Optical detection module and method for operating the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an optical detection module and a method for operating the optical detection module. The optical detection module can be used to implement a proximity sensing function by detecting ambient light outside the optical detection module and based on a first detection threshold. The optical detection module can be further used to implement other active functions such as material detection, such as skin, or depth sensing, by emitting one or more optical signals, such as optical pulses of a specific wavelength, and by detecting reflected optical signals associated with a second and / or third detection threshold. The present disclosure provides technical solutions for actively monitoring detection thresholds of optical detection modules to achieve better power management. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, these solutions have significant effects on light detectors with a wide sensing bandwidth, such as light detectors formed of germanium or light detectors having an absorption region containing germanium.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with application number 202210466421.8 filed on April 29, 2022, and invention name “Optical detection module and method for operating an optical detection module”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an optical detection module and a method of operating an optical detection module. Background Art

[0003] Sensors are widely used in various applications, such as smartphones, wearable electronic devices, autonomous vehicles, etc., for object recognition, image enhancement, material recognition, and other related applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be derived from the description, or may be obtained by implementing the embodiments.

[0005] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure discloses a method for operating an optical detection module. The method includes (i) detecting ambient light through a receiving unit of the optical detection module. The method also includes (ii) obtaining, through a processor, a first integral value corresponding to the ambient light from the receiving unit. The method also includes (iii) determining, through the processor, whether the first integral value satisfies a first threshold condition. The method also includes (iv) in response to determining that the first integral value does not satisfy the first threshold condition, sending one or more first control signals through a controller to (1) turn off a first light source of an emitting unit of the optical detection module, wherein the first light source is configured to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength, and turn off a second light source of the emitting unit of the optical detection module, wherein the second light source is configured to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength, or (2) reduce a detection frequency of the receiving unit. The method also includes (v) in response to determining that the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition, sending one or more second control signals through the controller to activate the first light source of the emitting unit of the optical detection module to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, (v) further includes (a) obtaining, via a processor, a second integral value corresponding to the first optical signal from the receiving unit. (v) includes (b) determining, via the processor, whether the second integral value satisfies a second threshold condition. (v) includes (c) in response to determining that the second integral value satisfies the second threshold condition, sending, via a controller, one or more third control signals to activate a second light source of an emitting unit of the optical detection module to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength, wherein the first peak wavelength is different from the second peak wavelength. (v) includes (d) in response to determining that the second integral value does not satisfy the second threshold condition, sending, via the controller, one or more fourth control signals to (1) turn off the second light source or (2) reduce the detection frequency of the receiving unit.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reducing the detection frequency of the receiving unit further includes (1) reducing the frequency of the first light source emitting the first optical signal, or reducing the frequency of the second light source emitting the second optical signal; or (2) reducing the operating frequency of the receiving unit.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, (a) further includes obtaining, by the processor and from the receiving unit, a first background integral value corresponding to the ambient light in a first reference time slot before the first target time slot. In addition, (a) further includes obtaining, by the processor and from the receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal in the first target time slot. In addition, (a) further includes obtaining, by the processor and from the receiving unit, a second background integral value corresponding to the ambient light in a second reference time slot after the first target time slot. In addition, (a) further includes determining, by the processor, an average of the first background integral value and the second background integral value to obtain an average background integral value. In addition, (a) further includes adjusting, by the processor and based on the average background integral value, the first foreground integral value to determine the second integral value.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, (a) further includes obtaining, through a processor and from a receiving unit, a first background integral value group corresponding to ambient light in a plurality of first reference time slots preceding a first target time slot. Furthermore, (a) further includes obtaining, through a processor and from a receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of ambient light and a first optical signal in the first target time slot. Furthermore, (a) further includes obtaining, through a processor and from a receiving unit, a second background integral value group corresponding to ambient light in a plurality of second reference time slots following the first target time slot. Furthermore, (a) further includes determining, through a processor, an average of the first background integral value group and the second background integral value group to obtain an average background integral value. Furthermore, (a) further includes adjusting, through a processor and based on the average background integral value, the first foreground integral value to determine a second integral value.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, (c) further includes detecting, by a processor of the optical detection module, a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength. Furthermore, (c) further includes obtaining, by the processor, a third integrated value of the second optical signal. Furthermore, (c) further includes determining, by the processor, a comparison result of the second integrated value and the third integrated value. Furthermore, (c) further includes identifying, by the processor, a material of the target object based on the comparison result.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a third background integral value of the ambient light in a third reference time slot before the second target time slot. Obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a second foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of the ambient light and the second optical signal in the second target time slot. Obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a fourth background integral value of the ambient light in a fourth reference time slot after the second target time slot. Obtaining the third integral value further includes determining, through the processor, an average of the third background integral value and the fourth background integral value to obtain an average background integral value. Obtaining the third integral value further includes adjusting, through the processor and based on the average background integral value, the second foreground integral value to determine the third integral value.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, obtaining the second integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a first background integral value corresponding to the ambient light in a first reference time slot before the first target time slot. Obtaining the second integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to the combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal in the first target time slot. Obtaining the second integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a second background integral value corresponding to the ambient light in a second reference time slot after the first target time slot. Obtaining the second integral value further includes determining, through the processor, the average of the first background integral value and the second background integral value to obtain an average background integral value. Obtaining the second integral value further includes adjusting, through the processor and based on the average background integral value, the first foreground integral value to determine the second integral value.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a third background integral value group corresponding to the ambient light in multiple third reference time slots before the second target time slot. Obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a second foreground integral value corresponding to the combination of the ambient light and the second optical signal in the second target time slot. Obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, through the processor and from the receiving unit, a fourth background integral value group corresponding to the ambient light in multiple fourth reference time slots after the second target time slot. Obtaining the third integral value further includes determining, through the processor, an average of the third background integral value group and the fourth background integral value group to obtain an average background integral value. Obtaining the third integral value further includes adjusting, through the processor and based on the average background integral value, the second foreground integral value to determine the second integral value.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, obtaining the second integral value further includes obtaining, through a processor and from a receiving unit, a first background integral value group corresponding to the ambient light in a plurality of first reference time slots before the first target time slot. Obtaining the second integral value further includes obtaining, through a processor and from a receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal in the first target time slot. Obtaining the second integral value further includes obtaining, through a processor and from a receiving unit, a second background integral value group corresponding to the ambient light in a plurality of second reference time slots after the first target time slot. Obtaining the second integral value further includes determining, through a processor, an average of the first background integral value group and the second background integral value group to obtain an average background integral value. Obtaining the second integral value further includes adjusting, through a processor and based on the average background integral value, the first foreground integral value to determine the second integral value.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the substance comprises human skin, wood, or fabric.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes: determining, by a processor, that the material of the target object is skin; and repeating steps (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) in response to determining that the material of the target object is not skin.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes: determining, by a processor, that the material of the target object is skin; and in response to determining that the material of the target object is skin, implementing a health sensing function, which includes determining at least one of heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen saturation.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes: determining, by a processor, that the material of the target object is skin; and performing a biometric authentication operation in response to determining that the material of the target object is skin.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes: determining, by a processor, that the material of the target object is skin; and adjusting operating parameters of one or more optical detection modules in response to determining that the material of the target object is skin to reduce power consumption of the optical detection module.

[0020] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure discloses an optical detection module, comprising: a receiving unit; a transmitting unit, comprising a first light source configured to transmit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength, and a second light source configured to transmit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength; a processor electrically communicating with the receiving unit; and a controller electrically communicating with the receiving unit, the processor, and / or the transmitting unit; wherein the optical detection module is configured to perform operations including: detecting ambient light through the receiving unit of the optical detection module; obtaining a first integral value corresponding to the ambient light from the receiving unit through the processor; determining, through the processor, whether the first integral value meets a first threshold condition; and determining, in response to determining the first integral value, whether the first integral value meets a first threshold condition. If the score does not meet the first threshold condition, the controller sends one or more first control signals to (1) turn off the first light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module, wherein the first light source is configured to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength, and turn off the second light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module, wherein the second light source is configured to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength, or (2) reduce the detection frequency of the receiving unit; and in response to determining that the first integral value meets the first threshold condition, the controller sends one or more second control signals to start the first light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module to emit the first optical signal having a first peak wavelength.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module is configured for use in a wireless headset.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module is configured for use in a wearable electronic device.

[0023] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a method for operating an optical detection module, comprising (i) obtaining, by a processor and from a receiving unit, a first background integral value corresponding to ambient light in a first reference time slot before a first target time slot. The method further comprises (ii) obtaining, by a processor and from a receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of ambient light and a target optical signal in the first target time slot. The method further comprises (iii) obtaining, by a processor and from a receiving unit, a second background integral value corresponding to ambient light in a second reference time slot after the first target time slot. The method further comprises (iv) determining, by a processor, an average of the first background integral value and the second background integral value to obtain an average background integral value. The method further comprises (v) adjusting, by a processor and based on the average background integral value, the first foreground integral value to determine a second integral value.

