Multi-Light Optical Engine Structure for Surface Interference Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical navigation devices face interference issues between multiple light sources due to varying reflectivity of different working surfaces, which affects the accuracy of image feature identification.
Innovation Solution
The optical engine incorporates a barrier structure with multiple light sources and a carrier member that includes a light holder, lens holder, and tilted wall to prevent interference between emission and reflected light, allowing for efficient illumination and image capture on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 the interference between light sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate channels, each dedicated to a specific light source and its corresponding wavelength range. The first light source (infrared) has its own imaging path, while the second light source (visible light) has a separate imaging path. This segmentation prevents cross-interference between different light sources while maintaining adaptability to various working surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary element that selectively transmits specific wavelengths while blocking others. The filter is positioned to allow infrared light from the first light source to pass through to the first image sensor, while blocking it from reaching the second image sensor. Similarly, it allows visible light from the second light source to reach the second image sensor while blocking infrared light. This intermediary resolves the interference issue between multiple light sources.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to capture image features, then the ability to distinguish different surface materials is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and image sensors into a single integrated optical engine structure. The first light source, second light source, first image sensor, and second image sensor are all housed within the same optical engine, sharing common structural elements such as the housing, filter positioning mechanism, and electronic circuit board. This merging approach maintains measurement precision for material identification while reducing overall device complexity compared to using separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical engine is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple imaging tasks simultaneously using different light sources and wavelength ranges. The same optical engine structure supports both infrared imaging (first light source and first image sensor) and visible light imaging (second light source and second image sensor), making it universally applicable to various working surfaces and material identification tasks without requiring separate specialized devices.
3Volume of moving object
If light sources are positioned close together, then the device size is reduced, but the interference between emission light and reflected light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by assigning different optical path characteristics to different regions of the optical engine. The first light source and first image sensor are positioned with optical paths optimized for infrared wavelengths, while the second light source and second image sensor have optical paths optimized for visible light wavelengths. The filter is strategically positioned at specific locations where it can selectively transmit or block wavelengths for each local imaging channel, enabling compact positioning while preventing interference through localized optical property differentiation.
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 configuration enhances the identification accuracy by isolating light sources and improving light usage efficiency, enabling effective operation on different working surfaces without interference.
Implementation Method 1
The tilted wall is transparent to emission light of the second light source but opaque to emission light of the first light source
Implementation Method 2
Reflected light associated with the first light source penetrates through the lens to propagate to the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The first light source is configured to emit light of a first wavelength. The second light source is configured to emit light of a second wavelength
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 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.