Integrated Optical Chip for Patterned Interferometric Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional illumination devices for virtual and augmented reality systems are large, heavy, power-intensive, and lack compactness and dynamic adjustability, making them unsuitable for high-density pattern generation required for accurate depth sensing.
Innovation Solution
A compact light projection system using integrated circuits (ICs) that generate patterned interferometric illumination, incorporating phase delay devices, coupling controllers, and switchable light sources to create dynamically adjustable interferometric patterns for depth camera applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional illumination devices are used to generate patterned light, then depth sensing capability is achieved, but the device size becomes large and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (light source, waveguides, phase modulators, and pattern generation elements) into a single integrated illumination device. This merging of previously separate components enables depth sensing functionality while significantly reducing the overall device weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated illumination device performs multiple functions simultaneously: generating structured light patterns, modulating phase information, and enabling depth sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing weight while maintaining depth sensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional illumination devices are used to generate patterned light, then depth sensing capability is achieved, but the device consumes significant power
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source and modulation components into a unified device, the system eliminates redundant power consumption associated with separate components and their interconnections, thereby reducing overall power usage while maintaining depth sensing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase modulation techniques that allow for efficient light utilization. By modulating the phase of light rather than requiring high-intensity continuous illumination, the system achieves effective depth sensing with reduced power consumption.
3Illumination intensity
If diffractive optical elements are used to diffract laser beams, then patterned illumination is generated, but the device lacks dynamic adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates phase modulators that can dynamically adjust the phase of light waves in real-time. This dynamic control enables the system to generate and modify different illumination patterns on demand, providing adaptability while maintaining patterned illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase modulators act as intermediary elements between the light source and the target object. These modulators dynamically control the phase characteristics of light, enabling flexible pattern generation and adjustment without requiring physical changes to the optical path or diffractive elements.
4Illumination intensity
If active acousto-optic devices or liquid crystal devices are coupled to light sources, then patterned illumination is generated, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, waveguides, and phase modulation components into a compact unified device. This integration dramatically reduces the overall area occupied by the illumination system compared to coupling separate acousto-optic or liquid crystal devices with light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs waveguide structures that confine and guide light in three-dimensional space. By utilizing the third dimension (vertical confinement in waveguides), the system achieves compact lateral footprint while maintaining effective patterned illumination generation.
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 efficient, compact, and power-effective generation of high-density patterned light for accurate depth sensing in virtual and augmented reality systems, improving the precision and flexibility of depth information capture.
Implementation Method 1
A first active phase delay element is configured to apply a first phase delay to light propagating in the third waveguide such that there is a difference in phase between light exiting the second waveguide and light exiting the third waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The light exiting the second waveguide and the light exiting the third waveguide combine to form a first structured light pattern that illuminates a portion of a target area
Data Source
AI summary
A compact light projection system is described for use in artificial reality systems, and which outputs patterned interferometric illumination that may be dynamically adjustable. The light projection systems are Integrated Circuits (IC)s, which are compact and easily added to other electronic devices in an artificial reality device. The IC illumination sources described herein provide flexibility by incorporating dynamically adjustable components as well as static components, such as phase delay devices, coupling controllers, switch-able light sources, and output gratings, which may each be adjusted to control the resulting pattern of interferometric illumination.