Optical output device and camera device including same

Abstract

An embodiment provides an optical output device comprising: one light source unit including a plurality of arrayed emitters for emitting light in the optical axis direction, and including a first region and a second region; and a lens group disposed on the first region and the second region and overlapping both the first region and the second region in the optical axis direction, wherein the lens group includes a first lens, and the first lens includes a first sub-lens overlapping the first region in the optical axis direction, and a second sub-lens overlapping the second region in the optical axis direction and having a shape different from that of the first sub-lens.

Description

Optical output device and camera device including the same

[0001] An embodiment relates to an optical output device and a camera device including the same.

[0002] 3D content is being applied in many fields, including not only games and culture but also education, manufacturing, and autonomous driving, and depth information (Depth Map) is required to acquire 3D content. Depth information is information that indicates spatial distance and represents the perspective information of another point relative to a point in a 2D image. Methods used to acquire depth information include projecting IR (Infrared) structured light onto an object, using a stereo camera, and the ToF (Time of Flight) method.

[0003] According to the ToF method, the distance to an object is calculated by measuring the time of flight—that is, the time it takes for light to be emitted and reflected back. The biggest advantage of the ToF method is that it provides distance information for three-dimensional space rapidly in real time. Furthermore, users can obtain accurate distance information without applying separate algorithms or hardware corrections. It can also acquire accurate depth information even when measuring very close or moving subjects.

[0004] A ToF sensor may include a transmitter (Tx) that transmits an optical signal and a receiver (Rx) that receives an optical signal. The light source of the transmitter outputs an optical signal, and the optical signal can pass through an optical system and be irradiated onto a target surface. The distance to the target can be measured by receiving and analyzing the optical signal that is reflected back from the target surface at the receiver. In this case, the transmitter can irradiate the optical signal in the form of a spot or a flood, and can be utilized according to each application. Until now, transmitters in the form of a spot and a flood had to exist separately, and because of this, two types of light sources and optical systems were required, which presented optical and structural disadvantages.

[0005] An embodiment provides an optical output device capable of transmitting a point-shaped or surface-shaped optical signal using a single light source and optical system.

[0006] In addition, an optical output device capable of transmitting a point- or surface-shaped optical signal through a single optical path is provided.

[0007] In addition, a camera device capable of outputting a point- or surface-shaped optical signal to the outside through a single hole is provided.

[0008] In addition, an optical output device and a camera device are provided with reduced size and reduced number of parts and processes.

[0009] In addition, it provides an optical output device and a camera device that can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0010] The problem to be solved in the embodiments is not limited thereto, and may also include objectives or effects that can be identified from the means of solving the problem or the forms of implementation described below.

[0011] A light output device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of emitters in the form of an array that irradiate light in the direction of the optical axis, and a light source unit including a first region and a second region; and a lens group disposed on the first region and the second region, wherein the first region and the second region are both overlapped in the direction of the optical axis; wherein the lens group includes a first lens, and the first lens may include a first sub-lens that overlaps the first region in the direction of the optical axis and a second sub-lens that overlaps the second region in the direction of the optical axis and has a shape different from that of the first sub-lens.

[0012] The above lens group includes a plurality of lenses spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis, and the first lens may be closest to the light source among the plurality of lenses.

[0013] The first sub-lens and the second sub-lens may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

[0014] The width of the first sub-lens in the direction of the optical axis may decrease as it moves outward from the center of the first lens.

[0015] The width of the second sub-lens in the direction of the optical axis may increase from the center of the first lens toward the outside.

[0016] The first sub-lens is a convex lens, and the second sub-lens may be a concave lens.

[0017] The plurality of emitters includes a first emitter disposed in the first region and a second emitter disposed in the second region, and the first emitter and the second emitter may be spaced apart by a certain distance in the first direction.

[0018] The separation distance of the first emitter and the second emitter in the first direction may be proportional to the separation distance in the optical axis direction of the light source and the first lens.

[0019] The separation distance in the first direction of the first emitter and the second emitter may be 380 μm to 420 μm.

[0020] The width of the first lens may increase in the direction of the optical axis as it moves from the first region side to the second region side.

