Side Illumination Optical Detection for Compact Device Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical detecting apparatuses with light sources emitting in a bottom-to-up direction require larger thickness and result in complex light paths and unclear images due to multiple reflections or refractions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a side light source and an optional additional light source with a light guide to illuminate objects, where the light beam's angle relative to the detecting surface is less than 60 degrees, reducing device height and improving image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a bottom-to-up light source is used to illuminate the object, then the object can be illuminated, but the apparatus thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional bottom-to-up illumination approach by using a side light source that illuminates the object from the side. This inversion changes the light direction from vertical to horizontal, allowing the light to reach the object without requiring increased apparatus thickness, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination effectiveness and compact design.
2Illumination intensity
If light undergoes multiple reflections or refractions to reach the object, then the object can be illuminated, but the light path becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary intermediate optical elements (reflectors, refractors) from the light path by directly positioning the light source to illuminate the object. This extraction simplifies the optical system by removing components that cause multiple reflections and refractions, thereby reducing light path complexity while maintaining effective illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If light undergoes multiple reflections or refractions, then the object can be illuminated, but the image signal decays and becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the illumination approach to eliminate multiple reflections and refractions that cause signal decay. By using direct side illumination, the light reaches the object in a single pass, preserving signal strength and ensuring clear image capture, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving illumination and maintaining image quality.
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 configuration decreases device height and provides clear object images by utilizing side light sources and optional additional illumination, enhancing image accuracy and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide, comprising at least one light transparent region, wherein light from the second light source can pass through the light transparent region to illuminate the object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detecting apparatus, which comprises: a detecting surface; a first light source, for providing light parallel to the detecting surface; an image sensor, for detecting an object close to the detecting surface, to generate object image data; and an object location determining apparatus, for computing location information of the object according to the object image.