System and method for emitting illumination from device edge

Abstract

To provide a transmitter assembly for projecting illumination from the edge of an electronic device.SOLUTION: In some examples, a transmitter assembly includes a light source for generating laser light, a light focusing element for focusing the laser light, and a transmission optical element disposed in a bezel proximate an outer edge of an electronic device, and the transmission optical element receives the laser light from the light source and projects the laser light through the bezel to illuminate the target.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0001] Many electronic devices include one or more cameras. Some cameras capture light at certain wavelengths. To illuminate an object, the electronic device uses an additional illumination source with light at the given wavelength. [Background technology]

[0002] For a camera configured to capture an image of an object (e.g., a user's face) facing a display screen, conventional devices remove a portion of the display to direct an illumination source toward the object, but the removed portion leaves a visible cutout in the display, disrupting the viewing experience, and the cutout is introduced into the display during manufacturing, which often introduces complications. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The subject matter of this disclosure is directed to avoiding the negative aspects of the problems mentioned above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004]

[0003] In accordance with the present disclosure, a transmitter assembly is disclosed for projecting illumination light from an edge of an electronic device. In some examples, the transmitter assembly includes a light source for generating laser light. A light focusing element focuses the laser light. Additionally, a transmit optical element is disposed in a bezel proximate an outer edge of the electronic device. The transmit optical element receives the laser light from the light source and projects the laser light through the bezel to illuminate an object.

[0005]

[0004] These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims set forth below.

[0005] To further clarify the above and other features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the subject matter will be provided by reference to specific examples thereof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that these drawings depict only some examples of the subject matter and therefore should not be considered as limiting of its scope. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device that includes a transmitting assembly incorporating an ultra-wide field of view illumination light diffuser. [Figure 1B]

[0007] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the example electronic device of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2]

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of another exemplary electronic device that includes a transmitting assembly incorporating an ultra-wide field of view illumination light diffuser. [Figure 3A]

[0009] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary laser array for generating lasers for a transmit assembly incorporating an ultra-wide field illumination light diffuser. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary laser array for generating lasers for a transmit assembly incorporating an ultra-wide field illumination light diffuser. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007]

[0010] Disclosed is an electronic device using a transmit optical element for illuminating an object. In particular, the device may include one or more of a device case defining an outer periphery of the electronic device, a display screen disposed within the device case, a transmit assembly, and / or a focusing optical element for directing laser light to the transmit optical element for projecting the laser light from the transmit assembly to illuminate the object.

[0008]

[0011] In some examples, the transmitter assembly is disposed at least partially between the display screen and the device case. The focusing optics are operable to project the laser light from the transmitter assembly to illuminate the target. The projection optics are disposed proximate to an outer edge of the electronic device, for example, within a bezel between an outer edge of the device and an edge of the display screen.

[0009]

[0012] The transmitter assembly includes many components for generating, controlling, and / or directing an optical transmission (e.g., laser light). In some examples, the transmitter assembly includes one or more optical elements for transmitting, directing, and / or directing the laser light. The optical elements may include a first optical focusing element (e.g., prism, coated mirror, coated optical block, lens, reflector, etc.) for receiving the laser from the EEL and for directing the laser to a second optical transmitting optical element to structure and / or disperse the laser light. The structured / dispersed laser light is then projected onto an object to provide illumination light for a receiver sensor, e.g., for an image capture event.

[0010]

[0013] In some examples, a transmitter assembly and / or one or more associated optical elements for transmitting a laser to a target are located near the receiver. Beneficially, maintaining limited proximity between the transmitter and / or optical elements and the receiver limits environmental noise, clutter, and / or signal loss, among a non-exclusive list of advantages.

[0011]

[0014] Manufacturers of personal electronic devices provide technology to incorporate image capture devices (e.g., cameras) and / or forward-facing sensors behind the device display screen, but the placement of the image capture device and / or sensor may limit the amount of light energy (e.g., laser transmission) transmission from a light source (e.g., an EEL array) behind the display screen.

[0012]

[0015] To avoid low transmittance problems from projecting illumination light through the display screen, the light source and associated components are positioned below the display screen, while the transmitting optical elements are configured to direct the illumination light through the bezel of the device between the edge of the display screen and the outer edge of the electronic device.

[0013]

[0016] For example, a laser from a light source is directed to a light focusing element (e.g., a prism, a coated mirror, a coated optical block, a lens, a reflector, etc.) located at or near the bezel. The optical element reflector guides the laser from the EEL array through the bezel or space along the edge of the electronic device to be projected toward the object being illuminated and / or imaged (e.g., an operator's face).

