Laser Driver Array Scanning for Compact Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth image photographing technologies in terminal devices face challenges due to large size, high power consumption, and high costs associated with micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors in optical transmit ends, which are necessary for laser scanning, and existing driver circuits for generating narrow current pulses are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A depth obtaining component with a laser driver array and control units, including field-effect transistors and capacitive modules, allows for flexible laser selection and emission without the need for MEMS mirrors, reducing size, power consumption, and costs by optimizing the charge loop circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a micro electro mechanical systems mirror is used for laser scanning, then depth image photographing can be implemented, but the size of the optical transmit end becomes large and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical MEMS mirror system with an electronically controlled laser array system. Instead of using a moving mirror to scan a single laser beam, the invention uses multiple lasers that can be independently controlled and selected through electronic switching circuits, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning components and reducing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single laser source into multiple independent laser elements arranged in an array. Each laser element can be independently controlled and selected, allowing the system to achieve scanning functionality through electronic selection rather than mechanical movement, thereby reducing the size of the optical transmit end.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a micro electro mechanical systems mirror is used for laser scanning, then depth image photographing can be implemented, but power consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-intensive mechanical MEMS mirror system with an electronically controlled laser array system. The electronic switching circuits consume significantly less power than the mechanical actuators required to drive the MEMS mirror, while still achieving the necessary scanning functionality through electronic selection of laser elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching control of the laser array elements, where each laser is activated only when needed for specific scanning positions. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall power consumption compared to continuously operating a single laser with a mechanically scanning mirror system.
3Measurement precision
If conventional driver circuits are used to generate narrow current pulses for laser emission, then light pulse generation can be achieved, but the circuit becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pre-charge path with inductive elements from the conventional driver circuit. By using a simplified switching circuit that directly controls the laser current without requiring separate charging and firing paths, the invention achieves narrow current pulse generation with much reduced circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified switching circuit topology that copies the essential function of complex driver circuits but implements it through more efficient electronic switching mechanisms, achieving the same pulse generation capability with fewer components and lower complexity.
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 a small-sized, power-efficient, and cost-effective optical transmit end for depth image photography, suitable for mobile devices by improving charge efficiency and reducing input voltage requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A depth obtaining component with a laser driver array and control units, including field-effect transistors and capacitive modules
Implementation Method 2
The first switch module is configured to select, based on a first control signal, the laser corresponding to the control unit
Implementation Method 3
A terminal device 11 emits light, the light returns to the terminal device 11 after reaching a photographing target 12
Data Source
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AI summary
A depth obtaining component and an electronic device are provided. The depth obtaining component includes a laser driver array (003) and a laser array (002). The laser array (002) includes a plurality of lasers (162). The laser driver array (003) includes one or more control units (160), and each control unit (160) is configured to control selection of one or more lasers (162) in the laser array (002). The one or more control units (160) are disposed in a charge loop of the laser driver array (003). A laser (162) corresponding to the control unit (160) can be flexibly selected based on a first switch module (1601) and a capacitive module (1602) in the control unit (160). In this way, scanning laser emission of the laser array (002) can be implemented based on the laser drive circuit, no scanning device such as a micro electro mechanical systems mirror needs to be additionally disposed, and circuit support can be provided for implementing a small-sized, power-efficient, and cost-effective optical transmit end.