camera equipment

The camera device enhances depth information resolution and safety by using asymmetric optical distributions and controlled emission in overlapping and non-overlapping regions, addressing the trade-off between resolution and safety in ToF technology.

JP2025526569APending Publication Date: 2025-08-15LG INNOTEK CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025503423
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-08-25
Filing Date
2023-08-10
Publication Date
2025-08-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing camera devices that use Time of Flight (ToF) technology face a challenge in achieving high depth information resolution while ensuring safety for the human body, as limiting IR light intensity or output time to ensure safety can reduce resolution.

Method used

A camera device with a first and second transceiver, each comprising a light emitting and receiving unit, generates depth information for overlapping and non-overlapping regions using asymmetric optical distributions and controlled alternating emission, allowing high-resolution depth information within the main viewing angle while ensuring safety.

Benefits of technology

The camera device achieves high-resolution depth information within the main viewing angle, minimizing unnecessary data volume and calculations, and ensuring safety by reducing simultaneous IR light emission, mimicking human eye perception.

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Abstract

A camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first transceiver including a first light emitting unit that outputs a first output optical signal and a first light receiving unit that receives a first input optical signal obtained by reflecting the first output optical signal from an object; a second transceiver including a second light emitting unit that outputs a second output optical signal and a second light receiving unit that receives a second input optical signal obtained by reflecting the second output optical signal from the object; a depth information generator that generates depth information for the object using the first input optical signal received by the first light receiving unit and the second input optical signal received by the second light receiving unit; and a control unit that controls the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and the depth information generator, wherein the first input optical signal is an input optical signal for a first region of the object and the second input optical signal is an input optical signal for a second region of the object, and the depth information includes first depth information for an overlapping region of the object where the first region and the second region overlap each other and second depth information for a non-overlapping region of the object where the first region and the second region do not overlap each other, and the resolution of the first depth information is higher than the resolution of the second depth information.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to camera devices, and more particularly to camera devices that generate depth information. [Background technology]

[0002] 3D content is being applied in many fields, including games, culture, education, manufacturing, and autonomous driving, and depth information (depth map) is required to obtain 3D content. Depth information indicates spatial distance and shows the perspective of one point in a 2D image relative to another. Methods for obtaining depth information include projecting infrared (IR) structured light onto an object, using a stereo camera, and time-of-flight (TOF).

[0003] The ToF method calculates the distance to an object by measuring the time of flight, i.e., the time it takes for light to be emitted and reflected. The greatest advantage of the ToF method is that it quickly provides distance information in 3D space in real time. In addition, accurate distance information can be obtained without the user having to apply a separate algorithm or perform hardware correction. In addition, accurate depth information can be obtained even when measuring very close or moving objects.

[0004] Recently, attempts have been made to perform gesture recognition or three-dimensional space mapping using a camera device that generates depth information in the field of augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) such as a head mounted display (HMD).In addition, there is an increasing demand for a camera device that generates depth information for interaction with objects, spaces, and devices in various fields such as mobile devices, vehicles, and robots.

[0005] Generally, a ToF camera device emits IR light toward an object. Because IR light is invisible to the human eye, it may be difficult for a user to notice if an error in the camera device or lens damage causes an IR light level higher than the safe level for the human body to be output for a long period of time. For this reason, a ToF camera device needs to limit the intensity or output time of the IR light. Limiting the intensity or output time of the IR light may increase safety for the human body, but may reduce the resolution of depth information. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a camera device that has high depth information resolution while ensuring safety for the human body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first transceiver including a first light emitting unit that outputs a first output optical signal and a first light receiving unit that receives a first input optical signal obtained by reflecting the first output optical signal from an object; a second transceiver including a second light emitting unit that outputs a second output optical signal and a second light receiving unit that receives a second input optical signal obtained by reflecting the second output optical signal from the object; a depth information generator that generates depth information for the object using the first input optical signal received by the first light receiving unit and the second input optical signal received by the second light receiving unit; and a control unit that controls the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and the depth information generator, wherein the first input optical signal is an input optical signal for a first region of the object and the second input optical signal is an input optical signal for a second region of the object, and the depth information includes first depth information for an overlapping region of the object where the first region and the second region overlap each other and second depth information for a non-overlapping region of the object where the first region and the second region do not overlap each other, and the resolution of the first depth information is higher than the resolution of the second depth information.

[0008] The overlapping regions may be disposed between the non-overlapping regions.

[0009] The first depth information may be generated by combining the first input optical signal and the second input optical signal with respect to the overlap region.

[0010] The optical distribution of the first output optical signal may be asymmetric with respect to the center of the first region, and the optical distribution of the second output optical signal may be asymmetric with respect to the center of the second region.

[0011] The first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit may each include a light source and a diffusion member disposed on the light source.

[0012] The control unit may control the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to be alternately turned on and off.

[0013] The optical axis of the first light-receiving unit and the optical axis of the second light-receiving unit may be parallel to each other, the optical axis of the first light-emitting unit and the optical axis of the first light-receiving unit may not be parallel to each other, and the optical axis of the second light-emitting unit and the optical axis of the second light-receiving unit may not be parallel to each other.

[0014] The optical receiving unit may further include an angle adjusting member disposed between the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit, for adjusting the angle formed by the optical axis of the first light receiving unit and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit, and the extent of the overlapping area may be changed depending on the angle formed by the optical axis of the first light receiving unit and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit.

[0015] The control unit may control the angle adjustment member.

[0016] The optical axis of the first light-emitting unit and the optical axis of the first light-receiving unit may be parallel to each other, and the optical axis of the second light-emitting unit and the optical axis of the second light-receiving unit may be parallel to each other.

[0017] A separation detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body, a second body joined to the first body, a sensing pattern patterned across the first body and the second body at a joining portion between the first body and the second body, and a sensing unit electrically connected to the sensing pattern, wherein the sensing unit detects separation of the sensing pattern.

[0018] The sensing pattern may include a first pattern patterned on the first body and a second pattern patterned on the second body, the first pattern and the second pattern being connected via at least one contact, and the at least one contact may be disposed at a joining portion between the first body and the second body.

