Optical Pointer Reading Device Using Segmented Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical reading devices for pointer instruments require manual reading and lack the capability for remote, automatic, and wireless data transmission, especially in environments without electrical energy or data lines, and are not cost-effective for retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
An optical reading device with a circular arrangement of isosceles triangular light sensor elements and a central illumination source that captures the pointer position by shading, using minimal energy and components, allowing for low-cost, high-resolution, and energy-efficient wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digital camera is used to photograph the pointer instrument, then remote reading is enabled, but energy consumption increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The circular sensor array is segmented into multiple individual sensor elements distributed around the pointer instrument. Each sensor element independently detects light intensity at its specific angular position, enabling the system to determine pointer position through comparative analysis of multiple discrete measurements rather than requiring a complete image capture, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining remote reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array uses partial action by detecting light intensity at discrete angular positions around the pointer instrument rather than capturing the entire scale face. This partial detection approach provides sufficient information to determine pointer position without the excessive energy consumption of full image capture and processing
2Extent of automation
If a digital camera and full image processing system are deployed, then automatic reading is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement task into discrete angular positions around the pointer instrument, with each sensor element responsible for detecting light intensity at its specific position. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by replacing complex image processing with straightforward comparison of intensity values from multiple simple sensors, achieving automatic reading with reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/image processing system with an optical detection system. Instead of using a digital camera to capture and process images, the system uses an array of optical sensors to directly detect light intensity variations caused by the pointer's position, substituting complex image processing mechanics with simpler optical measurement
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sensor elements are arranged in a circular arc, then continuous pointer position detection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular sensor array is segmented into multiple identical sensor elements that can be manufactured using the same process and then assembled in a circular pattern. This segmentation approach enables continuous position detection through the collective measurement of discrete, easily manufactured components, balancing measurement precision with manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements are designed to be homogeneous in structure and function, each detecting light intensity at its specific angular position. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing by allowing identical components to be produced and assembled in a circular arc, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling continuous position detection through the coordinated operation of uniform elements
4Measurement precision
If conventional light barriers are used to detect pointer position, then discrete position detection is achieved, but continuous analogue position measurement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged around the pointer instrument, each detecting light intensity at its specific angular position. By comparing the intensity values from these segmented measurements, the system reconstructs continuous analogue pointer position information, achieving high measurement precision without requiring a complex continuous detection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear sensor arrangements to a two-dimensional circular arc arrangement of sensors. This dimensional change allows the system to capture pointer position information from multiple angular perspectives simultaneously, enabling continuous analogue measurement through the spatial distribution of discrete sensor elements
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
Enables remote, automatic, and energy-efficient reading of continuous analogue pointer positions with reduced energy consumption and cost, suitable for various pointer instruments, using economical standard parts and energy harvesting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination apparatus for illuminating the scale face or dial
Implementation Method 2
for capturing the light of the illumination apparatus reflected back by the scale face or dial
Data Source
AI summary
An optical reading device for a pointer instrument which has a pointer and a scale face or dial with different degrees of reflectance in each case, includes an illumination device for illuminating the scale face or dial and a plurality of light sensor elements which are arranged in a circular arc about the rotational axis of the pointer in order to detect the light of the illumination device reflected back by the scale face or dial, wherein the illumination device is configured to uniformly illuminate the scale face or dial and each light sensor element is configured with an isosceles triangle outline, where each light sensor element is offset with respect to one another by half of the base width in the circumferential direction of the circular arc.