Mirror Tilt Actuator for Compact Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable devices like smartphones, acquiring depth maps efficiently is challenging due to space constraints and the need for compact, high-precision depth map acquisition systems that can minimize camera size while maintaining effective functionality.
Innovation Solution
A depth map acquisition system that includes a housing with a light source, a mirror tilt actuator, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector, where the mirror tilt actuator uses magnetic forces to adjust the mirror's orientation for precise light reflection and detection, enabling compact and efficient depth mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a depth map acquisition system is integrated into portable devices, then depth mapping capability is added, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (light source, mirror tilt actuator, photosensitive detector) into a single integrated depth map acquisition system that can be mounted within portable devices. This merging approach allows depth mapping functionality to be added without requiring separate standalone units, thereby minimizing the increase in device volume while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth map acquisition system is designed as a compact nested structure where the mirror tilt actuator is positioned within the housing, the photosensitive detector is placed in the direct light path through the mirror assembly, and all components are integrated into a space-efficient configuration that can be nested within the existing device architecture.
2Volume of moving object
If camera size is minimized for space efficiency, then device compactness is improved, but depth map acquisition precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mirror tilt actuator that can actively adjust the mirror orientation to precisely control light reflection angles. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain high measurement precision for depth mapping even within a compact camera size, as the actuator can optimize light paths without requiring larger physical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth sensing mechanisms with an optical-based system using light reflection and photosensitive detection. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical depth sensors, allowing precise depth map acquisition to be achieved within a minimized camera size through optical field manipulation rather than mechanical measurement.
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
This solution allows for the compact integration of depth map acquisition capabilities in portable devices, enabling accurate depth mapping with minimal space requirements and improved precision, enhancing the device's functionality without increasing size.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects
Implementation Method 2
a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a depth map acquisition system, includes a housing, a light source for emitting light to illuminate objects in a scene subject to depth mapping, fixedly mounted to the housing, a mirror tilt actuator, fixedly mounted to the housing, for tilting a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, a mirror fixedly mounted to the mirror tilt actuator, for reflecting light from the light source to the objects, and a partially transparent photosensitive detector in the direct path of the light from the mirror to the objects.