Integrated Structured Light Projector for Diffuse 3D Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D sensing systems face challenges in achieving compactness, miniaturization, multi-functionality, and reduced power consumption while maintaining performance, particularly in applications requiring both uniform illumination and structured light patterns.
Innovation Solution
A projector and illumination module with an array of individual emitters and a dual-group optical system, where one group generates illumination patterns and the other generates diverging light beams, allowing for adaptive and smart illumination and projection functionality in a single module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate illumination module and projector module are used, then illumination functionality and projection functionality are provided, but device complexity and module count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination module and projector module into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the illumination light source (LED) and the laser light source for structured light projection, along with their respective optical systems (diffuser for illumination, DOE for projection), merging two separate modules into one unified structure that provides both illumination and projection capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it provides uniform diffuse illumination for general imaging and structured light projection for 3D sensing. The single device houses both illumination and projection functionalities, making it a universal module that can operate in different modes (illumination mode and projection mode) depending on the application requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are used for illumination and projection, then functional requirements are met, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the illumination module and projector module into a single integrated device with shared housing and control electronics, the patent reduces the total power consumption compared to operating two separate modules. The integrated design allows for coordinated operation and shared power management, reducing redundant power overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are used for illumination and projection, then functional requirements are met, but module complexity and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a single housing: the illumination light source with diffuser, the laser light source with DOE, and their respective optical paths are combined in one module. This reduces the number of separate modules from two to one, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single integrated module serves multiple purposes: it provides both uniform illumination for standard imaging and structured light patterns for depth sensing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated illumination and projection modules, reducing the overall module count and simplifying the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate illumination and projector modules are used, then specific functions are provided, but compactness and miniaturization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination module and projector module into a single compact housing, integrating the LED light source, diffuser, laser source, DOE, and optical systems into one unified structure. This merging reduces the total volume occupied by these components compared to having them as separate modules, enabling more compact device design.
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 solution enables reduced module count, complexity, and power consumption, while enhancing performance by providing both uniform illumination and structured light capabilities, improving reliability and accuracy in 3D sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
the projector module may comprise a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array
Implementation Method 2
collimation optics such as comprising a micro lens array
Implementation Method 3
The illumination module may be a flash light source e.g. based on LEDs (light emitting diodes)
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a projector and illumination module configured for scene illumination and pattern projection. The projector and illumination module includes at least one array of a plurality of individual emitters and at least one optical system. Each of the individual emitters is configured for generating at least one illumination light beam. The at least one optical system includes at least one array of a plurality of transfer devices. The at least one array of the plurality of transfer devices includes at least one transfer device for each of the individual emitters. The at least one array of the plurality of transfer devices includes at least two groups of transfer devices. The transfer devices of one of the groups are configured for generating at least one illumination pattern. The transfer devices of the other group are configured for generating diverging light beams.