KR20240048281A - Light output device and 3d sensing device comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical output device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of light source arrays sequentially arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, a collimation lens disposed on the plurality of light source arrays, and a collimation lens on the collimation lens. It includes an arranged diffusion member, and each light source array includes a plurality of channels sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the plurality of light source arrays is driven independently. is set, and each of the plurality of channels is set to be driven independently.

Description

Light output device and 3D sensing device including the same {LIGHT OUTPUT DEVICE AND 3D SENSING DEVICE COMPRISING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an optical output device and a three-dimensional sensing device including the same.

3D content is applied in many fields such as education, manufacturing, and autonomous driving as well as games and culture, and depth information (Depth Map) is required to obtain 3D content. Depth information is information representing distance in space, and represents perspective information of another point with respect to one point in a two-dimensional image. Methods for acquiring depth information include projecting IR (Infrared) structured light onto an object, using a stereo camera, and TOF (Time of Flight) methods.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), an example of a camera device that acquires 3D information, measures the distance to a target object using laser pulses that are emitted from a LiDAR device and then reflected back from the target object. Shape the target object. LiDAR devices are applied to various technical fields that require three-dimensional information. For example, LIDAR devices can be applied to various technical fields such as meteorology, aviation, space, and vehicles. Recently, the proportion of LiDAR devices in the autonomous driving field is rapidly increasing.

In general, the light emitting unit of the LIDAR device generates an output light signal and irradiates it to the object, the light receiving unit receives the input light signal reflected from the object, and the information generating unit uses the input light signal received by the light receiving unit to generate information about the object. create

The light emitting unit of the LIDAR device includes a scanner, and the scanner can scan an area of a preset field of view (FOV). However, if the light emitting part of the LiDAR device includes a scanner, not only does the size of the LiDAR device increase, but the reliability of the LiDAR device may decrease.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a compact and highly reliable optical output device and a three-dimensional sensing device.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a light output device and a three-dimensional sensing device that can adaptively adjust the angle of view and sensing distance.

An optical output device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of light source arrays sequentially arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction, a collimation lens disposed on the plurality of light source arrays, and a collimation lens on the collimation lens. It includes an arranged diffusion member, and each light source array includes a plurality of channels sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the plurality of light source arrays is driven independently. is set, and each of the plurality of channels is set to be driven independently.

The plurality of light source arrays include a first light source array and a second light source array, each of the first light source array and the second light source array includes sequentially arranged first to nth channels, and the first light source array Each of the first to nth channels of the array may be connected in series to each of the first to nth channels of the second light source array.

At least some of the first to nth channels of the first light source array may be connected in parallel to each other.

The area of the effective area of the collimation lens may be larger than the area of the plurality of light source arrays.

The diffusion member includes a first surface disposed to face the plurality of light source arrays and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface, and the plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface. Each pattern may have a long axis in a direction parallel to the second direction.

The plurality of light source arrays may be implemented on one chip.

A three-dimensional sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting unit that generates an output light signal and irradiates it to a target area, a light receiving unit that receives an input light signal reflected from the target area, and an input input to the light receiving unit. An information generator that generates information about the target area using an optical signal, and a control portion that controls the light emitter, the light receiver, and the information generator, wherein the light emitter operates in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis. It includes a plurality of light source arrays sequentially arranged along the plurality of light source arrays, collimation lenses arranged on the plurality of light source arrays, and a diffusion member arranged on the collimation lenses, wherein each light source array is oriented in the optical axis direction and the first direction. It includes a plurality of channels sequentially arranged along a second direction perpendicular to , wherein each of the plurality of light source arrays is set to be driven independently, and each of the plurality of channels is set to be driven independently.

The control unit may control at least one of the number of driven light source arrays among the plurality of light source arrays and the number of driven channels among the plurality of channels.

The control unit may control the number of driven light source arrays among the plurality of light source arrays according to the measurement distance of the target area.

The control unit may control the number of channels driven among the plurality of channels according to the required angle of view in the second direction.

The diffusion member includes a first surface disposed to face the plurality of light source arrays and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface, and the plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface. Each pattern may have a long axis in a direction parallel to the second direction.

