Structured-light projector using diffractive optical element for decode rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structured-light projectors suffer from poor performance and high volume or cost due to low decode rate and bulkiness, necessitating a novel solution for improved performance and reduced volume or cost.
Innovation Solution
A structured-light projector design incorporating a light source, beam limiting device, and diffractive optical element (DOE) that emits a predetermined pattern, generates collimated light, and produces randomly disposed light tiles, enhancing decode rate and reducing overall volume and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional projectors are used, then they can project structured light patterns, but they suffer from low decode rate and poor performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projected light into multiple discrete light tiles arranged in a grid pattern, where each tile can be independently decoded. This segmentation enables parallel processing of multiple light tiles simultaneously, significantly increasing the decode rate compared to conventional projectors that project continuous or fewer light patterns.
2Reliability
If conventional projectors are used, then they can perform 3D mapping, but they occupy large volume and have high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single integrated projector unit. The projector combines light emission, pattern generation, and 3D mapping capabilities in one compact device, eliminating the need for separate bulky optical components and systems, thereby achieving compact volume while maintaining full 3D mapping functionality.
3Ease of operation
If conventional projectors are used, then they can project light patterns, but they have high manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using light tiles with specific spacing and arrangement patterns that can be generated through software control rather than complex physical optics. This parameter-based approach allows standard manufacturing processes to be used, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining pattern projection capability.
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 significantly improves decode rate and performance while minimizing the projector's volume and cost, maintaining high point density on far-field objects, and compensating for optical distortion.
Implementation Method 1
The DOE receives the collimated light and generates a plurality of light tiles
Data Source
AI summary
A structured-light projector includes a light source that emits an emitted light with a predetermined pattern; and a diffractive optical element (DOE) that directly receives the emitted light and generates a plurality of light tiles, which are randomly or regularly disposed.