Optical Micro-Sensor Using Refractive Index Modulation for Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer vision tools face challenges in performing filtering operations within limited power or mass budgets, particularly in micro-scale devices, where computational costs for image filtering are high, and there is a need for efficient edge detection, target tracking, and face detection with reduced power consumption and volume.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a micro-scale vision sensor assembly comprising a lens embedded in a refractive slab, an attenuating template, and an image sensor, which enables optical convolution to achieve a wide effective field of view while reducing computational burden, using optical configurations such as templates, lenslets, and refractive slabs to perform filtering operations optically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard computational methods are used for image filtering in micro-scale devices, then filtering operations can be performed, but power consumption and computational cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computational filtering operations with optical filtering using a microlens array and refractive index modulated regions. Light from the scene passes through the microlens array, which focuses light onto photo-sensitive elements. The refractive index modulated regions perform edge detection and filtering optically, eliminating the need for power-intensive computational processing while maintaining filtering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of microlenses and refractive index modulated regions that mediate between the scene and the photo-sensitive elements. This intermediary performs the filtering operation in the optical domain before detection, reducing the computational burden on the digital processing system and thereby reducing power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If computational filtering is performed in micro-scale devices, then edge detection and target tracking can be achieved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes computational edge detection with optical edge detection using refractive index modulated regions. These regions are configured to refract light differently based on edge orientations, performing edge detection in the optical domain. This eliminates the need for large computational processing units while maintaining edge detection accuracy, thereby reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple functional elements within a compact structure. Microlenses are integrated with refractive index modulated regions, which are in turn positioned over photo-sensitive elements. This nested arrangement performs multiple functions (focusing, filtering, edge detection) in a compact volume, reducing the overall device size while maintaining measurement precision.
3Use of energy by moving object
If optical filtering is implemented using microlens arrays and refractive index modulation, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in refractive index as the key parameter to achieve filtering and edge detection functionality. By modulating the refractive index in specific patterns within the substrate, the system performs optical processing without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components. This parameter-based approach simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple discrete optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated substrate. The microlens array, refractive index modulated regions, and photo-sensitive elements are integrated into one compact structure. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the sophistication of the optical processing performed.
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 allows for efficient edge detection, target tracking, and face detection with improved power consumption and reduced volume, enabling miniaturization of vision systems while maintaining filtering accuracy over a large field of view with minimal processing power and pixels.
Implementation Method 1
a lens embedded in a refractive slab
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor, such as a photo detector
Data Source
AI summary
Briefly, embodiments of an optical micro-sensor are described.