Optical output device, camera device including same, and sensor module
The camera device integrates a flood illuminator and dot projector with independent VCSEL regions and a light converting member to emit different illumination patterns, addressing distance challenges and reducing sensor module holes, enhancing depth information capture and device efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera devices face challenges in efficiently obtaining depth information at both short and long distances using a single device, as well as requiring multiple holes for separate optical paths for infrared and visible light sensors, which increases device size and complexity.
A camera device integrating a flood illuminator for surface illumination and a dot projector for point illumination, utilizing a VCSEL with isolated regions and independent driving, along with a light converting member to emit different patterns, and a sensor module with a lens system to combine infrared and visible light paths.
Enables depth information capture at both short and long distances without increasing device size or complexity, and reduces the number of holes required for sensor modules.
Smart Images

Figure 2026507453000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an optical output device and a camera device including the same, and also to a sensor module. [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 IR (Infrared) structured light onto an object, using a stereo camera, and TOF (Time of Flight).
[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, users can obtain accurate distance information without applying a separate algorithm or hardware correction. In addition, accurate depth information can be obtained even when measuring very close or moving objects.
[0004] In the IR structured light method, a point illumination pattern, which is structured light, is emitted from a light emitting unit, while in the ToF method, a surface illumination pattern is emitted from a light emitting unit. There may be different situations in which obtaining depth information using the IR structured light method is more appropriate than obtaining depth information using the ToF method.
[0005] Alternatively, the ToF method can output a surface illumination pattern for high resolution. However, to satisfy eye safety standards, limitations are placed on the total average power (total Pavg) of the output light. As a result, it is difficult to use a surface illumination pattern when attempting to obtain depth information at long distances. To solve this problem, there have been attempts to use a point illumination pattern when obtaining depth information at long distances and a surface illumination pattern when obtaining depth information at close distances.
[0006] Therefore, a technology is needed in which a single camera device is designed to output both surface illumination patterns and point illumination patterns. However, if a single camera device includes both a flood illuminator that outputs surface illumination patterns and a dot projector that outputs point illumination patterns, the size of the device increases. Furthermore, in order for the flood illuminator to realize surface illumination patterns and the dot projector to realize point illumination patterns, the heights of the flood illuminator and the dot projector must be designed to be variable, which requires a separate structure.
[0007] In addition, the infrared sensors and visible light sensors used in conventional 3D sensing, such as structured light sensors and dToF, sense infrared and visible light using their respective optical systems. In this case, the light paths entering the infrared sensor and visible light sensor are separate, requiring multiple holes for the light to enter. When holes are placed on a display, the area where the holes are placed cannot accommodate the display. Therefore, conventional sensor modules have the problem of requiring a large area to place the holes on the display. Measures are needed to reduce the area of such holes on the display. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a light output device that integrates a flood illuminator that outputs a surface illumination pattern and a dot projector that outputs a point illumination pattern.
[0009] Another technical problem that the present invention aims to achieve is to provide a camera device that can measure depth information not only at short distances but also at long distances.
[0010] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a camera device that supports both the IR structured light method and the ToF method.
[0011] Yet another technical object of the present invention is to provide a sensor module that can reduce the area of holes on a display.
[0012] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a sensor module in which the number of holes is reduced to one.
[0013] The problems to be solved by the examples are not limited to these, and may also include the objectives and effects that can be grasped from the means for solving the problems and embodiments described below. [Means for solving the problem]
[0014] An optical output device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of emitters in an array, a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emission laser) including first and second regions isolated from each other, lenses disposed on the first and second regions and overlapping the first and second regions in an optical axis direction, a light converting member disposed between the first region and the lens for defocusing or scattering an output optical signal output from the first region, and a driving IC for independently driving the emitters in the first region and the emitters in the second region, wherein the output optical signal output from the first region is emitted in a planar illumination pattern and the output optical signal output from the second region is emitted in a point illumination pattern, and the second region directly faces the lens in the optical axis direction.
[0015] The light conversion member may be a microlens array protruding toward the lens or a layer including an etched surface protruding toward the lens.
[0016] A vertical distance between the first region and the upper surface of the light converting member may be shorter than a vertical distance between the upper surface of the light converting member and the lens.
[0017] The light conversion member may be disposed so as to be in direct contact with the first region.
[0018] The one VCSEL may be disposed on a substrate on which the one driving IC is disposed, and the height of the first region and the height of the second region may be the same based on the substrate.
[0019] The light converting member may not be disposed between the second region and the lens.
[0020] When viewed from above, the second region may be larger in area than the first region.
[0021] The second region may be disposed in a region including the center of the one VCSEL, and the first region may be disposed in an edge region of the one VCSEL.
[0022] The second region may be disposed in a region including the center of the one VCSEL, and the first region may be disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the second region.
[0023] A diffractive optical element (DOE) pattern may be formed along the edge region of the upper surface of the lens.
[0024] The DOE pattern may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the one VCSEL.
[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, an optical output device includes a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emission laser) having a first region and a second region that are isolated from each other, the first region and the second region being arranged over the first region and the second region, a lens that completely overlaps the first region and the second region in the optical axis direction, and a driver IC that independently drives the emitters in the first region and the emitters in the second region, the second region being arranged over the center of the VCSEL, the first region being arranged to surround at least a portion of the second region, a diffractive optical element (DOE) pattern formed along the edge region of the upper surface of the lens, and an output optical signal output from the first region being emitted in a planar illumination pattern, and an output optical signal output from the second region being emitted in a point illumination pattern.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera device includes a light emitting unit that generates an output optical signal and irradiates it onto an object, a light receiving unit that receives the input optical signal reflected from the object and then input, and an information generating unit that generates depth information of the object using the input optical signal input to the light receiving unit. The light emitting unit includes a VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emission laser) including a plurality of emitters in an array and isolated from each other, a lens commonly disposed on the first region and the second region, a light converting member disposed between the first region and the lens and that defocuses or scatters the output optical signal output from the first region, and a driving IC that independently drives the first region and the second region. The output optical signal output from the first region is emitted in a planar illumination pattern, and the output optical signal output from the second region is emitted in a point illumination pattern.
[0027] The sensor module of the embodiment includes a lens unit that refracts incident light and outputs first incident light and second incident light having different wavelengths; a transmission unit that transmits the first incident light and the second incident light; a reflection unit that is disposed within the transmission unit and transmits the first incident light and reflects the second incident light; and a first light receiving unit that receives the first incident light and a second light receiving unit that receives the second incident light; and the second incident light can be reflected by the reflection unit to reach the second light receiving unit.
[0028] The first light receiving unit may be arranged spaced apart on the same axis as the lens unit in a first direction in which the first incident light is incident, and the first light receiving unit and the second light receiving unit may be arranged side by side spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0029] The lens portion can refract the first incident light so that it converges on a focal point on the first light receiving portion, and can refract the second incident light so that it converges on a focal point on the second light receiving portion.
[0030] The transmission portion may be disposed between the lens portion and the first and second light receiving portions.
[0031] The transmission part may have a cylindrical or polygonal prism shape, and the reflection part may be formed by coating or attaching a reflective material inside the transmission part.
[0032] The reflecting portion may include a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface, and the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface may be arranged parallel to each other and facing each other.
[0033] The first reflecting surface may be disposed between the lens portion and the first light receiving portion so as to form a predetermined angle with the second direction.
[0034] The second reflecting surface may be spaced apart from the second light receiving portion in the first direction and may be disposed to form a predetermined angle with the second direction.
[0035] The first and second reflecting surfaces may be arranged to form an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45° with the second direction.
[0036] The transmitting portion may include a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface, and the first surface and the second surface may be parallel to the lens portion or the first light receiving portion, and the third surface may be perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.