[0024] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a method for operating an optical detection module comprising a plurality of receiving units and a plurality of emitting units corresponding to the plurality of receiving units, respectively, comprising: (i) detecting ambient light through at least one receiving unit in the optical detection module; (ii) obtaining, through a processor, a first integral value corresponding to the ambient light from the receiving unit; (iii) determining, through the processor, whether the first integral value satisfies a first threshold condition; (iv) in response to determining that the first integral value does not satisfy the first threshold condition, sending, through a controller, one or more first control signals to (1) turn off the light sources of the plurality of emitting units, or (2) reduce the detection frequency of each receiving unit; and (v) in response to determining that the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition, sending, through the controller, one or more second control signals to activate one or more light sources of the plurality of emitting units of the optical detection module to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, (v) further includes obtaining, through a processor, a second integral value corresponding to the first optical signal and the ambient light from one of the receiving units. In addition, (v) further includes. In addition, (v) further includes determining, through a processor, whether the second integral value satisfies a second threshold condition. In addition, (v) further includes, in response to determining that the second integral value satisfies the second threshold condition, sending, through a controller, one or more fourth control signals to (1) activate another one or more light sources of the multiple transmitting units. In addition, (v) further includes, in response to determining that the second integral value does not satisfy the second threshold condition, sending, through a controller, one or more third control signals to turn off at least one light source, or (2) reduce the detection frequency of the receiving unit corresponding to the at least one light source.

[0026] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a pixel broadband sensor comprising a carrier and a pixel array carried by the carrier and including a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a first light detection unit having a first light detector, the first light detector being configured to receive a first optical signal in a first wavelength range and generate photocarriers in response to the first optical signal. Each pixel also includes a second light detection unit having a second light detector, the second light detector being configured to receive a second optical signal in a second wavelength range and generate photocarriers in response to the second optical signal, wherein the first wavelength range is outside the range of visible light and the second wavelength range is within the range of visible light. Each pixel also includes a light source array having a plurality of light sources surrounding the pixel array.

[0027] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, the plurality of light sources include light emitting diodes or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor further includes an integrated circuit layer disposed between the pixel array and the carrier, and the integrated circuit layer further includes a control circuit configured to control the pixel array.

[0029] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, the integrated circuit layer includes one or more drivers configured to control the light source array, and the integrated circuit layer surrounds and is electrically coupled to the light source array.

[0030] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, the pixel array is a two-dimensional array.

[0031] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, the first photodetector includes a first absorption region formed of a first material including germanium, and the second photodetector includes RGB photodetectors formed of a second material including silicon.

[0032] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, the second light detector includes at least one blue light detector, a green light detector, or a red light detector.

[0033] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, at least one first light detection unit or the second light detection unit is at least partially embedded in the substrate.

[0034] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a pixel broadband sensor assembly comprising a plurality of pixel broadband sensors. Each pixel broadband sensor comprises a carrier and a pixel array carried by the carrier and comprising a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises a first light detection unit having a first light detector, the first light detector being configured to receive a first optical signal in a first wavelength range and to generate photocarriers in response to the first optical signal. Each pixel further comprises a second light detection unit having a second light detector, the second light detector being configured to receive a second optical signal in a second wavelength range and to generate photocarriers in response to the second optical signal. The first wavelength range is outside the range of visible light, and the second wavelength range is within the range of visible light. Each pixel further comprises a light source array having a plurality of light sources surrounding the pixel array.

[0035] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensors are arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0036] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the plurality of light sources include light emitting diodes or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor further includes an integrated circuit layer disposed between the pixel array and the carrier, wherein the integrated circuit layer further includes a control circuit configured to control the pixel array.

[0038] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the integrated circuit layer includes one or more drivers configured to control the light source array, and the integrated circuit layer surrounds and is electrically coupled to the light source array.

[0039] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the pixel array is a two-dimensional array.

[0040] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the first photodetector includes a first absorption region formed of a first material including germanium, and the second photodetector includes RGB photodetectors formed of a second material including silicon.

[0041] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the second light detector includes at least one blue light detector, a green light detector, or a red light detector.

[0042] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, at least one first light detection unit or second light detection unit is at least partially embedded in the substrate.

[0043] Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a pixel broadband sensor. The pixel broadband sensor includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels. Each pixel also includes a first light detection unit having a first light detector, the first light detector being configured to receive a first optical signal in a first wavelength range and generate photocarriers in response to the first optical signal. Each pixel also includes a second light detection unit having a second light detector, the second light detector being configured to receive a second optical signal in a second wavelength range and generate photocarriers in response to the second optical signal, wherein the first wavelength range is outside the range of visible light and the second wavelength range is within the range of visible light. Each pixel also includes a light source array having a plurality of light sources to emit light to a target object, wherein the light source array is disposed below the pixel array. Each pixel also includes a shielding layer between the light source array and the pixel array, and configured to block light emitted by the light source from being absorbed by the first light detection unit and the second light detection unit.

[0044] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the plurality of light sources include light emitting diodes or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor assembly further includes an integrated circuit layer between the pixel array and the shielding layer, wherein the integrated circuit layer further includes a control circuit configured to control the pixel array.

[0046] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor of the present disclosure, the pixel array is a two-dimensional array.

[0047] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, the first photodetector includes a first absorption region formed of germanium, and the second photodetector includes RGB photodetectors formed of silicon.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second light detector includes at least one blue light detector, a green light detector, or a red light detector.

[0049] In some embodiments of the pixel broadband sensor assembly of the present disclosure, at least one first light detection unit or second light detection unit is at least partially embedded in the substrate.

[0050] Other example aspects of the present application include systems, methods, devices, sensors, electronic devices, tangible non-transitory computer-readable media, and memory elements related to the described technology.

[0051] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments are described below. The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification, and their purpose is to illustrate the embodiments of the present application and to explain the relevant principles in conjunction with the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an optical detection module in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figures 2A to 2E A flowchart of a method for operating an optical detection module in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figures 3A to 3E A timing diagram of an optical detection module operated by a method in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for operating an optical detection module in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an optical detection module in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for operating an optical detection module in some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 7A A top view of a pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 7B A pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 7C A pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 7D A pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 7A a cross-section along the axis marked A-A';

[0062] Figure 7E A pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 7A a cross-section along the axis marked A-A';

[0063] Figure 8 A pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first light detection unit and the second light detection unit are connected to the same substrate;

[0064] Figure 9 A pixel broadband sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 10A A top view of a pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 10BA pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 10A A cross-section is marked along the BB' axis.

[0067] Reference numerals

[0068] 10 Optical detection module

[0069] 100 receiving units

[0070] 200 launch units

[0071] 201 First Light Source

[0072] 202 Second Light Source

[0073] 300 processors

[0074] 400 controller

[0075] 50 Optical Detection Module

[0076] 501 receiving unit

[0077] 502 receiving unit

[0078] 503 launch unit

[0079] 5031 Light Source

[0080] 504 Transmitter Unit

[0081] 5041 Light Source

[0082] 505 processor

[0083] 506 Controller

[0084] 700-pixel broadband sensor

[0085] 700a pixel broadband sensor

[0086] 700d-pixel broadband sensor

[0087] 700e pixel broadband sensor

[0088] 710 first light detection unit

[0089] 711 First Photodetector

[0090] 712 second light detection unit

[0091] 713 Blue Light Detector

[0092] 714 Green Light Detector

[0093] 715 Red Light Detector

[0094] 720-pixel array

[0095] 721+ pixels

[0096] 721a pixels

[0097] 721b pixels

[0098] 730 light source array

[0099] 731 Light Source

[0100] 740 integrated circuit layer

[0101] 750 bonding layer

[0102] 760 Optical Filter

[0103] 760a Bandpass Filter

[0104] 760b Bandpass Filter

[0105] 760c Bandpass Filter

[0106] 760d Bandpass Filter

[0107] 770 lens element

[0108] 780 carrier

[0109] 790 shielding layer

[0110] 806 Optical Signal

[0111] 807 Insulation Structure

[0112] 808 Optical Signal

[0113] 812 n-Si region

[0114] 813 p+Si region

[0115] 814 p-Si region

[0116] 815 n+Si region

[0117] 816 First Gate

[0118] 822 n-Si region

[0119] 823 p+Si region

[0120] 824 p-Si region

[0121] 825 n+Si region

[0122] 826 Second Gate

[0123] 831 p+GeSi region

[0124] 833 First Absorption Area

[0125] 856 oxide layer

[0126] 900-pixel broadband sensor assembly

[0127] 911 Light

[0128] 940a pixel broadband sensor

[0129] Steps S1 to S27

[0130] Steps S31 to S35

[0131] Steps S611 to S623

[0132] Steps S911 to S915

[0133] Steps S921 to S925

[0134] Steps S1711 to S1715

[0135] Steps S1721 to S1725

[0136] A1~A13 period

[0137] B1~B13 period

[0138] C1~C10 period

[0139] D1~D10 period

[0140] E1~E10 period

[0141] T0~T13 time slots

[0142] Va first value

[0143] Vb second value

[0144] A-A' section tangent line

[0145] B-B' section tangent line DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0146] The optical detection module can be used to implement a proximity sensing function by detecting ambient light outside the optical detection module. The optical detection module can be further used to implement other active functions, such as material detection (e.g., skin) or by emitting one or more optical signals (e.g., optical pulses of a specific wavelength) and detecting the reflected light signal to implement a depth sensing function. As more and more functions are implemented by optical detection modules, power management is becoming increasingly important for optical detection modules. The present disclosure provides a technical solution for an optical detection module that actively monitors a detection threshold to achieve better power management. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, such a solution is applicable to an optical detector with a wide sensing bandwidth, such as a light detector formed of germanium or a light detector containing germanium in an absorption region.

