VCSEL Array Structured Light Transmitter for Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structured light systems for three-dimensional depth mapping face challenges such as high implementation costs, difficulties in achieving ideal beam geometry, and limitations in modulating individual light bars, which restrict the use of high-resolution tracking and dense light patterns due to the use of edge-emitting lasers and diffractive designs requiring coherent Gaussian beams.
Innovation Solution
A VCSEL laser array is used, where each individual laser or group of lasers can be modulated statically or dynamically, with associated optical elements applying diffractive or refractive modulation to generate and alter structured light patterns, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the light pattern based on regions of interest and optimizing resolution and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If edge-emitting lasers are used for structured light projection, then the system can produce light patterns, but the implementation cost increases and device size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light emission geometry from edge-emitting (lateral) to surface-emitting (vertical) using VCSELs. This parameter change enables miniaturization of the transmitter device while maintaining structured light projection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between implementation cost and device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If diffractive designs requiring coherent Gaussian beams are used, then structured light patterns can be generated, but the system cannot modulate individual light bars dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VCSEL array into individually addressable elements, allowing independent modulation of each light bar. This segmentation enables dynamic pattern generation and adaptation without requiring complex diffractive optical elements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic modulation capability by enabling independent control of each VCSEL element's emission characteristics. This allows real-time adaptation of structured light patterns to different tracking scenarios, achieving high versatility without fixed complex optical configurations.
3Measurement precision
If dense light patterns are projected for high-resolution tracking, then measurement precision improves, but detection performance deteriorates in high-density areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling independent modulation of individual VCSEL elements or groups, allowing optimization of light pattern density in specific regions. This provides high resolution where needed while maintaining detection performance in high-density areas through localized control.
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 reduces the size of the structured light transmitter, enables precise control over the light pattern, and improves detection performance in high-density areas, allowing for more versatile and accurate three-dimensional tracking.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, (VCSEL) is a type of semiconductor laser diode in which laser beam emission is perpendicular from the top surface
Implementation Method 2
Each laser in the array or group of lasers being modulated together is provided with its own optical element. The optical element associated with an individual laser or group of laser is typically a diffraction element
Implementation Method 3
The way that the pattern deforms on striking surfaces allows the vision system to calculate the depth and surface information of objects in the scene
Data Source
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AI summary
A tracking system generates a structured light pattern in a local area. The system includes an array of lasers that generate light. The array of lasers includes a plurality of lasers and an optical element. The plurality of lasers are grouped into at least two subsets of lasers, and each of the at least two subsets of lasers is independently switchable. The optical element includes a plurality of cells that are each aligned with a respective subset of the array of lasers. Each cell receives light from a corresponding laser of the array of lasers, and each cell individually applies a modulation to the received light passing through the cell to form a corresponding portion of the structured light pattern that is projected onto a local area.