Polarization-Switched Metaoptic for Flood and Dot Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices that utilize both flood illuminators and dot projectors employ two separate modules or light emitters, consuming valuable space and reducing the performance and dynamic range of the device.
Innovation Solution
A sensor configured to switch between flood illumination and dot projection patterns using a single dual-channel light source and a polarization sensitive metaoptic, which alternates between orthogonal polarizations to generate different illumination patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate modules or light emitters are used to provide both flood illumination and dot projection, then the device can perform both detection tasks, but the space consumption increases and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate light emission functions (flood illumination and dot projection) into a single light emitter by utilizing different polarization states. The first channel emits light with first polarization for dot projection, while the second channel emits light with second polarization orthogonal to the first for flood illumination. This merging eliminates the need for two separate modules, reducing space consumption while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light emitter is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different polarization states. The same physical emitter structure can generate either dot projection pattern or flood illumination pattern depending on which channel (first or second polarization) is activated, making the device universal and adaptable to different detection scenarios without requiring separate specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate modules or light emitters are used to provide both flood illumination and dot projection, then the device can perform both detection tasks, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate light emitters into a single integrated emitter with dual channels. Instead of managing two independent modules with separate controls and optics, the system uses one emitter with two polarization channels, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to perform both dot projection and flood illumination detection tasks.
3Illumination intensity
If flood illuminator spreads light over large region, then it can establish focusing distance and target nature, but the detecting capability is limited to short distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of light distribution by utilizing polarization states rather than physical emitter configurations. The first polarization channel concentrates light for dot projection enabling long-distance detection, while the second polarization channel spreads light for flood illumination enabling short-distance characterization. This parameter-based switching allows the system to adapt detection capabilities to different distance requirements using a single emitter.
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
Reduces space consumption and enhances performance and dynamic range by allowing interchangeable use of flood illumination and dot projection for detection tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization sensitive metaoptic that includes a plurality of asymmetrical meta-elements. The dimensions of the asymmetrical meta-elements are selected to provide the proper phase retardation to generate the dot projection pattern when Channel 1 is active, and generate the flood illumination pattern when Channel 2 is active
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a device configured to act as a flood illuminator and a dot projector. The device utilizes a dual channel light source configured to switch between first and second polarizations, and a polarization sensitive metaoptic that outputs dot projection and flood illumination in response to receiving the first polarization and the second polarization, respectively.