[0147] Figure 1 The optical detection module 10 is described. The optical detection module 10 includes a receiving unit 100, a transmitting unit 200, a processor 300 in electrical communication with the receiving unit 100, and a controller 400, the processor 300, and / or the transmitting unit 200 in electrical communication with the receiving unit 100. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transmitting unit 200 includes a first light source 201 and a second light source 202. The first light source 201 is configured to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength, and the second light source 202 is configured to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first peak wavelength or the second peak wavelength is near-infrared light (NIR) or short-wave infrared light (SWIR), with a wavelength range greater than or equal to 700 nm, such as 850 nm, 940 nm, 1050 nm, 1064 nm, 1310 nm, 1350 nm, 1450 nm, 1550 nm, or any suitable wavelength range. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first peak wavelength is different from the second peak wavelength. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first peak wavelength is approximately 1050 nm, and the second peak wavelength is approximately 1450 nm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving unit 100 includes one or more photodetectors (e.g., germanium photodetectors) configured to generate photocarriers in response to receiving an input optical signal.

[0148] Figures 2A to 2E A flow chart illustrating a method of operating the optical detection module 10, Figures 3A to 3E The timing diagram of the method for operating the optical detection module 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is described. Figure 3AAs shown, the processor 300 of the optical detection module 10 can measure multiple time periods A1 to A13 from time slots T0 to T13, while ambient light is always present and the receiving unit 100 is turned on during these time periods A1 to A13. The processor 300 obtains the integrated value corresponding to each time period from the receiving unit 100. Based on the determination of the processor 300, the first light source 201 and / or the second light source 202 can be controlled to be selectively turned on, as described in detail below.

[0149] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3B As shown, the processor 300 of the optical detection module 10 can measure multiple time periods B1 to B13 from time slots T0 to T13, while ambient light is always present. When the receiving unit 100 is turned on, the processor 300 obtains the integrated value of the corresponding time period from the receiving unit 100. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection frequency of the receiving unit 100 can be controlled by the controller 400 based on the determination of the processor 300, as described in detail below.

[0150] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3C As shown, the processor 300 of the optical detection module 10 can measure multiple time periods C1 to C10 from time slots T0 to T10, while ambient light is always present and the receiving unit 100 is turned on during these time periods C1 to C10. The processor 300 obtains the integrated value corresponding to each time period from the receiving unit 100. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the determination of the processor 300 as described in detail below, the frequency of the first optical signal emitted by the first light source 201 can be controlled to control the detection frequency of the receiving unit 100.

[0151] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3D As shown, the processor 300 of the optical detection module 10 can measure multiple time periods D1 to D10 from time slot T0 to T10, while ambient light is always present and the receiving unit 100 is turned on during these time periods D1 to D10. The processor 300 obtains the integral value corresponding to each time period from the receiving unit 100. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integral value of the solid line in the target time slot (e.g., T1 to T2, T3 to T4, T5 to T6, T7 to T8, T9 to T10) can be obtained by adjusting the foreground integral value of the dashed line, as described in detail below.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 3EAs shown, the processor 300 of the optical detection module 10 can measure multiple time periods E1 to E10 from time slot T0 to T10, while ambient light is always present and the receiving unit 100 is turned on during these time periods E1 to E10. The processor 300 obtains the integral value corresponding to each time period from the receiving unit 100. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integral value of the solid line in the target time slot (e.g., T1 to T2, T3 to T4, T5 to T6, T7 to T8, T9 to T10) can be obtained by adjusting the foreground integral value of the dashed line, as described in detail below.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 2A to 2E Description, Figures 3A to 3E The timing diagram shown is an exemplary embodiment for describing the sequence of some operating steps of the optical detection module 10. The arrangement of the time slots should not be limited to Figures 3A to 3E For example, in some embodiments, Figure 3A The period A4 in can be inserted between the periods E1 and E2, between the periods E3 and E4, between the periods E5 and E6, between the periods E7 and E8, and between the periods E9 and E10.

[0154] refer to Figure 2A In S1 , the optical detection module 10 detects ambient light through the receiving unit 100 . For example, the ambient light may be diffuse light from the environment, wherein the wavelength of the diffuse light may or may not correspond to the operating wavelength of the first light source 201 or the second light source 202 .

[0155] refer to Figure 2A In step S3, the optical detection module 10 obtains the first integral value corresponding to the ambient light from the receiving unit 100 through the processor 300. Figure 3A The integrated values in the time periods A1, A3, A9, A11, A12, and A13 correspond to the ambient light because neither the first light source 201 nor the second light source 202 is turned on during these periods.

[0156] refer to Figure 2A In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module 10 may determine whether the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition through the processor 300. For example, referring to Figure 3A , the processor 300 may determine whether the first integral value (e.g., A1, A3, A9, A11, A12, A13) is less than a first value Va. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first value Va comprises a predetermined value. In other embodiments, the first value Va comprises a dynamically determined value that may be periodically improved and / or adjusted based on multiple operating parameters (e.g., environmental conditions, personalized applications).

[0157] refer to Figure 2AIn S6, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the first integral value does not satisfy the first threshold condition (for example, the first integral value is greater than the first value Va), the optical detection module 10 may send one or more first control signals through the controller 400 to turn off the first light source 201 of the emission unit 200 of the optical detection module 10 and turn off the second light source 202 of the emission unit 200 of the optical detection module 10, wherein the first light source 201 is configured to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength, and the second light source 202 is configured to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength. Figure 3A For example, during period A11, the first integrated value corresponding to ambient light is greater than the first value Va. The processor 300 determines that the first integrated value does not meet the first threshold condition, meaning that the ambient light is sufficient or the receiving unit 100 is not close to the target object. Therefore, during period A12, the controller 400 sends one or more first control signals to turn off both the first light source 201 and the second light source 202.

[0158] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the first integral value does not satisfy the first threshold condition (e.g., the first integral value is greater than the first value Va), the optical detection module 10 may send one or more first control signals through the controller 400 to reduce the detection frequency or detection time of the receiving unit 100. Figure 3B For example, the receiving unit 100 may be turned on and off every other cycle. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reducing the detection frequency of the receiving unit 100 may include reducing the operating frequency or operating time of the receiving unit 100, such as reducing the on time of the receiving unit 100, for example, comparing the period B12 to B13 with the period B1 to B3 and the period B6 to B9. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reducing the operating frequency or operating time of the receiving unit 100 may include increasing the off time of the receiving unit 100, for example, comparing the period B9 to B11 with the period B4 to B4.

[0159] refer to Figure 2A In S7, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition (for example, the first integral value is less than or equal to the first value Va), the optical detection module 10 may send one or more second control signals through the controller 400 to activate the first light source 201 of the emission unit 200 of the optical detection module 10 to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength. Figure 3A For example, during period A1, the first integrated value corresponding to ambient light is less than the first value Va. Processor 300 determines that the first integrated value meets the first threshold condition, indicating that receiving unit 100 is close to an object or the ambient light is weak. Therefore, during period A2, controller 400 activates first light source 201 to emit the first optical signal.

[0160] According to the present disclosure, since the first light source 201 is enabled based on a threshold condition for ambient light (e.g., the first threshold condition), the optical detection module 10 can benefit from power conservation. In other words, when the ambient light intensity is sufficient, that is, when the first threshold condition is not met, the first and second light sources can be set to sleep mode to conserve power, or the operating frequency of the receiving unit 100 can be reduced to conserve power.

[0161] refer to Figure 2A In S9, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition (for example, the first integral value is less than or equal to the first value Va), the optical detection module 10 may obtain a second integral value (for example, Va) from the receiving unit 100 through the processor 300. Figure 3A The integrated values of the time periods A2, A4, A6, A8, and A10 correspond to the first optical signal received by the receiving unit 100 and the ambient light received by the receiving unit 100.

[0162] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second integral value may be adjusted based on the temporal aggregation of ambient light and / or reflected light, thereby averaging the ambient light to obtain a smoothed or corrected background value, thereby obtaining a second integral value that more accurately corresponds to the first optical signal. Figure 2A Some exemplary embodiments of S9 are described below. Figure 2B 、 Figure 2C as well as Figure 3D .

[0163] Figure 2B Shows an example flow chart for obtaining the second integral value. Figure 2B S911 and Figure 3D In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module 10 obtains a first background integral value (e.g., Figure 3D The integral value of D1 in ), which corresponds to the first target time slot ( Figure 3D The first reference time slot before T1 to T2 (e.g.: Figure 3D In some embodiments of the present disclosure, during a reference time slot (e.g., a first reference time slot and a second reference time slot described below), neither the first light source 201 nor the second light source 202 is turned on. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, during a first target time slot, the first light source 201 is turned on and the second light source 202 is turned off.

[0164] refer to Figure 2B S912 and Figure 3DThe optical detection module 10 can further obtain the first target time slot (for example: Figure 3D A first foreground integral value of the combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal during T1 to T2 (e.g.: Figure 3D The integral value of the dotted line shown by D2 in FIG.

[0165] refer to Figure 2B S913 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further obtain the first target time slot (for example: Figure 3D The second reference time slot after T1 to T2) (for example: Figure 3D The second background integral value of the ambient light during T2 to T3 (for example: Figure 3D The integral value of D3 in ).

