Integrated Illumination Apparatus for Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth mapping solutions in electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, face challenges in miniaturization, cost, and complexity due to the need for separate flood illuminators and structured light pattern illuminators, which increase device size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated illumination apparatus that combines micro lens arrays with periodically arranged radiation-emitting elements to generate both structured light patterns and flood illumination beams within a single package, reducing size, material costs, and complexity by using a single micro lens array and thermally conductive spacers for heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate flood illuminators and structured light illuminators are implemented in an electronic device, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but the overall cost, complexity and size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate flood illuminator and structured light illuminator into a single integrated illumination apparatus. The apparatus uses a single micro lens array (MLA) with two different sets of light-emitting elements: first light-emitting elements arranged with periodicity matching the MLA to generate structured light patterns, and second light-emitting elements arranged without matching periodicity to generate uniform flood illumination. This merging reduces device complexity, cost, and size while maintaining both depth mapping functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single illumination apparatus performs multiple functions by using the same MLA with different light-emitting element configurations. The apparatus can generate both structured light patterns (using first light-emitting elements with periodic arrangement) and uniform flood illumination (using second light-emitting elements with non-matching arrangement), making one device serve multiple purposes that previously required separate illuminators.
2Reliability
If separate flood illuminators and structured light illuminators are implemented in an electronic device, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but the overall size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate flood illuminator and structured light illuminator into a single integrated apparatus, reducing the volume occupied in the device. The compact design uses a shared MLA and integrated light-emitting element arrays, eliminating the need for separate illuminator housings and mounting spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination apparatus employs a nested configuration where light-emitting elements are positioned at different distances from the MLA within the same structural envelope. The first light-emitting elements (for structured light) and second light-emitting elements (for flood illumination) are nested in different spatial layers, allowing both functions to coexist in a compact volume.
3Reliability
If separate flood illuminators and structured light illuminators are implemented in an electronic device, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but the overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates two separate illuminator systems into one integrated apparatus, reducing component count and assembly steps. The shared MLA and integrated light-emitting element arrays reduce material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly labor, thereby lowering overall production cost while maintaining both structured light and flood illumination capabilities.
4Device complexity
If a single micro lens array is used for both structured light and flood illumination, then device complexity is reduced, but achieving uniform flood illumination becomes difficult due to periodicity matching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial arrangement characteristics to different regions or groups of light-emitting elements within the same apparatus. The first light-emitting elements are arranged with periodicity matching the MLA for structured light generation, while the second light-emitting elements are arranged with non-matching periodicity specifically for uniform flood illumination. This local differentiation allows each function to optimize its performance while sharing the same MLA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the arrangement parameter (periodicity) of light-emitting elements based on the desired illumination function. By adjusting whether the light-emitting element spacing matches or mismatches the MLA periodicity, the system can switch between generating structured light patterns and uniform flood illumination, allowing a single MLA to achieve both functions with optimal performance.
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 enables a compact, cost-effective, and simplified depth mapping system that reduces the number of apertures required in electronic devices, improves design tolerance, and achieves high contrast structured light patterns while maintaining uniform flood illumination.
Implementation Method 1
an array of periodically arranged first radiation-emitting elements disposed at a first distance from the MLA and configured to generate, in cooperation with the MLA, a structured light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus includes a micro lens array (MLA) including periodically arranged micro lenses. The apparatus also includes an array of periodically arranged first radiation-emitting elements disposed at a first distance from the MLA and configured to generate, in cooperation with the MLA, a structured light pattern. The apparatus includes a plurality of second radiation-emitting elements disposed at a second distance from the MLA and arranged to avoid matching any periodicity of the periodically arranged micro lenses and configured to generate, in cooperation with the MLA, a beam for flood illumination. The first distance is greater than the second distance.