Light source driver apparatus and electronic device

Abstract

Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300), comprising: a power supply unit (111) configured to provide a power source, a TOF module (120), connected to the power supply unit (111) and comprising: a light generation unit (121) with a light source output power (P1), and a power acquisition unit (122) is connected to the light generation unit (121) and configured to store a normal power (DP) and to acquire the light source output power (P1) of the light generation unit (121), and a signal processing unit (112) connected to the power supply unit (111) and the TOF module (120) and configured to receive a detection signal (S1) from the power detection unit, wherein, if the light source output power (P1) of the light generation unit (121) differs from the normal power (DP), the signal processing unit (112) sends an adjustment signal (S2) to adjust the output power (P2) of the power supply unit (111).

Description

BACKGROUND Subject area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light source driver apparatus and an electronic device. Description of the previously known technique

[0002] In the known technique, a time-of-flight (TOF) module uses a constant voltage to calibrate the optical output of a virtual surface emitter (VCSEL). However, in practice, problems such as a long supply voltage path or poor manufacturing quality of the printed circuit board (PCB) can cause the supply voltage to drop, resulting in unstable output power from the VCSEL. Furthermore, if the detected object is close, the constant-voltage TOF module cannot dynamically adjust the power, leading to increased power consumption. SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a light source driver apparatus comprises a power supply unit, a time-of-flight (TOF) module, and a signal processing unit. The power supply unit is configured to provide a power source. The TOF module is connected to the power supply unit and comprises a light generation unit and a power sensing unit. The light generation unit has a light source output power. The power sensing unit is connected to the light generation unit and is configured to store a normal power level and to sense the light source output power of the light generation unit. The signal processing unit is connected to the power supply unit and the TOF module and is configured to receive a sensing signal from the power sensing unit.If the light source output power of the light generation unit differs from the normal power, the signal processing unit sends an adjustment signal to set the output power of the power supply unit.

[0004] In one embodiment, the TOF module also includes a TOF sensor and a driver unit. The TOF sensor is configured to receive light reflected from a detected object and sends an image signal to the signal processing unit. The driver unit is connected to the TOF sensor and the light-emitting unit and includes a driver chip and a transistor. The driver chip is configured to receive a timing sequence from the light-emitting source from the TOF sensor and converts the timing sequence into an electrical signal. The transistor is connected to the driver chip. The driver unit controls the transistor to switch on and off to control a signal duty cycle and drives the light-emitting unit to emit a high-frequency modulated laser.

[0005] In one embodiment, the signal processing unit comprises a DSP (digital signal processor) and a digital potentiometer. The DSP is configured to output a resistance control signal. The digital potentiometer is connected to the DSP and configured to receive the resistance control signal and generate a corresponding resistance.

[0006] In one embodiment, the signal processing unit comprises a DSP and a filter circuit. The DSP is configured to output a modulated signal. The filter circuit is connected to the DSP and configured to suppress noise from the modulated signal.

[0007] In one embodiment, the filter is a filter circuit consisting of a resistor and a capacitor, or a filter circuit consisting of an inductor and a capacitor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the signal processing unit receives the image signal from the TOF sensor and updates the normal power stored in the power acquisition unit according to the distance of the detected object.

[0009] In one embodiment, the TOF module also includes a connection unit. The connection unit is configured to connect the power supply unit, the signal processing unit, the power sensing unit, the TOF sensor, and the driver unit.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises the light source driver apparatus of the preceding aspect.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a light source driver apparatus comprises a power supply unit and a time-of-flight (TOF) module. The power supply unit is configured to provide a power source. The TOF module is connected to the power supply unit and comprises a light-generating unit, a power sensing unit, and a power measurement IC. The light-generating unit has a light source output power. The power sensing unit is connected to the light-generating unit and is configured to store a normal power level and to sense the light source output power of the light-generating unit. The power measurement IC is connected to the power sensing unit and is configured to receive the power from the power supply unit, adjust the power source output power, and supply the power source output power to the light-generating unit.If the light source output power of the light generation unit differs from the normal power, the power measurement IC adjusts the current source output power.

