Sensor module, manufacturing method therefor, and sensor system

Abstract

To eliminate the compatibility problem between a mount for mounting a lens unit and the lens unit, and increase selection and design fixability of lens units and mounts by means of matching function of an attachment part.SOLUTION: A sensor module is provided, comprising a lens unit (4), a substrate (6) having a sensor (20) for receiving light from the lens unit mounted thereon, a mount (8) provided on the substrate, and an attachment (10) for matching the mount and the lens unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sensor technology used to detect, for example, reflected light from a subject or an image. [Background technology]

[0002] A sensor module for detecting reflected light and images from a subject has a mount on the base where the sensor is installed, and a lens unit is mounted on it. Lens units are selected based on the application and intended function, and their outer diameters vary. For this reason, the mount must be matched to the lens unit being used.

[0003] Regarding the attachment of such lens units, when a lens with a small outer diameter is attached to a lens attachment section, it has been disclosed that an adapter compatible with a lens with a large outer diameter is prepared and male and female threads are formed on the adapter to enable attachment of different lenses (for example, Patent Document 1). This is simply the attachment of lenses with different diameters using an adapter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-276420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Sensor modules include a base unit, optical filters, image sensors, etc., and are used in rangefinders and cameras. These sensor modules require lens units with different outer diameters for different applications and purposes, as well as optical filters with compatible specifications. In other words, even if a specific sensor is used, different lens units and optical filters can be used to obtain different functions depending on their optical characteristics. Even when the lens unit is standardized, different functions can be obtained by using different optical filters.

[0006] Therefore, once a lens unit is selected to achieve a desired function, a mount for mounting this lens unit must be matched to the lens unit. That is, a mount according to the outer diameter of the lens unit is required. Therefore, once a specific lens unit is selected, a corresponding mount is required to match the lens unit to the mount. That is, once a mount matched to a lens unit is specified, it is not possible to attach other lens units with different outer diameters, and there is a problem in that lens units with different diameters cannot be freely matched to a mount for a specific lens unit.

[0007] Installing optical filters in lens units according to the purpose is effective in that different optical characteristics can be obtained for each lens unit. However, it is not easy to realize individual lens units that include different optical filters, and there is also the problem that increasing the variety of optical filters increases costs.

[0008] The inventors of the present disclosure have found that it is effective to eliminate the mechanical compatibility between the lens unit and the mount portion, increase the freedom of lens unit selection, and also make it possible to set function settings according to the app separately from the lens unit.

[0009] Therefore, in view of the above problems and findings, the object of the present disclosure is to eliminate the alignment issue between the mount portion that mounts the lens unit and the lens unit, and to increase the freedom of selection and design of the lens unit and the mount portion by using the alignment function of the attachment portion.

[0010] In view of the above problems and findings, another object of the present disclosure is to enable the setting of functions required for the sensor function in an attachment section that aligns a lens unit and a mount section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the sensor module of the present disclosure, it comprises a lens unit, a base portion on which a sensor that receives light from the lens unit is installed, a mount portion installed on the base portion, and an attachment portion that aligns the mount portion with the lens unit.

[0012] This sensor module may include at least one of a first sliding portion that slidably supports the attachment portion on the mount portion, or a second sliding portion that slidably supports the lens unit on the attachment portion, or may include both the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion.

[0013] In this sensor module, the attachment portion may include a diaphragm portion that narrows down the amount of light received from the lens unit.

[0014] In this sensor module, the attachment portion may include an optical filter that passes light from the lens unit.

[0015] In this sensor module, the attachment section may include a filter section having an optical filter integrally mounted on a diaphragm section that narrows down the amount of light received from the lens unit.

[0016] In this sensor module, the mount may include a dust filter for protecting the sensor from dust.

[0017] In this sensor module, the aperture diameter of the diaphragm may be larger than the image circle diameter of the lens unit, or may be substantially the same as or the same as the image circle diameter.

