Reconfigurable Photodetector Arrays for Optical Signal Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies face challenges with interference, optical signal alignment, and power consumption in applications such as smartphones and autonomous vehicles, particularly in determining object characteristics like object recognition and depth information.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable optical sensing apparatus with a photodetector array that dynamically adjusts regions of interest based on electrical signal strengths, deactivating unnecessary photodetectors to optimize signal detection and reduce interference, using materials like germanium for improved sensitivity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all photodetectors in the photodetector array are activated to capture the full optical field, then the coverage area and detection capability are improved, but the power consumption increases and interference from unwanted signals is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the photodetector array by selectively activating or deactivating specific photodetectors based on the detected region of interest. The system transitions from a static all-or-nothing activation mode to a dynamic selective activation mode, where only necessary photodetectors remain active, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector array is segmented into multiple independently controllable photodetectors, allowing the system to activate only the specific subset corresponding to the region of interest. This segmentation enables granular control over which photodetectors are active, reducing overall power consumption while preserving detection capability in the relevant area.
2Measurement precision
If all photodetectors are activated to ensure complete signal capture, then the signal detection capability is improved, but interference from unwanted optical signals is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the region of interest from the full optical field by selectively activating only the photodetectors that correspond to the relevant area. This extraction process separates the useful signal from the interfering signals in other regions, improving measurement precision by eliminating unwanted optical interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different regions of the photodetector array with different activation states based on their relevance to the measurement task. The region of interest maintains high detection sensitivity with active photodetectors, while irrelevant regions are deactivated to prevent interference, creating spatially varying operational characteristics.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the photodetector array is configured for a specific region of interest, then power consumption is reduced and interference is minimized, but the detection coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the active photodetector configuration based on the detected region of interest, allowing it to expand or contract its effective detection area as needed. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to maintain full detection coverage when necessary while reducing to a smaller active area for power savings when the target is localized, resolving the trade-off between coverage and power consumption.
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
Enhances optical measurement performance by customizing photodetector arrays for specific conditions, reducing power consumption, and effectively filtering unwanted signals, leading to improved object recognition and depth sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first ROI, including one or more first photodetectors, configured to detect a first optical signal reflected from a target object and output one or more first electrical signals
Data Source
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Figure 2A
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for improved reconfigurable optical sensing are provided. For instance, an example optical sensing apparatus can include a photodetector array including a plurality of photodetectors. The optical sensing apparatus can include circuitry or one or more processing devices configured to receive one or more electrical signals representing an optical signal received by a first subset of the plurality of photodetectors; determine, based on the one or more electrical signals, a region of interest in the photodetector array for optical measurements; and deactivate, based on the region of interest, a second subset of the plurality of photodetectors of the photodetector array.