[0012] In one embodiment, the TOF module also includes a TOF sensor and a driver unit. The TOF sensor is configured to receive light reflected from a detected object and send an image signal to a signal processing unit. The driver unit is connected to the TOF sensor and the light-emitting unit and includes a driver chip and a transistor. The driver chip is configured to receive a timing sequence from the light-emitting source from the TOF sensor and converts the timing sequence into an electrical signal. The transistor is connected to the driver chip. The driver unit controls the transistor to switch on and off to control a signal duty cycle and drives the light-emitting unit to emit a high-frequency modulated laser.

[0013] In one embodiment, the signal processing unit receives the image signal from the TOF sensor and updates the normal power stored in the power acquisition unit according to the distance of the detected object.

[0014] In one embodiment, the TOF module also includes a microcontroller (MCU). The MCU is connected to the power sensing unit and the power measurement IC and is configured to receive a sensing signal from the power sensing unit. If the light source output power of the light generation unit differs from the normal power, the MCU sends an adjustment signal to instruct the power measurement IC to adjust the output power of the power supply unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the TOF module also includes a connection unit. The connection unit is configured to connect the power supply unit, the signal processing unit, the power sensing unit, the TOF sensor, and the power measurement IC.

[0016] In one embodiment, the power supply unit is a fixed-power power supply module.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises the light source driver apparatus of the preceding aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The present disclosure will become more understandable upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures: Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a light source driver apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a dynamic power control method of the light source driver apparatus in the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a power acquisition unit in the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a driver unit in the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5A is a schematic view of a signal processing unit of the first example of the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5B is a schematic view of a signal processing unit of the second example of the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a light source driver apparatus in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic view of a light source driver apparatus in the 3rd embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] A light source driver assembly comprises a power supply unit, a time-of-flight (TOF) module, and a light generation unit. The power supply unit is configured to provide a power source. The TOF module is connected to the power supply unit and comprises a light generation unit and a power sensing unit. The light generation unit has a light source output power. The power sensing unit is connected to the light generation unit and is configured to store a standard power level and to sense the light source output power of the light generation unit. The signal processing unit is connected to the power supply unit and the TOF module and is configured to receive a sensing signal from the power sensing unit.If the light source output power of the light generation unit differs from the normal power, the signal processing unit sends an adjustment signal to set the output power of the power supply unit. Through dynamic power adjustment of the module, a power sensing unit can detect the light source output power. This power is then dynamically adjusted via feedback control to ensure the stability of the light source output power. By employing the TOF module design with dynamic power adjustment, the light source output power of the light generation unit can be detected by the power sensing unit, and feedback control is applied to dynamically adjust the power, thereby ensuring the stability of the light source output power.Furthermore, if the detected distance to a captured object is relatively short, the TOF module can dynamically reduce the light source output power to achieve energy-saving benefits.

[0020] The light generation unit can be a VCSEL (surface emitter) module or an edge-emitting laser (EEL) module; the power sensing unit can be a voltage sensing mode, a current sensing mode, or an optical power sensing mode; the memory can be an EEPROM (extendable read-only memory). The signal processing unit can be an I 2 The present disclosure may use C-Bus, a serial-parallel interface (SPI) or a UART, but this is not limited to such use.

[0021] The deviation between the light source output power of the light-generating unit and the normal power is within ±1%; preferably, the deviation between the light source output power of the light-generating unit and the normal power is within ±0.3%, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0022] The light source driver can instantly detect the light source output power of the light generation unit and dynamically adjust it. Therefore, the TOF module can be connected to the power supply unit via a printed circuit board of any length, which is advantageous in avoiding the problem of unstable light source output power due to voltage drop caused by an exceptionally long circuit board or poor manufacturing quality of the printed circuit.