[0021] The average width in the direction of the optical axis of the first sub-lens may be smaller than the average width in the direction of the optical axis of the second sub-lens.

[0022] The first sub-lens is a convex Fresnel lens, and the second sub-lens may be a concave Fresnel lens.

[0023] The optical output device according to the embodiment may include the lens group and a beam splitter spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis.

[0024] According to an embodiment, an optical output device capable of transmitting a point-shaped or surface-shaped optical signal with a single light source and optical system can be provided.

[0025] In addition, an optical output device capable of transmitting a point-shaped or surface-shaped optical signal through a single optical path can be provided.

[0026] In addition, a camera device capable of outputting a point-shaped or surface-shaped optical signal to the outside through a single hole can be provided.

[0027] In addition, it is possible to provide an optical output device and a camera device with reduced size and reduced number of parts and processes.

[0028] In addition, it is possible to provide optical output devices and camera devices that can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0029] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and may be more easily understood in the process of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0031] FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0032] FIG. 3 is an example of a light emission pattern of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical output device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an optical output device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an optical output device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and

[0036] FIG. 7 is an image showing the appearance of light being output by a light output device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0037] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0040] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0042] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0043] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] These terms are intended merely to distinguish a component from other components and are not limited by the nature, order, sequence, etc., of the said component.

[0045] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, combined, or joined to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'joined' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0046] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above or below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an example of a light emission pattern of a camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 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).

[0049] The light-emitting unit (100) can generate and output an output light 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 light 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 light signal output from the light-emitting unit (100) and the input light signal input to the light-receiving unit (200) after being reflected from an object. In this specification, output light refers to light that is output from the light-emitting unit (100) and incident on an object, and input light may refer to light that is output from the light-emitting unit (100), reaches an object, is reflected from the object, and input to the light-receiving unit (200). In this specification, the pattern of the output light may be referred to as the light-emitting pattern, and the pattern of the input light may be referred to as the incident pattern. From the perspective of an object, output light can be incident light, and input light can be reflected light.

[0050] 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. Alternatively, the light generated by the light source (110) 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 form in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged according to a certain pattern. In addition, the light source (110) may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a laser diode (LD). Alternatively, the light source (110) may be a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser). A VCSEL is one of the laser diodes 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. 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.

[0051] A lens group (120) can collect light output from a light source (110) and output the collected light to the outside. The lens group (120) can be positioned above the light source (110) and spaced apart from the light source (110). Here, the upper part of 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. If the lens group (120) includes multiple lenses, each lens may be aligned with respect to 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.

[0052] A cover member (130) may be further disposed on the lens group (120). Although not illustrated, a diffusion member may be further disposed between the lens group (120) and the cover member (130) to refract or diffract light output from the light source (110) and the lens group (120).

[0053] The light receiving unit (200) can receive a light signal reflected from an object. At this time, the received light signal may be a light signal output by the light emitting unit (100) that is reflected from the object.

[0054] The light receiving unit (200) may include an image sensor (210), a filter (220) placed on the image sensor (210), and a lens group (230) placed on the filter (220). A light 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 placed between the lens group (230) and the image sensor (210). The filter (220) may be placed 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 transmit light of a specific wavelength. For example, the filter (220) may transmit light in the infrared band and block light outside the infrared band. The image sensor (210) can sense light. The image sensor (210) can receive a light signal. The image sensor (210) can detect the light signal and output it as an electrical signal. The image sensor (210) can detect light of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of light output by the light source (110). For example, the image sensor (210) can detect light in the infrared band.

[0055] The image sensor (210) may be configured with a structure in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a grid shape. The image sensor (210) may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor and may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0056] When the camera device (1000) according to an 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 distance using a time difference or a phase difference. When the camera device (1000) according to an 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 distance using a time difference or a phase difference, and an IR structured light sensor that measures distance using the disparity of the IR structured light.

[0057] The light receiving unit (200) and the light emitting unit (100) can be arranged side by side. The light receiving unit (200) can be placed next to the light emitting unit (100). The light receiving unit (200) can be placed in the same direction as the light emitting unit (100).