[0014]

[0017] By locating the transmitter assembly below the screen and the optical transmitter at the edge beyond the screen, the transmitting optics project illumination onto the target without cutting through the screen or suffering from the low transmission problems caused by projecting illumination from a screen, for example providing flood and / or dot projector illuminator modules for personal devices (e.g. face ID sensors in smartphone displays).

[0015]

[0018] In some examples, the transmitter assembly is configured to operate as a dot and / or flood projector for a facial identification (ID) detection device.

[0019] 1A illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device 100 that includes a transmit assembly 104 that incorporates a transmit optical element 102 (e.g., an ultra-wide field illumination light diffuser). The optical element 102 is configured to direct illumination light (e.g., laser light) through a bezel 112 of the device 100 between an edge of a display screen 106 and an outer edge of a device case 110 of the electronic device 100.

[0016]

[0020] 1A, the transmitting assembly 104 is positioned below the display screen 106, with a portion of the assembly extending into the space below the bezel 112. The optical element 102 is designed to fit within the bezel 112, which as shown is defined by a first distance D1 in a first section (along the top of the portion shown) and a second distance D2 in a second section (along the side of the portion shown). Thus, the dimensions of the optical element 102 are designed to fit within a given section of the bezel 112, which may have a first dimension less than or equal to D1 or D2, or a second dimension W less than or equal to the length L of the device.

[0017]

[0021] The personal device 100 may include one or more receivers 108 for collecting light, e.g., photodiode light sensors, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, etc. The receivers 108 may be connected to one or more components of the device 100 to receive commands (e.g., for enabling) and / or to transmit information (e.g., captured light).

[0018]

[0022] To enhance the capabilities of the receiver 108, the transmitting assembly 104 generates an optical transmission, such as, for example, a laser light, that is output via the optical element 102. In some examples, the optical element 102 is configured to illuminate the object (e.g., the operator's face) to enhance the light intensity reflected by the object and, therefore, captured by the receiver 108. Accordingly, the device 100 may include one or more components 132 configured to control and / or coordinate the operation of the transmitting assembly and the receiver 108 to capture an image of the object.

[0019]

[0023] In some examples, the transmitter assembly 104 and / or the optical element 102 are located near the receiver 108. The optical element 102 may be designed to project laser light in a particular pattern with a particular focus and a particular dispersion depending on the given application. For example, to image the face of an operator holding the device 100, the optical element 102 may use an illumination light diffuser that projects an illumination light pattern distributed over an area approximately equal to the area of ​​the operator's face, at approximately arm's length.

[0020]

[0024] In some disclosed examples, the optical element 102 is configured to convert light (e.g., from a light source with low divergence) into an illuminator with a relatively standard field of illumination (FOI) value (e.g., greater than 40 and less than 90 degrees) and a desired target radiant intensity profile, whether this is a flood illumination profile or a dot illumination profile.

[0021]

[0025] Although the optical element 102 is shown off-center relative to the location of the receiver 108, in some examples the optical element 102 is located in a section of the bezel 112 directly above and aligned with the receiver 108. Additionally, the receiver 108 is shown incorporated with the display 106. In some examples, a cutout or opening in the display 106 may expose the receiver 108, while in other examples the receiver 108 may be located in another location on the device 100, such as within the bezel 112.

[0022]

[0026] 1B provides a cross-section of the personal electronic device 100 of FIG. 1A. As shown, the optical element 102 may be physically and / or optically connected to the transmitting assembly 104 such that one or more components of the transmitting assembly 104 may be co-located with the optical element 102 and / or operable to direct illumination light toward the optical element 102.

[0023]

[0027] In the example of FIG. 1B, the transmitting assembly 104 includes one or more of an edge-emitting laser (EEL) 120, a substrate 122, an integrated circuit (IC--or controller, or control circuit) 124, a photodiode (PD) 126, a light focusing element 130, and / or an optical projection element (e.g., a dot projection optical element) 134, as a non-limiting list of components.

[0024]

[0028] In conventional devices, a portion of the display screen 106 is cut away to provide an outlet for light transmission. To eliminate the need for a cut in the display screen, the disclosed transmission assembly 104 is configured to direct laser light 128 through a narrow bezel 112 between the display screen 106 and the edge of the device case 110 to accommodate assembly tolerances. To efficiently use space within the device 100, facilitate assembly, and optimize optical power, the EEL array 120 is positioned below the display screen 106. A focusing element 130 is positioned below the narrow bezel 112 to reflect light 128 from the EEL array 120 that may be further transmitted through a projection element 134.

