Structured Light Apparatus Using Optimized Microlens Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structured light generation technologies face challenges in producing light that is shallow in the direction of emission, requires a minimal number of components, provides high contrast over a large range of distances, has high intensity, and can create both simple and complex patterns with loose alignment tolerances and high manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A structured light apparatus comprising a microlens array and an illumination unit where the lens pitch, distance, and wavelength are optimized such that P^2 = 2LD/N, with N being an integer, allowing for high contrast and intensity while minimizing component count and alignment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional structured light generation methods using diffractive optical elements or multiple optical components are used, then structured light patterns can be produced, but the device complexity increases and alignment tolerances become tight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of light source array, pattern generation, and optical focusing into a single integrated apparatus. The LED array directly generates structured light patterns without requiring separate diffractive optical elements, patterned slides, or imaging lenses, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating alignment issues between multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary optical components from the traditional structured light generation system. By eliminating diffractive optical elements, patterned slides, and imaging lenses, the invention simplifies the system while maintaining the ability to produce high-contrast structured light patterns over large distance ranges.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple optical components are used to generate structured light, then patterns can be produced, but the intensity is reduced and contrast is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LED array in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates light, creates the structured pattern through its spatial arrangement, and provides the necessary intensity without requiring additional optical components for pattern generation. This self-service approach maintains high intensity while avoiding the light loss associated with multiple optical interfaces.
3Measurement precision
If the apparatus is designed to provide high contrast over large distance ranges, then measurement precision improves, but the device becomes deeper in the emission direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high contrast over large distance ranges by optimizing parameters of the LED array itself (spacing, wavelength, arrangement) rather than using additional optical components. This parameter optimization allows the apparatus to maintain a shallow depth while providing structured light patterns with high contrast for accurate distance determination across extended ranges.
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 achieves high contrast and intensity structured light patterns with reduced component complexity and relaxed alignment tolerances, maintaining high contrast over a wide range of distances without the need for additional optical components like patterned slides or imaging lenses.
Implementation Method 1
A further optical arrangement comprises a microlens array. The microlens array is arranged behind the LED array in the direction of light emission
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for producing structured light comprises a first optical arrangement which comprises a microlens array comprising a multitude of transmissive or reflective microlenses which are regularly arranged at a lens pitch P and an illumination unit for illuminating the microlens array. The illumination unit comprises an array of light sources for emitting light of a wavelength L each and having an aperture each, wherein the apertures are located in a common emission plane which is located at a distance D from the microlens array. For the lens pitch P, the distance D and the wavelength L, the following equation appliesP2=2LD/N, wherein N is an integer with N≧1. High-contrast high-intensity light patterns can be produced.