[0058] The information generation unit (300) can generate depth information of an object using an input light signal input to the light receiving unit (200). For example, the information generation unit (300) can calculate depth information of an object using the flight time taken for an output light signal output from the light emitting unit (100) to be reflected from the object and input to the light receiving unit (200). For example, the information generation unit (300) can calculate the time difference between the output light signal and the input light signal using an electrical signal received by the image sensor (210), and calculate the distance between the object and the 3D sensing device (1000) using the calculated time difference. For example, the information generation unit (300) can calculate the phase difference between the output light signal and the input light signal using an electrical signal received from the sensor, and calculate the distance between the object and the camera device (1000) using the calculated phase difference. Alternatively, the information generating unit (300) may calculate the distance between an object and a camera device (1000) using the IR structured light of the output light signal output from the light emitting unit (100) and the disparity of the IR structured light of the input light signal incident on the light receiving unit (200).

[0059] The control unit (400) controls the operation of the light-emitting unit (100), the light-receiving unit (200), and the information generation unit (300). The information generation unit (300) and the control unit (400) may be implemented in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). Additionally, the information generation unit (300) and the control unit (400) may be implemented in the form of other configurations. Alternatively, the control unit (400) may be included in a terminal or vehicle in which the camera device (1000) according to an 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 equipped with the camera device (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention, or in the form of an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle equipped with the camera device (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting unit (100) can output light of various patterns.

[0061] For example, the light-emitting unit (100) can output a flood pattern (see FIG. 3(a)). The flood pattern is a form in which light is spread uniformly within a predetermined area and can be combined with flood lighting patterns, surface light source patterns, 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 spread continuously in space. In the case of a flood lighting pattern, since the light spreads uniformly (continuously) in space, there is an advantage in obtaining high-resolution depth information when the flood lighting pattern light is irradiated onto an object. However, since the light spreads uniformly in space, the amount of light received is low, so the precision of the depth information may decrease as the distance from the object increases. To increase precision, the output of the light source (110) can be increased, but this increases power consumption and may cause eye-safety issues.

[0062] As another example, the light-emitting unit (100) can output a dot pattern (see FIG. 3(b)). A dot pattern refers to a spot array formed by being spaced at regular intervals within a predetermined area, and can be used in combination with a spot light pattern, a point light source pattern, etc. Here, a dot pattern may refer to a pattern in which light is locally concentrated in space, that is, a pattern in which light is not continuously spread out in space but is locally concentrated. In the case of a dot pattern, since light is locally concentrated, the amount of light in each spot is high. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that high-precision depth information can be obtained even if the distance from the object is far. However, as light is locally concentrated, there is a problem that the resolution of the depth information is lower compared to a surface light pattern.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting unit (100) irradiates light of a surface lighting pattern or light of a point lighting pattern onto an object according to a control signal to maximize the advantages of each.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an optical output device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, the light output device (600) may include a light source unit (610), a lens group (620), and a beam splitter (630).

[0066] The light source (610) is one of the laser diodes that converts an electrical signal into a light signal and can output a wavelength of about 800 to 1000 nm, for example, about 850 nm or about 940 nm. The light source (610) may include a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser). The light source (610) can irradiate light in the direction of the optical axis. The light source (610) may overlap with the lens group (620) and the beam splitter (630) in the direction of the optical axis.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the light source unit (610) includes a plurality of emitters (E) in an array form and includes a first region (R1) and a second region (R2), and the first emitter (E1) of the first region (R1) and the second emitter (E2) of the second region (R2) are driven independently by a single driving IC (Integrated Chip). That is, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) each have an array form including a plurality of emitters (E), are implemented on a single driving IC, and can be driven independently by a single driving IC. When the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) are driven independently by a single driving IC, fast switching is possible. The plurality of emitters (E) of the light source unit (610) can irradiate output light toward a lens group (620). The direction in which multiple emitters (E) irradiate output light may refer to the optical axis direction and may refer to the z-axis in the drawing.

