Semitransparent Organic Photosensitive Diode Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors require separate optical elements for subdividing transmission light beams into measuring and reference beams, leading to increased complexity, larger apparatus dimensions, and the need for extensive calibration and synchronization, while also being prone to extraneous light interference.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor utilizing a semitransparent photosensitive area detector that simultaneously detects both transmission and reflection light radiation, eliminating the need for separate optics and synchronization, and allowing for direct correlation of light levels without correction factors, with the photosensitive area detector being capable of monitoring the transmitting unit's function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical elements are used to subdivide the transmission light beam into measuring light beam and reference light beam, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and apparatus dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of transmitting optics and receiving optics into a single optical system. The transmission light beam and reflection light beam share common optical elements, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and reducing the number of optical components required. This merging approach maintains measurement accuracy while significantly simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same optical elements are used for both transmitting the light beam and receiving the reflection light beam. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the system by eliminating redundant components that would be present in conventional separate transmit/receive optical systems.
2Measurement precision
If optical elements are used to subdivide the transmission light beam, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the apparatus dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the transmitting and receiving optical paths into a single shared path, the patent eliminates the need for separate optical benches and mounting structures. This significantly reduces the physical footprint of the apparatus while maintaining the ability to perform accurate measurements through the shared optical elements.
3Measurement precision
If separate drive means are used for transmitting and receiving optics, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the calibration and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single drive means to control both the transmission and reception operations through the shared optical elements. This unified control approach eliminates the need for complex synchronization between separate drive systems and reduces calibration requirements, as there is only one optical path to calibrate rather than multiple independent paths.
4Measurement precision
If the transmission light beam is attenuated by beam subdivision, then the reference light beam evaluation is improved, but the transmitting unit dimensions must increase
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating beam subdivision through the merging of transmit and receive paths, the patent avoids attenuation of the transmission light beam. The single optical path allows the full intensity of the transmitted beam to reach the target and return, eliminating the need for larger transmitting units that would be required to compensate for beam loss in subdivided systems.
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 solution reduces the size of the optical transmitting unit, simplifies the evaluation process, and enhances measurement accuracy by using a single detector for both light levels, reducing the need for separate monitoring and synchronization, and improving the sensor's resistance to extraneous light.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive area detector (12) which has semitransparent properties, is both irradiated by the transmission light beam (21) from the optical transmitting unit (11), and is used as a receiver for the reflection light radiation (23) reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor having at least one optical transmitting unit for production of a transmitted light beam, a photosensitive flat detector with semitransparent characteristics, through which the transmitted light beam passes, and which re-receives reflection light beams, i.e., from an object, and an evaluation unit for the photoelectric current of the photosensitive flat detector, at least for detection of an object. The photosensitive flat detector advantageously includes an organic polymer layer comprising a photosensitive substrate. An “Organic Photosensitive Diode” (OPD) is particularly advantageously used as the photosensitive flat detector with semitransparent characteristics.