Asymmetric Structured Light Source for Depth Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth camera imaging architectures for virtual and augmented reality systems are large, heavy, and power-intensive, limiting their flexibility and capability to capture 3D information in varied environments and operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A depth camera assembly with an illumination source assembly featuring a plurality of emitters on a single substrate tilted relative to a projection assembly, allowing for asymmetric structured light emission into multiple depth zones, enabling precise control of light projection and capture of depth information using techniques like stereo vision, photometric stereo, and time-of-flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional depth camera imaging architectures are used, then depth information can be captured, but the system becomes large, heavy, and power-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is segmented into multiple discrete emitters (e.g., LED arrays or laser diodes) that can be independently controlled, allowing the system to project structured light patterns selectively into different depth zones without requiring a bulky monolithic illumination system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by tilting the emitter substrate relative to the projection assembly, enabling light to be projected at multiple angles simultaneously into different depth zones, thereby capturing depth information across a three-dimensional space without increasing system volume
2Measurement precision
If conventional depth camera imaging architectures are used, then depth information can be captured, but the system consumes significant amounts of power
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or pulsed illumination from the emitters to project structured light patterns, allowing the imaging device to capture depth information at specific time intervals rather than requiring continuous illumination, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Individual emitters or groups of emitters can be selectively activated based on the specific depth zone being imaged, optimizing power consumption by only illuminating the necessary regions rather than illuminating the entire field of view simultaneously
3Device complexity
If a single type of depth camera imaging architecture is used in a static configuration, then the system design is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability to varied operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control of the emitter substrate tilt angle and emitter activation patterns, allowing the structured light projection to be adapted to different depth zones and operating conditions without changing the fundamental hardware architecture, thereby achieving versatility while maintaining design simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The same emitter substrate with tilted emitters serves multiple functions by projecting structured light into different depth zones depending on the tilt angle and emitter activation configuration, enabling the system to handle various depth imaging tasks with a single hardware design
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 enhances the flexibility and accuracy of depth information capture in virtual and augmented reality systems by allowing for precise control of light emission and projection, improving performance across different environments and conditions while maintaining a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source assembly includes a plurality of emitters on a single substrate
Implementation Method 2
The projection assembly includes an optical element that is positioned to receive light from the first emitter at a first angle and project the received light from the first emitter to a first depth zone
Implementation Method 3
project the received light from the first emitter to a first depth zone in the local area
Data Source
AI summary
A depth camera assembly includes an illumination source assembly, a projection assembly, and an imaging device. The illumination source assembly emits light in accordance with emission instructions. The illumination source assembly includes a plurality of emitters on a single substrate. The projection assembly projects light from the illumination source assembly into a local area. The projection assembly includes an optical element that is positioned to receive light from a first emitter at a first angle and project the received light from the first emitter to a first depth zone in the local area, and to receive light from a second emitter at a second angle and project the received light from the second emitter to a second depth zone in the local area. The imaging device captures one or more images of the local area illuminated with the light from the illumination source assembly.