Abstract:
An optical pattern projector used for projecting a structured-light pattern onto an object for dimensioning is presented. The optical pattern projector utilizes a laser array, a lenslet array, a lens, and a diffractive optical element to create a repeated pattern of projected dots. The pattern repetition is based on the grid pattern of laser array. Each laser&#39;s collimated beam, when projected through the lens, impinges on the diffractive optical element from a slightly different direction. The diffractive optical element creates a sub-patterns that continue propagating along these different directions and combine on a target to produce a repeating optical pattern.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to optical dimensioning systems and, more specifically, to an optical pattern projector used for projecting a structured-light pattern onto an object for dimensioning. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Optical dimensioning systems measure the dimensions and/or volume of an item (e.g., a package for shipment) automatically and with no manual measurements. One approach to optical dimensioning requires the projection of an optical pattern (i.e., structured light) onto the object being measured. Digital images of the object and the reflected pattern may be captured and analyzed to determine the item&#39;s physical dimensions. 
         [0003]    An optical pattern projector creates and projects the optical pattern necessary for dimensioning. The optical pattern typically includes repeating patterns (i.e., sub-patterns) of light spots (i.e., dots). A variety of methods to form the repeating optical pattern exists. 
         [0004]    One method uses a single laser and two diffractive optical elements (i.e., DOE&#39;s). Here, the laser generates a laser beam that is directed at the first DOE to create a sub-pattern. Next, light from the first DOE is directed at a second DOE, which replicates the sub-pattern to form the repeating optical pattern. 
         [0005]    Another method to create the optical pattern uses a custom laser array to form the sub-pattern of light. Light from the custom laser array is directed at a DOE to replicate the sub-pattern and form the optical pattern. 
         [0006]    The methods thus far described have similar drawbacks. The use of two DOE&#39;s and the use of a custom laser array increase the cost and complexity of the optical pattern projector. A need, therefore, exists for a simpler optical pattern projector for structured-light dimensioning. 
       SUMMARY 
     Optical Pattern Projector 
       [0007]    Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces an optical pattern projector for projecting an optical pattern onto an object. The optical pattern projector includes a laser array, a lenslet array, a lens, and a diffractive optical element (DOE). 
         [0008]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s laser array includes a plurality of lasers. The lasers are arranged in an equal-spaced, grid pattern. The lasers are configured to radiate light in the same direction, and in one exemplary embodiment, the laser array is an array of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). In another embodiment, the laser array may include over 100 VCSELs. In still another exemplary embodiment, the lasers radiate infrared light. 
         [0009]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s lenslet array includes a plurality of lenslets arranged so that each lenslet is aligned with a particular laser. The lenslet array is positioned in front of the laser array to focus the radiated light from the lasers into a plurality of collimated laser beams. In an exemplary embodiment, a lenslet includes more than one optical element. 
         [0010]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s lens is positioned in front of the lenslet array and is sufficiently large (i.e., has a diameter large enough) to receive all of the laser beams. The lens redirects each laser beam along a particular incident angle determined by the laser beam&#39;s spatial position in the grid pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens is an f-theta lens. 
         [0011]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s DOE is positioned in front of the lens. The DOE receives all of the laser beams and, for each laser beam, creates a sub-pattern. The DOE projects each sub-pattern along a particular angle determined by the particular laser beam&#39;s incident angle. 
         [0012]    The sub-patterns are projected onto a target (i.e., object, item, etc.), where they combine to form an optical pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-patterns are identical. In another exemplary embodiment, the sub-patterns are arranged according to the grid pattern. In still another exemplary embodiment, the sub-pattern includes a non-uniform pattern of light spots, and in some cases, the sub-pattern includes 3-15 light spots. 
       Structured-Light Dimensioning System 
       [0013]    In another aspect, the present invention embraces a structured-light dimensioning system for determining the dimensions of an object. The dimensioning system includes an optical pattern projector, an imaging subsystem, and a range mapping subsystem. In an exemplary embodiment, the structured-light dimensioning system is handheld. 
         [0014]    The dimensioning system&#39;s optical pattern projector projects a structured-light pattern onto an object. The optical projector includes a laser array, a lenslet array, a lens, and a DOE. 
         [0015]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s laser array includes a plurality of equally spaced lasers arranged in a grid pattern. The lasers array is configured so each laser radiates light in the same direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the light radiated from the laser array is infrared light. In another exemplary embodiment, the laser array is an array of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). 
         [0016]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s lenslet array includes a plurality of lenslets, each lenslet positioned in front of one laser in the laser array. The lenslets focus the radiated light form the lasers into a plurality of collimated beams. In an exemplary embodiment, the lenslets include more than one optical element. 
         [0017]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s lens is positioned in front of the lenslet array. The lens is large enough to receive all of the laser beams. The lens redirects each laser beam along a particular incident angle, wherein a particular incident angle is determined by the lasers beam&#39;s spatial position within the grid array. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens is an f-theta lens. 