[0019] The sensing pattern may be patterned by a laser direct structuring (LDS) method.

[0020] The sensing pattern may include at least one cross pattern connected across the first body and the second body.

[0021] The sensing pattern may be patterned in a meandering or zigzag shape across the first body and the second body.

[0022] The first body and the second body each have a surface facing each other, and the sensing pattern includes at least one first contact arranged on the surface of the first body facing each other and at least one second contact arranged on the surface of the second body facing each other and corresponding to the first contact, and the first contact or the second contact may be bonded to each other and then separated, causing the pattern to be damaged.

[0023] The sensing pattern may include a plurality of sensing patterns connected to the sensing unit to form a loop, and the plurality of sensing patterns may be patterned at different positions of the first body and the second body.

[0024] The sensing unit measures the resistance of the sensing pattern and senses the separation of the first body and the second body based on a change in the resistance.

[0025] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body, a second body joined to the first body, internal elements disposed within the first body or the second body, a controller for controlling the internal elements, and a sensing pattern patterned across the first body and the second body at a joining portion between the first body and the second body, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the sensing pattern to sense separation of the sensing pattern.

[0026] The controller may measure a resistance of the sensing pattern and detect separation of the first body and the second body based on a change in the resistance.

[0027] The controller may stop operation of the internal element when detecting separation of the sensing pattern.

[0028] The controller may block re-operation of the internal element when detecting separation of the sensing pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera device capable of acquiring high-resolution depth information while ensuring safety for the human body can be provided.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, more precise depth information can be obtained within the main viewing angle of the human eye, thereby minimizing unnecessary data volume and calculations and achieving quality similar to what the human eye sees. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating depth information using a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a depth information generation area using a camera apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Figure 4] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention and depth information generated using the camera device;

[0035] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a camera device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 6] 10 is a conceptual diagram of a camera device according to another embodiment of the present invention and depth information generated using the same;

[0037] [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram of a separation sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Figure 8] 1 is a view illustrating separation detection of a separation detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a view illustrating separation detection of a separation detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a view illustrating separation detection of a separation detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a view illustrating separation detection of a separation detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be realized in various different forms, and one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0042] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as meanings that would be commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, and commonly used terms, such as dictionary-defined terms, may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0044] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the singular form can also include the plural form, and when it is written as "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C," it can include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C.

[0045] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Such terms are used only to distinguish a component from other components, and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or procedure of the component.

[0047] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it includes not only the case where the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, but also the case where the component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" by another component between the component and the other component or by another component.

[0048] Furthermore, when it is described as being formed or disposed "above (upper) or below (lower)" each component, the above (upper) or below (lower) includes not only the case where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when it is expressed as "above (upper) or below (lower)," it can mean not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one component.

[0049] The camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention may refer to a camera that extracts depth information using a Time of Flight (ToF) function. Therefore, the camera device may be referred to as a ToF camera device, a ToF camera module, a ToF camera, etc.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a depth information generating method using a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a depth information generating area using a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 1, a camera device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first transmitting / receiving device 100, a second transmitting / receiving device 200, a depth information generating unit 300, and a control unit 400. The first transmitting / receiving device 100 includes a first light emitting unit 110 that outputs an output optical signal and a light receiving unit 120 that receives an input optical signal, and the second transmitting / receiving device 200 includes a second light emitting unit 210 that outputs an output optical signal and a light receiving unit 220 that receives the input optical signal.

[0052] The first and second light emitters 110 and 210 generate and emit output optical signals. The first and second light emitters 110 and 210 may generate and output the output optical signals in the form of a pulse wave or a continuous wave. The continuous wave may be in the form of a sinusoid wave or a square wave. By generating the output optical signals in the form of a pulse wave or a continuous wave, the camera device 1 can detect a time difference or a phase difference between the output optical signals output from the first and second light emitters 110 and 210 and the input optical signals reflected from an object and input to the first and second light receivers 120 and 220. In this specification, output light refers to light output from the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210 and incident on an object, and input light refers to light output from the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210, reaches the object, and is then reflected from the object and input to the first light-receiving unit 120 and the second light-receiving unit 220. From the perspective of the object, output light may be incident light, and input light may be reflected light.

[0053] The first light emitting unit 110 and the second light emitting unit 210 may each include a light source, a lens assembly, and a diffusion member.

[0054] First, the light source generates light. The light generated by the light source may be infrared light with a wavelength of 770 to 3000 nm. The light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED), and may have a configuration in which multiple LEDs are arranged in a regular pattern. Alternatively, the light source may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a laser diode (LD). Alternatively, the light source may be a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). A VCSEL is a type of laser diode that converts electrical signals into optical signals and can output a wavelength of approximately 800 to 1000 nm, for example, approximately 850 nm or approximately 940 nm. The light source repeatedly flashes (on / off) at regular time intervals to generate an output optical signal in the form of a pulse wave or continuous wave. The regular time interval may be the frequency of the output optical signal.

[0055] The lens assembly may condense light output from the light source and output the condensed light to the outside. The lens assembly may be disposed above the light source and spaced apart from the light source. Here, the above of the light source may refer to the side from which light is output from the light source. The lens assembly may include at least one lens.

[0056] The lens assembly may be accommodated or supported in a housing. According to one embodiment, the housing may be coupled to a driving module, and the lens assembly may be moved along the optical axis or in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis by the driving module.

[0057] The diffusion member can receive the light output from the light source, and then refract or diffract the received light and output it.

[0058] Meanwhile, the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 receive light reflected from the object. To this end, the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 may include a lens assembly that collects the input light reflected from the object, a filter, and an image sensor that converts the input light that has passed through the lens assembly into an electrical signal, and the lens assembly, filter, and image sensor may be accommodated in or supported by a housing.

[0059] The optical axis of the lens assembly may be aligned with the optical axis of the image sensor. The filter may be disposed between the lens assembly and the image sensor and may filter light having a predetermined wavelength range. For example, the filter may pass light within the wavelength band of the output light from the first light emitter 110 and the second light emitter 210.

