Transmission Beam Splitter for Multi-Point Time-of-Flight Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proximity sensors face complexity in implementing time-of-flight analyses for multiple target objects or multiple points on a single object, requiring multiple light sources and optical structures, which is not compact or cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that includes a transmission module with a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light source and a transmission beam splitter comprising lenslets, configured to refract light beams into collimated beams for efficient time-of-flight analysis, allowing for multiple light beams to be generated from a single light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and optical structures are used for time-of-flight analysis of multiple target objects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single light beam into multiple collimated beams using a beam splitter with multiple lenslets. Each lenslet creates a separate collimated beam that can independently measure distance to different target objects or points, enabling multi-point time-of-flight analysis with a single light source while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single light source and optical system perform multiple functions by generating multiple collimated beams from one source. The beam splitter with multiple lenslets allows one light source to simultaneously illuminate and measure multiple target objects or multiple points on a single object, eliminating the need for separate light sources for each measurement point
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources and optical structures are used for time-of-flight analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter is divided into multiple lenslets that work together to create multiple collimated beams. This segmentation allows a single light source to serve multiple measurement functions, reducing the total number of expensive optical components needed while maintaining the capability to measure multiple target objects or points simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single beam splitter component with multiple lenslets. By combining the functions of multiple separate optical systems into one integrated component, the patent reduces manufacturing costs while achieving multi-point time-of-flight measurement capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables compact and cost-effective time-of-flight analysis for multiple target objects or multiple points on a single object by generating multiple collimated light beams from a single light source, improving the efficiency and accuracy of distance determination.
Implementation Method 1
Each lenslet is configured to receive one or more light beams for generating one or more respective collimated light beams... three-dimensional shapes of the outer and inner surfaces of each lenslet are configured such that one or more light beams passing through each lenslet are refracted to form one or more respective collimated light beams
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an electronic device including a sensor having a transmission module configured to provide a plurality of collimated light beams. The transmission module includes a light source and a transmission beam splitter. The transmission beam splitter includes a plurality of lenslets. The transmission beam splitter is configured to receive one or more light beams from the light source and refract the one or more light beams for forming the plurality of collimated light beams.