Self-Mixing Laser Sensor for Precise Velocity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems are complex and costly, and they fail to efficiently detect critical movements of objects with precision and speed.
Innovation Solution
A security system utilizing a sensor module with a laser sensor working on self-mixing interference, comprising a laser source and detector, which generates measurement data related to velocity components of objects, and a control circuit that activates security measures based on threshold values, allowing for precise and fast detection of critical movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex radiation source and receiver system with multiple light-sensitive elements is used to detect object movements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser source and detector into a single integrated sensor module, eliminating the need for separate radiation sources and multiple light-sensitive elements. This merging maintains measurement precision through self-mixing interference while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sensor utilizes self-mixing interference where the laser light reflects off the object and re-enters the laser cavity, causing intensity modulations that directly encode velocity information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external interferometers or complex detection systems, achieving high precision with minimal components.
2Reliability
If traditional security systems with multiple components are used, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but response time increases due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores threshold velocity values in the control circuit before detection is needed. When an object's velocity exceeds these pre-set thresholds, the security means are immediately activated without requiring complex real-time analysis, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic security systems with a streamlined optical detection system that directly measures velocity through self-mixing interference. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts and signal processing stages, enabling faster response while maintaining detection reliability through precise velocity measurement.
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
The system enables fast, simple, and precise detection of critical movements, with the ability to adapt velocity thresholds based on distance and provide redundant measurements for increased reliability, effectively activating security measures such as airbags or brakes in a timely manner.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor module (15) comprising at least one laser sensor (10) working with self-mixing interference
Implementation Method 2
The laser sensor may comprise a laser source and a detector. The detector may be a photodiode and the laser source may be a laser diode
Implementation Method 3
The detector may be a photodiode... The detector is arranged in such a way that the modulation of the laser beam in the laser cavity can be detected
Data Source
AI summary
A security system is described, comprising a sensor module (15) which accommodates a laser sensor (10) working with self-mixing interference. The laser sensor (10) generates measurement data which are related to the velocity of an object such as the body of a human being and, optionally, the distance between the laser sensor (10) and the object. Dependent on the measurement data assembled by the laser sensor (10) and supplied to a control circuit (30) such as an airbag computer, the airbag computer activate security means such as an airbag (35)in order to prevent injuries of the human body. Furthermore, a method of driving such a security system is described.