Spatial Light Modulator 3D Distance Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D distance information acquisition systems face limitations in detectable distance due to low optical power, which is exacerbated by the need for increased measurement time when using multi-pulses to compensate for noise, and are challenging to integrate into mobile devices due to form factor and vulnerability to external shocks or vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A 3D distance information acquisition system utilizing a spatial light modulator with a phase modulation array, which steers light using a non-mechanical beam steering method, allowing for solid-state driving and enhanced optical power collection, thereby increasing detectable distance while meeting mobile device form factors and robustness requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pulse light is divided by a DOE, then optical power is lowered, but detectable distance range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical DOE-based light division system with a non-mechanical beam steering method using a spatial light modulator. This substitution maintains high optical power by directing the entire pulse light beam to each scan point sequentially through phase modulation, eliminating the power loss inherent in spatial light division while extending the detectable distance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulse light emission combined with sequential beam steering to multiple scan points. By emitting pulse light periodically and steering the beam to different points in sequence, the system accumulates sufficient optical power at each point over time while maintaining an extended detection range across multiple points.
2Measurement precision
If multi-pulse is used to reduce noise, then detectable distance is expanded, but measurement time at one point increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by distributing multi-pulse measurements across multiple scan points sequentially. Instead of repeating measurements many times at a single point (which increases dwell time), the system divides the total measurement time across multiple points, achieving noise reduction through temporal integration while maintaining fast scanning speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between scan points during the measurement process. The beam steering operates continuously without stopping at each point, and pulse light emission continues throughout the scanning sequence, ensuring that measurement time is efficiently utilized across all points without idle dwell time at any single location.
3Reliability
If non-mechanical beam steering is used, then solid-state driving is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs beam steering to multiple scan points, modulates the phase of pulse light, and enables sequential activation of different regions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components while achieving robust solid-state operation resistant to shocks and vibrations.
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 system secures a sufficient detectable distance while satisfying mobile device form factors and robustness, reducing the need for complex photodetector arrays and addressable light sources, and is applicable as a LiDAR sensor, distance sensor, or 3D sensor for various electronic devices, including mobile devices and autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to steer the light incident from the light source to each scan point on an object
Implementation Method 2
a spatial light modulator with a phase modulation array, which steers light using a non-mechanical beam steering method
Implementation Method 3
a receiver including a photodetector configured to detect the light reflected from the scan point of the object
Implementation Method 4
The spatial light modulator may be provided to modulate a phase by controlling a resonance condition by changing a refractive index of the grating structure by external electric stimulation
Implementation Method 5
changing a refractive index of the grating structure
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) distance information acquisition system and an electronic device including the same are provided. The 3D distance information acquisition system includes: a transmitter including a light source configured to emit a light based on a time division method and a spatial light modulator configured to steer the light incident from the light source to each scan point on an object; a receiver including a photodetector configured to detect the light reflected from the scan point of the object; and a processor configured to obtain 3D distance information based on the light detected by the receiver.