[0060] The image sensor can receive an input optical signal synchronized with the blinking period of the light source. Specifically, the image sensor can receive light in phase and out of phase with the output optical signal output from the light source. That is, the image sensor can repeatedly perform a step of receiving an input optical signal when the light source is on and a step of receiving an input optical signal when the light source is off. The image sensor can generate an electrical signal corresponding to each reference signal using a plurality of reference signals having different phase differences. The frequency of the reference signal can be set to be the same as the frequency of the output optical signal output from the light source. Therefore, when the light source generates output optical signals at a plurality of frequencies, the image sensor generates an electrical signal using a plurality of reference signals corresponding to each frequency. The electrical signal can include information about the amount of charge or voltage corresponding to each reference signal.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there may be four reference signals (C1 to C4). Each of the reference signals (C1 to C4) may have the same frequency as the output optical signal but may have a phase difference of 90 degrees from each other. One of the four reference signals (C1) may have the same phase as the output optical signal. The phase of the input optical signal is delayed by the distance the output optical signal travels after being incident on an object and being reflected back. The image sensor mixes the input optical signal with each reference signal. Then, the image sensor can generate an electrical signal for each reference signal.

[0062] The image sensor may have a structure in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a grid pattern. The image sensor may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. The image sensor may also include a ToF sensor that receives IR light reflected from an object and measures distance using time or phase difference. For example, each pixel may include an in-phase receiving unit that receives an input optical signal in the same phase as the waveform of the output light and an out-of-phase receiving unit that receives an input optical signal in the opposite phase to the waveform of the output light. When the in-phase receiving unit and the out-of-phase receiving unit are activated with a time difference, a difference occurs in the amount of light received by the in-phase receiving unit and the out-of-phase receiving unit depending on the distance to the object, and the distance to the object can be calculated using this difference.

[0063] The first light-emitting unit 110 and the first light-receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 may be arranged side by side, and the second light-emitting unit 210 and the second light-receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200 may be arranged side by side.

[0064] The depth information generator 300 may generate depth information of an object using input optical signals input to the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220. For example, the depth information generator 300 may generate depth information of an object using a time of flight required for an output optical signal output from the first light emitting unit 110 to be input to the first light receiving unit 120 after being reflected from the object and a time of flight required for an output optical signal output from the second light emitting unit 210 to be input to the second light receiving unit 220 after being reflected from the object. For example, the depth information generator 300 may calculate a phase difference between the output optical signal and the input optical signal using an electrical signal received from an image sensor, and calculate a distance between the object and the camera device using the phase difference.

[0065] Specifically, the depth information generator 300 can calculate the phase difference between the output optical signal and the input optical signal using the charge amount information of the electrical signal.

[0066] As described above, four electrical signals can be generated for each frequency of the output optical signal. Therefore, the depth information generator 300 calculates the phase difference (t) between the output optical signal and the input optical signal using the following Equation 1: d ) can be calculated.

[0067] [Number 1] TIFF2025526569000002.tif19155

[0068] Here, Q1 to Q4 are the charge amounts of the four electrical signals. Q1 is the charge amount of the electrical signal corresponding to the reference signal that has the same phase as the output optical signal. Q2 is the charge amount of the electrical signal corresponding to the reference signal that is 180 degrees behind the phase of the output optical signal. Q3 is the charge amount of the electrical signal corresponding to the reference signal that is 90 degrees behind the phase of the output optical signal. Q4 is the charge amount of the electrical signal corresponding to the reference signal that is 270 degrees behind the phase of the output optical signal.

[0069] Then, the depth information generator 300 can calculate the distance between the object and the camera device 1 using the phase difference between the output optical signal and the input optical signal. In this case, the depth information generator 300 can calculate the distance (d) between the object and the camera device 1 using the following Equation 2:

[0070] [Number 2] TIFF2025526569000003.tif18156

[0071] where c is the speed of light and f is the frequency of the output light.

[0072] The control unit 400 controls the driving of the first transmitting / receiving device 100 , the second transmitting / receiving device 200 and the depth information generating unit 300 .

[0073] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the first light receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 acquires a first input optical signal for the first region A1 (S210), the second light receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200 acquires a second input optical signal for the second region A2 (S220), and the depth information generator 300 generates first depth information for the overlap region and second depth information for the non-overlapping region using the first input optical signal and the second input optical signal (S230).

[0074] In this case, the first input optical signal is a signal input to the first light receiving unit 120 after the first output optical signal output from the first light emitting unit 110 is reflected from an object, and is an input optical signal for the first region A1. The second input optical signal is a signal input to the second light receiving unit 220 after the second output optical signal output from the second light emitting unit 210 is reflected from an object, and is an input optical signal for the second region A2.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the first region A1 and a portion of the second region A2 may overlap each other, and the remaining portion of the first region A1 and the remaining portion of the second region A2 may not overlap each other. In this specification, the overlapping region A3 of the first region A1 and the second region A2 is referred to as an overlapping region, and the non-overlapping regions A4 and A5 are referred to as non-overlapping regions, and the overlapping region A3 may be located between the non-overlapping regions A4 and A5.

[0076] To this end, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light emitter 110 and the second light emitter 210 are set to be alternately turned on / off, the output period of the first output optical signal of the first light emitter 110 and the receiving period of the first input optical signal of the first light receiver 120 may be synchronized with each other, and the output period of the second output optical signal of the second light emitter 210 and the receiving period of the second input optical signal of the second light receiver 220 may be synchronized with each other. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may control the operations of the first light emitter 110, the first light receiver 120, the second light emitter 210, and the second light receiver 220.