[0018] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the method for manufacturing a sensor module of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of forming a mount portion for mounting the lens unit on a base portion on which a sensor that receives light from the lens unit is installed, forming an attachment portion for supporting the lens unit on the mount portion, and forming at least either a first sliding portion for slidably supporting the attachment portion on the mount portion or a second sliding portion for slidably supporting the lens unit on the attachment portion, or forming both the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion.

[0019] The method for manufacturing the sensor module may include a step of forming an aperture portion in the attachment portion to reduce the amount of light received from the lens unit.

[0020] This method of manufacturing a sensor module may include a step of attaching an optical filter to the attachment portion, the optical filter allowing light from the lens unit to pass therethrough.

[0021] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the sensor system of the present disclosure, in the method for manufacturing the sensor module, the sensor module is provided, and at least reflected light is received from a subject, and distance information is obtained using the reflected light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) Since the lens unit and the mount are aligned using the attachment, the need for alignment between the mount and the lens unit is eliminated, making it easier to mount lens units with different outer diameters, thereby increasing the flexibility of the lens unit and the mount.

[0023] (2) It allows for greater design freedom, such as the ability to standardize the mount and mount different lens units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a sensor module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the alignment features of the sensor module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the alignment of the common mount and lens unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a sensor module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a sensor module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a sensor system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] First Embodiment Fig. 1 shows a sensor module 2 according to a first embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

[0026] The sensor module 2 is a sensor means used to receive light, reflected light, or an image from a subject (not shown) to acquire distance information and image information. The sensor module 2 includes a lens unit 4, a base unit 6, a mount unit 8, and an attachment unit 10.

[0027] The lens unit 4 includes various lenses 14, such as an objective lens, mounted in a cylindrical tube portion 12, and receives light from a subject, reflected light, or an image. A male thread portion 18 is formed on the outer periphery of the tube portion 12 to allow the lens unit 4 to slide in the direction of an optical axis 16.

[0028] The base unit 6 is equipped with a sensor 20 such as an image sensor, and operates by receiving a control input (not shown), receiving light through the lens unit 4, and generating a light reception signal. A connector 22 is connected to the base unit 6 for inputting a drive signal to the sensor 20 and extracting the sensor output.

[0029] The mount 8 is a member fixed to the base 6 for mounting the lens unit 4 and the like, and functions as a housing that surrounds the sensor 20 and blocks all light except that from the lens unit 4. The mount 8 is provided with a base 24, and is fixed to the base 6 by means of this base 24. A cylindrical portion 26 formed integrally with the base 24 has a female thread 28 formed therein for sliding the attachment 10 in the direction of the optical axis 16.

[0030] The attachment part 10 is installed between the lens unit 4 and the mount part 8, and is an alignment member for aligning the lens unit 4 and the mount part 8, and has a light blocking function that blocks light other than that from the lens unit 4. The cylindrical part 30 provided in this attachment part 10 has a male thread part 32 formed on its outer periphery that aligns with the female thread part 28 of the mount part 8, and a female thread part 34 formed on its inner periphery that aligns with the male thread part 18 of the lens unit 4.

[0031] In this embodiment, the mount unit 8 and the attachment unit 10 have a first sliding portion 36-1 formed by the female thread portion 28 on the mount unit 8 side and the male thread portion 32 on the attachment unit 10 side, and the lens unit 4 and the attachment unit 10 have a second sliding portion 36-2 formed by the male thread portion 18 on the lens unit 4 side and the female thread portion 34 on the attachment unit 10 side. Therefore, the sensor module 2 has a focusing mechanism 38 for forming an image on the light receiving surface of the sensor 20 using light received from the lens unit 4 by sliding the lens unit 4 in the direction of the optical axis 16 using either or both of the first sliding portion 36-1 and the second sliding portion 36-2.

[0032] 2 shows a cross section of the assembled sensor module 2. A dust filter 40 is installed on the mount 8 to protect the sensor 20 from dust.

