Integrated Optical Finger Navigation Module with Ambient Light Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The large size, weight, and high cost of consumer electronics are due to the discrete nature of optical finger navigation and ambient light sensor modules, which increase the total component count.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical finger navigation module that combines a light source, cover housing, light guiding structure, first and second light sensors, and a data processing unit on a substrate, utilizing different spectral filters and light sources to transmit and sense infrared and visible light spectra, reducing the need for separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical finger navigation module and ambient light sensor module are used as discrete components, then functionality is complete, but component count increases leading to larger size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical finger navigation module and ambient light sensor module into a single integrated module. The cover housing contains both the first light sensor (infrared) and second light sensor (visible spectrum), allowing both functions to coexist in one physical unit, thereby reducing component count and product weight
2Quantity of substance
If optical finger navigation module and ambient light sensor module are used as discrete components, then functionality is complete, but component count increases leading to higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both sensor functions into a single module with shared structural components (cover housing, substrate, mounting structures), reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing cost
3Measurement precision
If spectral filters are used to separate light wavelengths, then light sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spectral filtering at the local level of each sensor element rather than requiring complex system-level separation. Each sensor position has its own spectral filter (first spectral filter for infrared, second spectral filter for visible light), allowing simple and accurate wavelength separation without increasing overall device complexity
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 integrated module reduces the component count, size, and weight of consumer electronics while maintaining functionality, enabling efficient optical finger navigation and ambient light sensing in a single module.
Implementation Method 1
a first light sensor configured to sense light in a first spectrum originally emitted by the light source, reflected by an object, and then transmitted through the window plate; The first spectrum may be an infrared spectrum with a peak wavelength of about 850 nm
Implementation Method 2
a second light sensor configured to sense light in a second spectrum transmitted through the light guiding structure or the window plate; Light in the second spectrum may be visible light with a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm
Implementation Method 3
The window plate may be configured to selectively transmit light in the first spectrum and block light in the second spectrum
Implementation Method 4
The light source may be a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser or a light-emitting diode; a light source configured for emitting light in a first spectrum; The first spectrum may be an infrared spectrum with a peak wavelength of about 850 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An optical finger navigation module includes a light source configured for emitting light in a first spectrum; a cover housing disposed above the light source, the cover housing including a window plate that is configured to transmit light in at least the first spectrum, and a light guiding structure that is configured to transmit light in at least a second spectrum; a first light sensor configured to sense light in the first spectrum originally emitted by the light source, reflected by an object, and then transmitted through the window plate; a second light sensor configured to sense light in the second spectrum transmitted through the light guiding structure or the window plate; and a substrate. The light source, the cover housing, the first light sensor and the second light sensor are coupled and mounted to the substrate.