[0166] refer to Figure 2B S914 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further determine the first background integral value (for example: Figure 3D The integral value of D1 in ) and the second background integral value (for example: Figure 3D The average background integral value was obtained by averaging the integral values of D3 in the experiment.

[0167] refer to Figure 2B S915 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further obtain an adjusted first foreground integral value (for example, Figure 3D The dotted line integral value shown by D2 in the figure is used to determine the second integral value (for example: Figure 3D That is, the integral value of the solid line can more accurately correspond to the first optical signal.

[0168] Figure 2C A flow chart showing another embodiment of the present disclosure for obtaining a second integral value is shown. Figure 2C S921 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can obtain the time slot corresponding to the first target (for example: Figure 3D Multiple first reference time slots before T5 to T6 (for example: Figure 3D The first background integral value group of the ambient light among T0 to T1, T2 to T3, and T4 to T5 (for example: Figure 3DIn some embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above, in the reference time slots (eg, the first reference time slot and the second reference time slot), neither the first light source 201 nor the second light source 202 is turned on.

[0169] refer to Figure 2C S922 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further obtain the information corresponding to the first target time slot (for example: Figure 3D The first foreground integral value of the combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal during T5 to T6 (for example: Figure 3D The integral value of the dotted line shown in D6).

[0170] refer to Figure 2C S923 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further obtain the information corresponding to the first target time slot (for example: Figure 3D A plurality of second reference time slots (e.g., T5 to T6) after Figure 3D The second background integral value group of the ambient light among T6 to T7, T8 to T9 (for example: Figure 3D The integral value of D7 and D9 in the equation is shown in the figure).

[0171] refer to Figure 2C S924 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further determine the first background integral value group (for example: Figure 3D The integrated values of D1, D3, and D5 in the figure) and the second background integrated value group (for example: Figure 3D The average background integral value was obtained by averaging the integral values of D7 and D9 in the experiment.

[0172] refer to Figure 2C S925 and Figure 3D The optical detection module 10 can further adjust the first foreground integral value (for example: Figure 3D The dotted line integral value shown in D6 in the figure is used to determine the second integral value (for example: Figure 3D That is, the integral value of the solid line can more accurately correspond to the first optical signal.

[0173] refer to Figure 2A S11 and Figure 3A The optical detection module 10 determines, through the processor 300, whether the second integral value satisfies the second threshold condition, for example, the second integral value (for example: Figure 3AWhether the integrated value of A2, A4, A6, A8, and A10 in the above equations is greater than or equal to a second value Vb. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second value Vb comprises a predetermined value. In other embodiments, the second value Vb comprises a dynamically determined value that can be periodically improved and / or adjusted based on multiple operating parameters (e.g., environmental conditions, personalized applications).

[0174] In S13, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the second integral value satisfies the second threshold condition (e.g., the second integral value is greater than or equal to the second value Vb), the optical detection module 10 may send one or more third control signals through the controller 400 to activate the second light source 202 of the emission unit 200 of the optical detection module 10 to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength, wherein the second peak wavelength is different from the first peak wavelength. Figure 3A For example, during period A4, the second integrated value corresponding to the first optical signal and the ambient light is greater than the second value Vb. Processor 300 determines that the second integrated value meets the second threshold condition, indicating that receiving unit 100 is in close proximity to the target object. Therefore, during period A5, controller 400 activates second light source 202.

[0175] refer to Figure 2A In S12, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the second integral value does not meet the second threshold condition (for example, the second integral value is less than the second value Vb), the optical detection module 10 may send one or more fourth control signals through the controller 400 to turn off the second light source 202. Figure 3A For example, during period A8, the second integrated value corresponding to the first optical signal and the ambient light is less than the second value Vb. The processor 300 determines that the second integrated value does not meet the first threshold condition, which means that the target object may be far away from the receiving unit 100. Therefore, during period A9, the controller 400 turns off the second light source 202 to save power.

[0176] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the second integral value does not satisfy the second threshold condition (e.g., the second integral value is less than the second value Vb), the optical detection module 10 may send one or more fourth control signals through the controller 400 to reduce the detection frequency of the receiving unit 100. As previously described, Figure 3BFor example, reducing the detection frequency of the receiving unit 100 may include activating and deactivating the receiving unit 100 every other cycle. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reducing the detection frequency of the receiving unit 100 may include reducing the operating frequency or operating time of the receiving unit 100, such as reducing the on time of the receiving unit 100, for example, comparing the period B12 to B13 with the period B1 to B3 and the period B6 to B9. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reducing the operating frequency of the receiving unit 100 may include increasing the off time of the receiving unit 100, for example, comparing the period B9 to B11 with the period B4 to B5.

[0177] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, reference Figure 3A as well as Figure 3C In another embodiment, when the optical detection module 10 is placed in an environment with sufficient ambient light intensity, after a plurality of consecutive time periods, when the first integrated value is greater than or equal to the first value Va, such as time periods A11 to A13 and C1, the first light source 201 may be turned on by the processor 300 (for example: Figure 3C In the middle period C2), in order to actively determine whether the second integral value meets the second threshold condition. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light source 201 can be turned on or off in each cycle to save power.

[0178] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical signal is a reflection from a target object. For example, when the object is approaching the optical detection module 10, the second integrated value may be greater than or equal to a predetermined value (e.g., the second value Vb), thus satisfying the second threshold condition. Accordingly, upon receiving the third control signal, the second light source 202 is activated.

[0179] According to the present disclosure, since the second light source 202 is enabled based on a threshold condition for the optical signal emitted by the first light source 201, the optical detection module 10 can benefit from power conservation. In other words, when the second integrated value does not meet the second threshold condition, the second light source 202 can be put into a sleep mode to conserve power. Thus, the optical detection module 10 can further benefit from power conservation.

[0180] refer to Figure 2A In S15, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to determining that the second integral value satisfies the second threshold condition (for example, the second integral value is greater than or equal to the second value Vb), the optical detection module 10 can detect a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength through its receiving unit 100.

[0181] refer to Figure 2A In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at S17 , the optical detection module 10 may obtain a third integral value corresponding to the second optical signal through the processor 300 .

[0182] refer to Figure 2A In S19, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module 10 may determine, via the processor 300, a comparison result between the second integral value and the third integral value. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the comparison result between the second integral value and the third integral value may be achieved by a ratio of the second integral value to the third integral value. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the comparison result between the second integral value and the third integral value may be achieved by different related combinations of the second integral value and the third integral value (e.g., the difference between the second integral value and the third integral value).

[0183] refer to Figure 2A In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module 10, via the processor 300, can identify the target material based on the comparison result (or other suitable relationship between the second integral value and the third integral value). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the material identified in S21 includes human skin, wood, or fabric. For example, when the ratio of the second integral value to the third integral value is between 0.8 and 1.2, the material can be determined to be human skin.

[0184] Identifying the material of an object can be used in a variety of applications. One example is a robot vacuum or other autonomous device that moves along a floor surface, where the object can correspond to the floor surface. Determining whether the floor surface is carpet, hardwood, or another material can help optimize the autonomous device's navigation, cleaning, and other functions.

[0185] Other applications of the present disclosure include food freshness analysis, where the target may be food consumables (e.g., fruits, vegetables, coffee beans, etc.). Detecting the water content or composition of water in food consumables can help characterize the food material according to the desired food freshness range.

[0186] Other applications of the present disclosure include object detection, where the target object can be detected by an autonomous machine (e.g., a self-driving car) in its surroundings. Detecting the material associated with the target object can help determine the type of object, such as a vehicle, pedestrian, or other object.

[0187] Another example of applications of the present disclosure is a smart wireless headset, where the disclosed technology can be used to detect when the wireless headset is placed in a human ear and when it is removed from the human ear. For example, by determining (e.g., in step S5) whether the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition, it is possible to effectively monitor whether the optical detection module in the smart wireless headset is close to a hole or in a hole based on the ambient light signal. After the headset has been determined to be close to a hole or in a hole, a series of decisions (e.g., based on steps S11-S23) are used to determine whether the headset is close to human skin. If the material of the target object is determined to be human skin in step S23, the wireless headset is likely to have been placed in a human ear, rather than being placed on a table, placed in a headset storage box, or close to a different surface. Using the function of verifying the placement of the smart wireless headset provides benefits such as power saving, performance improvement, and the like.

[0188] refer to Figure 2A In S23 , the optical detection module 10 may determine whether the material of the target object is skin through the processor 300 and based on the identification of the target material in step S21 .

[0189] refer to Figure 2A In step S25, in response to determining that the material of the target object is not skin, the optical detection module 10 may schedule the next detection, and the scheduling may include directing the method back to the step of detecting ambient light by the receiving unit 100 of the optical detection module 10 (for example: Figure 2A of S1).

[0190] refer to Figure 2A In step S27 , in response to determining in step S23 that the material of the target object is skin, the optical detection module 10 may execute a different function control through the processor 300 .

[0191] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the functional control of executing step S27 may include implementing a low power control mode in the optical detection module 10. For example, the low power control mode may include shifting one or more multi-light sources (e.g., Figure 1 In another embodiment, the low power control mode may additionally or alternatively include reducing the operating frequency of the receiving unit 100 so that less operating power is consumed in at least one period of time.

