Multifunctional Optical Sensor for Dust and Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dust and gas sensors are bulky, expensive, and unsuitable for mobile devices, lacking the ability to combine functions such as dust concentration measurement, macro-object distance measurement, and macro-object speed measurement due to their large size and complex optical element requirements.
Innovation Solution
A miniature optical sensor design featuring a radiation source and receiver in the same plane, with a collimating element and interconnected optical elements that include a semitransparent surface for dividing radiation into reference and working beams, allowing for compact, multifunctional operation including dust sensing, macro-object proximity, and speed measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensors are used for dust detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (dust detection, distance measurement, speed measurement) into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor integrates a light source, optical path, detector, and signal processing circuitry into one compact module, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each function. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing the overall device volume suitable for mobile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting dust particle concentration, measuring distance to macro objects, and measuring speed of macro objects. By using a single optical path and detector system for all three measurements, the patent achieves multi-functionality without increasing device size, resolving the contradiction between precision and portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are added to mobile devices to increase functionality, then measurement capabilities are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal optical sensor that performs dust detection, distance measurement, and speed measurement using a single light source and detector system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining versatile measurement capabilities suitable for mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple measurement functions into one sensor unit with shared optical components and signal processing circuitry, the patent reduces redundant energy consumption that would occur with separate sensors. The integrated design allows all functions to operate from a single power source with shared processing resources, lowering total energy requirements.
3Measurement precision
If interferometer-based sensors are used for micro-object detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical elements (prisms, beam splitters, lenses, mirrors) into a single integrated optical path within the sensor. This consolidation maintains the interferometric precision needed for micro-object detection while dramatically reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures associated with traditional interferometer designs.
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 solution enables a compact, low-power, vibration-resistant sensor that can be embedded in mobile devices, providing multi-functional capabilities like dust sensing, macro-object detection, and pulse measurement while ensuring eye safety and suppressing movement artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating element configured to collimate radiation from the radiation source
Implementation Method 2
the semitransparent surface configured to divide the radiation inputted through the input/output surface into reference radiation and working radiation
Implementation Method 3
a reflective surface of the first optical element configured to reflect radiation that has passed through the input/output surface and direct the reflected radiation to the semitransparent surface
Implementation Method 4
a working surface configured to emit the working radiation reflected from the semitransparent surface and receive the radiation reflected from an object or scattered by an object
Implementation Method 5
a radiation receiver configured to emit the reference radiation and the radiation reflected from an object or scattered by an object to the radiation receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to multifunctional sensors for mobile applications, namely to a miniature optical sensor for remote micro- and macro-object detection and characterization. The disclosure makes it possible to reduce the size of the sensor, this provides for surface mount of the sensor in any microcircuit of a mobile device. The sensor is multifunctional, low-power, vibration-resistant. The sensor comprises at least one pair consisting of a radiation source and a corresponding radiation receiver, an optical circuit including a collimating element, a first optical element, a second optical element. The first optical element and the second optical element are interconnected by a common surface, the common surface being a semitransparent surface. The sensor may be used simultaneously as a microphone, a dust sensor, a lidar, and a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor.