Multi-Light-Source Illumination for Optical Pointing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical displacement detection systems face limitations in performance due to inadequate illumination characteristics, leading to increased power consumption and a lack of distinct visual differentiation in pointing devices, while users rely on light sources for operational status feedback.
Innovation Solution
A multi-light-source optical displacement detection system with a sensor assembly and illumination assembly, featuring light sources with unique characteristics such as varying wavelengths, impinging angles, and intensities, along with a signaling light source for user feedback, is employed to optimize performance and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single light source is used for illumination, then the device structure is simple, but the pointing device performance is limited and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light sources, each with distinct illumination characteristics (wavelength, intensity, or impinging angle). This segmentation allows the system to select optimal light sources for different surface conditions, improving pointing device performance while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different light sources based on real-time illumination conditions and surface characteristics. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to optimize performance for varying environments, resolving the contradiction between performance reliability and structural simplicity by providing intelligence rather than static complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple light sources with unique characteristics are used, then pointing device performance is enhanced and power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic dynamically selects and activates only the necessary light sources based on current operational requirements and surface conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to consume less power by avoiding unnecessary illumination while managing the complexity of multiple light sources through intelligent, adaptive selection rather than continuous operation of all sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters (wavelength, intensity, impinging angle) by selecting different light sources from the plurality available. This parameter variability allows optimization of power consumption for different operating conditions while the control logic manages the complexity of having multiple light sources with different characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional illumination is used, then the device structure is simple, but there is a lack of visual differentiation for manufacturers and operational feedback for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs light sources with different wavelengths (colors) to provide visual differentiation for manufacturers and operational feedback for users. By selecting from light sources with unique spectral characteristics, the system can convey different visual signals while the control logic manages the complexity of incorporating and selecting from multiple wavelength options.
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 system enhances pointing device performance, reduces power consumption, and provides visual differentiation for manufacturers, while allowing users to determine operational status through visible light cues.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources are configured to illuminate an imaged area scanned by the electromagnetic energy sensing module
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to receive electromagnetic energy from an imaged area of a surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of an optical pointing device, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is characterized by a unique set of illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics include impinging angle, light wavelength, light homogeneity, and the like. A sensor receives electromagnetic energy originating at the light source to scan an imaged area. The sensor measures performance indexes associated with the light sources, which depend on the illumination characteristics. The sensor includes an imaging module, which may include passive filters, and control logic, which includes at least a DSP module and a light sensor selection module. Another embodiment includes additional signaling light sources that do not interfere with the illumination system and are for signaling to the user. A method to select the most adequate light source for any given surface is based on measured performance indices.