[0077] In this way, when the first light emitting unit 110 and the second light emitting unit 210 are set to be alternately turned on / off, the intensity of the output optical signal output at a specific time can be reduced, thereby improving safety for the human body. Also, the total FOV (field of view) of the camera device 1 can be expanded to the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0078] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in step S230, the depth information generator 300 generates first depth information for an overlapping region A3 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap each other and second depth information for non-overlapping regions A4 and A5 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 do not overlap each other. To this end, the depth information generator 300 generates depth information for the first region A1 using a time difference or a phase difference between a first input optical signal and a first output optical signal for the first region A1, generates depth information for the second region A2 using a time difference or a phase difference between a second input optical signal and a second output optical signal for the second region A2, and then synthesizes the depth information for the first region A1 and the depth information for the second region A2. The synthesis of the depth information for the first region A1 and the depth information for the second region A2 may be performed using at least one of a depth image convolution algorithm and a reconstruction algorithm. For example, the depth information generation unit 300 may extract a plurality of first feature points from the depth information for the first region A1, extract a plurality of second feature points from the depth information for the second region A2, and extract pairs of corresponding feature points from the plurality of first feature points and the plurality of second feature points. The first depth information may be generated using a reconstruction algorithm for the extracted feature point pairs. However, this is merely an example of combining the depth information for the first region A1 and the depth information for the second region A2. Various image combining techniques may be used to combine the depth information for the first region A1 and the depth information for the second region A2. Thus, the resolution of the first depth information for the overlapping region A3, where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap, is higher than the resolution of the second depth information for the non-overlapping regions A4 and A5, where the first region A1 and the second region A2 do not overlap. When the range of the overlapping area A3 is set within ±30°, which is the main viewing angle of the human eye, the resolution of the first depth information for the overlapping area A3, which corresponds to the main viewing angle of the human eye, is higher than the resolution of the second depth information for the non-overlapping areas A4 and A5, which correspond to the periphery of the main viewing angle of the human eye, so it is possible to generate depth information of a quality similar to that perceived by the human eye.

[0079] 4 is a conceptual diagram of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention and depth information generated using the same. For convenience of explanation, duplicated explanations of the same content as those described in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be omitted.

[0080] 4, the camera device 1 includes a first transceiver 100, a second transceiver 200, a depth information generator 300, and a control unit 400. The first transceiver 100 includes a first light emitter 110 that outputs a first output optical signal and a first light receiver 120 that receives a first input optical signal, and the second transceiver 200 includes a second light emitter 210 that outputs a second output optical signal and a second light receiver 220 that receives a second input optical signal. The depth information generator 300 generates depth information using the first output optical signal, the first input optical signal, the second output optical signal, and the second input optical signal, and the control unit 400 controls the first transceiver 100, the second transceiver 200, and the depth information generator 300 overall.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first transceiver 100 and the second transceiver 200 may be disposed adjacent to each other, and the first light-receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 and the second light-receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200 may be disposed between the first light-emitting unit 110 of the first transceiver 100 and the second light-emitting unit 210 of the second transceiver 200. That is, the first light-emitting unit 110, the first light-receiving unit 120, the second light-receiving unit 220, and the second light-emitting unit 210 may be disposed sequentially along the X direction. When the first light-receiving unit 120 and the second light-receiving unit 220 are disposed between the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210 in this manner, the distance between the first light-receiving unit 120 and the second light-receiving unit 220 can be minimized, thereby widening the range of an overlapping region A3 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap each other. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the extent of the overlapping region may vary depending on the distance between the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220. Here, the extent of the overlapping region may refer to the width in the X-axis direction.

[0082] In this case, the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 may be arranged side by side, and the optical axis X1 of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis X2 of the second light receiving unit 220 may be parallel to each other. Thus, the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 can acquire input optical signals for the entire area extending in the X-axis direction from one end of the first area A1 to the other end of the second area A2.

[0083] To this end, the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 may be disposed on a single substrate S. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the depth information generation unit 300 and the control unit 400 being disposed between the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220, the present invention is not limited thereto. The depth information generation unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be disposed in any region on the substrate S on which the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 are disposed, and may be realized by a circuit pattern or an IC chip on the substrate S. Alternatively, the depth information generation unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be included in an electronic device in which the camera device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed. For example, the depth information generation unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be realized in the form of an application processor (AP) of an electronic device in which the camera device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light-emitting unit 110 emits a first output optical signal, and the second light-emitting unit 210 emits a second output optical signal. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210 may be alternately turned on / off. This prevents the first output optical signal and the second output optical signal from being output simultaneously, thereby improving safety to the human body.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light emitter 110 emits the first output optical signal onto an area including the first area A1, and the second light emitter 210 emits the second output optical signal onto an area including the second area A2. That is, the area onto which the first output optical signal is emitted may be wider than the first area A1 for the first input optical signal received by the first light receiver 120, and the area onto which the second output optical signal is emitted may be wider than the second area A2 for the second input optical signal received by the second light receiver 220. In particular, each of the first output optical signal and the second output optical signal should be emitted onto an area including the overlap area A3 of the first area A1 and the second area A2. This allows for composite depth information to be obtained for the entire overlap area A3, which is the area A3 where the first area A1 and the second area A2 overlap each other.

[0086] Meanwhile, as described above, the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210 are disposed on both sides of the first light-receiving unit 210 and the second light-receiving unit 220. Nevertheless, since the first output optical signal is irradiated onto an area including the first area A1 and the second output optical signal is irradiated onto an area including the second area A2, the optical axis X3 of the first light-emitting unit 110 and the optical axis X1 of the first light-receiving unit 120 do not have to be parallel to each other, and the optical axis X4 of the second light-emitting unit 210 and the optical axis X2 of the second light-receiving unit 220 do not have to be parallel to each other. For example, the optical axis X3 of the first light-emitting unit 110 may be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the optical axis X1 of the first light-receiving unit 120, and the optical axis X4 of the second light-emitting unit 210 may be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the optical axis X2 of the second light-receiving unit 220. To this end, the first light emitter 110 may be disposed on a separate substrate S1 other than the substrate S on which the first light receiver 120 is disposed, and the second light emitter 210 may be disposed on a separate substrate S2 other than the substrate S on which the second light receiver 220 is disposed, with the substrate S1 disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the substrate S, and the substrate S2 disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the substrate S. Alternatively, the lens assemblies included in the first light emitter 110 and the second light emitter 210 may include a spare lens. Accordingly, the light distribution of the first output optical signal may be asymmetric with respect to the center of the first region A1, and the light distribution of the second output optical signal may be asymmetric with respect to the center of the second region A2.

