Organic Solar Cell Detector for Geometric Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection methods require complex and costly setups, often relying on multiple sensors and moving parts, which complicate the process of accurately detecting objects, especially in applications like microscopy and distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A detector system utilizing an optical sensor with a large sensor region that generates a signal dependent on the geometry of illumination, allowing for the extraction of geometrical information such as object location and distance without the need for high spatial resolution or multiple sensors, using organic solar cells like dye solar cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and moving parts are used to achieve accurate object detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single organic solar cell sensor. The solar cell simultaneously detects light intensity and, through its spatial response pattern, provides geometric information about the illuminated object, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and moving parts while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The organic solar cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a photodetector for light intensity measurement and a geometric sensor that provides spatial information about the object. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity by replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized components
2Measurement precision
If high spatial resolution detectors are used to retrieve geometrical information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts geometrical information not from spatial resolution in the traditional imaging sense, but from the spatial distribution pattern of light intensity across the solar cell surface. By analyzing the two-dimensional intensity profile and its relationship to the illumination geometry, the system retrieves object distance and shape information without requiring high-resolution pixel arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from detecting geometric parameters directly through high-resolution spatial sampling to inferring geometry from light intensity distribution patterns. The evaluation device analyzes parameters such as intensity gradients, peak positions, and distribution shapes to derive geometrical information about the object
3Measurement precision
If complex optical setups with multiple components are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical sensing function and geometric measurement function into a single organic solar cell component, eliminating the need for complex assemblies of multiple optical elements, sensors, and mechanical components. This simplification makes the device much easier to manufacture while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The organic solar cell inherently provides the geometric information through its spatial response pattern without requiring additional mechanical scanning or moving parts. The system uses the natural light distribution across the sensor surface to extract geometric data, eliminating the need for complex auxiliary mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect different parts of light beam, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single organic solar cell to detect the entire light beam profile, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors into one component. This reduces sensor material consumption while maintaining the ability to accurately detect light distribution and extract geometric information
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 simplifies object detection by reducing the technical complexity and cost, enabling accurate geometrical information retrieval, including object location, without requiring high-resolution detectors or complex setups, and opens up applications in cost-sensitive fields like disposable articles and data storage.
Implementation Method 1
While photovoltaic devices are generally used to convert electromagnetic radiation, for example, ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, into electrical signals or electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A distance measuring device (180) comprising a detector (110) for optically detecting at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises at least one optical sensor (114). The optical sensor (114) has at least one sensor region (116). The optical sensor (114) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region (116). The sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a geometry of the illumination, in particular on a beam cross section of the illumination on the sensor area (118). The detector (110) furthermore has at least one evaluation device (122). The evaluation device (122) is designed to generate at least one item of geometrical information from the sensor signal, in particular at least one item of geometrical information about the illumination and/or the object (112).