[0068] The first region (R1) and the second region (R2) may be two distinct regions of the light source unit (610). For example, referring to FIG. 4, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) may be arranged adjacently in a first direction, and the first region (R1) may be the left region of the light source unit (610), and the second region (R2) may be the right region of the light source unit (610). The output light signal irradiated through the first region (R1) may be a surface light pattern, and the output light signal irradiated through the second region (R2) may be a point light pattern. Alternatively, the output light signal irradiated through the first region (R1) may be a point light pattern, and the output light signal irradiated through the second region (R2) may be a surface light pattern. The light source unit (610) can be divided into a first area (R1) and a second area (R2) to selectively or simultaneously implement a surface lighting pattern and a point lighting pattern depending on the area.

[0069] Multiple emitters (E) may be placed on the upper or lower surface of the light source unit (610). Multiple emitters (E) may be placed in contact with the upper or lower surface of the light source unit (610) and may be placed on the inner or outer side of the light source unit (610). When multiple emitters (E) are placed on the lower surface of the light source unit (610), the output light signal may be irradiated to penetrate the light source unit (610). Multiple emitters (E) may irradiate the output light signal toward the lens group (620) along the optical axis direction. Multiple emitters (E) may be placed spaced apart from each other at a certain distance. Multiple emitters (E) may be placed spaced apart from each other at a certain distance along a first direction (x-axis in the drawing) or a second direction (y-axis in the drawing). Multiple emitters (E) may overlap with the lens group (620) and the beam splitter (630) in the optical axis direction.

[0070] A plurality of emitters (E) may include a first emitter (E1) disposed in a first region (R1) and a second emitter (E1) disposed in a second region (R2). The first emitter (E1) may be an emitter disposed in the first region (R1) of the light source unit (610) among the plurality of emitters (E). The second emitter (E2) may be an emitter disposed in the second region (R2) of the light source unit (610) among the plurality of emitters (E). The first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) may be disposed spaced apart at a certain distance in a first direction. The distance of separation in the first direction between the first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) may be greater than the distance of separation in the first direction between emitters within the same region. The separation distance in the first direction of the first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) may vary depending on the separation distance in the optical axis direction of the light source part (610) and the lens part (620). As the separation distance in the optical axis direction of the light source part (610) and the lens part (620) increases, the separation distance in the first direction of the first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) may increase. The separation distance in the first direction of the first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) may be 380 μm to 420 μm. For example, the separation distance in the first direction of the first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) may be 400 μm.

[0071] The lens group (620) can collect light output from the light source unit (610) and output the collected light to the outside. The lens group (620) is spaced apart on the VCSEL (610) and can overlap the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) in the direction of the optical axis. The lens group (620) may include a plurality of lenses. The plurality of lenses may be spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis. When the lens group (620) includes a plurality of lenses, each lens may be aligned with respect to a central axis to form an optical system. Here, the central axis may be the same as the optical axis of the optical system. The lens group (620) is commonly placed on the first region (R1) and the second region (R2). That is, the lens group (620) is positioned on the first region (R1) and the second region (R2), and overlaps both the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) in the direction of the optical axis. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the width of at least one lens included in the lens group (620) is greater than the sum of the width of the first region (R1) and the width of the second region (R2), and can be positioned so that one lens covers both the first region (R1) and the second region (R2). Here, the width may refer to the length in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical output device (600).

[0072] The lens group (620) may include a first lens (L1). The first lens (L1) may be the lens closest to the light source unit (610) among the plurality of lenses of the lens group (620). The first lens (L1) may be positioned at a certain distance from the light source unit (610) in the optical axis direction at a location adjacent to the light source unit (610). Light emitted from the light source unit (610) may pass through the first lens (L1) first. The optical axis of the first lens (L1) may be positioned perpendicular to the upper surface of the light source unit (610). The first lens (L1) may be positioned so as to overlap both the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) of the light source unit (610) in the optical axis direction. Additionally, the first lens (L1) may be positioned so as to overlap both the first emitter (E1) and the second emitter (E2) in the optical axis direction.

[0073] The first lens (L1) may include a first sub-lens (l1) and a second sub-lens (l2). The first sub-lens (l1) may be an area that overlaps in the optical axis direction with the first region (R1) of the light source unit (610). Additionally, the second sub-lens (l2) may be an area that overlaps in the optical axis direction with the second region (R2) of the light source unit (610). The first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. The first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may be two distinct areas in the first direction of the first lens (L1).

