VCSEL and DMD Light Emitting Device for Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating structured light using diffractive optical elements are limited by a fixed field of view and are not flexible, and conventional side-emitting lasers have wavelength variations with temperature, reducing accuracy in structured light emission.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting device incorporating a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) and a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) to modulate and emit structured light with adjustable wavelength, allowing for increased flexibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a diffractive optical element is used to create structured light, then the light can be patterned, but the field of view is limited and the pattern is unchangeable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static diffractive optical element with a digital micromirror device that can dynamically change the light pattern. Each micromirror can be independently controlled to redirect light, enabling real-time reconfiguration of the structured light pattern without changing the physical optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an array of micromirrors with adjustable tilt angles to change the light pattern. By controlling the orientation of individual micromirrors, the system can dynamically alter the spatial distribution of light to create different patterns while maintaining a fixed optical path.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional side-emitting laser is used, then the device is simple, but the wavelength varies with temperature reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor to monitor the laser diode temperature and a control circuit that adjusts the drive current based on temperature readings. This feedback mechanism compensates for temperature-induced wavelength drift, maintaining stable wavelength output across varying thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating current of the laser diode dynamically based on temperature measurements. By adjusting the drive current parameter in response to temperature changes, the system compensates for wavelength drift and maintains measurement precision without requiring complex active cooling systems.
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 device achieves improved flexibility and accuracy in structured light emission, enabling more precise depth perception and three-dimensional imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light source which is a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)
Implementation Method 2
The VCSEL is configured to emit light having a first wavelength
Implementation Method 3
a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) configured to modulate the light emitted from the VCSEL into structured light
Implementation Method 4
a diffractive optical element (DOE) is usually used to diffract the light emitted from the light source to obtain required pattern
Implementation Method 5
a reflecting prism configured to guide the light from the source to the DMD
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device and an image capturing device using the light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a digital micro mirror (DMD), a reflecting prism, and a housing. The light from the light emitting element is modulated by the DMD into structured light. The reflecting prism is on an optical path of the source light. The reflecting prism guides the source light to the DMD. The housing defines a receiving cavity. The light emitting element, the reflecting prism, and the DMD are received in the receiving cavity. The housing defines a light exit opening, the structured light exits from the light exit opening.