Laser Projection Module Stepped Housing for Full-Screen Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile phone designs with structured light schemes are limited by the volume of the structured light unit and the immaturity of under-screen structured light technology, resulting in a low screen-to-body ratio and a large occupied area on the front panel, hindering the realization of a full screen.
Innovation Solution
A laser projection unit with a housing and diffraction element design that includes a stepped face and notches to mount the display screen, allowing the laser projection unit to occupy a small area on the front panel while improving the screen-to-body ratio, and incorporating a depth camera with a laser projection unit and imaging unit to project and receive laser for depth information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional structured light unit is used in mobile phone design, then depth measurement function is achieved, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced and front panel area is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser projection unit and imaging unit within a compact housing structure where components are nested together. The laser emitter, collimating element, diffractive optical element, and imaging sensor are arranged in a nested configuration that minimizes the overall footprint on the front panel while maintaining full depth measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of depth sensing components to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By utilizing vertical space and arranging components along the optical axis rather than spreading them across the front panel, the design achieves compact integration that preserves screen-to-body ratio while enabling complete structured light depth measurement.
2Area of stationary object
If under-screen structured light technology is used, then front panel area is saved, but the technology is immature and may not provide reliable depth measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the depth measurement system into distinct functional modules: a laser projection unit with separate optical elements (collimating element, diffractive optical element) and an imaging unit with sensor array. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring reliable depth measurement while maintaining compact form factor suitable for mobile device integration.
3Area of stationary object
If laser projection unit components are made compact, then screen-to-body ratio is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical elements (laser emitter, collimating element, diffractive optical element) and the imaging sensor into a single integrated housing structure. This merging approach establishes fixed spatial relationships between components, reducing the need for high-precision manual alignment during assembly while maintaining compact dimensions that improve screen-to-body ratio.
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 design enhances the screen-to-body ratio by minimizing the area occupied by the depth camera and laser projection unit, enabling a full-screen display on mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a laser projection unit with housing and diffraction element
Implementation Method 2
The laser projection unit is used to project a laser outwards
Implementation Method 3
The imaging unit is used to receive a reflected laser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A laser projection module (10), a depth camera (100), and an electronic device (1000) are provided. The laser projection module includes a housing (12) and a diffraction element (14). The housing (12) includes a first sub-housing (121) and a second sub-housing (122). The first sub-housing (121) includes a top face (123) coupled to the second sub-housing (122). The second sub-housing (122) includes a side face (124), and the side face and the top face (123) cooperatively form a stepped face and define a first notch (21). The diffraction element (14) is mounted in the second sub-housing (122).