be both speckle and floodlight, and the speckle and floodlight can be projected simultaneously.

[0029] In the present utility model, with a size basically the same as that of the speckle projector in the prior art, it can project both speckle and floodlight, has a small volume, and is beneficial to the miniaturization of the device.

[0030] The beam splitting element in the present utility model can also remove the influence of stray light and improve the accuracy of the speckle.

[0031] The present utility model adopts an array laser, and projects speckles with different numbers and densities by adjusting the number and distribution of the working sub-light sources to meet the needs of different scenarios. Description of the Drawings

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only the embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained according to the provided drawings. By reading the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings, other features, objectives, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent:

[0033] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of a speckle homogenizing switching laser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 Structural schematic diagram of a beam splitting element in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 Structural schematic diagram of an array light source in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 Structural schematic diagram of a micro-structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of a speckle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a beam splitting element and a speckle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 Another schematic diagram of the positional relationship between a beam splitting element and a speckle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 Optical path schematic diagram of a speckle homogenizing switching laser in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 Another optical path schematic diagram of a speckle homogenizing switching laser in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] 1 - Array laser;

[0043] 2 - Sub - light source;

[0044] 3 - Collimating lens;

[0045] 4 - Beam splitting element;

[0046] 5 - First region;

[0047] 6 - Second region;

[0048] 7 - Micro - structure;

[0049] 8 - DOE;

[0050] 9 - First group;

[0051] 10 - Second group; Detailed implementation manners

[0052] The present utility model will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present utility model, but do not limit the present utility model in any form. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present utility model, several modifications and improvements can still be made. These all belong to the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0053] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification, claims and above - mentioned drawings of the present utility model are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such used data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present utility model described herein, for example, can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non - exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0054] A speckle homogenizing switching laser provided by an embodiment of the present utility model aims to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0055] The technical solutions of the present utility model and how the technical solutions of the present application solve the above - mentioned technical problems will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. These several specific embodiments below can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The embodiments of the present utility model will be described below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0056] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a speckle homogenizing switching laser in an embodiment of the present utility model. As Figure 1 shown, a speckle homogenizing switching laser in an embodiment of the present utility model includes: an array laser 1, a collimating lens 3, a beam - splitting element 4 and a DOE 8;

[0057] The array laser 1 includes a plurality of sub - light sources 2 and is used for emitting laser light.

[0058] Specifically, the array laser 1 includes multiple sub-light sources 2, and each sub-light source can work independently or cooperatively to emit laser beams. The arrangement of these sub-light sources (such as linear, two-dimensional array, etc.) affects the uniformity and speckle characteristics of the final laser beam. By controlling the output of each sub-light source, the output characteristics of the entire laser can be adjusted to achieve laser emission in different modes.

[0059] The collimating lens 3 is located on the output light path of the array laser 1.

[0060] Specifically, it is located on the output light path of the array laser 1 and is used to collimate the laser beams emitted by multiple sub-light sources, that is, to reduce the divergence angle of the beams, so that the beams remain in a relatively parallel state during subsequent propagation.

[0061] The beam splitting element 4 is located on the output light path of the collimating lens 3, including a first region 5 and a second region 6. The first region 5 includes microstructures 7 for increasing the divergence angle of the laser, and the second region 6 has no microstructures 7.

[0062] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the beam splitting element is located on the output light path of the collimating lens 3 and includes at least two regions: the first region 5 and the second region 6.

[0063] The first region 5: includes microstructures that can change the optical characteristics of the laser passing through this region. Usually, the divergence angle of the laser is increased by scattering or diffraction, etc. The first region is composed of multiple non-connected sub-regions, and the area of each sub-region is larger than the projected area of the speckle on the beam splitting element.

[0064] The second region 6: is opposite to the first region 5. This region has no microstructures, so the laser will maintain a relatively large parallelism when passing through and will not undergo significant optical transformation. The second region is a connected region that connects the first region.

[0065] The DOE 8 is located on the output light path of the beam splitting element 4.

[0066] Specifically, the DOE 8 is located on the output light path of the beam splitting element 4 and is used to further process or optimize the optical characteristics of the laser beam. The DOE can adjust the light intensity distribution of the laser through its special optical design to make it more uniform.

[0067] When the array laser 1 emits laser beams, these beams are first collimated by the collimating lens 3 to reduce the divergence angle. Subsequently, the laser beams irradiate onto the beam splitting element 4, and according to the application requirements, the beams can be selectively passed through the first area 5 or the second area 6. Finally, regardless of which area the beam passes through, it will further undergo optical processing by the DOE 8. If the laser beam passes through the first area 5, after passing through the DOE 8, it exits as floodlight. If the laser beam passes through the second area 6, after passing through the DOE 8, it still projects as speckle. By adjusting the parameters and configurations of the array laser 1, the collimating lens 3, the beam splitting element 4, and the DOE 8, the output characteristics of the laser beam can be flexibly controlled to achieve complex optical effects such as speckle uniform light switching.

