Temperature Controller for Optical Sensor Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits used in optical sensing devices face precision degradation due to unregulated temperature increases during measurement cycles, affecting the accuracy of spectral information obtained from reflected light waves.
Innovation Solution
A temperature controller system that computes temperature coefficients based on the difference between actual and reference temperatures, generating control signals to regulate the sensor system's temperature, using a PID controller to maintain optimal temperature conditions and reduce heat production during measurement cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature regulation is implemented using a PID controller, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PID controller continuously monitors the temperature sensor output and adjusts the heater control signal accordingly. The controller reads the actual temperature, compares it with the target temperature, and dynamically adjusts the heating power to maintain thermal stability, thereby improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating parameter (power level) based on temperature differences detected by the sensor. The PID controller modifies the heater control signal parameter in real-time to compensate for temperature drift, ensuring spectral measurements are taken at optimal temperature conditions without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.
2Manufacturing precision
If temperature coefficients are computed and applied, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature compensation by computing temperature coefficients before actual spectral measurements are taken. The system pre-calculates correction values based on detected temperature deviations and applies these corrections to the spectral data, ensuring high measurement precision without requiring complex real-time processing during manufacturing or measurement phases.
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 temperature regulation system improves the precision and accuracy of spectral information by maintaining stable temperature conditions, reducing noise and enhancing the quality of data obtained from optical sensing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature analog-to-digital converter that obtains a first temperature measurement from a temperature sensor of the sensor system
Implementation Method 2
an emitter that generates a first light wave
Implementation Method 3
a detector that detects a second light wave in response to the first light wave being reflected from a target object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating a first light wave by an emitter of the sensor system and detecting a second light wave by a detector of the sensor system. The second light wave is detected in response to the first light wave being reflected from a target object. The sensor system includes a first converter that obtains a first temperature measurement from a temperature sensor of the sensor system at least when the first light wave is generated or when the second light wave is detected. A temperature controller computes temperature coefficients to regulate a temperature of the sensor system. Each of the temperature coefficients are computed based on a difference between the first temperature and a reference temperature. The temperature controller generates a control signal to regulate the temperature of the sensor system based on the computed temperature coefficients.