The angle of view in the first direction may vary depending on the shape of the plurality of convex patterns of the diffusion member.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a compact and highly reliable optical output device and a three-dimensional sensing device can be obtained. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a light output device and a three-dimensional sensing device capable of adaptively adjusting the angle of view and sensing distance can be obtained. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an optical output device and a three-dimensional sensing device that can adjust the angle of view without a scanner including micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), mirrors, etc., have a fast response speed, and are excellent in power efficiency are provided. You can get it.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a 3D sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a 3D sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between a plurality of light source arrays and image sensors included in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4a to 4c are perspective views of the diffusion member included in the light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an example of comparing the areas of a plurality of light source arrays and a lens group according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6a is the result of simulating the second direction angle of view when driving the 26th to 31st channels among the 1st to 56th channels, and Figure 6b is the result of simulating the second direction angle of view when all of the 1st to 56th channels are driven. This is one result.
Figure 7 shows the results of simulating output according to the number of driven light source arrays among a plurality of light source arrays according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is an exploded view of a LiDAR device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms, and as long as it is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, one or more of the components may be optionally used between the embodiments. It can be used by combining and replacing.

In addition, terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention, unless explicitly specifically defined and described, are generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It can be interpreted as meaning, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted by considering the contextual meaning of the related technology.

Additionally, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when described as "at least one (or more than one) of A and B and C", it is combined with A, B, and C. It can contain one or more of all possible combinations.

Additionally, when describing the components of an embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used.

These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and are not limited to the essence, order, or order of the component.

And, when a component is described as being 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, the component is not only directly connected, coupled or connected to that other component, but also is connected to that component. It can also include cases where other components are 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component between them.

Additionally, when described as being formed or disposed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" refers not only to cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also to one This also includes cases where another component described above is formed or placed between two components. In addition, when expressed as "top (above) or bottom (bottom)", it may include not only the upward direction but also the downward direction based on one component.

The 3D sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may mean a LiDAR device mounted on a car and measuring the distance between the car and an object, but is not limited thereto. The 3D sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention can extract depth information using the Time of Flight (ToF) principle, the Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (FMCW) principle, or the structured light principle. In this specification, the 3D sensing device may be referred to as a LiDAR device, an information generating device, a depth information generating device, or a camera device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a three-dimensional sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional sensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram explaining the correspondence relationship between a plurality of light source arrays and image sensors included in , and FIGS. 4A to 4C are perspective views of a diffusion member included in a light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the information generating device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting unit 100, a light receiving unit 200, a depth information generating unit 300, and a control unit 400.

The light emitting unit 100 may generate and output an output light signal in the form of a pulse wave or a continuous wave. A continuous wave can be in the form of a sinusoid wave or a square wave. By generating the output light signal in the form of a pulse wave or continuous wave, the information generating device 1000 determines the time between the output light signal output from the light emitting unit 100 and the input light signal reflected from the object and then input to the light receiving unit 200. Difference or phase difference can be detected. In this specification, output light refers to light output from the light emitting unit 100 and incident on an object, and input light is output from the light emitting unit 100, reaches the object, and then is reflected from the object and input to the light receiving unit 200. It can mean light that becomes In this specification, the pattern of output light may be referred to as an emission pattern, and the pattern of input light may be referred to as an incident pattern. From the object's perspective, output light can be incident light, and input light can be reflected light.

The light emitting unit 100 may include a light source 110, a lens group 120 disposed on the light source 110, and a diffusion member 130 disposed on the lens group 120. The light source 110 generates and outputs light. The light generated by the light source 110 may be infrared rays with a wavelength of 770 to 3000 nm. Alternatively, the light generated by the light source 110 may be visible light with a wavelength of 380 to 770 nm. The light source 110 may use a light emitting diode (LED), and may have a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged according to a certain pattern. In addition, the light source 110 may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a laser diode (LD). Alternatively, the light source 110 may be a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). VCSEL is one of the laser diodes that converts electrical signals into optical signals, and can output a wavelength of about 800 to 1000 nm, for example, about 850 nm or about 940 nm. The light source 110 repeats blinking (on/off) at regular time intervals to generate an output light signal in the form of a pulse wave or a continuous wave. The certain time interval may be the frequency of the output light signal.

The lens group 120 may converge light output from the light source 110 and output the condensed light to the outside. The lens group 120 may be disposed on top of the light source 110 and spaced apart from the light source 110 . Here, the upper part of the light source 110 may mean the side where light is output from the light source 110. The lens group 120 may include at least one lens. When the lens group 120 includes a plurality of lenses, each lens may be aligned with respect to the central axis to form an optical system. Here, the central axis may be the same as the optical axis of the optical system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens group 120 may include a collimation lens.

