Multi-Wavelength Diffractive Optic for Dual-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonics ranging devices are limited to a single application and are not optimized for both shorter and longer range detection, making them unsuitable for alternative applications.
Innovation Solution
A photonic device that generates multiple discrete wavelengths and uses a multi-wavelength diffractive optic element to create separate light intensity profiles for detecting objects, allowing for both shorter and longer range detection by focusing different wavelengths on distinct portions of a return array, enabling flexible use in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photonics ranging device is optimized for a single application (e.g., short-range touch detection), then it achieves high measurement precision for that specific application, but it loses adaptability for alternative applications (e.g., long-range gesture detection)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single photonic device to perform both short-range touch detection and long-range gesture detection through dynamic reconfiguration of the light source wavelengths and corresponding intensity profiles, allowing the device to adapt to different application requirements without requiring separate dedicated devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the system to dynamically switch between different wavelength configurations and intensity profiles based on the desired detection range and application, transforming a static single-purpose device into a dynamic multi-purpose system that can adjust its characteristics in real-time
2Measurement precision
If the light source is configured for a specific wavelength optimized for short-range detection, then short-range detection precision is improved, but the device cannot effectively perform long-range detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the wavelength of the light source and adjusting the corresponding intensity profiles to match different detection ranges, allowing the system to optimize performance for either short-range or long-range detection by changing these physical parameters rather than being fixed to a single configuration
3Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for short-range and long-range detection, then each device achieves optimized performance for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the functionality of separate short-range and long-range detection devices into a single integrated photonic device that can perform both functions through reconfiguration, thereby reducing the total number of components and system complexity while maintaining optimized detection precision for both ranges
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 the device to detect objects over a wide range of distances, enhancing its versatility and adaptability for multiple applications, including touch screen control and gesture recognition in mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-wavelength diffractive optic element. The multi-wavelength diffractive optic element may be configured to generate a plurality of light intensity profiles based on an interaction with the plurality of separate and discrete wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include generating, within a device, separate and discrete wavelengths, and generating light intensity profiles based on an interaction between the separate and discrete wavelengths and a multi-wavelength diffractive optic element. The method may include detecting an object from light reflected from the object using the light intensity profiles. The light intensity profiles may include a shorter range light intensity profile and a longer range light intensity profile, each light intensity profile having different energy per solid angle patterns.