Light irradiation unit including wafer lens module, light receiving unit, and tof camera including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a light irradiation unit including a wafer lens module, a light receiving unit, and a ToF camera including same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a light irradiation device comprising: a light source; an optical module which receives light emitted from the light source and directs the light to a preset path; a barrel supporting the optical module on one surface thereof and adjusting the distance between the optical module and the light source and the angle of the optical module; an adjustment unit which is coupled to or decoupled from the barrel and adjusts the position of the barrel; and a substrate which raises or lowers the adjustment unit and on which the light source is seated and operated.

Description

A light irradiation unit including a wafer lens module, a light receiving unit, and a TOF camera including them

[0001] The present invention relates to a light irradiation unit including a wafer lens module, a light receiving unit, and a ToF camera including the same.

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] A ToF camera exists as a device for acquiring three-dimensional information including depth information. The ToF camera determines how far an object is located relative to the camera by considering the time it takes for reflected light to be incident after irradiating light.

[0004] In order to irradiate light or receive reflected light in this way, a lens unit must be included to fully irradiate light or direct incident light to a light sensor. Conventional cameras have placed all necessary lenses within a lens barrel to irradiate light along a desired path or focus incident light to a desired position. However, because conventional cameras must include a lens barrel, there have been difficulties in miniaturizing and reducing weight.

[0005] To address these issues, wafer lens modules are being utilized. Wafer lens modules eliminate the need for a lens barrel by bonding the required lenses using adhesive. Consequently, wafer lens modules enable miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0006] However, since there is no lens barrel, there are difficulties in adjusting the focusing position or optical path of the wafer lens module. Conventionally, when lenses were placed inside a lens barrel, the optical distances of the lenses, such as the focusing position, could be easily adjusted by adjusting the position of the barrel. However, since repositioning a wafer lens module becomes quite cumbersome once it is installed, there was significant inconvenience in adjusting the optical distance of the installed lens module.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention has the objective of providing a light irradiation unit, a light receiving unit, and a ToF camera including them, which allows for easy adjustment of the optical distance even while including a wafer lens module.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a light irradiation device is provided, comprising: a light source; an optical module that receives light irradiated from the light source and propagates it along a preset path; a barrel that supports the optical module on one side thereof to adjust the distance between the optical module and the light source and the angle of the optical module; an adjustment unit that engages with or disengages from the barrel and adjusts the position of the barrel; and a substrate that raises and lowers the adjustment unit and mounts the light source to operate it.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical module is characterized by being seated on the lens barrel.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical module is characterized by being implemented as a wafer lens module.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical module is characterized by being implemented by mounting a plurality of array-type lenses on a wafer.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the optical module is characterized by changing the light path passing through it as the distance between itself and the light source, or as its angle changes in a plane perpendicular to its circumferential direction or vertical direction.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the barrel is characterized by being coupled to or separated from the adjustment part on the other side.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a light receiving element is provided, comprising: a light receiving sensor and an optical module that focuses light incident from the outside to the light receiving sensor; a barrel that supports the optical module on one side thereof to adjust the distance between the optical module and the light source and the angle of the optical module; an adjustment unit that engages with or disengages from the barrel and adjusts the position of the barrel; and a substrate that raises and lowers the adjustment unit and mounts the light source to operate it.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the barrel is characterized by including a groove on its upper surface in the vertical direction.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the lens barrel is characterized by supporting the optical module by seating it in the groove.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the groove is characterized by having an area equal to the area of ​​the optical module.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the barrel is characterized by including a groove on the lower surface in the vertical direction to allow the adjustment part to be inserted and come into contact with the end of the adjustment part.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the adjustment member is characterized by being coupled to the substrate vertically downward to adjust the position of the barrel.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a TOF camera is provided, characterized by comprising: a light irradiation unit for irradiating light for detecting an object to be inspected; a light receiving unit for receiving light incident from the outside; and a control unit that controls the operation of the light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit, and calculates whether there is reflected light incident on the light receiving view after light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit and the time of incidence of the reflected light to detect the presence of an object and the distance to the object.

