Optical Navigation Speed-Based Algorithm Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical navigation systems face challenges in generating accurate movement information under varying operating conditions, particularly in terms of speed and resolution, which affects cursor tracking and navigation precision.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a microcontroller to determine the speed of movement and select between an adaptive navigation algorithm and a sensor resolution adjustment algorithm based on a movement threshold, processing movement information to enhance tracking accuracy and adapt to different navigation speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single processing algorithm is used for all navigation speeds, then the device complexity is reduced, but the navigation precision deteriorates under varying speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation precisionVSAvoidprocessing algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between different processing algorithms based on the detected navigation speed. The microcontroller monitors speed and switches between the first processing algorithm (for lower speeds) and the second processing algorithm (for higher speeds), making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high precision across varying speeds without permanently maintaining complex algorithms at all times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameter (algorithm selection) based on the navigation speed parameter. When speed exceeds a threshold, the system transitions from one algorithm to another, optimizing performance for the current operating condition. This parameter-based adaptation enables precision maintenance without the overhead of constantly using the most complex algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the sensor array resolution is increased for high-speed navigation, then the navigation precision is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array resolution is dynamically adjusted based on navigation speed. At high speeds, the resolution is increased to maintain tracking accuracy. At lower speeds, the resolution is reduced to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by only consuming high energy when high precision is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the sensor array resolution parameter in response to speed changes. The microcontroller monitors navigation speed and adjusts the resolution parameter accordingly, switching between high-resolution and low-resolution modes. This parameter change enables the system to achieve high tracking accuracy when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If adaptive navigation algorithm is used for high-speed movement, then the navigation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecursor tracking accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the adaptive navigation algorithm based on detected movement speed. When high-speed movement is detected, the adaptive algorithm is activated to maintain cursor tracking accuracy. When movement is slow, a simpler algorithm suffices. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by only employing complex algorithms when the operating conditions require them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the algorithm selection parameter based on speed threshold comparisons. The microcontroller monitors speed and switches algorithm parameters accordingly, activating the adaptive navigation algorithm only when speed exceeds the threshold. This parameter-based control enables high precision tracking at high speeds without the overhead of constantly running complex algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach ensures smooth and accurate cursor tracking across various speeds and resolutions, improving navigation precision and user experience, especially in large screen applications.

Implementation Method 1

generating light at a light source, directing the light to a navigation surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

detecting light reflected from the navigation surface toward a sensor array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9223440B2Optical navigation utilizing speed based algorithm selection
Publication Date: 2015.12.29 PIXART IMAGING INC
  • US9223440B2 patent drawing
  • US9223440B2 patent drawing
  • US9223440B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of method and systems are disclosed. An embodiment of a method for optical navigation involves generating light at a light source, directing the light to a navigation surface, detecting light reflected from the navigation surface toward a sensor array, and generating movement information, which is indicative of movement of the navigation surface relative to the sensor array, in response to the detected light. Generating the movement information involves determining the speed of the movement, comparing the speed of the movement to a movement threshold, selecting a processing algorithm from a plurality of processing algorithms in response to the comparison, and processing the movement information according to the selected processing algorithm. In an embodiment, the processing algorithms include an adaptive navigation algorithm and a sensor resolution adjustment algorithm.