The diffusion member 130 may receive light output from the light source 110 and the lens group 120 and then output the received light by refracting or diffracting it.

The light receiving unit 200 may receive an optical signal reflected from an object. At this time, the received optical signal may be an optical signal output from the light emitting unit 100 reflected from the object.

The light receiving unit 200 may include an image sensor 210, a filter 220 disposed on the image sensor 210, and a lens group 230 disposed on the filter 220. The optical signal reflected from the object may pass through the lens group 230. The optical axis of the lens group 230 may be aligned with the optical axis of the image sensor 210. The filter 220 may be disposed between the lens group 230 and the image sensor 210. The filter 220 may be placed on the optical path between the object and the image sensor 210. The filter 220 may filter light having a predetermined wavelength range. The filter 220 may transmit a specific wavelength band of light. The filter 220 can pass light of a specific wavelength. For example, the filter 220 may pass light in the infrared band and block light outside the infrared band. The image sensor 210 can sense light. The image sensor 210 may receive an optical signal. The image sensor 210 can detect optical signals and output them as electrical signals. The image sensor 210 may detect light with a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of light output from the light source 110. For example, the image sensor 210 may detect light in the infrared band.

The image sensor 210 may be configured with a structure in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a grid. The image sensor 210 may be a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor. Additionally, the image sensor 210 may include a ToF sensor that receives IR light reflected from an object and measures the distance using time difference or phase difference.

The light receiving unit 200 and the light emitting unit 100 may be arranged side by side. The light receiving unit 200 may be placed next to the light emitting unit 100. The light receiving unit 200 may be arranged in the same direction as the light emitting unit 100.

The information generating unit 300 may generate depth information of an object using an input light signal input to the light receiving unit 200. For example, the information generator 300 may calculate the depth information of the object using the flight time it takes for the output light signal output from the light emitter 100 to be input to the light receiver 200 after being reflected from the object. . For example, the information generator 300 calculates the time difference between the output light signal and the input light signal using the electrical signal received by the image sensor 210, and uses the calculated time difference to detect the object and the three-dimensional sensing device. You can calculate the distance between (1000). For example, the information generator 300 calculates the phase difference between the output light signal and the input light signal using the electrical signal received from the sensor, and uses the calculated phase difference to determine the phase difference between the object and the three-dimensional sensing device 1000. The distance can be calculated.

The control unit 400 controls the operation of the light emitting unit 100, the light receiving unit 200, and the information generating unit 300. The information generation unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be implemented in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB). Additionally, the information generation unit 300 and the control unit 400 may be implemented in other configurations. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may be included in a terminal or vehicle on which the 3D sensing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is deployed. For example, the control unit 400 is implemented in the form of an application processor (AP) of a smartphone equipped with the 3D sensing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, or It can be implemented in the form of an ECU (electronic control unit) of a vehicle equipped with the 3D sensing device 1000.

The 3D sensing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a solid state LIDAR. Unlike the mechanical LiDAR that rotates 360°, the fixed LiDAR does not include mechanical parts that rotate the LiDAR device (1000), so it has the advantage of being inexpensive and capable of being implemented in a small size. In an embodiment of the present invention The 3D sensing device 1000 may be a fixed flash LiDAR, which uses an optical flash and can emit light to the front environment with a single large-area laser pulse. When attempting to implement long-distance sensing, a scanner may be required. However, if the 3D sensing device 1000 includes a scanner, the size of the device increases, and reliability and response speed may decrease.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to control the angle of view and sensing distance using an addressable light source array.

Referring to FIG. 3, the light source 110 includes a plurality of light source arrays 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, and 110-4 sequentially arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. For convenience of explanation, the plurality of light source arrays is shown as four, but this is not limited and the plurality of light source arrays may be two or more.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light source array 110-1, the second light source array 110-2, the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110-4 are one It may be a VCSEL implemented on a chip.

