{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854226","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854226","title":"Illuminator for camera system having three dimensional time-of-flight capture with movable mirror element","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-12-22T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G01S","G01S","G01S","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":15,"abstract":"An apparatus is described that includes a camera system having a time-of-flight illuminator. The time of flight illuminator has a light source and one or more tiltable mirror elements. The one or more tiltable mirror elements are to direct the illuminator's light to only a region within the illuminator's field of view."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element enhances time-of-flight (ToF) camera systems by using tiltable mirror elements to precisely direct light within the camera's field of view. This innovation addresses the problem of inefficient light utilization in traditional ToF cameras, which often illuminate areas outside the region of interest, leading to wasted energy and reduced image quality. The key technical approach involves incorporating a light source and one or more tiltable mirror elements that are controlled to focus light only on the desired area. This results in improved depth-sensing accuracy, reduced power consumption, and enhanced robustness to ambient light interference. The business value and applications of this technology are significant, with potential impact on various industries including automotive, robotics, and consumer electronics. More precise depth sensing can lead to more reliable autonomous driving systems, improved robot navigation, and enhanced augmented reality experiences. The market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as the demand for advanced 3D imaging solutions continues to grow across multiple sectors. By providing a more efficient and accurate approach to depth sensing, the Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element is poised to capture a significant share of this market.","layman_explanation":"1. What Problem Does This Solve? (100-150 words)\n\nExisting 3D cameras, particularly those using time-of-flight (ToF) technology, often suffer from inefficiencies in how they use light. They tend to illuminate a wide area, even if only a small portion of that area is of interest. This wastes energy and can reduce the accuracy of the 3D image. Current solutions don't effectively focus the light where it's needed, leading to suboptimal performance.\n\n2. How Does It Work? (200-300 words)\n\nImagine a spotlight with a tiny, adjustable mirror inside. The Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element uses this concept. Instead of shining light everywhere, it uses small, tiltable mirrors to direct the light only to the specific area the camera is trying to capture in 3D. Think of it like focusing a magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight on a small spot. By controlling the angle of these mirrors, the system can precisely illuminate the target, ensuring that the camera receives the most relevant information. This focused approach not only improves the quality of the 3D image but also reduces the amount of energy the camera consumes.\n\n3. Why Does This Matter? (150-200 words)\n\nThis innovation has significant implications for various industries. In the automotive sector, it can lead to more reliable autonomous driving systems by providing more accurate depth perception. In robotics, it can improve the ability of robots to navigate complex environments and interact with objects. In augmented reality, it can enhance the realism of virtual experiences. The market impact is substantial, as more accurate and efficient 3D imaging can unlock new possibilities across these sectors. The potential ROI is high, as companies can reduce operating costs and improve the performance of their products.\n\n4. What's Next? (50-100 words)\n\nThe future applications of this technology are vast. As 3D imaging becomes more prevalent in various industries, the demand for more efficient and accurate solutions will continue to grow. Market adoption is expected to accelerate as companies realize the benefits of this innovation. Investment implications are positive, as this technology represents a promising opportunity for growth and innovation.","technical_analysis":"The Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element focuses on enhancing the performance of time-of-flight (ToF) camera systems through the use of tiltable mirror elements. The technical architecture consists of a light source, one or more tiltable mirrors, and a control system. The light source emits a modulated light signal, which is then directed by the tiltable mirrors towards the target scene. The control system adjusts the angle of the mirrors based on the desired illumination pattern, ensuring that light is focused only on the region of interest. Implementation details involve the use of high-precision actuators to control the tiltable mirror elements. These actuators must be able to adjust the mirror angle quickly and accurately to maintain optimal illumination. The control algorithms are designed to minimize errors and ensure that the light is focused precisely on the target area. Integration patterns include the use of standard interfaces and protocols to connect the system to other components of the camera system. Performance characteristics are evaluated based on metrics such as depth-sensing accuracy, energy efficiency, and robustness to ambient light interference. Code-level implications involve the development of software to control the actuators and process the data from the camera sensor. This software must be optimized for performance to ensure real-time operation. The system also needs to be calibrated to account for any imperfections in the mirror alignment or sensor characteristics. The Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element improves depth-sensing accuracy and reduces power consumption compared to conventional ToF camera systems. This technology is poised to disrupt multiple industries by enabling more reliable autonomous systems, enhanced AR/VR experiences, and more efficient industrial processes.","business_analysis":"The Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element presents a significant business opportunity in the growing market for 3D imaging solutions. The market opportunity size is substantial, with applications spanning across automotive, robotics, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. The competitive advantages of this technology include improved depth-sensing accuracy, reduced power consumption, and enhanced robustness to ambient light interference. These advantages translate into tangible benefits for customers, such as more reliable autonomous systems, enhanced user experiences, and reduced operating costs. The revenue potential for this technology is significant, with opportunities to generate revenue through licensing, product sales, and service contracts. The business models that can be supported by this technology include licensing to camera manufacturers, selling complete camera systems, and providing consulting services to customers. The strategic positioning of this technology is strong, as it addresses a key pain point in the 3D imaging market: the need for more efficient and accurate depth-sensing solutions. The ROI projections for this technology are attractive, with the potential to generate significant returns on investment through increased sales, reduced costs, and improved customer satisfaction. The Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element is poised to capture a significant share of the 3D imaging market by providing a more efficient and accurate approach to depth sensing. The technology's competitive advantages, revenue potential, and strategic positioning make it an attractive investment opportunity for companies seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced 3D imaging solutions.","faqs":null,"topics":["3D imaging","time-of-flight camera","ToF","tiltable mirror","depth sensing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"3D Camera Illuminator - Movable Mirror Element Patent","description":"Discover the Illuminator for Camera System Having Three Dimensional Time-of-flight Capture with Movable Mirror Element patent. Enhanced depth sensing, reduced power consumption with tiltable mirrors.","keywords":["3D imaging","time-of-flight camera","ToF","tiltable mirror","depth sensing","autonomous navigation","augmented reality","industrial automation","patent","patent US-9854226"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854226","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854226","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Illuminator for camera system having three dimensional time-of-flight capture with movable mirror element\" (US-9854226). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854226","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854226","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854226","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T10:18:41.388Z"}