Optical Proximity Sensor Auto-Calibration for Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors require additional hardware and increased processing burden to detect smudges and changes in crosstalk, leading to increased error failure rates and overhead in data transmission and analysis.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with built-in processing capabilities that determines if calibration is required by comparing the data signal to a baseline reference value, allowing for auto-calibration without additional emitters or receivers, and reduces the need for constant data transmission to external software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional emitters and receivers are used to detect smudges, then smudge detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing proximity sensor perform multiple functions: normal proximity detection and smudge detection. By analyzing the proximity data signal for anomalies that indicate smudges, the system eliminates the need for separate detection hardware while maintaining smudge detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor uses its own data signal to detect smudges and trigger calibration, rather than requiring separate detection mechanisms. The sensor essentially monitors itself for conditions that would affect its measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If constant data transmission to external software is performed for smudge detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing tasks between the proximity sensor and external software. The sensor performs local processing to detect smudge conditions and generates calibration requests only when needed, while the software handles the actual calibration execution. This segmentation reduces continuous data transmission overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor autonomously processes its own data signal to detect smudges and determines when calibration is required, reducing the processing burden on external software by handling detection locally rather than requiring constant external analysis
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the proximity data signal for indicators of crosstalk changes (such as smudges or temperature effects) and triggers calibration only when such changes are detected. This feedback-based approach ensures calibration is performed at the right moments to maintain accuracy without unnecessary time loss from frequent calibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the proximity data signal to detect conditions that would affect measurement accuracy before actual measurements are taken. By identifying smudges or other crosstalk sources in advance, the system can trigger calibration proactively, preventing accuracy degradation without requiring continuous calibration
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 reduces the overhead on host software, decreases error failure rates, and enables efficient detection of smudges and temperature changes, improving the reliability of proximity measurements by performing calibrations autonomously when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter for emitting light, a receiver for receiving reflected light and providing a data signal
Implementation Method 2
a receiver for receiving reflected light and providing a data signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device comprises an emitter for emitting light, a receiver for receiving reflected light and providing a data signal, a register for storing processing parameters comprising a baseline reference value, and a processing unit for processing the data signal using the processing parameters. The processing unit is configured to compare the data signal to the baseline reference value, and determine that a crosstalk calibration of the optical device is required based at least partially on the comparison.