Shared VCSEL Optic Assembly for Range-Resolution Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flood illuminators have a limited range of about 1.5 m, restricting their application in 3D sensing and mapping technologies.
Innovation Solution
A shared optic assembly is used for combined flood and dot illumination modules, with high-powered VCSEL elements sharing the same optics, allowing for longer range detection with lower resolution using dot beams and high resolution at shorter ranges with flood beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional flood illuminator is used, then high resolution detection is achieved, but the detection range is limited to about 1.5 m
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both dot beam and flood beam illumination functions into a single shared optic assembly. The dot beam VCSEL and flood beam VCSEL share common optical components including the diffuser and lens, allowing the system to achieve both long-range detection (via dot beam) and high-resolution detection (via flood beam) within one integrated structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection range and detection resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between dot beam mode and flood beam mode depending on the required detection range and resolution. The controller selectively activates either the dot beam VCSEL or the flood beam VCSEL based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt its performance characteristics to match the specific detection task at hand
2Reliability
If separate optics are used for dot and flood illumination modules, then optimized performance for each function is achieved, but cost and space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shared optic assembly is designed to perform multiple functions using a single set of optical components. The same diffuser and lens are used for both dot beam and flood beam illumination, allowing the optical subsystem to serve dual purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the overall quantity of optical components needed while maintaining reliable performance for both dot and flood illumination functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical paths of the dot beam module and flood beam module into a single shared optic assembly. By combining the optical components (diffuser, lens, housing) into a shared infrastructure, the system reduces component quantity and assembly complexity while maintaining the functional performance of both illumination modes through careful optical design
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
The effective range is increased from 1.5 m to 6 m, while achieving cost and space savings due to shared optics, with a tradeoff in resolution based on the beam type used.
Implementation Method 1
a first high-powered VCSEL element for providing a flood beam and a second high-powered VCSEL element for providing a dot beam
Implementation Method 2
the dot beam is condensed into dots
Data Source
AI summary
A shared optic assembly for combined flood and dot illumination modules is disclosed. The shared optic assembly includes a first high-powered VCSEL element for providing a flood beam and a second high-powered VCSEL element for providing a dot beam, where both the first and second VCSEL elements share the same optics and are incorporated onto the same module for space savings.