Apple inc. (20240288549). Depth sensing using multiple coherent emitters simplified abstract
Contents
Depth sensing using multiple coherent emitters
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Ehsan Shah-hosseini of San Francisco CA (US)
Edward Vail of Menlo Park CA (US)
Depth sensing using multiple coherent emitters - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240288549 titled 'Depth sensing using multiple coherent emitters
The range sensing apparatus described in the patent application consists of a transmitter with an array of emitters that emit coherent optical radiation beams. These beams are divided into transmitted and local beams by an optical assembly, with the local beam directed towards an optical detector and the transmitted beam towards a target. Reflected optical radiation from the target interferes optically with the local beam on the detector. A controller applies amplitude-chirped electrical drive pulses to the transmitter and controls the switching circuitry to multiplex the drive pulses among the emitters, processing the electrical beat signals output by the optical detector in response to the interference.
- The apparatus utilizes coherent optical radiation beams for range sensing.
- An optical assembly divides the beams into transmitted and local beams for detection.
- Amplitude-chirped electrical drive pulses are applied to the transmitter for control.
- The controller multiplexes the drive pulses among emitters and processes the output signals.
- Interference between reflected optical radiation and the local beam is used for range sensing.
Potential Applications: - Autonomous vehicles for obstacle detection - Robotics for object avoidance - Industrial automation for distance measurement
Problems Solved: - Accurate range sensing in various applications - Efficient detection and processing of optical signals
Benefits: - Improved accuracy in range sensing - Enhanced safety in autonomous systems - Increased efficiency in industrial automation processes
Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Range Sensing Technology for Autonomous Systems This technology can be utilized in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and industrial automation systems for precise range sensing, leading to improved safety and efficiency in various commercial applications.
Questions about Range Sensing Technology: 1. How does the apparatus utilize coherent optical radiation for range sensing? The apparatus emits coherent optical radiation beams and divides them into transmitted and local beams for detection, enabling accurate range sensing through interference with reflected optical radiation.
2. What are the potential applications of this technology in industrial automation? This technology can be used in industrial automation for distance measurement, improving efficiency in processes that require precise range sensing.
Original Abstract Submitted
range sensing apparatus includes a transmitter including an array of emitters configured to emit respective beams of coherent optical radiation and switching circuitry coupled to the emitters. an optical assembly is configured to divide each beam of the coherent optical radiation into a transmitted beam and a local beam, to project the local beam toward an optical detector, to project the transmitted beam toward a respective location on a target, and to direct optical radiation reflected from the respective location onto the optical detector so as to interfere optically with the local beam. a controller is coupled to apply amplitude-chirped electrical drive pulses to the transmitter while controlling the switching circuitry to temporally multiplex the electrical drive pulses among the emitters, and to receive and process electrical beat signals output by the optical detector in response to interference between the reflected optical radiation and the local beam.
