Dynamic VCSEL Structured Light for Compact 3D Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structured light systems for three-dimensional depth mapping face challenges with high cost, complexity, and reduced detection performance due to the use of edge-emitting lasers, which cannot be dynamically controlled and require coherent Gaussian beams, limiting their application in high-density patterns and size-restricted devices.
Innovation Solution
An array of VCSEL lasers is modulated individually or in groups, with each laser or group equipped with its own optical element for dynamic control of the structured light pattern, allowing for adjustable intensity, polarization, focus, and orientation to enhance detection performance and adapt to varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If edge-emitting lasers are used for structured light projection, then coherent Gaussian beams can be generated, but the system cannot be dynamically controlled and requires high complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser system into an array of independent VCSEL elements that can be individually controlled. Each VCSEL in the array operates as an independent light source, allowing selective activation and dynamic pattern generation without requiring complex mechanical modulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by enabling individual VCSELs to be turned on/off or modulated independently through electronic control. This allows the structured light pattern to be dynamically reconfigured in real-time, adapting to different tracking scenarios and object positions without physical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If high-density structured light patterns are projected, then detection precision improves, but device size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using a single laser source to a two-dimensional array of VCSELs. This dimensional expansion allows multiple light sources to be packed in a compact area, enabling high-density pattern projection without proportionally increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameters of the light source by arranging VCSELs in a dense grid pattern. This allows the projection of high-density structured light patterns with closely spaced beams, achieving improved depth mapping precision while maintaining a compact form factor through optimized source geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual laser control is implemented, then pattern flexibility improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an array of identical VCSEL elements that are mass-produced using standardized semiconductor fabrication processes. Each VCSEL in the array is a copy of the same basic structure, allowing for economies of scale in manufacturing while still enabling individual control through electronic addressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each VCSEL element universal and multi-functional, capable of serving different roles in the structured light pattern depending on control settings. The same VCSEL array hardware can generate various patterns (lines, planes, dots) and can be dynamically reconfigured, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components.
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 approach enables flexible and high-resolution structured light patterns, improving detection performance in dense areas and allowing for dynamic adjustments based on scene analysis, enhancing the capability for three-dimensional tracking and depth mapping in devices with size constraints.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, or VCSEL is a type of semiconductor laser diode in which laser beam emission is perpendicular from the top surface
Implementation Method 2
each laser or group equipped with its own optical element for dynamic control of the structured light pattern, allowing for adjustable intensity, polarization, focus, and orientation
Implementation Method 3
The way that the pattern deforms on striking surfaces allows the vision system to calculate the depth and surface information of objects in the scene
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for generating a dynamic structured light pattern for optical tracking in three-dimensional space, comprises an array of lasers, such as a VCSEL laser array, to project light in a pattern into a three-dimensional space; and an optical element or elements arranged in cells. The cells are aligned with subsets of the laser array, and each cell individually applies a modulation, in particular an intensity modulation, to light from the laser or lasers of the subset, to provide a distinguishable and separately controllable part of the dynamic structured light pattern. A method of generating a structured light pattern is disclosed, in which light is provided from an array of lasers, and light is individually projected from subsets of the array of lasers to provide differentiated parts of the structured light pattern.