Patent · US Active

Time of flight (TOF) sensor with transmit optic providing for reduced parallax effect

US11735680B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
76References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 10, 2021
Grant dateAug 22, 2023
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 2, 2041

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/0045
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A transmit integrated circuit includes a light source configured to generate a beam of light. A receive integrated circuit includes a first photosensor. A transmit optic is mounted over the transmit and receive integrated circuits. The transmit optic is formed by a prismatic light guide and is configured to receive the beam of light. An annular body region of the transmit optic surrounds a central opening which is aligned with the first photosensor. The annular body region includes a first reflective surface defining the central opening and further includes a ring-shaped light output surface surrounding the central opening. Light is output from the ring-shaped light output surface in response to light which propagates within the prismatic light guide in response to the received beam of light and which reflects off the first reflective surface.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.