Optoelectronic Device Light Field Absorptive Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic devices for controlling computers require mechanical aids for additional functions, which are limited by usability issues due to dirt and aging.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic device that uses a light field with multiple transmitters and a receiver to detect position and movement, recognizing absorptive interruptions as key functions without mechanical aids, allowing for additional functionalities through the division of radiation into multiple light fields above and below the operating surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical aids are used for additional functions in optoelectronic devices, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the usability is limited due to dirt and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aids (buttons, switches) with an optoelectronic detection system that uses light fields and absorptive interruptions to detect user input. The evaluation unit identifies when an object absorbs light in specific regions, enabling additional functions without mechanical components that degrade from dirt and aging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light fields as an intermediary between the user and the device functions. Instead of direct mechanical contact, users interact by absorbing light in specific regions, and the evaluation unit mediates this interaction to trigger appropriate functions, eliminating the need for mechanical interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical aids are used for additional functions, then the device can operate multiple functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optoelectronic input system where the same light field and evaluation unit handle both position detection and multiple additional functions. By dividing the light field into different regions and detecting absorptive interruptions in each region, the system provides multiple functions through a single integrated mechanism rather than separate mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates mechanical devices entirely by using optoelectronic detection. The evaluation unit processes light absorption patterns to determine which additional function should be activated, replacing complex mechanical switch arrays with a simpler optical detection and evaluation system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radiation is divided into multiple light fields, then additional functions can be recognized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the overall light field into multiple separate light fields or regions, each associated with specific additional functions. The evaluation unit detects absorptive interruptions in each region independently, allowing multiple functions to be recognized through spatial segmentation of the optical detection area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single evaluation unit and transmitter/receiver system that handles both position detection and multiple additional functions by analyzing absorptive interruptions in different light field regions. This universal approach allows one system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate detection mechanisms for each function.
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 the operation of additional functions without mechanical devices, providing clear tactile feedback and increased usability by recognizing absorptive interruptions as button functions, enhancing the functionality of optoelectronic devices like mice and touch-sensitive surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transmitters A, B, C and D for emitting radiation, in particular light radiation
Implementation Method 2
detected to such an extent that at least one radiation path 15, 16 is absorptively interrupted
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an optoelectronic device for detecting the position and/or movement of an object (O). Said device comprises at least three emitters (A, D) for emitting radiation, especially light beams, and at least one receiver (E) for receiving the radiation which is emitted by the emitters (A, D) and can be influenced by the object (O). Several different radiation paths (15, 16) which form a light field (L) in the area of an operator interface are embodied between the emitter and the receiver. An evaluation unit converts the signals that the at least one receiver (E) receives for the different radiation paths into values for detecting the position and/or the movement of the object (O) in the light field. In order to create an optoelectronic device which, as a control element, allows other functions to be controlled in addition to recognizing the position, the light field (L) is assigned to the operator interface while the evaluation unit is configured as a means for recognizing an absorptive interruption of at least one radiation path (16) by the object (O) as an additional function.