[0021] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage in that the optical distance can be easily adjusted even though a wafer lens module is included.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a ToF camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a ToF camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light irradiation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0028] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0029] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0033] In addition, each component, process, procedure, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within a scope that is not technically contradictory to one another.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a ToF camera according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a ToF camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a ToF camera (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a light irradiation unit (210), a light receiving unit (220), and a control unit (230).

[0036] As described above, the ToF camera (100) detects whether an object exists within the area to be detected and, if an object exists, how far away it is located. The ToF camera (100) emits light, mainly in the infrared wavelength band, and receives light reflected from the object if an object exists. Based on the time taken from emitting light to receiving reflected light, the ToF camera (100) detects how far away the object is located from itself.

[0037] The ToF camera (100) must output light along an intended path without excessively scattering it, and must focus light incident from the outside to itself with a light receiving sensor. To perform the aforementioned operation, it is important whether any optical configuration is included within the optical system, but the distance (gap) between the optical system and the light source or between the optical system and the light receiving sensor is also significantly important. To satisfy all the aforementioned conditions, the ToF camera (100) includes a lens barrel, as described below with reference to FIG. 3, to easily adjust the distance (gap) between the optical system and the light source or the light receiving sensor, while simultaneously resolving the problems of conventional ToF cameras that include a lens barrel.

[0038] The light irradiation unit (210) irradiates light for the detection of the inspection target. As described later with reference to FIG. 3, the light irradiation unit (210) includes a wafer lens module as a light source, but the distance between optical components can be easily adjusted so that light can be irradiated as planned.

[0039] The light receiving unit (220) receives light incident from the outside. Likewise, as described later with reference to FIG. 4, the light receiving unit (220) can accurately detect the presence of an object and the distance to the object by collecting the light with a light receiving sensor regardless of the angle at which it is incident.

[0040] The control unit (230) controls the operation of the light irradiation unit (210) and the light receiving unit (220), and detects the presence of an object and the distance to the object based on the sensing value of the light receiving unit (220). The control unit (230) enables the light irradiation unit (210) and the light receiving unit (220) to each perform the aforementioned operation. Additionally, the control unit (230) analyzes whether an object exists within the area to be detected based on whether there is reflected light incident on the light receiving unit (220) after light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit (210). If there is reflected light incident on the light receiving unit (220), the control unit (230) calculates the time from the time light is irradiated from the light irradiation unit (210) to the time reflected light is incident on the light receiving unit (220), and analyzes how far the object is located from the camera (100).

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light irradiation unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, a light irradiation unit (210) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an optical module (310), a lens barrel (320), an adjustment unit (330), a substrate (340), and a light source (350).

[0043] The optical module (310) is mounted on the barrel (320) and receives light irradiated from the light source (350) and directs it along a preset path.

[0044] The optical module (310) can be implemented as a wafer lens module. The wafer lens module is implemented in a form in which a plurality of array-type lenses are mounted on a wafer. If necessary, the lenses can be implemented by stacking them in multiple layers.

[0045] The optical module (310) receives light irradiated from the light source (350) and directs it along a preset path. The path of the light passing through the optical module (310) varies depending on the distance between the optical module (310) and the light source (350), and varies whenever the angle of the optical module (310) changes in the circumferential direction of the optical module (310) or on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The optical module (310) is mounted on the barrel (320) and directs the light irradiated from the light source (350) along an appropriate path according to the positional relationship between the barrel (320) and the adjustment unit (330).

[0046] The barrel (320) supports the optical module (310) on one side of itself and connects to or separates from the adjustment part (330) on the other side, and adjusts the distance between the optical module (310) and the light source (350) and the angle of the optical module (310).

