Retroreflective Housing Cap for Optical Sensor Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical ranging sensors face challenges in reducing unwanted optical noise from various sources, which increases noise at the optical radiation receiver and reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), leading to inaccurate and inconsistent readings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of retroreflective mechanisms on the surfaces of the optical sensor housing cap directs unwanted optical noise back towards its source, thereby reducing noise received at the optical radiation receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If retroreflective mechanisms are implemented on the housing cap surfaces, then unwanted optical noise is reduced and signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies retroreflective mechanisms that reflect unwanted optical noise back toward its source, converting the harmful effect of reflected light into a beneficial reduction of noise at the receiver. The retroreflective surfaces cause stray light to return to its origin rather than reaching the optical radiation receiver, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio while adding minimal structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If retroreflective mechanisms are implemented on the housing cap surfaces, then unwanted optical noise is reduced and measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs retroreflective tape or paint applied to the housing cap surfaces, which are relatively simple and inexpensive components compared to complex optical filtering systems. These retroreflective materials can be applied during standard manufacturing processes, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity while effectively reducing optical noise to improve reading accuracy.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If retroreflective mechanisms are implemented on the housing cap surfaces, then optical noise from unwanted sources is reduced, but the housing cap surface area is reduced due to coverage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies retroreflective mechanisms selectively to specific surfaces of the housing cap where they are most effective at reflecting unwanted optical noise away from the receiver. Rather than covering the entire housing cap, the retroreflective materials are positioned on internal surfaces and edges that directly contribute to stray light paths, maintaining necessary surface area while targeting noise reduction at critical locations.
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 significantly reduces unwanted optical noise, improving the accuracy and consistency of the optical ranging sensor by enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective mechanism implemented on a surface of the housing cap to direct unwanted optical noise back towards an unwanted optical noise source
Data Source
AI summary
An example electronic system utilizing an optical ranging, proximity, and/or image sensor configured with retroreflective mechanisms to reduce unwanted optical noise at an optical radiation receiver are provided. The example ranging, proximity, and/or image sensor is configured to include a housing cap having a transmission opening and a receiving opening. The example sensor may further include an optical radiation source positioned to direct ranging optical radiation through the transmission opening toward a target object. An optical radiation receiver is positioned to receive ranging optical radiation reflected off the target object through the receiving opening. A retroreflective mechanism implemented on a surface of the housing cap directs unwanted optical noise back towards an unwanted optical noise source and away from the optical radiation receiver. Properties of the target object may be determined based on one or more properties of the ranging optical radiation received at optical radiation receiver.