Optical Pointing Device Image Sensor Velocity Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical pointing apparatuses face limitations in resolution and detectable displacement range due to fixed image-sensing unit sizes, leading to non-smooth cursor movements at high velocities and requiring excessive movement for accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An image-capturing device with adjacently arranged image-sensing units that adjust their area and resolution based on the velocity of the optical pointing apparatus, using small-area units for low velocities and large-area units for high velocities to optimize tracking and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If large area image-sensing units are used, then the detectable displacement range is increased, but the resolution deteriorates causing non-smooth cursor movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage-sensing unit areaVSAvoidresolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image-capturing device is divided into multiple image-sensing units with different areas. The system segments the sensing function across multiple units rather than using a single large unit, allowing selective activation based on velocity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which image-sensing units to activate based on the detected velocity of the optical pointing apparatus. At low velocities, small-area units are activated for high resolution; at high velocities, large-area units are activated for extended detection range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If small area image-sensing units are used, then the resolution is improved, but the detectable displacement range decreases requiring excessive movement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresolutionVSAvoidimage-sensing unit area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple image-sensing units of different areas are segmented and arranged in the device. Small-area units provide high resolution while large-area units extend the detectable displacement range, and the system can switch between them based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the effective sensing area parameter by selectively activating different image-sensing units based on velocity. This allows the detectable displacement range and resolution parameters to be dynamically adjusted to match operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If fixed image-sensing unit areas are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different velocities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage-sensing unit arrangementVSAvoidvelocity adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic control logic that adjusts which image-sensing units are active based on real-time velocity detection. This dynamic adaptation enables the device to handle both low-velocity precision tracking and high-velocity rapid movement without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The image-capturing device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple image-sensing units with different areas that can be selectively activated. This universal design allows the same device to effectively operate across a wide range of velocities without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enables smooth and precise cursor movement tracking across a range of velocities without increasing image-sensing unit areas, providing high resolution when needed and rapid tracking when moving quickly.

Implementation Method 1

the light extraction lens 106 collects reflective light and brings it to the sensing device 108

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

projects light through the focus lens 104 onto a planar surface 150

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight projection and focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS9417713B2Image-capturing device for optical pointing apparatus having large and small area image-sensing units

Publication Date: 2016.08.16 PIXART IMAGING INC

AI summary

An image-capturing device configured for an optical pointing apparatus includes a plurality of image-sensing units arranged adjacently. The plurality of image-sensing units are configured to sense images of a surface and generate sensing signals that are used for evaluating the velocity of the optical pointing apparatus. The image-capturing device is configured to use different image-sensing units arranged differently to sense the surface according to the velocity of the optical pointing apparatus. When the optical pointing apparatus moves at a first velocity, the image-capturing device uses the image-sensing units configured to occupy a smaller area to sense the surface. When the optical pointing apparatus moves at a second velocity, the image-capturing device uses the image-sensing units configured to occupy a larger area to sense the surface. The first velocity is lower than the second velocity.