Nanostructure LED Optical Sensor for Multi-Spectral Object Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical sensors with monochromatic or quasi-monochromatic light sources face challenges in sensitivity variations for detecting objects of different colors, requiring multiple light sources and complex optical combinations, which increase manufacturing costs and reduce detection reliability.

Innovation Solution

The use of nanostructure-based light-emitting diodes, where nanostructures with specific dimensions and layer structures emit light, allowing for individually controlled emission properties and flexible spectral modulation, enabling a single chip to combine multiple light sources and improve detection precision and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple LEDs or semiconductor lasers with different emission spectra are used to overcome sensitivity variations, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual light sources (LEDs or semiconductor lasers) into a single integrated light source with multiple emission spectra. This is achieved by integrating multiple light-emitting elements with different spectral characteristics into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate LEDs and their associated optical combining components like beam splitters or waveguides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single integrated light source performs multiple functions by emitting multiple spectral components simultaneously. This multi-functional light source can illuminate objects of different colors and materials effectively, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate light sources with different emission spectra.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple LEDs or semiconductor lasers with different emission spectra are used, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual light sources (LEDs or semiconductor lasers) into a single integrated light source with multiple emission spectra. This is achieved by integrating multiple light-emitting elements with different spectral characteristics into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate LEDs and their associated optical combining components like beam splitters or waveguides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual light sources are combined into a single beam, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the image sharpness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral coverageVSAvoidimage sharpness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual light sources (LEDs or semiconductor lasers) into a single integrated light source with multiple emission spectra. This is achieved by integrating multiple light-emitting elements with different spectral characteristics into one unified component, eliminating the need for separate LEDs and their associated optical combining components like beam splitters or waveguides.

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 approach enhances the sensitivity and reliability of object detection across different colors, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for adaptable emission spectra to optimize object recognition, while minimizing power loss and improving beam shaping.

Implementation Method 1

In nanostructure-based light-emitting diodes, such as so-called 'nanowire LEDs,' each nanostructure forms an individual light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP2924474B1Optical sensor with a nanostructure-based light-emitting diode comprised in a light transmitter

Publication Date: 2021.04.28 SICK AG

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AI summary

An optical sensor for detecting objects or object properties comprises a light emitter for transmitting light beams into an illumination area, a light receiver for receiving light beams, and an evaluation unit configured to detect an object located in or projecting into the illumination area and/or to determine a property of such an object based on the light beams received by the light receiver. The light emitter includes a nanostructure-based light-emitting diode.