Integrated Meta-Illuminator for Pattern and Uniform Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminators require multiple separate components for different lighting applications, leading to increased space occupation and manufacturing complexity, especially in devices like smartphones, which complicates alignment and increases form-factor and costs.
Innovation Solution
A composite illuminator using a meta-surface based on a laser diode, integrating both patterned and non-patterned light emitters within a single body, with meta-surfaces on a single material layer, allowing for structured pattern and uniform illumination from a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate illuminators are used for different lighting applications, then functional versatility is improved, but device area and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate illuminators (patterned light emitter and non-patterned light emitter) into a single integrated illuminator unit. The light source unit includes both a first light emitter for patterned light and a second light emitter for non-patterned light, sharing common components such as the reflective plate and light guide plate, thereby reducing the overall device area while maintaining functional versatility for different lighting applications
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated illuminator is designed to perform multiple lighting functions simultaneously - it can emit both patterned light (for facial recognition, depth sensing) and non-patterned light (for general illumination) through a single device unit. The light guide plate is configured to guide light from both emitters, enabling the system to switch between different lighting modes without requiring separate illuminator assemblies
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate illuminators are used for different lighting applications, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple illuminator functions into a single unified structure where the first and second light emitters are mounted on the same reflective plate and share the same light guide plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, alignment procedures, and assembly steps that would be required for multiple independent illuminators, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving the ability to provide both patterned and non-patterned lighting functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate illuminators are used, then lighting function diversity is improved, but form-factor and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the patterned light emitter and non-patterned light emitter into a single integrated illuminator unit with shared optical components (reflective plate, light guide plate), the patent significantly reduces the overall form-factor compared to using separate illuminators. The compact integrated design allows both lighting functions to coexist in a smaller space, reducing the device's length and footprint while maintaining the ability to serve multiple illumination applications
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
Reduces the physical area required for multiple illuminators by integrating different lighting functions into a single device, simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functional diversity.
Implementation Method 1
a mask including a pattern region in the first light emitter and a through-hole in the second light emitter. The pattern region is configured to generate structured pattern light and may include a meta-surface
Implementation Method 2
The light source may be a light source emitting light in a direction perpendicular to the transparent substrate, and may include a first light source included in the first light emitter and a second light source included in the second light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are meta illuminators. The meta illuminators according to embodiments include a first light emitter configured to emit pattern light, and a second light emitter configured to emit non-patterned light, wherein the first and second light emitters forms a single body. The first and second light emitters respectively include meta-surfaces that are different from each other, and the different meta-surfaces may be formed on a single material layer. The first light emitter includes a pattern region that transmits a portion of incident light, and the second light emitter does not include the pattern region. A mask may be arranged between the light source and the transparent substrate.