[0037] The sum of the vertical distance between a point on the first reflecting surface and the second surface and the vertical distance between a point on the second reflecting surface and the second surface is 0.8 to 1.2 times the height of the third surface in the first direction, and the point on the first reflecting surface may be at a first distance from an end of the first reflecting surface toward the second reflecting surface, and the point on the second reflecting surface may be at the first distance from an end of the second reflecting surface toward the first reflecting surface.
[0038] The shortest horizontal distance between a point on the first reflecting surface and the third surface may be 0.9 to 1.1 times the shortest horizontal distance between a point on the second reflecting surface and the third surface, the point on the first reflecting surface may be at a first distance in a direction from an end of the first reflecting surface toward the second reflecting surface, and the point on the second reflecting surface may be at the first distance in a direction from an end of the second reflecting surface toward the first reflecting surface.
[0039] The first incident light or the second incident light that has passed through the lens portion may be incident on the first surface, emitted from the second surface, and then incident on the first light receiving portion or the second light receiving portion.
[0040] The sensor module according to the embodiment includes an opening that allows the first incident light and the second incident light to be incident on the lens portion, and a frame that accommodates the lens portion, the transmitting portion, the reflecting portion, and the first and second light receiving portions; and the lens portion can be positioned within the opening.
[0041] The opening may be arranged on the same axis as the first light receiving portion and spaced apart in the first direction.
[0042] The width of the opening in the second direction may be equal to or greater than one time and equal to or less than two times the width of the lens portion in the second direction.
[0043] The first incident light may be visible light, the second incident light may be infrared light, the first light receiving unit may be a visible light recognition sensor, and the second light receiving unit may be an infrared light recognition sensor.
[0044] The transmission part may be a prism, and the reflection part may be a dichroic filter.
[0045] A mobile device according to an embodiment includes a display including a hole; and a sensor module disposed below the display, wherein the sensor module includes a lens portion that refracts incident light passing through the hole and outputs first incident light and second incident light having different wavelengths; a transmission portion that transmits the first incident light and the second incident light; a reflection portion that is disposed within the transmission portion and transmits the first incident light and reflects the second incident light; and a first light receiving portion that receives the first incident light and a second light receiving portion that receives the second incident light; and the hole, the lens portion, and the first light receiving portion may overlap in the optical axis direction of the lens portion. [Effects of the Invention]
[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera device capable of implementing both a point illumination pattern and a surface illumination pattern can be obtained without increasing the complexity of the manufacturing process and the size of the device.
[0047] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sensor module that can reduce the area of a hole on a display.
[0048] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sensor module in which the number of holes is reduced to one.
[0049] The various beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above, but will be more easily understood in the course of describing specific embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0050] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] [Figure 3]4 is an example of a light emission pattern of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] [Figure 4] 1 is a top view of a light output device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a light output device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] [Figure 6] 1 is a top view of a light converting member in a light output device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
[0056] [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light output device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view of a light converting member in a light output device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a top view of a light output device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light output device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] [Figure 11] 10 is an example of the top surface of a lens in a light output device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional sensor module.
[0063] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a sensor module according to an embodiment.
[0064] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor module according to an embodiment.
[0065] [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission part of the sensor module according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0067] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments and may be embodied in various different forms, and one or more of the components of the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0068] Furthermore, unless otherwise clearly defined and described, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted in a way that would be commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms, such as dictionary-defined terms, may be interpreted in light of the contextual meaning of the relevant art.
[0069] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are intended to explain the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0070] In this specification, the singular can also include the plural unless otherwise specified in the context, and when it is stated as "A and (and) at least one (or more) of B and C," it can include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B, and C.
[0071] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention.
[0072] Such terms are merely used to distinguish a component from other components, and are not intended to limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components.
[0073] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it can include not only cases where the component is directly coupled, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" by yet another component between the component and the other component.
[0074] Furthermore, when described as being formed or disposed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only when two components are in direct contact with each other but also when one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. Furthermore, when described as "above or below," it can mean not only the upper direction but also the lower direction based on one component.
[0075] The camera device according to an 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 depth information extraction device, a ToF camera device, a ToF camera module, a ToF camera, etc.
[0076] Alternatively, the camera device according to the embodiment of the present invention may refer to a camera that supports both the ToF method and the IR structured light function to extract depth information.
[0077] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an example of a light emission pattern of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] 1 and 2, a camera device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting unit 100, a light receiving unit 200, an information generating unit 300, and a control unit 400.
[0079] The light emitting unit 100 may generate and output an output optical signal 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 squared wave. By generating the output optical signal in the form of a pulse wave or a continuous wave, the camera device 1000 can detect a time difference or phase difference between the output optical signal output from the light emitting unit 100 and the input optical signal reflected from an object and input to the light receiving unit 200. In this specification, output light refers to light output from the light emitting unit 100 and incident on an object, and input light refers to light output from the light emitting unit 100, reaching the object, reflecting from the object, and input to the light receiving unit 200. In this specification, the pattern of output light may be referred to as an emission pattern, and the pattern of input light may be referred to as an incident pattern. From the perspective of the object, the output light may be incident light, and the input light may be reflected light.
[0080] The light-emitting unit 100 may include a light source 110 and a lens group 120 disposed on the light source 110. The light source 110 generates and outputs light. The light generated by the light source 110 may be infrared light with a wavelength of 770 to 3000 nm, or may be visible light with a wavelength of 380 to 770 nm. The light source 110 may use a light-emitting diode (LED), and may have a configuration in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a certain pattern. The light source 110 may also include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a laser diode (LD). Alternatively, the light source 110 may be a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). A VCSEL is a type of laser diode that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal and can output a wavelength of approximately 800 to 1000 nm, for example, approximately 850 nm or approximately 940 nm. The light source 110 repeatedly turns on and off at regular time intervals to generate an output optical signal in the form of a pulse wave or a continuous wave. The regular time interval may be the frequency of the output optical signal.
[0081] The lens group 120 may condense light output from the light source 110 and output the condensed light to the outside. The lens group 120 may be disposed above the light source 110 and spaced apart from the light source 110. Here, above the light source 110 may refer to the side from which light is output from the light source 110. The lens group 120 may include at least one lens. When the lens group 120 includes multiple lenses, the lenses may be aligned based on a central axis to form an optical system. Here, the central axis may be the same as the optical axis of the optical system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens group 120 may include a collimation lens.
[0082] A cover member 130 may be further disposed on the lens group 120. Although not shown, a diffusion member may be further disposed between the lens group 120 and the cover member 130, and may refract or diffract the light output from the light source 110 and the lens group 120 and output it.
[0083] The light receiving unit 200 may receive an optical signal reflected from an object. At this time, the received optical signal may be an optical signal output from the light emitting unit 100 that is reflected from the object.
[0084] The light receiving unit 200 may include an image sensor 210, a filter 220 disposed on the image sensor 210, and a lens group 230 disposed on the filter 220. An optical signal reflected from an object may pass through the lens group 230. The optical axis of the lens group 230 may be aligned with the optical axis of the image sensor 210. The filter 220 may be disposed between the lens group 230 and the image sensor 210. The filter 220 may be disposed on the optical path between the object and the image sensor 210. The filter 220 may filter light having a predetermined wavelength range. The filter 220 may transmit a specific wavelength band of light. The filter 220 may pass light of a specific wavelength. For example, the filter 220 may pass light in the infrared band and block light other than the infrared band. The image sensor 210 may sense light. The image sensor 210 may receive an optical signal. The image sensor 210 may detect the optical signal and output it as an electrical signal. The image sensor 210 may detect light of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of light output from the light source 110. For example, the image sensor 210 may be sensitive to light in the infrared band.
