Generation of coded structured light patterns using VCSEL arrays

A coded pattern projector apparatus comprising:

• a) a two-dimensional surface-emitting array of emitters comprising a plurality of emitters, each of the plurality of emitters operable to generate an optical beam in response to an electrical drive signal applied to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters, wherein the optical beams generated by the plurality of emitters form a two-dimensional pattern of optical beams;
• b) a first optical element positioned in an optical path of the plurality of optical beams generated by the two-dimensional surface-emitting array of emitters, the first optical element operable to project the two-dimensional pattern of optical beams;
• c) a second optical element positioned in the optical path of the plurality of optical beams generated by the two-dimensional surface-emitting array of emitters, the second optical element operable to replicate the two-dimensional pattern of optical beams, thereby generating a plurality of two-dimensional optical beam patterns that are projected at respective angles to produce a replicated two-dimensional pattern;
• and
• d) a controller having a plurality of electrical outputs, each of the plurality of electrical outputs being connected to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters, the controller operable to generate electrical drive signals that produce a coded replicated two-dimensional pattern.

A coded pattern projector apparatus comprising:

• a) a surface-emitting array of emitters comprising a plurality of emitters, each of the plurality of emitters operable to generate a shaped optical beam in response to an electrical drive signal applied to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters, wherein the shaped optical beams generated by the plurality of emitters form a two-dimensional pattern of shaped optical beams centered on an axis;
• b) a micro-prism array comprising a plurality of micro-optic prism elements, each of the plurality of micro-optic prism elements aligned to a respective one of the plurality of emitter of the surface-emitting array, wherein a surface angle for each micro-optic prism element of the micro-prism array presented to each respective one of the plurality of emitters of the surface-emitting array increases proportionally from a center of the micro-optic prism array such that two-dimensional pattern of shaped optical beams is bent toward the axis;
• c) a lens positioned to receive the two-dimensional pattern of shaped optical beams, the lens operable to produce an image of the two-dimensional pattern of shaped optical beams, and
• d) a controller having a plurality of electrical outputs, each of the plurality of electrical outputs being connected to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters, the controller operable to generate electrical drive signals that produce a coded image of a two-dimensional pattern of shaped optical spots.