[0025]

[0029] In some examples, focusing element 130 may be comprised of one or more of a prism, a coated mirror, a coated optical block, a lens, and / or a reflector, as a non-limiting list of examples. In some examples, focusing element 130 includes a reflective surface designed to include one or more aspheric or freeform surfaces that function to shape the beam of laser 128, for example, to circularize the dot projection of emitted laser 128A.

[0026]

[0030] In some examples, by using a properly designed diffractive optical element, the transmitting assembly 104 is operable to project structured light with a random pattern. The projection element 134 may consist of one or more microlens arrays that may generate one or more projection patterns (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, etc.) and / or one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs) that may provide integrated collimation functionality to project regular and / or random dot patterns. For example, for the generation of a random dot pattern, randomness in one dimension may be relied upon in an irregular arrangement of the EEL array 120 (shown in the EEL array of FIG. 3B). In this configuration, the projection element 134 (configured as a DOE) generates randomness in another dimension.

[0027]

[0031] In some examples, one or more of the optical components may be embedded in the transmitting assembly 104, the component 132, and / or the mechanical structure of the device housing, which may include mechanical reinforcements, such as rubber bumpers (e.g., in and / or adjacent to the cover or device case 110).

[0028]

[0032] The illuminator assembly is just outside the edge of the phone screen in a narrow bezel so that it is apparent in any disassembly of the phone that includes the face ID sensor.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of another exemplary electronic device 200 including two or more transmitting assemblies 104 and 104A. As shown, the transmitting assembly 104 is similar to the transmitting assembly 104 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The transmitting assembly 104A is configured to incorporate one or more transmitting optical elements 102A and / or 102B (e.g., illumination light diffusers or pattern generator optics). The optical elements 102A and / or 102B are disposed along the bezel 112 of the device 100 and may be disposed side-by-side with the element 102 (as in element 102A) and / or at an orthogonal edge (as in element 102B). The optical element 102A may have a width W1, while the optical element 102B may have a width W2, which may be substantially similar to the width W of the optical element 102. In other examples, one or more of the widths W, W1, or W2 are different.

[0029]

[0034] Each transmitting assembly 104, 104A may include substantially all of the components shown in FIG. 1B. In other examples, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 1B are shared between the transmitting assemblies 104 and 104A. Furthermore, each of the transmitting assemblies 104 and 104A and / or the optical elements 102, 102A and / or 102B may be used simultaneously or independently. In some examples, the transmitting assembly 104 may be removed and the transmitting assembly 104A may be maintained using one or both of the optical elements 102A and 102B.

[0030]

[0035] Figures 3A and 3B show example laser arrays 300 and 320 (for EEL 120) for generating lasers for the transmit assemblies of Figures 1A, 1B, and 2. In some examples, laser arrays 300 and 320 are configured as edge-emitting laser (EEL) arrays using multiple semiconductor lasers arranged in randomly spaced, non-uniform, or uniform patterns.

[0031]

[0036] The exemplary EEL array 300 of FIG. 3A provides a plurality of unequally spaced lasers 302 on a substrate 304. The EEL array is defined by a relatively sparse inter-laser spacing at the center of the array and a relatively denser spacing at the edges of the array. In the disclosed example, lasers 302 located in the central section of the array (e.g., closer to the centerline 306) have a wider spacing between the lasers 302, as opposed to lasers located at the edge sections, where the lasers have a closer spacing between the lasers.

[0032]

[0037] The distance Y between the lasers 302 in the first set 308A 1 and the change in the distance Y between the lasers 302 of the second set 308B. 2 The variation in may be designed to create a consistent difference across the array. For example, the distance between lasers in an array may vary based on the distance from the centerline 306 of the array. In the example of FIG. 3A, the lasers 302 positioned near the centerline 306 are separated by a greater distance than the lasers 302 positioned at the edge of the substrate 304. While some examples show a predictable arrangement of the lasers 302 (e.g., increasing spacing between the lasers 302, mirror image arrangement of the lasers 302 about the centerline 306), in some examples the lasers may have different spacing. The spacing between adjacent lasers 302 may be randomly defined and / or have varying spacing between the lasers, which may or may not provide a mirror image relative to the centerline.

[0033]

[0038] As shown in Figure 3B, the EEL array 320 is arranged to include lasers 322 that are evenly spaced on a substrate 324. In the example of Figure 3B, the distance X between the lasers 322 in the EEL array 320 can be fixed. In other words, the distance or spacing between each laser 322 and each adjacent laser 322 is uniform.

