Monolithic Molded Optic System for Optical Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical navigation systems for devices like computer mice are bulky and complex due to external illumination and imaging optics, which increase size, complexity, and costs while reducing stability and yield.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic Molded Optic System (MOS) integrates illumination and imaging optics within a single unit, using a coherent light source and a 2D comb-array of photosensitive elements, with a precision aperture and mechanical alignment features for self-alignment and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external illumination and imaging optics are used in conventional optical navigation systems, then the system can illuminate the surface and capture images, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the illumination optics and imaging optics into a single monolithic molded optic component. The illumination lens and imaging lens are formed as one integrated piece with mechanical alignment features, eliminating the need for separate external optical components and their complex assembly, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic molded optic component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the illumination lens and the imaging lens, and also provides mechanical alignment features for self-alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system
2Reliability
If external illumination and imaging optics are used in conventional optical navigation systems, then the optical functions are achieved, but the manufacturing costs decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple optical functions into a single molded component, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps and potential alignment errors, thereby improving manufacturing yield and reducing costs while maintaining system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic molded optic includes integral mechanical alignment features that enable self-alignment during assembly. This self-aligning capability reduces the need for complex alignment procedures and specialized assembly equipment, improving ease of manufacture and yield
3Device complexity
If VCSEL and PD arrays are packaged as separate ICs and mounted to PCB, then the optical components can be integrated, but the alignment requirements become critical
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic molded optic acts as an intermediary component that provides integral mechanical alignment features. These features serve as a mediator between the VCSEL/PD arrays and the PCB, ensuring precise alignment without requiring critical alignment during the mounting process
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical alignment features are pre-formed as integral parts of the monolithic molded optic during the molding process. This preliminary creation of alignment features eliminates the need for complex alignment operations during subsequent assembly steps
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 MOS reduces system size and complexity, enhances stability and reliability, and lowers costs while improving yield by enabling efficient light usage and precise alignment, resulting in a more efficient and accurate optical navigation system.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to illuminate a surface
Implementation Method 2
Light from the light source scattered off of an optically rough surface generates a random intensity distribution of light known as speckle
Implementation Method 3
a two-dimensional CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor) detector which captures the resultant images
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an optic system for providing illumination and imaging functions in an optical navigation system. Generally, the optic system includes a unitary optic component having an illumination lens and at least one prism to project a collimated beam of light from a light source in the optical navigation system onto a surface, and an imaging lens to image at least a portion of the illuminated surface to an array of photosensitive elements. In one embodiment, optic system further includes an aperture component having a precision aperture, the aperture component configured to locate the precision aperture between the imaging lens of the unitary optic component and the array of photosensitive elements in a path of light reflected from the portion of the illuminated surface to the array of photosensitive elements. Other embodiments are also described.