Compact Inclination Detector With Integrated Optical Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inclination detectors are large in size, which limits their integration into compact devices such as head-mounted displays and eye test devices.

Innovation Solution

The proposed inclination detector includes a first support with a light source, a light guide, a light exit portion, a first light receiver, and circuitry to detect the inclination of a three-dimensional object based on the reception signal from the first light receiver, allowing for a reduced device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional optical information reading device configuration is used, then the device can perform inclination detection, but the device size is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidinclination detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical components (light source, light guide, light exit portion, light receiver) onto a single substrate, integrating functions that were previously separate into a compact unified structure, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of optical components within the substrate structure, employing vertical stacking and multi-layer configuration to achieve compact integration without compromising optical path length or detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enables a smaller and more accurate inclination detector, suitable for integration into compact devices without compromising performance, thereby enhancing the usability of these devices.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide facing the light source, the light guide to guide the light beam emitted from the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a first light receiver on the second surface of the first support, the first light receiver to receive the light beam emitted from the light exit portion and reflected from a three-dimensional object and output a first reception signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250164811A1Inclination detector, line-of-sight detector, head-mounted display, retinal projection display, eye test device, user state estimation device, and driving support system

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An inclination detector includes: a first support including: a first surface; and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a light source on the first surface, the light source to emit a light beam; a light guide to guide the light beam emitted from the light source; a light exit portion to emit the light beam, guided through the light guide, from the first surface toward the second surface; and a first light receiver on the second surface of the first support, the first light receiver to receive the light beam emitted from the light exit portion and reflected from a three-dimensional object and output a first reception signal.