SPAD Proximity Navigation for Three-Axis Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation devices typically offer only two axes of movement control, limiting their functionality and flexibility compared to the potential for more complex interactions like three-dimensional navigation and additional control functions.
Innovation Solution
A navigation device incorporating an array of Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) with a proximity detector and illumination source, capable of detecting movement in three axes (X, Y, Z) by measuring phase shifts in reflected light, allowing for enhanced control features and functions beyond traditional navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a navigation device uses traditional two-axis movement control, then the device structure remains simple, but the control functionality and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-axis (X, Y) navigation to three-axis (X, Y, Z) navigation by adding depth detection capability through time-of-flight measurement. This dimensional expansion enables new control functions such as volume adjustment, zoom, and fingerprint authentication while maintaining the basic navigation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The SPAD array system serves multiple functions: primary navigation control through cursor movement, secondary functions including volume control, brightness adjustment, zoom functionality, and fingerprint authentication. This multi-functionality approach allows one system to replace multiple separate controls.
2Measurement precision
If a SPAD array is used for three-axis navigation detection, then the measurement precision and control flexibility improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical movement detection mechanisms with optical time-of-flight measurement using SPAD arrays. This substitution enables precise three-axis detection without mechanical components, achieving high measurement precision while maintaining a compact, solid-state structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures the time-of-flight of photons to determine depth (Z-axis) information, converting temporal parameters into spatial measurement data. This parameter transformation enables precise three-dimensional movement detection by analyzing phase shifts in reflected light signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the navigation device operates in three axes, then the control functionality expands, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-axis navigation data into independent components: X-axis (horizontal), Y-axis (vertical), and Z-axis (depth) movements. Each axis can be processed and assigned to different functions independently, simplifying the overall processing complexity while maintaining expanded 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 navigation in three dimensions, providing greater flexibility and control functionality, with the ability to utilize additional axes for functions such as volume control, brightness adjustment, or zoom functionality, while being robust to ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The initiating charge carrier can be photo-electrically generated by a single incident photon striking the high field region
Implementation Method 2
The high reverse bias voltage generates a large enough electric field such that a single charge carrier introduced into the depletion layer of the device can cause a self-sustaining avalanche via impact ionization
Implementation Method 3
The illumination from the illumination source may be reflected by the activator to the array of SPADs
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a housing having a mousing surface, and a navigation device carried by the housing and comprising a proximity detector. The proximity detector may include a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) configured to detect movement of an activator adjacent the mousing surface. For example, the proximity detector may detect movement along three axes.