Optical Engine Barrier Layout for Multi-Surface Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical navigation devices face challenges in distinguishing working surfaces with different materials due to variations in reflectivity, leading to inaccurate calculations of moving distance and speed.
Innovation Solution
The optical engine incorporates a barrier structure with multiple light sources that can be switched based on the working surface material, preventing interference between emission and reflected light, and enhancing identification accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single light source is used in the optical engine, then the device structure is simple, but the navigation device cannot accurately distinguish working surfaces with different materials due to reflectivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into multiple light sources with different spectral characteristics (e.g., different wavelengths or colors). Each light source can be selectively activated based on the detected working surface material, enabling the system to adapt to different surfaces without requiring a completely different device for each material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic light source selection mechanism that can switch between different light sources based on real-time detection of working surface properties. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize its performance for different materials while maintaining a unified device structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate different working surfaces, then the identification accuracy improves, but light interference between different light sources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful light interference by implementing spatial separation of light paths using barrier structures. The barrier structure includes selectively transparent portions that block or transmit specific light paths, effectively removing the interference component while preserving the useful illumination and reflection paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a barrier structure as an intermediary element between the multiple light sources and the working surface. This barrier structure mediates the light paths by selectively blocking or transmitting light from different sources, preventing direct interference between light beams while still allowing each light source to effectively illuminate its target surface.
3Reliability
If no barrier structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but reflected light from different light sources interferes with each other causing inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the barrier structure selectively transparent or opaque based on their specific functions. Each portion of the barrier is designed with specific optical properties (transparent to certain wavelengths, opaque to others) that are optimized for its local role in managing light paths from different sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the light interference problem by adding a spatial dimension through the barrier structure. Instead of trying to manage interference in the temporal domain (sequencing light sources), the solution introduces a spatial separation dimension where the barrier structure physically divides and directs light paths in different spatial regions, preventing overlap and interference.
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
This solution allows the optical engine to accurately identify and operate on different working surfaces by eliminating light interference, thereby improving the accuracy of image feature detection and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier structure includes a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion that block light paths to prevent interference between different light sources
Implementation Method 2
The first plane surface has a first opening connecting to a first space below the first plane surface, and the first opening exposes a part of the first space
Data Source
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.