Structured Light Projector Irregular Dot Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structured light projection patterns with duplicated distribution patterns cause errors in depth estimation due to repeatability issues, necessitating an improvement in projecting patterns for accurate depth estimation.
Innovation Solution
A projector of structured light pattern utilizing a light source with multiple point sources and a diffractive optical element (DOE) to create irregular projecting patterns by duplicating and overlapping emitting light dots in specific regularities, such as arithmetic progression or random arrangements, to eliminate repeatability and enhance depth estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a diffractive optical element (DOE) is used to duplicate light beams from a single point source to generate a distribution pattern, then multiple light dots can be projected efficiently, but the resulting pattern has repeatability that causes errors in depth estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light source into multiple point sources arranged in a specific pattern, and uses the DOE to create multiple duplicated patterns that are then overlapped. This segmentation approach transforms a single repetitive pattern into a composite irregular pattern, resolving the contradiction between efficient projection and depth estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple duplicated arranging patterns by overlapping them in specific ways. The overlapping regions create irregular distributions of light dots that eliminate repeatability while maintaining the efficiency benefits of DOE-based duplication. This combining strategy allows the system to achieve both high productivity and measurement precision.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple duplicated arranging patterns are projected to cover a larger area, then the projection coverage is improved, but the repeatability of patterns increases causing depth estimation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces spatial arrangement dimensions by positioning multiple point sources in specific two-dimensional configurations and controlling the overlap geometry of duplicated patterns. This dimensional approach allows coverage expansion while simultaneously managing pattern repeatability through strategic overlapping, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and depth estimation accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If a regular arranging pattern of light dots is used for projection, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the repeatability causes errors in structured light applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates asymmetric irregular patterns by overlapping multiple duplicated arranging patterns in specific configurations. The overlapping process transforms simple regular patterns into complex irregular distributions that eliminate repeatability. This asymmetry strategy maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving the required measurement precision for structured light applications.
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 generates projecting patterns with no repeatability or a repeatability period larger than the width unit of the emitting light dots, improving the accuracy of depth estimation by ensuring irregular and non-repetitive light dot distributions.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element (DOE) to receive plural light beams radiated from the plural emitting light dots, wherein the diffractive optical element images the arranging pattern of emitting light dots and duplicates the imaged arranging pattern of emitting light dots into the plural arranging patterns of emitting light dots
Data Source
AI summary
A pattern projector with multiple point light source includes a light source of multiple point source capable of providing plural laser dot light beams in a spherical wave form, a lens element and a diffractive optical element. Plural light dots are arranged to form an arrangement pattern of emitting light dots in a specific regularity. The arrangement pattern of emitting light dots is imaged and multiplied to form plural ones. The neighboring two arrangement patterns of emitting light dots are partially overlapped. Non-regularity without repeat and variety on the overlapped portions can be achieved by DOE design that may adjust different overlapping degrees and ways on the arrangement patterns of emitting light dots in a specific regularity.