[0192] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the functional control of executing step S27 may include reducing the power consumption of the transmitted unit Tx (for example: Figure 1 The current level used by the emitting unit 200 in the embodiment of the present invention is as follows: since the determination result that the material of the target object is skin has been made in step S23, there is no need to use a high current to perform additional sensing operations.

[0193] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, executing the functional control of step S27 may include activating a health sensing function by the processor 300. For example, the health sensing function may include determining health parameters of a human user using a device (e.g., a fitness tracker, other wearable consumer electronic product, a health monitoring device, or other medical electronic device), wherein the device includes the optical detection module 10. Example health parameters that may be determined by the health sensing function in step S27 may include heart rate or other parameters related to heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation (e.g., SpO2 level measured by a blood oximeter), or other health parameters that may be determined by optical sensing technology, wherein the optical sensing technology is configured to identify the health parameters based on the determination result of the processor 300.

[0194] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, activating the health sensing function of step S27 may involve increasing the current level used by the transmitting unit (e.g., transmitting unit 200) and the gain of the transimpedance amplifier associated with the transimpedance amplifier in the receiving unit (e.g., receiving unit 100) to obtain more suitable signals for achieving the purpose of the health sensing function. For example, during the phase associated with proximity and skin detection (e.g., Figure 2A The average current level when the LED is turned on can be obtained by the processor 300. Based on the average current value when the LED is turned on, the operation signal is during the stage associated with the health sensing function (for example: Figure 2A For example, based on the average current value when the LED is turned on, a DC current can be applied to the input of the transimpedance amplifier, and the gain of the transimpedance amplifier can be increased to amplify the AC signal obtained during the health sensing function.

[0195] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, starting the health sensing function in step S27 may additionally or alternatively involve increasing the sampling frequency of obtaining measurement results to obtain better sampling resolution for implementing the health sensing function.

[0196] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, executing the function control of step S27 may include executing a biometric authentication operation. For example, when the device operated by a human user (e.g., an electronic device) includes an optical detection module 10, an authentication operation may be performed to allow the human user to use some or all of the functions of the device. The biometric authentication operation may include, for example, fingerprint detection, face detection, optical detection, etc. The advantage of this technology can be reflected by determining that the material of the target object is skin in step S23 before performing the authentication operation in step S27. Such advantages include that the processor will not be deceived by fingerprints or photos of the face, thereby improving the success rate of correct biometric recognition and authentication.

[0197] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, similar to the second integral value, the third integral value can be adjusted based on ambient light and / or reflected light collected over time, thereby averaging the ambient light to obtain a smoothed or corrected background value, resulting in a third integral value that more accurately corresponds to the second optical signal. Figure 2A Some exemplary embodiments of S17 are described in the following Figure 2D 、 Figure 2E as well as Figure 3E .

[0198] Figure 2D A flow chart showing how to obtain the third integral value in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2A S17, Figure 2D S1711 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2A The step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300, from the receiving unit 100, a time slot corresponding to the second target time slot (for example: Figure 3E The third reference time slot before T1 to T2 in (for example: Figure 3E The third background integral value of the ambient light from T0 to T1 in the target time slot is obtained. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the reference time slots (e.g., the third reference time slot and the fourth reference time slot described below), neither the first light source 201 nor the second light source 202 is turned on. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the second target time slot, the first light source 201 is turned off and the second light source 202 is turned on.

[0199] refer to Figure 2D S1712 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300 and from the receiving unit 100, the time slot corresponding to the second target time slot (for example: Figure 3E A second foreground integral value of the combination of the ambient light and the second optical signal during T1 to T2 in FIG. 1 (e.g., Figure 3E The integral value of the dotted line shown in E2).

[0200] refer to Figure 2D S1713 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300 and from the receiving unit 100, a value corresponding to the second target time slot (for example: Figure 3E The fourth background integral value of the ambient light in the fourth reference time slot after T1 to T2 (for example: Figure 3E The integral value of E3 in ).

[0201] refer to Figure 2D S1714 and Figure 3EIn some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes determining, by the processor 300, a third background integral value (e.g., Figure 3E The integral value of E1 in ) and the fourth background integral value (for example: Figure 3E The average of the integral value of E3 in the sample was taken to obtain the average background integral value.

[0202] refer to Figure 2D S1715 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes adjusting the second foreground integral value (for example, Figure 3E The dotted line integral value shown in E2) is used to determine the third integral value (for example: Figure 3E In other words, the integral value of the solid line more accurately corresponds to the second optical signal.

[0203] Figure 2E A flow chart showing another embodiment of obtaining the third integral value is shown. Figure 2E S1721 and Figure 3E , in some embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2A The step S17 of obtaining the third integral value further includes obtaining, by the processor 300, from the receiving unit 100, a time slot corresponding to the second target time slot (e.g., Figure 3E Multiple third reference time slots (for example, T5 to T6) before Figure 3E A third background integral value group of ambient light from T0 to T1, T2 to T3, T4 to T5 (e.g.: Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as described above, in the reference time slots (eg, the third reference time slot and the fourth reference time slot), neither the first light source 201 nor the second light source 202 is turned on.

[0204] refer to Figure 2E S1722 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300 and from the receiving unit 100, the time slot corresponding to the second target time slot (for example: Figure 3E A second foreground integral value of the combination of the ambient light and the second optical signal in T5 to T6 in FIG. 1 (e.g., Figure 3E The integral value of the dotted line shown in E6).

[0205] refer to Figure 2E S1723 and Figure 3EIn some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300 and from the receiving unit 100, a value corresponding to the second target time slot (for example: Figure 3E A plurality of fourth reference time slots (e.g., T5 to T6 in ) after Figure 3E The fourth background integral value group of the ambient light in T6 to T7, T8 to T9 (for example: Figure 3E The integral value of E7 and E9).

[0206] refer to Figure 2E S1724 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes determining, by the processor 300, a third background integral value group (for example: Figure 3E The integral values of E1, E3, and E5 in the figure) and the fourth background integral value group (for example: Figure 3E The average background integral value was obtained by averaging the integral values of E7 and E9 in the experiment.

[0207] refer to Figure 2E S1725 and Figure 3E In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the third integral value in S17 further includes adjusting the second foreground integral value (for example, Figure 3E The dotted line integral value shown in E6) is used to determine the third integral value (for example: Figure 3E In other words, the integral value of the solid line more accurately corresponds to the second optical signal.

[0208] It should be understood that Figures 3A to 3E The time slots depicted in FIG. 1 are used to calculate the integral value according to the illustrative example corresponding to the technology disclosed in the present disclosure. Figures 3A to 3E The signal timing depicted in the analysis uses multiplexed time slots, since Figure 1 The optical detection module 10 includes a transmitting unit (e.g., transmitting unit 200) and a receiving unit (e.g., receiving unit 100), and the transmitting unit further includes a plurality of light sources (e.g., a first light source 201 and a second light source 202). Although when a smaller number of transmitter and receiver components are used to reduce cost and power consumption, other optical detection modules using different numbers of transmitters and receivers may use different Figures 3A to 3E Depicts the signal timing analysis of the setup.

[0209] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, according to the arrangement of time slots, the first reference time slot and the third reference time slot may be the same time slot. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, according to the arrangement of time slots, the second reference time slot and the fourth reference time slot may be the same time slot.

[0210] Figure 4 Flowchart illustrating a method of operating an optical detection module in some embodiments of the present disclosure. S30 discloses a method of operating the optical detection module 10. Figure 4 At S31, method S30 includes obtaining, by the processor 300, from the receiving unit 100 of the optical detection module 10, a first background integral value of ambient light corresponding to a first reference time slot preceding the target time slot. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the reference time slots (e.g., the first reference time slot and the second reference time slot described below), no light source (e.g., the first light source 201 and the second light source 202) is turned on.

[0211] refer to Figure 4 In S32 , the method S30 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300 and from the receiving unit 100 , a foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of the ambient light and the target optical signal in the target time slot.

[0212] refer to Figure 4 At S33 , the method S30 further includes obtaining, by the processor 300 and from the receiving unit 100 , a second background integral value of the ambient light corresponding to a second reference time slot after the target time slot.

[0213] refer to Figure 4 In S34 , the method S30 further includes determining, by the processor 300 , an average of the first background integral value and the second background integral value to obtain an average background integral value.

[0214] refer to Figure 4 In S35 , the method S30 further includes adjusting the foreground integral value based on the average background integral value by the processor 300 to determine a corrected integral value.

[0215] According to the present disclosure, since the correction integral value is obtained based on a plurality of background integral values, the signal output of the optical detection module is a signal with improved accuracy.