[0085] The image sensor 210 may have a structure in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a grid shape. The image sensor 210 may be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor.
[0086] If the camera apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention supports the ToF method, the image sensor 210 may include a ToF sensor that receives IR light reflected from an object and measures the distance using a time difference or a phase difference. If the camera apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention supports both the ToF method and the IR structured light method, the image sensor 210 may include a ToF sensor that receives IR light reflected from an object and measures the distance using a time difference or a phase difference, and an IR structured light sensor that measures the distance using the disparity of the IR structured light.
[0087] The light receiving unit 200 and the light emitting unit 100 may be arranged side by side. The light receiving unit 200 may be arranged next to the light emitting unit 100. The light receiving unit 200 may be arranged in the same direction as the light emitting unit 100.
[0088] The information generator 300 may generate depth information of an object using an input optical signal input to the light receiver 200. For example, the information generator 300 may calculate depth information of an object using the time of flight it takes for an output optical signal output from the light emitter 100 to be reflected from an object and input to the light receiver 200. For example, the information generator 300 may calculate a time difference between an output optical signal and an input optical signal using an electrical signal received by the image sensor 210, and calculate a distance between the object and the 3D sensing device 1000 using the calculated time difference. For example, the information generator 300 may calculate a phase difference between the output optical signal and the input optical signal using an electrical signal received from the sensor, and calculate a distance between the object and the camera device 1000 using the calculated phase difference. Alternatively, the information generator 300 may calculate a distance between the object and the camera device 1000 using the disparity of the IR structured light of the output optical signal output from the light emitter 100 and the IR structured light of the input optical signal incident on the light receiver 200.
[0089] The control unit 400 controls the operation of the light emitting unit 100, the light receiving unit 200, and the information generating unit 300. The information generating unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be implemented in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, the information generating unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be implemented in other configurations. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may be included in a terminal or a vehicle in which the camera device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed. For example, the control unit 400 may be implemented in the form of an application processor (AP) of a smartphone in which the camera device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed, or in the form of an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle in which the camera device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed.
[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting unit 100 can output light of various patterns.
[0091] For example, the light-emitting unit 100 may output a surface lighting pattern (see FIG. 3(a)). A surface lighting pattern is a form in which light is uniformly spread within a predetermined area and may be referred to as a flood lighting pattern, a surface light source pattern, etc. Here, "uniform" does not mean that the same amount of light is irradiated in the space where the light is irradiated, but rather that the light is continuously spread in the space. In the case of a flood lighting pattern, since light is uniformly (continuously) spread in the space, when the light of the flood lighting pattern is irradiated on an object, high-resolution depth information can be obtained. However, because the light is uniformly spread in the space, the amount of received light is small, and the precision of the depth information may decrease as the distance to the object increases. To improve precision, the output of the light source 110 can be increased, but this increases power consumption and may pose a safety risk.
[0092] As another example, the light-emitting unit 100 may output a point illumination pattern (see FIG. 3(b)). The point illumination pattern refers to an array of spots spaced at regular intervals within a predetermined area, and may be referred to interchangeably as a spot illumination pattern, point light source pattern, etc. Here, the point illumination pattern refers to a pattern in which light is locally concentrated in space, i.e., a pattern in which light is locally concentrated rather than continuously spread in space. In the case of a point illumination pattern, since light is locally concentrated, each spot has a high amount of light. As a result, there is an advantage in that highly accurate depth information can be obtained even when the distance to the object is far. However, there is a problem in that the resolution of the depth information is lower than that of a surface illumination pattern due to the local concentration of light.
[0093] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting unit 100 irradiates the object with light of a surface illumination pattern or light of a point illumination pattern according to a control signal, thereby maximizing the advantages of each.
[0094] FIG. 4 is a top view of a light-output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a light-output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a top view of a light-converting member in a light-output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a light-output device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a top view of a light-converting member in a light-output device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the term "light-output device" may be used interchangeably with "light-emitting unit." The description of the light-emitting unit described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 may also be applied to the light-output device, and for convenience of explanation, duplicated description of the same content will be omitted.
[0095] 4 to 8, light output device 600 includes a light source 610, a lens group 620 disposed on light source 610, and a cover member 630 disposed on lens group 620.
[0096] The light source 610 may be a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser). A VCSEL is a type of laser diode that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal and can output a wavelength of about 800 to 1000 nm, for example, about 850 nm or about 940 nm.
[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source 610 includes a single VCSEL (610V) including a first region R1 and a second region R2 that are isolated from each other and have a plurality of emitters in an array configuration. The emitters in the first region R1 and the emitters in the second region R2 are independently driven by a single driving IC (Integrated Chip, 610IC). That is, the first region R1 and the second region R2 each have an array configuration including a plurality of emitters, are spaced apart from each other, are implemented on a single driving IC (610IC), and can be independently driven by the single driving IC (610IC). In this case, the separation distance between the first region R1 and the second region R2 may be 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably 20 μm to 80 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 60 μm. This allows the size of the light output device 600 to be reduced while the first region R1 and the second region R2 are isolated from each other. When the first region R1 and the second region R2 are independently driven by one driving IC (Integrated Chip, 610IC), rapid switching is possible.
[0098] According to an embodiment of the present invention, lens group 620 is commonly disposed on first region R1 and second region R2. That is, lens group 620 is disposed on first region R1 and second region R2, and completely overlaps first region R1 and second region R2 in the optical axis direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , the width of at least one lens included in lens group 620 may be greater than the sum of the widths of first region R1 and second region R2, and one lens may be disposed to completely cover first region R1 and second region R2. Here, the width may refer to the length in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of light output device 600. Second region R2 may be disposed to directly face lens group 620 in the optical axis direction. This may simplify the alignment process between light source 610 and lens group 620, minimize the size of light output device 600, and simplify the structure of light output device 600.
[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the output optical signal output from the first region R1 is emitted in a planar illumination pattern, and the output optical signal output from the second region R2 is emitted in a point illumination pattern. To this end, a light converting member 640 that defocuses or scatters the output optical signal output from the first region R1 may be further disposed between the first region R1 and the lens group 620. While the light converting member 640 is disposed between the first region R1 and the lens group 620, it does not necessarily have to be disposed between the second region R2 and the lens group 620. Accordingly, the output optical signal output from the first region R1 may be defocused or scattered by the light converting member 640 and emitted in a planar illumination pattern, and the output optical signal output from the second region R2 may be emitted in a point illumination pattern without being defocused or scattered.
[0100] According to this, one VCSEL (610V) is disposed on a substrate on which one driving IC (610IC) is disposed, and the height of the first region R1 and the height of the second region R2 may be the same relative to the substrate. Here, the heights of the first region R1 and the second region R2 may refer to the maximum heights in the direction toward the optical axis relative to the substrate. The heights of the first region R1 and the second region R2 being the same may mean that they are within an error range of ±5%. Therefore, the output optical signal output from the first region R1 is emitted in a planar illumination pattern, and the output optical signal output from the second region R2 is emitted in a point illumination pattern. However, since no separate structure is required to adjust the heights of the first region R1 and the second region R2, the size of the light output device 600 may be reduced, and the manufacturing process of the light output device 600 may be simplified.
[0101] 5 and 6, the light converting member 640 may include a microlens array. In this case, the microlens array may protrude in a direction toward the lens group 620. When an output optical signal output from the first region R1 passes through the microlens array, the output optical signal may be defocused and emitted as a surface illumination pattern. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle of view of the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 may be controlled by the pitch or curvature of the microlenses included in the microlens array. Therefore, even if the area of the first region R1 is designed to be small, the angle of view of the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 may be expanded by controlling the pitch or curvature of the microlenses included in the microlens array.
