Superposition Structured Light Module for 3D Depth Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D sensing technologies, particularly structured light methods, face challenges in achieving high-resolution structured light patterns for accurate depth measurement, as existing solutions do not effectively utilize different pattern distributions at varying projection positions.

Innovation Solution

A light source module comprising a light emitting device, a light guiding element with a polarizing beam splitter, and two diffractive elements generates first and second structured lights with different polarization states, which are projected and overlapped to create a superposition structured pattern with unique distributions in a matrix of sub-projection regions, enabling accurate depth information capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single structured light pattern is projected, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and resolution are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement precisionVSAvoidlight source module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light source module segments the light beam into multiple paths using a beam splitter, with each path containing a different diffractive element. This segmentation allows multiple structured light patterns to be generated simultaneously from a single light source, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple separate light sources or increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple structured light patterns (first and second structured lights with different patterns) into a single superposition structured light pattern that is projected onto the object. This combining approach allows the system to capture depth information from multiple patterns in one projection, enhancing measurement precision while maintaining simple device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple structured light patterns are projected separately, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity decreases due to multiple projections required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth information accuracyVSAvoidprojection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple structured light patterns into a single superposition pattern that is projected onto the object in one action. The beam splitter divides the light beam into multiple paths, each with a different diffractive element creating a distinct pattern, and these patterns are merged into one projected pattern. This allows the system to obtain multiple depth information datasets simultaneously, improving measurement precision while maintaining high projection efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously captures depth information from multiple patterns in a single projection event. By superimposing multiple structured light patterns into one projection, the useful action of depth measurement continues without interruption or repeated projections, thereby improving productivity while maintaining accurate depth information capture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 allows for precise identification of depth information by capturing variations in pattern distributions across sub-projection regions, enhancing the resolution and accuracy of 3D measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The light guiding element includes a polarizing beam splitter to separate the light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam. Here, a polarization state of the first light beam is different from a polarization state of the second light beam.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The first diffractive element is arranged on a transmission path of the first light beam, so as to convert the first light beam into a first structured light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

The second diffractive element is disposed on a transmission path of the second light beam, so as to convert the second light beam into a second structured light.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS10739607B2Light source module, sensing device and method for generating superposition structured patterns
Publication Date: 2020.08.11 IND TECH RES INST
  • US10739607B2 patent drawing
  • US10739607B2 patent drawing
  • US10739607B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light source module adapted to provide a superposition structured pattern includes a light emitting device adapted to provide a light beam, a light guiding element including a polarizing beam splitter to separate the light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam, a first diffractive element configured to convert the first light beam into a first structured light, and a second diffractive element configured to convert the second light beam into a second structured light. Polarization states of the first light beam and the second light beam are different. The first and second structured lights are projected into a projection region, and overlapped and imaged as a superposition structured pattern. The projection region has sub-projection regions arranged in a matrix and adjacent to each other, and the pattern distribution of the superposition structured pattern in each sub-projection region is different from each other.