UV Sensor Array Estimating Spectral Contributions via Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UV light measurement technologies face challenges in accurately detecting UVB radiation due to its low presence in the solar spectrum, angle-dependent optical filters, and high manufacturing costs, making it difficult to estimate biologically relevant spectral contributions for human health and mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize sensor fusion and intelligent algorithms to estimate spectral contributions in ambient light by combining data from multiple sensors with varying fields of view, accounting for contextual information like location, time, and atmospheric conditions to provide a refined estimate of UV Index and other biologically relevant metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical filters are used to detect UV light, then spectral selectivity is improved, but field of view is limited due to angle sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection task into multiple segments by using several photodiodes with different optical filters, each optimized for specific UV bands (UVA, UVB, UVC). This segmentation allows spectral precision to be maintained in each segment while the collective array provides broader angular coverage through spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection to a spatial array of detectors, adding the spatial dimension to the detection system. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain spectral selectivity through individual filter optimization while achieving extended field of view through the geometric arrangement of multiple detection elements.
2Measurement precision
If UVB detection is implemented with narrow bandwidth filters, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to tight tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by using broadband optical filters combined with multiple photodiodes having different spectral responses. This parameter change allows the system to achieve UVB detection precision without requiring expensive narrowband filters with tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If detector area is increased to improve UVB detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small photodiode detectors into a unified detection array, where each element contributes to the overall UVB detection capability. This merging approach achieves the signal strength of a large detector through the combined output of multiple smaller elements, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding the drawbacks of a single large detector including increased cost and reduced angular acceptance.
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 approach enables accurate estimation of UV spectral contributions with improved accuracy and reduced costs, approaching scientific quality while dynamically increasing the effective field of view, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional UV measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
Both UVA and UVB light experience significant Rayleigh scattering, the phenomenon responsible for making the sky blue.
Implementation Method 2
To detect UV light, either a special shallow junction photodiode in a typical Optoelectronic material such as silicon can be used
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for estimating spectral contributions in ambient light. The present disclosure also describes systems, methods, and devices for compensating for field of view errors resulting from the user, contextual structures (e.g., buildings, trees, fixtures, or geological formations), atmospheric effects (e.g., ozone coverage, smog, fog, haze, or clouds), device structures, and/or device orientation/tilt relative to a light source being measured (e.g., sun, indoor/outdoor light emitter, or an at least partially reflective surface). The present disclosure also describes systems, methods, and devices for estimating spectral contributions in light or color measurements and accounting for field of view errors to obtain a refined estimate.