Optical Imaging Device Without Reflecting Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imaging devices for touch control in consumer electronics require a reflecting frame, limiting their shape to square or rectangular, increasing assembly difficulties and costs, and necessitating high-performance processors for enhanced touch sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging device with a depth sensor and a control module that forms a coordinate detecting area of unlimited shape without a reflecting frame, using light sources to illuminate objects and determine their position based on width and depth information, allowing for accurate touch detection without the need for a reflecting frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reflecting frame is used to block interference and define the coordinate detecting area, then the touch detection accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflecting frame from the system entirely. Instead of using a physical frame to block interference, the invention uses image processing algorithms to identify the coordinate detecting area by analyzing the distribution and characteristics of light reflected from the display surface, thereby eliminating the need for the reflecting frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflecting frame with an optical and computational system. Instead of using a physical structure to define the detection area, the system uses light sources, image sensors, and image processing algorithms to dynamically determine the coordinate detecting area, substituting mechanical constraints with optical and computational methods
2Reliability
If a reflecting frame is installed on the same plane as the sensor, then the touch detection function is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reflecting frame from the assembly, eliminating the complexity of aligning and installing the frame on the same plane as the sensor. The touch detection function is maintained through alternative means using image processing to define the coordinate detecting area without requiring precise mechanical alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the image sensor serve multiple functions: it not only detects touch positions but also determines the coordinate detecting area boundaries through image processing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reflecting frame structures and their associated assembly requirements
3Device complexity
If the reflecting frame is designed as square or rectangular, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different detecting area shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-shaped reflecting frame into a dynamic, software-defined detection area. The coordinate detecting area shape is determined dynamically through image processing algorithms that analyze the distribution of reflected light, allowing the system to adapt to various shapes (圆形, 方形, 不规则形状) without changing the physical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the defining parameter of the detection area from fixed geometric shape (square/rectangular) to variable shape parameters determined by image analysis. The system can adjust the shape and size of the coordinate detecting area by modifying image processing parameters rather than physical structure
4Area of stationary object
If multiple image capturing modules are used to detect object position, then the touch detection coverage is improved, but the component cost and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single image sensor perform multiple functions by using it to both detect touch positions and determine the coordinate detecting area boundaries. Instead of requiring multiple sensors for different detection tasks, the system uses one sensor with enhanced image processing capabilities to achieve comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of image processing analysis to the detection system. Instead of relying on multiple physical sensors, the system uses sophisticated image processing algorithms to extract detection information from images captured by a single sensor, effectively adding computational dimension to the detection capability
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 reduces component costs, simplifies assembly, and enhances touch accuracy by eliminating the need for a reflecting frame and high-performance CPUs, enabling the use of various shaped detecting areas and efficient image processing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source disposed outside the display panel for emitting light to illuminate an object
Implementation Method 2
the depth sensor installed on a side of the display panel for sensing image data of the object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging device includes a display panel whereon a coordinate detecting area is formed, at least one light source disposed outside the display panel for emitting light to illuminate an object, and a depth sensor installed on a side of the display panel for sensing image data of the object. The image data include a width information corresponding to a distance between the object and the depth sensor in a first direction, and a depth information corresponding to a distance between the object and the depth sensor in a second direction. The optical imaging device further includes a control module coupled to the depth sensor for receiving the image data sensed by the depth sensor and for determining whether to calculate a coordinate value of the object according to the width information and the depth information.