Optical Navigation Light Synchronization to Prevent Sensor Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices with illuminated navigation features face interference issues between the optical navigation module and decorative light sources, leading to saturation of the optical sensor, which affects operation in poor lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processor-controlled system that alternates between activating the navigation light source and the decorative light source, using different wavelengths or modulation codes to prevent simultaneous operation and reduce interference at the optical sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a decorative light source is added around the optical navigation module, then the device provides better illumination and aesthetic appearance in poor lighting conditions, but the light source saturates and interferes with the optical sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating the decorative light source and navigation light source in time-separated intervals. The controller activates the decorative light source during first time intervals and the navigation light source during second time intervals, ensuring they never operate simultaneously. This temporal separation prevents the decorative light from saturating the optical sensor while still providing illumination when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of light sources based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors ambient lighting conditions and actively manages the switching between decorative and navigation light sources, making the system adaptive rather than static. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize both illumination and sensor performance based on current operational requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If the decorative light source operates continuously to provide ambient illumination, then user experience in low-light environments is improved, but the optical sensor becomes saturated and cannot detect navigation inputs accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing time-separated activation intervals for the decorative light source and navigation light source. The controller switches between these two light sources, ensuring the decorative light is active during first time intervals while the navigation light is active during second time intervals. This periodic switching prevents simultaneous operation that would cause sensor saturation, thereby maintaining measurement precision while providing ambient illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-planning the activation schedule of light sources based on anticipated usage patterns. The controller is configured to activate the decorative light source during specific time intervals before navigation input is needed, and then switches to the navigation light source when navigation detection is required. This preliminary coordination ensures optimal conditions for both illumination and accurate sensor measurement.
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 effectively reduces interference at the optical sensor, allowing for reliable operation in low-light environments without saturating the sensor, enhancing user experience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor that detects light reflected into the optical navigation module
Implementation Method 2
a navigation light source that transmits light in response to receiving a first signal having a first wavelength... a decorative light source that transmits light in response to receiving a second signal having a second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method of eliminating interference at an optical sensor of a mobile device that receives light from multiple light sources. The mobile device includes an optical navigation module having a cover and an illumination device disposed around the periphery of the cover. The optical navigation module includes an optical sensor that detects light reflected from an object contacting the cover. A processor receives electrical signals from the optical sensor and interprets movement of the object. The method reduces interference between the light source of the optical navigation module and the light source of the illumination device by controlling emission of light rays from each light source. The emission of light rays may be controlled based on timing, frequency and/or coding domains.