3D Camera Semiconductor Array for Irregular Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D cameras using diffractive optical elements for illumination struggle with low light output, limited durability, and inefficiency in generating dense depth maps, especially in applications requiring larger areas and distances, due to issues with eye safety and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A 3D camera with a semiconductor array of irregularly arranged individual emitter elements, such as VCSELs, generates an irregular illumination pattern directly, eliminating the need for downstream pattern elements and enabling high optical output and efficient light distribution, with adjustable pattern elements for improved resolution and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If diffractive optical elements are used for illumination, then structured illumination pattern can be generated, but light output is limited and eye safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination unit uses an array of multiple independent light sources (VCSELs) instead of a single diffractive element. Each VCSEL emits light that is modulated by a corresponding microlens to create a segment of the overall illumination pattern, allowing high intensity without compromising eye safety through distributed emission.
Solution Approach 2:
Microlenses are introduced as intermediary elements between the VCSELs and the monitoring area. These microlenses focus and shape the light from each VCSEL to create the structured illumination pattern, enabling precise control of light distribution while maintaining eye safety through controlled beam geometry.
2Loss of energy
If conventional slides or microlens arrays are used for pattern generation, then illumination structure can be created, but energy efficiency is low due to blocked light
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses active light sources (VCSELs) that generate light directly at the required positions in the illumination pattern, rather than blocking light from a broad source. Each VCSEL-microlens pair serves itself to create the illumination structure, eliminating wasted light and achieving high energy efficiency.
3Power
If single mode laser diodes are used with diffractive elements, then pattern generation is possible, but output power is limited to below one Watt
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the illumination function across multiple VCSELs arranged in an array, each contributing to the overall pattern. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high total output power by combining multiple independent emitters, overcoming the single-mode laser power limitation while maintaining pattern structure through the microlens array.
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
This solution allows for high-efficiency generation of illumination patterns with increased visual field, angle of view, and detection capability, reducing exposure time and energy consumption while ensuring reliable dense depth map generation, particularly in safety technology applications.
Implementation Method 1
the light source comprises a semiconductor array having a plurality of individual emitter elements in an irregular arrangement, wherein a respective individual emitter element generates a pattern element of the irregular illumination pattern
Implementation Method 2
the light source comprises a semiconductor array having a plurality of individual emitter elements
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D-camera (10) is provided, having at least one image sensor (14a-b) and at least one illumination unit (100) which comprises a light source and which is configured for generating an irregular illumination pattern (20) in an illumination area (12) of the 3D-camera (10). The light source comprises a semiconductor array (104) having a plurality of individual emitter elements (106) in an irregular arrangement, and a respective individual emitter element (106) generates a pattern element (112) of the irregular illumination pattern (20).