Optical Modulator Unit for 3D Spatial Information Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for obtaining 3D spatial information are not cost-effective and lack precision in the millimeter or micrometer range, with existing methods being complex and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a light receiving device, an optical modulator unit with multiple liquid crystal cells for polarisation rotation, and a polarisation filter, optionally combined with a colour or band-pass filter, along with a 3D information detection unit such as an RGB camera, to enhance precision and reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing optical systems are used for obtaining 3D spatial information, then 3D detection is possible, but the systems are not cost-effective and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical modulator unit is divided into multiple independent liquid crystal cells that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex polarization modulation functions through simpler, more reliable individual components, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical polarization rotation mechanisms with electro-optical liquid crystal modulators. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and moving parts, significantly reducing maintenance frequency while keeping the system cost-effective through solid-state technology
2Measurement precision
If existing optical systems are used for obtaining 3D spatial information, then 3D detection is possible, but precision in the millimeter or micrometer range is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different polarization states using controllable liquid crystal cells. This dynamic modulation capability enables precise measurement of spatial information by encoding depth and surface characteristics into polarization variations, achieving millimeter or micrometer precision without overly complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter dynamically through liquid crystal cell modulation. By varying polarization angles and states in a controlled manner, the system extracts precise 3D spatial information from the modulated light signals, achieving high measurement precision through parameter modulation rather than complex structural arrangements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical modulators are used to increase polarization rotation angles, then more rotation angles can be realised, but noise and blurring may increase
Solution Approach 1:
A polarization filter is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid crystal modulators and the detector. This filter selectively transmits only the desired polarization components while blocking unwanted noise and blurred signals, allowing multiple polarization rotation angles to be utilized effectively without degrading measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the useful polarization-modulated signal components through the polarization filter, separating them from noise and unwanted signals generated by multiple modulators. This extraction process maintains high adaptability for different polarization angles while preserving measurement precision by eliminating noise
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
Enables precise and accurate 3D spatial information detection with reduced noise and maintenance, allowing for low-cost, high-accuracy 3D imaging in the millimeter or micrometer range.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical modulator unit for (variably) rotating a polarisation of a light passing through the modulator unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one polarisation filter which is optically connected upstream or (preferably) downstream of the modulator unit
Implementation Method 3
at least one colour, in particular band-pass filter is provided which is optically connected upstream or (preferably) downstream of the polarisation filter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system for obtaining 3D spatial information within a spatial region, in particular for detecting 3D information of an object, comprising:a light receiving device (110) comprising at least one light detector, which is alignable or aligned with the spatial region;an optical modulator unit (106) for rotating a polarisation of a light passing through the modulator unit (106); andat least one polarisation filter (111), which is optically connected downstream of the modulator unit;wherein at least one band-pass filter is optically connected downstream of the polarisation filter and/or wherein the modulator unit comprises at least two optical modulators.