Optical Engine Barrier Structure for Dual Light Path Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical navigation devices face challenges in distinguishing working surfaces of different materials due to variations in reflectivity, leading to interference between emission and reflected light from multiple light sources.
Innovation Solution
An optical engine with a barrier structure that accommodates multiple light sources, preventing interference by strategically positioning and tilting light sources and using a barrier structure with openings to direct light and reflected light away from each other, ensuring accurate image capture.
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 working surfaces is improved, but the interference between emission light and reflected light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical engine is segmented into multiple independent light source modules, each with its own emission path and optical system. The first light source and second light source are spatially separated and independently controlled, allowing selective activation based on working surface type while minimizing mutual interference through physical and optical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical engine are designed with specialized optical properties tailored to specific light sources. The first light source is positioned and oriented to optimize illumination for reflective surfaces, while the second light source is configured for non-reflective surfaces, with each having dedicated optical paths that prevent cross-interference.
2Area of stationary object
If light sources are positioned to illuminate different areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources and their supporting structures are merged into a single integrated optical engine assembly. The housing combines mounting structures for both light sources, shared optical components, and control electronics into one unified device, expanding illumination coverage while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical engine housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for light sources, contains optical barriers to prevent interference, houses the image sensor and processing components, and manages thermal dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 eliminating interference between light sources, allowing for effective operation on various working surfaces and improving image feature recognition in navigation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source accommodated in a first space below the first plane surface, and the first opening exposes a part of the first light source
Implementation Method 2
a second light source and an image sensor accommodated in a third space below the second plane surface, and the third opening exposes the second light source
Implementation Method 3
a lens accommodated in a second space below the second plane surface, and the second opening exposes the lens
Implementation Method 4
an image sensor accommodated in a third space below the second plane surface, and the third opening exposes the second light source and a part of a sensing surface of the image sensor
Implementation Method 5
An optical engine with a barrier structure that accommodates multiple light sources, preventing interference by strategically positioning and tilting light sources and using a barrier structure with openings to direct light and reflected light away from each other
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.