Optical Proximity Detection with Dynamic Gain and Crosstalk Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical proximity detectors face challenges in accurately detecting object distance due to dynamic gain and phase offset variations, crosstalk, and static phase offsets caused by temperature and voltage changes, which affect the reliability of distance calculations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical proximity detector system that includes an analog front-end and a digital back-end with dynamic gain and phase offset correction, crosstalk correction, and static phase offset correction mechanisms, utilizing a dynamic gain and phase offset corrector, crosstalk corrector, and static phase offset corrector to address these issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical proximity detector is used to detect object distance, then distance detection capability is provided, but dynamic gain and phase offset variations due to temperature and voltage changes reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability under temperature and voltage variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting gain and phase offset parameters based on detected temperature and voltage conditions. The system modifies these parameters in real-time to compensate for environmental variations, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different operating conditions without requiring redundant hardware sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If crosstalk correction is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional correction circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors detection signals for crosstalk indicators and automatically adjusts correction parameters. This feedback loop enables precise crosstalk compensation through software-based adaptation rather than complex hardware circuitry, maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing additional device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple correction mechanisms are added to improve accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but ease of operation decreases due to calibration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection precisionVSAvoidsystem calibration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service operation through automatic calibration routines that the system performs autonomously. The detector automatically adjusts its parameters and compensates for errors without requiring manual intervention or user calibration, making the system easy to operate while maintaining high measurement precision through multiple correction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of object distance detection by compensating for dynamic variations and crosstalk, thereby improving the overall performance of the optical proximity detector system.

Implementation Method 1

detect the presence of an object, estimate proximity of (e.g., distance to) an object and/or detect motion of an object, based on the light originating from the light source that is reflected from an object and detected by the light detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a photosensitive light detector... detect... based on the light originating from the light source that is reflected from an object and detected by the light detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Where such detectors rely on time-of-flight (TOF) principles to detect distance to an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS9250714B2Optical proximity detectors
Publication Date: 2016.02.02 INTERSIL AMERICAS INC

AI summary

Described herein are optical proximity detectors, methods for use therewith, and systems including an optical proximity detector. Such optical proximity detectors include an analog front-end and a digital back-end. In certain embodiments, the digital back-end includes a dynamic gain and phase offset corrector, a cross-talk corrector, a phase and magnitude calculator, and a static phase offset corrector. The dynamic gain and phase offset corrector corrects for dynamic variations in gain and phase offset of the analog front-end due to changes in temperature and/or operating voltage levels. The crosstalk corrector corrects for electrical and/or optical crosstalk associated with the analog front-end. The phase and magnitude calculator calculates phase and magnitude values in dependence on the corrected versions of digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals received from the analog front-end. The static phase offset corrector corrects for a static phase offset of the optical proximity detector.