Multi-position sensing apparatus using trigonometric height calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless sensors cannot accurately determine the Z-axis position of a target and often confuse multiple targets based on reflective light, leading to inaccurate positioning and identification.

Innovation Solution

A multi-position sensing apparatus with a light emitting element and multiple light receiving parts arranged in specific angles and positions to receive reflective light, using trigonometric calculations to accurately determine the height and position of targets, even when multiple targets are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing contactless sensors use signal intensity to measure target position, then the measurement process is simple, but the Z-axis position determination accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveZ-axis position determination accuracyVSAvoidsensing apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional signal intensity measurement to three-dimensional spatial resolution by implementing multiple light receiving parts arranged in specific geometric configurations. This dimensional expansion enables accurate Z-axis position determination through trigonometric calculations based on angular differences detected by the array of sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensing apparatus is divided into multiple discrete light receiving parts (first light receiving part, second light receiving part, etc.) each with specific light receiving areas and angular ranges. This segmentation allows independent detection of reflective light from different angular perspectives, enabling precise position and height calculation through comparative analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If existing contactless sensors calculate positions based on total reflective light, then the calculation process is simple, but multiple targets cannot be distinguished

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-target position determination accuracyVSAvoidsensing apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds angular dimension to the detection capability by arranging light receiving parts at different angular positions. This enables the system to distinguish multiple targets based on their different angular signatures, even when they are at similar distances, thereby resolving the limitation of total reflective light measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Each light receiving part is assigned a specific light receiving range angle and orientation, creating localized detection zones. This local quality differentiation allows the system to attribute detected reflective light to specific spatial regions, enabling accurate distinction and positioning of multiple separate targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If a single light receiving part is used, then the device structure is simple, but position and angle information cannot be accurately determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and angle sensing accuracyVSAvoidlight receiving parts configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single light receiving part is segmented into multiple discrete sensors with specific angular orientations. Each segment detects reflective light from a particular angular range, and the combined data from all segments enables accurate reconstruction of both position and angle information through trigonometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The array of light receiving parts serves multiple functions simultaneously: detecting reflective light intensity, determining target position, calculating target height, and measuring angular orientation. This multi-functionality is achieved through the geometric arrangement and angular differentiation of the sensor array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise determination of target positions and angles, allowing for accurate multi-command inputs such as zooming by distinguishing between separate targets during operations like splaying or puckering fingers.

Implementation Method 1

a light emitting element that irradiates detection light to a first or second target; a first light receiving part having a first light receiving area in a first light receiving range angle with respect to a first light receiving axis to receive a first or second reflective light reflected from the first or second target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10365371B2Multi-position sensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.07.30 LUMENS CO LTD
  • US10365371B2 patent drawing
  • US10365371B2 patent drawing
  • US10365371B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a multi-position sensing apparatus capable of sensing a position and an angle of a target, the apparatus including: a light emitting element that irradiates detection light to a first or second target; a first light receiving part having a first light receiving area in a first light receiving range angle with respect to a first light receiving axis to receive a first or second reflective light reflected from the first or second target; and a second light receiving receiving range angle with respect to a second light receiving axis in parallel to the first light receiving axis to receive the second or first reflective light reflected from the second or first target.