[0023] The TOF module also includes a TOF sensor and a driver unit. The TOF sensor is configured to receive light reflected from a detected object and send an image signal to a signal processing unit. The driver unit is connected to the TOF sensor and the light-emitting unit and includes a driver chip and a transistor. The driver chip is configured to receive a timing sequence from the light-emitting source from the TOF sensor and convert this timing sequence into an electrical signal. The transistor is connected to the driver chip. The driver unit controls the transistor to switch on and off to control a signal duty cycle and drives the light-emitting unit to emit a high-frequency modulated laser.This is advantageous for dynamically adjusting the light source output power of the light generation unit by controlling the output signal duty cycle, in such a way that the output power of the light generation unit is stabilized, or for reducing the output power of the light generation unit depending on the distance to the detected object, in order to achieve power saving purposes.

[0024] The TOF sensor can be a CMOS image sensor (CIS), a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), an avalanche photodiode (APD), or a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM); the transistor can be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0025] The signal processing unit comprises a digital signal processor (DSP) and a digital potentiometer. The DSP is configured to output a resistance control signal. The digital potentiometer is connected to the DSP and configured to receive the resistance control signal and generate a corresponding resistance. Controlling the resistance value of a digital potentiometer is advantageous for dynamically adjusting the output power delivered by the light-generating unit.

[0026] The signal processing unit also includes a pull-up resistor. The pull-up resistor can be a Zener diode or a pull-up transistor, but the present disclosure is not limited to either.

[0027] The signal processing unit comprises a DSP and a filter circuit. The DSP is configured to output a modulated signal. The filter circuit is connected to the DSP and configured to suppress noise from the modulated signal. The dynamic output of the modulated signal is advantageous for dynamically adjusting the output power delivered by the light-generating unit.

[0028] The filter circuit is a resistor-capacitor (RC) or inductor-capacitor (LC) filter circuit. The input end of the signal processing unit's digital signal processor (DSP) can also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting analog signals into digital signals for processing. The output end of the DSP can also include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting the processed digital signals back into analog signals for output. The DSP can control the power output by adjusting voltage or current, although this is not limited to such control. The use of an RC or LC filter circuit is advantageous for suppressing high-frequency noise to prevent interference with the control signal output by the DSP.

[0029] The signal processing unit receives the image signal from the TOF sensor and updates the normal power stored in the power sensing unit according to the distance of the detected object. If the image signal received by the signal processing unit indicates that the detected object is close, a lower normal power is set to reduce the power consumption of the light-generating unit. Conversely, if the object is far away, the normal power is increased to increase the brightness of the light-generating unit and improve the accuracy of the TOF.

[0030] The TOF module also includes a connection unit. This unit is configured to connect the power supply unit, signal processing unit, power sensing unit, TOF sensor, and driver unit. This eliminates the need to define additional connection assignments for the connection unit on the TOF module. Instead, the firmware can access data via different addresses or locations, thus simplifying the connection to the existing interface. 2 C-Bus makes this possible and further reduces development costs.

[0031] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a light source driver apparatus comprises a power supply unit and a time-of-flight (TOF) module. The power supply unit is configured to provide a power source. The TOF module is connected to the power supply unit and comprises a light-generating unit, a power sensing unit, and a power measurement IC. The light-generating unit has a light source output power. The power sensing unit is connected to the light-generating unit and is configured to store a normal power level and to sense the light source output power of the light-generating unit. The power measurement IC is connected to the power sensing unit and is configured to receive the power from the power supply unit, adjust the power source output power, and supply the power source output power to the light-generating unit.If the light source output power of the light-generating unit differs from the standard power, the power sensing IC adjusts the power supply output power. Integrating the power sensing IC into the TOF module allows for dynamic adjustment of the power supply output power. This is advantageous because it makes the TOF module compatible with various types of system-side modules, such as power supplies with fixed output power, unstable power, or limited adjustable power ranges. This eliminates the need for system-side hardware modifications, and dynamic power adjustment can be easily achieved through firmware programming, avoiding the increased costs associated with hardware changes.

[0032] The TOF module also includes a microcontroller (MCU). The MCU is connected to the power sensing unit and the power measurement IC and is configured to receive a sensing signal from the power sensing unit. If the light source output power of the light generation unit differs from the normal power, the MCU sends an adjustment signal to instruct the power measurement IC to adjust the output power of the power supply unit. Integrating the MCU allows the system-side processing unit to be replaced without requiring any hardware or firmware changes on the system side, which is advantageous for use with various types of system-side modules.

