Light Sensor Substrate Shading for Azimuth and Intensity Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for measuring the direction and intensity of light sources, such as the sun, often rely on multiple photo diodes but face challenges in accurately determining azimuth and elevation angles while minimizing stray light and shading effects.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device featuring a planar substrate with photosensitive elements arranged on a circumferential frame member, where each photosensitive element is configured to generate output signals indicative of light intensity, and the substrate design shades the elements based on the light source's direction, using a printed circuit board with SMD technology and optional additional sensors for temperature and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple photo diodes are used to measure direction and intensity of light, then measurement capability is improved, but stray light and shading effects increase measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device divides the detection function into multiple separate photo diodes (first, second, and third photo diodes) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each photo diode measures light from a specific direction, allowing the system to segment the measurement task to reduce interference from stray light and shading effects while maintaining comprehensive directional and intensity measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional optical components and structural elements as intermediaries between the light source and photo diodes. These intermediaries help control and manage stray light paths, reducing their harmful effects on measurement accuracy while preserving the beneficial light signals that reach the photo diodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photosensitive elements are arranged to detect light from different directions, then directional measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photosensitive elements (first, second, and third photo diodes) into a single integrated sensor device structure. This merging approach allows the device to detect light from multiple directions simultaneously while maintaining a compact form factor, balancing enhanced directional measurement capability with controlled device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating photo diodes that can detect both directional information and light intensity. The same structural elements serve multiple purposes: the housing provides mechanical support while also managing light paths, and the photo diodes contribute to both azimuth and elevation angle determination, reducing overall device complexity through functional integration.
3Illumination intensity
If photo diodes are positioned to maximize light detection, then light detection capability is improved, but shading from substrate and mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions photo diodes in three-dimensional space at different locations and orientations (first photo diode, second photo diode, and third photo diode arranged differently). This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows each photo diode to detect light from its optimal angle while minimizing shading effects from the substrate and mounting structure, as no single planar obstruction can block all light paths simultaneously.
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 effectively determines the direction and intensity of light sources by minimizing shading and stray light, allowing for precise angle measurement and improved light detection across various light conditions, including visible and infrared ranges.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first and a second photosensitive element, wherein each photosensitive element comprises a photosensitive surface for detecting sun light impinging on the respective photosensitive surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device (1) for measuring a direction of a light source, particularly of the sun, comprising: at least a first and a second photosensitive element (P1, P2), wherein each photosensitive element (P1, P2) comprises a photosensitive surface (S1, S2) for detecting light (L) impinging on the respective photosensitive surface (S1, S2), and a planar substrate (20) in the form of a printed circuit board for carrying said at least two photosensitive elements (P1, P2), wherein the substrate (20) comprises a front side (20a) and a back side (20b), which back side (20b) faces away from the front side (20a). According to the invention, said substrate (20) is designed to shade the photosensitive elements (P1, P2) depending on said direction to be estimated.