[0074] The first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may have different shapes. The first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may have widths in the direction of the optical axis. The widths in the direction of the optical axis of the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may differ from each other. Here, the width in the direction of the optical axis of the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may refer to the width in the direction of the optical axis when the first lens (L1) is viewed from the side in the second direction. That is, the width in the direction of the optical axis of the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may refer to the width in the direction of the optical axis of the widest point in the direction of the optical axis of the lens. The width in the direction of the optical axis of the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may vary depending on the position relative to the first direction. The width in the first direction or the width in the third direction of the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may be the same or different.

[0075] The width in the optical axis direction of the first sub-lens (l1) may decrease as it moves outward from the center of the first lens (L1). Additionally, the width in the optical axis direction of the second sub-lens (l2) may increase as it moves outward from the center of the first lens (L1). However, the widths of the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) in the optical axis direction from the center of the first lens (L1) may be the same. The width in the optical axis direction of the first lens (L1) may be continuous from the center of the first lens (L1). The first sub-lens (l1) may be a convex lens, and the second sub-lens (l2) may be a concave lens. The focal lengths of the light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) and the light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) may be different from each other. Accordingly, the emitted shape of the light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) and the light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) may be different. For example, light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) can be emitted in the form of a dot, and light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) can be emitted in the form of a flood. The light output device (600) can output two types of light simultaneously or separately using a single VCSEL including the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2).

[0076] A beam splitter (630) may be positioned at the rear end of a lens group (620). The beam splitter (630) may be positioned at a certain distance from the lens group (620) in the direction of the optical axis. Light passing through a plurality of lenses of the lens group (620) may pass through the beam splitter (630). Light passing through the beam splitter (630) may be duplicated in a first direction and a second direction. Light may be dispersed by passing through the beam splitter (630), and dot-shaped light and flood-shaped light may partially overlap. Accordingly, the light output device may use dot-shaped light and flood-shaped light simultaneously in the same area. The beam splitter (630) may include Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE) or Micro Optical Elements (MOE).

[0077] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an optical output device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, the light output device (700) may include a light source unit (710), a lens group (720), and a beam splitter (730). The lens group (720) may include a first lens (L1). The first lens (L1) may include a first sub-lens (l1) and a second sub-lens (l2). In this case, the first lens (L1) may include a meta lens. The light diffraction angles of the meta lens may be different for the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2). The light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) and the light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) may have different diffraction angles. Accordingly, the light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) and the light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) may be emitted in the form of a dot and a flood, respectively. The light output device (700) includes a first sub-lens (l1) and a second sub-lens (l2) and can output two types of light simultaneously or separately with a single VCSEL.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an optical output device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 6, the light output device (800) may include a light source unit (810), a lens group (820), and a beam splitter (830). The lens group (820) may include a first lens (L1). The first lens (L1) may include a first sub-lens (l1) and a second sub-lens (l2). In this case, the first lens (L1) may include a Fresnel lens. The first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2) may include Fresnel lenses of different shapes. The angle of refraction of light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) and light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) may be different. The first sub-lens (l1) may be a convex Fresnel lens, and the second sub-lens (l2) may be a concave Fresnel lens. Accordingly, the light passing through the first sub-lens (l1) and the light passing through the second sub-lens (l2) can be emitted in the form of a dot and a flood, respectively. The light output device (800) can output two types of light simultaneously or separately using a single VCSEL including the first sub-lens (l1) and the second sub-lens (l2).

[0081] FIG. 7 is an image showing the appearance of light being output by a light output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 7a is an image showing the output of light emitted from a first region of a light source unit, and FIG. 7b is an image showing the output of light emitted from a second region of a light source unit. Referring to FIG. 7a, the light emitted from the first region can pass through the first sub-lens of the first lens and be emitted in a dot shape. Referring to FIG. 7b, the light emitted from the second region can pass through the second sub-lens of the first lens and be emitted in a flood shape. The light output device can simultaneously output dot-shaped light and flood-shaped light through a single light source unit, or output dot-shaped light or flood-shaped light separately. Accordingly, the size of the light output device can be reduced and the process cost can be reduced.