[0033] The MCU reads the signal from the power acquisition unit via the I 2C-Bus, to which, however, the present disclosure is not limited. The integration of the light generation unit, the power sensing unit, the power measurement IC, and the MCU into the TOF module is advantageous for performing the dynamic adjustment of the light source output power of the light generation unit more quickly.

[0034] The power supply unit is a fixed-power power supply module. Integrating the power measurement IC into the TOF module is advantageous for dynamically adjusting the power supply's output power and allows the use of existing fixed-power power supply modules without modifying system-side modules, thus reducing development costs.

[0035] An electronic device includes the aforementioned light source driver apparatus.

[0036] Each of the aforementioned features of the light source driver apparatus can be applied in various combinations to achieve the desired effects. Specific examples are proposed below, based on the preceding embodiment, and explained in detail with reference to the drawings. <1. Design>

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a light source driver apparatus 100 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a dynamic power control method S100 of the light source driver apparatus 100 in the 1st embodiment of the Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the light source driver apparatus 100 can be used in an electronic device, such as a computer or a mobile telephone (not shown). A light source driver apparatus 100 comprises a system side 110 and a TOF module 120, the TOF module 120 being connected to the system side 110. The system side 110 has a power supply unit 111 and a signal processing unit 112. The TOF module 120 comprises a light generation unit 121, a power sensing unit 122, a TOF sensor 123, and a driver unit 124.The power supply unit 111 is connected to the driver unit 124 of the TOF module 120. The signal processing unit 112 is connected to the power supply unit 111, the power sensing unit 122, and the TOF sensor 123 of the TOF module 120. The signal processing unit 112 is connected to the power sensing unit 122 and the driver unit 124. The power sensing unit 122 is connected to the TOF sensor 123, and the TOF sensor 123 is connected to the driver unit 124. In the first embodiment, the light generation unit 121 is a VCSEL module; the signal processing unit 112 uses an I. 2 C-communication signal transmission method.

[0038] The power supply unit 111 is configured to provide a power source (not shown). The light generation unit 121 has a light source output power P1. The power acquisition unit 122 is configured to store a normal power DP and acquire the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121. The signal processing unit 112 is configured to receive an acquisition signal S1 from the power acquisition unit 122. If the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121 differs from the normal power DP, the signal processing unit 112 sends an adjustment signal S2 to adjust the delivered power P2 of the power supply unit 111.It should be noted that if the deviation between the light source output power P1 and the standard power DP exceeds a defined range, this means that the light source output power P1 and the standard power DP are different. In the first embodiment, the deviation between the light source output power P1 of the light-generating unit 121 and the standard power DP is within ±1%.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the dynamic power control method S100 of the light source driver apparatus 100 proceeds as follows: First, the normal power DP is set and stored in the power acquisition unit 122. Then, the light source output power P1 is acquired by the power acquisition unit 122. Then, the light source output power P1 is transferred via the I 2The signal processing unit 112 receives the C-sensing signal S1 and compares the light source output power P1 and the standard power DP to determine if they are equal (i.e., if the difference between the light source output power P1 and the standard power DP is less than a specified range). If the light source output power P1 does not reach the standard power DP, the signal processing unit 112 sends the adjustment signal S2 to instruct the power supply unit 111 to adjust the delivered power P2. Simultaneously, the power sensing unit 122 again senses the light source output power P1 of the light-generating unit 121 and determines the difference again. This cycle is repeated until the light source output power P1 of the light-generating unit 121 equals the standard power DP (i.e.,the deviation between the light source output power P1 and the normal power DP is less than ±1 %).

[0040] Additionally, the signal processing unit 112 can receive an image signal S3 from the TOF sensor 123 and update the normal power DP stored in the power acquisition unit 122 according to the distance of the detected object.

