Adaptive IR Emitter Power Optimization for Untethered SLAM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous head-mounted display devices for augmented and virtual reality applications were limited by the need for tethering to a laptop or desktop due to power consumption by infrared emitters, which restricted mobility and required multiple cables for power and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an IR emitter power optimization system that adaptively adjusts the intensity of infrared emitters based on the field of view and necessary depth information, allowing only necessary emitters to be powered and reducing power consumption to enable untethered operation or operation via a single USB-C connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared emitters operate at high intensity to gather depth information, then SLAM processing accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases requiring tethering
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the intensity of infrared emitters based on real-time operational conditions, field of view orientation, and distance to objects. The controller modulates emitter power levels adaptively, transitioning between high intensity for accurate depth gathering and low intensity for power conservation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system activates only the specific infrared emitters that are currently needed based on the device's orientation and field of view, rather than operating all emitters at full intensity continuously. This selective activation maintains depth measurement accuracy in relevant directions while minimizing overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If all infrared emitters are activated continuously, then complete environmental mapping is achieved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic scanning of the environment using infrared emitters, activating them in sequences based on the device's movement and orientation. Instead of continuous operation, emitters are activated periodically to gather necessary depth information for SLAM processing, significantly extending battery life while maintaining mapping reliability through systematic coverage over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system predicts future field of view directions based on device motion and pre-activates infrared emitters in anticipated directions before they are actually needed. This preliminary action ensures continuous environmental mapping reliability without requiring all emitters to operate simultaneously, optimizing battery utilization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If infrared emitter intensity is reduced to save power, then battery operation is enabled, but depth information quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of infrared emitters dynamically, adjusting intensity levels based on distance to targets, ambient lighting conditions, and required measurement precision. By varying parameters such as pulse duration, intensity level, and activation timing, the system maintains adequate depth information quality while minimizing power consumption to enable battery operation.
4Reliability
If multiple cables are used for power and data transmission, then device functionality is maintained, but mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the power transmission function from the data cable connection, enabling the device to operate on an integrated battery. By separating the power supply function from the data communication function, the device can maintain full functionality with only a single USB-C cable for data transmission, significantly improving mobility while preserving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable headset information handling system infrared emitter power optimization system may comprise a memory storing an association between an active infrared (IR) light emitter mounted to the wearable headset and a calibration intensity at which the IR light emitter emits light during a calibration phase, wherein the active IR light emitter is identified based on its position with respect to the field of view of the wearable headset. A SLAM engine may determine a calibration distance between the active IR light emitter and a first farthest identified object and determine an image projection distance between the active IR light emitter and a nearby virtual object. The processor may determine a first light intensity cap for the active IR light emitter based on the calibration distance, the calibration intensity, and the image projection distance, and the active IR light emitter may emit light according to the first light intensity cap.