Structured Light Generation via Diffractive and Lenticular Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structured light generation devices for 3D-space object measurement techniques face challenges in producing uniform and flexible structured light distributions, particularly due to high selectivity and the influence of bright zero-order diffraction, which affects the accuracy and applicability of depth image capture in 3D gesture sensing control systems.
Innovation Solution
A structured light generation device comprising a diffractive optical element and lenticular lens structures at opposite sides of a light-transmissible substrate, which collaboratively form fringes with different brightness values and widths, minimizing the impact of zero-order diffraction and enhancing light distribution uniformity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional structured light generation device is used, then the device can generate structured light for 3D measurement, but the bright zero-order diffraction (DC term) influences the light distribution and reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful zero-order diffraction component from the light distribution. By using a diffractive optical element with specific pattern designs and combining it with a lenticular lens structure, the bright DC term is suppressed while maintaining the useful first-order diffraction light for structured light generation, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The lenticular lens structure acts as an intermediary between the diffractive optical element and the output light. It modifies the light distribution by focusing and directing the diffracted light into parallel beams, effectively separating the useful signal light from the harmful zero-order diffraction, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and harmful factor reduction.
2Manufacturing precision
If a diffractive optical element with high selectivity is used, then the structured light pattern is well-defined, but the flexibility in selecting incident light is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal structured light generation device that can work with different types of incident light sources. The diffractive optical element and lenticular lens combination creates a system that maintains high pattern definition while being adaptable to various light sources, including laser beams and other coherent light, thereby achieving both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the diffractive optical element design (such as grating period, depth modulation, and pattern geometry) to optimize the balance between pattern definition and light source adaptability. By adjusting these parameters, the device can maintain high manufacturing precision while accommodating different incident light characteristics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the structured light generation device uses complex optical structures, then the light distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diffractive optical element and lenticular lens into a single integrated structure or closely coupled assembly. This combination achieves uniform light distribution through the synergistic effect of both components while minimizing the overall device complexity compared to using separate complex optical systems. The merged structure reduces alignment requirements and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 produces better structured light distribution with reduced zero-order diffraction effects, offering improved accuracy and flexibility in 3D gesture sensing control and non-destructive testing applications, and can be integrated into slim-type electronic devices for enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface structure includes a diffractive optical element
Implementation Method 2
the second surface structure includes a first lenticular lens structure
Data Source
AI summary
A structured light generation device includes a first surface structure and a second surface structure, which are opposed to each other. The first surface structure includes a diffractive optical element. The second surface structure includes a lenticular lens structure. By the diffractive optical element, an incident dot beam is processed into plural dot beams with different sizes and different brightness values. By the lenticular lens structure, the each dot beam is expanded to a linear beam. After the single dot beam is processed by the structured light generation device, a structured light is generated. The structured light generation device can be applied to a projection system with a 3D gesture sensing control or detection device.