VCSEL Pattern Projection for Dense 3D Body Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for 3D mapping and optical projection lack efficient methods to integrate VCSELs into communication devices, particularly mobile devices, for receiving and processing 3D maps and 2D images.
Innovation Solution
A tunable VCSEL laser with one or more active regions and buried tunnel junctions (BTJs) is integrated into a communication device, allowing for the reception of 3D maps and 2D images. The VCSEL's output beam is shaped and focused to produce multiple overlapping replicas of a baseline light pattern, enhancing pattern density and optical confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VCSELs are integrated into mobile devices for 3D mapping, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the VCSEL laser, optics for pattern projection, and 3D mapping processing into an integrated apparatus within the mobile device. This merging of multiple functional components into a unified system enables 3D mapping capability while managing device complexity through integrated design rather than separate modular components.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple overlapping replicas of light pattern are produced, then pattern density is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tunable VCSEL laser that can dynamically adjust its output characteristics to produce multiple overlapping replicas of the baseline light pattern. The optics system dynamically controls the projection of these replicas to achieve finer pattern density. This dynamic approach allows flexible control over pattern density without requiring fixed, ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable VCSEL laser changes operational parameters such as wavelength and output intensity to generate multiple overlapping light patterns. By varying these parameters, the system achieves higher pattern density while accommodating standard manufacturing precision levels, as the parameter adjustments compensate for minor manufacturing variations.
3Illumination intensity
If VCSEL output beam is shaped and focused, then optical confinement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optics as an intermediary component between the VCSEL laser and the target object. These optics (including lenses and pattern projection elements) shape and focus the VCSEL output beam to achieve proper optical confinement and pattern formation. This intermediary approach enables precise optical control while keeping the VCSEL itself relatively simple.
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 integration of the tunable VCSEL laser into communication devices enables efficient processing and analysis of 3D maps and 2D images, allowing for precise control of interactive functions based on user gaze direction.
Implementation Method 1
A tunable VCSEL laser with one or more active regions and quantum wells and barriers, the active regions surrounded by one or more p-n junctions
Implementation Method 2
Optics collect and focus light emitted by the output of the VCSEL laser defining a baseline light pattern having a given pitch
Implementation Method 3
producing and projecting multiple overlapping replicas of the baseline light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided to receive a three-dimensional (3D) map of at least a part of a body of a user. A tunable VCSEL laser has one or more active regions having quantum wells and barriers, the active regions surrounded by one or more p-n junctions, the one or more active regions can include a selected shape structure, as well as one or more tunnel junctions (TJ), one or more apertures are provided with the selected shape structure, one or more buried tunnel junctions (BTJ) or oxide confine apertured, additional TJ's, planar structures and or additional BTJ's created during a regrowth process that is independent of a first growth process with a VCSEL output. Optics collect and focus light emitted by the output of the VCSEL laser defining a baseline light pattern having a given pitch, corresponding to a two-dimensional pattern of the optical emitters on a substrate, producing and projecting multiple overlapping replicas of the baseline light pattern with a composite pattern density that is finer than the pitch of the baseline light pattern.