Nanostructure Array Structured Light Projector Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structured light systems face challenges in miniaturization and high resolution, affecting design precision and manufacturing, which are essential for accurate 3D shape recognition and object identification.
Innovation Solution
A structured light projector with a nanostructure array arranged in a hierarchical structure of subcells and supercells, where light-emitting elements are arranged in two-dimensional periodic lattices, forming a dot pattern with specific optical distances and refractive indices, enabling the creation of a clear and efficient structured light pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a diffractive optical element (DOE) is used to produce structured light, then structured light can be generated, but the volume of the optical part increases affecting design precision and manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical part is segmented into multiple functional layers: a light source layer with light-emitting elements and a nanostructure array layer with subwavelength nanostructures. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing the overall volume while maintaining structured light generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D DOE patterns to 3D subwavelength nanostructures with vertical dimension control. By exploiting the third dimension (height/depth of nanostructures), the system achieves structured light modulation with reduced lateral footprint and overall component volume
2Volume of stationary object
If the optical part volume is reduced for miniaturization, then device compactness is improved, but design precision and manufacturing requirements are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameters from lateral dimensions to vertical dimensions by using subwavelength-height nanostructures. This parameter transformation allows miniaturization in the lateral plane while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through precise control of nanostructure height and material composition
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the nanostructure array are assigned different local properties: varying nanostructure heights, materials, and arrangements in different subcells to generate specific dot patterns. This local quality differentiation enables complex structured light patterns without increasing overall device volume
3Measurement precision
If high resolution is required for accurate 3D shape recognition, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an array of light-emitting elements that replicate the nanostructure array pattern in reverse, creating a conjugate relationship between the two periodic lattices. This copying approach simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex computational algorithms, as the structured light pattern is directly generated through optical conjugation
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
This configuration allows for precise and miniaturized structured light projection, enhancing the accuracy of 3D shape recognition and object identification by forming clear dot patterns with improved optical efficiency and device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
A structured light projector includes a light source and a nanostructure array that forms structured light having a dot pattern by light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the nanostructure array that forms structured light having a dot pattern by light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 3
The light source may include a plurality of light-emitting elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Structured light projector, which comprises a light source configured to emit light, and a nanostructure array configured to form a dot pattern based on the light emitted by the light source, the nanostructure array including a plurality of super cells each respectively including a plurality of nanostructures, wherein each of the plurality of super cells includes a first sub cell that includes a plurality of first nanostructures having a first shape distribution and a second sub cell that includes a plurality of second nanostructures having a second shape distribution.