[0068] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the multiple sub-light sources 2 include a first group 9 and a second group 10; the laser emitted by the first group 9 passes through the first area 5, and the laser emitted by the second group 10 passes through the second area 6. Figure 3 The solid circles in [figure] are the second group 10, and the hollow circles are the first group 9. The first group and the second group have different distribution patterns. The multiple sub-light sources in the array laser do not light up and work simultaneously, but are divided into the first group and the second group. The laser beams emitted by the first group of sub-light sources pass through the first area, so that the emitted light finally exits as floodlight. The laser emitted by the second group of sub-light sources passes through the second area and finally exits in the form of speckle. By controlling the lighting states of the first group and the second group, the switching between speckle and floodlight projection can be achieved.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first group and the second group are controlled by different controllers. Controlling the first group and the second group by different controllers respectively can achieve independent control of the lighting states of the first group and the second group, thereby achieving the switching between spot projection and floodlight projection. At the same time, the first group and the second group can also be lit simultaneously, projecting speckle and floodlight at the same time, and the floodlight can be used to supplement the speckle, so as to meet the requirements of more application scenarios.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first group and the second group do not work simultaneously. Setting the control states of the first group and the second group to not work simultaneously, when the first group works, the second group does not work; when the second group works, the first group does not work, so that the floodlight and the spot can be quickly switched, which is suitable for scenarios where different types of data need to be collected.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first group includes a third group and a fourth group, and the third group and the fourth group are controlled by different controllers. The first group further includes the third group and the fourth group. Since the third group and the fourth group are controlled by different controllers, the third group and the fourth group can work independently. The number of sub-light sources in the third group and the fourth group is different, so that the final emitted floodlight intensity is different. The third group and the fourth group can also be lit simultaneously to obtain the maximum floodlight intensity. In this embodiment, through a more detailed sub-light source grouping setting, the floodlight intensity can be adjusted according to different application scenarios, having better adaptability.

[0072] In some embodiments, the second group includes a fifth group and a sixth group, and the fifth group and the sixth group are controlled by different controllers. The second group further includes the fifth group and the sixth group. Since the fifth group and the sixth group are controlled by different controllers, the fifth group and the sixth group can work independently. The distribution of the sub-light sources in the fifth group and the sixth group is different, so that the projected speckle patterns are different. Different patterns and densities of speckles can be projected according to the requirements of different scenarios, and can be adjusted according to different application scenarios, having better adaptability.

[0073] As Figure 4 shown, the microstructures 7 are arranged at intervals on the beam splitting element so that the laser can be emitted in different forms.

[0074] In some embodiments, the microstructures include a first microstructure and a second microstructure, and the first microstructure and the second microstructure have different degrees of diffusion of the laser. When the first microstructure and the second microstructure have different degrees of diffusion of the laser, the light beam emitted from the first microstructure has a first divergence angle after being processed by the DOE, and the light beam emitted from the second microstructure has a second divergence angle after being processed by the DOE. The first divergence angle is different from the second divergence angle. When the laser only passes through the first microstructure, the divergence angle of the laser is the first divergence angle. When the laser only passes through the second microstructure, the divergence angle of the laser is the first divergence angle. This embodiment can achieve floodlight projection with different irradiation ranges. At the same time, different laser irradiation intensities can also be achieved. When controlling the sub-light sources, the foregoing embodiments can be referred to.

[0075] Some details of the present solution will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following is for those skilled in the art to better understand the principle of the present technical solution so as to be able to implement it, and should not be a limitation to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of speckles in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The speckle morphology after passing through the collimating lens in the figure shows a relatively dispersed form. When the speckle irradiates on the beam splitting element, there is no microstructure at the irradiated position, such asFigure 6 As shown, the speckles still pass through the beam splitter element in their original form, irradiate on the DOE, and finally project the speckles. When the speckles irradiate on the beam splitter element, the irradiated position has a microstructure, such as Figure 7 As shown, the speckles have a large divergence angle. After further divergence when irradiating on the DOE, finally a floodlight is projected.

[0077] Figure 8 is a schematic optical path diagram when projecting speckles, Figure 9 is a schematic optical path diagram when projecting a floodlight. From Figure 8 and Figure 9 it can be seen that the optical paths of the floodlight and the speckles in this embodiment are basically the same, with a small volume and high light projection efficiency.

[0078] The present utility model also provides a depth camera, which is characterized by including a speckle uniform light switching laser as described in any one of the foregoing items.

[0079] A depth camera, also known as a 3D camera, can obtain the three-dimensional spatial information of objects in a scene, including distance, shape, position, etc. Depth cameras have a wide range of applications in many fields, such as robot navigation, three-dimensional reconstruction, object recognition and tracking, etc.

[0080] The main functions of the depth camera are realized as follows:

[0081] Laser emission and modulation: The array laser emits laser beams, which form parallel beams after collimation by a collimating lens.

