Floodlight projector capable of changing angle, depth camera and electronic equipment
Through the combination of array lasers, collimating lenses, spectrometers and DOE, the existing flood projectors have complex structure, high cost, large size and poor stability, and a flood projector with miniaturization and flexible angle control is achieved, which is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422450889.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing flood projectors that can change the projection angle have complex structures, high cost, large size and poor stability, making it difficult to meet the flexible application needs in many fields.
Using a combination of an array laser, a collimating lens, a spectrometer and DOE, by setting the first and second microstructures on the spectrometer, the divergence angle of the laser is changed, and the exit angle is adjusted through DOE, miniaturization of the flood projector and flexible angle control are achieved.
Under basically the same equipment size, flood projection with different divergence angles is achieved, meeting the needs of multiple scenarios, with small size and high stability, and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
Smart Images

Figure CN223193250U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of laser projection, and in particular to a floodlight projector with variable angle, 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. Laser projectors are widely used due to their high brightness, high contrast, high color accuracy, and long life.
[0003] The floodlight projector with variable projection angle is a specially designed optical device that can flexibly adjust the projection angle in different application scenarios to meet specific measurement or imaging needs.
[0004] Floodlight projectors with variable projection angles typically combine sophisticated mechanical structures, optical systems, and electronic control components. By adjusting the position and direction of the laser or projection lens, the speckle projection angle can be precisely controlled.
[0005] Floodlight projectors with variable projection angles are widely used in many fields, including but not limited to:
[0006] 3D scanning and measurement: In industrial manufacturing, cultural heritage preservation, medical diagnosis, and other fields, accurate three-dimensional data of objects is required. Angle-variable floodlight projectors can flexibly adjust the projection angle to cover different surfaces of an object, improving scanning accuracy and efficiency.
[0007] Machine Vision and Positioning: In automated production lines, robotic navigation, and other fields, machine vision systems must accurately identify the position and posture of objects. Floodlight projectors achieve high-precision positioning of objects by projecting a specific speckle pattern onto the surface and capturing the reflected pattern.
[0008] Optical measurement and inspection: In optical instruments, sensors, and other fields, floodlight projectors can be used to measure parameters such as object shape and surface roughness. By changing the projection angle, measurement data can be obtained from different viewing angles, improving the comprehensiveness and accuracy of measurements.
[0009] A floodlight with variable projection angle has several advantages:
[0010] High flexibility: The projection angle can be adjusted according to actual needs and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.
[0011] High precision: The use of advanced optical system and sophisticated mechanical structure ensures that the projected speckle pattern is clear and stable.
[0012] Good stability: Through electronic control components and feedback mechanisms, the projection angle can be precisely controlled and stably maintained.
[0013] Easy to integrate: It can be integrated with a variety of optical instruments, sensors and other equipment to form a complete measurement or imaging system.
[0014] However, the floodlight projector with variable projection angle in the prior art has a complex structure, high cost, large size and poor stability.
[0015] The disclosure of the above background technology content is only used to assist in understanding the inventive concept and technical solution of the utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. In the absence of clear evidence that the above content has been disclosed on the filing date of this patent application, the above background technology should not be used to evaluate the novelty and creativity of this application. Utility Model Content
[0016] To this end, the present invention sets up an array laser and sets a spectroscopic element in front of the array laser. Part of the area on the spectroscopic element is provided with a first microstructure and a second microstructure, so that the divergence angle of the laser passing through the first microstructure and the second microstructure is different, thereby realizing the change of the flood light projection angle.
[0017] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a floodlight projector with adjustable angle, characterized by comprising: an array laser, a collimating lens, a beam splitter and a DOE;
[0018] The array laser includes a plurality of sub-light sources for emitting laser light;
[0019] The collimating lens is located on the outgoing light path of the array laser;
[0020] 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 first microstructure for making the divergence angle of the laser light a first divergence angle, and the second area includes a second microstructure for making the divergence angle of the laser light a second divergence angle;
[0021] The DOE is located on the outgoing light path of the spectroscopic element, and is used to make the laser light of the first divergence angle emerge as a flood light of a first outgoing angle, and the laser light of the second divergence angle emerge as a flood light of a second outgoing angle.
[0022] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the first microstructure is the same as that of the second microstructure.
[0023] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is 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.
[0024] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is characterized in that the first group and the second group are controlled by different controllers.
[0025] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is characterized in that the first group and the second group do not work at the same time.
[0026] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is characterized in that the areas of the first region and the second region are equal.
[0027] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is characterized in that the laser light emitted by the sub-light source passes through the first microstructure or the second microstructure.
[0028] Optionally, the angle-adjustable floodlight projector is characterized in that the sum of the number of the first microstructures and the number of the second microstructures is equal to the number of the sub-light sources.
