Time-of-Flight Illuminator with Movable Mirror for Depth Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems face challenges in integrating a light source for time-of-flight imaging due to cost, packaging, and power consumption issues, particularly in mobile devices like laptops and smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A 'smart illumination' system utilizing a movable mirror element to concentrate and direct light onto specific regions of interest within the camera's field of view, reducing the divergence angle of the light beam and increasing optical signal strength while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light source is integrated into the computing system for time-of-flight imaging, then depth capturing capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating light only on specific regions of interest (ROI) rather than illuminating the entire field of view. The system identifies ROIs based on 2D image data and directs illuminated beams selectively to these regions, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining depth capturing capability in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through a movable mirror element that can dynamically adjust the direction of illuminated beams in real-time. This dynamic beam steering capability allows the system to track and illuminate moving objects or regions of interest, optimizing power usage by focusing light only where needed at any given moment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light source is integrated into the computing system for time-of-flight imaging, then depth capturing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an illuminator system that performs multiple functions: it provides conventional wide-area illumination for general imaging and simultaneously provides selective ROI illumination for power-efficient depth capturing. The same optical components and control system handle both modes, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a movable mirror element as a mediator between the light source and the target. This single intermediary component enables complex beam steering and ROI selection functionality without requiring multiple separate optical paths or complex mechanical structures, thereby managing device complexity effectively.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional illumination is used for time-of-flight imaging, then full field of view is covered, but optical signal strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating optical energy into focused beams that illuminate specific regions of interest with high intensity. Instead of distributing light uniformly across the entire field of view, the system directs concentrated illumination to selected ROIs, achieving sufficient optical signal strength for accurate depth measurement in these critical regions.
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 approach enhances signal strength at the image sensor without excessive power draw, allowing for efficient time-of-flight imaging while preserving battery life and reducing design complexities.
Implementation Method 1
impinging the light upon one or more tiltable mirrors and tilting the one or more tiltable mirrors to direct the light to only a region of the illuminator's field of view
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
An apparatus is described that includes a camera system having a time-of-flight illuminator. The time of flight illuminator has a light source and one or more tiltable mirror elements. The one or more tiltable mirror elements are to direct the illuminator's light to only a region within the illuminator's field of view.