Optoelectronic Sensor Flicker Detection via Interval Signal Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic sensor devices struggle to efficiently detect flicker frequencies in light sources, leading to image distortions and 'banding' effects in CMOS-based cameras, particularly when the image recording frequency is not synchronized with the flicker frequency.

Innovation Solution

A compact and inexpensive optoelectronic sensor device that includes an optoelectronic detection device with a detector area for light detection, generating an electrical signal based on detected light. The sensor device features a signal recording device that saves signal values during time intervals and outputs a display signal upon interval expiration, allowing for synchronization of image recording frequency with detected flicker frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing optoelectronic sensor devices are used to detect flicker frequencies, then flicker detection capability is provided, but the devices are complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflicker frequency detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function needed for flicker detection - storing signal values during time intervals and outputting a display signal - while removing unnecessary complex components found in existing sensors like the VD6281, TCS3707, and TMD 49103S. This extraction approach maintains flicker detection capability while significantly simplifying the device structure and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The simplified sensor device can detect various flicker frequencies (including non-standard frequencies like 100Hz, 120Hz, 200Hz) through a universal time interval storage mechanism, making it adaptable to different lighting conditions and power grid frequencies without requiring multiple specialized detectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If existing optoelectronic sensor devices are used to detect flicker frequencies, then flicker detection capability is provided, but the devices are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflicker frequency detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple memory structure that stores signal values only for defined time intervals rather than continuous buffering, allowing for a more economical design that uses less expensive memory components while maintaining adequate flicker detection performance for the intended application duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If image recording frequency is not synchronized with flicker frequency, then continuous image capture is possible, but banding effects occur in images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture rateVSAvoidbanding effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor provides feedback about the detected flicker frequency through the display signal, enabling the camera system to adjust its image capture timing or frequency to synchronize with the flicker pattern, thereby eliminating banding effects while maintaining continuous capture capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 proposed sensor device effectively detects flicker frequencies, enabling synchronization of image recording frequencies and thereby reducing or eliminating 'banding' effects in images captured by CMOS-based cameras.

Implementation Method 1

an optoelectronic detection device (15) having a detector surface for detecting light and for providing an electrical signal as a function of the detected light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4111679B1Optoelectronic sensor apparatus, detector, electronic device, and method for operating such a sensor apparatus or such a detector
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 AMS OSRAM INT GMBH
  • EP4111679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4111679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4111679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor apparatus comprising: an optoelectronic detection device (15) which is designed to detect light and which provides an electrical signal in accordance with the detected light; and a signal detection device (21) which is designed to store at least one signal value of the electrical signal in a memory (19) during a time interval of repeating time intervals (T) and to output a display signal (315) after the time interval (T) has elapsed.