Optical Position Detector Using ROI Blur Analysis for 3D Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D sensing methods face challenges in providing precise object positioning with low computational demand, particularly in environments with multiple reflections and reflective objects, leading to unreliable results and high resource requirements.

Innovation Solution

A detector using a matrix of optical sensors with an evaluation device to determine object position by calculating a combined signal from sensor signals, optimizing a blurring function, and considering longitudinal coordinates, reducing computational demands while enhancing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If triangulation methods using structured light or stereo cameras are used, then imaging capabilities are achieved, but computational power demand increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilitiesVSAvoidcomputational power demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor array into multiple segments (first and second sensor arrays) with different orientations. Each segment independently measures depth information along its orientation axis, allowing parallel processing and reducing the computational burden on a single processing unit while maintaining imaging capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex computational triangulation algorithms with a direct geometric measurement approach. By using sensor arrays oriented at different angles and applying basic trigonometric relationships based on measured positions, the system calculates depth information through straightforward mathematical operations rather than intensive correspondence matching algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If high computational power is used for 3D sensing, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and heat removal requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement precisionVSAvoidprocessor requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent sensor arrays, each performing simple depth measurements along specific axes. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, less complex processing units that can operate in parallel, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the combination of multiple measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by using sensor arrays with different orientations (e.g., 0 degrees and 45 degrees). By measuring the same object from multiple angular perspectives and combining these measurements, the system achieves high depth measurement precision using simpler processing rather than requiring powerful processors to run complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional 3D sensing methods are used in environments with multiple reflections, then coverage is maintained, but measurement reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental coverageVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple sensor arrays segmented by orientation, where each array measures depth information along its specific axis. This segmentation provides redundant measurement paths, so if one array's measurements are corrupted by reflections, other arrays can provide reliable data, maintaining measurement reliability in challenging environments while preserving environmental coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from multiple sensor arrays to verify and cross-validate depth measurements. By comparing measurements from different orientations and using consistency checks, the system can identify and correct measurements affected by multiple reflections or biasing light sources, thereby maintaining high reliability across diverse environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 detector achieves precise object positioning with reduced computational resources, overcoming environmental interference and improving accuracy in 3D measurements.

Implementation Method 1

each optical sensor being configured to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area by at least one light beam propagating from the object to the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3908852B1Detector for determining a position of at least one object
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 TRINAMIX GMBH
  • EP3908852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3908852B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3908852B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A detector(110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises -at least one sensor element (114) having a matrix (116) of optical sensors (118), the optical sensors (118) each having a light-sensitive area, wherein each optical sensor (118) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area by a light beam propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110), -at least one evaluation device (128), wherein the evaluation device (128) is configured for selecting at least one region of interest of the matrix(116), wherein the evaluation device (128) is configured for respectively determining at least one sensor signal of at least two optical sensors (118) of the region of interest, wherein the evaluation device (128) is configured for determining at least one longitudinal coordinate zDPR of the object by evaluating a combined signal Q from the sensor signals, -wherein the evaluation device(128)is configured for determining at least one image of the region of interest from the sensor signals, wherein the evaluation device (128) is configured for determining from the image at least one longitudinal coordinate zDFD of the object (112)by optimizing at least one blurring function fa, -wherein the evaluation device (128)is configured for determining at least one combined distance information z considering the longitudinal coordinate zDPR and the longitudinal coordinate zDPR.