HPDLC Pattern Generation Device for Low Power Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pattern generation devices for structured light 3D scanning have limitations in power dissipation and fabrication costs, and they often fail to provide periodic patterns and collimatable light beams efficiently, restricting their applications.
Innovation Solution
A pattern generation device incorporating holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) cells and gratings that are switchable between diffracting and non-diffracting states, along with a holographic optical element, to modulate light beams and project image patterns onto objects with low power consumption and low fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If conventional pattern generation devices are used for structured light 3D scanning, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but power dissipation is high and fabrication costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating state of HPDLC cells by applying voltage to switch between diffracting and non-diffracting states, enabling pattern generation with lower power consumption. The HPDLC material's refractive index changes in response to voltage, allowing efficient light modulation without high power dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) composite material that combines liquid crystal molecules embedded in a polymer matrix. This composite structure enables both the diffracting state (when voltage is applied) and non-diffracting state (when voltage is removed), providing versatile pattern generation capability with low power consumption
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional pattern generation devices are used, then structured light projection is achieved, but fabrication costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the voltage-dependent optical properties of HPDLC material to achieve pattern generation. By changing the voltage state, the material transitions between transparent and diffracting states, enabling programmable pattern projection without complex mechanical structures, thus reducing fabrication costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with an electrically controlled HPDLC system. Instead of physically moving mirrors or lenses to change patterns, the system uses voltage-controlled refractive index changes in HPDLC to dynamically generate different patterns, simplifying the device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity
3Productivity
If conventional devices are used, then light beam projection is achieved, but periodic patterns and collimatable light beams are not provided efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light beam into multiple diffracted orders using HPDLC gratings. By controlling which HPDLC cells are in the diffracting state, the system can generate periodic patterns and direct light into specific collimated beams, enhancing both pattern generation efficiency and adaptability for different applications
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 provides a device with low power dissipation and low fabrication costs, enabling the generation of periodic patterns and more collimatable light beams, thereby expanding the applications of structured light in depth mapping and other fields.
Implementation Method 1
The first HPDLC cell contains a first phase modulation pattern... The second HPDLC cell contains a second phase modulation pattern... A light beam from the light source and travelling through the first HPDLC cell is converted into an image beam with a first image pattern in correspondence with the first phase modulation pattern
Implementation Method 2
holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) cell... the holographic optical element encodes a first phase modulation pattern in correspondence with a first image pattern and a second phase modulation pattern in correspondence with a second image pattern
Implementation Method 3
The first grating is switchable between a non-diffracting and a diffracting state... the light beam incident to the first grating is converted into an image beam with a first image pattern and deflected by the first grating at a first angle
Implementation Method 4
a first grating, a second grating... The first grating is switchable between a non-diffracting and a diffracting state and disposed downstream of a light path of the light source
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention provides a pattern generation device includes a light source, a first HPDLC cell, and a second HPDLC cell. The first HPDLC cell is disposed downstream of a light path of the light source and contains a first phase modulation pattern. The second HPDLC cell is disposed downstream of a light path of the first HPDLC cell and contains a second phase modulation pattern.