Integrated VCSEL Projector for Diffuse and Structured 3D Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D sensing systems face challenges in achieving compactness, miniaturization, multi-functionality, and reduced power consumption while maintaining performance, particularly in applications requiring both uniform illumination and structured light for accurate depth profiling.
Innovation Solution
A projector and illumination module comprising an array of individual emitters, such as VCSELs or micro-LEDs, and an optical system with transfer devices that generate both illumination patterns and diverging light beams, allowing for adaptive illumination and pattern projection using a single module, which reduces the number of components and enhances functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate illumination module and projector module are used, then illumination uniformity and pattern projection performance are improved, but device complexity and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination module and projector module into a single integrated module. The VCSEL array serves dual purposes: generating illumination light for uniform scene lighting and generating patterned light for structured light projection. This merging eliminates the need for separate modules, reducing device complexity and assembly costs while maintaining both illumination and pattern projection functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The VCSEL array is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates both the illumination light required for general scene lighting and the structured light patterns required for 3D sensing. By making the light source universal, the patent reduces the total number of components needed while ensuring both functions operate with optimized performance.
2Reliability
If multiple separate modules are used, then functional performance is improved, but miniaturization and compactness are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the illumination and projector functions into a single module, the patent significantly reduces the overall volume required for the 3D sensing system. The shared VCSEL array and optical components eliminate redundant structures, enabling miniaturization while maintaining full sensing performance.
3Reliability
If multiple separate modules are used, then functional capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VCSEL array serves as a universal light source for both illumination and pattern projection, eliminating the need for multiple separate light sources. This reduces total power consumption while maintaining the performance required for both uniform scene lighting and structured light sensing.
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 solution enables reduced product complexity, lower assembly costs, improved reliability, and enhanced performance by integrating scene illumination and pattern projection into a single miniature module, supporting both 2D imaging and 3D information acquisition with optimized power management.
Implementation Method 1
The individual emitters may comprise at least vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) or at least one micro-light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
The array of transfer devices comprises at least one transfer device for each of the individual emitters
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a projector and illumination module configured for scene illumination and pattern projection. The projector and illumination module includes at least one array of a plurality of individual emitters and at least one optical system. Each of the individual emitters is configured for generating at least one illumination light beam. The at least one optical system includes at least one array of a plurality of transfer devices. The at least one array of the plurality of transfer devices includes at least one transfer device for each of the individual emitters. The at least one array of the plurality of transfer devices includes at least two groups of transfer devices. The transfer devices of one of the groups are configured for generating at least one illumination pattern. The transfer devices of the other group are configured for generating diverging light beams.