3D Pattern Projector Without Condenser Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pattern projectors for 3-dimensional imaging require the use of a condenser lens to match the chief ray angle of the projection lens, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A pattern projector design that eliminates the need for a condenser optic by using a wide area light source with a diffuse angular distribution and a mask with a smaller active area, where the chief ray angle of the projection lens is matched directly with the mask edge, allowing for direct illumination without intermediate focusing optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a condenser lens is used to match the chief ray angle of the projection lens, then the projection quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the condenser lens from the optical path by using a wide area light source that directly illuminates the mask without requiring intermediate focusing optics. This extraction of the condenser lens simplifies the device structure while maintaining projection quality through the wide area light source's inherent illumination characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The mask serves as an intermediary element that directly receives light from the wide area light source and projects the pattern through the projection lens. By positioning the mask between the light source and projection lens, the system eliminates the need for a condenser lens while maintaining proper optical coupling
2Illumination intensity
If a condenser lens is used to match the chief ray angle, then the illumination uniformity is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser lens is removed from the system by using a wide area light source that provides sufficient illumination uniformity on its own. The wide area light source's large emitting surface area creates inherently uniform illumination across the mask without requiring additional optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The wide area light source serves its own illumination function without requiring a condenser lens to redistribute or focus its light. The light source's inherent wide angular distribution and large area characteristics automatically provide the necessary illumination uniformity for the mask
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
Enables efficient depth measurement in 3-dimensional imaging without the need for condenser optics, reducing costs and improving illumination uniformity and focus consistency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one light source is a wide area light source, wherein the area of the at least one mask or the at least one mask active area, is smaller than the area of the at least one light source, enabling to refrain from applying condenser optics or focusing optics between the at least one light source and the at least one mask
Data Source
AI summary
A pattern projector is disclosed. The pattern projector comprises a light source, a projection lens, a mask and configured to enable the at least one projection lens to illuminate a target while projecting the pre-defined pattern thereat, and at least one holder, and wherein the pattern projector is characterized in that the at least one light source is a wide area light source, and wherein the area of the at least one mask or the at least one mask active area, is smaller than the area of the at least one light source, enabling to refrain from applying condenser optics or focusing optics between the at least one light source and the at least one mask.