Optical Ranging Device Aperture Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical ranging devices face challenges in securing an optical path for light emitted from light emitting elements, which can reduce spatial resolution due to the need for detectors to be arranged at certain intervals.
Innovation Solution
The optical ranging device includes a light receiving module with densely arranged detectors and an aperture module with point-shaped openings above the light receiving module, allowing light emitting elements to be placed on areas without openings, eliminating the need for gaps between detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detectors are arranged at certain intervals to secure optical path for light emitting elements, then optical path is secured, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to reduced detector density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by using time-gated detection. Detectors capture reflected light within specific time windows corresponding to return times from different depths. This temporal encoding allows detectors to be densely arranged without optical path interference, as each detector pixel measures light from different time gates rather than different spatial locations simultaneously. The spatial resolution is maintained through the combination of dense detector arrangement and time-resolved detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a temporal copy of spatial information. By measuring the time of flight of reflected light, the system reconstructs spatial depth information from temporal data. Multiple detectors can simultaneously capture light from the same spatial location at different time gates, effectively copying the spatial measurement across multiple time points. This allows dense detector packing while maintaining optical path security through temporal separation.
2Measurement precision
If detectors are densely arranged to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution improves, but optical path for light emitting elements cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from spatial separation to temporal separation. Detectors are arranged in a dense two-dimensional matrix without gaps, maximizing spatial resolution. The optical path security is achieved by assigning different time gates to different measurement channels, effectively adding a temporal dimension to the detection scheme. This allows complete detector coverage without compromising light emission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic time-gated detection cycles. During each cycle, detectors sequentially measure reflected light from different time gates corresponding to different depth ranges. This periodic temporal modulation allows dense detector arrangements to coexist with secure optical paths, as each detector contributes to multiple depth measurements across different cycles rather than requiring dedicated spatial paths.
3Measurement precision
If light emitting elements are placed on aperture module portions without openings, then detector density increases, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating functionally distinct regions on the aperture module substrate. Areas with openings serve as optical transmission zones, while areas without openings serve as light emitting element zones with enhanced heat dissipation capabilities. The substrate is designed with localized thermal management features such as heat sinks or thermal vias specifically under the light emitting elements, allowing high detector density in optical zones while providing dedicated heat dissipation paths in emitter zones.
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 object detection performance by allowing for denser detector arrangements, enhancing spatial resolution and reducing noise, while also improving heat dissipation through the use of heat conductors.
Implementation Method 1
The light receiving module includes detectors arranged in a matrix and configured to respond to the sensing light reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
The optical ranging device detects a distance to an object by using a time it takes for emitted sensing light to be reflected by the object and returned
Data Source
AI summary
An optical ranging device detects a distance to a target by using a round-trip time of light. The optical ranging device includes a light receiving module that is a plate-shaped member on which detectors are arranged and responds to sensing light having a predetermined wavelength, light emitting elements configured to emit the sensing light, and an aperture module disposed upward of the light receiving module. The aperture module is a plate-shaped member having openings through which reflected light passes toward the detectors. The reflected light is the sensing light reflected by the target. The light emitting elements are provided on portions of the aperture module where the openings are not provided on the aperture module.