Method for operating a directional sensor arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient light sensors lack directional sensitivity, which is essential for applications like solar tracking, automated window blinds, and navigation, as they typically use diffuser domes that attenuate light and remove directional information.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement comprising multiple light sensors aligned along the faces of a polyhedron-like volume, allowing for directional light sensing without the need for a diffuser, by generating signals dependent on the orientation of the polyhedron's faces, thus determining the direction and intensity of light sources within a specific region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a diffuser dome is placed over the light sensitive surface, then the sensor achieves directionally invariant sensing, but the response is attenuated and directional information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple discrete light-sensitive surfaces (first, second, third, and optionally fourth surfaces) arranged in a specific geometric configuration. Each surface independently detects light from different directions, and the combined signals provide both directional and intensity information without requiring a diffuser dome.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration with surfaces oriented at different angles and positions. This spatial arrangement allows the sensor to capture directional information while maintaining sensitivity, as each surface contributes to the overall measurement from its specific orientation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are arranged in a three-dimensional polyhedron-like structure, then directional light sensing capability is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple light-sensitive surfaces serve dual functions: individually, each surface detects light intensity from its specific direction, and collectively, the arrangement determines the direction of incident light. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor arrangement to provide both directional and intensity information without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple light sensors into a single integrated sensor arrangement where the surfaces are positioned and oriented to work together as one unit. The connection means electrically connect all surfaces to a common evaluation unit, merging their functions while maintaining their individual directional sensitivities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light sensors are aligned along faces of a polyhedron-like volume, then omnidirectional sensing is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light-sensitive surfaces are intentionally arranged with asymmetric orientations and positions relative to each other, corresponding to the faces of a polyhedron-like volume. This asymmetric configuration ensures that each surface receives light from distinct directions, enabling omnidirectional sensing capability while the geometric structure provides natural alignment references.
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 truly omnidirectional light sensing, improving sensitivity and accuracy in detecting light direction and intensity, suitable for various applications including solar tracking and navigation, without the use of a diffuser.
Implementation Method 1
The individual light sensors generate first, second, and third sensor signals as a response to incident light
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A sensor arrangement comprises at least a first, a second, and a third light sensor (1, 2, 3) wherein each light sensor is aligned along a face of a polyhedron-like volume (Vol), respectively, so that the sensor arrangement encloses the polyhedron-like volume (Vol). A method for operating the sensor arrangement comprises collecting from the at least first, second, and third light sensor (1, 2, 3) respective sensor signals depending on a light source to be detected. From the collected sensor signals projections onto the principal axes of a three-dimensional coordinate system are determined and, further, from the determined projections a direction of the light source to be detected with respect to the three-dimensional coordinate system (x, y, z) is determined.