TOF Light Source Module Optical Path Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for synchronization in Time of Flight (TOF) methods experience time delays, leading to inaccurate distance measurements due to poor synchronization of the light source emission timing.

Innovation Solution

A light source module with an optical path is designed to precisely recognize the timing of light emission from the light source, utilizing a diverging lens assembly, a light receiver, and a sensor unit with an optical path for accurate synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a trigger signal is used for synchronization between light transmitter and light receiver, then the system can detect light emission timing, but time delay occurs during synchronization leading to measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization time delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical trigger signal synchronization system with an optical path-based synchronization system. A portion of the emitted light is directed through an optical path to a photodetector that generates a synchronization signal, eliminating electrical signal transmission delays and achieving more precise timing synchronization between light emission and detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If an optical path is added to recognize light emission timing, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization precisionVSAvoidoptical path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path is segmented into distinct functional components: a beam splitter that divides the emitted light into measurement and synchronization paths, an optical guide that directs the synchronization portion, and a photodetector that converts optical signals to electrical synchronization signals. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path components serve multiple functions: the beam splitter both directs measurement light to the target and generates synchronization signals; the optical guide structures serve both mechanical alignment and light routing functions; the photodetector both detects synchronization light and generates timing signals for the control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The implementation of the optical path in the light source module enables precise synchronization of light emission, significantly improving the accuracy of distance measurements in TOF methods.

Implementation Method 1

a diverging lens assembly emitting light transmitted from the light source toward a target object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

a light receiver including a light receiver lens assembly for receiving the light reflected from the target object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

a sensor unit including a single or multiple pixels capable of detecting light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

a connection unit including an optical path provided between the light shielding structure and the light transmitter unit for recognizing a time point at which light is emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Implementation Method 5

a light shielding structure for blocking noise light directly transmitted from the light source of the light transmitter to the light receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250189635A1Light source module including an optical path and a method of operating the light source module

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 NAMUGA

AI summary

A light source module has a holder for fixing a light transmitter and a light receiver onto a substrate, the light transmitter having a light source placed on one side of the substrate and emitting light for measuring a depth distance, and a diverging lens assembly emitting light directed from the light source toward a target object; and the light receiver having a converging lens assembly for receiving light reflected from the target object, and a sensor unit comprising a single pixel or multiple pixels for detecting the light. The module has a connection unit that includes a light shielding structure blocking noise light directly coming from the light source to the light receiver, an optical path between the light shielding structure and the light transmitter to recognizes a timing of the light emitted from the light source, and an optical path space structure is located below the optical path.