Beam Shaping Element for 3D Imaging Light Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D image acquisition systems face challenges in obtaining precise depth information due to mismatched fields of illumination and view, leading to inefficient use of light and speckle noise from coherent light sources, which degrades image quality.
Innovation Solution
The proposed illumination optical system includes a light source, a beam shaping element for uniform light homogenization, and a lens apparatus that focuses light to match the field of view, using anti-reflection coatings and high-reflection coatings to minimize light loss and speckle noise, with optical waveguides and matching lenses to guide light efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coherent light source (laser diode or LED) is used to emit light onto an object, then depth information precision is improved, but speckle noise deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A beam shaping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the coherent light source and the object. This element transforms the coherent light into uniformly distributed light with a rectangular cross-section, eliminating speckle noise while preserving the illumination function. The beam shaping element acts as a mediator that converts harmful coherent light into beneficial uniform illumination.
2Productivity
If the field of illumination does not match the field of view, then device complexity is reduced, but light efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping element changes the parameters of the light beam, specifically transforming it into a rectangular cross-section that matches the field of view geometry. This parameter transformation enables the illumination field to coincide with the detection field, maximizing light efficiency without requiring separate illumination and detection optical paths.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a diffuser is used to eliminate speckle noise, then image quality is improved, but depth information precision deteriorates due to light scattering or absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping element serves as a permanent, fixed optical component that permanently transforms the light beam characteristics. Unlike temporary or adjustable solutions, this element is designed to be a stable, reusable component that consistently provides speckle-free illumination without the trade-offs of diffusers.
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 enhances light efficiency by up to 60% and reduces speckle noise, enabling more precise depth information acquisition without increasing power consumption, improving the overall image quality and accuracy of 3D imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a beam shaping element for uniformly homogenizing light emitted from the light source and changing a cross-sectional shape of the light
Implementation Method 2
a lens apparatus for focusing light emitted from a light-exit surface of the beam shaping element on an object
Implementation Method 3
using anti-reflection coatings and high-reflection coatings to minimize light loss
Implementation Method 4
using anti-reflection coatings and high-reflection coatings to minimize light loss
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination optical system of a 3-dimensional (3D) image acquisition apparatus and a 3D image acquisition apparatus including the illumination optical system. The illumination optical system of a 3D image acquisition apparatus may include a beam shaping element with a predetermined cross-sectional shape to have a field of illumination that coincides with a field of view of the 3D image acquisition apparatus. The beam shaping element may adjust a shape of illumination light according to its cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the illumination light may be condensed to fall within the field of view of the 3D image acquisition apparatus, increasing an amount of light reflecting off an object and allowing more precise depth information about the object to be obtained. The beam shaping element may uniformly homogenize the illumination light without causing light scattering or absorption, thus efficiently inhibiting speckle noise.