Transparent Meta-Surface Light Module for Compact 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of integrating bulky diffractive optical elements (DOEs) into smaller and lighter electronic devices for precise three-dimensional sensing is addressed by employing a light source module with a meta-surface structure that includes a transparent member and a pattern layer to change light patterns and angles, eliminating the need for a masking pattern layer and reducing light loss.
Innovation Solution
A light source module comprising a substrate, a light emitter, a support, a transparent member with a pattern layer, and a meta-surface that alters light patterns and angles, utilizing a meta-surface with unit structures smaller than the light wavelength to enhance three-dimensional sensing accuracy in compact electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diffractive optical element (DOE) is used to produce structured light for three-dimensional sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical element by using a meta-surface with sub-wavelength unit structures instead of a conventional thick DOE. This parameter change reduces the optical element's thickness and complexity while maintaining its ability to modulate light for structured light generation, thereby improving three-dimensional sensing precision without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the DOE functionality using a meta-surface that replicates the light-modulating capability with reduced structural complexity. The meta-surface copies the essential function of the DOE (producing structured light) but with a thinner, more compact design that reduces device complexity while preserving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If a diffractive optical element (DOE) is used for structured light generation, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical element by transitioning from a thick conventional DOE to a thin meta-surface structure. This parameter change significantly reduces the weight of the optical component while maintaining its light-modulating functionality, thereby achieving improved three-dimensional sensing precision without increasing weight
3Manufacturing precision
If a masking pattern layer is used in the light source module, then light pattern control is improved, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the masking pattern layer from the light source module, eliminating the source of light loss. Instead of using a separate masking layer, the patent integrates the light pattern control function directly into the meta-surface structure, which achieves the same pattern control precision without the energy loss associated with masking
4Weight of moving object
If electronic devices are made smaller and lighter, then portability is improved, but difficulty in mounting bulky optical elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical element by using a thin meta-surface structure instead of a bulky conventional DOE. This parameter change makes the optical element small and light, thereby improving device portability while maintaining ease of mounting in compact electronic devices
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 solution enables more accurate three-dimensional sensing in small-sized electronic devices with reduced light loss and no need for masking pattern layers, facilitating precise object recognition and biometric authentication.
Implementation Method 1
a first meta-surface disposed on a second surface of the transparent member and including a plurality of first unit structures configured to change an angle of the light that passed through the pattern layer
Implementation Method 2
a pattern layer disposed on a first surface of the transparent member and configured to change a pattern of the light output from the light emitting elements
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
In an embodiment, a light source module may include a substrate, a light emitter comprising a light source disposed on one surface of the substrate and including an array of light emitting elements configured to emit light, a support disposed on the one surface of the substrate and accommodating at least a portion of the light emitter, and a transparent member comprising transparent material disposed over the support. The transparent member may include a pattern layer disposed on a first surface of the transparent member and configured to change a pattern of the light output from the light emitting elements, and a first meta-surface disposed on a second surface of the transparent member and including a plurality of first unit structures configured to change an angle of the light that passed through the pattern layer.