Vertical Light Guide for Optical Finger Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical finger navigation (OFN) devices are difficult for users to identify due to their integration with consumer electronics, as they can have finishes similar to surrounding components, making it hard to distinguish their location.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vertical light guide that circumscribes the OFN sensor module, providing a light emission surface around the navigation surface to visually indicate the device's location without interfering with its functionality, using a light source and effect lighting apparatus to illuminate the perimeter of the navigation surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the OFN device is integrated seamlessly into consumer electronics with matching finishes, then the device achieves aesthetic integration and compact design, but the user cannot easily identify the location of the navigation surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light emission color changes to indicate the location of the navigation surface. The light guide assembly emits light in visible wavelengths that contrast with the surrounding black plastic finish, making the navigation surface location identifiable to users while maintaining aesthetic integration when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide assembly as an intermediary element between the navigation surface and the surrounding housing. This light guide acts as a visual mediator that highlights the navigation surface location through light emission, solving the identification problem without altering the overall aesthetic integration of the device.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a light guide assembly is added to indicate the navigation surface location, then user identification of the device is enhanced, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide assembly with the existing housing structure. The light guide is integrated into the housing in such a way that it becomes a unified component rather than a separate add-on, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the location identification function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide assembly serves multiple functions: it indicates the navigation surface location, provides aesthetic enhancement, and can potentially serve as part of the device's structural housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
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
Enhances user identification of the OFN device by providing a visual indicator of its location without affecting the device's operation, ensuring seamless integration and functionality with consumer electronics.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical light guide receives the light from the light source and guides the light toward a light emission surface at a perimeter surface area circumscribing the navigation surface
Implementation Method 2
The OFN sensor module generates a navigation signal in response to a movement detected at a navigation surface based on light reflected from a user's finger
Data Source
AI summary
An optical finger navigation (OFN) device includes an OFN sensor module, a light source, and a vertical light guide. The OFN sensor module is coupled to a circuit substrate. The OFN sensor module generates a navigation signal in response to a movement detected at a navigation surface based on light reflected from a user's finger. The light source is also coupled to the circuit substrate. The light source generates light (which is separate from the light generated for the OFN sensor module). The vertical light guide is disposed to circumscribe a perimeter of the OFN sensor module. The vertical light guide receives the light from the light source and guides the light toward a light emission surface at a perimeter surface area circumscribing the navigation surface.