ToF Distance Measurement Module with Integrated Light Receiving Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of distance measurement using Time of Flight (ToF) methods is compromised due to variations in the performance of different light receiving units and signal delay times between these units and other circuits.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a substrate, light receiving sensor, light sources, lenses, and a transparent member that directs and reflects light onto the sensor, allowing both reference and measurement light to be received by the same unit, thereby reducing variations in detection timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If different light receiving units are used to receive reference light and measurement light, then the structure can be simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to performance variations and signal delay differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of receiving both reference light and measurement light into a single light receiving unit. This eliminates performance variations and signal delay differences between separate units, thereby improving distance measurement accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity through functional integration
2Measurement precision
If a single light receiving unit is used to receive both reference light and measurement light, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct regions using reflective members and transparent members. The reflective member directs reference light to specific regions while the transparent member allows measurement light to pass through to the light receiving unit. This segmentation enables a single light receiving unit to receive both types of light without structural complexity increase
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
This configuration improves the accuracy of distance measurement by minimizing the impact of unit performance variations and signal delays, enhancing the reliability of the ToF method.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent member arranged between the second lens and the light receiving sensor and configured to transmit the light directed by the second lens onto the light receiving sensor, and reflect light from at least one of the one or more light sources onto the light receiving sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first lens arranged over a first light source of the one or more light sources and arranged to direct light emitted by the first light source, a second lens arranged over the light receiving sensor and configured to direct light received by the second lens onto the light receiving sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus for detecting distances from the electronic apparatus to external objects is provided, the apparatus comprising a substrate, a light receiving sensor of a distance measurement sensor arranged over the substrate, one or more light sources arranged over the substrate, a first lens arranged over a first one of the light sources and arranged to direct light emitted by the first light source, a second lens arranged over the light receiving sensor and configured to direct light received by the second lens onto the light receiving sensor of the distance measurement sensor, and a transparent member arranged between the second lens and the light receiving sensor and configured to transmit the light directed by the second lens onto the light receiving sensor, and reflect light from at least one of the light sources onto the light receiving sensor of the distance measurement sensor, a lens holder.