Optical Object Identification Using Multi-Angle Reflected Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical proximity sensors struggle with accurately identifying objects due to reliance on single light source intensity, leading to misjudgments and false activations, as they cannot effectively determine object size or intent.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light sources emitting light beams with different beam angles and a light sensor to integrate intensity information for precise object identification, allowing for accurate determination of object size and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional optical proximity sensor uses a single light source to detect reflected light intensity, then the sensing operation is simple, but the object identification accuracy deteriorates due to misjudgment from varying reflectivities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing operation into multiple stages by using multiple light sources with different beam angles. Instead of relying on a single light source, the system segments the detection process into multiple measurements with varying illumination geometries, allowing the controller to analyze intensity patterns across different angles to accurately identify object characteristics and eliminate misjudgments from surface reflectivity variations.
2Device complexity
If an optical proximity sensor uses a single light source with fixed beam angle, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to determine object size and movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular dimensionality by employing multiple light sources with different beam angles. This transforms the sensing capability from a single-point intensity measurement into a multi-angular spatial analysis system. By measuring reflected light intensities from multiple angles, the system can infer object size, shape, and movement characteristics that would be impossible to determine with a single fixed beam angle.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the optical proximity sensor relies on light intensity from one light source, then the energy consumption is low, but the reliability of object detection deteriorates due to false activations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the controller, which receives intensity information from multiple light sources and processes it to determine object characteristics. The controller analyzes the pattern of reflected intensities across different beam angles, comparing them against expected patterns for valid interactions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to distinguish between intentional user actions and false activations caused by environmental factors or unintended object proximity.
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 reduces misjudgments and false activations by providing more spatial information, enabling the system to accurately identify objects and determine user intent, such as distinguishing between a finger and a palm, and preventing unintended device activation.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source is used to emit a first light beam with a first beam angle, and a light sensor is used to sense a first intensity of the first light beam reflected by the object; a second light source is used to emit a second light beam with a second beam angle, and the light sensor is used to sense a second intensity of the second light beam reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying an object, an optical sensing apparatus and a system are provided. A controller of the system drives multiple light sources of the optical sensing apparatus to emit the multiple light beams with different beam angles, controls a light sensor to sense the lights reflected by the object, and performs the method for identifying the object. In the method, the light sensor is used to sense a first light emitted by a first light source with a first beam angle reflected by the object, and sense an intensity of the reflected first light. The light sensor is also used to sense a second light emitted by a second light source with a second beam angle reflected by the object and sense another intensity of the reflected second light. Therefore, the object can be identified by integrating information of the intensities obtained by the light sensor.