Optical Module Layout for Independent Light Sensing and Emission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with optical modules face challenges in efficiently integrating light-emitting and light-receiving elements, particularly in terms of independent operation and design constraints that limit design freedom.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a substrate with a plurality of light-emitting elements and a first light-receiving element that operate independently, allowing for increased numbers of light-emitting elements without significantly increasing the module's size, and includes a lens to provide the required field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light-emitting elements are integrated into the optical module, then the illumination capability and functionality are improved, but the module size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination capabilityVSAvoidmodule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light-emitting elements (first light-emitting element and second light-emitting element) and light-receiving elements into a single optical module that shares common structural components including the substrate, housing, and optical coupling mechanisms. This merging approach enables enhanced illumination capability through multiple light sources while avoiding proportional increases in module complexity by utilizing shared infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If light-emitting and light-receiving elements are integrated in the same module, then design freedom is improved, but operational independence deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidoperational independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical module into distinct functional units: light-emitting elements (first and second), light-receiving elements (first and second), and their respective control circuits. Each element can be independently controlled and operated, maintaining operational independence while achieving design freedom through their integrated arrangement within the same module structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the optical module size is increased to accommodate more elements, then the functionality is improved, but the compactness and integration efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmodule area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges light-emitting and light-receiving elements in a three-dimensional configuration on the substrate rather than simple linear expansion. Multiple elements are positioned at different locations and orientations, utilizing vertical and lateral space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement enables enhanced functionality with multiple light sources and receivers while maintaining compact module footprint through optimized spatial utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances design flexibility and operational efficiency by enabling independent operation of light-emitting and light-receiving elements, improving the device's functionality and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a first light-receiving element disposed on the substrate and configured to operate independently from the plurality of light-emitting elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4711844A1Electronic device comprising optical module
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4711844A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711844A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711844A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The electronic device may include a camera module and an optical module. The optical module may comprise: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate; and a first light-receiving element disposed on the substrate and configured to operate independently from the plurality of light-emitting elements.