Proximity Sensor Optical Path with Microprism Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices face challenges in managing power consumption and noise interference in proximity sensors due to limited power availability and false readings from reflections and refractions within the device body.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating microprism arrays and light focusing devices, such as microlenses and microprism arrays, in the optical path of proximity sensors to increase the scanning scope and field-of-view while reducing noise and optimizing power usage by positioning the energy source and detector separately and using ambient light sensors to adjust energy settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If microprism arrays and light focusing devices are incorporated in the optical path of proximity sensors, then scanning scope and field-of-view are increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprism array is integrated into the existing cover lens structure, and the light focusing device is positioned within the optical path between the emitter/detector and the microprism array. This nesting approach allows multiple optical components to be combined in a compact arrangement, expanding the scanning scope without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover lens is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a protective cover and an integral part of the optical system by incorporating the microprism array. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby increasing scanning capabilities while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If energy source and detector are positioned separately with light focusing devices, then noise interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light focusing device is extracted as a separate functional element positioned in the optical path between the emitter and the detector. This extraction allows the focusing function to be optimized independently, reducing noise interference by controlling light paths more effectively, while the modular nature of this extracted component helps manage overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light focusing device acts as an intermediary element in the optical path, mediating between the emitter and detector. It controls and directs light paths, reducing noise interference from reflections and refractions within the device body, while its intermediary position allows for optimized separate positioning of the energy source and detector.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ambient light sensors are used to adjust energy settings, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensor provides feedback about the surrounding light conditions to the control system. Based on this feedback, the energy source settings are dynamically adjusted - for example, reducing emitter power in bright ambient conditions and increasing it in darker environments. This feedback mechanism optimizes power consumption by adapting energy usage to actual operating conditions, while the feedback loop is implemented through integrated control logic that manages the additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy settings of the proximity sensor are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously adapts its power consumption characteristics based on ambient light conditions detected by the ambient light sensor. This dynamic adjustment allows optimal power consumption across varying environmental conditions, with the control system managing the complexity of real-time parameter changes.
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
Enhances the scanning capabilities and field-of-view of proximity sensors, reduces noise interference, and optimizes power consumption by focusing light effectively and adjusting energy levels based on ambient conditions, thereby improving device performance and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating microprism arrays and light focusing devices, such as microlenses and microprism arrays, in the optical path of proximity sensors to increase the scanning scope and field-of-view
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating microprism arrays and light focusing devices, such as microlenses and microprism arrays, in the optical path of proximity sensors
Implementation Method 3
reducing noise and optimizing power usage by positioning the energy source and detector separately and using ambient light sensors to adjust energy settings
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor assembly including a light source, a first detector, and a first light focusing device. The light source is operative to emit light toward a first target area. The first detector is operative to detect light, including light emitted by the light source and reflected from the first target area. The first light focusing device is in a first optical path between the light source and the first detector. The first optical path includes an optical path from the light source and reflected from the first target area.