[0083] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 8, the camera device may include a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. However, components such as the substrate (10), holder (30), and shield can (50) are formed integrally and used in common for both the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, so it may be difficult to distinguish between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In this case, each of the above components may be understood as a component of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, respectively. However, as a variation, common components such as the substrate (10), holder (30), and shield can (50) may be provided separately for the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, respectively.

[0085] The light-emitting part may include a substrate (10), a light source (20), a holder (30), a diffusion member (41), a diffuser ring (42), and a shield can (50). The light-receiving part may include a substrate (10), a sensor (60), a filter (80), a holder (30), a lens (70), a barrel (71), and a shield can (50).

[0086] The substrate (10) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The substrate (10) may be connected to a connector via an FPCB (91). The substrate (10) and the FPCB (91) may be formed from a rigid flexible PCB (RFPCB). A light source (20) and a sensor (60) may be placed on the substrate (10). The substrate (10) may be placed under a holder (30). The substrate (10) may include terminals. The terminals of the substrate (10) may be connected to the coupling portion of the shield can (50). The terminals of the substrate (10) may include a plurality of terminals. The terminals of the substrate (10) may include two terminals.

[0087] The light source (20) can be placed on the substrate (10). The light source (20) can be placed in contact with the substrate (10). The light source (20) can be placed on the substrate (10). The light source (20) can be placed on the substrate (10). The light source (20) can correspond to the VCSEL (610, 710) described above.

[0088] The holder (30) may be placed on the substrate (10). The holder (30) may be placed in contact with the substrate (10). The holder (30) may be placed on the substrate (10). The holder (30) may be placed on the substrate (10). The holder (30) may be fixed to the substrate (10) by an adhesive. The holder (30) may accommodate a light source (20), a diffuser module (40), a sensor (60), and a filter (80) inside. The holder (30) may be a plastic injection molded part. The holder (30) may be formed by injection molding.

[0089] The diffuser module (40) may include a diffusion member (41) and a diffuser ring (42). The diffuser module (40) may be formed integrally as in the modified example, but in this embodiment, it may be manufactured separately into a diffusion member (41) and a diffuser ring (42) to increase moldability during injection molding. The diffusion member (41) and the diffuser ring (42) may be separated from each other.

[0090] The diffusion member (41) may be a diffuser lens. The diffusion member (41) may be placed within the holder (30). The diffusion member (41) may be coupled to the holder (30). The diffusion member (41) may be fixed to the holder (30). The diffusion member (41) may be placed on the optical path of light emitted from the light source (20). The diffusion member (41) may be placed on the light source (20). The diffusion member (41) may be placed above the light source (20). The diffusion member (41) may be a plastic injection molded product. The diffusion member (41) may be formed by plastic injection molding. The height of the top of the diffusion member (41) may correspond to the height of the top of the lens (70). The diffusion member (41) may be inserted in the upward direction of the vertical direction and coupled to the holder (30). At this time, the upward direction may be a direction from the lower part of the holder (30) toward the upper part of the holder (30). A portion of the diffusion member (41) may overlap with the holder (30) in the upward direction.

[0091] The diffuser ring (42) can be placed within the holder (30). The diffuser ring (42) can be fixed to the holder (30). The diffuser ring (42) can be coupled to the holder (30). The diffuser ring (42) can be placed below the diffusion member (41). The diffuser ring (42) can support the diffusion member (41). The diffuser ring (42) can be in contact with the diffusion member (41). The diffuser ring (42) can be a plastic injection molded product. The diffuser ring (42) can be formed by plastic injection molding.

[0092] The shield can (50) can cover the body portion of the holder (30). The shield can (50) may include a cover. The shield can (50) may include a cover can. The shield can (50) may be a non-magnetic material. The shield can (50) may be formed from a metal material. The shield can (50) may be formed from a metal plate. The shield can (50) may be electrically connected to the substrate (10). The shield can (50) may be connected to the substrate (10) through a solder ball. Through this, the shield can (50) may be grounded. The shield can (50) may block electromagnetic interference (EMI). At this time, the shield can (50) may be referred to as an 'EMI shield can'. In this embodiment, as a high voltage is used inside the optical device, electronic interference noise may increase, and the shield can (50) can block the electronic interference noise.

