Addressable VCSEL Array for Dynamic Structured Light Dot Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structured light projectors have fixed patterns that are not dynamically adjustable, leading to suboptimal performance at varying distances, resulting in either overly dense or sparse patterns that affect resolution and accuracy in depth sensing.
Innovation Solution
An addressable VCSEL array that can generate multiple dot patterns with varying densities by controlling groups of VCSELs through conductive traces, allowing for dynamic adjustment of dot patterns based on target density and distance, enabling efficient depth sensing in both near and far-range applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed structured light pattern is used, then the projector is optimized for a particular range, but the pattern becomes too dense or too sparse at other distances, affecting depth sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The VCSEL array is divided into multiple independently controllable groups, where each group can be selectively activated to generate different dot patterns. This segmentation allows the system to switch between patterns with different densities, optimizing depth sensing accuracy for various ranges by selecting the appropriate pattern group based on distance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the structured light pattern by selectively activating different groups of VCSELs based on the target distance. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the projector to adapt its dot pattern density in real-time, maintaining optimal measurement precision across varying ranges rather than being fixed for a single distance
2Manufacturing precision
If a dense dot pattern is used, then resolution is improved for near-range sensing, but the pattern becomes overly dense and unresolvable for far-range applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the density parameter of the dot pattern by selectively activating different groups of VCSELs. For near-range sensing, a higher density pattern is generated using more VCSEL groups, while for far-range applications, a lower density pattern is used to prevent overcrowding and maintain resolvability, thus adapting the pattern density to the sensing distance
3Measurement precision
If all VCSEL groups are activated to maintain pattern quality across all ranges, then depth sensing accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of activating all VCSEL groups continuously, the system activates only the necessary subset of groups required for the current sensing range. This partial action approach maintains depth sensing accuracy by using sufficient VCSELs for the specific distance while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from activating all groups regardless of range requirements
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 VCSEL array allows for flexible generation of structured light patterns, optimizing dot density for different ranges, thereby enhancing depth sensing accuracy and reducing power consumption, while maintaining efficient projector performance across varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
The VCSELs in different groups may emit light at different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An addressable vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array may generate structured light in dot patterns. The VCSEL array includes a plurality of traces that control different groups of VCSELs, such that each group of VCSELs may be individually controlled. The VCSEL groups are arranged such that they emit a dot pattern, and by modulating which groups of VCSELs are active a density of the dot pattern may be adjusted. The VCSEL array may be part of a depth projector that projects the dot pattern into a local area. A projection assembly may replicate the dot pattern in multiple tiles.