Micro-Lens Array Displacement Sensing for Multi-Axis Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional displacement measurement systems struggle to provide high resolution measurements without increasing size, cost, or complexity, especially when displacement occurs in multiple degrees of freedom, as adding redundant sensors leads to significant increases in these factors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor configuration using a micro-lens array and imaging device that forms an array of focused sub-images, allowing for high resolution displacement measurements by registering sensed images to reference images, without the need for redundant sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional displacement measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient for high resolution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the measurement field into multiple sub-images, each captured by a separate imaging element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision by analyzing displacement patterns across multiple focused sub-images, while avoiding the need for redundant sensor systems that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional displacement measurement to two-dimensional measurement by capturing and analyzing patterns across multiple sub-images. This dimensional expansion enables high-resolution displacement measurement in multiple degrees of freedom using a single integrated sensor system, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant sensors are added to measure displacement in multiple degrees of freedom, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single imaging device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously by capturing sub-images that encode displacement information across multiple degrees of freedom. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for redundant sensors while maintaining versatility in measuring complex displacement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement capabilities into a single integrated sensor system. By merging the functions of multiple potential sensors into one imaging device that captures and processes sub-image patterns, the system achieves multi-degree of freedom measurement capability without increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensor size is increased to improve measurement resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device segments the measurement task into multiple sub-images, allowing high measurement precision to be achieved through pattern analysis rather than simply increasing sensor size. This segmentation enables resolution improvement without proportional increases in device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by analyzing optical path differences and phase information from multiple sub-images rather than relying solely on spatial resolution. This parameter transformation allows high measurement precision to be achieved without increasing the physical size of the sensor device.
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 sensor achieves high resolution displacement measurements across multiple degrees of freedom without increasing size, cost, or complexity, maintaining image quality and providing accurate displacement data.
Implementation Method 1
each micro-lens of the micro-lens array focuses each respective sub-image onto the light intensity measuring surface such that the micro-lens array forms upon the light intensity measuring surface an array of focused sub-images
Data Source
AI summary
A compact displacement sensor comprises a light intensity pattern object, a micro-lens array and an imaging device including a light-intensity measuring surface. The micro-lens array is disposed between the light intensity pattern object and the imaging device such that each micro-lens focuses a corresponding sub-image making up a portion of the light-intensity pattern on the light-intensity measuring surface to create thereupon an image of the object comprising an array of focused sub-images. The displacement sensor can provide high resolution measurements of displacement of the light intensity pattern object from a reference position by registering subsequent images captured after a change in relative position between light intensity pattern object and the imaging device to a reference image based on pattern portions in the focused sub-images.