Optical Mouse Surface Charge Dust Repulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dust contamination on optical surfaces of optical mice creates a fixed pattern in sensed images, distorting algorithms and reducing the effectiveness of motion sensing, particularly in interference imaging systems.

Innovation Solution

Embedding positive charges in optical components using alpha particle irradiation or ion implantation techniques to reduce dust attraction, with alpha particles inducing a surface charge that repels dust, and using coatings like silicon nitride or silicon dioxide to trap the charge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical elements are used in interference imaging systems, then motion sensing precision is improved, but dust contamination creates fixed patterns that distort correlation algorithms and reduce measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion sensing precisionVSAvoiddust contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ion implantation to embed positive charges in the optical element, creating an electrostatic field that actively repels dust particles. This converts the harmful effect of dust attraction into a beneficial repulsive force, preventing dust contamination while maintaining the optical element's functionality in interference imaging systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrostatic parameter of the optical element by embedding positive charges through ion implantation. This modifies the surface charge density and electrostatic potential, creating a repulsive electrostatic field that prevents dust adhesion. The charged optical element maintains its optical properties while gaining dust-repelling capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional imaging mice are used, then dust contamination is less problematic since dust is out of focal plane, but interference imaging systems require dust-free optical surfaces to maintain correlation accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust impactVSAvoidcorrelation function accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ion implantation during manufacturing to preemptively embed positive charges in the optical element before the mouse is put into service. This preliminary charging creates a persistent electrostatic repulsive field that continuously prevents dust contamination throughout the product's lifecycle, eliminating the need for ongoing dust management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 surface charge effectively reduces dust contamination on optical surfaces, enhancing the accuracy of motion sensing by minimizing the distortion caused by dust patterns in the correlation function.

Implementation Method 1

Exposure to an alpha source or ion implantation techniques may be used to create the surface charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlpha particle irradiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

Exposure to an alpha source or ion implantation techniques may be used to create the surface charge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon implantation: Ion Implantation

Implementation Method 3

Trapping charged particles in the optical element induces a surface charge, reducing attraction of dust to the optical surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS7940247B2Reducing dust contamination in optical mice
Publication Date: 2011.05.10 PIXART IMAGING INC
  • US7940247B2 patent drawing
  • US7940247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Reduction of dust contamination in optical mice. Trapped charged particles within an optical element result in a surface charge on the optical element, the surface charge reducing the attraction of dust to the optical surface. Charged particles may be trapped in the optical element, or in a coating on the element. Irradiation from an alpha source or ion implantation techniques may be used.