Microlens Array Optical Navigation for Handheld Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional navigation technologies for handheld devices, such as cell phones and PDAs, are limited by mechanical devices that are aesthetically unappealing, prone to wear, and offer restricted navigation capabilities, while optical navigation modules are impractical due to size constraints and the need for external devices.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device with an integrated optical navigation module using a flat-type microlens array, which includes a transparent surface, a light sensor, and a controller to detect motion and navigate cursors or menus, allowing for two-dimensional navigation without the need for external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical navigation devices are used in handheld devices, then navigation functionality is provided, but the devices are aesthetically unappealing and prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical navigation devices (buttons, rocker switches, track wheels) with an optical navigation system using a microlens array and image sensor. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear while providing smooth, multi-directional cursor control through optical motion detection of the device itself
2Ease of operation
If external optical mice are used with computers, then optical navigation is achieved, but the devices are not practical for handheld electronic devices due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation function directly into the handheld device by integrating a microlens array, light source, and image sensor onto the device housing. This eliminates the need for external optical mice while providing comparable or superior navigation capabilities through the device's own structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional cursor control (external mice) to three-dimensional motion detection by incorporating the z-axis (depth) through the distance between the microlens array and image sensor, enabling detection of tilting and rotational movements in addition to lateral movements
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical navigation devices are used to increase navigation directions, then more navigation options are provided, but the complexity of the navigation module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical switches and directional controls with a single optical sensor system that detects motion in multiple directions simultaneously. The microlens array and image sensor combination provides x-y-z axis detection, enabling navigation in all directions without requiring multiple mechanical components
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
Enables efficient and aesthetically pleasing two-dimensional navigation on handheld devices by reducing the form factor of optical navigation systems, preventing wear, and eliminating the need for external navigation tools, thus enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Light from a light source (generally an LED emitting a red wavelength light) reflects off the surface and is received through a window at the lens
Implementation Method 2
The lens focuses the received light on a sensor, which detects the image
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device includes a transparent surface; a microlens array having lenslets, each lenslet forming a corresponding image of an object using light received through the transparent surface; a light sensor having pixels, each pixel corresponding uniquely to one of the plurality of lenslets, to detect the formed images of the object; and a controller to use the detected images to determine a motion of the object relative to the transparent surface, and to output the detected motion to a display for use in navigating a cursor and/or a menu on the display according to the determined motion. The portable device can be used in a telephone, personal digital assistant, and/or other handheld devices which control navigation on a display included in the device or external to the device.