Illumination Spot Alignment via Image Array Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of optical mice with optical navigation sensing requires careful alignment of photodetectors and illuminators for uniform illumination, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An image array captures and evaluates images to determine the illumination spot size and location, with coordinates stored for alignment, allowing for automatic adjustment and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If careful alignment of photodetectors and illuminators is performed manually, then uniform illumination is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the image array to automatically detect the illumination spot position and size, then self-adjusts the illuminator alignment based on detected coordinates without requiring manual intervention for alignment calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated optical detection system using image arrays to capture and analyze illumination patterns, converting a mechanical alignment task into an optical measurement and computational correction process
2Manufacturing precision
If careful alignment of photodetectors and illuminators is performed manually, then uniform illumination is achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of illumination spot characteristics using the image array before final assembly completion, allowing alignment corrections to be made early in the manufacturing process rather than requiring time-consuming manual adjustment later
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual alignment procedures with automated optical detection and computational analysis using image arrays, significantly reducing the time required for alignment calibration while maintaining precision
3Manufacturing precision
If image array data is used to determine illumination spot coordinates, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image array serves multiple functions: it is used both for capturing illumination spot patterns during alignment calibration and for tracking surface features during normal mouse operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment detection hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software processing and coordinate storage as an intermediary between the image array detection and the physical alignment adjustment, simplifying the control system by using data processing rather than complex mechanical feedback mechanisms
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 method enables precise and cost-effective alignment of illumination spots, improving the manufacturing efficiency and performance of optical mice by using image array data to determine and store coordinates for optimal illumination, thereby enhancing the tracking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the optical mouse uses photodetectors arranged as an image array of pixels to image the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface located below the optical mouse
Data Source
AI summary
Illumination spot alignment is performed by capturing an image by an image array. The image is evaluated to determine an illumination spot size and location. Coordinates identifying the illumination spot size and location are stored.