Optical Sensor Non-Parallel Light Array for Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical living-body measuring devices face challenges in achieving high resolution while maintaining good attachability to the test object, as the smaller probe pitches required for higher resolution compromise the attachment process.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor employs a configuration with multiple light source modules and detection modules that emit non-parallel light beams to the same point on the test object, utilizing a surface-emitting laser array chip and a convex lens to stabilize light emission and increase resolution without degrading attachability, and a detection module with a split lens to accurately detect light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pitches of probes are made smaller to achieve higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but attachability to the test object deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the probe into multiple independent light-emitting units arranged in an array, where each unit emits light in a specific direction. This segmentation allows the probe to maintain a larger overall pitch for better attachability while achieving high resolution through the distributed arrangement of multiple emission points
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point probe to a two-dimensional array of light-emitting units. By adding spatial distribution in multiple dimensions, the system achieves high resolution without requiring smaller probe pitches, thus maintaining attachability
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple light-emitting units into a single integrated probe assembly that functions as one coherent measurement device. The control unit coordinates all light sources and detectors, merging their functions into a unified system that achieves high resolution without proportionally increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design makes each light-emitting unit capable of multiple functions - each unit can emit light in different directions and work in combination with multiple detectors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby controlling device complexity while maintaining high resolution
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 configuration allows for higher resolution optical property detection without compromising attachability, enabling precise measurement of internal optical properties, such as bloodstream distribution within the brain, with improved accuracy and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation system including a plurality of light sources to emit light in different exit directions
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a surface-emitting laser array chip and a convex lens to stabilize light emission and increase resolution
Implementation Method 3
a detection system detecting the light that is irradiated from the irradiation system and is propagated in the object under test
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical sensor (10) including an irradiation system (LM) including at least one light irradiator (LM), the at least one light irradiator (LM) including a surface emitting laser array having a plurality of light-emitting units, and a lens disposed in an optical path of the plurality of rays of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units to cause light exit directions of at least two of the plurality of light-emitting units to be not parallel to each other, such that the at least one irradiator (LM) irradiates a same point of a test object with the plurality of rays of light that are not parallel to each other. The optical sensor (10) also includes a detection system (DM) configured to detect the plurality of rays of light that are emitted from the irradiation system (LM) and propagated inside the test object.