Light Source Module With Depth Sensor In Display Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth cameras face challenges in miniaturization due to large chip sizes of photosensitive sensors, making it difficult to integrate them with display devices, particularly in achieving miniaturization and efficient depth sensing.
Innovation Solution
A light source module is designed with a substrate hosting both visible light-emitting first light sources and a depth sensor, where the depth sensor includes second light sources emitting invisible light and a light receiving member, positioned in gaps between the first light sources, allowing for integration of depth sensing capabilities within the display device without increasing complexity or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional depth cameras are used, then depth sensing capability is achieved, but device size increases and integration with display devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the depth sensor chip with the display device substrate, integrating the infrared light source, infrared light receiving element, and depth calculation unit directly into the display device structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate depth camera modules, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining depth sensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth sensor components are nested within the display device structure, with the infrared light receiving element positioned in the gap between adjacent light sources on the same substrate. This nested arrangement allows the depth sensing function to be embedded within the existing display device footprint without requiring additional external space.
2Measurement precision
If separate depth camera modules are integrated, then depth information is acquired, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depth sensor chip with the display device substrate, sharing common structural components and manufacturing processes. This integration reduces the number of separate modules that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying manufacturing complexity and reducing production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions by simultaneously supporting both the display light sources and the depth sensing components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If visible light is blocked for depth sensing, then invisible light transmission is needed, but light interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed with selective optical properties that allow it to block visible light while transmitting infrared light. This local quality differentiation enables the same component to perform dual functions: preventing visible light interference with the depth sensor while allowing infrared light to pass through for depth measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the visible light sources and the infrared light receiving element. It mediates the optical environment by selectively filtering visible light while permitting infrared light transmission, thereby eliminating light interference without compromising depth sensing 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
This solution enables the integration of depth sensors into display devices, facilitating miniaturization and efficient depth information acquisition while maintaining normal display functionality, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first light sources spaced on the substrate, each of the plurality of first light sources being configured to emit visible light
Implementation Method 2
the depth sensor comprises a second light source configured to emit invisible light
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving member configured to sense invisible light
Implementation Method 4
a first blocking member configured to shield visible light but transmit invisible light
Data Source
AI summary
A light source module and a display module are provided. The light source module includes: a substrate; a plurality of first light sources spaced on the substrate, each of the plurality of first light sources being configured to emit visible light; a depth sensor on the substrate; and a first blocking member configured to shield visible light but transmit invisible light. The depth sensor includes a second light source configured to emit invisible light and a light receiving member configured to sense invisible light, an orthographic projection of the second light source on the substrate is located within an orthographic projection of a gap between two adjacent first light sources on the substrate, an orthographic projection of the first blocking member on the substrate at least partially covers the orthographic projection of the second light source on the substrate.