The first light source array 110-1, the second light source array 110-2, the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110-4 may be spaced apart from each other. The separation distance between two neighboring light source arrays may be 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably 20 μm to 80 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 60 μm.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first light source array 110-1, the second light source array 110-2, the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110-4 are each independent. It can be set to run as .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, each light source array (110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4) includes a plurality of channels sequentially arranged along an optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Includes (CH1, CH2, ..., CHN). Pads (PADs) for electrical connection may be placed on both ends of each channel. Each of the plurality of channels (CH1, CH2, ..., CHN) can be set to be driven independently. Here, each light source array is shown as including 56 channels, but is not limited thereto.

As such, the light source 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of light source arrays, each of the plurality of light source arrays is set to be driven independently, and each of the plurality of channels included in each light source array is driven independently. Since it can be set to be, it can be referred to as an addressable light source array or an addressable VCSEL array.

The first channel of the first light source array 110-1, the first channel of the second light source array 110-2, the first channel of the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110-4 ) The output light signal output from at least a portion of the first channel may be reflected in the target area and then received by the first pixel line unit of the image sensor 210. The second channel of the first light source array 110-1, the second channel of the second light source array 110-2, the second channel of the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110-4 ) The output light signal output from at least a portion of the second channel may be reflected in the target area and then received by the second pixel line unit of the image sensor 210. Likewise, the N-1 channel of the first light source array 110-1, the N-1 channel of the second light source array 110-2, and the N-1 channel of the third light source array 110-3. And the output light signal output from at least a portion of the N-1th channel of the fourth light source array 110-4 may be received by the N-1th pixel line unit of the image sensor 210 after being reflected in the target area. there is. And, the N-th channel of the first light source array 110-1, the N-th channel of the second light source array 110-2, the N-th channel of the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110. The output light signal output from at least a portion of the N-th channel of -4) may be reflected in the target area and then received by the N-th pixel line unit of the image sensor 210. For example, if each light source array includes 56 channels and the image sensor 210 includes 597*165 pixels, and each pixel line section includes 3 pixel lines, 56 channels are 56 pixel lines. It can be matched 1:1 with the wealth. The image sensor 210 may sequentially perform a line scan from the first pixel line portion to the N-th pixel line portion.

At this time, the first channel of the first light source array 110-1, the first channel of the second light source array 110-2, the first channel of the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110 At least some of the first channels of -4) may be connected in series to each other. The second channel of the first light source array 110-1, the second channel of the second light source array 110-2, the second channel of the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110-4 ) At least some of the second channels may be connected in series with each other. Likewise, the N-1 channel of the first light source array 110-1, the N-1 channel of the second light source array 110-2, and the N-1 channel of the third light source array 110-3. and at least a portion of the N-1th channel of the fourth light source array 110-4 may be connected in series. And, the N-th channel of the first light source array 110-1, the N-th channel of the second light source array 110-2, the N-th channel of the third light source array 110-3, and the fourth light source array 110. At least some of the N-th channels of -4) may be connected in series to each other.

In this way, when multiple light source arrays connected in series for each channel are simultaneously driven, high-output driving is possible and long-distance sensing is possible. For example, if each light source array outputs 150W per channel, if four light source arrays are driven simultaneously, 600W per channel can be output, which allows long-distance sensing compared to when driving a single light source array. .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 can control the number of driven light source arrays among a plurality of light source arrays. For example, the control unit 400 may control the number of driven light source arrays among a plurality of light source arrays according to the measurement distance of the target area. For example, when the 3D sensing device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a short-distance application, a middle-distance application, or a long-distance application, the number of light source arrays driven depending on the case is applied to the application. may vary. For example, the number of light source arrays driven increases as a long distance is sensed, and the number of light source arrays driven increases as a short distance is sensed. For example, when the 3D sensing device 1000 is applied to a long-distance application, all of the first to fourth light source arrays 110-1 to 110-4 can be driven, but the 3D sensing device 1000 When applied to a short-distance application, only the first light source array 110-1 can be driven.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens group 120 is disposed on a plurality of light source arrays 110, and a plurality of lenses are sequentially arranged in the direction from the diffusion member 130 toward the plurality of light source arrays 110. It may include a falcon lens. For example, the lens group 120 may include five lenses sequentially arranged in a direction from the diffusion member 130 toward the plurality of light source arrays 110 . In this specification, the lens group 120 may be referred to as a collimator because it condenses and outputs light output from the plurality of light source arrays 110.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens group 120 is disposed closest to the diffusion member 130, and is disposed closest to the first lens 121 and the first lens 121, both sides of which are convex. It may include a second lens 122 that has a concave shape. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lens group 120 may further include at least one lens 123 disposed between the second lens 122 and the light source 110. At this time, the diameter or effective diameter of each of the first lens 121 and the second lens 122 may be smaller than the diameter or effective diameter of at least one lens 123.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first lens 121 and the second lens 122 serve to converge light output from the plurality of light source arrays 110, and at least one lens 123 prevents chromatic aberration. It serves to correct.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the diffusion member 130 may be disposed on the lens group 120. In this specification, the diffusion member 130 may be referred to as a diffuser.

