Polarized Optical Structure for Sensor Cross Talk Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors suffer from cross talk due to light signals being degraded or masked by unwanted paths within the sensor and surrounding structures, leading to inaccurate distance calculations.
Innovation Solution
The sensor incorporates a transmission optical structure with a polarizing layer that maximizes P-polarization and minimizes S-polarization, along with a light source that emits light with mostly P-polarization, to reduce cross talk and improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical structures are added to block light signals, then cross talk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of light signals by introducing a polarizing layer that converts unpolarized light to P-polarized light. This parameter change allows the desired light signals to pass through while blocking S-polarized cross talk signals, achieving cross talk reduction without adding complex physical blocking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizing layer acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the detection path. It mediates the light signals by selectively transmitting P-polarized components while blocking S-polarized components, thereby reducing cross talk without requiring complex mechanical blocking structures.
2Reliability
If polarization control is implemented, then cross talk is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing polarization control specifically at the transmission optical structure level through the polarizing layer, rather than requiring global precision alignment throughout the entire sensor system. The polarizing layer locally converts the polarization state of transmitted light, reducing the need for high-precision alignment elsewhere in the system.
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 effectively reduces cross talk, enhancing the accuracy of distance measurements by minimizing interference from unwanted light reflections.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizing layer that provides a polarizing function. The polarizing layer has a corralling property to convert or impose polarization of unpolarized light transmitted through the transmission optical structure to have mostly or all P-polarization
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a sensor that detects a distance between the sensor and a target object. The sensor includes a transmission optical structure and/or a light source that polarizes light and minimizes cross talk within the sensor. As a result, detection results of the sensor are improved.