3D Sensing Lighting Module With Adaptive Diffused and Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited mechanical design of mobile devices, particularly in front-facing cameras, results in inconsistent 3D image quality across different environments, restricting the effectiveness of 3D sensing devices for distance measurement and image recognition applications.
Innovation Solution
A 3D sensing device with a lighting module comprising a first and second lighting region, each with distinct lighting patterns and optical characteristics, and a drive circuit that adapts lighting to provide diffused or structured light for improved image recognition, allowing the sensing module to generate 3D images and calculate object distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single lighting pattern is used in the lighting module, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different sensing environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting module is segmented into multiple independent lighting regions (first lighting region with first lighting units, second lighting region with second lighting units) that can be selectively activated. Each region can emit different lighting patterns (diffuse light or structured light) depending on the sensing requirements, enabling adaptability without requiring a completely separate lighting module for each pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting module is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The same lighting module can generate both diffuse light (for general illumination and ToF sensing) and structured light (for structured light sensing), eliminating the need for multiple dedicated lighting modules and achieving multi-functionality while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lighting regions are added to improve sensing adaptability, then the adaptability improves, but the area of the lighting module increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lighting regions that could potentially be separate components are merged into a single integrated lighting module. The first lighting region and second lighting region are combined in one module, sharing common support structures and control circuits, which reduces the total area compared to having separate modules for each lighting type.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting regions are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the module. The first lighting units and second lighting units are positioned at different locations (e.g., different heights or planes) within the same module footprint, allowing multiple lighting patterns to coexist without proportionally increasing the planar area of the module.
3Measurement precision
If different lighting units are used for different lighting regions, then the sensing precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different lighting units are assigned to different regions based on local sensing requirements. The first lighting units provide diffuse light for general areas, while the second lighting units provide structured light for specific regions requiring higher precision. This localized differentiation improves sensing precision without requiring complete redesign of the entire lighting module.
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 enables adaptive lighting for improved 3D image recognition and distance measurement in various environments, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of 3D sensing applications within the compact space of mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical element is configured to receive the first light and output a diffused light
Implementation Method 2
the second optical element is configured to receive the second light and output a structured light
Implementation Method 3
the sensing module is configured to sense at least one selected from the group consisting of a reflected diffused light and a reflected structured light
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D sensing device configured to sense a to-be-detected object is provided. The 3D sensing device includes a lighting module and a sensing module. The lighting module includes a lighting element, an optical element group, and a drive circuit. The drive circuit is coupled to the lighting element and configured to light the first lighting region, or the second lighting region, or both the first lighting region and the second lighting region. The drive circuit can determine an optical power of the second lighting region. The lighting module selectively emits a diffused light, or a structured light, or both the diffused light and the structured light. The sensing module is adjacent to the lighting module and configured to sense the diffused light, or the structured light, or both the diffused light and the structured light reflected by the to-be-detected object.