Navigation Optical Engine Layout for Multi-Surface Light Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Navigation devices face challenges in distinguishing working surfaces of different materials due to varying reflectivity, leading to interference between multiple light sources and reduced identification accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An optical engine with a barrier structure that accommodates multiple light sources, preventing interference by arranging them to illuminate and capture light from different areas of the working surface, using a carrier member with specific openings and filters to manage light paths effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different working surfaces, then the adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but light interference between sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different working surfacesVSAvoidlight interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical engine is divided into multiple independent light source modules, each with its own illumination area and wavelength characteristics. The working surface is correspondingly segmented into multiple detection zones, allowing each light source to operate independently on its designated area without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the working surface are assigned different light sources with specific wavelengths optimized for that material type. Each light source emits light with characteristics tailored to the local surface properties it needs to detect, improving adaptability while maintaining spectral separation to reduce interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used to detect different surface materials, then the measurement precision for material identification is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidoptical engine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light sources and their corresponding image sensors are integrated into a single unified optical engine module. The shared optical path, common control circuitry, and consolidated housing structure reduce overall system complexity despite containing multiple functional elements for detecting different surface materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical engine is designed as a multi-functional device that can detect various working surface materials (paper, plastic, glass, metal) using the same hardware platform. By making the system universal rather than requiring separate devices for each material type, the complexity is managed through standardized components and a single integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If light sources are arranged to illuminate different areas, then the light interference is reduced, but the light using efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight interferenceVSAvoidlight using efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple light sources operate in a time-multiplexed manner, alternating their illumination in periodic cycles rather than simultaneously. This temporal separation prevents spatial interference while maintaining high light usage efficiency, as each light source can emit at full intensity during its designated time slot without competing with others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances identification accuracy by minimizing light interference, allowing the optical engine to operate efficiently on various surfaces with improved light usage efficiency and consistent image capture.

Implementation Method 1

The light filter is arranged between the first opening and the second opening, and is arranged upon the image sensor but does not cover the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

The first opening exposes a lens in a lens contain space of the carrier member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

uses an image sensor to capture reflected light from the working surface to generate image frames

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260075299A1Optical engine of navigation device

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 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 carrier member and an image sensor. The carrier member has a light holder, a lens holder, an accommodation space and a tilted wall. The first light source is arranged on the light holder of the carrier member, and reflected light associated with the first light source penetrates through the lens to propagate to the image sensor inside the accommodation space. Reflected light associated with the second light source penetrates through the tilted wall of the carrier member to propagate to the image sensor.