[0047] The barrel (320) includes a groove on one side, particularly on the upper surface in the vertical direction, with an area equal to the area of ​​the optical module (310), and supports the optical module (310) by seating it in the groove. At this time, the groove formed on one side of the barrel (320) is not implemented to the height of the optical module (310) in the vertical direction, but is implemented to be at least lower than the height of the optical module (310) (in the vertical height direction). As a result, when the optical module (310) is seated in the groove formed on one side of the barrel (320), a portion of it is exposed to the outside of the barrel (320). As the groove is implemented in this way, the size and weight of the barrel (320) are relatively reduced compared to conventional barrels, so the light irradiation unit (210) can be made lighter and smaller. In addition, the optical module (310) must be physically coupled with the control unit (230) to operate. At this time, since a portion of the optical module (310) may be exposed even when it is seated in a groove implemented on one side of the barrel (320), it can be easily physically coupled with the control unit (230). Accordingly, the barrel (320) can secure the degree of freedom for the physical implementation of both components (230, 310) and the degree of freedom for the coupling of both components.

[0048] The barrel (320) includes a groove on the other side, particularly on the lower side in the vertical direction, into which an adjustment part (330) is inserted so as to come into contact with the end of the adjustment part (330). As the adjustment part (330) is inserted into the groove and comes into contact with the barrel (320), the barrel (320) can also move in the vertical direction according to the movement of the adjustment part (330).

[0049] Meanwhile, the barrel (320) includes a protrusion (324) within a groove implemented on the other side, and includes a projection (328) on the side of the protrusion (324) that does not face each other. The protrusion (324) is implemented to be narrower than the diameter of the adjustment part (330), more specifically, the inner diameter. At this time, the two ends of the projection (328) implemented on the side of the protrusion (324) that does not face each other are implemented to be equal to the diameter of the adjustment part (330), more specifically, the inner diameter. Accordingly, the adjustment part (330) can be inserted into the other side of the barrel (320) without any structural problems.

[0050] A projection (328) is implemented on one side of the protrusion (324) that does not face each other. The projection (328) is implemented in a wedge shape, a polygonal pyramid, or a cone shape. Meanwhile, as will be described later, a projection (334) corresponding to the projection (328) is also implemented on one end of the adjustment part (330) in a vertically upward direction. Accordingly, when the adjustment part (330) is inserted into the other side of the barrel (320), an external force is applied, and the projection (334) can be inserted up to the upper part of the projection (328). Accordingly, the barrel (320) and the adjustment part (330) have a combined state, and the barrel (320) and the adjustment part (330) can operate as if they were a single configuration. When the two (320, 330) have a combined state, the state can be maintained unless an external force is applied and the two are forcibly separated. Meanwhile, if an external force is applied so that the protrusion (334), which has been inserted up to the upper part of the protrusion (328), is pulled out again to the lower part of the protrusion (328), the combined state of the two is released and operates as if they were different configurations.

[0051] Meanwhile, the tube (320) includes a through hole (not shown) with a predetermined area on the light path through which light from the light source (350) is irradiated and travels to the optical module (310). Accordingly, the light irradiated from the light source (350) can proceed fully to the optical module (310).

[0052] The adjustment unit (330) is coupled to or uncoupled from the barrel (320) at the vertically upward end and screw-coupled to the substrate (340) at the vertically downward end, and adjusts the position of the barrel (320). The adjustment unit (330) is implemented with a structure as shown in FIG. 5.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, an adjustment part (330) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a projection (334) and a screw thread (338).

[0055] The adjustment part (330) is implemented in the form of a hollow cylinder so that light can enter and exit the interior. The adjustment part (330) has a diameter, more specifically an outer diameter, that is relatively smaller than the groove implemented on the other side of the barrel (320). Accordingly, the adjustment part (303) can be inserted into the groove implemented on the other side of the barrel (320).