[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diameters D of the microlenses included in the microlens array may be designed to be different from one another. For example, the diameters of the microlenses included in the microlens array may be designed randomly. For example, the diameters of the microlenses included in the microlens array may be designed by generating random numbers. To this end, the diameters of the microlenses may be extracted by rejection sampling equal to the number of microlenses. As a result, the diffraction angles of the respective diffraction orders do not overlap, and constructive interference and destructive interference due to the overlap of the diffraction angles according to the diffraction orders may be minimized, thereby realizing a more uniform surface illumination pattern.
[0103] 7 and 8, the light converting member 640 may be a layer including an etched surface. In this case, the etched surface may protrude toward the lens group 620. When an output optical signal output from the first region R1 passes through the etched surface, it may be scattered and emitted as a surface illumination pattern. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle of view of the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 may be controlled by the surface roughness of the etched surface. Therefore, even if the area of the first region R1 is designed to be small, the angle of view of the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 may be expanded by controlling the surface roughness of the etched surface.
[0104] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heights and widths of the pitches included in the etched surface may all be designed to be different from one another. For example, at least one of the heights and widths of the pitches included in the etched surface may be designed randomly. For example, at least one of the heights and widths of the pitches included in the etched surface may be designed by random number generation. To this end, at least one of the heights and widths of the pitches included in the etched surface may be extracted by rejection sampling equal to the number of pitches. In this way, the diffraction angles of the respective diffraction orders do not overlap, and constructive interference and destructive interference due to the overlap of the diffraction angles according to the diffraction orders may be minimized, thereby realizing a more uniform surface illumination pattern.
[0105] 5 and 7, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vertical distance between the first region R1 and the upper surface of the light converting member 640 may be shorter than the vertical distance between the upper surface of the light converting member 640 and the lens group 620. This may enhance the defocusing or scattering effect of the output optical signal output from the first region R1. Preferably, the light converting member 640 may contact the first region R1. This may maximize the defocusing or scattering effect of the output optical signal output from the first region R1.
[0106] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the area of the second region R2 may be larger than the area of the first region R1 when viewed from above. This ensures that the amount of power allocated to the point illumination pattern for acquiring long-distance depth information is greater than the amount of power allocated to the surface illumination pattern for acquiring short-distance depth information. Furthermore, as described above, the angle of view of the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 can be expanded by controlling the diameter of the microlenses included in the microlens array arranged in the first region R1 or the surface roughness of the etched surface. Therefore, even if the area of the first region R1 is smaller than the area of the second region R2, the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 can be irradiated onto the entire illumination area including the object. This provides a camera device that can extract depth information with high accuracy not only at close distances but also at long distances. Alternatively, a camera device that can extract depth information using not only the ToF method but also the IR structured light method can be provided.
[0107] In this case, the second region R2 may be disposed in a region including the center of one VCSEL (610V), and the first region R1 may be disposed in an edge region of one VCSEL (610V). While FIG. 4 illustrates the first region R1 disposed on the left edge of one VCSEL (610V), this is not limiting and the first region R1 may be disposed on the right edge of one VCSEL (610V), or on both the left and right edges of one VCSEL (610V). As described above, the angle of view of the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 can be expanded by controlling the diameter of the microlenses included in the microlens array disposed in the first region R1 or the surface roughness of the etched surface. Therefore, even if the area of the first region R1 is smaller than the area of the second region R2, the surface illumination pattern emitted from the first region R1 can be irradiated over the entire illumination area including the object.
[0108] Fig. 9 is a top view of a light output device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light output device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is an example of the top view of a lens of a light output device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the term "light output device" may be used interchangeably with "light emitting unit." The description of the light emitting unit described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8 may also be applied to the light output device, and for the sake of convenience, duplicated description of the same content will be omitted.
[0109] 9 to 11, light output device 700 includes a light source 710, a lens group 720 disposed on light source 710, and a cover member 730 disposed on lens group 720.
[0110] The light source 710 may be a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser). A VCSEL is a type of laser diode that converts an electrical signal into an optical signal and can output a wavelength of about 800 to 1000 nm, for example, about 850 nm or about 940 nm.
[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source 710 includes a single VCSEL (710V) including a first region R1 and a second region R2 that are isolated from each other and have a plurality of emitters in an array configuration. The first region R1 and the second region R2 are independently driven by a single driving IC (Integrated Chip, 710IC). That is, the first region R1 and the second region R2 each have an array configuration including a plurality of emitters, are spaced apart from each other, are implemented on a single driving IC (710IC), and can be independently driven by the single driving IC (710IC). In this case, the separation distance between the first region R1 and the second region R2 may be 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably 20 μm to 80 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 60 μm. This allows the size of the light output device 700 to be reduced while the first region R1 and the second region R2 are isolated from each other. The first region R1 and the second region R2 are independently driven by a single driving IC (Integrated Chip, 710IC), enabling rapid switching.
[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens group 720 is commonly disposed on the first region R1 and the second region R2. That is, as shown in Fig. 9, at least one lens included in the lens group 720 may be disposed to cover both the first region R1 and the second region R2. This may simplify the alignment process between the light source 710 and the lens group 720, minimize the size of the light output device 700, and simplify the structure.
[0113] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a diffractive optical element (DOE) pattern may be formed on the surface edge of the lens group 720. In this case, the DOE pattern may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center of one VCSEL (710V). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second region R2 may be disposed in a region including the center of one VCSEL (710V), and the first region R1 may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the second region R2. The output optical signal output from the first region R1 may pass through the region of the lens group 720 where the DOE pattern is formed, and the output optical signal output from the second region R2 may pass through the region of the lens group 720 where the DOE pattern is not formed. As a result, the output optical signal output from the first region R1 is emitted in a planar illumination pattern, and the output optical signal output from the second region R2 is emitted in a point illumination pattern. This may provide a camera device capable of extracting depth information with high accuracy not only at close range but also at long range. Alternatively, a camera device capable of extracting depth information using not only the ToF method but also the IR structured light method may be provided. In particular, when the output optical signal passes through the DOE pattern, the angle of view may become large. Accordingly, when the second region R2 is arranged in a region including the center of one VCSEL (710V) and the first region R1 is arranged to surround at least a part of the second region R2, the illumination region of the planar illumination pattern and the illumination region of the point illumination pattern may overlap.
[0114] 4 to 8 and the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11 have been described as independent embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to this. The embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 8 and the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11 may be combined with each other. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 8, a DOE pattern may be formed on the upper surface of the lens group 620 in a region through which the output optical signal output from the first region R1 passes. Alternatively, in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11, a light conversion member for defocusing or scattering the output optical signal output from the first region R1 may be further disposed on the first region R1.
[0115] The camera device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a ToF camera device that outputs a surface illumination pattern and a point illumination pattern, and thus, the outputs of the surface illumination pattern and the point illumination pattern may be adjusted according to the distance to an object.
[0116] The camera device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a camera device that supports both the ToF method and the IR structured light method. Accordingly, when an environment without background light, such as a dark room, is in which precise depth information extraction is required, the camera device 1000 may output a point illumination pattern, and when an environment with background light is in which a rough position determination of an object is required, the camera device 1000 may output a surface illumination pattern.
[0117] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0118] The camera device may include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. However, since components such as the substrate 10, holder 30, and shielding can 50 are integrally formed and shared by both the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, it may be difficult to distinguish between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In this case, each of the components may be understood as a component of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, respectively. However, as a modified example, the shared components such as the substrate 10, holder 30, and shielding can 50 may be provided separately for the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.
[0119] The light-emitting unit can include a substrate 10, a light source 20, a holder 30, a diffusing member 41, a diffuser ring 42, and a shielding can 50. The light-receiving unit can include a substrate 10, a sensor 60, a filter 80, a holder 30, a lens 70, a barrel 71, and a shielding can 50.
