VCSEL Light Source Module for Near-Far Distance Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measurement devices face limitations in efficiently transferring light to objects due to fixed emission angles and single light source elements, leading to reduced power efficiency, noise, and resolution degradation, especially at longer distances.
Innovation Solution
A light source module comprising multiple vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers with adjustable apertures and a collimator lens, driven by a control device to adjust beam intensity and direction, allowing for region-specific light distribution and movement, enabling efficient light transfer and accurate distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical device with fixed emission angle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light transfer efficiency to objects at varying distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source into multiple VCSELs arranged in a matrix, with each VCSEL independently controllable. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific VCSELs based on distance requirements, improving light transfer efficiency without requiring complex adjustable optical devices for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of VCSEL output intensities and selective activation/deactivation of VCSELs based on measured distance. This dynamic adjustment optimizes light transfer efficiency for objects at varying distances while maintaining a relatively simple fixed optical device configuration.
2Device complexity
If light is emitted without dividing the object into regions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments both the light source (multiple VCSELs) and the target object (divided into regions). Each VCSEL corresponds to specific object regions, enabling region-specific distance measurement with higher precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through systematic mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different output intensities to different VCSELs based on their corresponding object regions. This local quality adjustment ensures optimal light intensity for each region, improving measurement precision without requiring uniform complex control across the entire system.
3Device complexity
If a single light source element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light output intensity for long distance measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple VCSELs arranged in a matrix instead of a single light source element. This segmentation allows parallel light emission from multiple elements, collectively providing sufficient light output intensity for long distance measurement while maintaining relatively simple individual VCSEL structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the light output from multiple VCSELs to achieve the required total light intensity for long distance measurement. By merging the contributions of multiple independent VCSELs, the system achieves high illumination intensity without requiring a single complex high-power light source.
4Illumination intensity
If the output is concentrated in a specific region, then the light output intensity is improved, but the measurable area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source into multiple VCSELs that can be independently controlled. This allows concentration of light output in specific regions when needed (by activating only certain VCSELs) while maintaining the capability to measure larger areas (by activating additional VCSELs), thus resolving the contradiction between intensity concentration and measurable area.
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 solution enhances power efficiency and accuracy in distance measurement by ensuring sufficient light reaches the object, reducing noise and improving resolution across varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser, which is configured to transfer light through N (N being a natural number equal to or greater than 1) apertures (or emitters)
Implementation Method 2
at least one collimator lens through which light emitted by the light source part passes
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment may provide a light source module including: a light source part including at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser, which is configured to transfer light through N (N being a natural number equal to or greater than 1) apertures; at least one collimator lens through which light emitted from the light source part passes; and a driving device configured to make the collimator lens move, wherein the at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser comprises divided regions, and an intensity of a beam is controlled according to a predetermined far-distance mode or near-distance mode.