The diffusion member 130 includes a first surface 130A disposed to face the plurality of light source arrays 110 and a second surface 130B that is opposite to the first surface 130A. In order to explain the detailed structure of the first surface 130A and the second surface 130B in detail, in FIG. 4A, the first surface 130A is shown facing downward, and in FIG. 4B, FIG. 4A is inverted by 180 degrees. The first surface 130 is shown facing upward, and FIG. 4C shows a plan view of the first surface 130A.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of convex patterns 131 are disposed on the first surface 130A of the diffusion member 130, the second surface 130B of the diffusion member 130 is a flat surface, and a plurality of convex patterns 131 are disposed on the first surface 130A of the diffusion member 130. Each of the convex patterns 131 may extend to have a long axis in a direction parallel to the second direction. More specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of convex patterns 131 may be in the shape of a semi-cylindrical column extending in the second direction, and the plurality of convex patterns 131 may be formed in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction. They may be arranged adjacent to each other along the direction.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle of view in the first direction of the plurality of light source arrays 110 may be determined by the diffusion member 130. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction view angle may be the same regardless of the number of driven light source arrays among the plurality of light source arrays 110. For example, the angle of view in the first direction of the plurality of light source arrays 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be 120 degrees, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second direction angle of view of the plurality of light source arrays 110 may be determined by at least one of the number and position of driven channels among the plurality of channels included in each light source array 110. For example, when all of the plurality of channels included in each light source array are driven, the second direction angle of view may be wider than when some of the channels included in each light source array are driven.

To this end, at least some of the plurality of channels may be connected in parallel to each other. Additionally, the area of the effective area of the lens group 120 serving as a collimator may be larger than the area of the plurality of light source arrays 110. That is, when the effective area of the lens group 120 serving as a collimator is arranged to cover the entire plurality of light source arrays 110, the second direction angle of view can be controlled according to the number of driven channels among the plurality of channels. there is.

Figure 5 is an example of comparing the areas of a plurality of light source arrays and a lens group according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, each light source array has an effective size of 1.2 mm in the first direction and 7.6 mm in the second direction, and shows an example in which six light source arrays are arranged at 50 μm apart. At this time, when the lens group 120 is arranged in a size that covers all six light source arrays, the angle of view in the second direction can be controlled according to the number of driven channels among the plurality of channels.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may control at least one of the number and position of driven channels among a plurality of channels included in each light source array. For example, at least one of the number and position of driven channels among a plurality of channels can be controlled depending on the location of the target area, the length of the target area in the second direction, etc.

Table 1 is the result of simulating the second direction angle of view for each number of driven channels, and Figure 6a is the result of simulating the second direction angle of view when the 26th to 31st channels among the 1st to 56th channels are driven. 6b is the result of simulating the second direction angle of view when all channels 1 to 56 are driven.

Number of channels Second direction angle of view (FOI(deg)) 2 0.6 4 1.9 6 3,2 8 4.4 10 5.6 12 6.9 14 8.2 16 9.5 18 10.7 20 11.9 22 13.2 24 14.5 26 15.8 28 16.9 30 18.2 32 19.5 34 20.8 36 22.0 38 23.2 40 24.5 42 25.8 44 27.0 46 28.3 48 29.5 50 30.8 52 32.0 54 33.3 56 35.0

Referring to Table 1 and FIGS. 6A and 6B, it can be seen that the angle of view in the first direction is constant regardless of the number of channels being driven, and the angle of view in the second direction varies depending on the number of channels being driven.

Figure 7 shows the results of simulating the power of output light according to the number of driven light source arrays among a plurality of light source arrays according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the power of light output sequentially increases when one light source array is driven, two light source arrays are driven, and three light source arrays are driven. Accordingly, it can be seen that as the array of driven light sources increases, long-distance sensing becomes possible.