[0029] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a depth camera, characterized by comprising an angle-adjustable floodlight projector as described in any one of the aforementioned items.
[0030] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device, characterized in that it comprises the angle-adjustable floodlight projector described in any one of the above items.
[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0032] In the utility model, a beam splitter element is provided at the front end of the array laser, the divergence angle of the laser is changed by the first microstructure on the beam splitter element, and the diffusion effect of the DOE is used to change the emission angle of the floodlight.
[0033] The utility model arranges the first area and the second area on the light splitting element, so that the emitted light can selectively pass through the first area and the second area by controlling the lit sub-light source, thereby changing the emission angle of the floodlight.
[0034] The utility model can project floodlights with different divergence angles while having substantially the same size as the floodlight projector in the prior art, and has a smaller volume, which is conducive to miniaturization of the device.
[0035] The utility model adopts an array laser and projects floodlights at different angles by adjusting the number and distribution of working sub-light sources to meet the needs of different scenes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without inventive work. By reading the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings, other features, purposes and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent:
[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a floodlight projector with adjustable angle in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0038] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a light splitting element in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an array light source in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first microstructure in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of speckle in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the relationship between a speckle position and a light splitting element in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the relationship between another speckle position and a light splitting element in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the light path of a floodlight projector with adjustable angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the light path of another floodlight projector with adjustable angle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] 1- Array laser;
[0047] 2-sub-light source;
[0048] 3-Collimating lens;
[0049] 4-Spectral splitter element;
[0050] 5-First area;
[0051] 6-Second area;
[0052] 7-first microstructure;
[0053] 8-DOE;
[0054] 9-first group;
[0055] 10-Second group;
[0056] 11- second microstructure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art further understand the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. These modifications and improvements are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0058] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can, for example, be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatus.
[0059] The embodiment of the present invention provides a floodlight projector with adjustable angle, which aims to solve the problems existing in the prior art.
[0060] The following specific embodiments describe in detail the technical solution of the present invention and how the technical solution of the present application solves the above-mentioned technical problems. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. The following embodiments of the present invention are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a floodlight projector with variable angle in an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 As shown, an angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an array laser 1, a collimating lens 3, a beam splitter 4, and a DOE 8;
[0062] The array laser 1 includes a plurality of sub-light sources 2 for emitting laser light.
[0063] Specifically, an array laser 1 comprises multiple sub-light sources 2, each capable of emitting a laser beam independently or in concert. The arrangement of these sub-light sources (e.g., linear, two-dimensional array, etc.) affects the uniformity and speckle characteristics of the resulting laser beam. By controlling the output of each sub-light source, the output characteristics of the entire laser can be adjusted, enabling different modes of laser emission.
[0064] The collimating lens 3 is located on the outgoing light path of the array laser 1 .
[0065] Specifically, it is located on the outgoing 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 light beams so that the light beams remain relatively parallel during the subsequent propagation process.
[0066] The spectroscopic element 4 is located on the output light path of the collimating lens 3, and includes a first area 5 and a second area 6. The first area 5 includes a first microstructure 7 for making the divergence angle of the laser a first divergence angle, and the second area 6 includes a second microstructure 11 for making the divergence angle of the laser a second divergence angle.
[0067] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the beam splitter element is located on the outgoing light path of the collimating lens 3 and includes at least two areas: a first area 5 and a second area 6 .
[0068] First region 5: Contains the first microstructure. This first microstructure modifies the divergence angle of parallel incident laser light to a first divergence angle. Because the laser light is collimated before entering the spectrometer, the angle of the laser light is highly consistent, allowing the first microstructure to effectively modify the divergence. The first region is composed of multiple, discrete subregions, each larger than the projected area of the speckle on the spectrometer.
[0069] Second region 6: Similar to first region 5, it includes a second microstructure. This second microstructure differs from the first and alters the laser's divergence to a different degree. The second microstructure shifts the laser's divergence angle to a second angle, which is different from the first. The difference between the first and second angles is amplified after the DOE.
[0070] DOE8 is located on the outgoing light path of the spectroscopic element 4 and is used to make the laser light of the first divergence angle emerge as a flood light of a first outgoing angle and the laser light of the second divergence angle emerge as a flood light of a second outgoing angle.
[0071] Specifically, DOE 8 is located on the outgoing optical path of beam splitter 4 and is used to further process or optimize the optical properties of the laser beam. DOE can adjust the intensity distribution of the laser beam to make it more uniform through its special optical design.
