Optical Sensor Matrix Pixel Count Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detectors face challenges in reliably determining the position of an object in space at low cost and with minimal technical resources, despite advancements in optical sensors and photovoltaic devices.

Innovation Solution

A detector system comprising an optical sensor with a matrix of pixels and an evaluation device that determines the number of illuminated pixels by a light beam to calculate the longitudinal coordinate of an object, utilizing a relationship between the number of pixels and the object's position, and optionally includes multiple optical sensors with different spectral sensitivities for color detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional optical sensors and photovoltaic devices are used for position detection, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoiddetector system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor is divided into a matrix of pixels, where each pixel independently detects light intensity. The position determination is achieved by segmenting the detection task across multiple pixels and using the pattern of illuminated pixels to calculate longitudinal and transverse coordinates, thereby achieving precise position detection without requiring complex mechanical or optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or complex optical positioning systems with a simplified optical detection system. Instead of using moving parts or complex optical assemblies to determine position, the system uses a static optical sensor matrix that captures light intensity distribution, and computational algorithms process this data to derive position information, eliminating mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If advanced optical sensors are implemented for accurate position determination, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoiddetector manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical sensor matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects light intensity for position determination, captures color information through spectral sensitivity variations, and provides spatial resolution through the pixel array. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for different measurement tasks, reducing overall system cost while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes variations in spectral sensitivity parameters across different pixels or sensor layers to enable color detection and position determination simultaneously. By changing the spectral response parameter of the sensor material or filtering characteristics, the system extracts multiple types of information from a single optical sensor structure, achieving accurate position measurement without requiring expensive specialized sensors for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If multiple optical sensors with different spectral sensitivities are added for color detection, then information completeness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor information captureVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple spectral sensitivity characteristics into a single integrated optical sensor matrix. Different pixels or regions of the sensor array are equipped with different spectral filters or sensitive materials, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths. The combined signal from all pixels is processed to extract both color information and position data, achieving complete information capture without requiring separate sensor systems for each spectral band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 and reliable determination of an object's position in space with reduced complexity and cost, while allowing for color information capture and improved performance in various applications such as gaming, security, and medical technology.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor, the optical sensor being adapted to detect a light beam traveling from the object towards the detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10845459B2Detector for optically detecting at least one object
Publication Date: 2020.11.24 BASF SE
  • US10845459B2 patent drawing
  • US10845459B2 patent drawing
  • US10845459B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (118) is disclosed. The detector (110) comprises:at least one optical sensor (112), the optical sensor (112) being adapted to detect a light beam (150) traveling from the object (118) towards the detector (110), the optical sensor (112) having at least one matrix (152) of pixels (154); andat least one evaluation device (126), the evaluation device (126) being adapted to determine a number N of pixels (154) of the optical sensor (112) which are illuminated by the light beam (150), the evaluation device (126) further being adapted to determine at least one longitudinal coordinate of the object (118) by using the number N of pixels (154) which are illuminated by the light beam (150).