Optical Sensor Layout Using Crosstalk for Precise Distance and Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for determining spatial physical quantities, such as distance and angles, require complex structures and lack accuracy, particularly for close-range applications.
Innovation Solution
A sensor with a simpler structure that includes multiple light-emitting and light-receiving elements disposed in different positions on a substrate, capable of distinguishing main and crosstalk light rays to determine spatial physical quantities using a trained model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex structure is used to determine spatial physical quantities, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful crosstalk light rays, which were previously considered interference, into useful measurement information. By having each light-receiving element receive both its corresponding main light ray and crosstalk light rays from other light-emitting elements, the system obtains additional measurement data that, when processed through the trained model, improves spatial physical quantity determination accuracy while maintaining a simple sensor structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light-emitting and light-receiving elements are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each light-receiving element serves multiple functions: it receives the main light ray from its corresponding light-emitting element for direct measurement, and simultaneously receives crosstalk light rays from other light-emitting elements to provide additional measurement perspectives. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement accuracy using a relatively small number of elements, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a trained model that processes the photocurrents from multiple light-receiving elements to determine spatial physical quantities. The model learns the relationships between the received light signals (including crosstalk) and the actual spatial parameters, enabling accurate determination while maintaining a simple hardware configuration. The feedback mechanism is embedded in the trained model that continuously processes the optical signals.
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 sensor achieves high accuracy in determining distances and angles with a simpler configuration by utilizing both main and crosstalk light rays, enhancing determination precision.
Implementation Method 1
multiple light-emitting elements disposed in different positions on a substrate
Implementation Method 2
reflected light rays originating from the light-emitting elements and reflected from the object
Implementation Method 3
light-receiving element receives one of reflected light rays originating from the light-emitting elements as a main light ray and receives a reflected light ray other than the main light ray as a crosstalk light ray
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for measuring objects is provided. The sensor comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements and at least one of light-receiving element(s). The light-emitting elements are each provided at a different position on a substrate. The light-receiving element is provided on the substrate. The light-receiving element receives, as main light, one reflected light from among reflected light attributed to each light-emitting element, and receives, as crosstalk light, reflected light other than the main light in a manner such that the crosstalk light can be distinguished from the main light. The reflected light is emitted from each of the light-emitting elements and reflected from an object. On the basis of the crosstalk light and main light that are received in a distinguishable manner, spatial physical quantities related to a reference plane of the sensor and the object are measured.