[0082] Speckle generation and switching: The parallel beam passes through the first area or the second area of the beam splitter element to generate speckles or maintain parallel light as needed.

[0083] Projection and acquisition: The modulated laser beam is projected onto the measured object to form a specific infrared image or speckle pattern. The depth camera collects the reflected optical signal through a dedicated sensor (such as an infrared camera).

[0084] Depth information calculation: According to the collected optical signal, the depth information of the object surface is calculated using the parallax or time-of-flight algorithm. For the speckle uniform light switching laser, the randomness and position change of the speckles are important bases for calculating the depth information.

[0085] Three-dimensional reconstruction and output: By combining the depth information of multiple points, three-dimensional reconstruction of the object surface can be achieved. Finally, the depth camera outputs the three-dimensional data in the form of an image or a point cloud, etc.

[0086] The depth camera containing the speckle uniform light switching laser has a wide range of application prospects in many fields, such as:

[0087] Robot Navigation: By obtaining three-dimensional information of the environment in real time, it helps the robot achieve autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance.

[0088] Three-dimensional Reconstruction: In the fields of architecture, cultural heritage protection, etc., it is used to generate high-precision three-dimensional models.

[0089] Object Recognition and Tracking: In the fields of industrial automation, logistics, etc., it realizes the rapid recognition and precise tracking of objects.

[0090] Security Monitoring: In the field of security, it improves the intelligence level of the monitoring system through technologies such as face recognition and behavior analysis.

[0091] The depth camera containing the speckle homogenizing switching laser is a three-dimensional sensing device with high precision, high reliability and broad application prospects.

[0092] The present utility model also provides an electronic device, which is characterized in that it includes a speckle homogenizing switching laser as described in any one of the foregoing items.

[0093] The electronic device can be a device integrating high-precision optical sensing, imaging or measurement functions, such as high-end cameras, 3D printers, laser scanners, biometric devices, etc. As one of its core components, the speckle homogenizing switching laser provides powerful optical processing capabilities for the device.

[0094] In a high-end camera, the speckle homogenizing switching laser can be used to improve the clarity and contrast of images. By reducing the speckle effect and optimizing the beam distribution, more delicate image details and richer color information can be captured.

[0095] In devices such as 3D printers and laser scanners, the speckle homogenizing switching laser can be used to achieve three-dimensional perception and reconstruction of objects. By projecting a speckle pattern and capturing the reflected light signal, the surface shape and depth information of the object can be calculated, and then three-dimensional modeling and printing can be realized.

[0096] In biometric devices (such as face recognition systems) and security monitoring systems, the speckle homogenizing switching laser can be used to improve the accuracy and reliability of recognition. By generating a unique speckle pattern and capturing biometric information (such as facial contours, palm veins, etc.), fast and accurate identity verification and monitoring analysis can be achieved.

[0097] In industrial production, the speckle homogenizing switching laser can be used to measure parameters such as the size, shape and position of parts. By projecting a laser beam and capturing the reflected light signal, information such as the actual size and position deviation of the parts can be calculated, providing a basis for quality control and process improvement.

[0098] In summary, an electronic device incorporating a speckle homogenizing and switching laser will possess high-precision optical sensing, imaging, or measurement capabilities, and has broad application prospects in multiple fields. With the continuous progress and innovation of technology, the functions and performance of this electronic device will be further enhanced and optimized.

[0099] In this specification, the various embodiments are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts among the embodiments can be referred to each other. The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to these embodiments shown herein, but rather will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0100] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various deformations or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention.

Claims

1. A speckle uniform light switching laser, characterized in that: include: Array lasers, collimating lenses, beam splitters and DOEs; The array laser includes a plurality of sub-light sources for emitting laser light; The collimating lens is located on the outgoing light path of the array laser; The beam splitter is located on the exit light path of the collimating lens and includes a first area and a second area, wherein the first area includes a microstructure for increasing the divergence angle of the laser light, and the second area does not have the microstructure; The DOE is located on the outgoing light path of the spectroscopic element.

2. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser light passing through the first region is emitted in a flood light form after passing through the DOE.

3. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of sub-light sources include a first group and a second group; the laser light emitted by the first group passes through the first area, and the laser light emitted by the second group passes through the second area.

4. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first group and the second group are controlled by different controllers.

5. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first group and the second group do not operate simultaneously.

6. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first group includes a third group and a fourth group, and the third group and the fourth group are controlled by different controllers.

7. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second group includes a fifth group and a sixth group, and the fifth group and the sixth group are controlled by different controllers.

8. The speckle uniforming switching laser according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microstructure includes a first microstructure and a second microstructure, and the first microstructure and the second microstructure have different diffusion degrees for laser light.

9. A depth camera, characterized in that A speckle homogenizing switching laser comprising any one of claims 1-8.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: A speckle homogenizing switching laser comprising any one of claims 1-8.

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