Array Light Source Scanning for Wide-Angle 3D Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3D camera technology requires high rotation angles and modulation speeds for scanning mirrors, leading to implementation difficulties and low light source utilization due to spot scanning methods.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmitting apparatus utilizing an array light source, collimating lens, rotatable scanning mirror, and optical beam splitter to emit and split light beams, reducing the need for high rotation angles and improving light source utilization through one-dimensional rotation and beam splitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spot scanning manner is used with scanning mirror, then light can be emitted at different angles to capture images, but the rotation angle requirement of scanning mirror becomes extremely high and modulation speed requirement becomes extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into an array of multiple light sources arranged in rows and columns. Each light source emits light in a specific direction, collectively covering the required angular range without requiring a scanning mirror to rotate through large angles. This segmentation of the light source function resolves the contradiction by achieving angle coverage through spatial arrangement rather than mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning mirror system with a fixed array light source configuration. Instead of using mechanical rotation to change light emission angles, the system uses a statically arranged array of light sources where each source is oriented at a specific angle. This substitution eliminates the need for high rotation angles and high-speed modulation, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If spot scanning manner is used, then light is projected onto individual points, but light source utilization becomes low requiring 640*480 times irradiation for complete VGA image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source into an array configuration where multiple light sources simultaneously illuminate multiple points on the target object. This allows parallel depth measurement across many points at once, dramatically improving light source utilization while maintaining the precision needed for depth mapping. The segmented array approach enables efficient coverage of the entire field of view without requiring sequential point-by-point scanning.
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
Reduces processing and installation difficulties of scanning mirrors while enhancing light source utilization by allowing multiple light beams to correspond to multiple pixels, facilitating efficient image capture.
Implementation Method 1
the collimating lens is configured to convert the K light beams into K first collimated light beams
Implementation Method 2
the rotatable scanning mirror is configured to reflect the K first collimated light beams into K second collimated light beams
Implementation Method 3
the optical beam splitter is configured to split the K second collimated light beams into i×K third collimated light beams
Data Source
AI summary
Optical transmitting apparatuses are disclosed. In in an implementation, an apparatus comprises an array light source that includes M*N light sources. An included angle between any column of light sources in the N columns of light sources and any row of light sources in the M rows of light sources is predetermined. The array light source is located on a first side of a collimating lens, a plane on which the array light source is located is perpendicular to an optical axis of the collimating lens, and a distance between the plane on which the array light source is located and a center point of the collimating lens is a focal length of the collimating lens. An rotatable scanning mirror is located on a second side of the collimating lens, and a center point of a reflective surface of the scanning mirror is on the optical axis of the collimating lens.