Time-of-Flight Camera Module Segmentation for Flexible PCB Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time-of-flight camera modules are limited in their applicability due to fixed relative positions of transmit and receive modules, restricting their use to specific electronic device forms and increasing development and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with individually packaged transmit and receive modules, where the receive module is located in an avoidance space on the circuit board, allowing for flexible arrangement and reduced size, enabling the module to be applied to various electronic device forms without the need for multiple module variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmit module and receive module are fixed to the same printed circuit board with fixed relative location, then the detection performance of the time-of-flight module is ensured, but the applicability to different electronic device appearance forms is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the time-of-flight module into independently packaged transmit module and receive module, which are separately mounted on the circuit board rather than being fixed together. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of the two modules to achieve different cable outgoing directions while maintaining their proximity for good detection performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an avoidance space on the circuit board that allows the receive module to be positioned flexibly. The cable outgoing direction of the receive module can be adjusted to face different directions (first direction or second direction perpendicular to the first), enabling adaptation to different electronic device appearance forms while maintaining detection performance
2Reliability
If the receive module is positioned to ensure close proximity with the transmit module, then the overlapping area between fields of view is large, but the arrangement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the packaging of transmit and receive modules, the patent enables independent positioning of each module on the circuit board. The receive module can be placed in the avoidance space at different locations while maintaining close proximity to the transmit module, achieving both good field of view overlap and arrangement flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The avoidance space on the circuit board acts as an intermediary that facilitates flexible positioning of the receive module. It provides a designated area where the receive module can be mounted with different cable outgoing directions while maintaining appropriate distance from the transmit module for good detection performance
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 enhances the flexibility and compactness of the camera assembly, reducing development and manufacturing costs while maintaining high performance and allowing for diverse electronic device designs.
Implementation Method 1
A time-of-flight module includes a transmit module and a receive module. The transmit module is configured to emit a detection optical signal. The receive module is configured to receive an induction optical signal formed after the detection optical signal is reflected by a to-be-measured object. The induction optical signal carries depth of field information of the to-be-measured object.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implementations of this application disclose a camera assembly, including a time-of-flight module and a circuit board. The circuit board is provided with an avoidance space. The time-of-flight module includes a transmit module and a receive module. The transmit module is configured to emit a detection optical signal. The receive module is configured to receive an induction optical signal formed after the detection optical signal is reflected by a to-be-measured object. The receive module is located in the avoidance space. A connection end of the receive module is fixed to the circuit board. The transmit module is located around the receive module and fixed to the circuit board. The camera assembly is widely applicable. The implementations of this application further disclose an electronic device to which the camera assembly is applied.