Angle-Selective Optical Sensor for Scan-Free Orientation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spatial acquisition in optical communication systems, such as between satellites, is difficult, costly, complex, and time-consuming due to the need for multiple scanning schemes to align the line of sight and relative intensities of light beams.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor device with an optical filter and element that utilizes an angle shift characteristic to direct light beams to specific sensor elements based on spectral and incidence angle ranges, enabling orientation determination without conventional scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scanning schemes are used to align line of sight and relative intensities of light beams, then orientation accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is segmented into multiple channels, each responsible for passing light beams within specific incidence angle ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of orientation information across different angle ranges, eliminating the need for sequential scanning while maintaining orientation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectral dimension by utilizing light beams of different wavelengths. Each channel is configured to pass light beams within specific spectral ranges, allowing the system to encode orientation information in the spectral domain, thereby enabling parallel orientation determination without time-consuming spatial scanning.
2Reliability
If multiple scanning schemes are implemented to align light beams, then reliable orientation determination is achieved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter with multiple channels serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters light by wavelength, separates light by incidence angle, and encodes orientation information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate scanning mechanisms while maintaining reliable orientation determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a static optical filter structure. Instead of physically moving components to scan different angle ranges, the system uses the angle shift characteristic of the optical filter to pass different wavelength ranges to different sensor elements based on incidence angle, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If spectral ranges are separated to different sensor elements, then orientation information can be determined simultaneously, but optical filter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is designed with angle shift characteristic where the passband wavelength changes as a function of incidence angle. This parameter change allows the filter to automatically route different spectral ranges to different sensor elements based on the angle of incoming light, enabling simultaneous orientation determination without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
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
Facilitates efficient and reliable orientation of optical communication devices by eliminating the need for resource-intensive scanning, improving durability and reducing time and resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Each channel, of the plurality of channels of the optical filter, is configured to have a same angle shift characteristic
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An optical sensor device includes an optical filter, an optical element, and an optical sensor that includes a plurality of sensor elements. The optical filter is configured to pass, to the optical element, first light beams that are associated with a first subrange of a spectral range and that impinge on the optical filter within a first incidence angle range; and to pass, to the optical element, second light beams that are associated with a second subrange of the spectral range and that impinge on the optical filter within a second incidence angle range. The optical element is configured to cause, based on receiving the first light beams, the first light beams to be directed to a first region of an optical sensor; and to cause, based on receiving the second light beams, the second light beams to be directed to a second region of the optical sensor.