Spatially Tiled Structured Light Projector for Depth Camera Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth camera imaging architectures for virtual and augmented reality systems are large, heavy, and power-intensive, limiting their adaptability to varying environments and use cases, which can impair user experience in head-mounted systems.
Innovation Solution
A depth camera assembly with a diffractive optical element assembly that projects multiple structured light patterns onto a local area, allowing for adjustable coverage, signal-to-noise ratio, and resolution optimization based on the specific requirements of the environment, such as closer objects or distant areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of depth camera imaging architecture is used, then the device size and power consumption are reduced, but the adaptability to different operating conditions and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is segmented into multiple independent emitters (first emitter, second emitter, etc.) that can be selectively activated. Each emitter corresponds to a specific DOE and projects structured light patterns for different depth ranges or operating conditions. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary emitter(s) for the current task, maintaining adaptability while reducing power consumption and effective device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which emitter(s) to activate based on the operating conditions and depth measurement requirements. The controller can switch between different emitter configurations in real-time, making the system adaptable to varying environments while avoiding the need to permanently maintain all components in an active state, thus reducing effective power consumption and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple structured light patterns are projected simultaneously, then the coverage and measurement precision are improved, but the power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always projecting all structured light patterns simultaneously, the system uses partial action by selectively activating only the emitter(s) needed for the current measurement task. The controller determines which emitter to use based on the required depth range and measurement precision, activating only that specific emitter rather than all emitters, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (which emitter is active) based on the measurement requirements. Different emitters may have different characteristics (wavelengths, power levels, pattern types) that are optimized for specific depth ranges or measurement conditions. By changing the active emitter parameter, the system achieves high measurement precision when needed while consuming less power when full precision is not required.
3Reliability
If conventional depth camera architectures are used, then the depth information capture is reliable, but the weight and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple emitters and DOEs into an integrated illumination source assembly where multiple structured light patterns can be projected from a single compact unit. This merging allows the system to achieve reliable depth information capture across different conditions while maintaining a compact form factor that reduces weight compared to using separate depth camera systems for each emitter pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple depth measurement functions using different emitters and DOE configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single lightweight device to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized depth cameras, reducing overall system weight while maintaining reliability across various operating conditions through selective emitter activation.
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 adaptable depth information capture in head-mounted systems, enhancing user experience by optimizing depth camera performance across different operating conditions and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element (DOE) assembly including a plurality of diffractive optical elements (DOE), wherein each DOE is configured to generate a structured light (SL) pattern from light emitted from a corresponding emitter of the plurality of emitters
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination source in a depth camera assembly (DCA) includes multiple emitters on a single substrate and a diffractive optical element (DOE) assembly including multiple DOEs. Each DOE is configured to generate a structured light pattern from the light emitted from a corresponding emitter. The DOE assembly projects the structured light patterns onto portions of a local area based in part on DOE projection geometries associated with the DOEs. The illumination source may also include a second DOE assembly common to the multiple emitters.