[0041] This allows the light source driver 100 to immediately detect the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121 and dynamically adjust it, which is advantageous for ensuring the stability of the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121. Additionally, the power can be dynamically reduced if the detected distance to the object is short, in order to achieve the goal of energy savings.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic view of a power acquisition unit 122 in the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the power acquisition unit 122 comprises a power acquisition circuit 1221 and a memory 1222, the power acquisition circuit 1221 being connected to the memory 1222. The power acquisition circuit 1221 is configured to acquire the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121. The power acquisition circuit 1221 is used to acquire the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121 and then transmits the acquired light source output power P1 and the normal power DP stored in the memory 1222 via the acquisition signal S1 of the I. 2The C-Bus is connected to the signal processing unit 112. The signal processing unit 112 then determines the difference between the light source output power P1 and the standard power DP by comparison. In the first embodiment, the power sensing circuit 1221 of the power sensing unit 122 is in optical power sensing mode, and the memory 1222 is the EEPROM.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the TOF sensor 123 is configured to receive the light reflected from the detected object and transmits the image signal S3 to the signal processing unit 112. In the first embodiment, the TOF sensor 123 is a SPAD.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a driver unit 124 in the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the driver unit 124 comprises a driver chip 1241 and a transistor 1242, the transistor 1242 being connected to the driver chip 1241. The driver chip 1241 is configured to receive a timing sequence of the light emission source TS from the TOF sensor 123 and to convert the timing sequence of the light emission source TS into an electrical signal ES. The driver unit 124 controls the transistor 1242 to switch on and off in order to control a signal duty cycle DC. In the first embodiment, the transistor 1242 is a MOSFET. It should be noted that the timing sequence of the light emission source TS is an optical signal that indicates whether the light source is switched on or off at a given time, thereby encoding and transmitting information. When the driver unit 124 receives the timing sequence of the light emission source TS from the TOF sensor 123, it controls the DC signal duty cycle and outputs the corresponding modulated PWM signal (as shown in Fig. (shown in 5B) to the light-generating unit 121.

[0045] Specifically, the driver chip 1241 receives the timing sequence output by the TOF sensor 123 from the light emission source TS and converts it into a single-point signal. The transistor 1242 then controls the signal operating cycle DC by driving the light generation unit 121 to emit a high-frequency modulated laser.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5A is a schematic view of a signal processing unit 112a of the first example of the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the signal processing unit 112a in the first example of the first embodiment comprises a DSP 1121, a digital potentiometer 1122, and a pull-up resistor 1123. The DSP is configured to output a resistance control signal. The digital potentiometer 1122 is connected to the DSP 1121 and the pull-up resistor 1123. The digital potentiometer 1122 and the pull-up resistor 1123 are connected in series to a power supply terminal VCC. The DSP 1121 is configured to output a resistance control signal RS. The digital potentiometer 1122 is configured to receive the resistance control signal RS in order to generate a corresponding resistance. The DSP 1121 can dynamically adjust the output power P2 of the power supply unit 111 by controlling the resistance of the digital potentiometer 1122. In the first example of the first embodiment, the pull-up resistor 1123 is a Zener diode.

[0047] Specifically, the DSP 1121 receives the detection signal S1 from the power sensing unit 122 and the image signal S3 from the TOF sensor 123 and then determines the difference between the light source output power P1 and the normal power DP by comparison. If the light source output power P1 does not reach the normal power DP, the DSP 1121 sends the adjustment signal S2 to instruct the power supply unit 111 to adjust the supplied power P2. The resistance control signal RS is output by the DSP 1121 to control the resistance value of the digital potentiometer 1122 and thereby control the output power.

[0048] Furthermore, the input end of the DSP 1121 can also include an ADC (not shown) for converting analog signals into digital signals for processing. The output end of the DSP 1121 can also include a DAC (not shown) for converting the processed digital signals back into analog signals for output.

[0049] This means that if the image signal S3 received by DSP 1121 indicates that the distance to the detected object is less, the adjustment signal S2 can be output to reduce the power in order to reduce the power consumption of the light-generating unit 121.

[0050] Fig. Figure 5B is a schematic view of a signal processing unit 112b of the second example of the first embodiment of the Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, the signal processing unit 112b in the second example of the first embodiment comprises a DSP 1121, a filter circuit 1124, and a voltage divider 1125. The filter circuit 1124 is connected to the DSP 1121 and the voltage divider 1125. The filter circuit 1124 and the voltage divider 1125 are connected in series to a power supply terminal VCC. The voltage divider 1125 is connected to a ground terminal GND.