[0120] The substrate 10 may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate 10 may be connected to a connector through an FPCB 91. The substrate 10 and the FPCB 91 may be formed of an RFPCB (Rigid Flexible PCB). The light source 20 and the sensor 60 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The substrate 10 may be disposed below the holder 30. The substrate 10 may include terminals. The terminals of the substrate 10 may be coupled to coupling portions of the shielding can 50. The terminals of the substrate 10 may include multiple terminals. The terminals of the substrate 10 may include two terminals.
[0121] The light source 20 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The light source 20 may be disposed in contact with the substrate 10. The light source 20 may be disposed above the substrate 10. The light source 20 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The light source 20 may correspond to the light sources 110, 610, and 710 described above.
[0122] The holder 30 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The holder 30 may be disposed in contact with the substrate 10. The holder 30 may be disposed on top of the substrate 10. The holder 30 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The holder 30 may be fixed to the substrate 10 by an adhesive. The holder 30 may house the light source 20, the diffuser module 40, the sensor 60, and the filter 80 inside. The holder 30 may be a plastic injection molding. The holder 30 may be formed by injection molding.
[0123] The diffuser module 40 may include a diffusion member 41 and a diffuser ring 42. The diffuser module 40 may be integrally formed as in the modified example, but in this embodiment, the diffusion member 41 and the diffuser ring 42 may be separately manufactured to increase moldability during injection molding. The diffusion member 41 and the diffuser ring 42 may be separated from each other.
[0124] The diffusing member 41 may be a diffuser lens. The diffusing member 41 may correspond to the lens group 120 described above. The diffusing member 41 may be disposed within the holder 30. The diffusing member 41 may be coupled to the holder 30. The diffusing member 41 may be fixed to the holder 30. The diffusing member 41 may be disposed on the optical path of light emitted from the light source 20. The diffusing member 41 may be disposed on the light source 20. The diffusing member 41 may be disposed above the light source 20. The diffusing member 41 may be a plastic injection molding. The diffusing member 41 may be formed by plastic injection molding. The height of the upper end of the diffusing member 41 may correspond to the height of the upper end of the lens 70. The diffusing member 41 may be inserted upward in the vertical direction and coupled to the holder 30. In this case, the upward direction may be from the bottom of the holder 30 toward the top of the holder 30. A portion of the diffusing member 41 may overlap the holder 30 in the upward direction.
[0125] The diffuser ring 42 can be disposed in the holder 30. The diffuser ring 42 can be fixed to the holder 30. The diffuser ring 42 can be bonded to the holder 30. The diffuser ring 42 can be disposed below the diffusing member 41. The diffuser ring 42 can support the diffusing member 41. The diffuser ring 42 can be in contact with the diffusing member 41. The diffuser ring 42 can be a plastic injection product. The diffuser ring 42 can be formed by plastic injection.
[0126] The shielding can 50 may cover the body of the holder 30. The shielding can 50 may include a cover. The shielding can 50 may include a cover can. The shielding can 50 may be made of a non-magnetic material. The shielding can 50 may be formed of a metal material. The shielding can 50 may be formed of a metal plate. The shielding can 50 may be electrically connected to the substrate 10. The shielding can 50 may be connected to the substrate 10 through solder balls, through which the shielding can 50 may be grounded. The shielding can 50 may block electromagnetic interference (EMI). In this case, the shielding can 50 may be referred to as an "EMI shielding can." In this embodiment, the use of high voltage inside the optical device may increase electromagnetic interference, but the shielding can 50 can block the electromagnetic interference.
[0127] The sensor 60 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The sensor 60 may be disposed on the other side of the partition wall of the holder 30 on the substrate 10. That is, the sensor 60 may be disposed on the opposite side of the light source 20 with respect to the partition wall of the holder 30. The sensor 60 may detect infrared light. The sensor 60 may detect light of a specific wavelength among infrared light. The sensor 60 may detect light that has passed through the filter 80. The sensor 60 may detect light in the wavelength band of the light source 20. As a result, the sensor 60 may detect light emitted from the light source 20 and reflected by the subject, thereby sensing 3D image information of the subject. The effective sensing area of the sensor 60 is disposed to correspond to the diffusion member 41, but the sensor 60 may be disposed as a whole biased toward the partition wall. A circuit pattern of the sensor 60 may be disposed on the portion of the sensor 60 biased toward the partition wall.
[0128] The lens 70 may be fixed within the barrel 71. The lens 70 may be a plastic injection product. The lens 70 may be formed by plastic injection. The lens 70 may include multiple lenses.
[0129] The filter 80 may be disposed between the lens 70 and the sensor 60. The filter 80 may be a band pass filter that passes light in a specific wavelength band. The filter 80 may pass infrared light. The filter 80 may pass light of a specific wavelength among infrared light. The filter 80 may pass light in the wavelength band of light emitted by the light source 20. The filter 80 may block visible light. The filter 80 may be coupled to the holder 30. A groove of a size corresponding to the filter 80 may be formed in the holder 30, and the filter 80 may be inserted into the groove and fixed with an adhesive. The groove in the holder 30 may also be formed with an adhesive injection groove for injecting adhesive between the filter 80 and the holder 30. The filter 80 may be disposed at a position lower than the position of the diffuser ring 42.
[0130] 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. Furthermore, the camera device according to embodiments of the present invention may also refer to a camera device that is mounted in a vehicle and measures the distance between the vehicle and an object. That is, the camera device according to embodiments of the present invention may be a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) camera.
[0131] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional sensor module.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 13, a conventional sensor module can include a plurality of openings, a plurality of lens portions, and a plurality of light receiving portions.
[0133] In a conventional sensor module, multiple light receiving units may require separate optical systems to receive visible light and infrared light. Each of the multiple light receiving units can receive incident light through a separate opening and lens unit. Because the conventional sensor module includes multiple openings and multiple lens units, the display surface may include multiple holes. If the display surface includes multiple holes, there may be a problem in that the area of the screen that can be displayed on the display is reduced.
[0134] FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a sensor module according to an embodiment.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 14, a sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a lens unit 2100, a transmission unit 2200, a reflection unit 2300, a light receiving unit 2400, an opening 2500, and a frame 2600.
[0136] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor module according to an embodiment.
[0137] 14 and 15, the sensor module 2000 of the embodiment includes a lens unit 2100 that refracts incident light and outputs first incident light and second incident light having different wavelengths, a transmission unit 2200 that transmits the first incident light and the second incident light, a reflection unit 2300 that is disposed within the transmission unit 2200 and transmits the first incident light and reflects the second incident light, a first light receiving unit 2410 that receives the first incident light, and a second light receiving unit 2420 that receives the second incident light, and the second incident light can be reflected by the reflection unit 2300 to reach the second light receiving unit 2420.
[0138] The sensor module 2000 may be disposed below the display 2010. The sensor module 2000 may be disposed below the display 2010 and inside a device including the sensor module 2000. The sensor module 2000 may sense incident light entering through a hole 2011 in the display 2010. The sensor module 2000 may be disposed below the hole 2011 in the display 2010.
[0139] The first incident light and the second incident light may be incident light entering the sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment. Here, the first incident light may correspond to the visible light region, and the second incident light may correspond to the IR (infrared) region. That is, the first incident light and the second incident light may correspond to light having different broadbands, and may be light corresponding to the result of incident light being filtered by different media.
