Optical Sensor Layout for Multi-Directional Surface Inclination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection sensors can only determine the inclination of a target object in the direction of the light emitters' arrangement, failing to provide information on other orientations.
Innovation Solution
The sensor employs at least four first optical elements and one second optical element arranged on a virtual plane, with specific positional arrangements and directional characteristics, allowing for the calculation of distance, inclination angle, and azimuth of a target object using a calculator to process light reflection measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light emitters are arranged in a simple linear or circular pattern, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect inclination in multiple directions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear arrangements to two-dimensional planar arrangements of optical elements. By positioning multiple light emitters and light receivers on a two-dimensional surface with specific geometric relationships, the system achieves three-dimensional spatial detection capability, enabling measurement of inclination angles in multiple directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent optical element groups, where each group consists of specific combinations of light emitters and light receivers positioned at defined locations. This segmentation allows each optical pair to measure specific spatial parameters, and the combination of all pairs provides comprehensive multi-directional detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If more optical elements are added to detect multi-directional inclination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs optical elements that serve multiple functions simultaneously. Each light emitter not only provides illumination but also serves as a reference point for multiple measurement pairs. Each light receiver detects reflected light from multiple angles and contributes to multiple inclination calculations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical elements needed while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a unified optical element arrangement. By strategically positioning light emitters and receivers so that their measurement capabilities overlap and complement each other, the system achieves multi-directional inclination detection using a relatively small number of optical elements, rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each measurement axis.
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 the determination of distance and azimuth of a target object's surface inclination in multiple directions, overcoming the limitations of previous sensors by providing comprehensive spatial information.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver to detect, among the light emitted from a light emitter, the light reflected by the target object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection sensor includes at least four first optical elements and at least one second optical element arranged on a virtual plane. One of the first and second optical elements is a light emitter, and another of the first and second optical elements is a light receiver. At least four first optical elements and one second optical element define a minimum unit. The directional characteristics of the four first optical elements of the minimum unit are the same. The at least four first optical elements are neither arranged on one common straight line passing through the second optical element, nor on one common circumference centered on the second optical element. A calculator obtains a distance from the virtual plane to a target object on a reference axis, an inclination angle, and an inclination azimuth angle of a surface of the target object based on a measurement value.