Sensor Assembly with Transparent and Sensitive Sub-Elements for Variable Distribution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the ability to effectively capture the distribution of various variables in objects in an image-like format, particularly for substances without available transparent sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with multiple sub-elements, where one sub-element is transparent for specific wavelengths and another is sensitive to the variable, allowing for image capture of the variable's distribution by recording sensor responses and object images, enabling correspondence between distribution positions and object positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent sensor is used to capture variable distribution, then the substance distribution can be visualized through the sensor, but transparent sensors are not available for all substances of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple sensor sub-elements arranged in a matrix, where each sub-element contains both a transparent portion and a sensor portion. This segmentation allows different materials to be used in different sub-elements based on the substance being detected, while maintaining overall sensor transparency for imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sensor have different properties: the transparent portions allow light transmission for imaging, while the sensor portions contain specific materials sensitive to particular substances. This local differentiation enables versatile substance detection while preserving overall sensor transparency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect different variables, then comprehensive measurement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor sub-elements detecting different variables are merged into a single sensor assembly with a unified matrix structure. All sub-elements share common support infrastructure and can be imaged simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-variable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it detects various substances and variables through different sensor sub-elements, provides structural support for all sensors, enables simultaneous imaging of all sensor responses, and allows flexible configuration for different measurement needs.
3Loss of information
If sensor sub-elements are arranged in a matrix with fixed positions, then spatial correspondence between sensor responses and object positions is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed matrix arrangement of sensor sub-elements creates a spatial map that copies the geometric relationships onto the sensor responses. This allows computational methods to establish correspondence between sensor positions and object positions without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the relative positions are what matter most.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring absolute positioning precision, the system uses relative position parameters and fixed geometric relationships between sub-elements. The known fixed positions serve as reference parameters that can be used computationally to achieve accurate spatial correspondence even with moderate manufacturing variations.
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 the two-dimensional representation of variable distributions in a single image, facilitating systematic evaluation and alignment, and adaptable to different variables and configurations, such as temperature, substance presence, or pressure, through luminescence or color changes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first sensor sub-element is transparent for at least one wavelength region of light
Implementation Method 2
The optical behavior can comprise a color change of the at least one second sensor sub-element in dependence on the at least one variable, or a change of a luminescence behavior
Implementation Method 3
a fluorescent dye is applied on the portion of the tissue surface, and is illuminated with excitation light in order to excite fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly, a method, and a measuring system for capturing the distribution of at least one variable of an object are disclosed. The sensor assembly has at least one sensor element comprising at least one first sensor sub-element and at least one second sensor sub-element. The at least one first sensor sub-element is transparent for at least one wavelength region of light, the at least one second sensor sub-element is sensitive to at least one variable. Furthermore a method and measuring system and an illumination system for illuminating the sensor assembly and the object is provided.