[0087] Alternatively, the first light emitting unit 110 and the second light emitting unit 210 each include a diffusing member, which may be disposed on the light source to diffuse the output optical signal. The size of the area onto which the output optical signal is irradiated may be expanded depending on the shape, type, and size of the diffusing member.

[0088] According to this, the depth information generating device 300 generates first depth information for an overlapping region A3 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap each other and second depth information for non-overlapping regions A4 and A5 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 do not overlap each other. The first depth information for the overlapping region A3 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap each other is obtained by combining the depth information for the first region A1 and the depth information for the second region A2. Therefore, the resolution of the overlapping region A3 is higher than the resolution of the second depth information for the non-overlapping regions A4 and A5 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 do not overlap each other. When the range of the overlapping region A3 is set within ±30°, which is the primary viewing angle of the human eye, the resolution of the first depth information for the overlapping region A3, which corresponds to the primary viewing angle of the human eye, is higher than the resolution of the second depth information for the non-overlapping regions A4 and A5, which correspond to the periphery of the primary viewing angle of the human eye. Therefore, it is possible to generate depth information with quality similar to that perceived by the human eye.

[0089] 5 is a block diagram of a camera device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a camera device according to another embodiment of the present invention and depth information generated using the same. For convenience of explanation, duplicated explanations of the same content as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 will be omitted.

[0090] 5 and 6, the camera device 1 includes a first transceiver 100, a second transceiver 200, a depth information generator 300, and a control unit 400. The first transceiver 100 includes a first light emitter 110 that outputs a first output optical signal and a light receiver 120 that receives a first input optical signal, and the second transceiver 200 includes a second light emitter 210 that outputs a second output optical signal and a light receiver 220 that receives a second input optical signal. The depth information generator 300 generates depth information using the first output optical signal, the first input optical signal, the second output optical signal, and the second input optical signal, and the control unit 400 controls the first transceiver 100, the second transceiver 200, and the depth information generator 300 overall.

[0091] Here, the first transceiver 100 and the second transceiver 200 may be arranged adjacent to each other, and the first light-receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 and the second light-receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200 may be arranged between the first light-emitting unit 110 of the first transceiver 100 and the second light-emitting unit 210 of the second transceiver 200. That is, the first light-emitting unit 110, the first light-receiving unit 120, the second light-receiving unit 220, and the second light-emitting unit 210 may be arranged in this order. When the first light-receiving unit 120 and the second light-receiving unit 220 are arranged between the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210 in this manner, the distance between the first light-receiving unit 120 and the second light-receiving unit 220 can be minimized, and therefore the range of the overlapping region, which is the region A3 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap each other, can be expanded.

[0092] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera device 1 may further include an angle adjustment member 500. The angle adjustment member 500 is disposed between the first transceiver 100 and the second transceiver 200, particularly between the first light receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 and the second light receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200, and adjusts the angle formed by the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220. When the angle formed by the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 changes, the ranges of the first area A1 and the second area A2 change, and therefore the range of the overlapping area where the first area A1 and the second area A2 overlap also changes. For example, the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220 have a FOV within a predetermined range. That is, the range of the first area A1 of the first light receiving unit 120 and the range of the second area A2 of the second light receiving unit 220 are predetermined. Here, for ease of explanation, the range of the first region A1 and the range of the second region A2 may refer to the width in the X-axis direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 are tilted to approach each other, the range of the overlapping region A3 where the first region A1 and the second region A2 overlap each other becomes larger than when the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 are parallel to each other, and the total range that can be recognized by the camera device 1, i.e., the range from the left side of the first region A1 to the right side of the second region A2, may be reduced. Conversely, when the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 are tilted away from each other, the range of the overlapping area A3 where the first area A1 and the second area A2 overlap each other is reduced compared to when the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 are parallel to each other, and the total range that the camera device 1 can recognize, i.e., the range from the left side of the first area A1 to the right side of the second area A2, may become larger.

[0093] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the entire range that can be recognized by the camera device 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the angle formed by the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220, and the range of the overlapping region that can be recognized by the two light receiving units in the camera device 1 and obtain high-resolution depth information can be adjusted. According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the entire range that can be recognized by the camera device 1 needs to be expanded, the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 can be moved away from each other using the angle adjusting member 500, and when the range of the overlapping region where precise depth information is required needs to be expanded, the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 can be moved closer to each other using the angle adjusting member 500.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle adjustment member 500 may be controlled by the control unit 400. The angle adjustment member 500 may include, for example, at least one of a hinge, a stepping motor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), and a piezoelectric element disposed between the first light receiving unit 120 and the second light receiving unit 220. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may control the angle adjustment member 500 in real time, thereby adjusting the recognition range of the camera device 1 in real time according to various applications and user needs.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the angle adjustment member 500 is disposed between the first transceiver 100 and the second transceiver 200 to adjust the angle between the optical axis of the first light receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200, the first light emitting unit 110 and the first light receiving unit 120 of the first transceiver 100 may be disposed on a single substrate S3, and the second light emitting unit 210 and the second light receiving unit 220 of the second transceiver 200 may also be disposed on a single substrate S4.

[0096] In this case, the optical axis X3 of the first light-emitting unit 110 and the optical axis X1 of the first light-receiving unit 120 may be parallel to each other, and the optical axis X4 of the second light-emitting unit 210 and the optical axis X2 of the second light-receiving unit 220 may be parallel to each other. However, in order for the first output optical signal output from the first light-emitting unit 110 to be irradiated onto an area including the first area A1 and the second output optical signal output from the second light-emitting unit 210 to be irradiated onto an area including the second area A2, the first light-emitting unit 110 and the second light-emitting unit 210 may each include a diffusion member disposed on the light source.

