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 due to the increased cost, complexity, and size associated with implementing separate flood illuminators and structured light pattern illuminators.
Innovation Solution
An integrated illumination apparatus that combines both flood illumination and structured light pattern generation using a single periodic microlens array (MLA) and two sets of radiation-emitting elements, allowing for reduced size, cost, and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate flood illuminators and structured light illuminators are implemented, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but device cost, complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate flood illuminator and structured light illuminator into a single integrated illumination apparatus. The apparatus uses a common microlens array and controller to generate both flood illumination patterns and structured light patterns, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining depth mapping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate flood illumination for general scene lighting and structured light patterns for depth mapping. The same hardware components (radiation-emitting elements, microlens array, controller) are used to achieve both functions, making the device universal and reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If separate flood illuminators and structured light illuminators are implemented, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate illumination devices into a single compact apparatus. By sharing common components such as the microlens array and control electronics, the overall volume of the illumination system is reduced while maintaining the ability to perform both flood illumination and structured light projection for depth mapping.
3Reliability
If separate flood illuminators and structured light illuminators are implemented, then depth mapping functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated illumination apparatus reduces manufacturing cost by consolidating multiple separate devices into one. Common components such as the microlens array, substrate, and controller are shared between flood illumination and structured light functions, reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and overall manufacturing expenses.
4Ease of operation
If integer multiple pitch arrangement is used, then structured light pattern is generated, but line pattern or beam for flood illumination cannot be generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable pitch arrangements of radiation-emitting elements. The system can switch between an integer multiple pitch arrangement (for structured light patterns) and a non-integer multiple pitch arrangement (for line patterns or flood illumination beams). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to adapt to different illumination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pitch parameter of the radiation-emitting elements based on the desired illumination mode. When structured light is needed, the pitch is set to an integer multiple of the microlens array pitch. When flood illumination or line patterns are needed, the pitch is adjusted to a non-integer multiple, enabling versatile operation from a single apparatus.
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 integrated solution reduces the overall size and cost of the illumination apparatus, simplifies the assembly process, and improves design tolerance control, while maintaining effective depth mapping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a periodic microlens array (MLA) comprising microlenses arranged with a first pitch d1 in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination apparatus includes a periodic microlens array (MLA) including microlenses arranged with a first pitch d1 in a first direction. The illumination apparatus also includes a first set of first radiation-emitting elements arranged with a second pitch d2 being an integer multiple of the first pitch d1 and configured to generate, in cooperation with the MLA, a structured light pattern. The illumination apparatus also includes a second set of second radiation-emitting elements arranged with a third pitch d3 being a non-integer multiple of the first pitch d1 in at least the first direction and configured to generate, in cooperation with the MLA, a pattern of lines or a beam for flood illumination.