Multi-Cavity Optical and Thermopile Infrared Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies require separate optical filter sensing devices and thermopile infrared sensing devices, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies when both are needed, as there is no system that combines both functionalities effectively to sense ambient light brightness, color conditions, and human infrared blackbody signals within the 8-12 micrometer wavelength range.
Innovation Solution
A multi-cavity optical sensing and thermopile infrared sensing system is developed, comprising an optical sensing part, dielectric layer, Fabry-Perot optical cavities, thermocouples, and a thermoelectric conversion unit, where the dielectric layer includes metal reflective layers and thermocouples arranged to create temperature regions for infrared signal detection, integrated with a CMOS or BiCMOS technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical sensing device and thermopile infrared sensing device are used, then both optical sensing and infrared sensing functions are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical sensing device and thermopile infrared sensing device into a single integrated structure. The optical sensing part and thermopile infrared sensing part share common components including the substrate, dielectric layer, and metal reflective layers, allowing both optical sensing and infrared sensing functions to be achieved in one device rather than requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensing device performs multiple functions: it can sense ambient light brightness, color conditions through the optical sensing part, and detect human blackbody infrared signals through the thermopile infrared sensing part. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining comprehensive sensing capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical sensing device and thermopile infrared sensing device are used, then both sensing functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical sensing device and thermopile infrared sensing device into a single integrated structure with shared components (substrate, dielectric layer, metal reflective layers), the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining both sensing functions
3Measurement precision
If integrated multi-cavity structure is used, then sensing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing device into multiple functional cavities: optical cavities for optical sensing and a thermopile cavity for infrared sensing. Each cavity is designed with specific metal reflective layers and thermocouples arranged in particular patterns to optimize their respective sensing functions, allowing precise measurement while managing complexity through functional segmentation
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
This integrated system enables simultaneous sensing of ambient light brightness, color conditions, and human infrared blackbody signals within the specified wavelength range, reducing costs and improving practicality by combining optical and thermopile sensing capabilities into a single device.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter sensing device includes a filter structure which is a thin lamina made of Fabry-Perot resonant optical cavities and is capable of filtering different spectrum wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a thermopile infrared sensing device is used to judge the existence of human being within the sensing range by sensing infrared rays of human body
Implementation Method 3
a first thermocouple and a second thermocouple which are laterally disposed in parallel near a bottom of the dielectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a multi-cavity optical sensing and thermopile infrared sensing system, which comprises an optical sensing part, a dielectric layer, a plurality of optical cavities, and a plurality of thermocouples. The dielectric layer covers on the top of the optical sensing part. The optical cavities are formed by a plurality of metal reflectors inside the dielectric layer. The thermocouples are laterally disposed near the bottom of the dielectric layer. In addition, a low temperature region is formed in an area which is the overlapping of vertical projections of such thermocouples and the optical sensing part; a high temperature region is formed by the overlapping of vertical projections of such thermocouples, but without the overlaying which belongs to the vertical projection of the optical sensing part. Therefore, the system can sense the ambient light brightness, color conditions and human blackbody infrared signals within the range of 8-12 micrometers wavelength.