[0140] The first incident light and the second incident light may have different wavelengths. The incident light may enter the sensor module 2000 through the single hole 2011 and the opening 2500 and pass through the lens unit 2100. The incident light may be separated into the first incident light and the second incident light after passing through the lens unit 2100. The first incident light may pass through the lens unit 2100 and then enter the first light receiving unit 2410 to be recognized. The second incident light may pass through the lens unit 2100 and then enter the second light receiving unit 2420 to be recognized. The first incident light may include visible light. The second incident light may include infrared light. That is, the incident light may pass through the lens unit 2100 and then be separated into the first incident light and the second incident light.
[0141] The sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a lens unit 2100 that refracts incident light and outputs first and second incident lights having different wavelengths.
[0142] The lens unit 2100 can refract the first incident light and the second incident light. The lens unit 2100 can refract the incident light that has passed through the hole 2011 and the opening 2500 of the display 2010. The lens unit 2100 can refract the incident light so that it reaches the light receiving unit 2400. The lens unit 2100 can focus the incident light at a single focal point. The lens unit 2100 can include a convex lens that focuses the incident light at a single point. The lens unit 2100 can have a predetermined focal length. The lens unit 2100 can form an image of the incident light at a predetermined focal length. The focal length of the lens unit 2100 can vary depending on the wavelength of the incident light. The focal length of the first incident light of the lens unit 2100 and the focal length of the second incident light of the lens unit 2100 can be different. The first incident light can be focused on the first light receiving unit 2410 after passing through the lens unit 2100. The second incident light may be collected at the second light receiving unit 2420 after passing through the lens unit 2100 .
[0143] The lens unit 2100 according to the embodiment can refract the first incident light so that it converges on a focal point on the first light receiving unit 2410, and can refract the second incident light so that it converges on a focal point on the second light receiving unit 2420.
[0144] The lens unit 2100 can focus the first incident light onto the first light receiving unit 2410 .
[0145] The lens portion 2100 according to the embodiment may be placed within the opening 2500 .
[0146] The lens unit 2100 may be disposed within the opening 2500. The lens unit 2100 may be disposed within the opening 2500 and refract incident light that passes through the opening 2500 and enters the sensor module 2000. The lens unit 2100 may be disposed parallel to the opening 2500 or the first light receiving unit 2410 on the same axis. The lens unit 2100 may be disposed a certain distance apart from the first light receiving unit 2410 on the same axis.
[0147] The sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a transmission part 2200 that transmits the first incident light and the second incident light.
[0148] The transmissive portion 2200 may transmit the first incident light and the second incident light. The transmissive portion 2200 may transmit the first incident light and the second incident light refracted by the lens portion 2100. The first incident light and the second incident light passing through the lens portion 2100 may pass through the transmissive portion 2200. The transmissive portion 2200 may include a material that transmits light. The transmissive portion 2200 may include a prism. The transmissive portion 2200 may be disposed within the frame 2600 of the sensor module 2000. The shape of the transmissive portion 2200 is not limited. For example, the transmissive portion 2200 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal prism shape. The transmissive portion 2200 may include a reflective portion 2300. The reflective portion 2300 may be disposed within the transmissive portion 2200.
[0149] The transmission unit 2200 according to the embodiment may be disposed between the lens unit 2100 and the first and second light receiving units 2410 and 2420 .
[0150] The transmission portion 2200 may be disposed below the lens portion 2100. The transmission portion 2200 may be disposed below the lens portion 2100 at a predetermined distance therefrom. The transmission portion 2200 may be disposed above the first light receiving portion 2410 and the second light receiving portion 2420. The transmission portion 2200 may be disposed above the first light receiving portion 2410 and the second light receiving portion 2420 at a predetermined distance therefrom. The transmission portion 2200 may be disposed in contact with the upper surfaces of the first light receiving portion 2410 and the second light receiving portion 2420. The transmission portion 2200 is disposed between the lens portion 2100 and the first light receiving portion 2410 and the second light receiving portion 2420 and can transmit incident light.
[0151] The sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a reflecting portion 2300 disposed within the transmitting portion 2200, which transmits the first incident light and reflects the second incident light.
[0152] The reflective unit 2300 can transmit a first incident light and reflect a second incident light. The reflective unit 2300 can reflect incident light having a wavelength in a specific range depending on the wavelength of the incident light. The reflective unit 2300 can transmit incident light in the visible wavelength range and reflect incident light in the infrared wavelength range. The reflective unit 2300 can be disposed within the transmissive unit 2200. The reflective unit 2300 is disposed within the transmissive unit 2200 and can transmit or reflect incident light passing through the transmissive unit 2200. The reflective unit 2300 can include a dichroic filter.
[0153] The reflective part 2300 according to this embodiment may be formed by coating or attaching a reflective material to the transmissive part 2200 .
[0154] The reflective part 2300 may be formed in the form of a thin film or plate by coating or attaching a reflective material to the transmissive part 2200 .
[0155] The reflecting unit 2300 according to the embodiment may be disposed to reflect the second incident light to reach the second light receiving unit 2420 .
[0156] The second incident light can be reflected by the reflecting portion 2300 and reach the second light receiving portion 2420 .
[0157] The second light receiving unit 2420 does not have to be arranged on the same axis as the opening 2500 into which the optical signal is incident. Since the second incident light must reach the second light receiving unit 2420 to be recognized, the reflecting unit 2300 can reflect the second incident light and change its path so that it reaches the second light receiving unit 2420.
[0158] The reflecting unit 2300 according to the embodiment includes a first reflecting surface 2310 and a second reflecting surface 2320, and the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 may be arranged parallel to each other and facing each other.
[0159] The reflecting unit 2300 may include a first reflecting surface 2310 and a second reflecting surface 2320. The first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 may be reflective surfaces spaced apart from each other. The first reflecting surface 2310 may reflect the second optical signal refracted through the lens unit 2100. The second reflecting surface 2320 may again reflect the second optical signal reflected by the first reflecting surface 2320. The second optical signal reflected by the second reflecting surface 2320 may be incident on the second light receiving unit 2420. The first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 may be arranged parallel to each other and facing each other. The first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 may be arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, so that the second incident light may be reflected by the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 and then received by the second light receiving unit 2420 parallel to the incident path.
[0160] The first reflecting surface 2310 according to the embodiment may be disposed between the lens unit 2100 and the first light receiving unit 2410 to form a predetermined angle with the second direction.
[0161] The first reflecting surface 2310 may be disposed between the lens unit 2100 and the first light receiving unit 2410. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be disposed on the same axis between the lens unit 2100 and the first light receiving unit 2420. The center of the first reflecting surface 2310 may be disposed on the same axis as the center of the lens unit 2100 and the center of the first light receiving unit 2410. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the lens unit 2100 or the first light receiving unit 2410. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the lens unit 2100 or the first light receiving unit 2410 in a first direction. The first direction may be the direction in which the first incident light is incident. The first reflecting surface 2310 is disposed between the lens unit 2100 and the first light receiving unit 2410 and can reflect the second incident light refracted by the lens unit 2100. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be disposed to have a predetermined angle with the second direction. The second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be arranged to have a predetermined angle with the second direction to reflect the second incident light. For example, the first reflecting surface 2310 may be arranged to have an angle of θ1 with the second direction. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be arranged to have a predetermined angle with the second direction to reflect the second incident light to the second reflecting surface 2320. The first reflecting surface 2310 may be arranged parallel to the second reflecting surface 2320.
[0162] The second reflecting surface 2320 according to the embodiment may be spaced apart from the second light receiving unit 2420 in the first direction and may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the second direction.
