Optical Detector Using Angle-Dependent Fiber for 3D Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detectors for determining the position of an object in space face challenges such as high cost, limited accuracy, and noise issues due to large active areas, and are often dependent on complex manufacturing processes and ambient light conditions, making them unreliable and expensive for 3D-sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
A detector system comprising an angle-dependent optical element, such as a multifurcated optical fiber, and two optical sensors with a transfer device to adjust the light beam's angle of propagation, allowing for accurate determination of the object's longitudinal coordinate without relying on surface properties or mechanical movement, and using commercially available photodiodes for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical sensors with large active areas are used for position detection, then the detection range is increased, but the noise level increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical detection task into multiple segments by using multiple optical sensors (at least two) with smaller active areas instead of a single large-area sensor. Each sensor detects light from specific angular ranges, and the evaluation device combines these segmented measurements to determine the longitudinal coordinate, thereby maintaining detection capability while reducing noise from any single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting position directly with a large-area sensor to detecting the angular distribution of reflected light across multiple sensors. By measuring the angle-dependent light distribution and evaluating the combined signal, the system determines longitudinal position indirectly through angular information, effectively adding an angular dimension to the detection process.
2Measurement precision
If complex manufacturing processes are used to achieve high measurement precision, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs angle-dependent optical elements (such as diffraction gratings, prisms, or beam splitters) that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they separate light by angle, direct light to appropriate sensors, and can also act as protective or alignment elements. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high measurement precision by evaluating the combined signal from multiple sensors in a specific mathematical manner (e.g., through signal processing algorithms that analyze the angular distribution pattern). By changing the evaluation parameter from simple intensity measurement to angular distribution analysis, the system achieves high precision using standard, commercially available sensors without requiring complex custom manufacturing.
3Reliability
If detectors are made insensitive to ambient light conditions, then reliability in various environments is improved, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light sources that emit modulated or pulsed light signals at specific frequencies. The evaluation device detects these periodic signals and distinguishes them from ambient light through frequency analysis. This periodic modulation approach enables reliable detection in varying ambient light conditions without requiring complex filtering or shielding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses angle-dependent optical elements and multiple sensors arranged to continuously track the angular distribution of reflected light. This continuous angular measurement approach maintains detection reliability under ambient light because the specific angular pattern of the modulated light signal remains distinguishable from the typically static or differently distributed ambient light, eliminating the need for additional active compensation mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If mechanical movement components are added to achieve accurate focus, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with an optical evaluation method. Instead of physically moving lenses or sensors to achieve focus, the system uses angle-dependent optical elements to direct light from different angles to multiple fixed sensors. The longitudinal position is determined by evaluating the angular distribution pattern of the light, substituting mechanical focus adjustment with optical angle-dependent detection and signal processing.
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 system provides reliable and cost-effective 3D-sensing capabilities with improved signal-to-noise ratios and reduced complexity, enabling accurate distance measurement independent of ambient light conditions and object surface properties.
Implementation Method 1
at least one angle dependent optical element adapted to generate at least one light beam having at least one beam profile depending on an angle of incidence of an incident light beam propagating from the object towards the detector
Implementation Method 2
each optical sensor is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area by the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object is proposed. The detector (110) comprises: —at least one angle dependent optical element (130) adapted to generate at least one light beam (131) having at least one beam profile depending on an angle of incidence of an incident light beam (116) propagating from the object (112) towards the detector (110) and illuminating the angle dependent optical element (130), wherein the angle dependent optical element (130) comprises at least one optical element selected from the group consisting of: at least one optical fiber, in particular at least one multifurcated optical fiber, in particular at least one bifurcated optical fiber; at least one diffractive optical element; at least one angle dependent reflective element, at least one diffractive grating element, in particular a blaze grating element; at least one aperture stop; at least one prism; at least one lens; at least one lens array, in particular at least one microlens array; at least one optical filter; at least one polarization filter; at least one bandpass filter; at least one liquid crystal filter, in particular a liquid crystal tunable filter; at least one short-pass filter; at least one long-pass filter; at least one notch filter; at least one interference filter; at least one transmission grating; at least one nonlinear optical element, in particular one birfringent optical element; —at least two optical sensors (113), wherein each optical sensor (113) has at least one light sensitive area (121), wherein each optical sensor (113) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area by the light beam (131) generated by the angle dependent optical element (130); at least one evaluation device (133) being configured for determining at least one longitudinal coordinate z of the object (112) by evaluating a combined signal Q from the sensor signals.