Switchable Flood and Spot Illuminator Using Electro-Optic Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices require both structured and flood illumination modalities, typically necessitating two separate illuminators, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optic modulator with a transparent envelope containing electro-optic material oriented in a geometric-phase structure, switchable between flood and structured illumination modes using a radiation source and voltage control, allowing a single device to provide both illumination modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate illuminators are used to provide both structured and flood illumination, then both illumination modalities can be achieved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate illuminators (structured light illuminator and flood illuminator) into a single integrated device. The housing contains both a structured light source with patterning elements and a flood light source, sharing common structural support and control systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining dual illumination capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both structured illumination and flood illumination modes. The controller enables the device to switch between different illumination patterns and modes, allowing a single device to fulfill multiple illumination requirements that previously demanded separate dedicated illuminators
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate illuminators are used to provide both structured and flood illumination, then both illumination modalities can be achieved, but the handheld device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges structured and flood illumination components into a single integrated housing structure. Both light sources share the same physical enclosure, mounting mechanisms, and control electronics, significantly reducing the total space required compared to housing two separate illuminators independently
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electro-optic modulator with geometric-phase structure is used, then switching between flood and structured illumination is enabled, but the device requires voltage control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with an electro-optic modulator that uses voltage-controlled molecular orientation changes in liquid crystal material. The geometric-phase structure modifies light transmission based on applied voltage, enabling illumination mode switching through electrical control rather than mechanical movement or complex switching systems
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
Enables efficient switching between uniform flood illumination and patterned structured illumination using the same radiation source, enhancing versatility and reducing the need for multiple illuminators.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic material contained within the transparent envelope and including molecules oriented in respective predefined directions selected so as to form a geometric-phase structure across an area of the transparent envelope. First and second transparent electrodes are disposed respectively across the first and second faces of the transparent envelope. A controller is coupled to apply a voltage between the first and second transparent electrodes that is sufficient to displace the molecules of the electro-optic material from the predefined directions.
Implementation Method 2
the geometric-phase structure causes incident optical radiation of a first circular polarization to converge and causes the incident optical radiation of a second circular polarization, opposite the first circular polarization, to diverge.
Implementation Method 3
the transparent envelope includes, on an inner surface of the envelope, a photo-alignment layer, which causes the directions of the molecules of the electro-optical material to align in concentric rings around the optical centers.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a transparent envelope having opposing first and second faces. An electro-optic material is contained within the transparent envelope and includes molecules oriented in respective predefined directions selected so as to form a geometric-phase structure across an area of the transparent envelope. First and second transparent electrodes are disposed respectively across the first and second faces of the transparent envelope. A controller is coupled to apply a voltage between the first and second transparent electrodes that is sufficient to displace the molecules of the electro-optic material from the predefined directions.