[0033] An aperture section 42 is provided on the attachment section 10, and an optical filter 44 for setting optical functions according to the application is provided on the aperture section 42. In this embodiment, the optical filter 44 is integrated with the rear surface of the aperture section 42, and the opening 46 of the aperture section 42 is closed by the optical filter 44.

[0034] In FIG. 2, R1 is the diameter of the first sliding portion 36-1, R2 is the diameter of the second sliding portion 36-2, and W1 is the thickness of the attachment portion 10, and this thickness W1 is expressed by Equation 1. W1=R1-R2>Wx (Formula 1) The thickness W1 of the attachment part 10 is equal to or greater than the thickness Wx that allows the attachment part 10 to be slidably supported on the mount part 8 by the first sliding part 36-1 and the lens unit 4 to be slidably supported on the attachment part 10 by the second sliding part 36-2.

[0035] In other words, the relationship between the diameters R1 and R2 is R1>R2, and the diameter R1 must be large enough to allow sliding of the attachment part 10, including the second sliding part 36-2 that slides the lens unit 4. In other words, the diameter R1 must be equal to or larger than the thickness Wx that allows the attachment part 10 to form the first sliding part 36-1 and the second sliding part 36-2.

[0036] <Alignment of the lens unit 4 and the mount unit 8 by the attachment unit 10> 3 shows the alignment of a common mount section 8 with a lens unit 4 of a different diameter. The lens unit 4 has a smaller diameter than the lens unit 4 shown in FIG. 2, and the mount section 8 is common to the mount section 8 already described (FIG. 2). Therefore, the attachment section 10 is configured to align these lens units 4 and mount sections 8.

[0037] 2, the diameter R3 of the first sliding portion 36-1 is the same as the diameter R1 (R3 = R1). The attachment portion 10 can be slidably supported on the mount portion 8. On the other hand, if the diameter R4 of the second sliding portion 36-2 is set to a size that matches the lens unit 4, the lens unit 4 can be slidably supported on the attachment portion 10.

[0038] To obtain such a sliding relationship, if the diameter of the first sliding portion 36-1 is R3 (=R1) and the diameter of the second sliding portion 36-2 is R4, the thickness W2 of the attachment portion 10 can be expressed by Equation 2, similar to Equation 1. W2=R3-R4=R1-R4 (Formula 2) The thickness W2 of the attachment part 10 is also at least a thickness Wx that allows the attachment part 10 to be slidably supported on the mount part 8 by the first sliding part 36-1 and the lens unit 4 to be slidably supported on the attachment part 10 by the second sliding part 36-2.

[0039] From Equation 1 and Equation 2, the thickness difference ΔW between the thicknesses W1 and W2 of the attachment part 10 can be expressed by Equation 3. ΔW=W2-W1=R2-R4 (Formula 3)

[0040] Therefore, if the mounting portion 8 is made common and the diameter R3 of the first sliding portion 36-1 is made common to the diameter R1 (Figure 2) (R3 = R1), the thickness W2 of the attachment portion 10 can be adjusted to achieve the diameter R4 of the second sliding portion 36-2.

[0041] <Method of manufacturing sensor module 2> The manufacture of the sensor module 2 according to this embodiment includes a process of selecting or forming the lens unit 4, a process of forming the mount portion 8, a process of mounting the sensor 20 and the mount portion 8, a process of forming the attachment portion 10, and a process of assembling the sensor module 2 using the lens unit 4, the mount portion 8, and the attachment portion 10.

[0042] A) Lens unit 4 selection or formation process When the sensor 20 required for the sensor module 2 is selected, a lens unit 4 corresponding to this sensor 20 is selected. Instead of selecting this lens unit 4, a lens unit 4 having optical properties corresponding to the application or sensor 20 may be formed. The cylindrical portion 12 of the lens unit 4 may be formed from a metal such as aluminum or a hard synthetic resin such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The male thread portion 18 of the second sliding portion 36-2 is formed on the outer periphery of this lens unit 4.

