Display Screen Object Positioning Using Scanned Laser Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D capture technologies, such as IRIS, require a collimation layer that introduces complexity and limit detection range to near-field distances, preventing effective far-field 3D capture.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a substrate with photoemitters and photodetectors, a laser beam emission source, and a beam scanning system, which eliminates the need for a collimation layer and enables far-field 3D capture by determining object positions using time-of-flight measurements and beam scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a collimation layer is used in IRIS technology, then near-field 3D capture is improved, but device complexity increases and far-field detection is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collimation layer from the sensor stack, extracting the problematic component that limited detection range and added complexity. The solution uses a laser beam scanning system instead, which achieves far-field detection without requiring the collimation layer that constrained the original IRIS technology to near-field operation only.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using time-of-flight measurements with laser beams instead of the original intensity-based near-field detection. This parameter change enables the system to operate in the far field while maintaining measurement precision, effectively resolving the contradiction between detection range and precision.
2Length of stationary object
If IRIS sensor size is increased to extend detection range, then far-field detection is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical collimation layer with a laser beam scanning system that uses temporal measurement (time-of-flight) instead of spatial arrangement. This substitution allows far-field detection without increasing the physical size of the sensor stack, as the detection range extension is achieved through active scanning rather than passive array expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam scanning system uses periodic scanning of the laser beam across the field of view to achieve far-field detection. By sequentially illuminating different regions and measuring return times, the system extends detection range without requiring a proportionally larger sensor array, thus avoiding the complexity increase that would result from simply scaling up the IRIS sensor size.
3Length of stationary object
If laser beam scanning is used for far-field detection, then detection range is improved, but measurement precision in near field may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic beam scanning system that can adjust its scanning parameters. The system uses a programmable metasurface or opto-mechanical scanner that can dynamically control beam direction and focusing, allowing it to maintain high measurement precision across both near and far field ranges by adapting the scanning pattern and timing resolution to the specific detection distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a programmable metasurface as part of the beam scanning system, which combines multiple functional properties in a single component. This metasurface can dynamically control beam steering, focusing, and shaping, enabling the system to maintain measurement precision across varying distances while achieving extended detection range through coordinated beam control and time-of-flight measurement.
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
Enables improved 3D capture performance beyond 30 cm by eliminating the collimation layer, allowing interaction and display adjustments based on user interaction without contact.
Implementation Method 1
acquire from the photodetector a photo-generated signal following the detection of the laser beam backscattered by an object
Implementation Method 2
a laser beam emission source; and a beam scanning system coupled to said source and capable of being driven to scan the laser beam emitted by said source
Implementation Method 3
scan the laser beam emitted by said source in a scene located in front of the substrate
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus comprising: - A screen (1) having a substrate (2) which supports: ∘ photoemitters (3); ∘ a photodetector (4); ∘ a laser beam emission source (5); and ∘ a beam scanning system (6) coupled to said source and capable of being controlled to scan the laser beam in a scene located in front of the substrate; - an electronic system configured to: ∘ control the beam scanning system by means of a scanning angle command; ∘ acquire from the photodetector (4) a photo-generated signal following the detection of the laser beam backscattered by an object in the scene illuminated by the laser beam in accordance with the scanning angle command; ∘ determine a position of the object in the scene, from the photo-generated signal and the scanning angle command.