[0056] A projection (334) is implemented at one end of the vertically upward direction of the adjustment part (330) to allow the barrel (320) and the adjustment part (330) to be connected or not connected. When an external force is applied and the projection (334) is drawn into the upper part of the projection (328), the two (320, 330) can be connected and operate as one configuration, and when an external force is applied and the projection (334) is drawn out to the lower part of the projection (328), the connection between the two (320, 330) is released and they each operate as different configurations.

[0057] Meanwhile, a screw thread (338) is formed up to a preset height at the vertical lower end of the adjustment part (330). The screw thread (338) is implemented on the vertical lower end of the adjustment part (330), more specifically on the outer surface of the vertical lower end. Accordingly, the adjustment part (330) is coupled with the screw thread (348) inside the substrate (340) via the screw thread (338) and moves up and down by an external force. Here, the preset height may be the height at which the coupling part (344) of the substrate (340) is located when the vertical lower end of the adjustment part (330) contacts the substrate (340), and although it may be implemented higher than that, it may be up to a height lower than the height at which the vertical lower end of the barrel (320) is located under the aforementioned conditions.

[0058] When the adjustment unit (330) is screw-coupled to the substrate (340) vertically downward, it can operate as follows. When the adjustment unit (330) rotates and moves up and down while the barrel (320) and the adjustment unit (330) are combined, the barrel (320) also moves up and down accordingly. The up and down movement of the barrel (320) causes a change in the distance between the optical module (310) and the light source (350). That is, the screw coupling between the adjustment unit (330) and the substrate (340) and the structural coupling between the barrel (320) and the adjustment unit (330) can facilitate the adjustment of the distance between the optical module (310) and the light source (350), even though the optical module (310) is implemented as a wafer lens module.

[0059] Meanwhile, as described above, the path of light passing through the optical module (310) changes whenever the angle of the optical module (310) changes in the circumferential direction of the optical module (310) or on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. That is, the angle of the optical module (310) in the aforementioned direction or on the plane is also a significantly important factor in the light path. When the lens barrel (320) and the adjustment unit (330) are not structurally coupled, only the lens barrel (320) can rotate under external force. That is, when the structural coupling of both components (320, 330) is released, only the angle of the optical module (310) in the aforementioned direction or on the plane can be adjusted separately.

[0060] Accordingly, the light irradiation unit (210) can adjust the angle of the optical module (310) in the aforementioned direction or plane by adjusting the structural connection of both components (320, 330), and separately, the distance between the optical module (310) and the light source (350) can also be adjusted by using the screw connection between the adjustment unit (330) and the substrate (340) and the structural connection between the barrel (320) and the adjustment unit (330).

[0061] Referring again to FIG. 3, the substrate (340) is screw-coupled to the adjustment unit (330) to raise and lower the adjustment unit (330), and mounts the light source (350) to operate it.

[0062] The substrate (340) is screw-coupled to the adjustment part (330). The substrate (340) includes a coupling part (344) having an inner diameter equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the adjustment part (330) by a preset error range. The coupling part (344) protrudes vertically upward to have the aforementioned inner diameter. The coupling part (344) includes a screw thread (348) on its inner surface and is screw-coupled to the screw thread (338) of the adjustment part (330). The adjustment part (330) can rotate in one direction upon receiving an external force and can move up or down along the screw thread (348).

[0063] The substrate (340) places a light source (350) on its vertical upper surface and controls the operation of the light source (350) according to the control of the control unit (230).

[0064] As the light irradiation unit (210) includes the configuration having the structure described above, even if the optical module (310) includes a wafer lens module, the distance from the light source (350) can be easily adjusted, and the angle of the optical module (310) itself can also be adjusted, while also enabling weight reduction and miniaturization.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a light receiving unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, a light receiving unit (220) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the same configuration as the light irradiation unit (210), but includes a light receiving sensor (360) instead of a light source (350). Accordingly, the optical module (310) focuses light incident from the outside to the light receiving unit (220) onto the light receiving sensor (360) instead of adjusting the path of light irradiated from the light source (350).

