Optical Sensor Using Magnetic Positioning and Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for tracking objects are limited by the need for objects to be equipped with a complementary light source or detector, and are susceptible to interference from ambient light, which affects the accuracy of medical measurements like heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld device that uses one or more light sources to emit electromagnetic waves, which are reflected off an object and detected by position sensitive detectors, allowing for the calculation of object position, motion, and medical diagnostic information without the need for a complementary light source or detector, and is resistant to ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light sources and detectors are placed close to the body part to prevent ambient light interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase due to mechanical clipping devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical clipping devices with magnetic field-based positioning. Magnets embedded in the sensor assembly attract and hold the sensor against the body part without mechanical fasteners, eliminating complex mechanical structures while maintaining close proximity for accurate measurements and ambient light rejection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning mechanism from mechanical to magnetic field-based. By using magnetic attraction forces instead of mechanical clips, the system achieves the same goal of close positioning with simpler components, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical devices are used to place light sources and detectors close to the body part, then ambient light interference is reduced, but ease of operation decreases due to additional maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical clipping devices by using magnetic field-based attachment. The magnetic assembly automatically holds the sensor in place during use and can be easily detached by overcoming the magnetic force, significantly improving ease of operation and eliminating maintenance of mechanical fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic positioning system is self-aligning and self-holding. The magnets automatically position the sensor correctly against the body part through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment mechanisms and reducing user effort required for proper sensor placement
3Device complexity
If traditional optical mice techniques are used with small pixel count cameras, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to sensitivity to ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional image-based position sensing with optical triangulation using position sensitive detectors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex image processing algorithms while achieving higher position tracking accuracy that is immune to ambient light interference through the triangulation mathematical calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position sensitive detectors as an intermediary between the light source and the position calculation. These detectors directly measure light position through triangulation principles, providing accurate position data without requiring complex image processing or being susceptible to ambient light interference
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
Enables accurate tracking of objects without a complementary light source or detector, reduces errors from ambient light interference, and integrates position tracking with medical measurements to improve data accuracy, while also guiding users to optimal measurement positions.
Implementation Method 1
light sources to emit electromagnetic waves, which are reflected off an object and detected by position sensitive detectors
Implementation Method 2
The location of the first object relative to the second object may then be calculated using triangulation or other mathematical calculations based on the detected position of light from the light source(s) directly striking the detector(s)
Implementation Method 3
Different colors of light are used to measure blood oxygen level since absorbance of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood varies at different colors
Data Source
AI summary
One or more electromagnetic radiation sources, such as a light emitting diode, may emit electromagnetic waves into a volume of space. When an object enters the volume of space, the electromagnetic waves may reflect off the object and strike one or more position sensitive detectors after passing through an imaging optical system such as glass, plastic lens, or a pinhole located at known distances from the sources. Mixed signal electronics may process detected signals at the position sensitive detectors to calculate position information as well as total reflected light intensity, which may be used in medical and other applications. A transparent barrier may separate the sources and detectors from the objects entering the volume of space and reflecting emitted waves. Methods and devices are provided.