[0216] Figure 5In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical detection module 50 includes a plurality of receiving units 501 and 502 and a plurality of transmitting units 503 and 504 corresponding to the plurality of receiving units 501 and 502, respectively. Each of the plurality of transmitting units 503 and 504 includes a light source 5031, 5041 configured to transmit an optical signal having a peak wavelength. The peak wavelengths of the optical signals emitted by the light sources 5031 and 5041 can be substantially the same or different. The optical detection module 50 further includes a processor 505 in electrical communication with the receiving units 501 and 502, and a controller 506 in electrical communication with the processor 505 and the transmitting units 503 and 504. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the peak wavelength is in the invisible wavelength range, which is greater than or equal to 700 nm, such as 850 nm, 940 nm, 1050 nm, 1064 nm, 1310 nm, 1350 nm, 1450 nm, 1550 nm, or any suitable wavelength range. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each receiving unit 501 and 502 includes one or more photodetectors configured to generate photocarriers in response to receiving an input optical signal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the peak wavelengths of the optical signals emitted by light sources 5031 and 5041 differ, in order to avoid crosstalk between the multiple receiving units 501 and 502, the multiple receiving units 501 and 502 each include an optical filter configured to filter the optical signals having a wavelength range corresponding to the peak wavelength of the optical signals emitted by light sources 5031 and 5041.

[0217] Figure 6 The flowchart of operating the optical detection module 50 in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as follows: In S611, the optical detection module 50 detects ambient light through at least one receiving unit (eg, receiving unit 501).

[0218] In S613 , in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module 50 obtains a first integral value corresponding to the ambient light from a receiving unit (eg, receiving unit 501 ) via the processor 505 .

[0219] In S615, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical detection module 50 determines, via the processor 505, whether the first integral value satisfies a first threshold condition, for example, whether the first integral value is less than or equal to a first threshold. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first threshold value comprises a predetermined value. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first threshold value comprises a dynamically determined value that can be periodically improved and / or adjusted based on multiple operating parameters (e.g., environmental conditions, personalized applications).

[0220] In S616, in response to determining that the first integral value does not satisfy the first threshold condition (for example, the first integral value is greater than the first threshold), the optical detection module 50 sends one or more first control signals through the controller 506 to (1) turn off the light sources of the multiple transmitting units 503 and / or 504, or (2) reduce the detection frequency of each receiving unit 501 and / or 502.

[0221] In S617, in response to determining that the first integral value satisfies the first threshold condition (for example, the first integral value is lower than or equal to the first threshold), the optical detection module 50 sends one or more second control signals through the controller 506 to activate one or more light sources 5041 and / or 5031 in the multiple emission units 503 and / or 504 of the optical detection module 50 to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength.

[0222] At S619, in response to determining that the first integrated value satisfies a first threshold condition (e.g., the first integrated value is less than or equal to the first threshold), the optical detection module 50 may further obtain, via the processor 505 and from one of the receiving units (e.g., receiving unit 501), a second integrated value corresponding to at least the first optical signal having the first peak wavelength and the ambient light. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if a plurality of light sources 5041 and 503 emitting different peak wavelengths are enabled based on a threshold condition for the ambient light (e.g., the first threshold condition), the plurality of integrated values corresponding to the different optical signals obtained from the plurality of receiving units 501 and 502 can be obtained in the same time period, thereby improving efficiency.

[0223] Since one or more light sources 5041 and / or 5031 are enabled based on a threshold condition for ambient light, the optical detection module 50 can benefit from power conservation. In other words, when the ambient light intensity is sufficient, meaning that the first threshold condition is not met, one or more light sources can be set to sleep mode to conserve power, or the operating frequency of the plurality of receiving units 501 and 502 can be reduced to conserve power.

[0224] At S621 , the optical detection module 50 may further determine, through the processor 505 , whether the second integral value satisfies a second threshold condition, for example, whether the second integral value is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0225] In S623, in response to determining that the second integral value satisfies the second threshold condition (for example, the second integral value is greater than or equal to the second threshold), the optical detection module 50 may send one or more third control signals through the controller 506 to (1) activate another one or more light sources 5031 and / or 5041 in the multiple emission units 503 and 504.

[0226] In S622, in response to determining that the second integral value does not satisfy the second threshold condition (for example, the second integral value is less than the second threshold), the optical detection module 50 may send one or more fourth control signals through the controller 506 to turn off at least one light source 5031 and / or 5041, or (2) reduce the detection frequency of the receiving unit 502 corresponding to the at least one light source 5031 and / or 5041.

[0227] According to the present disclosure, since at least one of the multiple light sources is activated based on an optical signal transmitted to another light source, the optical detection module can benefit from power conservation when at least one of the light sources is in sleep mode or when the detection frequency of the receiving unit is low to conserve power. By selectively controlling the light sources, the optical detection module can be configured to emit light only when necessary. This process can be improved through iteration to achieve greater power consumption reduction in the optical detection module.

[0228] The present disclosure further provides a pixel broadband sensor that supports multiple wavelength ranges, including visible light (e.g., wavelength range 380nm to 780nm, or similar wavelength ranges defined by specific applications), near infrared light (NIR, e.g., wavelength range 780nm to 1400nm, or similar wavelength ranges defined by specific applications), and short wave infrared light (SWIR, e.g., wavelength range 1400nm to 3000nm, or similar wavelength ranges defined by specific applications). Combining multi-wavelength sensing across a wide band (e.g., visible light and NIR) can enable short-range applications such as true wireless stereo (TWS), under-display fingerprint sensing, contactless or 3D fingerprint sensing, and camera and depth sensing fusion in a single module platform. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, 7A to 10B The technical features defined in the present disclosure can be implemented in Figures 1 to 5 In any of the optical detection modules of FIG, however, other embodiments may also be used in addition or alternatively.

[0229] Figure 7A A top view of a pixel broadband sensor illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B Pixels of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Pixel broadband sensor 700a includes a carrier (e.g., Figure 7D The component 780 in the carrier 780, such as a PCB board or a substrate) and the pixel array 720 carried by the carrier 780. The pixel array 720 includes a plurality of pixels 721 and can be a two-dimensional array. Figure 7B , the plurality of pixels 721 include a first light detection unit 710 and a second light detection unit 714. The plurality of pixels 721 may be the same or different. For example, referring to Figure 7BThe multiple pixels 721 may be identical, and each of the multiple pixels 721 includes a first light detection unit 710 and a second light detection unit 712. The first light detection unit 710 includes a first light detector 711, which is configured to receive a first optical signal in a first wavelength range and generate photocarriers in response to the first optical signal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light detection unit 710 may include multiple first light detectors 711. The first wavelength range is in the invisible light range, for example, in the infrared band such as the near-infrared (NIR) band or the short-wave infrared (SWIR) band, for example, not less than 800 nm (e.g., 7800 to 2500 nm or 1400 nm to 3000 nm). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first optical signal is reflected from a target object. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light detection unit 710 is configured to perform depth sensing via direct or indirect time-of-flight (TOF) measurement. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light detection unit 710 is configured for proximity sensing. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light detection unit 710 is configured for image sensing.

[0230] The second light detection unit 712 includes a second light detector (e.g., a green light detector 714, a red light detector 715, or a blue light detector 713), which is configured to receive at least one second optical signal in a second wavelength range and generate photocarriers in response to the second optical signal. The second wavelength range is in the visible light range, for example, approximately between 380nm and 780nm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second light detection unit 712 further includes a blue light detector 713, a green light detector 714, and a red light detector 715, wherein the blue light detector 713 is configured to receive an optical signal in a blue light band, for example, an optical signal between 380nm and 495nm, the green light detector 714 is configured to receive an optical signal in a green light band, for example, an optical signal between 495nm and 570nm, and the red light detector 715 is configured to receive an optical signal in a red light band, for example, an optical signal between 570nm and 780nm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second light detection unit 712 is configured for image sensing.

[0231] Figure 7CThe following describes a pixel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when at least two of the multiple pixels 721 are different. For example, pixel 721a includes a first light detection unit 710 having a first light detector 711. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first light detection unit 710 may also include a plurality of first light detectors 711. Pixel 721b includes a second light detection unit 712 having a blue light detector 713, a green light detector 714, and a red light detector 715. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, when each pixel includes a single light detector (e.g., an infrared light detector, a red light detector, a blue light detector, or a green light detector), the pixel array 720 may include four pixels.

[0232] Figure 7D A pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7A A cross-section is marked along the A-A' axis. Figure 7A as well as Figure 7D The pixel broadband sensor 700a further includes a light source array 730, which includes a plurality of light sources 731 surrounding the pixel array 720. The number of light sources 731 is not limited to Figure 7A The plurality of light sources 731 include light emitting diodes or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor 700d is configured for short-range applications such as contactless fingerprint sensing, 3D fingerprint sensing, or under-screen fingerprint sensing. By surrounding the plurality of light sources 731 around the pixel array 720, the target object can be illuminated by more light emitted by the plurality of light sources 731, so that the pixel array 720 can also receive more reflected optical signals from the target object. In addition, providing a plurality of light sources 731 around the pixel array 720 can effectively help to have a more uniform light distribution on the pixel array 720. Better light distribution can help to avoid some pixels 721 not receiving as much reflected light as other pixels in the pixel array 720.

[0233] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each light source 731 may also include an optical element (e.g., a passive optical element such as a mirror or grating) or an active optical element such as a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS mirror) to change the direction of light emitted from the multiple light sources 731 to adjust the illumination area of the light source array 730. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor can be assembled with other modules for medium-range applications (e.g., facial recognition) or long-range applications (e.g., object sensing in autonomous driving applications).

