Air-Coupled Optical Displacement Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical displacement estimating apparatuses are bulky due to the need for optical devices like reflecting surfaces and lenses, leading to longer optical signal paths, reduced image clarity, and susceptibility to ambient light interference.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a light source that directly emits incident light to an objective through air, combined with a sensor to capture passing-through light, and optional light isolating devices like light gates or thin films to block ambient light, enhancing image clarity and reducing apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical devices such as reflecting device and lens are used in the optical displacement estimating apparatus, then the apparatus can capture and process optical signals, but the total volume of the apparatus becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflecting device and lens from the optical path, extracting only the essential components (light source and sensor) needed for optical displacement estimation. This eliminates unnecessary optical elements that increase apparatus volume while maintaining the core functionality of capturing optical signals for displacement measurement.
2Reliability
If the optical signal path is made longer by using reflecting device and lens, then the apparatus can process optical signals, but the imaging clarity and fingerprint contrast become unapparent
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the reflecting device and lens that extend the optical path, the patent shortens the optical path length. This direct optical path configuration eliminates multiple reflection and transmission interfaces, thereby improving imaging clarity and fingerprint contrast without compromising the ability to process optical signals.
3Extent of automation
If the optical path includes reflecting device and lens, then the apparatus can function as displacement estimator, but the optical signal is affected by ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflecting device and lens that create multiple optical interfaces, thereby reducing the surfaces where ambient light can enter and interfere with the optical signal. This streamlined optical path minimizes ambient light interference while preserving the automated displacement estimation function.
4Reliability
If multiple optical devices are used in the apparatus, then the apparatus can perform optical signal processing, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reflecting device and lens from the optical system, leaving only the essential light source and sensor components. This simplification reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining the core optical signal processing capability needed for displacement estimation.
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 results in a thinner, more cost-effective apparatus with stronger optical signals, improved image clarity, and reduced ambient light interference, allowing for clearer fingerprint images and efficient displacement estimation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, for transmitting incident light to an objective without utilizing any medium besides air, such that the light emits from the objective to generate passing-through light
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus comprising: a light source, for transmitting incident light to an objective without utilizing any medium besides air, such that the light emits from the objective to generate passing-through light; and a sensor, for capturing an image of the objective according to the passing-through light.