Diffractive Projector Layout for Multi-Distance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing systems in electronic devices face challenges in reducing weight, volume, and cost while maintaining versatility and computational efficiency, particularly in applications like augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, due to the complexity of integrating multiple projectors for diverse sensing tasks.
Innovation Solution
A projector and sensing system utilizing a diffractive optical element with multiple diffraction structures for a single light source, enabling generation of varied diffraction patterns suitable for different sensing distances, reducing the need for multiple projectors and optimizing device space and computational burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors are used to generate different diffraction patterns for different sensing distances, then the sensing versatility and modeling accuracy are improved, but the device cost, volume, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single projector to perform multiple sensing functions at different distances. The light source with multiple light emitting areas generates multiple diffraction patterns simultaneously, allowing the same device to serve both near-field and far-field sensing purposes, thereby achieving sensing versatility without increasing device count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light source into multiple light emitting areas, where each area corresponds to a specific diffraction structure in the DOE. This segmentation allows different portions of the light source to be responsible for different sensing distances, enabling functional differentiation within a single integrated projector unit
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors are used to generate different diffraction patterns for different sensing distances, then the sensing versatility and modeling accuracy are improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light emitting areas and their corresponding diffraction structures into a single integrated projector unit. The DOE combines multiple diffraction structures in one component, allowing the system to achieve the functionality of multiple projectors while occupying the space of only one device, thereby reducing overall device volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors are used to generate different diffraction patterns for different sensing distances, then the sensing versatility and modeling accuracy are improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single projector to perform multiple sensing functions at different distances. The light source with multiple light emitting areas generates multiple diffraction patterns simultaneously, allowing the same device to serve both near-field and far-field sensing purposes, thereby achieving sensing versatility without increasing device count
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple light emitting areas and their corresponding diffraction structures into a single integrated projector unit. The DOE combines multiple diffraction structures in one component, allowing the system to achieve the functionality of multiple projectors while occupying the space of only one device, thereby reducing overall device volume
4Device complexity
If the projector is split into multiple units for different sensing tasks, then the computational burden is reduced, but the device complexity and spatial coverage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the diffraction pattern generation adaptable to different sensing distances. The DOE is designed with multiple diffraction structures that can be selectively activated or configured based on the required sensing range, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its optical characteristics without physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed units
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 system achieves reduced cost, volume, and weight with improved versatility and modeling accuracy, enhancing the performance of near-eye display devices by generating optimal spatial coverage and minimizing computational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The diffractive optical element has a first diffraction structure and a second diffraction structure respectively overlapped with the first light emitting area and the second light emitting area
Data Source
AI summary
A projector includes a light source and a diffractive optical element. The light source has a first light emitting area and a second light emitting area. The diffractive optical element is disposed on the light source. The diffractive optical element has a first diffraction structure and a second diffraction structure respectively overlapped with the first light emitting area and the second light emitting area, and the first diffraction structure is different from the second diffraction structure. A sensing system is also provided.