[0043] B) Mounting portion 8 forming process Once the lens unit 4 is selected or formed, a mount section 8 is formed to fit the lens unit 4. This mount section 8 surrounds the sensor 20 mounted on the base section 6 to form a darkroom space, and is formed to include a mount housing sized to fit with the first sliding section 36-1 that slidably supports the attachment section 10 including the sensor 20. The mount section 8 may be formed from a metal such as aluminum or a hard synthetic resin such as PET. The female thread section 28 of the first sliding section 36-1 is formed on the inner periphery of the mount section 8.

[0044] The diameter R1 of the first sliding portion 36-1 of the mount portion 8 must match the outer diameter of the attachment portion 10 that slidably supports the lens unit 4. A dustproof filter 40 is integrally attached to the mount portion 8 to make the light-receiving surface of the sensor 20 mounted on the base portion 6 dustproof.

[0045] C) Mounting process of the sensor 20 and the mount part 8 The base unit 6 is formed in advance using a printed circuit board or the like, and the sensor 20 is then mounted on the base unit 6. After that, the mount unit 8 is mounted on the base unit 6, covering the sensor 20. With this mounting, the sensor 20 is surrounded by the mount unit 8, creating a darkroom. At the same time, the dust filter 40 on the mount unit 8 makes it dustproof.

[0046] D) Forming step of attachment part 10 The attachment part 10 is formed by molding or cutting, and is aligned with the lens unit 4 on the inner peripheral side and aligned with the mount part 8 on the outer peripheral side. The attachment part 10 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or a hard synthetic resin material such as PET. The attachment part 10 has the male thread part 32 of the first sliding part 36-1 formed on the outer peripheral side, and the female thread part 34 of the second sliding part 36-2 formed on the inner peripheral side.

[0047] Therefore, as already described, the thickness W1 of the attachment part 10 is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness Wx that allows the attachment part 10 to be slidably supported on the mount part 8 by the first sliding part 36-1 and the lens unit 4 to be slidably supported on the attachment part 10 by the second sliding part 36-2.

[0048] A diaphragm section 42 is provided in the attachment section 10, and an optical filter 44 is provided on the underside of this diaphragm section 42, and this optical filter 44 closes the opening 46. For example, the diaphragm section 42 can be formed by forming a flange section on the inner periphery of the attachment section 10 by cutting or molding the attachment section 10, and then forming a circular opening 46 in this flange section.

[0049] Alternatively, the diaphragm 42 may be a separate member from the attachment unit 10, and a filter unit may be used in which the optical filter 44 is integrally mounted on a pre-formed diaphragm 42. The optical filter 44 is set to have desired optical characteristics specified by the application. Therefore, the attachment unit 10 constitutes an optical component having optical characteristics that are compatible with the application.

[0050] E) Assembly process of sensor module 2 After the sensor 20 is mounted in a predetermined position on the base unit 6, the mount unit 8, attachment unit 10, and lens unit 4 are mounted. The attachment unit 10 and lens unit 4 may be integrated in advance and mounted on the mount unit 8 as a single component, or the attachment unit 10 may be mounted on the mount unit 8 and integrated with the mount unit 8, and the lens unit 4 may then be attached to the attachment unit 10.

[0051] <Relationship between the image circle diameter of the lens unit 4 and the aperture 46 of the diaphragm section 42> When the image circle diameter of the lens unit 4 is ic and the aperture diameter of the diaphragm section 42 is r, the relationship in magnitude between the image circle diameter ic and the aperture diameter r is as follows.

[0052] a) Image circle diameter larger than ic: r>ic b) Approximately the same diameter: r≒ic c) Same diameter: r=ic Either of the above is acceptable.

[0053] That is, the size relationship between the opening diameter r of the diaphragm section 42 and the image circle diameter ic should be r>ic, but it is preferable that the diameters are approximately the same, r≈ic, or more preferably that the diameters are the same, r=ic.