         [0018]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s DOE is positioned in front of the lens. The DOE creates a sub-pattern for each laser beam and projects each sub-pattern towards the object along a particular angle determined by the particular incident angle of the laser beam. In other words, a particular laser beam&#39;s position in the laser array determines the angle at which a particular sub-pattern is projected. 
         [0019]    The sub-patterns combine to form the structured-light pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the structured-light pattern is the combination of sub-patterns arranged according to a square grid. In another exemplary embodiment, the sub-patterns in the structured-light pattern do not overlap. In still another exemplary embodiment, each sub-pattern includes 3 to 15 spots of light. 
         [0020]    The dimensioning system&#39;s imaging subsystem captures images of the structured-light pattern transmitted by the optical pattern projector and reflected from the object. 
         [0021]    The dimensioning system&#39;s range mapping subsystem includes a processor that is communicatively coupled to the imaging subsystem. The processor is configured to receive an imaged captured by the imaging system and evaluate the structured-light pattern in the image. From the evaluation, the range of each pixel in the captured image is obtained. Using the range for each pixel, the dimensions of the object are determined. 
       Method for Creating a Repeating Optical Pattern 
       [0022]    In another aspect, the present invention embraces a method for creating a repeating optical pattern. The method includes the step of projecting light from a laser array. The laser array includes a square grid of co-directed lasers. The method also includes the step of collimating the light from each laser with a lenslet. The lenslet is part of a lenslet array that functions to form a set of co-directed laser beams arranged according the square grid. The method also includes the step of focusing the light from each laser beam onto a DOE using an f-theta lens. The f-theta lens focuses each laser beam along a particular incident angle determined by the laser beam&#39;s position in the square grid. Finally, the method includes the step of diffracting the light from each laser beam to form a sub-pattern. Each sub-pattern propagates along a particular angle that is determine by the incident angle of the particular laser beam. In this way, the sub-patterns combine to form a repeating optical pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-patterns are arranged according to a square grid. 
         [0023]    The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  graphically depicts elements of an optical pattern projector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  schematically depicts a block diagram of a structured-light dimensioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  depicts a flow chart of a method for creating a repeating optical pattern according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    In one aspect, the present invention embraces an optical pattern projector for a structured-light dimensioning system that utilizes a standard laser array and a single diffractive optical element. 
         [0028]    The exemplary optical pattern projector shown in Figure ( FIG. 1  utilizes a plurality of light sources (i.e., lasers) arranged in an array to radiate light in the same direction. 
         [0029]    An array of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (i.e., VCSELs) are suitable for use as the optical pattern projector&#39;s  10  laser array  1  for a few reasons. First, the VCSEL array may be fabricated into a two-dimensional array using standard semiconductor materials and standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. Next, the low threshold current requirements of the VCSEL enable high-density arrays. Next, the VCSELs in the array typically radiate light in a direction that is perpendicular to the substrate (i.e., package), allowing for convenient alignment in a larger optical system. Finally, the light from a VSCEL (i.e., a “dot”) is substantially circular, making it suitable for forming the optical patterns used for dimensioning. 
         [0030]    The lasers  1   a  in the laser array  1  may be physically arranged in a specific geometry (e.g., rectangular grid, hexangular grid, etc.). Different array sizes are possible (e.g., 3×9) and depend on the pattern requirements for dimensioning (e.g., overall pattern size, replicated pattern frequency, etc.). 
         [0031]    The lasers  1   a  in the laser array  1  are typically identical, each radiating light with a particular wavelength (e.g., 780-900 nanometers (nm)), a particular power, and (in some cases) a particular polarization. 
         [0032]    The optical power from the laser array  1  is adjustable. For dimensioning applications, the optical power may be configured at levels considered safe for normal use at typical dimensioning ranges (e.g. 0.5-5 meters). 
         [0033]    The lasers  1   a  in the laser array  1  may be electrically addressed individually or in groups and driven to generate either pulsed of continuous (i.e., CW) radiation. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lasers simultaneously radiate CW light for a period corresponding to the dimensioning process. In another embodiment of the present invention, a subset of the lasers in the laser array radiate CW light for a period corresponding to the dimensioning process. 
         [0034]    A laser  1   a  in the laser array  1  typically radiates light divergently. This light may formed into a collimated laser beam using a small lens (i.e., lenslet) positioned in front of the laser. Thus a lenslet array  2  including a plurality of lenslets  2   a  (e.g., one for each laser) may be positioned in front of the laser array  1  to form a plurality of collimated laser beams. The laser beams are co-directed and are typically co-linear. The lenslet array  2  typically includes identical lenslets  2   a . The lenslets may be discrete. While single lens elements are typical, each lenslet  2   a  may utilize multiple optical elements (e.g., lenses, filters, etc.). The lenslet array may be formed from a common substrate using semiconductor-processing technology. In some embodiments, an opaque film may be applied to the areas between lenslets to block stray light. 
