Optical Signal Processing Apparatus with Multi-Sensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical signal processing apparatuses face challenges in precisely determining target characteristics due to limitations in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and saturation levels, which affect the accuracy of measurements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a configuration with a light source, a first sensor array, and a second sensor array, where a processor adjusts the light source and sensor arrays based on analysis results, including SNR and saturation levels, to optimize image signal quality and determine target characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor array is used to detect optical signals, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independent sensor arrays (first sensor array, second sensor array, etc.), each capable of detecting optical signals independently. This segmentation allows parallel detection of multiple signals, improving measurement precision through comparative analysis while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor arrays are combined in the detection system, with their outputs fed to a processor that analyzes signals from all arrays simultaneously. This merging of detection capabilities enhances signal-to-noise ratio through signal averaging and correlation analysis, achieving higher measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If the light source intensity is increased to improve signal detection, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but saturation levels increase reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The light source intensity is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time feedback from the sensor arrays. The processor monitors signal levels and automatically adjusts the light source intensity to maintain optimal signal-to-noise ratio while preventing saturation, ensuring reliable measurements across varying target characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the light source (intensity, wavelength, pulse duration) based on the detected signal characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes signal-to-noise ratio for weak signals while preventing saturation for strong signals, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor arrays are added to improve measurement precision, then the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor arrays perform identical detection functions but are positioned to capture signals from different angles or regions. This universal design allows the system to improve signal-to-noise ratio through multi-angle detection and signal correlation while managing complexity through functional repetition rather than functional diversification
Solution Approach 2:
The processor analyzes signals from multiple sensor arrays in real-time, comparing and correlating the data to improve signal-to-noise ratio. This feedback mechanism allows the system to achieve higher measurement precision through intelligent signal processing rather than simply increasing hardware complexity, as the processor efficiently integrates data from all arrays
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 approach enhances the precision of target characteristic determination by improving SNR and managing saturation, leading to more accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor array including a plurality of first image sensors configured to obtain a first image signal by detecting the light scattered, reflected, or refracted from a target
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor array including a plurality of first image sensors configured to obtain a first image signal by detecting the light scattered, reflected, or refracted from a target
Implementation Method 3
a first sensor array including a plurality of first image sensors configured to obtain a first image signal by detecting the light scattered, reflected, or refracted from a target
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical signal processing apparatus acquires a plurality of image signals using an optical signal output from a light source toward a target, and determines a characteristic of a target by using the obtained plurality of image signals. The obtained image signals are obtained from a plurality of sensor arrays including a plurality of image sensors.