[0051] The DSP 1121 is configured to output the modulated PWM signal to adjust the delivered power P2 of the power supply unit 111. The filter circuit 1124 is configured to suppress noise from the modulated PWM signal. In the second example of the first embodiment, the filter circuit 1124 is the RC filter circuit.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the TOF module 120 of the light source driver apparatus 100 also includes a connection unit 125. The connection unit 125 is configured to connect the power supply unit 111, the signal processing unit 112, the power sensing unit 122, the TOF sensor 123 and the driver unit 124. <2nd embodiment>

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic view of a light source driver apparatus 200 in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the light source driver apparatus 200, in its second embodiment, also comprises the power supply unit 111, the signal processing unit 112, the light generation unit 121, the power sensing unit 122, the TOF sensor 123, the driver unit 124, and the connection unit 125, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 1. The difference between the light source driver apparatus 200 of the second embodiment and the light source driver apparatus 100 of the first embodiment is that the TOF module 120 also includes a power measurement IC 126 in the connection between the power supply unit 111, the signal processing unit 112, and the driver unit 124, and that the power supply unit 111 is a fixed-power module. Specifically, the power measurement IC 126 is connected to the power supply unit 111, the power sensing unit 122, the driver unit 124, and the connection unit 125. The power supply unit 111 is not connected to the signal processing unit 112 and the driver unit 124, and the power output P2 of the power supply unit 111 is a constant power.

[0054] The power measurement IC 126 is configured to receive the power from the power supply unit 111, adjust the current source output power P3, and feed the current source output power P3 to the light generation unit 121 via the driver unit 124. If the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121 differs from the normal power DP, the power measurement IC 126 adjusts the current source output power P3. Specifically, the signal processing unit 112 can first receive the detection signal S1 from the power detection unit 122 via the I 2 Read the C-Bus of the connection unit 125 and then send the adjustment signal S2 to the power measurement IC 126. After receiving the adjustment signal S2 via the I 2 C-Bus adjusts the constant power input from the power supply unit 111 to the power measurement IC 126 and dynamically adjusts the current source output power P3, which is delivered to the driver unit 124. <3. Design>

[0055] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic view of a light source driver apparatus 300 in the 3rd embodiment of the present disclosure. As in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the light source driver apparatus 300 of the third embodiment also comprises the power supply unit 111, the signal processing unit 112, the light generation unit 121, the power sensing unit 122, the TOF sensor 123, the driver unit 124, the connection unit 125 and the power measurement IC 126, as shown in Fig. 6. The difference between the light source driver apparatus 300 of the 3rd embodiment and the light source driver apparatus 200 of the 2nd embodiment is that the TOF module 120 of the light source driver apparatus 300 also includes an MCU 127. In particular, the MCU 127 is connected to the power sensing unit 122 and the power measurement IC 126.

[0056] The MCU 127 is configured to receive a data acquisition signal S1 from the power acquisition unit 122. The MCU 127 reads the data acquisition signal S1 from the power acquisition unit 122 via the I 2 The C-Bus and controls the power measurement IC 126 to dynamically adjust the power. If the light source output power P1 of the light generation unit 121 differs from the normal power DP, the MCU 127 sends an adjustment signal S2 to instruct the power measurement IC 126 to adjust the current source output power P3. Specifically, the dynamic power control can be integrated from the system side 110 into the TOF module 120 via the MCU 127. In the third embodiment, the MCU 127 is a microcontroller.