[0054] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The mismatch between the mount 8 and the lens unit 4 can be eliminated, and the degree of freedom of the mount 8 and the lens unit 4 can be increased.

[0055] (2) Even if the mount section 8 is standardized, any lens unit 4 can be aligned with the attachment section 10.

[0056] (3) Even if the mount portion 8 and the lens unit 4 are manufactured separately, they can be precisely aligned via the attachment portion 10.

[0057] (4) A desired optical filter 44 can be set in the attachment unit 10 depending on the application being executed, freeing the lens unit 4 from restrictions imposed by the application and increasing the degree of freedom in selecting the lens unit 4.

[0058] (5) By adjusting the inner diameter of the attachment portion 10 to match the outer diameter of the lens unit 4, the lens unit 4 can be aligned with the mount portion 8 without changing the mount portion 8, even if the lens unit 4 has a different outer diameter.

[0059] (6) The optical filter 44 is disposed in the attachment portion 10, and therefore can be easily changed using the attachment portion 10, compared to the conventional configuration in which the optical filter 44 is incorporated into the mount portion 8.

[0060] (7) The aperture diameter r of the diaphragm unit 42 disposed in the attachment unit 10 and the image circle diameter ic of the lens unit 4 can be changed along with the attachment unit 10 .

[0061] (8) The attachment 10 is provided with the diaphragm 42 as an optical function part, so that the attachment 10 can suppress noise light entering through the lens unit 4 and unnecessary light outside the optical path. As a result, reflection and scattering of unnecessary light (stray light) can be suppressed, so that necessary light can be collected and sharp images can be achieved.

[0062] Second Embodiment Fig. 4 shows a sensor module 2 according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 4, the same parts as those in Figs. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0063] In the sensor module 2 of this embodiment, the attachment part 10 and the mount part 8 are slidable only by the first sliding part 36-1, and the attachment part 10 is fixed to the lens unit 4 to form a single unit, thereby omitting the second sliding part 36-2.

[0064] <Advantages of the Second Embodiment> According to the second embodiment, one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The second sliding portion 36-2 can be omitted, and the lens unit 4 can be slid and focused only by the first sliding portion 36-1.

[0065] (2) The sliding range of the first sliding portion 36-1 between the mount portion 8 and the attachment portion 10 alone can achieve a sliding width equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0066] Third Embodiment Fig. 5 shows a sensor module 2 according to a third embodiment. In Fig. 5, the same parts as those in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0067] In the sensor module 2 of this embodiment, the lens unit 4 and the attachment part 10 are slidable only by the second sliding part 36-2, and the mount part 8 and the attachment part 10 are fixed and integrated, thereby omitting the first sliding part 36-1.

[0068] <Advantages of the Third Embodiment> According to the third embodiment, one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The first sliding portion 36-1 can be omitted, and the lens unit 4 can be slid only by the second sliding portion 36-2.

[0069] (2) As with the second embodiment, the sliding range is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, and can be achieved by the second sliding portion 36-2 between the lens unit 4 and the attachment portion 10 alone.

[0070] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 6 shows a sensor system 50 according to a fourth embodiment. In Fig. 6, the same parts as in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. This sensor system 50 is a system that acquires, for example, distance information using the sensor module 2 described above.

[0071] The sensor system 50 shown in FIG. 6 includes a sensor module 2, a light source 52, a control unit 54, and an information presentation unit 56.

[0072] The light source 52 is controlled by the control unit 54, and irradiates the subject 58 with laser light Li, for example.

[0073] The control unit 54 is composed of a computer, and controls the light emission of the light source 52 as well as the reception of the reflected light Lr from the subject 58 by the sensor module 2, measures the time from the emission of the laser light Li to the reflected light Lr, obtains distance information of the subject 58, and generates presentation information.

[0074] The information presentation unit 56 includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display, and presents image information including, for example, shading information that indicates distance information of the subject 58 under presentation control by the control unit 54. For example, contrast information that indicates a subject image in which distant positions are dark and close positions are bright is one example.