         [0035]    The lenslet array  2  is positioned in front of laser array  1  at a distance determined by the lenslet characteristics (e.g., f-number) and the radiated light characteristics (e.g., a full pattern angle). The positioning may be accomplished by integrating the lenslet array  3  and the laser array  1  within a common package. Alternatively, the lenslet array  3  may be positioned in front of the laser array  1  using a separate mechanical structure. Fine mechanical adjustments in position of one or more lenslets (or VCSELs) may be possible. In a possible embodiment, this adjusting of the position of one or more lenslets may be used to change the projected pattern. 
         [0036]    A lens  3  having a diameter large enough to capture all of the collimated laser beams is positioned in front of the lenslet array  2  to focus (i.e., redirect) the collimated laser beams (i.e., laser beams). Each laser beam is redirected by the lens  3  to a particular incident angle determined by the laser-beam&#39;s position within the laser array  1 . 
         [0037]    The lens  3  focuses the laser beams onto a diffractive optical element (DOE)  4 , which is positioned at (or near) the focal plane of the lens  4 . In a possible embodiment, the lens  3  is an f-theta lens. An f-theta lens provides a flat field as opposed to focusing light onto a spherical plane. An f-theta lens also provides a linear mapping of position/angle. These aspects may be desirable for creating the optical pattern. 
         [0038]    The lens  3  may be fabricated using techniques known to those skilled in the art using materials transparent to the light radiation (e.g., glass, fused silica, polycarbonate, etc.). In some embodiments, the lens maybe coated with an antireflection coating to improve throughput, reduce reflections, and/or filter stray-light. 
         [0039]    The optical pattern projector&#39;s DOE  4  diffracts a collimated laser beam in a plurality of beams. The plurality of beams form a sub-pattern of light spots (i.e., dots)  5  on a target. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the DOE  4  receives a plurality of laser beams. Each laser beam creates an identical sub-pattern (e.g., a pattern of light spots). Each sub-pattern  6  typically includes the same pattern of light spots  5 . The spots in the sub-pattern may be different sizes. The sub-pattern includes the number of light spots necessary for dimensioning. For example, in one possible embodiment, the sub-pattern  6  includes 3-15 light spots. In addition, the separation between dots  5  may be chosen so that no touching dots within the sub-pattern are allowed. 
         [0041]    Sub-patterns  6  are projected onto a target (i.e., object) and combine to form an optical pattern  7  (i.e., structured-light pattern). The optical pattern&#39;s sub-patterns may be sized so that, for ranges expected in dimensioning (e.g., 0.5 to 4.5 meters), the sub-patterns  6  do not overlap. The distribution of the spots (i.e., dots)  5  in the sub-pattern may be chosen to insure that the optical pattern  7  is symmetrical relative to the center. Further, dots at the edges of a sub-pattern may be configured so that when combined with other sub-patterns do not form touching light spots. 
         [0042]    The optical pattern projector  10  thus far described may be part of a structured-light dimensioning system  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The structured-light dimensioning system  20  can measure the dimension of an object  21  (e.g., volume) placed in its field of view  22  by first projecting a known optical pattern onto the object  21 . 
         [0043]    Images of the object  21  and the optical pattern  7  may be captured using an imaging subsystem  23  positioned in proximity to the optical pattern projector (e.g., stereoscopically). The imaging subsystem  23  captures images of the object  21  and the projected light pattern  7 . To accomplish this, the imaging subsystem  23  may use an imaging lens to render a real image of the imaging lens&#39;s field of view  22  onto an image sensor. This imaging lens field of view  22  overlaps at least partially with the projected light pattern  23 . The image sensor may be a charge coupled device (i.e., CCD) or a sensor using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (i.e., CMOS) technology. The image sensor includes a plurality of pixels that sample the real image and convert intensity into an electronic signal. 
         [0044]    A range mapping subsystem  24  having a processor (e.g., one or more controller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable gate array (PGA), and/or programmable logic controller (PLC)) configured by processor-executable instructions (i.e., software) stored in at least one non-transitory storage medium (i.e., memory)  26  (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and/or a hard-drive), can processes the captured images and measure any distortions to the optical pattern  7  (e.g., distortions to the pattern caused by the object). The distortions to the optical pattern may analyzed to produce a range image. A range image has pixels that spatially match the field of view, like an image, but that have grayscale values that correlate with range. The range image may be processed to determine the dimensions of the object  21 . 
         [0045]    The subsystems in the structured-light dimensioning system are connected via a couplers (e.g., wires or fibers), buses, and control lines to form an interconnection subsystem  27  that allows communication and interaction. 
         [0046]    A method for creating a repeating optical pattern according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3 . The method includes the step of projecting light from a laser array  31 . The laser array includes a square grid of co-directed lasers. The method also includes the step of collimating the light from each laser with a lenslet array  32 . The method also includes the step of focusing the light from each laser beam onto a DOE using an f-theta lens  33 . The f-theta lens focuses each laser beam along a particular incident angle determined by the laser beam&#39;s position in the square grid. Finally, the method includes the step of diffracting the light from each laser beam to form a sub-pattern  34 . Each sub-pattern propagates along a particular angle that is determine by the incident angle of the particular laser beam. The sub-patterns combine to form a repeating optical pattern  35 . 
         [0047]    To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications: 
         [0000]    To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:
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         [0315]    In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.