[0072] When the array laser 1 emits a laser beam, these beams are first collimated by the collimating lens 3 to reduce the divergence angle. Subsequently, the laser beam is irradiated onto the spectroscopic element 4. Depending on the application requirements, the beam can be selectively allowed to pass through the first area 5 or the second area 6. Finally, no matter which area the light beam passes through, it will be further optically processed by DOE8. If the laser beam passes through the first area 5, it will pass through DOE8 and emit as a flood light with a first divergence angle. If the laser beam passes through the second area 6, it will pass through DOE8 and emit as a flood light with a second divergence angle. By adjusting the parameters and configuration of the array laser 1, the collimating lens 3, the spectroscopic element 4 and the DOE8, the output characteristics of the laser beam can be flexibly controlled to achieve flood light projection with different emission angles.
[0073] In some embodiments, the first microstructure and the second microstructure have the same cross-sectional area. Both the first microstructure and the second microstructure process the laser light emitted by the sub-light source. This allows for greater flexibility in their configuration, allowing the areas of the first and second regions to be adjusted to suit different application requirements, thereby varying the distribution range and intensity of the floodlight. This provides for greater flexibility and suitability for a wider range of scenarios.
[0074] In some embodiments, the first area and the second area are equal in area. The equal area of the first area and the second area can ensure that the total illumination of floodlight emitted at different angles can be maintained the same, thereby being applicable to more application scenarios.
[0075] In some embodiments, the laser light emitted by the sub-light source passes through the first microstructure or the second microstructure. The laser light emitted by the sub-light source passes through the microstructure on the beam splitter element, that is, the first microstructure or the second microstructure. The laser light emitted by the sub-light source is processed by the microstructure, thereby ensuring the distribution of the beam.
[0076] In some embodiments, the sum of the number of the first microstructures and the second microstructures is equal to the number of the sub-light sources. The sub-light sources correspond one-to-one to the microstructures, making the arrangement of the microstructures and sub-light sources more flexible and more economical.
[0077] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of sub-light sources 2 include a first group 9 and a second group 10 ; the laser light emitted by the first group 9 passes through the first area 5 , and the laser light emitted by the second group 10 passes through the second area 6 . Figure 3The solid circle in the middle represents the second group 10, and the hollow circle represents the first group 9. The first and second groups have different distribution patterns. The multiple sub-light sources in the array laser are not illuminated and operated simultaneously, but are divided into the first and second groups. The laser beams emitted by the first group of sub-light sources pass through the first region, resulting in the emitted light ultimately being emitted as flood light with a first divergence angle. The laser beams emitted by the second group of sub-light sources pass through the second region and ultimately are emitted as flood light with a second divergence angle. By controlling the illumination status of the first and second groups, the angle of the flood light projection can be controlled.
[0078] 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 can achieve independent control of the lighting status of the first group and the second group, thereby meeting the needs of more application scenarios.
[0079] In some embodiments, the first and second groups do not operate simultaneously. By setting the control states of the first and second groups to operate separately, when the first group is operating, the second group is not operating; when the second group is operating, the first group is not operating, thereby enabling fast switching, which is suitable for scenarios where different types of data need to be collected.
[0080] 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 a third group and a 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 at the same time to obtain the maximum floodlight intensity. This embodiment uses more detailed sub-light source grouping settings to make the floodlight intensity adjustable according to different application scenarios, and has better adaptability.
[0081] 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 a fifth group and a sixth group. Because the fifth group and the sixth group are controlled by different controllers, the fifth group and the sixth group can operate independently. The sub-light sources of the fifth group and the sixth group are distributed differently, resulting in different intensity distributions of the projected floodlight. Floodlights with different intensity distributions and emission angles can be projected according to the needs of different scenarios, and can be adjusted according to different application scenarios, providing greater adaptability.
[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the first microstructures 7 are arranged at intervals on the light splitting element so that the laser light can be emitted in different forms.
[0083] The following further describes some details of this solution with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following is intended to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the principles of this technical solution so that they can be implemented, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0084] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of speckle in an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 5 The speckle shape after passing through the collimating lens is more dispersed. When the speckle is irradiated on the spectroscopic element, the irradiated position has the first microstructure, such as Figure 6 As shown in , after the speckle passes through the spectroscopic element, it irradiates the DOE at the first divergence angle and finally emits flood light at the first exit angle. When the speckle irradiates the spectroscopic element, the irradiated position has a second microstructure, as shown in Figure 7 As shown, after the speckle passes through the beam splitter, it is irradiated on the DOE at a second divergence angle and finally emits flood light at a second exit angle.
[0085] Figure 8 is the optical path diagram at the first exit angle, Figure 9 is the optical path diagram for the second emission angle. Figure 8 and Figure 9 It can be seen from the figure that the light paths of the floodlights with different emission angles in this embodiment are basically the same, the volume is small, and the light projection efficiency is high.
[0086] The present invention also provides a depth camera, characterized by comprising any one of the aforementioned angle-adjustable floodlight projectors.