Figure 8 is an exploded view of a LiDAR device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The LiDAR device may include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. However, since the substrate 10, holder 30, and shield can 50 are formed as one piece and are used in common for the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, it may be difficult to distinguish them into the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. In this case, each of the above components can be understood as a component of each light emitting unit and light receiving unit. However, as a modified example, common components such as the substrate 10, the holder 30, and the shield can 50 may be provided separately in the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

The light emitting unit may include a substrate 10, a light source 20, a holder 30, a diffusion member 41, a diffuser ring 42, and a shield can 50. The light receiving unit may include a substrate 10, a sensor 60, a filter 80, a holder 30, a lens 70, a barrel 71, and a shield can 50.

The substrate 10 may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The board 10 may be connected to the connector through the FPCB 91. The substrate 10 and the FPCB 91 may be formed of RFPCB (Rigid Flexible PCB). A light source 20 and a sensor 60 may be disposed on the substrate 10. The substrate 10 may be placed under the holder 30. The substrate 10 may include terminals. The terminal of the substrate 10 may be coupled to the coupling portion of the shield can 50. Terminals of the board 10 may include a plurality of terminals. The terminal of the board 10 may include two terminals.

The light source 20 may be disposed on the substrate 10 . The light source 20 may be disposed in contact with the substrate 10 . The light source 20 may be disposed on the substrate 10 . The light source 20 may be disposed on the substrate 10 . The light source 20 may correspond to the light source 110 described above.

Holder 30 may be placed on substrate 10 . The holder 30 may be placed in contact with the substrate 10 . The holder 30 may be placed on the substrate 10 . The holder 30 may be placed on the substrate 10 . The holder 30 may be fixed to the substrate 10 with an adhesive. The holder 30 can accommodate a light source 20, a diffuser module 40, a sensor 60, and a filter 80 therein. The holder 30 may be an injection molded plastic product. The holder 30 may be formed by injection molding.

The diffuser module 40 may include a diffusion member 41 and a diffuser ring 42. The diffuser module 40 may be formed integrally as in the modified example, but in this embodiment, it may be manufactured separately into the diffusion member 41 and the diffuser ring 42 to increase moldability during injection molding. The diffusion member 41 and the diffuser ring 42 may be separated from each other.

The diffusion member 41 may be a diffuser lens. The diffusion member 41 may correspond to the diffusion member 120 and the diffusion member 400 described above. The diffusion member 41 may be disposed within the holder 30. The diffusion member 41 may be coupled to the holder 30. The diffusion member 41 may be fixed to the holder 30. The diffusion member 41 may be disposed on the optical path of light emitted from the light source 20. The diffusion member 41 may be disposed on the light source 20. The diffusion member 41 may be disposed on the light source 20. The diffusion member 41 may be an injection-molded plastic product. The diffusion member 41 may be formed by plastic injection. The height of the top of the diffusion member 41 may correspond to the height of the top of the lens 70. The diffusion member 41 may be inserted upward in the vertical direction and coupled to the holder 30. At this time, the upward direction may be from the lower part of the holder 30 to the upper part of the holder 30. A portion of the diffusion member 41 may overlap the holder 30 in the upward direction.

Diffuser ring 42 may be placed within holder 30. The diffuser ring 42 may be fixed to the holder 30. The diffuser ring 42 may be coupled to the holder 30. The diffuser ring 42 may be disposed below the diffusion member 41. The diffuser ring 42 may support the diffusion member 41. The diffuser ring 42 may be in contact with the diffusion member 41. The diffuser ring 42 may be an injection molded plastic product. The diffuser ring 42 may be formed by plastic injection.

The shield can 50 may cover the body of the holder 30. The shield can 50 may include a cover. The shield can 50 may include a cover can. The shield can 50 may be non-magnetic. The shield can 50 may be made of a metal material. The shield can 50 may be formed of a metal plate. The shield can 50 may be electrically connected to the substrate 10 . The shield can 50 may be connected to the substrate 10 through a solder ball. Through this, the shield can 50 can be grounded. The shield can 50 can block electromagnetic interference (EMI). At this time, the shield can 500 may be referred to as an 'EMI shield can'. In this embodiment, as a high voltage is used inside the optical device, electromagnetic interference noise may increase, and the shield can 50 can block the electromagnetic interference noise.

