Beam-Steered Infrared Sensor for Object Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges arise when using optical sensors in electronic devices due to difficulties in gathering sufficient and accurate sensor data for desired functionality, particularly in characterizing objects in the environment.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device is equipped with optical sensors operating at visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths, featuring adjustable components like beam steerers, lenses, and polarizers, which use data from various sensors to steer and characterize infrared and visible light beams for enhanced data gathering and object characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors are used to gather sensor data, then object characterization capability is improved, but measurement precision and data sufficiency deteriorate due to difficulty in gathering sufficient and accurate sensor data
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is divided into multiple independent wavelength channels (visible, infrared, ultraviolet), each capable of operating independently to gather different types of sensor data. This segmentation allows the system to target specific spectral regions for specific measurement tasks, improving both adaptability and precision by selecting the appropriate wavelength range for each characterization need.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor incorporates dynamically adjustable components including beam steerers that can redirect the light beam to different angles, adjustable lenses that can change focal length and focus, and adjustable polarizers that can modify polarization states. These dynamic adjustments enable real-time optimization of measurement conditions to improve data accuracy while maintaining versatile object characterization capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and adjustable components are added to improve measurement precision, then sensor data accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical sensor platform performs multiple functions by integrating visible, infrared, and ultraviolet sensing capabilities along with beam steering, lens adjustment, and polarizer control. This multi-functional design achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one sensor system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sensing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (different wavelength detections, beam steering, focusing, polarization control) into a single integrated optical sensor assembly. The beam steerer, adjustable lenses, and polarizers are merged with the multi-wavelength detection system, allowing coordinated operation that improves measurement precision while managing overall system complexity through integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam steering and adjustable components are used, then adaptability for different measurement scenarios is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system performs self-alignment and self-adjustment by using a portion of its own emitted light beam as a reference for detecting misalignment. The system automatically adjusts beam steerers, lenses, and polarizers to correct alignment errors without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while preserving adaptability for different measurement scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by detecting alignment status of the light beam and automatically adjusting beam steerers and other components to maintain proper alignment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the sensor to adapt to different measurement scenarios while keeping operation simple, as the system self-corrects rather than requiring manual adjustment for each scenario.
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
This configuration enables accurate characterization of objects by combining sensor data from multiple wavelengths, improving the accuracy and sufficiency of sensor measurements, allowing for effective notifications and actions based on object identification.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light sensor may be used to gather an infrared light spectrum on a target object
Implementation Method 2
an infrared beam emitted by the infrared light sensor may be steered onto the target object
Implementation Method 3
adjustable lenses and adjustable polarizers
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include sensors such as a visible-light image sensor for capturing images. The sensors may also include optical sensors that operate at other wavelengths. An infrared light sensor may be used to gather an infrared light spectrum of a target object. The infrared light sensor may have a beam steerer and other adjustable components such as adjustable lenses and adjustable polarizers. During operation, an infrared beam emitted by the infrared light sensor may be steered onto the target object using information from a captured visible-light image and/or other sensor data such as distance sensor data, orientation sensor data, three-dimensional image sensor data, and data from other sensors. Infrared spectra, visible-light camera images, and/or data from other sensors may be used in characterizing target objects so that notifications can be provided to a user and other actions taken.