Optical Object Sizing With Multi-Angle Reflection Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical proximity sensors are prone to misjudgment due to reliance on single light source intensity, failing to accurately identify objects based on size and intent, leading to false activations.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light sources emitting light beams with different beam angles and a light sensor to integrate intensity information for accurate object identification, determining size and movement by comparing intensities and trends over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional optical proximity sensor uses a single light source to detect reflected light intensity, then the device structure is simple, but the object identification accuracy deteriorates due to misjudgment from varying reflectivities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple light sources with different beam angles instead of using a single light source. Each light source emits light at a specific angle, and by segmenting the sensing into multiple angular zones, the system can distinguish objects based on their size and shape characteristics, thereby improving identification accuracy while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the beam angle dimension to the sensing system. Instead of relying solely on light intensity (one-dimensional measurement), the system now measures reflected light intensity across multiple beam angles (adding angular dimension). This dimensional expansion enables the sensor to differentiate between objects of different sizes and shapes, resolving the misjudgment problem
2Area of stationary object
If an optical proximity sensor uses a wide sensing angle to detect approaching objects, then the detection range is improved, but the false activation rate increases due to unintended object detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different beam angles to different light sources, creating distinct sensing zones with specific angular characteristics. Each light source covers a particular angular region, allowing the system to selectively detect objects in specific directional zones. This enables the sensor to maintain a wide overall sensing range while reducing false activations by ignoring objects in non-relevant angular regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam angle parameter of the light sources to create a distribution of sensing zones. By using light sources with different beam angles (e.g., narrow, medium, wide angles), the system can differentiate between objects based on how they reflect light across these angular parameters. Objects that unintentionally enter the sensing zone will produce different reflected intensity patterns compared to intentional finger inputs, enabling false activation rejection
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 false activations by providing more spatial information, enabling precise identification of objects, such as fingers or palms, and preventing unintended device control.
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.