Claims

[1] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300), comprising: a power supply unit (111) configured to provide a power source, a TOF module (120), connected to the power supply unit (111) and comprising: a light generation unit (121) with a light source output power (P1), and a power acquisition unit (122) is connected to the light generation unit (121) and configured to store a normal power (DP) and to acquire the light source output power (P1) of the light generation unit (121), and a signal processing unit (112) connected to the power supply unit (111) and the TOF module (120) and configured to receive a detection signal (S1) from the power detection unit, wherein, if the light source output power (P1) of the light generation unit (121) differs from the normal power (DP), the signal processing unit (112) sends an adjustment signal (S2) to adjust the output power (P2) of the power supply unit (111). [2] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, in which the TOF module (120) further comprises: a TOF sensor (123) configured to receive light reflected from a detected object and to send an image signal (S3) to a signal processing unit (112), and a driver unit (124) connected to the TOF sensor (123) and the light generation unit (121) and comprising: a driver chip (1241) configured to receive a time sequence of the light emission source from the TOF sensor (123) and to convert the time sequence of the light emission source into an electrical signal (ES), and a transistor (1242) connected to the driver chip (1241), wherein the driver unit (124) controls the transistor (1242) to switch on and off in order to control a signal duty cycle (DC), and drives the light generation unit (121) to emit a high frequency modulated laser. [3] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, in which the signal processing unit (112) comprises: a DSP (1121) configured to output a resistance control signal (RS), and a digital potentiometer (1122) connected to the DSP (1121) and configured to receive the resistance control signal (RS) in order to generate a corresponding resistance. [4] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, in which the signal processing unit (112) comprises: a DSP (1121) configured to output a modulated signal (PWM), and a filter circuit (1124) connected to the DSP (1121) and configured to suppress noise from the modulated signal (PWM). [5] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 4, in which the filter circuit (1124) is a filter circuit consisting of a resistor and a capacitor or a filter circuit consisting of an inductor and a capacitor. [6] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 2, in which the signal processing unit (112) receives the image signal (S3) of the TOF sensor (123) and updates the normal power (DP) stored in the power acquisition unit according to the distance of the detected object. [7] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 2, in which the TOF module (120) further comprises: a connection unit (125) configured to connect the power supply unit (111), the signal processing unit (112), the power sensing unit, the TOF sensor (123) and the driver unit (124). [8] Electronic device comprising: the light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1. [9] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300), comprising: a power supply unit (111) configured to provide a power source, and a TOF module (120), connected to the power supply unit (111) and comprising: a light generation unit (121) with a light source output power (P1), and a power acquisition unit connected to the light generation unit (121) and configured to store a normal power (DP) and to acquire the light source output power (P1) of the light generation unit (121), and a power measurement IC (126), connected to the power sensing unit and configured to receive the power of the power supply unit (111) and to adjust the power source output power (P3) and to supply the power source output power (P3) to the light generation unit (121), wherein, if the light source output power (P1) of the light generation unit (121) differs from the normal power (DP), the power measurement IC (126) adjusts the power source output power (P3). [10] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 9, in which the TOF module (120) further comprises: a TOF sensor (123) configured to receive light reflected from a detected object and to send an image signal (S3) to a signal processing unit (112), and a driver unit (124) connected to the TOF sensor (123) and the light generation unit and comprising: a driver chip (1241) configured to receive a time sequence of the light emission source (TS) from the TOF sensor (123) and to convert the time sequence of the light emission source (TS) into an electrical signal (ES), and a transistor (1242) connected to the driver chip (1241), wherein the driver unit (124) controls the transistor (1242) to switch on and off in order to control a signal duty cycle (DC), and drives the light generation unit (121) to emit a high frequency modulated laser. [11] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 10, in which the signal processing unit (112) receives the image signal (S3) of the TOF sensor (123) and updates the normal power (DP) stored in the power acquisition unit according to the distance of the detected object. [12] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 9, in which the TOF module (120) further comprises: an MCU (127) connected to the power acquisition unit and the power measurement IC (126) and configured to receive an acquisition signal (S1) from the power acquisition unit where, if the light source output power (P1) of the light generating unit (121) differs from the normal power (DP), the MCU (127) sends an adjustment signal (S2) to cause the power measurement IC (126) to adjust the power source output power (P3). [13] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 10, in which the TOF module (120) further comprises: a connection unit (125), configured for this purpose, the power supply unit (111), the signal processing unit (112), to connect the power acquisition unit, the TOF sensor (123) and the power measurement IC (126). [14] Light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 9, in which the power supply unit (111) is a fixed power supply module. [15] Electronic device comprising: the light source driver apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to claim 9.

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