Tactile Sensor Reflecting Unit for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactile sensors face challenges in miniaturization due to limitations in reducing the distance between the imaging unit and the contact surface without compromising image quality and sensitivity, leading to difficulties in maintaining a wide imaging view angle and securing sufficient light, which hinders their further miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A tactile sensor design incorporating a transmitting unit with a reflecting unit that allows light to be reflected and guided into the imaging unit's view angle, enabling the imaging unit to capture both direct and reflected images of markers on the transmitting unit, which deforms with the object, allowing for accurate detection of the gripping state without requiring a wide-angle lens or extensive miniaturization of the imaging unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between the imaging unit and the contact surface is shortened to miniaturize the tactile sensor, then the sensor size is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates and the imaging view angle becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflecting unit that redirects light paths, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the imaging geometry. By using reflection, the imaging unit can capture images at angles that would otherwise require a much larger direct viewing distance, thus maintaining image quality while reducing the overall sensor footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting unit acts as an intermediary between the contact surface and the imaging unit. It mediates the light path by reflecting light from the contact surface into the imaging unit's view angle, enabling the imaging unit to capture high-quality images even when positioned closer to the contact surface than would traditionally be required.
2Area of moving object
If a wide-angle lens is used to maintain imaging view angle when shortening distance, then the imaging view angle is secured, but distortion increases and light amount becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a wide-angle lens to expand the view angle, the patent inverts the approach by using a reflecting unit to redirect light into the existing view angle of the imaging unit. This avoids the distortion and light amount problems associated with wide-angle lenses while still achieving comprehensive coverage of the contact surface.
3Volume of moving object
If the imaging unit is miniaturized to reduce sensor size, then the sensor is more compact, but image sensitivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting unit performs a preliminary action by pre-redirecting light from the contact surface into the imaging unit's view angle before the light reaches the imaging sensor. This ensures that even a miniaturized imaging unit receives sufficient light intensity and coverage to maintain high image sensitivity, as the light path optimization occurs upstream in the optical system.
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 design facilitates the miniaturization of tactile sensors by maintaining image quality and sensitivity, enabling accurate detection of object contact and deformation, while allowing for a wider field of view and improved detection accuracy of gripping states.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting unit arranged on the second surface side of the transmitting unit and configured to reflect light from at least a part of a region of the transmitting unit and guide the light into an imaging view angle of the imaging unit
Data Source
AI summary
A tactile sensor includes a transmitting unit including a first surface that is capable of coming into contact with a gripping target object and a second surface that is a back surface of the first surface, an imaging unit that is capable of imaging an image of an object present on a first surface side of the transmitting unit from a second surface side, and a reflecting unit arranged on the second surface side of the transmitting unit and configured to reflect light from at least a part of a region of the transmitting unit and guide the light into an imaging view angle of the imaging unit.