TIR Waveguide Channels Multi-Entrance Light to Single Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light communication systems, such as LiFi, face challenges in devices with limited space due to the need for multiple sensors for each light entrance, which restricts the number of sensors and light collection, and imposes mechanical constraints on sensor placement and alignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveguides with Total Internal Reflection (TIR) structures and diffusive elements to channel light from multiple entrances to a single sensor, allowing for wavelength-specific light detection and reducing the number of sensors required, while enabling flexible sensor placement and improved signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for each light entrance in conventional LiFi systems, then wavelength-specific light detection is achieved, but the number of sensors increases and device space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light collection functions into a single sensor by using a waveguide structure with multiple collection points that channel light from different wavelengths to a single sensor, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining wavelength-specific detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary element between multiple light entrances and a single sensor, guiding and separating light by wavelength through total internal reflection and diffusive elements, enabling one sensor to perform what would otherwise require multiple sensors
2Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are placed for each light entrance, then light communication is enabled, but mechanical constraints on sensor placement and alignment are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves as a flexible intermediary that can be routed to various locations on the device housing, allowing the single sensor to be positioned anywhere along the waveguide path without requiring precise alignment with multiple light entrances, thus eliminating mechanical constraints on sensor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is divided into multiple segments or collection points along its length, each capable of collecting light from different entrances, allowing flexible positioning and routing while maintaining functionality without precise alignment requirements
3Quantity of substance
If waveguides are used to channel light from multiple entrances to a single sensor, then the number of sensors is reduced, but the waveguide structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: collecting light from multiple entrances, separating wavelengths through total internal reflection, guiding light to a single sensor, and providing mechanical flexibility, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the waveguide's multifunctional nature
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 solution increases the amount of light collected for communication, reduces the number of sensors needed, and relaxes mechanical constraints, enabling effective light communication in devices with limited space and improving signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
waveguides with Total Internal Reflection (TIR) structures to channel light from multiple entrances to a single sensor
Implementation Method 2
diffusive elements to channel light from multiple entrances to a single sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Devices implementing light communications use waveguides to efficiently collect wavelength-specific light used for the light communications and propagate that collected light to a sensor. More particularly, light comprising a plurality of wavelengths and collected from one or more entrances propagates along a TIR waveguide until disrupted by a diffusive element, which effectively directs the propagating light to one or more sensors. Each sensor detects a subset of the plurality of wavelengths. In so doing, the solution presented herein increases the amount of light available for the light communications and/or reduces the number of sensors needed for the light communications, e.g., by providing light collected from multiple different locations to a single sensor. The waveguide solution presented herein may be implemented inside a device and/or along an exterior surface, e.g., housing or casing, of a device.