VCSEL Light Source Temperature Calibration for Accurate Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source apparatuses using a plurality of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light-emitting elements face challenges in accurately detecting temperature due to size constraints and manufacturing inconsistencies, which affects the light-emitting efficiency and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus with an emission section arrayed with VCSEL light-emitting elements, a driving circuit section to control light emission, a temperature detection section with multiple temperature sensors, and a control section that corrects temperature detection values using pre-set correction values to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are disposed near light-emitting elements to detect temperature, then temperature detection capability is improved, but absolute accuracy of detection values deteriorates due to manufacturing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before actual operation. A calibration section executes temperature detection in advance to obtain detection values, which are then used to calculate correction values that compensate for manufacturing inconsistencies in the temperature sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of temperature detection accuracy by introducing correction values derived from calibration data. These correction values adjust the raw detection values from multiple temperature sensors, transforming them into accurate temperature information that compensates for manufacturing variations
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are disposed near each individual light-emitting element to enable accurate temperature detection, then device complexity increases due to size constraints and manufacturing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the calibration section perform multiple functions. The calibration section not only detects temperature but also automatically calculates and stores correction values for each temperature sensor, eliminating the need for separate manual calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically performing calibration and generating correction values without external intervention. The control section automatically manages the calibration process, calculates correction values from detection data, and stores them for future use, reducing operational complexity
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 proposed solution enhances the accuracy of temperature detection for the light source apparatus, leading to improved light-emitting efficiency and measurement precision, particularly in distance measurement applications using structured light or time of flight methods.
Implementation Method 1
A VCSEL light-emitting element is configured such that an oscillator is formed perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate surface and laser light is emitted in the perpendicular direction
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detection section including a plurality of temperature sensors arranged to detect a temperature of the emission section
Data Source
AI summary
A light source apparatus is provided with the emission section in which a plurality of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser light-emitting elements is arrayed, the driving circuit section that causes the plurality of light-emitting elements of the emission section to emit light, the temperature detection section that includes a plurality of temperature sensors arranged to detect the temperature of the emission section, and a control section. The control section is configured to, during an emission target period when the light-emitting elements of the emission section are driven by the driving circuit section, correct a detection value from each of the plurality of temperature sensors by using a correction value set for each of the temperature sensors.