Multi-Entrance Light Guide Structure for Single-Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light communication solutions require a sensor for every light capturing/entrance location, limiting the number and placement of sensors due to space constraints in small devices, and impose mechanical alignment challenges.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing waveguides with multiple entrances that channel light from multiple collection points to a single sensor, maintaining total internal reflection and disrupting propagation for detection, reducing the number of sensors needed and enhancing flexibility in sensor placement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed at every light capturing/entrance location, then light detection capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguides that collect light from different entrances are merged into a single waveguide structure that channels all light to one sensor location. This combines the light collection function of multiple sensors into a single integrated waveguide system, reducing the number of sensors needed while maintaining detection capability across multiple entrances
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary element between multiple light entrances and a single sensor. It transfers light from various entrance locations to the sensor position, eliminating the need for direct sensor placement at each entrance while preserving light detection functionality
2Productivity
If sensors are placed at every light entrance location, then light collection efficiency is improved, but mechanical alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves as an intermediary that decouples the light collection function from the sensor position. Light from multiple entrances is channeled through the waveguide to the sensor, reducing the need for precise mechanical alignment between sensors and each entrance location
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is segmented into multiple collection regions corresponding to different entrances, with each segment directing light to the common sensor location. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light collection at each entrance while maintaining a single sensor position
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 approach increases the amount of light available for communication, improves signal quality, and relaxes mechanical constraints by allowing sensors to be placed anywhere in the device, while reducing the number of sensors required.
Implementation Method 1
a total internal reflection (TIR) waveguide... configured to transfer signals incident on the receiving portion, to the transmitting portion
Implementation Method 2
The diffusive element is disposed along an internal edge of the first structure at a first location of the TIR waveguide, and is configured to disrupt the propagation of the light along the TIR waveguide
Data Source
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AI summary
The light communication solution presented herein uses waveguides with multiple entrances to efficiently collect light used for light communications and propagate that collected light to a sensor. To that end each waveguide entrance, or at least all but the initial waveguide entrance, is configured to not only collect and input the light into the TIR waveguide, but also to maintain TIR of light already propagating within the TIR waveguide. In so doing, the solution presented herein increases the amount of light available for light communications. Further, because each waveguide may channel light from multiple collection points to a single sensor, the solution presented herein reduces the number of sensors needed for the light communications. The solution presented herein facilitates the implementation of light communications for a wide variety of devices (e.g., cellular telephones, tablets, smartphones, smart watches, smart glasses, etc.) and/or in a wide variety of scenarios.