Optical Sensor Matrix Refreshing for Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices using organic photodiodes (OPDs) face reduced detection accuracy due to variations in the organic semiconductor layer, which affect the characteristics of the OPDs.
Innovation Solution
A detection device is configured with a matrix of optical sensors that undergo a refreshing operation. This involves reverse-biasing the optical sensors to detect signals and then forward-biasing them for a predetermined period to restore their initial characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic photodiodes are used for detection, then the device can be manufactured with current technology, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to variations in the organic semiconductor layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic forward-biasing operations at predetermined intervals to restore the characteristics of optical sensors. This periodic action compensates for the gradual degradation caused by organic semiconductor layer variations, maintaining detection accuracy over time while using manufacturable organic photodiode technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical biasing parameters of the optical sensors by switching between reverse-biasing (for detection) and forward-biasing (for restoration). This parameter change allows the system to counteract the effects of organic semiconductor variations and maintain consistent detection performance.
2Reliability
If optical sensors are continuously operated in reverse-bias mode for detection, then detection function is maintained, but sensor characteristics drift due to organic semiconductor layer variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically switches optical sensors to forward-bias mode to restore their characteristics, then returns to reverse-bias mode for detection. This periodic restoration action prevents characteristic drift and maintains sensor reliability over extended operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary forward-biasing restoration operations before detection operations to ensure sensor characteristics are at their initial state. This preliminary action prevents degradation from occurring during the detection phase, maintaining stable sensor characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If a refreshing operation is performed by forward-biasing the optical sensor, then detection accuracy is restored, but detection operation is interrupted during the refreshing period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic refreshing operations at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This approach restores detection accuracy while minimizing the total time lost to refreshing, as the sensors operate in detection mode for the majority of the time between refresh cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs refreshing operations only when necessary (at predetermined intervals) rather than continuously. This partial action approach maintains detection accuracy without the excessive time loss that would result from continuous refreshing, optimizing the balance between accuracy and operational continuity.
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 refreshing operation effectively maintains the detection accuracy of the optical sensors by restoring their initial characteristics, thereby mitigating the impact of variations in the organic semiconductor layer.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the photoelectric conversion elements outputs a signal that changes depending on the amount of light emitted thereto
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a detection device including a plurality of optical sensors arranged in a matrix having a row-column configuration, the detection device being configured to: detect a signal that is output from each of the optical sensors by reverse-biasing the optical sensor, and perform a refreshing operation to restore characteristics of the optical sensor to an initial state by forward-biasing the optical sensor for each predetermined period.