Laser Diode Array Optical Positioning for Low-Power Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional positioning systems for portable electronic devices require complex computations and sophisticated circuitry, making them power-consuming and inefficient for battery-powered devices.

Innovation Solution

An optical communication system using an array of laser diodes to project angular-encoded information into the field of view, allowing devices to determine their spatial and angular position relative to a reference point without substantial computational effort or communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional positioning systems are used to determine spatial position and angular orientation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/computational positioning systems with an optical communication system. The source device projects angular-encoded optical patterns that the endpoint device detects to determine angular offset, eliminating the need for complex computations and sophisticated circuitry while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical encoding mechanism. Angular position information is encoded into optical patterns projected by the source device, which then serve as a mediator between the devices. The endpoint device decodes these patterns to determine angular offset without requiring complex direct measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If conventional positioning systems perform computationally-complex calculations rapidly, then positioning speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The source device projects a sequence of optical patterns in a periodic manner, where each pattern corresponds to a specific angular division. This periodic projection allows the endpoint device to determine angular position by detecting which pattern is received, eliminating the need for rapid computationally-complex calculations while maintaining positioning speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes computationally-intensive signal processing with optical pattern detection. Instead of performing rapid computationally-complex calculations to determine phase difference, the system uses projected optical patterns that directly encode angular information, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional positioning systems include sophisticated circuitry, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sophisticated circuitry with optical components. The source device uses an array of light sources to project patterns, and the endpoint device uses a photodetector to receive them. This substitution simplifies manufacturing while maintaining angular position accuracy through optical encoding and detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential positioning function from complex circuitry and implements it through optical pattern projection and detection. By taking out the computational complexity and sophisticated circuitry, the system achieves angular position measurement with simpler, more manufacturable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 and accurate determination of angular and spatial position in free space with reduced power consumption, suitable for battery-powered devices.

Implementation Method 1

an array of laser diodes coupled to, or otherwise formed into or onto, a substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from laser diodes: Laser

Implementation Method 2

optical communication system using an array of laser diodes to project angular-encoded information into the field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical communication: Light

Implementation Method 3

receiving a serially-projected code at a photosensitive element of the apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12369592B2Optical communication system for position-finding of a portable electronic device in free space

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 APPLE INC

AI summary

A optical communication system including a source device and an endpoint device. The source device include an array of laser diodes and is configured to drive the laser diodes to project a sequence of patterns into the field of view of the source device to define a set of serially-projected codes, each of which isolated to one respective angular division of the field of view of the source device. The endpoint device receives a serially-projected code from the source device which varies based which angular division of the field of view of the source device is occupied by the endpoint device.