Focal Longitudinal Optical Sensor for Unambiguous Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position detection methods using multiple optical sensors are resource and cost intensive, and there is a need for a method to determine the longitudinal position of an object with high accuracy and without ambiguity using a minimal number of optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A detector system comprising a transfer device, a focal longitudinal optical sensor, and an evaluation device that generates a longitudinal sensor signal based on the illumination of a light beam, allowing for accurate determination of the longitudinal position of an object using a minimal number of sensors, potentially reducing the complexity and cost of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are used to determine longitudinal position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple sensors arranged in one dimension (stacked configuration) to using a single sensor that detects information from another dimension (beam cross-section profile). The longitudinal position is determined by analyzing the spatial distribution of light intensity across the beam cross-section, converting a multi-sensor 1D problem into a single-sensor 2D analysis problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from simple light intensity (which would require multiple sensors) to the spatial distribution pattern of light intensity across the beam cross-section. By analyzing how the beam profile parameters (width, shape, intensity distribution) change with longitudinal position, accurate measurement is achieved with a single sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are used to determine longitudinal position, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple sensors arranged in one dimension (stacked configuration) to using a single sensor that detects information from another dimension (beam cross-section profile). The longitudinal position is determined by analyzing the spatial distribution of light intensity across the beam cross-section, converting a multi-sensor 1D problem into a single-sensor 2D analysis problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from simple light intensity (which would require multiple sensors) to the spatial distribution pattern of light intensity across the beam cross-section. By analyzing how the beam profile parameters (width, shape, intensity distribution) change with longitudinal position, accurate measurement is achieved with a single sensor.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical sensors are used to determine longitudinal position, then measurement precision is improved, but technical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple sensors arranged in one dimension (stacked configuration) to using a single sensor that detects information from another dimension (beam cross-section profile). The longitudinal position is determined by analyzing the spatial distribution of light intensity across the beam cross-section, converting a multi-sensor 1D problem into a single-sensor 2D analysis problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from simple light intensity (which would require multiple sensors) to the spatial distribution pattern of light intensity across the beam cross-section. By analyzing how the beam profile parameters (width, shape, intensity distribution) change with longitudinal position, accurate measurement is achieved with a single sensor.
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
The proposed solution enables accurate and unambiguous determination of the longitudinal position of an object with reduced technical effort and cost, improving the efficiency and accuracy of position detection while minimizing the number of optical sensors required.
Implementation Method 1
the longitudinal optical sensor is designed to generate at least one longitudinal sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region by at least one light beam traveling from the object to the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112), the detector (110) comprising: at least one transfer device (114) for imaging the object (112) into an image plane (116), the transfer device (114) having a focal plane (118), at least one longitudinal optical sensor (122), wherein the longitudinal optical sensor (122) has at least one sensor region (124), wherein the longitudinal optical sensor (122) is at least partially transparent, wherein the longitudinal optical sensor (122) is designed to generate at least one longitudinal sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of sensor region (124) by at least one light beam propagating from the object to the detector (110), wherein the longitudinal sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a beam cross-section of the light beam in the sensor region (124); and at least one evaluation device (129), wherein the evaluation device (129) is designed to generate at least one item of information on a longitudinal position of the object (112) by evaluating the longitudinal sensor signal. Herein the at least one longitudinal optical sensor (122) comprises a focal longitudinal optical sensor (136), wherein the focal longitudinal optical sensor (136) at least substantially is arranged in the focal plane (118).