Compact Time of Flight Sensor Module with Radial Laser Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of flight based depth sensor modules occupy significant space on electronic devices, such as smartphones, due to their design, which limits screen-to-front face ratio and is not easily reducible without compromising security functionality.
Innovation Solution
A compact time of flight sensing module is designed with multiple laser modules positioned around the periphery of a lens and a reflected laser light detector on a printed circuit board, utilizing interposer substrates and diffusers to achieve a compact form factor, allowing for a single notch placement on smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a depth sensor module is included in smartphones for security applications, then security functionality is improved, but the screen-to-front face ratio deteriorates due to the space occupied by the depth sensor module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of laser diodes to a three-dimensional configuration where multiple laser modules are positioned vertically and radially around the detector. This vertical stacking and radial arrangement utilizes the Z-dimension to reduce the footprint area, allowing the depth sensor module to maintain security functionality while occupying less front face space, thereby improving the screen-to-front face ratio.
2Area of stationary object
If the notch size is reduced to improve screen-to-front face ratio, then the area occupied by the notch is reduced, but the depth sensor module cannot be accommodated without removing security functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs vertical stacking of laser modules around the detector and radial positioning to create a compact three-dimensional structure. This allows the depth sensor module to fit within a smaller notch area while maintaining all necessary security functionality through the multi-module configuration that emits laser beams in multiple directions.
3Device complexity
If multiple laser diodes are arranged in a planar configuration, then the structure is simple, but the module occupies significant space that cannot be easily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple laser modules in a radial pattern around the detector with vertical spacing, transitioning from a simple planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration. This spatial arrangement reduces the footprint area by utilizing vertical and radial dimensions, while the modular structure maintains relative simplicity through standardized module design and positioning.
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 design enables a smaller depth sensor module that maintains security functionality while allowing for a reduced notch size, enhancing screen-to-front face ratio and providing space-saving benefits on both front and rear device faces.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode (typically infrared) is driven with a pulsed drive current to cause it to emit a short laser pulse in a given direction
Implementation Method 2
The receiver, with a proper timing reference, measures the elapsed time between emission of the laser pulse and receipt of the reflected laser pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a time of flight sensing module that includes a reflected laser light detector formed on a printed circuit board, and a plurality of laser modules positioned about a periphery of the reflected laser light detector. Each laser module includes an interposer substrate vertically spaced apart from the printed circuit board, at least one laser diode carried by the interposer substrate, and a diffuser spaced apart from the interposer substrate and over the at least one laser diode. A lens may be positioned over the reflected laser light detector, and the plurality of laser modules are positioned about the periphery of the lens.