Structured Light Lighting Apparatus Without Moving Parts

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional structured light projection systems with moving parts face high power consumption, low production yield, and durability issues, limiting their ability to precisely calculate spatial information due to restricted projection areas and resolution.

Innovation Solution

A lighting apparatus with a structured light generation unit and a controlling unit that projects structured light patterns on different positions of a projection surface according to a time sequence, using programmable light sources and optical elements, eliminating the need for moving parts to enhance resolution and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If moving parts such as MEMS or mechanical rotators are used to change light pattern, then the lighting pattern can be changed to resolve spatial information, but the power consumption is very high and the durability is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting pattern change capabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light source into multiple independent light-emitting units (first light source, second light source, etc.) that can be controlled separately. Each light source projects a specific structured light pattern (first pattern, second pattern, etc.) that can be independently activated or deactivated, enabling pattern change without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs time-sequential activation of different light sources to project different structured light patterns. The controlling unit activates light sources in a periodic manner (first light source at first time, second light source at second time), creating the effect of pattern change through temporal multiplexing rather than spatial movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If moving parts such as MEMS or mechanical rotators are used to change light pattern, then the lighting pattern can be changed to resolve spatial information, but the power consumption is very high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting pattern change capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light source into multiple independent light-emitting units (first light source, second light source, etc.) that can be controlled separately. Each light source projects a specific structured light pattern (first pattern, second pattern, etc.) that can be independently activated or deactivated, enabling pattern change without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs time-sequential activation of different light sources to project different structured light patterns. The controlling unit activates light sources in a periodic manner (first light source at first time, second light source at second time), creating the effect of pattern change through temporal multiplexing rather than spatial movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If fixed pattern type without moving parts is used, then the power consumption is reduced, but the projection area or resolution is limited and spatial information extraction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoidspatial information resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light source into multiple independent light-emitting units (first light source, second light source, etc.) that can be controlled separately. Each light source projects a specific structured light pattern (first pattern, second pattern, etc.) that can be independently activated or deactivated, enabling pattern change without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs time-sequential activation of different light sources to project different structured light patterns. The controlling unit activates light sources in a periodic manner (first light source at first time, second light source at second time), creating the effect of pattern change through temporal multiplexing rather than spatial movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Measurement precision

If moving parts are used to change light pattern, then the projection area and resolution are improved, but the assembling tolerances are stringent and production yield is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection resolutionVSAvoidproduction yield

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light source into multiple independent light-emitting units (first light source, second light source, etc.) that can be controlled separately. Each light source projects a specific structured light pattern (first pattern, second pattern, etc.) that can be independently activated or deactivated, enabling pattern change without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system (moving parts such as MEMS or rotators) with an electrical control system. Multiple light sources are positioned at different locations and controlled electronically through a controlling unit that activates them in sequence, substituting mechanical movement with electronic switching to achieve pattern change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces power consumption, increases assembly yield, and enhances durability by allowing precise spatial information calculation and expanding the applications of structured light patterns without the limitations of conventional systems.

Implementation Method 1

After plural light beams from the plural light sources pass through the optical element group, a first structured light pattern corresponding to a first light source of the plural light sources is projected on a first position of the projection surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9686839B1Lighting apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 AHEAD OPTOELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A lighting apparatus includes a structured light generation unit and a controlling unit. The structured light generation unit includes plural light sources and an optical element group. After plural light beams from the plural light sources pass through the optical element group, a first structured light pattern corresponding to a first light source is projected on a first position of the projection surface and a second structured light pattern corresponding to a second light source is projected on a second position of the projection surface. The first position and the second position are different. The controlling unit controls the first light source and the second light source to emit the light beams according to a time sequence. Consequently, the first structured light pattern and the second structured light pattern are projected on the projection surface according to the time sequence.