Display Screen Object Positioning Without a Collimation Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IRIS technology for 3D capture is limited to a near-field detection range of up to a few tens of centimeters and requires a collimation layer that adds technological complexity.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a screen with photo-emitters, photo-detectors, a laser source, and a beam scanning system that eliminates the need for a collimation layer by using a beam scanning system and an electronic system to determine object positions in the far field, up to several meters, through time-of-flight measurements and triangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a collimation layer is added to improve infrared light manipulation, then the light convergence towards receivers is improved, but the technological complexity of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the collimation layer from the sensor stack, extracting the problematic component that added complexity. Instead of manipulating infrared light through a collimation layer, the invention uses a laser source with inherent beam directionality, eliminating the need for the collimation layer while maintaining light convergence capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of light source from broad-spectrum infrared emitters to a coherent laser source. This parameter change inherently provides directional light propagation without requiring additional collimation structures, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
2Length of stationary object
If the detection range is extended to the far field, then the interaction distance is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the laser source at a specific frequency (e.g., 100 MHz). This periodic action creates a time-varying signal that can be distinguished from ambient light through synchronous detection, enabling accurate measurements even at extended far-field distances where signal strength is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through phase-locked loop (PLL) technology to maintain synchronization between the modulated laser source and the detection system. This feedback mechanism ensures that even as detection range extends to several meters, the system maintains measurement precision by continuously adjusting to maintain phase coherence
3Measurement precision
If the sensor operates in the near field, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the interaction distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By modulating the laser source periodically and using synchronous detection, the system can maintain high measurement precision at extended distances. The periodic modulation creates a distinctive signal signature that enables accurate position determination even when the object is several meters away, breaking the near-field limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces the time dimension through time-of-flight measurements of the modulated laser light. By measuring the phase shift or time delay of the returned signal relative to the transmitted modulation, the system achieves accurate depth measurement at far distances, adding a temporal dimension to the spatial 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
Enables 3D capture beyond 30 cm without the complexity of a collimation layer, providing robust and accurate depth mapping of scenes up to several meters with improved interaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a source for emitting a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a beam scanning system coupled to said source and capable to be driven to scan the laser beam emitted by said source in a scene located in front of the substrate
Implementation Method 3
acquire, from the photo-detector, a photo-generated signal following the detection of the laser beam backscattered by an object
Implementation Method 4
determine a position of the object in the scene, based on the photo-generated signal and on the scanning angle setpoint
Data Source
AI summary
A screen (1) including a substrate (2) that supports photo-emitters (3); a photo-detector (4); a source (5) for emitting a laser beam; and a beam scanning system (6) coupled to the source and able to be driven to scan the laser beam in a scene located in front of the substrate; and an electronic system configured to drive the beam scanning system by a scanning angle setpoint; acquire, from the photo-detector (4), a photo-generated signal corresponding to the detection of the laser beam backscattered by an object in the scene illuminated by the laser beam in accordance with the scanning angle setpoint; and determine a position of the object in the scene, based on the photo-generated signal and on the scanning angle setpoint.