Multi-Function Sensing System With Fiber Optic Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tactile sensors in exploration robots are limited in their ability to process data from multiple light sources and sensing elements, and they cannot provide comprehensive sensing functions beyond touch, such as two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning, surface texture detection, and chemical feature sensing.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system comprising an elastic layer, an image source, an image sensor, first and second fiber optic bundles, and a control unit that uses image processing techniques to detect forces and environmental data, allowing for tactile sensation, two-dimensional and three-dimensional scanning, and chemical feature detection by individually controlling light transmission through fiber optic cables paired with image pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tactile sensors use multiple light sources and light sensing elements to improve measurement precision, then the number of components increases and data processing becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sensing elements into a single image sensor (camera) that captures the entire elastic surface simultaneously. Instead of using multiple separate light sources and sensing elements, the system uses one image source, one image sensor, and fiber optic bundles to transmit optical information from the entire surface to the single sensor, thereby reducing component count while maintaining high-resolution tactile sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it detects tactile forces through light intensity changes, captures two-dimensional spatial distribution of forces, and enables three-dimensional scanning by detecting surface deformations. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors
2Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to detect tactile forces across the elastic surface, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture high-resolution spatial distribution of forces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear sensor arrays to two-dimensional image sensor detection. The image sensor captures force distribution across the entire elastic surface in two dimensions simultaneously, providing high-resolution spatial mapping of tactile forces. The fiber optic bundles transmit optical information from each point on the elastic surface to corresponding pixels in the image sensor, preserving spatial resolution while using a single sensor
3Measurement precision
If conventional tactile sensors are designed for high-resolution touch detection, then they can accurately sense force and pressure, but they cannot provide other sensing functions such as two-dimensional scanning and chemical feature detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality through the flexible elastic surface and image sensor combination. The same apparatus performs: (1) tactile force sensing through light intensity changes, (2) two-dimensional scanning by capturing spatial force distribution, (3) three-dimensional scanning by detecting surface deformations, and (4) chemical feature detection when the elastic surface incorporates chemical sensing materials. The image sensor serves as a universal detection platform for multiple sensing modalities
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 efficient detection of forces and environmental data, including surface texture and chemical features, with high resolution and practicality, enhancing the capabilities of exploration robots beyond simple touch sensing.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first fiber optic bundle (6a) comprising a plurality of fiber optic cables, a tips of which is paired with at least one pixel of the image source and other tips of which is positioned facing to the said elastic layer (1), and transmitting the image generated in the image source to the elastic layer (1)
Implementation Method 2
at least a second fiber optic bundle (6b) comprising a plurality of fiber optic cables, a tips of which is paired with at least one pixel of the image sensor and other tips of which is positioned facing to the said elastic layer (1), and transmitting the image received from the elastic layer (1) or from the surrounding environment to the image sensor (7)
Implementation Method 3
The sensing system (S) comprises at least an elastic layer (1)... at least one control unit (not shown in the figures) which controls the image (P) generated by the said image source (5) and analyzes the image captured by the image sensor (7) using image processing techniques so as to detect at least one data about the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of second fiber optic cables, a tips of which are separated from surrounding environment via said layer by being located under the layer and being directed towards the layer and other tips of which are in connection with said image sensor so that each second fiber optic cable is paired with one pixel of the image sensor, wherein light beams reflected from the layer are transferred to the image sensor by said second fiber optic cables
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
In the sensing system (S) according to the present invention, the position and intensity of a force applied is detected with high resolution and an image and video of the surrounding environment is taken, wherein a three-dimensional scanning thereof is performed, and the surface texture of the object touched and creep is detected; and a two-dimensional and three-dimensional image (hologram) may be generated and physical and/or chemical features are detected. The said sensing system (S) comprises at least an elastic layer (1); at least one image source (5) positioned under the elastic layer (1) and generating an image (P); an image sensor (7) positioned under the elastic layer (1); a first fiber optic bundle (6a) transmitting the image (P) generated in the image source (5) to the elastic layer (1); a second fiber optic bundle (6b) transmitting the image received from the elastic layer (1) or the surrounding environment to the image sensor (7); a control unit which controls the image (P) generated by the image source (5) and analyzes the image captured by the image sensor (7) using image processing techniques so as to detect data about the surrounding environment; a first data link (8) for data communication between the image source (5) and the control unit; and a second data link (9) for data communication between the image sensor (7) and the control unit.