Beam-Splitting Optical Module for Dense Polarized 3D Light Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current structured light three-dimensional sensing technologies face limitations in miniaturization and cost, with the minimum characteristic size of the DOE (diffractive optical element) hindering improvements in feature point density and recognition accuracy, especially in complex lighting environments.

Innovation Solution

A beam-splitting optical module is developed, incorporating a diffractive optical element and a polarization beam-splitting element to modulate and project multiple groups of light beams with different polarization directions and optical distances, utilizing a polarization modulation element to enhance feature point density and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the minimum characteristic size of the DOE is reduced to improve feature point density, then the recognition accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing capacity is exceeded and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent light-emitting devices, each projecting a subset of the total feature points. This segmentation allows each device to use larger, easier-to-manufacture DOE structures while collectively achieving high feature point density through spatial multiplexing of multiple devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple modules or complex systems are used to generate polarized light, then the polarized structured light is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolarized structured light capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the polarization modulation element directly into the light-emitting device structure, merging the functions of light generation and polarization modulation into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate polarization-generating modules and reduces overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting devices are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating light, modulating polarization states, and projecting structured patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution significantly improves recognition accuracy by doubling or quadrupling the number of feature points, enhancing the density and reducing the size of feature points, thereby improving the precision of 3D modeling and recognition in complex lighting conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a polarization beam-splitting element provided between the light-emitting device and the diffractive optical element, and configured to split received light into at least two groups of polarized light in different polarization directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization beam splitting: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

a diffractive optical element, wherein the diffractive optical element is provided in a light exit path of the light-emitting device, and is configured to modulate incident light to project at least two groups of light beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3926388B1Beam-splitting optical module and manufacturing method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 HANGZHOU YUGUANG OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • EP3926388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3926388B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3926388B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A beam-splitting optical module (100), comprising: a light-emitting device (101); and a diffractive optical element (103), wherein the diffractive optical element (103) is provided in a light exit path of the light-emitting device (101), and is configured to modulate incident light to project at least two groups of light beams, and can form, on a target surface (105), at least two groups of light spots, the number of groups of which corresponds to that of the light beams, wherein polarization directions of at least two groups of light beams are different, and/or optical distances from the light-emitting device (101) to the target surface (105) are different.