[0093] The sensor (60) can be placed on the substrate (10). The sensor (60) can be placed on the other side of the partition wall of the holder (30) on the substrate (10). That is, the sensor (60) can be placed on the opposite side of the light source (20) with respect to the partition wall of the holder (30). The sensor (60) can detect infrared light. The sensor (60) can detect light of a specific wavelength among infrared light. The sensor (60) can detect light that has passed through the filter (80). The sensor (60) can detect light in the wavelength band of the light source (20). Through this, the sensor (60) can detect light emitted from the light source (20) and reflected from the subject, thereby sensing 3D image information of the subject. The effective sensing area of ​​the sensor (60) is placed to correspond to the diffusion member (41), but the sensor (60) can be placed so as to be offset towards the partition wall overall. A circuit pattern of the sensor (60) can be placed in the part of the sensor (60) that is offset toward the bulkhead.

[0094] The lens (70) can be fixed within the barrel (71). The lens (70) may be a plastic injection molded product. The lens (70) may be formed by plastic injection molding. The lens (70) may include a plurality of lenses.

[0095] The filter (80) can be placed between the lens (70) and the sensor (60). The filter (80) may be a band-pass filter that allows light of a specific wavelength range to pass through. The filter (80) may allow infrared light to pass through. The filter (80) may allow light of a specific wavelength among infrared light to pass through. The filter (80) may allow light of a wavelength band of light emitted by the light source (20) to pass through. 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) is formed in the holder (30), and the filter (80) may be inserted into the groove and fixed with adhesive. An adhesive injection groove may be formed in the groove of the holder (30) to inject adhesive between the filter (80) and the holder (30). The filter (80) may be placed at a position lower than the position of the diffuser ring (42).

[0096] In the foregoing, the description has focused on a camera device that extracts depth information using the ToF method, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. A camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention may refer to a camera device that extracts depth information using a structured light method. That is, a camera device according to an embodiment 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, a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention may refer to a camera device mounted on a vehicle to measure the distance between the vehicle and an object. That is, a camera device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) camera.

[0097] Although the invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A light source unit comprising a plurality of emitters in the form of an array that irradiate light in the direction of the optical axis, and including a first region and a second region; and A lens group disposed on the first region and the second region, wherein the first region and the second region are all overlapped in the direction of the optical axis; The above lens group includes a first lens, A light output device comprising a first lens that includes a first sub-lens that overlaps the first region in the direction of the optical axis and a second sub-lens that overlaps the second region in the direction of the optical axis and has a shape different from that of the first sub-lens.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above lens group includes a plurality of lenses spaced apart in the direction of the optical axis, and The first lens is the light output device closest to the light source unit among the plurality of lenses.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first sub-lens and the second sub-lens are optical output devices arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction.

4. In Paragraph 3, A light output device in which the width of the first sub-lens in the direction of the optical axis decreases from the center of the first lens toward the outside.

5. In Paragraph 4, A light output device in which the width of the second sub-lens in the direction of the optical axis increases from the center of the first lens toward the outside.

6. In Paragraph 5, The first sub-lens mentioned above is a convex lens, and The above second sub-lens is a concave lens, and the light output device.

7. In Paragraph 3, The plurality of emitters includes a first emitter disposed in the first region and a second emitter disposed in the second region, and The first emitter and the second emitter are optical output devices spaced apart by a certain distance in the first direction.

8. In Paragraph 7, A light output device in which the separation distance of the first emitter and the second emitter in the first direction is proportional to the separation distance in the optical axis direction of the light source part and the first lens.

9. In Paragraph 8, An optical output device in which the separation distance in the first direction of the first emitter and the second emitter is 380 μm to 420 μm.

10. In Paragraph 3, The first lens is a light output device in which the width increases in the direction of the optical axis as it moves from the first region side to the second region side.

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