[0163] The second reflecting surface 2320 may be spaced apart from the second light receiving unit 2420 in the first direction. The center of the second reflecting surface 2320 may be located on the same axis as the center of the second light receiving unit 2420. The center of the second reflecting surface 2320 and the center of the second light receiving unit 2420 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction on the same axis. The second reflecting surface 2320 may be spaced apart from the second light receiving unit 2420 in the first direction so that the reflected second incident light reaches the second light receiving unit 2420. The second reflecting surface 2320 may be arranged to form a predetermined angle with the second direction. The second reflecting surface 2320 may be arranged to form a predetermined angle with the second direction so as to reflect the second incident light. For example, the second reflecting surface 2320 may be arranged to form an angle θ2 with the second direction. θ2 may be the same as θ1. The second reflecting surface 2320 is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the second direction and can reflect the second incident light to the second light receiving part 2420 .
[0164] According to the embodiment, the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 may be disposed to have an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45° with respect to the second direction.
[0165] The angle θ1 between the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second direction and the angle θ2 between the second reflecting surface 2310 and the second direction may be arranged to form an angle between more than 0° and 45° or less with the second direction. The first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 are arranged to form an angle between more than 0° and 45° or less with the second direction, thereby reducing the thickness of the transmission unit 2200 on which the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 are arranged. Reducing the thickness of the transmission unit 2200 reduces the total thickness required for arranging the sensor module 2000. Preferably, the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 are arranged to form an angle between 25° and 35° with the second direction.
[0166] The angle θ1 between the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second direction and the angle θ2 between the second reflecting surface 2310 and the second direction may be arranged to form an angle of 25° to 35° with the second direction. The first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 are arranged to form an angle of 25° to 35° with the second direction, so that the thickness of the transmission unit 2200 on which the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 are arranged can be reduced. By reducing the thickness of the transmission unit 2200, the total thickness required for arranging the sensor module 2000 can be reduced.
[0167] The sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a first light receiving unit 2410 that receives a first incident light and a second light receiving unit 2420 that receives a second incident light.
[0168] The light receiving unit 2400 can receive and sense incident light. The light receiving unit 2400 can include a first light receiving unit 2410 and a second light receiving unit 2420. The first light receiving unit 2410 can receive a first incident light, and the second light receiving unit 2420 can receive a second incident light. The first light receiving unit 2410 can include a visible light recognition sensor (RGB Rx). The second light receiving unit 2420 can include an infrared recognition sensor (IR Rx). The light receiving unit 2400 can be disposed within a frame 2600 of the sensor module 2000. The light receiving unit 2400 can be disposed facing the direction in which the incident light is incident.
[0169] The first light receiving unit 2410 according to the embodiment may be disposed on the same axis as the lens unit 2100 in a first direction in which the first incident light is incident, and spaced apart from the lens unit 2100.
[0170] The first light receiving unit 2410 may be disposed on the same axis as the lens unit 2100 in the first direction, spaced a certain distance apart. The first light receiving unit 2410 may be disposed on the same axis as the lens unit 2100 in the first direction, spaced a certain distance apart. The first light receiving unit 2410 may be disposed on the same axis as the lens unit 2100 in the first direction, spaced a certain distance apart. The focal length f1 may be the focal length at which the first incident light converges after passing through the lens unit 2100. The first light receiving unit 2410 senses the first incident light, and may be disposed on the focal length at which the first incident light converges. The first incident light passes through the reflecting unit 2300 without being reflected, and therefore the first light receiving unit 2410 may be disposed on the same axis as the lens unit 2100, the opening 2500, or the first reflecting surface 2310, and spaced a certain distance apart in the first direction.
[0171] The first light receiving unit 2410 and the second light receiving unit 2420 according to the embodiment may be arranged side by side and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
[0172] The second light receiving unit 2420 may be arranged next to the first light receiving unit 2410 and spaced apart in the second direction. The second light receiving unit 2420 may be arranged on the same axis as the first light receiving unit 2410 and spaced apart in the second direction. The second light receiving unit 2420 and the first light receiving unit 2410 may be arranged spaced apart the same distance in the first direction from the transmission unit 2200. The second light receiving unit 2420 senses the second incident light and may be arranged on a focal point where the second incident light converges. The second light receiving unit 2420 may be arranged on a focal point where the second incident light converges after being refracted by the lens unit 2100 and reflected by the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320. The second light receiving unit 2420 may be arranged on the same axis and spaced apart by a certain distance from the second reflecting surface 2320. The second light receiving unit 2420 may be arranged on the same axis as the second reflecting surface 2320 and spaced apart in the first direction. The second light receiving unit 2420 is disposed on the same axis as the second reflecting surface 2320 and can sense the second incident light reflected by the second reflecting surface 2320 .
[0173] The sensor module 2000 of the embodiment may include an opening 2500 that allows the first incident light and the second incident light to enter the lens portion 2100, and may include a frame 2600 that accommodates the lens portion 2100, a transmitting portion 2200, a reflecting portion 2300, and the first and second light receiving portions 410, 42.
[0174] The opening 2500 allows the first incident light and the second incident light to be incident on the lens unit 2100. The opening 2500 may be disposed on the frame 2600 of the sensor module 2000. The opening 2500 may have the form of an opening penetrating a portion of one surface of the frame 2600. The opening 2500 allows incident light from the outside to be incident into the interior of the sensor module. The opening 2500 allows incident light that has passed through the hole 2011 of the display 2010 to be incident into the interior of the sensor module. The opening 2500 may be disposed below the hole 2011. The opening 2500 is disposed below the hole 2011 and allows incident light that has passed through the hole 2011 to be incident into the sensor module 2000. The lens unit 2100 may be disposed inside the opening 2500. The lens unit 2100 is disposed inside the opening 2500 and can refract incident light that has passed through the opening 2500. The lens unit 2100 may be disposed inside the opening 2500 in a direction parallel to the opening 2500. The sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a single opening 2500, and a single hole 2011 may be included in the surface of the display 2010 disposed on the sensor module since the first incident light and the second incident light are incident through the single opening 2500. The single hole 2011 included in the surface of the display 2010 may increase the area in which the screen is displayed on the display 2010, thereby improving the performance of the display 2010.
[0175] The opening 2500 according to the embodiment may be arranged on the same axis as the first light receiving unit 2410 and spaced apart in the first direction.
[0176] The opening 2500 may be arranged spaced apart in the first direction on the same axis as the first light receiving unit 2410. The opening 2500 may be arranged on the same axis as the first light receiving unit 2410 and the incident direction of the incident light, allowing the incident light to pass through and the passed incident light to reach the first light receiving unit 2410.
[0177] According to this embodiment, the width a of the opening 2500 in the second direction may be equal to or greater than one time and equal to or less than two times the width b of the lens portion 2100 in the second direction.
[0178] The width a of the opening 2500 in the second direction may be one or more times and two or less times the width b of the lens unit 2100 in the second direction. Since the lens unit 2100 is disposed inside the opening 2500 and the opening 2500 and the lens unit 2100 may be arranged side by side in the second direction, the width a of the opening 2500 in the second direction may be greater than or equal to the width b of the lens unit 2100 in the second direction. Furthermore, the width a of the opening 2500 in the second direction may be two or less times the width b of the lens unit 2100 in the second direction, so that the opening 2500 may have a narrower width than when there are two or more lens units and openings. Preferably, the width a of the opening 2500 in the second direction may be the same as the width b of the lens unit 2100 in the second direction. By forming the opening 2500 with a narrow width, the area of the hole 2011 required on the surface of the display 2010 can be narrowed, thereby improving the performance of the display 2010.
[0179] The sensor module 2000 according to the embodiment may include a frame 2600 that accommodates a lens unit 2100 , a transmission unit 2200 , a reflection unit 2300 , a first light receiving unit 2410 and a second light receiving unit 2420 .
