Pointing Device Storage Elements for Spatial Aliasing Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical pointing devices face issues with high spatial frequency content leading to spatial aliasing, resulting in loss of resolution and 'reverse' motion effects, which are not adequately addressed by reducing pixel size due to lower mouse-speed/acceleration capability and reduced light sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pointing device with a ground, amplifier, auxiliary sources, and switching elements that compares storage elements through reset and comparison phases to manage charges, allowing for improved evaluation of mouse displacement by revealing surface non-uniformity and generating dynamic edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smaller pixels are used to handle high spatial frequency content, then spatial aliasing is reduced, but mouse-speed/acceleration capability and light sensitivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photodetector array into multiple storage elements (first storage element, second storage element, third storage element, fourth storage element) that are independently controlled by switching elements. This segmentation allows each storage element to be independently reset and compared, enabling the system to handle high spatial frequency content without reducing pixel size, thereby maintaining both spatial resolution and mouse-speed capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the storage elements through switching elements that can connect storage elements to light sources or ground based on operational phase (reset phase vs. comparison phase). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adaptively manage charge in storage elements, enabling effective handling of high spatial frequency content while maintaining performance characteristics without requiring smaller pixels.
2Measurement precision
If smaller pixels are used to handle high spatial frequency content, then spatial aliasing is reduced, but light sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photodetector array into multiple storage elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adequate pixel size for light sensitivity while using multiple smaller storage elements to handle high spatial frequency content, effectively decoupling the trade-off between pixel size and spatial resolution handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a reset phase that occurs before the comparison phase, where storage elements are reset to known states before being used for comparison. This preliminary action ensures that charge from previous measurements is cleared, allowing accurate measurement of light intensity without interference from prior data, thereby maintaining light sensitivity while handling high spatial frequency content.
3Device complexity
If conventional storage element comparison is used, then simple implementation is maintained, but surface non-uniformity smaller than spot gradient cannot be revealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comparison process into multiple independent comparisons between storage elements (first storage element vs. second storage element, third storage element vs. fourth storage element). This segmentation allows the system to reveal surface non-uniformity smaller than the spot gradient by comparing adjacent storage elements, while maintaining implementation simplicity through the use of standard switching elements and charge comparison circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the comparison results from storage elements are used to generate dynamics edges and improve mouse displacement evaluation. The comparison phase compares charges in storage elements and uses this feedback information to enhance measurement precision, allowing detection of surface non-uniformity while maintaining simple implementation through conventional comparison circuitry.
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 method enhances the ability to recognize moving images and improve mouse displacement evaluation by effectively handling high spatial frequency content, reducing aliasing effects and maintaining sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical motion sensing device including a photodetector array for measuring the varying intensity pattern of a portion of a surface which is illuminated with radiation of a light source
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for sensing a displacement of a pointing device, like a mouse. The pointing device includes at least one light source configured to illuminate a surface, at least one first secondary photodetector, at least one second secondary photodetector and at least one primary photodetector. Each individual value of photodetectors is weighted and compared to sense the displacement of the pointing device by comparing a plurality of storage elements.