AR Projection Camera Shared Lens Form Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality projection systems have a large form factor due to separate optical paths for projectors and cameras, which limits their integration and obtrusiveness in environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing projection and camera systems with a common optical path, such as in table lamp designs, where the projector and camera share a lens, reducing the form factor and enabling more compact and integrated solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If separate optical paths are used for projectors and cameras, then functional capability is maintained, but form factor becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projector and camera into a single integrated device with a shared optical path. The projector projects visible light images while the camera captures infrared images through the same optical components, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and reducing overall device volume and form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components (lens, housing) serve dual functions: the lens both projects visible light images and captures infrared images. This multi-functionality allows a single optical path to perform both projection and imaging tasks, reducing the number of components needed and compacting the device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical paths are used for projectors and cameras, then functional independence is maintained, but integration into environment becomes obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the projector and camera into one compact unit with shared optical path, the system becomes less obtrusive and more adaptable to various environmental settings. The integrated design allows the system to be placed in locations where separate systems would be too bulky or conspicuous.
3Volume of moving object
If common optical path is used for projectors and cameras, then form factor is reduced, but optical path sharing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components are designed to handle both visible light projection and infrared imaging through their inherent multi-functionality. The lens and housing serve both projection and imaging purposes, simplifying the overall structure despite the dual functionality requirement.
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 design results in a smaller, more integrated, and less obtrusive augmented reality system that can provide simultaneous visible light projection, controlled IR illumination, and time-of-flight imaging, enhancing user interaction and environmental understanding.
Implementation Method 1
a projector to project visible light images onto the environment
Implementation Method 2
a camera to capture infrared images reflected from objects in the environment
Implementation Method 3
time-of-flight imaging
Implementation Method 4
the projector and camera share a lens, reducing the form factor
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a projection and camera system to create an augmented reality environment in which images are projected onto a scene and user movement within the scene is captured. The projection and camera system have a camera to image scattered IR light from the scene and compute time of flight values used in depth mapping of objects in the room. The system also has a projector to project the images onto the scene. The projected images and scattered IR light use a common optical path through the same lens. Additionally, an illumination system used to illuminate the scene with the IR light may also use the common optical path through the same lens. In one implementation, the projection and camera system are mounted in a movable head of a table lamp.