Monolithic 3D Sensor Integrating Light Source and Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D sensing systems require complex and large optical components for precise object recognition, leading to increased assembly difficulties, production costs, and challenges in miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a monolithic architecture, integrating a light transmitter and receiver on the same substrate, utilizing a light generating module and light guide module with a predetermined pattern to generate and process light patterns for 3D sensing, and a controller for image reconstruction, reducing the need for complex diffractive lenses and enabling simpler production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical components are used for 3D sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and light sensor onto a single substrate, integrating previously separate optical components into one unified device. This merging reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining 3D sensing capability, directly addressing the contradiction between precision and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a light guide module with a predetermined pattern (such as microlens arrays or diffractive optical elements) to modulate light in the optical path. This dimensional transformation of light propagation enables precise depth measurement without requiring multiple separate optical components
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical components are used for 3D sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source and light sensor on the same substrate with a light guide module positioned between them, the patent reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall production costs while maintaining precise depth sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide module uses a predetermined pattern (such as an array of microlenses or diffractive structures) that can be replicated using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. This pattern copying approach enables cost-effective mass production while maintaining optical precision
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical components are used for 3D sensing, then object recognition accuracy is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, light guide module, and light sensor onto a single substrate, eliminating the need for complex alignment and assembly of multiple separate optical components. This monolithic integration dramatically simplifies assembly while maintaining the optical precision needed for accurate object recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide module is pre-configured with a predetermined pattern during substrate fabrication, establishing the correct optical path geometry before final assembly. This preliminary structuring ensures proper optical alignment is built-in from the start, eliminating complex post-assembly alignment procedures
4Measurement precision
If conventional optical components are used for 3D sensing, then depth sensing capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating the light source, light guide module, and light sensor onto a single compact substrate, the patent dramatically reduces the overall device volume compared to conventional systems that use separate optical components. This integration enables precise depth sensing in a miniaturized form factor suitable for mobile devices
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide module uses a predetermined pattern (such as microlens arrays or diffractive optical elements) to manipulate light propagation in three dimensions. This optical path transformation enables depth sensing capability without requiring large physical separation between components, allowing compact device design
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 approach results in a more cost-effective, compact, and power-efficient 3D sensing solution with lower assembly costs and improved design precision, suitable for integration in various electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light source arranged on the first substrate and a light generating module arranged on the second substrate to be coaxially aligned with the light source
Implementation Method 2
the light guide module has a light transmitting layer having a predetermined pattern, and is configured to cause the light reflected from the exterior of the optical device to pass through the light transmitting layer to the light sensing module by the light pattern
Implementation Method 3
the light sensing module is configured to generate a first optical image by sensing the light having passed through the light guide module
Implementation Method 4
the light generating module is configured to generate a light pattern that is irradiated to the outside of the optical device by light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device with monolithic architecture is disclosed. Specifically, in the optical device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the light transmitter that irradiates light and the light receiver that receives reflected light may be implemented in a monolithic architecture. A monolithic architecture may be achieved by replacing a function of an optical element consisting of a plurality of diffractive lenses having a complex structure and a large volume through an optical element which has a simple structure and generates an interference pattern or a diffusing pattern, and software reconstruction of an image.