Dot Projector Emitter Layout for Uniform 3D Sensor Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional sensor modules face challenges in projecting a uniformly distributed pattern of light due to misalignments, gaps, and localized variations in dot density, which affect their ability to consistently detect and measure physical features and movements across their field of view.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the relationship between light emitters and projected dots to modify the arrangement of light emitters, approximating optical characteristics using an optical grating, and adjusting emitter locations to reduce distortions and variations, resulting in a more even distribution of light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light emitters are arranged in a regular grid pattern on the substrate, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the projected light pattern exhibits misalignments, gaps, and non-uniform dot density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning light emitters at modified locations on the substrate that compensate for anticipated optical distortions. The emitter locations are determined using a transfer function that maps desired uniform dot patterns to specific emitter positions, so that when light is projected through the optical elements, the expected misalignments and gaps are already corrected in the emitter arrangement itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of light emitter positions from a regular grid pattern to a modified non-uniform pattern. By adjusting the coordinates of individual emitters based on the transfer function that models optical element characteristics, the system transforms the emitter arrangement to compensate for optical distortions, achieving uniform dot density in the projected pattern despite the irregular emitter spacing.
2Device complexity
If standard optical elements are used in the dot projector, then the device complexity is low, but the projected dot pattern exhibits distortion and non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the positional parameters of light emitters to compensate for optical element characteristics. By using a transfer function that models the optical elements' behavior, the system calculates modified emitter locations that pre-correct for expected distortions, allowing standard optical elements to produce uniform dot patterns without requiring complex custom-optics designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/optical complexity with computational methodology. Instead of designing complex optical elements to achieve uniform dot patterns, the system uses computational algorithms to determine optimal emitter positions based on transfer function modeling of the optical path, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical optical designs.
3Device complexity
If light emitters are uniformly spaced on the substrate, then the emitter arrangement is simple, but the projected pattern has gaps that reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each light emitter's position unique and optimized for its specific location in the array. Rather than uniform spacing, each emitter is positioned at coordinates determined by the transfer function to ensure that its projected dot contributes to an overall uniform pattern, with local position adjustments compensating for optical distortions that vary across the field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal position for each light emitter before the device is manufactured. The transfer function models the optical path and pre-determines emitter locations that will produce uniform dot spacing after projection, so that when the device operates, the measurement precision is maximized without requiring real-time adjustment.
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 approach enhances the consistency and detail of feature detection and movement measurement by reducing gaps and variations in dot density, enabling more accurate three-dimensional data capture across the entire field of view.
Implementation Method 1
determining, based on the relationship, an optical grating approximating one or more optical characteristics of one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector
Data Source
AI summary
For an optical dot projector having multiple light emitters, a relationship is determined between locations of the light emitters with respect to a substrate of the optical dot projector and corresponding first locations of dots projected by the dot projector onto an imaging plane. An optical grating approximating one or more optical characteristics of one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector is determined based on the relationship. Second locations of dots corresponding to a replacement of the one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector by the optical grating are determined, and modified locations of the light emitters with respect to the substrate are determined based on the second locations of dots. Optical dot projectors are constructed according to the determined modified locations.