[0097] Alternatively, the optical axis X3 of the first light emitter 110 and the optical axis X1 of the first light receiver 120 may not be parallel to each other, and the optical axis X4 of the second light emitter 210 and the optical axis X2 of the second light receiver 220 may not be parallel to each other. To this end, the first light emitter 110 and the first light receiver 120 may be disposed on the same substrate S3, but the area where the first light emitter 110 is disposed may be inclined relative to the area where the first light receiver 120 is disposed. Similarly, the second light emitter 210 and the second light receiver 220 may be disposed on the same substrate S4, but the area where the second light emitter 210 is disposed may be inclined relative to the area where the second light receiver 220 is disposed. Alternatively, the lens assembly included in the first light emitter 110 and the lens assembly included in the second light emitter 210 may each include a spare lens.

[0098] According to this, the light distribution of the first output optical signal may be asymmetric with respect to the center of the first region A1, and the light distribution of the second output optical signal may be asymmetric with respect to the center of the second region A2, but since the first output optical signal is irradiated to include the first region A1 and the second output optical signal is irradiated to include the second region A2, depth information can be generated for the entire region including the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0099] Meanwhile, the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to AR glasses.

[0100] Although AR glasses require separate lenses or glasses to be worn depending on the user's eyesight, a projector attached to the AR glasses can be used to display real images according to the user's eyesight. In addition, the focus can be reconfigured at any time depending on the user's eyesight changes, and the device can be customized by storing the eyesight measurement value, without the need to set it up every time.

[0101] In the case of AR glasses, if a small gap occurs in the mechanism, the light emitted from the projector may affect the user's eyesight, so for eye safety, technology is needed to prevent device malfunctions in advance.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a separation detection device is provided that detects whether parts joined together in a first transceiver 100 included in a camera device 1 or a second transceiver 200 included in a camera device 1 are separated.

[0103] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a separation sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams illustrating separation sensing by the separation sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] The separation sensing device 1100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing pattern 1130 and a sensing unit 1140 , and the sensing pattern 1130 may be patterned on a first body 1110 and a second body 1120 .

[0105] The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are joined to each other. The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be joined to each other as housings. The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be interlocked or assembled to each other, and may be an inner housing for protecting the main core components or an outer housing for forming the exterior of the product. Either the first body 1110 or the second body 1120 may be a case that houses the product, and the other may be a cover that covers the case, and the case and cover may form a housing.

[0106] The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be joined together. They may be joined by welding, soldering, or laser bonding. The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be mechanisms that must maintain their connection without being separated when joined together. For example, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may form at least a part of the housing of the first transceiver 100 included in the camera device 1, or at least a part of the housing of the second transceiver 200 included in the camera device 1. Alternatively, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may form at least a part of the housing of the first light-emitting unit 110 of the first transceiver 100 included in the camera device 1, or at least a part of the housing of the second light-emitting unit 210 of the second transceiver 200 included in the camera device 1. Alternatively, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may form at least a part of the housing of the lens assembly of the first light-emitting unit 110 of the first transceiver 100 included in the camera device 1, or may form at least a part of the housing of the lens assembly of the second light-emitting unit 210 of the second transceiver 200 included in the camera device 1.

[0107] When the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to AR glasses, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be housings for a projector attached to the AR glasses. For example, the first body 1110 may be a projector case for the AR glasses, and the second body 1120 may be a projector cover for the AR glasses. The case and cover may be combined to form a housing. Light emitted from the projector must be controlled. If the housing is separated due to an external impact, strong light may be emitted, potentially affecting the user's eyesight. Therefore, maintaining the connection of the housing is important. Alternatively, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be housings for devices where waterproofing and moisture resistance are important, and sealing is required, but the housing must remain connected without separation. Alternatively, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be housings for devices that incorporate components requiring security or that require prevention of intentional disassembly attempts.

[0108] The sensing pattern 1130 is patterned across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 at the joint between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. The sensing pattern 1130 is formed at the joint between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 to detect whether the joint between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 is maintained or separated. At this time, the sensing pattern 1130 is patterned across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120.

[0109] The sensing pattern 1130 may be patterned using an LDS (Laser Direct Structuring) method. LDS is formed by patterning the surface of a plastic injection mold using a laser and plating a metal material. Fine patterning is possible through LDS patterning, and electrical patterns can be formed on the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. The sensing pattern 1130 may also be patterned and formed on the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 using various other methods.

[0110] The sensing pattern 1130 may include at least one cross pattern connected across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are joined to each other, and may include a cross pattern connected across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 when the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are joined. When the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are joined in a form that crosses the first body 1110 and the second body 1120, the cross pattern may be maintained as a single pattern, but when the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated, the cross pattern is also separated and no longer maintains a single pattern.

[0111] The sensing pattern 1130 includes a first pattern 1131 patterned on the first body 1110 and a second pattern 1132 patterned on the second body 1120, and the first pattern 1131 and the second pattern 1132 may be connected via at least one contact 1133. The sensing pattern 1130 forms the first pattern 1131 and the second pattern 1132 on the first body 1110 and the second body 1120, respectively, and the first pattern 1131 and the second pattern 1132 may be connected via the contact 1133 when the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are joined together. When the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 remain joined, the first pattern 1131 and the second pattern 1132 are connected via the contact 1133. When the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated, the first pattern 1131 and the second pattern 1132 are separated from each other via the contact 1133. The contact 1133 may include at least one, but may also include a plurality of contacts 1133. The plurality of contacts 1133 can widen the range of detection of separation between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. When play occurs between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 due to an external impact, the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 may be completely separated, or separation may occur only in a partial region. Therefore, by arranging a plurality of contacts 1133 over the joined portion of the first body 1110 and the second body 1120, the separation detection device 1100 can detect the separation.

[0112] The sensing pattern 1130 may be patterned in a meander shape or a zigzag shape across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. As shown in Fig. 9, the sensing pattern 1130 may be patterned in a meander shape that repeatedly crosses the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. Through this, the sensing pattern 1130 may form a plurality of contact points 1133. The meander shape patterning may be formed across the entire bonding portion between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. Through this, one loop may be formed, but multiple contact points may be formed.