Sensor 60 may be disposed on substrate 10 . The sensor 60 may be placed on the substrate 10 on the other side of the partition wall of the holder 30 . That is, the sensor 60 may be placed on the opposite side of the light source 20 based on the partition wall of the holder 30. The sensor 60 can detect infrared rays. The sensor 60 can detect light of a specific wavelength among infrared rays. The sensor 60 can detect light that has passed through the filter 80. The sensor 60 can detect light in the wavelength band of the light source 20. Through this, the sensor 60 can detect the light emitted from the light source 20 and reflected on the subject to sense 3D image information of the subject. The effective sensing area of the sensor 60 is disposed to correspond to the diffusion member 41, but the sensor 60 may be disposed generally biased toward the partition. A circuit pattern of the sensor 60 may be placed in a portion of the sensor 60 that is biased toward the partition.

Lens 70 may be fixed within barrel 71. The lens 70 may be an injection molded plastic product. The lens 70 may be formed by plastic injection. Lens 70 may include a plurality of lenses.

Filter 80 may be disposed between lens 70 and sensor 60. The filter 80 may be a band pass filter that passes light of a specific wavelength. The filter 80 can pass infrared rays. The filter 80 can pass light of a specific wavelength among infrared rays. The filter 80 may pass light in the wavelength band of the light emitted by the light source 20. The filter 80 can block visible light. Filter 80 may be coupled to holder 30. A groove of a size corresponding to that of the filter 80 is formed in the holder 30, and the filter 80 can be inserted into the groove and fixed with adhesive. An adhesive injection groove for injecting adhesive between the filter 80 and the holder 30 may be formed in the groove of the holder 30. The filter 80 may be placed at a lower position than the diffuser ring 42.

Although the above description focuses on examples, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to You will see that various variations and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (12)

A plurality of light source arrays sequentially arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction,
A collimation lens disposed on the plurality of light source arrays, and
Includes a diffusion member disposed on the collimation lens,
Each light source array includes a plurality of channels sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
Each of the plurality of light source arrays is set to be driven independently,
An optical output device wherein each of the plurality of channels is set to be driven independently. According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of light source arrays include a first light source array and a second light source array,
Each of the first light source array and the second light source array includes first to nth channels arranged sequentially,
An optical output device wherein each of the first to nth channels of the first light source array is connected in series with each of the first to nth channels of the second light source array. According to paragraph 2,
At least some of the first to nth channels of the first light source array are connected in parallel to each other. According to paragraph 1,
A light output device wherein an effective area of the collimation lens is larger than an area of the plurality of light source arrays. According to paragraph 1,
The diffusion member includes a first surface disposed to face the plurality of light source arrays and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface, and the plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface. A light output device wherein each pattern has a long axis in a direction parallel to the second direction. According to paragraph 1,
An optical output device in which the plurality of light source arrays are implemented on one chip. A light emitting unit that generates an output light signal and irradiates it to the target area,
A light receiving unit that receives the input light signal after reflection from the target area,
an information generator that generates information about the target area using the input light signal input to the light receiver, and
It includes a control unit that controls the light emitting unit, the light receiving unit, and the information generating unit,
The light emitting part,
A plurality of light source arrays sequentially arranged along a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction,
A collimation lens disposed on the plurality of light source arrays, and
Includes a diffusion member disposed on the collimation lens,
Each light source array includes a plurality of channels sequentially arranged along the optical axis direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction,
Each of the plurality of light source arrays is set to be driven independently,
A three-dimensional sensing device in which each of the plurality of channels is set to be driven independently. In clause 7,
The control unit controls at least one of the number of driven light source arrays among the plurality of light source arrays and the number of driven channels among the plurality of channels. According to clause 8,
The control unit is a three-dimensional sensing device that controls the number of light source arrays to be driven among the plurality of light source arrays according to the measurement distance of the target area. According to clause 8,
The control unit controls the number of channels driven among the plurality of channels according to the required angle of view in the second direction. In clause 7,
The diffusion member includes a first surface disposed to face the plurality of light source arrays and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface, and the plurality of convex patterns are disposed on the first surface. A three-dimensional sensing device wherein each pattern has a long axis in a direction parallel to the second direction. According to clause 10,
A three-dimensional sensing device in which the angle of view in the first direction varies depending on the shape of the plurality of convex patterns of the diffusion member.

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