Multi-Light Optical Engine With Barrier Layout for Surface Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical navigation devices face challenges in accurately distinguishing between working surfaces of different materials due to variations in reflectivity, which affects the accuracy of navigation calculations.

Innovation Solution

An optical engine with multiple light sources is designed, where the light sources are switched based on the type of working surface, and a barrier structure is implemented to prevent interference between emission and reflected light from different sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single light source is used in the optical navigation device, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accurately distinguish working surfaces of different materials due to reflectivity variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to distinguish different working surfacesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single light source into multiple light sources with different spectral characteristics (e.g., first light source emitting at first wavelength, second light source emitting at second wavelength). Each light source is configured to interact with different material properties of working surfaces, enabling the system to distinguish between various surface materials by analyzing reflected light from multiple wavelengths simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different working surfaces, then the identification accuracy of working surfaces is improved, but interference between emission light and reflected light of different light sources occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of working surfacesVSAvoidinterference between light sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a barrier structure positioned between multiple light sources and the working surface. This barrier contains multiple openings that are selectively configured to allow emission light from specific light sources to pass through while blocking reflected light from other light sources. The barrier acts as an intermediary that spatially separates and controls light paths, preventing cross-interference between different wavelength emissions and their corresponding reflections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are used without a barrier structure, then the device can adapt to different working surfaces, but the reflected light from different light sources interferes with each other causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different working surfacesVSAvoidaccuracy of navigation calculations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier structure is segmented into multiple openings, with each opening corresponding to a specific light source and configured to transmit only its emission light while blocking reflected light from other sources. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple light sources for surface differentiation while ensuring that each light source's reflected signal remains distinct and interference-free, thereby preserving measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 optical engine enhances the identification accuracy of different working surfaces by eliminating interference between light sources, thereby improving the navigation device's ability to calculate accurate moving distances and speeds.

Implementation Method 1

The first light source is arranged inside the first opening and electrically coupled to the substrate, and configured to generate emission light leaving the first opening in a direction perpendicular to the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

The lens is arranged inside the second opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

The image sensor is disposed on the substrate, and configured to receive reflected light of the first light source via the second opening or receive reflected light of the second light source via the third opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

The present disclosure further provides an optical engine having multiple light sources having a barrier structure to prevent the interference between emission light and reflected light of different light sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250126338A1Optical engine with multiple light sources

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 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.