LED Lighting Device with Grating for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D imaging lighting devices for small form factors are complex and costly to manufacture, particularly due to the use of laser-based systems for producing structured light patterns.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device utilizing LEDs and gratings with regular pitches and light-blocking sections to create a line pattern, which reduces production costs and form factor by eliminating the need for complex optical elements, while achieving a shadowing effect for 3D imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If laser devices are used to produce structured light patterns for 3D imaging, then the light pattern quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a grating as an intermediary element between the LED light source and the object to be illuminated. The grating modulates the light from the simple LED to create the required structured line pattern, eliminating the need for complex laser systems while achieving the desired illumination quality for 3D imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a grating to create a line pattern by copying and modulating the light from a simple LED source. Instead of generating complex light patterns directly with lasers, the system copies the LED light through the grating structure to produce the required pattern, simplifying the overall system
2Illumination intensity
If laser devices are used to produce structured light patterns for 3D imaging, then the light pattern quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive laser devices with inexpensive LED light sources combined with simple grating elements. The LED and grating combination provides a cost-effective solution that achieves the required light pattern quality without the high manufacturing costs associated with laser-based systems
Solution Approach 2:
The grating serves as a low-cost intermediary that transforms light from a simple LED into a structured line pattern, enabling high-quality illumination for 3D imaging without requiring expensive laser equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If complex optical elements are used to create light patterns, then the illumination precision is improved, but the form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light modulation function into a simple grating structure with repeating patterns. This segmentation allows the creation of precise line patterns using a compact, periodic structure rather than complex continuous optical elements, reducing the overall form factor while maintaining illumination precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a grating that operates in the spatial frequency domain, creating line patterns through periodic structures. This approach achieves precise illumination control through a compact two-dimensional grating pattern rather than requiring extended three-dimensional optical paths, thereby reducing the form factor
4Ease of manufacture
If simple LED and grating systems are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the light pattern intensity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the grating with specific local characteristics - light-blocking sections and light-permeable sections with optimized dimensions and spacing. This local optimization of the grating structure enhances the intensity and contrast of the resulting line pattern while maintaining the cost-effective LED-based system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the grating pitch, the width of light-blocking and light-permeable sections, and the distance between the LED and grating to maximize the intensity and quality of the line pattern. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high illumination intensity without requiring expensive laser sources
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 cost-effective and compact lighting device capable of producing a regular line pattern with high contrast, suitable for 3D imaging applications, by using LEDs and gratings to create a shadowing effect, enhancing the intensity and resolution of the line pattern.
Implementation Method 1
The first grating is configured such that light rays of certain angles are blocked, while light rays of other angles may pass the first grating through the light-permeable sections, to create a shadowing effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a lighting device comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED). The object to provide a lighting device that is capable of providing a light pattern for illuminating an object in 3D imaging, wherein the lighting device is simple and cost-effective to manufacture, while the lighting device may in addition have a very small form factor, is solved in with a lighting device comprising: at least one LED for emitting light towards a light-emitting side; a first grating with a regular pitch having light-blocking sections and light-permeable sections; wherein the first grating is arranged on the light-emitting side to block the passage of light at the light-blocking sections, such that the light passing the light-permeable sections is capable to illuminate an object with a line pattern. The invention further corresponds to a method for producing a lighting device and the use of a lighting device.