[0034]

[0039] In some examples, laser arrays 300 and / or 320 may include one or more of a ridge-type single quantum well (SQW) or multiple quantum well (MQW) semiconductor laser, a buried heterostructure (BH) SQW or MQW laser, a distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface emitting laser, an InP-based laser, a GaAs-based laser, a GaSb-based laser, a GaN-based laser, or other suitable laser.

[0035]

[0040] Additionally, although one or more laser types and / or wavelengths are described in some examples, application of the concepts disclosed herein is not limited to a particular laser or wavelength. In some examples, lasers are disclosed that operate over a range of wavelengths including, as a non-limiting list of examples, 940 nanometers, 980 nanometers, 1350 nanometers, 1380 nanometers, 1480 nanometers, and / or 1550 nanometers.

[0036]

[0041] The disclosed monolithic laser arrays may provide advantages for a variety of applications, such as spot or flood illuminators using edge-emitting laser (EEL) arrays, among other examples. For example, a non-uniform EEL array serves to reduce "speckle" by projecting laser light in a random arrangement to eliminate speckle through interactions between the lasers of the EEL array and various optical elements (e.g., elements 102, 130, 134, etc.). Thus, the various interactions result in a flood projector with a desired uniform output as disclosed herein.

[0037]

[0042] In a disclosed example, a transmitter assembly for projecting illumination light from an edge of an electronic device includes a light source for generating laser light, a light focusing element for focusing the laser light, and a transmit optical element disposed in a bezel proximate an outer edge of the electronic device, the transmit optical element receiving the laser light from the light source and projecting the laser light through the bezel to illuminate a target.

[0038]

[0043] In some examples, the light source comprises an edge-emitting laser (EEL) array. In examples, the EEL array comprises a plurality of equally spaced lasers. In examples, the EEL array comprises a plurality of unequally spaced lasers.

[0039]

[0044] In some examples, the light source is one or more of a ridge-type single quantum well (SQW) or multiple quantum well (MQW) semiconductor laser, a buried heterostructure (BH) SQW or MQW laser, a distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface emitting laser, an InP-based laser, a GaAs-based laser, a GaSb-based laser, or a GaN-based laser. In examples, the light focusing element comprises one or more of a prism, a coated mirror, a coated optical block, a lens, or a reflector.

[0040]

[0045] In some examples, the optical projection element is for structuring the illumination light through the bezel with one or more patterns, in examples, the optical projection element is one or more of a microlens array or a diffractive optical element (DOE) for structuring the illumination light with one of a regular or random pattern.

[0041]

[0046] In some examples, the transmitting assembly includes one or more of a substrate, an integrated circuit controller, or a photodiode.

[0047] In some examples, the light focusing element reflects the laser light at an angle substantially perpendicular to the direction of the laser light transmitted from the light source.

[0042]

[0048] In an example, the electronic device includes a display screen disposed within a device case, the device case defining an outer periphery of the electronic device, hi an example, the transmitter assembly is disposed at least partially between the display screen and the device case.

[0043]

[0049] In some disclosed examples, an electronic device using a transmit optical element to illuminate an object includes a device case defining an outer edge of the electronic device, a display screen disposed within the device case, a transmit assembly disposed at least partially between the display screen and the device case, and a focusing optical element for directing laser light to the transmit optical element for projecting the laser light from the transmit assembly to illuminate the object, the projection optical element being positioned proximate to the outer edge of the electronic device.

[0044]

[0050] In some examples, the electronic device includes a bezel disposed between an edge of the display screen and an outer edge of the electronic device.

[0051] In an example, the edge length of the display screen substantially matches the outer edge length of the electronic device.

[0045]

[0052] In some examples, the electronic device includes a receiver sensor for capturing illumination from the laser light reflected from the object.

[0053] In some examples, the electronic device includes control circuitry for controlling and synchronizing the enabling of the transmitting assembly and the receiver sensor to capture illumination from the laser light, hi examples, the electronic device includes a separate transmitting assembly having separate transmitting optical elements.

[0046]

[0054] In the example, the laser light has a wavelength of 940 nanometers or 1380 nanometers.