[0067] The light receiving unit (220), like the light irradiation unit, can easily adjust the distance between the optical module (310) and the light receiving sensor (360), and can also adjust the angle of the optical module (310) itself, while also enabling lightweight and miniaturization.

[0068] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present embodiment, and a person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs would be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present embodiment, and the scope of the technical concept of the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present embodiment.

[0069]

[0070] This patent is the result of research conducted in 2024 with funding from the government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) and support from the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Planning and Evaluation (Detailed Project No.: 20020323, Project Title: Development of an HQVGA-class ultra-thin (package thickness 0.3mm or less, lens thickness 2.7mm or less) ToF camera module for mobile AR devices), and

[0071] This is a research result conducted in 2024 with funding from the government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) and support from the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Planning and Evaluation (Detailed Project No.: 20012955, Project Title: Development of Heat and UV Curing Plastic Resin with Heat Resistance of 125℃ or Higher for 200 mm Class Large-Area Wafer Lenses), and

[0072] This is the result of a research project conducted in 2024 with funding from the government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT) and support from the National Research Facilities and Equipment Promotion Center (Detailed Project No.: PG2024023-01-05, Project Name: Advanced Facilities and Equipment of the Intelligent Optical Module Research Center).

[0073]

[0074] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0075] If this patent application claims priority under Section 119(a) of the U.S. Patent Act (35 USC § 119(a)) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0162635 filed on November 15, 2024, all of the contents thereof shall be incorporated into this patent application by reference. Furthermore, if this patent application claims priority in countries other than the United States for the same reasons as above, all of the contents thereof shall be incorporated into this patent application by reference.

Claims

1. Light source; An optical module that receives light irradiated from the above light source and propagates it along a preset path; A barrel that supports the optical module on one side of itself to adjust the distance between the optical module and the light source and the angle of the optical module; An adjustment unit that combines with or releases the above-mentioned barrel and adjusts the position of the above-mentioned barrel; and A substrate that raises and lowers the above adjustment unit and mounts the light source to operate it. A light irradiation device characterized by including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above optical module is, A light irradiation device characterized by being seated on the above-mentioned tube.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above optical module is, A light irradiation device characterized by being implemented as a wafer lens module.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above optical module is, A light irradiation device characterized by having a plurality of array-type lenses mounted on a wafer.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above optical module is, A light irradiation device characterized by changing the light path passing through itself as the distance between itself and the light source, or as the angle of itself changes in a plane perpendicular to its circumferential direction or vertical direction.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned barrel is, A light irradiation device characterized by being combined with or separated from the above-mentioned adjustment part on another side.

7. Light receiving sensor; An optical module that focuses light incident from the outside to the light receiving sensor; A barrel that supports the optical module on one side of itself to adjust the distance between the optical module and the light source and the angle of the optical module; An adjustment unit that combines with or releases the above-mentioned barrel and adjusts the position of the above-mentioned barrel; and A substrate that raises and lowers the above adjustment unit and mounts the light source to operate it. A light-receiving element characterized by including 8. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned barrel is, A light-receiving element characterized by including a groove on the upper surface in the vertical direction.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned barrel is, A light-receiving element characterized by supporting the optical module by mounting it in the above-mentioned groove.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above groove is, A light-receiving element characterized by being implemented with an area identical to that of the above-mentioned optical module.

11. In Paragraph 7, The above-mentioned barrel is, A light receiving element characterized by including a groove on the lower surface in the vertical direction, into which the adjustment part is inserted and can come into contact with the end of the adjustment part.

12. In Paragraph 7, The above adjustment unit is, A light receiving element characterized by adjusting the position of the barrel by combining with the substrate vertically downward.

13. The light irradiation device of paragraph 1; The light-receiving element of claim 7; and A control unit that controls the operation of the light irradiation device and the light receiving element, and detects the presence of an object and the distance to the object by calculating whether reflected light incident on the light receiving element after light is irradiated from the light irradiation device exists and the time of incidence of the reflected light. A TOF camera characterized by including

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