CQD Sensor-Based Laser Pulse Decoding for Wearable HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SWIR ALPD sensors are large, power-intensive, and expensive, making them unsuitable for wearable devices like HMDs, which require smaller, more efficient solutions for laser pulse detection and decoding.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing colloidal quantum dot (CQD) global shutter image sensors with reduced pixel pitch and power consumption, enabling SWIR ALPD operations on wearable devices by transitioning between passive and active modes for efficient laser pulse detection and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional InGaAs sensors are used for SWIR ALPD, then laser pulse detection capability is achieved, but device size and power consumption become too large for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental material parameter from InGaAs to colloidal quantum dot (CQD) sensors, which have different physical properties including smaller size and lower power consumption. This material substitution enables the sensor to meet wearable device requirements while maintaining laser pulse detection capability through the CQD layer's sensitivity to SWIR wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential function of laser pulse detection from the traditional sensor system by using a simpler CQD sensor architecture. Instead of requiring the full complexity of traditional InGaAs sensors with 640x512 pixel arrays, the invention uses a focused sensor that captures images and extracts laser signal information, removing unnecessary components and reducing overall system size
2Reliability
If traditional InGaAs sensors are used for SWIR ALPD, then laser pulse detection capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive InGaAs sensors with colloidal quantum dot sensors, which are significantly cheaper to manufacture. The CQD material can be produced through solution-based processes rather than requiring complex epitaxial growth, making the sensor cost-effective for wearable applications while maintaining the necessary detection performance
3Measurement precision
If sensor operates continuously in high-resolution mode, then detection precision is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes where the sensor can switch between different states. The system operates by capturing images and then processing them to detect laser signals, allowing the sensor to be active only when needed rather than continuously operating at full resolution. This dynamic approach maintains detection precision while significantly reducing average power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously operating the full sensor array at high resolution, the patent uses partial action by capturing images and then selectively processing only the relevant portions to detect laser signals. The system extracts laser frequency information from the captured images without requiring continuous high-resolution operation, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection capability
4Volume of moving object
If sensor size is reduced for wearable devices, then device portability is improved, but detection precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing the sensor's detection capability on the specific task of laser signal detection rather than requiring uniform high resolution across the entire sensor array. The CQD sensor captures images and the system extracts laser frequency information from specific regions and patterns in the images, achieving precise laser detection with a smaller sensor that would be insufficient for general high-resolution imaging
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
Enables compact, low-power, and cost-effective SWIR ALPD operations on HMDs, allowing secure and covert communication between platforms while maintaining high resolution and frame rates.
Implementation Method 1
use a sensor to generate a first set of images... in response to detecting a laser signal represented within the first set of images
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for using a sensor to perform laser signal decoding are disclosed. The sensor may be a global shutter sensor or a rolling shutter sensor. The sensor generates a first set of images while operating in a first mode. In response to detecting a laser signal in the first set of images, the sensor is caused to operate in a second mode. The laser signal includes an embedded frequency signal component and repeats at a periodic rate. While the sensor is operating in the second mode, the sensor generates a second set of images, which capture an entire period of the laser signal. From the second set of images, the embedded frequency signal component is determined. A decoding operation is performed using the embedded frequency signal component.