CN102707814B - There is the optical finger navigation device of light-guiding film - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention describes the optical finger navigation device with light-guiding film。In one embodiment, finger navigation device includes light-guiding film, light source, sensor and navigation module。Light-guiding film show total internal reflection at least partially, and light source and light-guiding film optical communication be configured to incident light in light-guiding film。Sensor is configured to detecting from after the finger reflection of light-guiding film from the light of light-guiding film outgoing, and the light that navigation module is configured to respond to reflect from finger and detected by sensor is to generate horizontal movable information, horizontal movement information instruction finger is relative to the transverse movement of sensor。Also illustrate other embodiments of finger navigation device。

Description

There is the optical finger navigation device of light-guiding film

Technical field

The application relates to the optical finger navigation device with light-guiding film。

Background technology

Optical navigator uses light source to irradiate navigation surface so that optical image former can generate the digital picture for calculating action。Such as, optical image former can to the finger imaging on surface and relatively generate navigation signal based on consecutive image。But, along with the size of conventional navigation device reduces, for the physical space of the imager that optical guidance input detects is also reduced。

Some traditional optical navigator encapsulation have thickness or the optical height of about 2.5mm。Optical height refers to the distance from optical finger interface surface to corresponding sensor。Optical height is also referred to as optical track。The optical track of 2.5mm or thickness are considered the hand-held device of some embodiments to(for) such as cell phone and miniature portable personal computer (PC) peripheral unit etc and Yan Taihou。

Many optical navigators use the discrete element being called photoconduction to come light from light source-guide to navigation surface。Light from light source propagates through photoconduction, until it intersects with the border of photoconduction。When light intersects with the border of photoconduction, itself or be moved partly from photoconduction and partly in photoconduction internal reflection, or reflect from the border of photoconduction completely and propagate along new direction in photoconduction。Such reflection is referred to as " total internal reflection " (TIR), and depends on the light refractive index relative to the material outside the angle of incidence on border and photoconduction and photoconduction。Photoconduction is usually the moulded parts of transparent plastic, and the thickness of photocon directly increases on the integral thickness of optical navigator。

Summary of the invention

Describe the embodiment of finger navigation device。In one embodiment, finger navigation device includes light-guiding film (LGF), light source, sensor and navigation module。LGF shows total internal reflection (TIR) at least partially, and light source and LGF optical communication be configured to incident light in LGF。Sensor is configured to detecting from after the finger reflection of LGF from the light of LGF outgoing, and navigation module is configured in response to the light reflected from finger and detected by sensor to generate horizontal movable information, horizontal movement information instruction finger is relative to the transverse movement of sensor。Also illustrate other embodiments of finger navigation device。

Describe the embodiment of another optical finger navigation device。In one embodiment, finger navigation device includes circuit board substrate, sensor, LGF, light source and navigation module。Sensor is installed to circuit board substrate, and sensor includes the array of individual photodetector。LGF is connected to circuit board substrate, and be placed adjacent to sensor so that sensor circuit board and LGF at least some of between。During light source is installed to circuit board substrate and is configured to incident light on the edge surface of LGF, and the light that navigation module is configured to respond to reflect from finger and detected by sensor is to generate movable information, movable information instruction finger is relative to the motion of sensor。Also illustrate other embodiments of optical finger navigation device。

Describe the embodiment of portable electronic system。In one embodiment, portable electronic system includes display, optical finger navigation device, LGF, light source, sensor and navigation module。Display includes navigation identification, and optical finger navigation device is configured to the change based on the light pattern detected relative to the motion of optical finger navigation device according to finger, generates the navigation signal for mobile navigation mark。Optical finger navigation device includes LGF, wherein LGF show TIR at least partially。Light source and LGF optical communication, and be configured to incident light in LGF, sensor is configured to detect after reflecting from finger from the light of LGF outgoing。The light that navigation module is configured to respond to be reflected by finger and detected by sensor is to generate horizontal movable information, and horizontal movement information instruction finger is relative to the transverse movement of sensor。Also illustrate other embodiments of portable electronic system。

Will become more apparent according to the detailed description carried out below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, other aspects of the present invention and advantage, wherein accompanying drawing illustrates in the way of the example of principles of the invention。

