Magnetic Sensor Array for Absolute Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position detection systems require initial alignment of moving components, such as lenses, to a reference position, which delays their activation and availability for use, especially in imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A position detection apparatus utilizing multiple magnetic sensor sections arranged at different positions to acquire and compare magnetic field patterns with stored reference patterns, allowing for absolute position detection without initial alignment, by determining the closest matching pattern within a specified range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If relative position detection is used to detect the position of a moving component, then the position can be detected, but the apparatus cannot be made available for use immediately after activation because the moving component must first be moved to a reference position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores reference patterns corresponding to multiple candidate positions in a memory device during manufacturing or initialization. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time reference positioning during startup, allowing the system to immediately perform absolute position detection by comparing current sensor readings against the pre-stored patterns.
2Measurement precision
If the position detection magnet is disposed at a predetermined angle to the movement direction, then absolute position detection is enabled, but the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection unit into multiple magnetic sensor sections arranged at different positions along the movement direction. Each sensor section independently detects the magnetic field at its location, and the control unit processes these segmented measurements to determine position. This segmentation approach enables absolute position detection without requiring complex angular orientations of single magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex magnet structure, the patent creates multiple simplified sensor sections that each measure a portion of the magnetic field. The reference patterns stored in memory are essentially copies of expected sensor readings at different positions, allowing the system to determine position through pattern matching rather than complex geometric calculations.
3Loss of time
If multiple magnetic sensor sections are used for absolute position detection, then the position can be detected without initial alignment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the magnetic sensor sections to serve multiple functions: they detect the magnetic field at their respective positions, provide data for pattern matching, and enable absolute position determination. The same sensor array used for detection also serves as the basis for generating reference patterns during initialization, eliminating the need for separate reference positioning mechanisms.
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 rapid detection and alignment of moving components, reducing startup time and improving operational efficiency in imaging and other applications by directly determining the absolute position without the need for initial reference positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit having a plurality of magnetic sensor sections arranged at different positions from each other in a predetermined direction... a moving unit that is movable in a predetermined direction relative to the detection unit and that provides a magnetic field pattern corresponding to the position with respect to the detection unit
Data Source
AI summary
The position detection apparatus is provided comprising: an acquisition section that acquires a magnetic field pattern from a detection target apparatus comprising a detection unit having a plurality of magnetic sensor sections and a moving unit configured to provide the magnetic field pattern corresponding to the position with respect to the detection unit to the plurality of magnetic sensor sections; a reference pattern output section that outputs reference patterns respectively corresponding to each of a plurality of candidate positions of the moving unit with respect to the detection unit; and a detection section that detects which of the plurality of candidate positions is a position of the moving unit with respect to the detection unit based on a result of comparison of the acquired magnetic field pattern and the reference pattern corresponding to each of the plurality of candidate positions.