VCSEL Array Structured Light Transmitter for Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structured light systems for 3D depth mapping face challenges such as high implementation costs, difficulties in achieving ideal beam geometry, and limitations in modulating individual 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 laser or group of lasers can be individually modulated to generate and alter structured light patterns dynamically, with optical elements applying diffractive or refractive modulation to create customizable patterns for improved tracking and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If edge-emitting lasers are used for structured light projection, then coherent Gaussian beams can be achieved for diffractive designs, but the system size increases and individual bar modulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser source into an array of independent VCSEL elements instead of using a single edge-emitting laser. Each VCSEL can be individually controlled and modulated, enabling precise beam geometry and individual bar modulation while reducing overall system size through vertical cavity integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by switching from edge-emitting lasers to vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). This parameter change enables individual element control, reduces beam divergence, and allows for compact integration while maintaining the required optical precision for structured light projection.
2Device complexity
If a single source emitter is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the light pattern cannot be modulated dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The single emitter is segmented into an array of independently controllable VCSEL elements. Each element can be modulated individually or in groups, enabling dynamic pattern adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through regular array geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability by enabling independent modulation of each VCSEL element or group of elements. This allows the light pattern to be changed dynamically in real-time, providing adaptability for different tracking scenarios while maintaining structural simplicity through systematic control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If high-density light patterns are used for high-resolution tracking, then tracking precision improves, but implementation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high-density light patterns by segmenting the laser source into a fine-pitched VCSEL array. Each VCSEL projects a narrow beam, and by closely spacing the VCSELs, high-resolution structured light patterns are generated without requiring complex optical systems or expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical systems that would traditionally be needed to generate high-density patterns with an electronically controllable VCSEL array. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and implementation costs while maintaining or improving tracking resolution through electronic beam 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 dynamic pattern adjustment for enhanced tracking accuracy, and allows for increased resolution in high-density areas, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems by providing a modifiable and adaptable structured light pattern.
Implementation Method 1
A VCSEL laser array is used, where each laser or group of lasers can be individually modulated to generate and alter structured light patterns
Implementation Method 2
optical elements applying diffractive or refractive modulation to create customizable patterns
Implementation Method 3
optical elements applying diffractive or refractive modulation to create customizable patterns
Data Source
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.