[0113] The sensing unit 1140 is electrically connected to the sensing pattern 1130 to sense separation of the sensing pattern 1130. The sensing pattern 1130 is an electrically conductive pattern, and the sensing unit 1140 is electrically connected to the sensing pattern 1130 to allow a current to flow through the sensing pattern 1130, thereby detecting separation of the sensing pattern 1130.

[0114] The sensing unit 1140 measures the resistance of the sensing pattern 1130 and can detect separation between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 based on a change in the resistance. The sensing unit 1140 can measure the resistance of the sensing pattern 1130 by applying a signal to the sensing pattern 1130 and detecting the signal that flows through the sensing pattern 1130 and is output from the sensing pattern 1130. To determine whether the sensing pattern 1130 is electrically conductive, the sensing unit 1140 can be electrically connected to the sensing pattern 1130 through at least two connection pots. One connection pot can be an output pot that outputs a signal to the sensing pattern 1130, and the other connection pot can be an input pot that receives a signal from the sensing pattern 1130. The sensing unit 1140 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU), and the connection pots can be PA0 and PB0 as shown in FIG. 9. PA0 and PB0 may be ADC or DAC pots, which can convert digital signals into analog signals and output them to the sensing pattern 1130, and convert analog signals input from the sensing pattern 1130 into digital signals to measure the resistance of the sensing pattern 1130.

[0115] The resistance of the sensing pattern 1130 may vary depending on the resistance characteristics of the material patterned as a conductive pattern and the length of the pattern. The sensing unit 1140 applies a signal to the sensing pattern 1130 when the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are joined, measures the resistance of the sensing pattern 1130 using the signal output from the sensing pattern 1130, and sets the measured resistance as a reference resistance. The sensing unit 1140 measures the resistance of the sensing pattern 1130 in real time or periodically and compares the measured resistance with the reference resistance to detect a change in resistance. When the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated, the resistance may increase, and when the difference in resistance is outside a critical range, the sensing unit 1140 may determine that the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated. When the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are completely separated, the loop of the sensing pattern 1130 is released and opened, current no longer flows, and the sensing unit 1140 can determine that the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated.

[0116] If the contact 1133 of the sensing pattern 1130 temporarily drops and the non-conductive state continues for a certain period of time or more, the sensing unit 1140 may determine that the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated. For example, if the non-conductive state of the sensing pattern 1130 continues for 1 ms or more, the sensing unit 1140 may determine that the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated.

[0117] The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 each include a surface that faces and contacts each other, and the sensing pattern 130 may include at least one first contact 1134 disposed on the surface 1111 of the first body that faces and contacts each other, and at least one second contact (not shown) disposed on the surface of the second body 1120 that faces and contacts each other and corresponds to the first contact 1134. The first contact 1134 or the second contact may damage the sensing pattern 1130 when they are separated after being bonded to each other. The sensing pattern 1130 may be formed on the surface where the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 face each other, as shown in FIG. 10 . That is, a pattern may be formed on the surfaces that face and are directly bonded to each other, and a contact may be formed on that surface. A circular first contact 1134 may be formed on the bonding surface 1111 of the first body 1110, and a corresponding second contact may be formed on the second body 1120. The first contact 1134 and the second contact are integrated by melting together when joined, but may be made of a material that is easily separable. When the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated, the integrated first contact 1134 and second contact may separate, which may cause physical damage to the first contact 1134 or the second contact, making rejoining more difficult. This may permanently disable operation if the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are intentionally disassembled. If permanent operation is disabled based on the separation determination of the sensing unit 1140, this is only possible when the sensing unit 1140 is operating. However, if the operation of the sensing unit 1140 is stopped during intentional disassembly, hacking may be possible. In this case, physical damage to the first contact 1134 or the second contact occurs during separation, so permanent inoperability can be achieved even without the sensing unit 1140 detecting separation.

[0118] The sensing pattern 1130 includes multiple sensing patterns connected to the sensing unit 1140 to form a loop, and the multiple sensing patterns may be patterned at different positions. One sensing pattern 1130 can form one loop. Even if multiple contacts are formed as shown in FIG. 9, if separation occurs between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 at each contact, it is only possible to determine whether separation occurs, but it is difficult to detect which contact point the separation occurred at. To detect the position where separation occurs, multiple sensing patterns 1510 to 1540 are formed, each forming a loop, as shown in FIG. 10. By forming the contact points of each sensing pattern 1130 at different positions, the separation area sensed by each sensing pattern can be set differently. In this case, a loop must be formed for each sensing pattern 1510 to 1540. The sensing unit 1140 may include two input / output ports for each sensing pattern. Alternatively, each sensing pattern 1510 to 1540 may include one output port that outputs a signal and multiple input ports that receive signals from the sensing patterns 1510 to 1540. In this way, the resistance of each of the sensing patterns 1510 to 1540 can be measured independently, and by comparing each with a reference resistance, it can be determined which sensing pattern has experienced separation. Although Figures 7 to 11 illustrate the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 being bonded at one surface, bonding can also be performed at two or more surfaces, and by forming a sensing pattern for each surface at which bonding occurs, it can be determined which of the bonded surfaces has experienced separation.

[0119] As described above, the sensing pattern detects separation and permanently disables the operation of the product if an intentional disassembly attempt is made. It also electrically monitors damage to the housing due to physical impacts such as drops, preventing malfunctions of the device if safety issues, including Eye-Safety, arise. In the case of normal disassembly rather than intentional disassembly, the security code for disassembly of the mechanism can be used to disable the permanent operation suspension through a pre-applied procedure. Since the electrical pattern cannot be detected if the MCU (sensor 1140) is not activated, the circular contacts can be physically damaged even without the sensing unit 1140 detecting them, as shown in Figure 10, by making the circular contacts physically fall off.

