Structured Light Projector Using Polarization Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structured light projectors face challenges in achieving smaller sizes and higher resolutions to be integrated with various electronic devices, with existing optical components affecting design accuracy and manufacturing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A structured light projector design incorporating a light source, a structured light pattern mask with distinct polarization regions, and a polarization multiplexing deflector, utilizing nanostructures to generate and deflect light with different polarizations to different directions, enhancing light efficiency and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical components are used to form structured light, then the system can achieve basic 3D sensing functionality, but the device size becomes large and resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (structured light generation, polarization control, and beam deflection) into a single integrated mask structure. The mask includes both amplitude modulation regions and polarization control regions with nanostructures, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing overall device volume while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sub-wavelength nanostructures with specific geometric parameters (size, shape, orientation) to control light polarization and phase. By precisely controlling the parameters of these nanostructures, the system achieves high-resolution structured light projection in a compact form factor
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical components are used to form structured light, then the system can achieve basic functionality, but manufacturing requirements become complex and design accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into distinct functional regions: amplitude modulation regions for generating structured light patterns and polarization control regions with oriented nanostructures. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific function, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sub-wavelength nanostructures whose optical properties are determined by their geometric parameters rather than material composition alone. This enables precise control of light-matter interaction through parameter optimization, simplifying manufacturing by using standard materials with carefully controlled structural parameters
3Adaptability or versatility
If polarization multiplexing is implemented to increase field of view, then the field of view expands, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges polarization control and beam deflection functions into a single mask structure. The polarization control regions contain oriented nanostructures that simultaneously control polarization state and deflect light to different directions based on polarization, achieving field of view expansion without requiring separate polarization optics and beam deflectors
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure serves multiple functions: amplitude modulation for pattern generation, polarization control for multiplexing, and beam deflection for field of view expansion. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single component, reducing overall device complexity while expanding adaptability and field of view
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 enables the creation of structured light with high efficiency and a wide field of view, improving 3D shape recognition capabilities and compactness for integration with electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first region configured to generate a first structured light having a first polarization and a second region configured to generate a second structured light having a second polarization that is different from the first polarization
Implementation Method 2
the second region may include a plurality of nanostructures having a shape distribution configured to change a polarization of light emitted by the light source into the second polarization
Implementation Method 3
a polarization multiplexing deflector configured to deflect the first structured light and the second structured light generated by the structured light pattern mask, to different directions, respectively
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of first nanostructures and the plurality of second nanostructures may have elliptic cylindrical cross-sectional shapes with a major axis and a minor axis, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A structured light projector includes a light source configured to emit light, a structured light pattern mask configured to receive the light emitted by the light source and including a first region configured to generate a first structured light having a first polarization and a second region configured to generate a second structured light having a second polarization that is different from the first polarization, and a polarization multiplexing deflector configured to deflect the first structured light and the second structured light generated by the structured light pattern mask, to different directions, respectively.