Optical Engine Barrier Structure for Multi-Source Surface Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical navigation devices face challenges in distinguishing working surfaces of different materials due to variations in reflectivity, leading to interference between emission and reflected light from multiple light sources, which affects identification accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The optical engine incorporates a barrier structure with multiple light sources and a specific arrangement of openings and spaces to prevent interference between emission and reflected light, using a combination of light emitting diodes and laser diodes, along with a lens and image sensor, to enhance identification accuracy on various working surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different working surfaces, then the adaptability to different working surfaces is improved, but the interference between emission light and reflected light from different light sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different working surfacesVSAvoidinterference between light sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical engine is segmented into multiple independent light source modules, each with its own emission path and corresponding image sensor. The barrier structure divides the internal space into separate regions for different light sources (e.g., first light source in first space, second light source in third space), preventing cross-interference while maintaining adaptability to different working surfaces through selective activation of appropriate light sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A barrier structure acts as an intermediary element between different light sources and the image sensor. This barrier structure includes openings that selectively allow light from specific sources to reach the sensor while blocking light from other sources, thereby mediating the interaction between multiple light sources and enabling surface material identification without interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used to improve identification accuracy on different surfaces, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light sources (LED and laser diode) and their control circuits are integrated into a single optical engine module with a unified barrier structure and shared image sensor. This merging approach maintains measurement precision through multi-source illumination while reducing overall device complexity by consolidating components into one integrated unit rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical engine is designed with multi-functionality to serve different working surfaces using multiple light sources. The barrier structure with multiple openings and spaces accommodates different light sources and their respective optical paths, allowing the same device to identify various surface materials (white, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, green, black) without requiring separate identification devices for each surface type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution effectively eliminates interference between light sources, improving the accuracy of image feature identification and enabling operation on different working surfaces by isolating light paths and using a processor to calculate detection results from distinct light source areas.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The second opening is connected to a second space below the second plane surface, wherein the second space is configured to accommodate a lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLens: Lens

Implementation Method 3

uses an image sensor to capture reflected light from the working surface to generate image frames

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11595554B2Barrier structure of optical engine accommodating multiple light sources

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

There is provided an optical engine for a navigation device including a first light source, a second light source, a lens, a barrier structure and an image sensor. The barrier structure has a first space for containing the first light source, a second space for containing the lens and a third space for containing the second light source and the image sensor. The reflected light associated with the first light source propagates to the image sensor via the lens in the second space. The reflected light associated with the second light source propagates to the image sensor via the third space without passing through the lens in the second space.