Diffractive Optical Element Distance Measuring Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distance measurement methods using triangulation require complex actuator control and increased power consumption, limiting their suitability for size reduction and practical application.

Innovation Solution

A distance measuring module incorporating a diffractive optical element that emits line light beams, an imaging element for triangulation-based distance measurement, and a vibration unit to enhance scanning range and interpolation efficiency, with a simplified actuator system for reduced power consumption and device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a scanning mirror including a galvanometer mirror is used to scan slit light over an object, then distance measurement based on triangulation can be achieved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurementVSAvoidactuator control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical scanning mirror system with a diffractive optical element that uses light diffraction to achieve the same scanning function. The DOE divides a single light beam into multiple line light beams through diffraction, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and galvanometer mirrors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters by using a diffractive optical element instead of a reflective scanning system. The DOE modulates the light beam in the spatial domain, creating multiple line light beams with different angles through diffraction, which enables distance measurement without mechanical movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a scanning mirror including a galvanometer mirror is used to scan slit light over an object, then distance measurement based on triangulation can be achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurementVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the periodic diffraction pattern produced by the DOE to create multiple line light beams that naturally scan across the measurement field. This periodic optical action replaces continuous mechanical scanning, reducing power consumption while achieving the same measurement coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced for practical application, then portability improves, but the capability to perform triangulation-based distance measurement is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddistance measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source, diffractive optical element, and imaging sensor into an integrated module. The DOE is positioned between the light source and imaging sensor, combining multiple functions into a compact structure that maintains measurement capability while reducing overall device volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the measurement approach by using multiple line light beams created through diffraction in the spatial domain. This allows the system to achieve comprehensive surface coverage and accurate distance measurement without requiring large mechanical scanning components, enabling miniaturization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 simplifies the structure for distance measurement using triangulation, reducing device size and power consumption while maintaining effective scanning capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a diffractive optical element that emits a predetermined number of line light beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3683542B1Distance measuring module

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 SONY GROUP CORP

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AI summary

A structure for measuring a distance on the basis of the principle of triangulation is simplified. A distance measuring module includes a diffractive optical element, an imaging element, and a distance measuring unit. The diffractive optical element emits a predetermined number of line light beams. The imaging element images the line light beams with which the subject is irradiated. The measuring unit measures a distance from the subject by using triangulation on the basis of the imaged line light beams. Thus, by imaging the line light beams emitted via the diffractive optical element, the distance from the subject is measured with a simple structure.