STRUCTURED LIGHT GENERATION
A system ( 100 ) for producing structured light, the system comprising an emitter ( 102 ) configured to provide a beam of light, and a first reflecting element ( 104 ). The emitter ( 102 ) and the first reflecting element ( 104 ) are separated from one another in a direction that is generally perpendicular to beams of light that are emitted from the system when in use. The first reflecting element ( 102 ) comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces oriented in different directions.
1 . A system for producing structured light, the system comprising:
an emitter configured to provide a beam of light, and a first reflecting element comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces oriented in different directions;
wherein the emitter and the first reflecting element are separated from one another in a direction which is generally perpendicular to beams of light that are emitted from the system when in use.
2 . A system for producing structured light, the system comprising:
an emitter configured to emit multiple beams of light at a wavelength L, a first reflecting element, and an array of microlenses which are arranged at a lens pitch P,
wherein, in use, light travels a distance D between the emitter and the array of microlenses and, wherein P 2 =2 LD/N and wherein N is an integer with N≥1, and
wherein the emitter and the first reflecting element are separated from one another in a direction which is generally perpendicular to beams of light that are emitted from the system when in use.
3 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the array of microlenses and the first reflecting element are separated from each other in a direction which is generally parallel to beams of light that are emitted from the system when in use.
4 . A system according to claim 3 , wherein the array of microlenses is formed in an exit window of the system.
5 . A system according to claim 4 , wherein the array of microlenses is formed on an inner surface of the exit window of the system.
6 . A system according to claim 3 , wherein the integer N is 2 or more.
7 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the emitter is configured to emit a single beam of light.
8 . A system according to claim 7 , wherein the emitter is a light emitting diode (LED).
9 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the emitter comprises a laser configured to emit multiple beams of light and a diffuser configured to combine the multiple beams into a single beam.
10 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the emitter comprises an array of light sources for emitting light of a wavelength L each and having an aperture each, wherein the apertures are located in a common emission plane, which is located at the distance D from the array of reflective microlenses.
11 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the first reflecting element is partially transmissive.
12 . A system according to claim 11 , wherein the system further comprises an optical detector arranged to detect light transmitted through the first reflecting element.
13 . A system according to claim 12 , wherein emitter is located on a first side of the first reflecting element and wherein the optical detector is arranged on a second side of the first reflecting element.
14 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the first reflecting element is partially transmissive.
15 . A system according to claim 14 , wherein the system further comprises an optical detector arranged to detect light transmitted through the first reflecting element.
16 . A system according to claim 15 , wherein emitter is located on a first side of the first reflecting element and wherein the optical detector is arranged on a second side of the first reflecting element.
17 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the emitter is configured to emit light in a direction which is generally parallel to beams of light that are emitted from the system in use, and wherein the system further comprises a second reflecting element.
18 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the emitter is configured to emit light in a direction which is generally perpendicular to beams of light that are emitted from the system in use.
19 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the emitter is configured to emit light in a direction which is generally parallel to beams of light that are emitted from the system in use, and wherein the system further comprises a second reflecting element.
20 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the emitter is configured to emit light in a direction which is generally perpendicular to beams of light that are emitted from the system in use.