Light Receiver Rod for Precise Position Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light receivers for determining position and orientation relative to a reference light are complex, lack precision, and have high manufacturing costs due to large size, which affects accuracy and signal processing, especially under conditions like sunlight or progressive light loss in long light guides.
Innovation Solution
A light receiver with an elongated rod-shaped light receptor, a light coupler, and a virtually lossless light guide that uses temporally resolved detection means at both ends to process signals based on time or phase differences, allowing precise position and orientation determination without relying on amplitude comparisons or strong signal strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional light receivers use large-size components and amplitude-based detection, then they can detect light signals, but they suffer from high complexity, low precision, and high manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/amplitude-based detection systems with a time-based optical detection system. Instead of using complex amplitude comparison circuits and large photodiode arrays, the invention uses temporal characteristics of light propagation through the rod to encode position information, which is then detected by simple photodiodes and processed through time-difference calculation, dramatically reducing device complexity while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from amplitude (intensity) to time (temporal characteristics). By measuring the time difference of light arrival at different ends of the rod rather than comparing light intensities, the system achieves higher precision with simpler components. The position is encoded in the temporal domain rather than the amplitude domain
2Adaptability or versatility
If light guides are made longer to extend measurement range, then measurement range increases, but signal loss increases and precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses modulated light signals with specific temporal characteristics. By encoding position information in the time domain and using synchronized detection, the system can distinguish weak signals from noise even over long distances. The periodic modulation allows for coherent integration and signal averaging, extending measurement range without proportional signal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces intensity-based detection with time-based detection, which is inherently more resistant to signal loss. Since the measurement depends on time differences rather than absolute intensity levels, the system maintains precision even when light signals attenuate over long propagation distances through the rod
3Measurement precision
If photodiode arrays are used for position detection, then position can be determined, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of position detection from complex photodiode arrays. Instead of using multiple photodiodes arranged in arrays with complex readout electronics, the invention uses a single photodiode at each end of the rod and determines position through the time difference of light arrival, extracting position information from the temporal domain rather than spatial arrangement of multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a temporal copy of the light signal's path information. By measuring the time it takes for light to travel from the impact point to each end of the rod, the system creates a temporal representation of the spatial position, which can be processed electronically without requiring complex optical sensor arrays
4Reliability
If laser beam intensity is increased to improve signal strength, then detection sensitivity improves, but safety concerns and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intensity-based detection with time-based detection, which is inherently more sensitive to weak signals. Since the measurement depends on timing rather than absolute intensity, the system can use very weak laser beams without sacrificing detection sensitivity, dramatically reducing power consumption and eliminating safety concerns associated with high-intensity lasers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the natural temporal characteristics of light propagation through the rod as the measurement mechanism. The system leverages the inherent time-of-flight property of light rather than requiring high signal levels, allowing weak signals to be detected by simply measuring when they arrive at the photodiodes rather than how strong they are
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 solution provides high precision and sensitivity, reduces complexity and size, extends measurement range, and lowers power consumption and safety concerns by using weak signal strengths effectively, enabling position determination in a wider space with improved signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (7) which serves as a light propagation path of defined length for light coupled into the light guide by the light coupler
Implementation Method 2
detection means, for example an optoelectronic sensor or photodetector, e.g. a Photomultiplier Tube (PMT), an Avalanche Photo Diode (APD), PIN-Diode or Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD)
Data Source
AI summary
A light receiver designed to determine a position or orientation relative to a reference light wherein the light receiver comprises an elongated rod-shaped light receptor with two ends, a light coupler, a light guide, and light detection means at both ends and a signal processor to process the electric signals of the detection means and to determine the relative position and/or orientation by a comparative evaluation of the electric signals. The light guide serves as a light propagation path of defined length for light coupled into the light guide by the light coupler and the signal processor determines the position and/or orientation based on light propagation speed of the reference light propagating in the light guide.