[0055] In some examples, the electronic device is one or more of a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0047]

[0056] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to any analog and / or digital components, power and / or control elements, such as microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), software, and the like, discrete and / or integrated components, or portions and / or combinations thereof, including physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that may comprise, be executed by, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise a first "circuit" when executing a first line or lines of code, and a second "circuit" when executing a second line or lines of code. As used herein, a circuit is "operable" and / or "configured" to perform a function whenever the circuit comprises the necessary hardware and / or code (if any) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

[0048]

[0057] The terms "control circuit," "control circuitry," and / or "controller," as used herein, may encompass digital and / or analog circuitry, discrete and / or integrated circuits, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or other logic circuitry, and / or associated software, hardware, and / or firmware. The control circuitry or control circuitry may be located on one or more circuit boards that form part or all of the controller.

[0049]

[0058] In the drawings, like features are designated with the same reference numerals throughout.

[0059] The above description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived by applicants. It will be understood, with the benefit of this disclosure, that the features described above with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter may be used alone or in combination with any other described feature in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 100 Electronic Devices, Devices 102, 102A, 102B Transmitting optical element, optical element, element 104, 104A Transmitter assembly, transmitter assembly 106 Display screen, display 108 Receiver 110 Device Case 112 Bezel 120 Edge-emitting laser (EEL), EEL array 122 Base material 124 Integrated Circuits 126 Photodiode (PD) 128 Laser light, light, laser 128A Laser 130 Light focusing element, focusing element, element 132 Components 134 Optical projection elements, projection elements, elements 200 Electronic Devices 300 Laser Array, EEL Array 320 Laser Array, EEL Array 302 Laser 304 Base material 306 Center line 308A First Set 308B Second Set 322 Laser 324 Base material

Claims

1. 1. A transmitter assembly for projecting illumination from an edge of an electronic device, comprising: a light source for generating laser light; a light focusing element for focusing the laser light; a transmit optical element disposed in a bezel adjacent an outer edge of the electronic device; Including, the transmit optical element receives the laser light from the light source and projects the laser light through the bezel to illuminate an object; Transmitting assembly.

2. 2. The transmitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises an edge-emitting laser (EEL) array.

3. 3. The transmitting assembly of claim 2, wherein the EEL array includes a plurality of equally spaced lasers.

4. 3. The transmitting assembly of claim 2, wherein the EEL array includes a plurality of unequally spaced lasers.

5. 2. The transmitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source is one or more of a ridge-type single quantum well (SQW) or multiple quantum well (MQW) semiconductor laser, a buried heterostructure (BH) SQW or MQW laser, a distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a photonic crystal surface emitting laser, an InP-based laser, a GaAs-based laser, a GaSb-based laser, and a GaN-based laser.

6. 2. The transmitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the light focusing element comprises one or more of a prism, a coated mirror, a coated optical block, a lens, and a reflector.

7. 10. The transmitter assembly of claim 1, further comprising an optical projection element for structuring the illumination light through the bezel in one or more patterns.

8. 8. The transmitting assembly of claim 7, wherein the optical projection element is one or more of a microlens array or a diffractive optical element (DOE) for structuring the illumination light in one of a regular or random pattern.

9. 10. The transmitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a substrate, an integrated circuit controller, or a photodiode.

10. 2. The transmitter assembly of claim 1, wherein the light focusing element reflects the laser light at an angle substantially perpendicular to a direction of the laser light transmitted from the light source.

11. 2. The transmitting assembly of claim 1, wherein the electronic device includes a display screen disposed within a device case, the device case defining the outer periphery of the electronic device.

12. 12. The transmitting assembly of claim 11, wherein the transmitting assembly is at least partially disposed between the display screen and the device case.

13. 1. An electronic device using a transmit optical element to illuminate an object, comprising: a device case defining an outer periphery of the electronic device; a display screen disposed within the device case; and a transmitter assembly disposed at least partially between the display screen and the device case; a focusing optic for directing the laser light to the transmitting optics for projecting the laser light from the transmitting assembly to illuminate the target; Including, the projection optical element is disposed proximate to the outer edge of the electronic device; Electronic devices.

14. 14. The electronic device of claim 13, further comprising a bezel disposed between an edge of the display screen and the outer edge of the electronic device.

15. 15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein a length of the edge of the display screen substantially matches a length of the outer edge of the electronic device.

16. 14. The electronic device of claim 13, further comprising a receiver sensor for capturing illumination from the laser light reflected from an object.

17. 17. The electronic device of claim 16, further comprising a control circuit for controlling and synchronizing activation of the transmitting assembly and the receiver sensor to capture illumination from the laser light.

18. 14. The electronic device of claim 13, further comprising a separate transmitting assembly having a separate transmitting optical element.

19. 17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the laser light has a wavelength of 940 nanometers or 1380 nanometers.

20. 20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the electronic device is one or more of a smartphone or a tablet computer.

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