VCSEL Array Polarization Layout for Multipath-Resistant 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting element arrays face interference issues due to multipath light in three-dimensional shape measurement systems, particularly in portable information processing devices and augmented reality applications, where accurate depth measurement is compromised by indirect light reflections.
Innovation Solution
The light emitting element array is configured with VCSELs arranged in a two-dimensional array, where the polarization component intensity in one direction is controlled to be lower than in another direction, reducing interference by optimizing the spacing and polarization control of VCSELs to suppress multipath light effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light emitting elements are arranged in a dense array to improve measurement coverage, then the area of measurement increases, but light interference due to multipath reflection worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each light emitting element have a specific polarization orientation tailored to its position in the array. Elements in different locations have different polarization directions optimized for their local interference environment, allowing the entire array to achieve both high coverage and interference suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the polarization characteristics of light emitting elements. Rather than uniform polarization, elements are assigned different polarization states (e.g., some horizontal, some vertical, some diagonal) to break the symmetry of interference patterns and reduce multipath effects across the measurement area.
2Measurement precision
If polarization control is applied to reduce multipath interference, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization parameter (orientation angle) of each light emitting element to optimize performance. By adjusting this single parameter across different elements in the array, the system achieves improved measurement accuracy without adding complex mechanical or electronic control mechanisms.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of three-dimensional shape measurement by minimizing the impact of multipath light interference, improving the reliability of depth measurement in applications like face authentication and augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
among polarization components of light emitted by the light emitting element capable of causing interference of emitted light, light intensity of a polarization component of light in a second direction intersecting with a first direction in which light emitting elements capable of causing the interference of the light are arranged is smaller than light intensity of a polarization component in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light emitting elements, in which, among polarization components of light emitted by the light emitting element
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting element array includes: plural light emitting elements, in which, among polarization components of light emitted by the light emitting element capable of causing interference of emitted light, light intensity of a polarization component of light in a second direction intersecting with a first direction in which light emitting elements capable of causing the interference of the light are arranged is smaller than light intensity of a polarization component in the first direction.