[0087] Depth cameras, also known as 3D cameras, can obtain three-dimensional spatial information about objects in a scene, including distance, shape, and position. Depth cameras are widely used in various fields, such as robot navigation, 3D reconstruction, object recognition and tracking, etc.
[0088] The main functions of the depth camera are as follows:
[0089] Laser emission and modulation: The array laser emits a laser beam, which is collimated by a collimating lens to form a parallel beam.
[0090] Flood angle switching: The parallel light beam passes through the first area or the second area of the beam splitter to generate flood lights of different angles as needed.
[0091] Projection and acquisition: The modulated floodlight is projected onto the object to form a specific infrared image. The depth camera collects the reflected light signal through a dedicated sensor (such as an infrared camera).
[0092] Depth information calculation: Based on the collected light signal, the time-of-flight algorithm is used to calculate the depth information of the object surface.
[0093] 3D reconstruction and output: Combining the depth information of multiple points can achieve 3D reconstruction of the object surface. Ultimately, the depth camera outputs the 3D data in the form of images or point clouds.
[0094] Depth cameras with variable-angle floodlight projectors have broad application prospects in various fields, such as:
[0095] Robot navigation: By acquiring three-dimensional information of the environment in real time, it helps robots achieve autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance.
[0096] 3D reconstruction: Used to generate high-precision 3D models in fields such as architecture and cultural heritage protection.
[0097] Object recognition and tracking: In industrial automation, logistics and other fields, it can achieve rapid recognition and accurate tracking of objects.
[0098] Security monitoring: In the security field, the intelligence level of the monitoring system is improved through technologies such as facial recognition and behavior analysis.
[0099] A depth camera with an angle-adjustable floodlight projector is a three-dimensional perception device with high precision, high reliability and broad application prospects.
[0100] The present invention also provides an electronic device, characterized in that it comprises any one of the aforementioned angle-adjustable floodlight projectors.
[0101] An electronic device can be a device that integrates high-precision optical sensing, imaging, or measurement capabilities, such as a high-end camera, 3D printer, laser scanner, or biometric device. As one of its core components, an angle-adjustable floodlight projector provides the device with powerful optical processing capabilities.
[0102] In high-end cameras, variable-angle floodlights are used to enhance image clarity and contrast. By controlling the angle and intensity of the light, finer image details and richer color information can be captured.
[0103] In devices like 3D printers and laser scanners, variable-angle floodlight projectors can be used to achieve three-dimensional perception and reconstruction of objects. By projecting floodlight and capturing the reflected light signals, the surface shape and depth of the object can be calculated, enabling 3D modeling and printing.
[0104] In biometric devices (such as facial recognition systems) and security surveillance systems, variable-angle floodlight projectors can be used to improve recognition accuracy and reliability. By projecting floodlight and capturing biometric information (such as facial contours and palm veins), fast and accurate identity verification and surveillance analysis can be achieved.
[0105] In industrial production, variable-angle floodlight projectors are used to measure parameters such as part size, shape, and position. By projecting floodlight and capturing the reflected light signal, information such as the part's actual size and positional deviation can be calculated, providing a basis for quality control and process improvement.
[0106] In summary, an electronic device containing an angle-adjustable floodlight projector will possess high-precision optical sensing, imaging, or measurement capabilities, and has broad application prospects in a variety of fields. With continuous technological advancement and innovation, the functions and performance of such electronic devices will be further enhanced and optimized.
[0107] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables professionals and technicians in this field to implement or use the utility model. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to professionals and technicians in this field. The general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the utility model. Therefore, the utility model will not be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
[0108] The above describes the specific embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications or variations within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention.
Claims
1. A floodlight projector with adjustable angle, 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 first microstructure for making the divergence angle of the laser light a first divergence angle, and the second area includes a second microstructure for making the divergence angle of the laser light a second divergence angle; The DOE is located on the outgoing light path of the spectroscopic element, and is used to make the laser light of the first divergence angle emerge as a flood light of a first outgoing angle, and the laser light of the second divergence angle emerge as a flood light of a second outgoing angle.
2. The angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first microstructure and the second microstructure have the same cross-sectional area.
3. The angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 1, wherein: 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 angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 3, wherein: The first group and the second group are controlled by different controllers.
5. The angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first group and the second group do not operate simultaneously.
6. The angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first region and the second region have the same area.
7. The angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser light emitted by the sub-light source passes through the first microstructure or the second microstructure.
8. The angle-adjustable floodlight projector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sum of the number of the first microstructures and the number of the second microstructures is equal to the number of the sub-light sources.
9. A depth camera, characterized in that A floodlight projector with adjustable angle comprising the one of claims 1-8.
10. An electronic device, characterized in that: A floodlight projector with adjustable angle comprising the one of claims 1-8.