Infrared Projector Uniformity via Scattering Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared projector systems face challenges in achieving uniform projection patterns due to inclination differences and deviations among multiple light sources, especially when projecting over long distances with narrow spread angles, making it difficult to detect and correct deviations, particularly with infrared light which cannot be visually confirmed.
Innovation Solution
An infrared projector system utilizing a plurality of laser light sources emitting near-infrared laser beams, a scattering member with predetermined roughness to isotropically scatter these beams, and a projecting member to form a uniform pseudo-light source, which minimizes pattern deviations and wavelength unevenness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple LEDs are independently turned on to provide infrared illumination, then the infrared light coverage is improved, but projection pattern uniformity deteriorates due to inclination differences and deviations among light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate LED light sources into a single integrated infrared illumination unit. This merging approach allows the multiple light sources to be pre-aligned and fixed relative to each other, eliminating the inclination differences and deviations that occur when multiple LEDs are independently mounted. The unified structure projects infrared light as a single coordinated source, maintaining both comprehensive coverage and pattern uniformity.
2Length of stationary object
If infrared light is projected with a small spread angle to reach distant locations, then the projection distance is improved, but the deviation of projection patterns worsens due to inclination differences
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple LED sources into a single infrared illumination unit with fixed relative positions, the patent eliminates inclination differences that would otherwise be magnified over long projection distances. The unified structure ensures that all light sources maintain consistent angular relationships, enabling accurate distant projection without increased deviation.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to enhance infrared projection, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the detectability of projection pattern deviation worsens because infrared light cannot be confirmed with the naked eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple LED sources into a single infrared illumination unit that projects light in a unified, predictable pattern. This integration creates a consistent reference pattern that, while still infrared and invisible to the naked eye, has reduced deviation and more uniform distribution. The improved uniformity makes the projection pattern more reliable for detection by infrared cameras and observation devices.
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 system achieves uniform projection patterns by mixing near-infrared laser beams with different wavelengths, reducing the risk of moiré patterns and enabling high-quality infrared communication and observation by minimizing energy density and pattern deviations.
Implementation Method 1
a scattering member that receives the near-infrared laser light beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources and scatters the received near-infrared laser light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared projector and an infrared observation system by which unevenness of wavelengths in a projection pattern is reduced are provided. An infrared projector (100) is provided with infrared semiconductor laser elements (11a to 11d) that emit near-infrared laser light beams (L1a, L1b, L1c, and L1d), a scattering member (51) that receives and scatters the near-infrared laser light beams, and a projecting member (61) that projects the near-infrared laser light beams scattered by the scattering member.