[0180] The frame 2600 may accommodate the lens unit 2100, the transmissive unit 2200, the reflective unit 2300, the first light receiving unit 2410, and the second light receiving unit 2420. The frame 2600 may be disposed to surround the transmissive unit 2200, the first light receiving unit 2410, and the second light receiving unit 2420, and may protect the transmissive unit 2200, the first light receiving unit 2410, and the second light receiving unit 2420. The frame 2600 may be disposed to surround the transmissive unit 2200, the first light receiving unit 2410, and the second light receiving unit 2420, and may maintain the shape of the sensor module 2000. The frame 2600 may be disposed in contact with the display 2010. A portion of at least one surface of the frame 2600 may include an opening 2500.
[0181] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a transmission part of a sensor module according to an embodiment.
[0182] 15 and 16, the transmissive portion 2200 of the sensor module 2000 of the embodiment includes a first surface S1, a second surface S2 facing the first surface S1, and a third surface S3 disposed between the first surface S1 and the second surface S2, and the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 may be parallel to the lens portion 2100 or the first light receiving portion 2410, and the third surface S3 may be perpendicular to the first surface S1 and the second surface S2.
[0183] The first surface S1 may be an upper surface of the transmissive portion 2200. The first surface S1 may be a surface of the transmissive portion 2200 facing the lens portion 2100 or the opening 2500. The first surface S1 may be aligned and face the second surface S2. The first surface S1 may be perpendicular to the third surface S3. Incident light may be incident on the transmissive portion 2200 through the first surface S1. The first surface S1 and the second reflecting surface 2320 may have a predetermined angle θ2.
[0184] The second surface S2 may be the bottom surface of the transmissive portion 2200. The second surface S2 may be the surface of the transmissive portion 2200 facing the first light receiving portion 2410 or the second light receiving portion 2420. The second surface S2 may be aligned and face the first surface S2. The second surface S2 may be perpendicular to the third surface S3. Incident light may be emitted from the transmissive portion 2200 through the second surface S2. The second surface S2 and the first reflecting surface 2310 may have a predetermined angle θ1. The second surface S2 may be in contact with the first light receiving portion 2410 or the second light receiving portion 2420.
[0185] The third surface S3 may be a side surface of the transmissive portion 2200. The third surface S3 may be perpendicular to the first surface S1 or the second surface S2. The third surface S3 may have a predetermined height H in the first direction.
[0186] The sum of the vertical distance h1 between a point on first reflecting surface 2310 and second surface S2 and the vertical distance h2 between a point on second reflecting surface 2320 and second surface S2 of sensor module 2000 in this embodiment is 0.8 to 1.2 times the height H of third surface S3 in the first direction, and the point on first reflecting surface 2310 can be at a first distance from the end of first reflecting surface 2310 toward second reflecting surface 2320, and the point on second reflecting surface 2320 can be at a first distance from the end of second reflecting surface 2320 toward first reflecting surface 2310.
[0187] The sum of the vertical distance h1 between a point on first reflecting surface 2310 and second surface S2 and the vertical distance h2 between a point on second reflecting surface 2320 and second surface S2 may be 0.8 to 1.2 times the height H of third surface S3 in the first direction. The point on first reflecting surface 2310 may be at a first distance from an end of first reflecting surface 2310 toward second reflecting surface 2320, and the point on second reflecting surface 2320 may be at a first distance from an end of second reflecting surface 2320 toward first reflecting surface 2310. The point on first reflecting surface 2310 and the point on second reflecting surface 2320 may be points that are point-symmetric with respect to each other with respect to the center of transmissive portion 2200. The sum of the vertical distance h1 between a point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second surface S2 and the vertical distance h2 between a point on the second reflecting surface 2320 and the second surface S2 may be 0.8 to 1.2 times the height H of the third surface S3 in the first direction, so that the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2320 can be included while minimizing the thickness of the transmissive portion 2200. Preferably, the sum of the vertical distance h1 between a point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second surface S2 and the vertical distance h2 between a point on the second reflecting surface 2320 and the second surface S2 may be the same as the height H of the third surface S3 in the first direction.
[0188] In the sensor module 2000 of the embodiment, the shortest horizontal distance w1 between a point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the third surface S3 is 0.9 to 1.1 times the shortest horizontal distance w2 between a point on the second reflecting surface 2320 and the third surface S3, and the point on the first reflecting surface 2310 can be at a first distance in a direction from the end of the first reflecting surface 2310 toward the second reflecting surface 2320, and the point on the second reflecting surface 2320 can be at a first distance in a direction from the end of the second reflecting surface 2320 toward the first reflecting surface 2310.
[0189] The shortest horizontal distance w1 between a point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the third surface S3 may be 0.9 to 1.1 times the shortest horizontal distance w2 between a point on the second reflecting surface 2320 and the third surface S3. The point on the first reflecting surface 2310 may be at a first distance in a direction from an end of the first reflecting surface 2310 toward the second reflecting surface 2320, and the point on the second reflecting surface 2320 may be at a first distance in a direction from an end of the second reflecting surface 2320 toward the first reflecting surface 2310. The point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the point on the second reflecting surface 2320 may be points that are point-symmetric with respect to each other with respect to the center of the transmitting portion 2200. The shortest horizontal distance w1 between a point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the third surface S3 is 0.9 to 1.1 times the shortest horizontal distance w2 between a point on the second reflecting surface 2320 and the third surface S3, so that the first reflecting surface 2310 and the second reflecting surface 2310 can be included while minimizing the width of the transmissive portion 2200. Preferably, the shortest horizontal distance w1 between a point on the first reflecting surface 2310 and the third surface S3 is the same as the shortest horizontal distance w2 between a point on the second reflecting surface 2320 and the third surface S3.
[0190] A mobile device according to an embodiment includes a display including a hole and a sensor module disposed below the display, and the sensor module includes a lens portion that refracts incident light passing through the hole and outputs first incident light and second incident light having different wavelengths, a transmission portion that transmits the first incident light and the second incident light, a reflection portion disposed within the transmission portion that transmits the first incident light and reflects the second incident light, and a first light receiving portion that receives the first incident light and a second light receiving portion that receives the second incident light, and the hole, the lens portion, and the first light receiving portion may overlap in the optical axis direction of the lens portion.
[0191] 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 recognize 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. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. a vertical cavity surface emission laser (VCSEL) including a plurality of emitters in the form of an array, the VCSEL including a first region and a second region isolated from each other; a lens disposed on the first region and the second region, completely overlapping the first region and the second region in the optical axis direction; a light converting member disposed between the first region and the lens for defocusing or scattering an output light signal output from the first region; and a driving IC for independently driving the emitters of the first region and the emitters of the second region; The output optical signal output from the first region is emitted in a plane illumination pattern, and the output optical signal output from the second region is emitted in a point illumination pattern, The second region directly faces the lens in the optical axis direction.
2. 2. The light output device of claim 1, wherein the light conversion member is a microlens array protruding toward the lens or a layer including an etched surface protruding toward the lens.
3. 2. The light output device of claim 1, wherein a vertical distance between said first region and a top surface of said light converting member is shorter than a vertical distance between a top surface of said light converting member and said lens.
4. The light output device of claim 3 , wherein the light conversion member is positioned in direct contact with the first region.
5. the one VCSEL is disposed on a substrate on which the one driving IC is disposed, 2. The light output device of claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are the same height relative to the substrate.
6. 2. The light output device of claim 1, wherein the light conversion member is not disposed between the second region and the lens.
7. 2. The light output device of claim 1, wherein the second region has a larger area than the first region when viewed from above.
8. 8. The light output device of claim 7, wherein the second region is located in a region including the center of the one VCSEL, and the first region is located in an edge region of the one VCSEL.
9. 2. The light output device of claim 1, wherein the second region is disposed in a region including a center of the one VCSEL, and the first region is disposed so as to surround at least a portion of the second region.
10. 10. The light output device of claim 9, wherein a diffractive optical element (DOE) pattern is formed along the edge region of the upper surface of the lens.