Structured Light Projector Using Segmented Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and resolution limitations of spatial light modulators and diffractive optical elements in structured light systems for 3D imaging, which restrict the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of capturing high-resolution three-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a spatial light modulator and a diffractive optical element to produce structured light patterns with dark and bright regions, optimized by a processor to enhance pixel density and accuracy, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of low-resolution components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher resolution spatial light modulators and sensor arrays are used, then measurement precision and manufacturing precision improve, but device cost increases geometrically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light modulation function into two parts: a low-resolution spatial light modulator that creates a base pattern, and a high-resolution diffractive optical element that adds fine structural details. This segmentation allows each component to operate at lower individual resolutions while achieving high effective resolution through their combined action, thereby reducing the geometric cost increase associated with using a single high-resolution spatial light modulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element is positioned to receive and further modulate the light pattern already created by the spatial light modulator. This nested arrangement where one optical element processes the output of another allows the system to accumulate resolution through multiple stages of modulation rather than requiring one extremely high-resolution component, thus managing system cost while improving depth map precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If higher resolution structured light patterns are projected, then three-dimensional image accuracy improves, but the cost of spatial light modulators and associated optics increases geometrically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the resolution requirement between two optical components: the spatial light modulator handles the coarse structure of the light pattern, while the diffractive optical element contributes the fine details. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high three-dimensional image accuracy without requiring either component to be extremely expensive high-resolution optics, thus managing the geometric cost increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter distribution across different optical elements rather than concentrating all resolution requirements in a single expensive component. By having the spatial light modulator operate at lower resolution and the diffractive optical element add high-frequency details, the system achieves high effective resolution while keeping individual component costs manageable.
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 system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging with enhanced accuracy and reduced costs by leveraging the combination of spatial light modulators and diffractive optical elements, enabling efficient and precise three-dimensional data capture.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to receive input light and modulate the input light, to produce modulated light, where the modulated light has a pixel pattern of dark pixels and bright pixels
Implementation Method 2
a diffractive optical element optically coupled to the spatial light modulator, the diffractive optical element configured to: receive the modulated light and modulate the pixel pattern of dark pixels and bright pixels, to produce a structured light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
Described examples include an apparatus includes a spatial light modulator configured to receive input light; and modulate the input light, to produce modulated light, where the modulated light has a pixel pattern of dark pixels and bright pixels. The apparatus also includes a diffractive optical element optically coupled to the spatial light modulator, the diffractive optical element configured to: receive the modulated light; and modulate the pixel pattern of dark pixels and bright pixels, to produce a structured light pattern, the structured light pattern having dark regions and bright regions, the bright regions each having the pixel pattern of dark pixels and bright pixels.