Multiband Optical Sensor Layout for Faster Information Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical sensors require a long time to acquire multiple types of information using light of various wavelengths due to sequential irradiation and sensing methods.

Innovation Solution

The optical sensor employs a light receiving unit with a matrix of pixels, pinhole layers, transmission layers, and microlenses arranged to selectively transmit specific wavelengths, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple types of information across different wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sequential irradiation with multiple wavelengths is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation acquisition accuracyVSAvoidacquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The light receiving unit is segmented into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group is assigned to detect specific wavelength bands. The microlens array is similarly segmented with different microlenses having different focal lengths for different wavelength ranges. This segmentation enables simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths without sequential switching, resolving the time loss while maintaining measurement precision through dedicated detection paths for each wavelength band.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional approach by using microlenses with different focal lengths arranged in a two-dimensional array, where the focal length dimension corresponds to wavelength selection. This allows multiple wavelength channels to be spatially separated and detected simultaneously by different pixel groups, converting the sequential time-based measurement into a parallel spatial-based measurement, thus eliminating acquisition time loss while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If sequential LED switching is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidinformation acquisition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple wavelength detection functions into a single light receiving event by using a microlens array where different microlenses with different focal lengths focus different wavelength ranges onto different pixel groups. This combining approach allows simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths without sequential LED switching, significantly improving productivity while the control system complexity remains manageable through the optical design rather than electronic switching control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enables the acquisition of multiple types of information with multiple wavelengths in a shorter time, improving detection accuracy and reducing the time required for data collection.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of microlenses belonging to a first group and a plurality of microlenses belonging to a second group, the microlenses being disposed at positions respectively overlapping the plurality of pixels on the second transmission layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 2

Either of the plurality of microlenses belonging to the first group or the plurality of microlenses belonging to the second group is a first wavelength selection unit that transmits light of a first wavelength, and at least one of the other of the plurality of microlenses belonging to the first group and the plurality of microlenses belonging to the second group, the first transmission layer, and the second transmission layer is a second wavelength selection that transmits light of a second wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength selection through optical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

a first pinhole layer that includes a plurality of pinholes provided at positions respectively overlapping the plurality of pixels, a first transmission layer that is disposed on the first pinhole layer and transmits light, a second pinhole layer that includes a plurality of pinholes provided at positions respectively overlapping the plurality of pixels and is disposed on the first transmission layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpatial filtering: Spatial Filter

Data Source

PatentUS11881047B2Optical sensor

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

An optical sensor capable of obtaining a plurality of types of information by a plurality of wavelengths in a short time is provided. The optical sensor includes a light receiving unit that includes a first and second pinhole layer that includes a plurality of pinholes, a first and second transmission layer, and a plurality of microlenses belonging to a first and second group, the microlenses being disposed at positions respectively overlapping the plurality of pixels on the second transmission layer. Either of the plurality of microlenses belonging to the first or second group is a first wavelength selection unit that transmits light of a first wavelength. At least one of the other of the plurality of microlenses belonging to the first and second group, the first transmission layer, and the second transmission layer is a second wavelength selection unit that transmits light of a second wavelength.