3D Depth-Sensing Illumination Module with Tunable Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional depth-sensing devices have limited versatility due to fixed illumination modules that can only switch between flood and dot illumination, restricting their use across various scenarios and failing to provide adequate depth information adaptation.
Innovation Solution
An illumination module with a tunable lens and control unit that allows for more than two flood-dot light configurations, enabling dynamic adjustment of illumination ratios based on the scenario, using a light source, diffuser, and tunable lens with at least three statuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed illumination module is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed illumination module with a dynamic one that can switch between multiple illumination patterns. The illumination module includes a light source and a lens array that can be controlled to generate different illumination patterns (flood illumination, dot illumination, or intermediate patterns) based on the sensing requirements, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling the illumination module to vary key parameters such as the focal length of the lens array and the illumination pattern type. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can adapt to different sensing scenarios (near-field vs. far-field, wide-area vs. focused sensing) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LC lens is used to switch between flood and dot illumination, then the illumination patterns can be switched, but the switching time is large and only two states are available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a lens array with multiple fixed lenses instead of a single LC lens, allowing for faster switching between illumination patterns. The control unit can rapidly switch between different lens elements in the array, providing multiple illumination states (not just two) with reduced switching time compared to LC lens-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single lens function into multiple discrete lenses in the lens array. Each lens element can be independently controlled or selected, enabling faster switching and providing more than two illumination states. This segmentation approach avoids the inherent limitations of LC lens technology while achieving the desired adaptability.
3Length of stationary object
If dot illumination is used, then the sensing distance is extended, but the coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic illumination system that can switch between dot illumination (for extended sensing distance) and flood illumination (for larger coverage area) based on the actual sensing requirements. The control unit selects the appropriate illumination pattern dynamically, allowing the system to optimize between distance and coverage depending on the scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module is designed with multi-functionality to perform both dot illumination and flood illumination (as well as intermediate patterns) using the same hardware structure. This universal design eliminates the need for separate illumination modules for different scenarios, allowing the system to adapt between extended distance and large coverage area requirements as needed.
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 adaptability of three-dimensional depth-sensing devices by providing variable dot-flood ratios, improving depth information capture and user experience across different use scenarios with reduced manufacturing costs and increased stability.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser, which diffuses light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a tunable lens, positioned after the diffuser and having at least three statuses
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a three-dimensional depth-sensing device and an illumination module for the same. The illumination module for a three-dimensional depth-sensing device comprises: a light source; a diffuser, diffusing light from the light source; a tunable lens, positioned after the diffuser and having at least three statuses; and a control unit, setting the tunable lens to one of the at least three statuses. The at least three statuses of the tunable lens correspond to at least three configurations between a dot light and a flood light.