[0075] <Advantages of the Fourth Embodiment> According to the fourth embodiment, one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The sensor module 2 can be used to configure a sensor system 50 such as a rangefinder.

[0076] (2) The distance to the subject 58 can be easily recognized using this sensor system 50.

[0077] Other Embodiments Other embodiments will be mentioned below. (1) In the above embodiment, the first sliding portion 36-1 and the second sliding portion 36-2 use rotational sliding by male and female threads, but other sliding mechanisms such as a sliding mechanism using friction may also be used.

[0078] (2) In the above embodiment, a single attachment unit 10 is provided, but two or more attachment units 10 may be provided.

[0079] (3) In the above embodiment, the attachment unit 10 includes the diaphragm unit 42 and the optical filter 44. However, the attachment unit 10 may include either an attachment member that does not include both the diaphragm unit 42 and the optical filter 44, or an attachment member that includes either the diaphragm unit 42 or the optical filter 44. In other words, even if such an attachment member is used for the attachment unit 10, the lens unit 4 and the mount unit 8 can be aligned.

[0080] (4) In the above embodiment, the sensor system 50 acquires distance information using the sensor module 2, but image information may be acquired and an image may be displayed.

[0081] As described above, the most preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the specification. It goes without saying that such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0082] According to the sensor module, its manufacturing method, or sensor system disclosed herein, the mount portion and the lens unit are aligned using the attachment portion, which is extremely useful as it provides convenience such as increasing the degree of freedom for aligning the mount portion and the lens unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 2 Sensor Module 4 Lens unit 6 Base 8 Mounting section 10 Attachment part 12 Cylinder part 14 Lenses 16 Optical axis 18, 32 male thread 20 sensors 22 Connectors 24 Base 26 Cylinder 28, 34 Female thread 30 Cylinder part 36-1 First sliding part 36-2 Second sliding part 38 Focusing mechanism 40 Dust filter 42 Constriction section 44 Optical Filters 46 Aperture 50 Sensor System 52 Light source 54 Control Unit 56 Information Presentation Department 58 Subject

Claims

1. A lens unit; a base portion on which a sensor for receiving light from the lens unit is installed; A mount portion disposed on the base portion; an attachment portion for aligning the mount portion with the lens unit; Equipped with Sensor module.

2. 2. The sensor module according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a first sliding portion that slidably supports the attachment portion on the mount portion, or a second sliding portion that slidably supports the lens unit on the attachment portion, or both the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion.

3. The attachment portion includes a diaphragm portion that narrows down the amount of light received from the lens unit. The sensor module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The attachment portion includes an optical filter that transmits light from the lens unit. The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The attachment portion includes a filter portion having an optical filter integrally formed with a diaphragm portion that narrows down the amount of light received from the lens unit. The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a dust filter for protecting the sensor from dust on the mount; The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. an aperture diameter of a diaphragm for restricting the amount of light received from the lens unit is larger than an image circle diameter of the lens unit, or is substantially the same as or equal to the image circle diameter; The sensor module according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. forming a mount portion for mounting the lens unit on a base portion on which a sensor for receiving light from the lens unit is installed; forming an attachment portion on the mount portion for supporting the lens unit; forming at least one of a first sliding portion for slidably supporting the attachment portion on the mount portion and a second sliding portion for slidably supporting the lens unit on the attachment portion, or forming both the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion; Including, A method for manufacturing a sensor module.

9. forming an aperture portion on the attachment portion to limit the amount of light received from the lens unit; The method for manufacturing the sensor module according to claim 8 .

10. a step of installing an optical filter on the attachment portion to pass light from the lens unit; A method for manufacturing the sensor module according to claim 8 or 9.

11. 8. A method for detecting distance from a subject, comprising: receiving at least reflected light from a subject using the sensor module according to claim 1; and acquiring distance information using the reflected light. Sensor system.

Images