Optical Device Testing Using Transparent Sheet Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing optical devices, such as proximity sensors, in their intended environment is costly and inefficient, as existing methods do not effectively simulate the conditions they will face in end-products like mobile phones, leading to potential defects being integrated into final products.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing method and unit that uses a transparent sheet and reference cards with defined reflectance properties to simulate the environment of an optical device within a mobile phone, allowing for accurate measurement and calibration of optical devices before integration, including the use of a moveable partition to mimic different reflective surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical devices are tested after integration into end-products, then testing accuracy in real environment is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified test environment that copies the essential optical characteristics of the real end-product environment. Instead of testing devices after integration into complex consumer electronics, the invention uses reference cards with known reflectance properties and controlled lighting conditions to simulate the optical path and environmental factors, achieving accurate testing without the complexity of actual product integration.
2Reliability
If optical devices are tested after integration into end-products, then reliability of test results is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs optical testing on devices before they are integrated into end-products. By conducting tests in advance using simulated environmental conditions (reference cards, controlled lighting), the system identifies defective devices early in the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for later retesting or product disassembly, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If optical devices are tested in simulated environment, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls and standardizes key parameters in the test environment, such as lighting intensity, reference card reflectance values, and detector sensitivity. By carefully selecting and calibrating these parameters, the system achieves measurement accuracy comparable to real-world conditions while maintaining a simple, low-cost test setup using readily available reference cards and standard lighting sources.
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 efficient and accurate testing of optical devices during production, reducing the likelihood of defective devices being integrated into end-products, thereby lowering costs and ensuring better product quality by simulating the actual conditions they will encounter.
Implementation Method 1
moving the device(s), one at a time, onto, or adjacent, a transparent sheet
Implementation Method 2
The black reference card can be used, for example, for measuring leakage between a light emitting element and light detecting element
Implementation Method 3
The grey reference card can be used, for example, for measuring the optical response of the optical device against a surface with well-defined reflectance properties
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes techniques for testing optical devices in a manner that, in some implementations, simulates the environment in which the devices will be used when they are integrated into the end-product or system. For example, one aspect includes providing a transparent sheet that is positioned near the optical device in a manner that simulates at least some aspects of the environment when the device is incorporated into the end-product or system. The testing can be performed, for example, while the optical devices are in production or at some other time prior to their being integrated into an end-product or system.