[0234] refer to Figure 7DIn some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor 700d further includes an integrated circuit layer 740, which is located between the pixel array 720 and the carrier 780. The integrated circuit layer 740 includes control circuitry (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth control signals as described below). The control circuitry is configured to control the pixel array 720 and / or to control a driver for the light source 731. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integrated circuit layer 740 is disposed solely between the pixel array 720 and the carrier 780, and the pixel broadband array 700d may further include electrical connections (not shown) that couple the light source 731 and the driver in the integrated circuit layer 740. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the driver circuit for the light source 731 may be disposed on a separate chip (not shown) or may be integrated with the light source 731.

[0235] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor 700d further includes a bonding layer 750 interposed between the integrated circuit layer 740 and the pixel array 720. For example, the bonding layer 750 may include interconnects and dielectric materials, where the interconnects are used to electrically connect the integrated circuit layer 740 and the pixel array 720, and the dielectric materials are used to electrically insulate the interconnects. For example, the driver and / or control circuitry may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device.

[0236] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, pixel broadband sensor 700d further includes an optical filter 760 for passing light having a specific wavelength range corresponding to the photodetector positioned thereunder. Optical filter 760 can be a bandpass filter using an absorbing material, a multi-layered bandpass filter, or a coplanar periodic / aperiodic grating. For example, bandpass filters 760a, 760b, 760c, and 760d can be configured to pass light having blue, green, red, and SWIR wavelengths, respectively.

[0237] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pixel broadband sensor 700d further includes a plurality of lens elements 770 for focusing, collimating, or expanding incident optical signals to allow the signals to enter respective photodetectors thereunder.

[0238] Figure 7E A pixel broadband sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7A A cross-sectional view along the AA′ axis. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the integrated circuit layer 740 is interposed between the light source 731 and the carrier 780 .

[0239] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the first light detector 711 includes the first absorption region 833 having germanium and the second light detection unit 712 includes an RGB light detector having silicon (e.g., Figure 7B713, 714, 715), the first light detection unit 710 and / or the second light detection unit 712 are at least partially embedded in a substrate (eg, a silicon substrate). Figure 8 A pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a first light detection unit 710 and a second light detection unit 712 are connected to a common substrate. For example, the first light detection unit 710 and the second light detection unit 712 are at least partially embedded in the substrate (e.g., silicon substrates 814 and 824). Pixel 721 includes a first light detector 711 and a visible light detector, such as a green light detector 714, formed on the common substrate. The first light detector 711 and the green light detector 714 can be separated by an insulating structure 807, such as an oxide trench.

[0240] The green detector 714 includes an n-Si region 812, a p+Si region 813, a p-Si region 814, an n+Si region 815, and a first gate 816. The first gate 816 is coupled to and controlled by a first control signal. The n+Si region 815 is coupled to a first readout circuit.

[0241] The n-Si region 812 may be lightly doped with n-dopants, for example, about 10 16 cm -3 The p+Si region 813 may have p+ doping, wherein the concentration of the activated dopant is as high as the process can achieve, for example, about 5×10 20 cm -3 The p-Si region 814 may be lightly doped with a p-dopant, for example, approximately 10 15 cm -3 The n+Si region 815 may have an n+ doping, wherein the concentration of the activated dopant is as high as the process can achieve, for example, about 5×10 20 cm -3 of phosphorus.

[0242] Generally speaking, the n-Si region 812 receives the optical signal 808 and converts the optical signal 808 into an electrical signal. The optical signal 808 (e.g., green light) enters the n-Si region 812, where the n-Si region 812 absorbs the optical signal 808 and converts the absorbed light into free carriers. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical signal 808 can be filtered by an optical filter (e.g., Figure 7D In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the beam profile of the optical signal 808 may be filtered by a lens element (e.g., Figure 7D 770) shaping.

[0243] Generally speaking, the difference between the Fermi energy level of the p+Si region 813 and the Fermi energy level of the n-Si region 812 can create an electric field between the two regions. When free electrons are generated by the n-Si region 812, they drift to the region below the p+Si region 813 due to the electric field. The first gate 816 can be coupled to a voltage source. For example, the first control signal can be a DC voltage signal from the voltage source. The first control signal controls the flow of free electrons from the region below the p+Si region 813 to the n+Si region 815. For example, if the voltage of the first control signal exceeds the threshold voltage, the free electrons accumulated in the region below the p+Si region 813 will drift to the n+Si region 815.

[0244] The n+Si region 815 can be coupled to a first readout circuit. The first readout circuit can be a three-transistor configuration consisting of a reset gate, a source follower, and a select gate or any circuit suitable for processing free carriers. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first readout circuit can be disposed on a substrate shared with the green light detector 714. For example, Figure 7D The integrated circuit layer 740 may include a first readout circuit. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first readout circuit may be disposed on another substrate and co-packaged with the green light detector 714 by die / wafer bonding or stacking.

[0245] The first photodetector 711 includes an n-Si region 822, a p+Si region 823, a p-Si region 824, an n+Si region 825, a second gate 826, a p+GeSi region 831, and a first absorption region 833 (e.g., an intrinsic GeSi region). The second gate 826 is coupled to and controlled by a second control signal. The n+Si region 825 is coupled to a second readout circuit. The n-Si region 822 may be lightly doped with an n-dopant, for example, approximately 10 16 cm -3 The p+Si region 823 may have a p+ doping, wherein the concentration of the activated dopant is as high as the process can achieve, for example, about 5×10 20 cm -3 The p-Si region 824 may be lightly doped with a p-dopant, for example, approximately 10 15 cm -3 The n+Si region 825 may have an n+ doping with the concentration of the activated dopant as high as the process can achieve, for example, about 5×10 20 cm -3 of phosphorus.

[0246] Generally speaking, the first absorption region 833 receives the optical signal 806 and converts the optical signal 806 (e.g., SWIR light) into an electrical signal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical signal 806 may be filtered out by a wavelength filter (not shown), such as an optical filter (e.g., Figure 7D In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the beam profile of the optical signal 806 can be formed by a lens element (e.g., Figure 7D 770) shaping.

[0247] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the first absorption region 833 may be between 0.05 μm and 2 μm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first absorption region 833 may include a p+GeSi region 831. The p+GeSi region 831 may drive photoelectrons away from the first absorption region 833 to prevent photoelectron recombination at the surface, thereby improving the carrier collection efficiency. For example, when the first absorption region 833 is germanium and doped with boron, the p+GeSi region 831 may have p+ doping, wherein the concentration of the dopant is as high as the process can achieve, for example, about 5×10 20 cm -3 .

[0248] Free carriers generated in the first absorption region 833 can drift or diffuse to the n-Si region 822. Generally, the difference between the Fermi energy levels of the p+Si region 823 and the n-Si region 822 creates an electric field between the two regions. Due to the electric field, free electrons collected from the first absorption region 833 by the n-Si region 822 drift to the region below the p+Si region 823. The second control signal can be a DC voltage signal from a voltage source. The second control signal 827 controls the flow of free electrons from the region below the p+Si region 823 to the n+Si region 825. For example, if the voltage of the second control signal 827 exceeds a threshold voltage, free electrons accumulated in the region below the p+Si region 823 drift to the n+Si region 825. The n+Si region 825 can be coupled to a second readout circuit, which can be similar to the first readout circuit.

[0249] Although not shown in Figure 7CIn some embodiments of the present disclosure, the green photodetector 714 and the first photodetector 711 can alternatively be fabricated to collect holes rather than electrons. In this case, the conductivity would be reversed. For example, the p+Si regions 813 and 823 would be replaced by n+Si regions, the n-Si regions 812 and 813 would be replaced by p-Si regions, the p-Si regions 814 and 824 would be replaced by n-Si regions, and the n+Si regions 815 and 825 would be replaced by p+Si regions. It should be noted that the figures of the present disclosure are provided for illustration and explanation purposes.

[0250] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the planes of the green light detector 714 and the first light detector 711 that receive optical signals 806 and 808 are planarized planes, wherein the first absorption region 833 and the p+GeSi region 831 are embedded in an oxide layer 856. For example, the oxide layer 856 can be formed on the p-Si region 814. The thickness of the oxide layer 856 can be selected to be the same as the thickness of the first absorption region 833. A sensing region can be formed in the oxide layer 856 by etching or other suitable techniques. Germanium silicon can be selectively grown in the sensing region to form the first absorption region 833. The planarized plane between the green light detector 714 and the first light detector 711 enables additional processing to be applied to the surface of the light detectors and / or bonding to another substrate having components fabricated thereon.

[0251] Although not shown in Figure 8 Among them, pixel 721 also includes Figure 7B The blue detector 713 and the red detector 715 are shown. The blue detector 713 and the red detector 715 can include structures similar to the green detector 714. In some embodiments, the blue detector 713 is controlled by a third control signal and coupled to a third readout circuit to process the collected carriers. In some embodiments, the red detector 715 is controlled by a fourth control signal and coupled to a fourth readout circuit to process the collected carriers. Each of the red detector 715 and the blue detector 713 includes a separate wavelength filter region (e.g., bandpass filters 760a, 760b, 760c, 760d) within the optical filter (e.g., Figure 7D 760) to transmit a portion of the received light, and includes individual lens elements (e.g.: Figure 7D 770) in order to focus the received light.

