Structured-Light Projector Layout for Thin 3D and Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structured-light projectors are too thick due to the stacking of a light source, collimating mirror, and diffractive optical element, which exceeds 4 mm, making them unsuitable for modern consumer electronics that require thinner designs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first light source, a diffractive optical element, and a second light source that emits infrared light, along with an optical steering element, such as a rhomboidal prism, to steer the first light beam and reduce thickness while maintaining effective focal length, eliminating the need for a collimating mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a collimating mirror is used to focus the light beam, then the focusing capability is improved, but the thickness of the projector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collimating mirror from the optical system and replaces it with a diffractive optical element that performs both collimation and focusing functions, thereby eliminating the thickness contribution of the separate collimating mirror while maintaining focusing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the collimation and focusing functions into a single diffractive optical element, merging multiple optical functions into one component to reduce the overall thickness of the projector system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are stacked together, then the optical functions are completed, but the device complexity and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical element is designed to perform multiple optical functions including collimation, focusing, and beam shaping simultaneously, making it a universal component that replaces several separate optical elements and reduces system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a diffractive optical element with specific diffraction patterns that enable it to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate components with different parameters
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 structured-light projector achieves a thickness of less than 3.5 mm, enabling simultaneous capture of both scattered and infrared images, with improved focusing capabilities and reduced component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element, installed on a light-emitting side of the first light source and configured to generate structured light based on the first light beam incident on the diffractive optical element
Implementation Method 2
an optical steering element, positioned between the first light source and the diffractive optical element
Implementation Method 3
a second light source, wherein the second light source includes a light emitter, configured to emit a second light beam, the second light beam comprising infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A structured-light projector, a camera assembly, and an electronic device are provided. The structured-light projector includes: a first light source, configured to emit a first light beam; a diffractive optical element, provided on a light-emitting side of the first light source and configured to generate structured light based on the first light beam incident on the diffractive optical element; an optical steering element, provided between the first light source and the diffractive optical element; and a second light source, wherein the second light source includes a light emitter, configured to emit a second light beam, the second light beam comprising infrared light. Via the structured-light projector, a scattered image and an infrared image of the target object can be acquired simutaneously.