Optical Sensor Dynamic Focus via Image Sensor Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical sensors face challenges in dynamically adjusting focus due to the high intrinsic weight of receiving optics, leading to complex and restricted adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The optical sensor adjusts the image sensor's position relative to the receiving optics, utilizing a lightweight image sensor and an actuator-driven adjustment unit, such as a motor with a spring guide, to dynamically adjust the imaging properties without moving the heavy optics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving optics are adjusted to change focus, then the imaging properties can be adapted, but the high intrinsic weight of the receiving optics leads to complex adjustment devices and restricted dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging properties adjustmentVSAvoidreceiving optics weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving the heavy receiving optics to adjust focus, the patent inverts the approach by moving the lightweight image sensor relative to the fixed receiving optics. This achieves the same focus adjustment effect while dramatically reducing the mass that needs to be moved, thereby simplifying the adjustment device and enabling rapid dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving optics are adjusted for focus, then imaging properties can be changed, but the adjustment device becomes complex and dynamics are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the adjustment device by inverting which component is moved. The image sensor is moved instead of the receiving optics, which reduces the complexity of the adjustment mechanism since smaller forces and simpler actuators are needed to move the lighter sensor array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with simpler actuation systems that can rapidly position the image sensor. This may include electromagnetic actuators or other non-mechanical positioning systems that provide faster response and reduced mechanical complexity compared to traditional optics adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving optics are adjusted, then focus can be changed, but the dynamics of focus adjustment are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adaptabilityVSAvoidfocus adjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the lightweight image sensor instead of the heavy receiving optics, the system achieves much faster adjustment speeds. The reduced mass allows for rapid acceleration and positioning, enabling dynamic focus changes that can keep up with moving targets or changing imaging requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic focus adjustment system where the image sensor can be rapidly repositioned in response to changing conditions. This dynamic capability is achieved through the lightweight sensor array combined with responsive actuation mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt focus in real-time rather than requiring static, slow mechanical adjustment of the optics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enables rapid, highly dynamic focus adjustments with a compact structure, improving the optical sensor's ability to detect objects sharply across varying distances, enhancing its monitoring, identification, and code-reading capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor (5) receiving received light beams (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an illumination unit (4) emitting transmitted light beams (7)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4016181A1Optical sensor

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 LEUZE ELECTRONIC GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects (3) within a detection range, comprising an image sensor (5) that receives light rays and to which a receiving optic (6) is arranged, wherein object detection signals are generated in an evaluation unit depending on the received signals from the image sensor (5). Furthermore, an adjustment unit (11) is provided by means of which the position of the image sensor (5) relative to the receiving optic (6) can be varied depending on the distance and depending on the imaging properties of the receiving optic (8).