Sinusoidal Patterned Light Projection via Aperture Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for projecting patterned light, such as those using gratings or digital projectors, face challenges in forming and projecting sinusoidal patterned light efficiently, as they either require complex gratings or large numbers of pixels, leading to increased costs and limitations in pitch resolution and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A patterned light projection apparatus that uses a simple striped grating in conjunction with an adjustable aperture and lens configuration to form and project sinusoidal patterned light, allowing for precise control of light and dark patterns by adjusting the grating and aperture positions, enabling the projection of sinusoidal patterns with varying pitches without the need for complex gratings or excessive pixel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple striped grating is used to project patterned light, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to form sinusoidal patterned light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aperture into multiple segments (first aperture and second aperture) with different shapes. The first aperture has a shape corresponding to the transmissive portion of the grating, while the second aperture has a shape corresponding to the shielding portion. This segmentation allows each aperture to independently control light transmission, enabling the formation of sinusoidal patterns using a simple striped grating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an aperture as an intermediary element between the light source and the grating. By positioning the aperture at a specific location and giving it specific shapes, it mediates the light transmission to create sinusoidal intensity distributions. This intermediary component enables the simple grating to produce complex sinusoidal patterns without requiring complex grating structures.
2Measurement precision
If a pattern grating with variable transmittance is used to form sinusoidal patterned light, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates functional copies of the desired sinusoidal pattern through geometric aperture shapes rather than embedding variable transmittance properties in the grating. The first aperture's shape copies the transmissive portion pattern, and the second aperture's shape copies the shielding portion pattern. This copying approach achieves sinusoidal pattern formation through geometric arrangement rather than complex material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanically complex variable transmittance gratings with a simpler system using fixed-shaped apertures and a simple striped grating. Instead of varying the grating's transmittance properties mechanically or materially, the system uses the geometric arrangement and positioning of apertures to achieve the same effect, substituting a simpler mechanical configuration for a complex one.
3Measurement precision
If digital projectors with high pixel density are used to project sinusoidal patterns, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive components (standard striped grating and apertures) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, replacing the need for expensive high-resolution digital projectors. The apertures and gratings are simple optical elements that can be made through standard fabrication processes, making the system more cost-effective while achieving the same measurement precision.
4Illumination intensity
If the aperture size is increased to improve light transmission, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the sinusoidal pattern quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different aperture shapes to different regions: the first aperture has a shape corresponding to the transmissive portion and the second aperture has a shape corresponding to the shielding portion. This local differentiation allows each region to contribute appropriately to the sinusoidal pattern formation. By optimizing the shape and size of each local aperture region, the system achieves both high light transmission and high pattern quality simultaneously.
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 approach allows for the efficient and precise projection of sinusoidal patterned light, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling higher resolution and flexibility in projecting three-dimensional images with ideal contrast, while minimizing the complexity of the grating and increasing the precision of three-dimensional shape measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the grating has a striped pattern in which transmissive portions configured to transmit light from the light source and shielding portions configured to block the light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a lens that is positioned on an optical path such that light beams from a light source pass through a grating and an aperture and converge on an irradiated surface
Implementation Method 3
a light pattern is formed on the irradiated surface in a sinusoidal shape by adjusting the grating and the aperture through which the light beams from the light source pass
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A patterned light irradiation apparatus is enclosed. The patterned light irradiation apparatus comprises a light source, a pattern grating, a diaphragm, wherein the pattern grating includes a stripe shape in a form including repetition of a transmission part and a shielding part, and the diaphragm includes an aperture having a sinusoidal wave-shaped cross section. When the patterned light irradiation apparatus irradiates patterned light to a subject, the patterned irradiation apparatus performs defocusing and thus can irradiate patterned light having an ideal sinusoidal form to the subject. Therefore, a three-dimensional image of high quality can be acquired.