Multi-lens Array Tactile Sensor for Compact High-Resolution Depth Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging-based tactile sensors face challenges with sensitivity due to their size, as larger sensors are required for higher resolution, leading to larger dimensions, and suffer from color cross-talk, which results in inaccurate depth sensing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-lens imaging-based tactile sensors with a micro-lens array and photodetector sub-arrays configured to reduce color cross-talk, allowing for smaller, more sensitive sensors that can accurately capture object shape and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a larger image sensor is used to achieve higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large image sensor into multiple smaller image sensors arranged in an array. Each sensor captures a portion of the reflected light from the elastic material, and the combined data from all sensors provides high-resolution tactile information without requiring a single large sensor, thus maintaining compact dimensions while achieving high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a multi-point array approach by distributing multiple image sensors across the tactile sensing surface. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve high resolution through spatial distribution of multiple smaller sensors rather than relying on a single large sensor
2Device complexity
If a single-lens configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but color cross-talk occurs resulting in inaccurate depth sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a single lens with multiple lenses, each positioned over corresponding image sensors in the array. This segmentation of the optical system allows each lens to focus light independently onto its associated sensors, eliminating color cross-talk between adjacent sensing regions and improving depth sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective membrane as an intermediary between the light source and the image sensors. This membrane reflects light back through the same optical path, ensuring that each lens captures only the light from its corresponding region of the elastic material, thereby preventing color cross-talk while maintaining accurate depth information
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 compact, highly sensitive tactile sensors capable of precise depth sensing and object feature detection, suitable for applications in robotic systems, reducing color cross-talk and improving accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic material includes a reflective membrane. The one or more light sources is situated proximate to the reflective membrane. Each light source of the one or more light sources is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the reflective membrane.
Implementation Method 2
The image capture device includes (i) an image sensor configured to generate the at least one image based on light incident on the image sensor and (ii) a plurality of lenses configured to direct light onto the image sensor. Each lens of the plurality of lenses is configured to direct light onto a corresponding portion of the image sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
An example device for reducing the size and color cross-talk of an imaging-based tactile sensor includes an elastic material, one or more light sources, and an image capture device. The elastic material includes a reflective membrane. The reflective membrane conforms to a shape of an object pressed against the elastic material. Each light source of the one or more light sources is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the reflective membrane. The image capture device is configured to capture at least one image of the reflective membrane. The image capture device includes (i) an image sensor configured to generate the at least one image based on light incident on the image sensor and (ii) a plurality of lenses configured to direct light onto the image sensor. Each lens of the plurality of lenses is configured to direct light onto a corresponding portion of the image sensor.