[0252] Other exemplary pixels related to this same substrate are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 228,282, filed on Aug. 4, 2016, entitled “Germanium-Silicon Light Sensing Apparatus,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0253] Figure 9 A pixel broadband sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The pixel broadband sensor assembly 900 includes a plurality of pixel broadband sensors 700 arranged in a two-dimensional array or a one-dimensional array. The pixel broadband sensors 700 can be any of the aforementioned embodiments. Because the pixel broadband sensor assembly includes a plurality of pixel broadband sensors 700, the pixel broadband sensor assembly can be easily assembled to any desired scale. Furthermore, the total illuminated area on the target object can be larger, and the incident light can be more evenly distributed. Furthermore, optical signals reflected from the target object can be more easily received by any of the pixel arrays 720 due to the spatial distribution of the plurality of pixel arrays 720.

[0254] Figure 10A A top view of a pixel broadband sensor illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10B The pixel broadband sensor of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 10A A cross-section is marked along the BB' axis.

[0255] Pixel broadband sensor 940a is substantially the same as pixel broadband sensor 700a described above, with the following differences. Light source array 730 includes a plurality of light sources 731 positioned below pixel array 720. Pixel broadband sensor 940a also includes a shielding layer 790 interposed between light source array 730 and pixel array 720. Shielding layer 790 is configured to prevent light emitted by light sources 731 from being directly absorbed by the absorptive regions of pixel array 720. Therefore, light 911 emitted by light sources 731 can pass through light source array 730 and be incident on a target object.

[0256] In some embodiments, shielding layer 790 is formed as part of a light filtering material, such as a polymer or other light absorbing material.

[0257] In some embodiments, the light emitted by the light source 731 has a peak wavelength in the invisible light range, for example, greater than 800 nm or between approximately 1400 nm and 3000 nm, to avoid absorption by the substrate (e.g., silicon substrate) in the pixel. In some embodiments, the second light detection unit 712 in the pixel is an ambient light sensor.

[0258] In some embodiments, the light source disclosed in the present disclosure may include one or more light emitting diodes or vertical cavity surface emitting lasers that emit optical signals.

[0259] The methods, operations, and processes described in this disclosure may be performed by a variety of means. For example, any system or device (e.g., an optical sensing device and associated circuitry) may include the units described herein and / or other means for performing their operations and functions. In some embodiments, one or more units may be implemented separately. In some embodiments, one or more units may be part of or included in one or more other units. These means may include a processor, a microprocessor, an image processing unit, a logic circuit, a dedicated circuit, an application-specific circuit, a programmable array logic, a field programmable logic gate array, a controller, a microcontroller, and / or other suitable hardware. These means may also alternatively include software control methods implemented in a processor or logic circuit. For example, the means may include or may additionally read memory, such as one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory, read-only memory, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, flash / other memory devices, data registers, databases, and / or other suitable hardware.

[0260] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" used in this disclosure to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts are used only to distinguish between elements, components, regions, layers, and parts and other elements, regions, layers, and parts, and should not be used to limit the content of this disclosure. Unless expressly described herein, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" used in this disclosure are not intended to indicate an order or sequence. The terms "light detection," "light sensing," or other similar terms are also interchangeable.

[0261] The present disclosure has been described in terms of preferred embodiments. By reading the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can conceive of the claims of the present disclosure and the various different aspects within their spirit and can combine and arrange any or all of the technical features in the claims of the present disclosure in any possible way. Therefore, the present disclosure is exemplary rather than restrictive, and the subject matter of the present disclosure does not exclude the inclusion of additions, modifications or changes thereto, as they are obvious and unambiguous to those skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the conjunctions "and", "or", "but", etc. described in the present disclosure are only used for the description of the embodiments. In addition, the conjunction "or" described in the embodiments of the present disclosure can refer to "at least one of them" or "any combination thereof", and "based on" also refers to "at least partly based on".

[0262] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the claims of this disclosure may be adjusted, rearranged, expanded, combined, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the reference letters in some claims are not intended to be limiting. For example, (a), (b), (c) ... and (i), (ii), (iii), etc. are merely used to illustrate the operation of the method and facilitate reading, and do not indicate a specific step or order of operations. The operation represented by (a) or (i), etc. may be performed before, after, or simultaneously with the operation represented by (b) or (ii), etc.

[0263] The present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that any equivalent variations and substitutions to the embodiments are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and the appended claims should be interpreted in the broadest sense to encompass all such modifications, similar arrangements, and processes.

Claims

1. A method for operating an optical detection module, characterized in that: The method comprises: activating, by a controller of the optical detection module, a first light source of an emission unit of the optical detection module to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength; obtaining, by a processor of the optical detection module, a first integral value corresponding to the first optical signal from a receiving unit; In response to determining that the first integral value does not satisfy a first threshold condition, turning off, by the controller, the second light source of the transmitting unit of the optical detection module or reducing the detection frequency of the receiving unit; In response to determining that the first integrated value satisfies the first threshold condition, activating, by the controller, the second light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength, wherein the first peak wavelength is different from the second peak wavelength; obtaining, by the processor, a second integral value corresponding to the second optical signal from the receiving unit; and The material of the target object is identified by the processor based on a comparison result between the first integrated value and the second integrated value. 2 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising activating, by the processor, a health sensing function based on a comparison result between the first integral value and the second integral value. 3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising boosting a transimpedance amplifier gain of the receiving unit during a health sensing function. 4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising initiating, by the processor, a low power control mode based on a comparison result between the first integrated value and the second integrated value.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein Such materials include human skin, wood or fabric.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Obtaining, by the processor, from the receiving unit a first background integral value of ambient light corresponding to a first reference time slot preceding a first target time slot; obtaining, by the processor, from the receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal in the first target time slot; obtaining, by the processor and from the receiving unit, a second background integral value of ambient light corresponding to a second reference time slot following the first target time slot; determining, by the processor, an average of the first background integral value and the second background integral value to obtain an average background integral value; as well as The first foreground integral value is adjusted by the processor based on the average background integral value to determine the second integral value.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Obtaining, by the processor, from the receiving unit, a first background integral value group corresponding to ambient light in a plurality of first reference time slots preceding the first target time slot; Obtaining, by the processor, from the receiving unit a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of ambient light and the first optical signal in the first target time slot; obtaining, by the processor and from the receiving unit, a second background integral value group corresponding to ambient light in a plurality of second reference time slots following the first target time slot; determining, by the processor, an average of the first background integral value group and the second background integral value group to obtain an average background integral value; as well as The first foreground integral value is adjusted by the processor based on the average background integral value to determine the second integral value.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first threshold condition includes a dynamically determined value that is periodically adjusted based on a plurality of operating parameters.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first threshold condition includes that the first integrated value is equal to or greater than a decision value. 10 . The method according to claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a transimpedance amplifier gain of the receiving unit. 11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising initiating, by the processor, biometric authentication based on a comparison result between the first integral value and the second integral value.

12. An optical detection module, characterized in that: include: receiving unit; a transmitting unit comprising a first light source configured to transmit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength, and a second light source configured to transmit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength; a processor in electrical communication with the receiving unit; a controller in electrical communication with the receiving unit, the processor, and / or the transmitting unit; wherein the optical detection module is configured to perform operations including: activating, by the controller, the first light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module to emit the first optical signal having the first peak wavelength; obtaining, by the processor, a first integral value corresponding to the first optical signal from the receiving unit; In response to determining that the first integrated value satisfies a first threshold condition, activating, by the controller, the second light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module to emit the second optical signal having the second peak wavelength, wherein the first peak wavelength is different from the second peak wavelength; obtaining, by the processor, a second integral value corresponding to the second optical signal from the receiving unit; and The material of the target object is identified by the processor based on a comparison result between the first integrated value and the second integrated value.

13. The optical detection module according to claim 12, wherein: The optical detection module is configured for use with a wireless headset.

14. The optical detection module according to claim 12, wherein: The optical detection module is configured for use in a wearable electronic device.

15. A method of operating an optical detection module, characterized in that: The method comprises: activating, by a controller of the optical detection module, a first light source of an emission unit of the optical detection module to emit a first optical signal having a first peak wavelength; Obtaining, by the processor of the optical detection module and from the receiving unit, a first background integral value of ambient light corresponding to a first reference time slot preceding the first target time slot; obtaining, by the processor, from the receiving unit, a first foreground integral value corresponding to a combination of the ambient light and the first optical signal in the first target time slot; obtaining, by the processor and from the receiving unit, a second background integral value of ambient light corresponding to a second reference time slot following the first target time slot; determining, by the processor, an average of the first background integral value and the second background integral value to obtain an average background integral value; and adjusting, by the processor, the first foreground integral value based on the average background integral value to determine a first integral value corresponding to the first optical signal; and In response to determining that the first integrated value meets a first threshold condition, the controller activates the second light source of the emission unit of the optical detection module to emit a second optical signal having a second peak wavelength, wherein the first peak wavelength is different from the second peak wavelength.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: obtaining, by the processor, a second integral value corresponding to the second optical signal from the receiving unit; as well as The material of the target object is identified by the processor based on a comparison result between the first integrated value and the second integrated value.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: obtaining, by the processor, a second integral value corresponding to the second optical signal from the receiving unit; as well as Whether the material of the target object is skin is identified by the processor based on a comparison result between the first integral value and the second integral value.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising executing, by the processor, a health sensing function in response to determining that the material of the target object is skin.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein The first threshold condition includes that the first integrated value is equal to or greater than a decision value.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising adjusting a transimpedance amplifier gain of the receiving unit.

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