[0120] This device can be applied to devices that use LDS to create electrical contacts so that they can be connected to the joints of mechanically disassembled housings, such as an inner housing that protects key core components in a mating or assembled form, or an outer housing that forms the product's exterior. It checks the electrical connection and operates normally when the contacts of both housings are connected and electrical continuity is established. If the contacts temporarily drop and electrical continuity is lost for a certain period of time, e.g., 1 msec or more, it can function as an E-Fuse (Electrical-Fuse), permanently disabling operation under certain conditions. The MCU sensor 1140 can set the E-Fuse to not operate even if the housing is disassembled (even if the contacts are opened) by entering a predetermined security code through the external communication interface. It can permanently disable operation if an attempt is made to intentionally disassemble the device to monitor mechanical and electrical operation. Critical core components use many contacts, so it can detect even the slightest gap caused by artificial force. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit 1140 may be an independent MCU for the separate sensing device 1100 or may be the control unit 400 of the camera device 1 .

[0121] 12 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first body 1110, a second body 1120 joined to the first body 1110, an internal element 1210 disposed inside the first body 1110 or the second body 1120, a controller 1220 for controlling the internal element 1210, and a sensing pattern 1130 patterned across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 at a joining portion between the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. The controller 1220 is electrically connected to the sensing pattern 1130 to sense separation of the sensing pattern 1130. A detailed description of each component of the electronic device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the detailed description of the separation detection device of FIGS. 7 to 11, and therefore, redundant description will be omitted below.

[0122] The internal element 1210 may be disposed in the internal space formed by the first body 1110 and the second body 1120, and may be a module or element that is driven by the electronic device. The internal element 1210 may be protected by the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. The internal element 1210 may be a module or element that must stop operating when the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 are separated, and in this case, may be disposed at a position other than the internal space of the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. When the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention is the first transceiver 100 or the second transceiver 200 in the camera device 1, the internal element 1210 may be an internal element included in the first transceiver 100 or the second transceiver 200. Alternatively, if the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is the first light-emitting unit 110 of the first transceiver 100 or the second light-emitting unit 210 of the second transceiver 200 in the camera device 1, the internal element 1210 may be an internal element included in the first light-emitting unit 110 or an internal element included in the second light-emitting unit 210.

[0123] The sensing pattern 1130 includes a first pattern 1131 patterned on the first body 1110 and a second pattern 1132 patterned on the second body 1120, and the first pattern 1131 and the second pattern 1132 may be connected via at least one contact 1133. The sensing pattern 1130 may be patterned using a laser direct structuring (LDS) method. The sensing pattern 1130 may also include at least one cross pattern connected across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120, and may be patterned in a meander shape or a zigzag shape formed across the first body 1110 and the second body 1120. The first body 1110 and the second body 1120 include surfaces that face each other, and the sensing pattern 1130 includes at least one first contact 1134 disposed on the surface of the first body 1110 that faces each other and at least one second contact that faces the first contact 1134 and is disposed on the surface of the second body 1120 that faces each other, and the first contact or the second contact may be damaged when the first contact or the second contact is bonded to each other and then separated. The sensing pattern 1130 may include a plurality of sensing patterns that form a loop, and the plurality of sensing patterns may be patterned at different positions.

[0124] The controller 1220 measures the resistance of the sensing pattern 1130, detects the separation of the first body 1110 and the second body 1120 based on a change in the resistance, and upon detecting the separation of the sensing pattern 1130, stops the operation of the internal element 1210. Furthermore, upon detecting the separation of the sensing pattern 1130, the controller 1220 can block the re-operation of the internal element 1210 to prevent it from operating permanently.

[0125] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 1220 may be an independent MCU for the electronic device 1200 or may be the control unit 400 of the camera device 1 .

[0126] Although the above description focuses on a camera device that extracts depth information using a ToF method, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The camera device according to embodiments of the present invention may also refer to a camera device that extracts depth information using a structured light method. That is, the camera device according to embodiments of the present invention may use structured light having a predetermined pattern as an output light signal and generate depth information using the disparity of the structured light.

[0127] The above description has focused on the embodiments, but these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. a first transmitting / receiving device including a first light emitting unit that outputs a first output optical signal and a first light receiving unit that receives a first input optical signal that is the first output optical signal reflected from an object; a second transceiver including a second light emitting unit that outputs a second output optical signal and a second light receiving unit that receives a second input optical signal that is the second output optical signal reflected from the object; a depth information generating unit configured to generate depth information for the object using the first input optical signal received by the first light receiving unit and the second input optical signal received by the second light receiving unit; and a control unit that controls the first transmission / reception device, the second transmission / reception device, and the depth information generation unit; the first input optical signal is an input optical signal for a first region of the object, the second input optical signal is an input optical signal for a second region of the object, and the depth information includes first depth information for an overlap region of the object where the first region and the second region overlap each other and second depth information for a non-overlapping region of the object where the first region and the second region do not overlap each other; A camera device, wherein the resolution of the first depth information is higher than the resolution of the second depth information.

2. The camera device of claim 1 , wherein the overlapping regions are disposed between the non-overlapping regions.

3. The camera device according to claim 2 , wherein the first depth information is generated by combining the first input optical signal and the second input optical signal for the overlap region.

4. The camera device of claim 1 , wherein the light distribution of the first output light signal is asymmetric with respect to the center of the first region, and the light distribution of the second output light signal is asymmetric with respect to the center of the second region.

5. The camera device according to claim 4 , wherein the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit each include a light source and a diffusing member disposed on the light source.

6. The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit so that they are alternately turned on and off.

7. 7. The camera device according to claim 6, wherein an optical axis of the first light-receiving unit and an optical axis of the second light-receiving unit are parallel to each other, an optical axis of the first light-emitting unit and an optical axis of the first light-receiving unit are not parallel to each other, and an optical axis of the second light-emitting unit and an optical axis of the second light-receiving unit are not parallel to each other.

8. an angle adjusting member disposed between the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit, the angle adjusting member adjusting an angle between an optical axis of the first light receiving unit and an optical axis of the second light receiving unit; The camera device according to claim 1 , wherein the range of the overlapping region varies depending on an angle formed between the optical axis of the first light receiving unit and the optical axis of the second light receiving unit.

9. The camera device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit controls the angle adjustment member.

10. The camera device according to claim 9 , wherein an optical axis of the first light-emitting unit and an optical axis of the first light-receiving unit are parallel to each other, and an optical axis of the second light-emitting unit and an optical axis of the second light-receiving unit are parallel to each other.