Optical Mouse Light Pipe Layout for Uniform Sensor Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical mice face challenges in enhancing the total flux and uniformity of the light beam received by the light sensor, which affects image detection.
Innovation Solution
A light pipe with multiple optical elements that direct the light beam from a light source to an illuminated surface and a light sensor without reflections, ensuring the light beam propagates sequentially through these elements to maximize illumination and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional light pipe structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the total flux and uniformity of the light beam received by the light sensor are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe is divided into multiple optical elements (first optical element, second optical element, third optical element) with distinct functions. The first optical element receives light from the light source, the second optical element redirects it to illuminate the illuminated surface, and the third optical element guides the reflected light to the light sensor. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall image detection quality while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light pipe acts as an intermediary system between the light source and the light sensor, using multiple optical elements to mediate the light path. This intermediary structure enables precise control over light distribution and reflection, maximizing the total flux and uniformity of light reaching the sensor without requiring direct complex integration of all components.
2Measurement precision
If the light beam path is extended to illuminate the surface and return to the sensor, then the total flux and uniformity are enhanced, but the light pipe length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration rather than a linear sequence. The first optical element receives light, the second optical element redirects it at specific angles to illuminate the surface, and the third optical element captures the reflected light. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows the light path to be extended functionally while minimizing the overall physical length of the light pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are nested within a compact housing structure that integrates the light source, optical elements, and light sensor into a unified assembly. This nesting approach allows the extended light path required for enhanced illumination and detection to be contained within a small volume, reducing the effective length and complexity of the light pipe while maintaining the necessary optical functionality.
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
Improves image detection by maximizing light flux and uniformity on the illuminated surface, enhancing the performance of the optical mouse.
Implementation Method 1
The light beam propagates in the light pipe from the first optical element to the second optical element without reflection
Implementation Method 2
The second optical element has a surface through which the optical axis of the first optical element passes, and a normal of the surface is not parallel to the optical axis of the first optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mouse operated with respect to an illuminated surface outside the optical mouse is provided. The optical mouse includes a light source configured to emit a light beam, and a light pipe including a first optical element and a second optical element. The light beam enters the light pipe through the first optical element, and then propagates in the light pipe from the first optical element to the second optical element without reflection, and then leaves the light pipe through the second optical element, and then illuminates the illuminated surface. The light pipe does not have any protrusion extending therefrom and attached to a front surface of the light source.