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 depicts the axonometric chart of an embodiment of the user input apparatus of the form with optical finger navigation device。

Fig. 2 A depicts the sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of Fig. 1。

Fig. 2 B depicts when being placed relative to photoconduction (LGF) to change the total internal reflection of LGF by finger, the sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of Fig. 1。

Fig. 3 A depicts when by fingerprint peaks and fingerprint valley relative to the LGF total internal reflection placing to change LGF, the sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of Fig. 1。

Fig. 3 B be when fingerprint peaks and fingerprint valley are placed on another position to change the total internal reflection of LGF relative to LGF, another sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of Fig. 1。

Fig. 4 A depicts the sectional view of another embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of Fig. 1, and this optical finger navigation device includes the non-planar elements on the first type surface of LGF。

Fig. 4 B depicts the sectional view of Fig. 4 A of the fingerprint peaks about finger and fingerprint valley。

Fig. 5 depicts the sectional view of another embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of Fig. 1, and this optical finger navigation device includes irregular non-planar elements。

Fig. 6 depicts the sectional view of another embodiment of the optical finger navigation device of the Fig. 1 including encapsulants。

Fig. 7 depicts the block diagram of an embodiment of the portable electronic system with optical finger navigation。

Fig. 8 is the flow chart of an embodiment of the method depicting the optical finger navigation for using LGF。

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of the embodiment depicting the method for manufacturing the optical finger navigation device using LGF。

Figure 10 is the axonometric chart of the optical finger navigation device of part assembling, and wherein optical finger navigation device includes circuit board substrate, sensor and light source, and wherein sensor is similar above with reference to those described in Fig. 1-9 with light source。

Figure 11 be after LGF has been fitted into circuit board substrate, the axonometric chart of optical finger navigation device 1。

Figure 12 be after being connected to cosmetic cover, the axonometric chart of optical finger navigation device。

Figure 13 is the sectional view of the optical finger navigation device of Figure 12。

Figure 14 A is the top view of the array in the light extraction features portion in LGF of the position relative to sensor。

Figure 14 B is the sectional view of the LGF from Figure 14 A at hatching A-A place。

Figure 15 originates from the axonometric chart of the embodiment of in the light extraction features portion of Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B。

Figure 16 depicts the user's finger contacted in the position in light extraction features portion with LGF。

In entire disclosure, similar accompanying drawing labelling can be used to indicate that similar element。

Detailed description of the invention

In certain embodiments with film as photoconduction。Light-guiding film (LGF) is thinner than traditional photoconduction, and LGF therefore can be used to manufacture thinner optical finger navigation device。Additionally, in certain embodiments, LGF includes making the light light extraction features portion from LGF outgoing。In an embodiment, light extraction features portion interacts non-planar elements to change scattering of light with finger。The light quantity of LGF is fled from the geometry increase of non-planar elements；Therefore, sensor the image detected is higher and is easier to detection。It is thereby possible to reduce be fed to the amount of the light of LGF and battery electric power can be saved。The scattering of light that sensor detection is altered。

Fig. 1 depicts the axonometric chart of an embodiment of the user input apparatus of the form of optical finger navigation device 100。Optical finger navigation device 100 includes light-guiding film (LGF) 102, one or more light source 104 and sensor 106。Although illustrate and describing optical finger navigation device 100 with specific components and function, but other embodiments can be implemented with less or more assembly, to contribute to more or less of function。

In certain embodiments, LGF102 is made up of transmitance material membrane。In a particular embodiment, LGF102 is flexible, and can bend when being installed in electronic installation, to contribute to assembly mechanical arrangement in free space position。LGF102 can be bent and remain in that desired optical characteristics due to the total internal reflection (TIR) of light that produces at light source 104 place。In other embodiments, LGF102 is substantially plane。Even if LGF102 can have the geometry of bending, the optical characteristics for TIR, the LGF102 of the light in LGF102 is still similar with plane geometric shape。In certain embodiments, LGF102 can have the surface of polishing to promote TIR further。Furthermore, it is possible to reflectance coating is coated on the surface of LGF102。

In certain embodiments, LGF102 is generally than traditional photoconduction (such as, the plastic light guide of molding) much thinner。Traditional photoconduction is generally of the thickness of several millimeters magnitude。In traditional thick photoconduction, light experienced the small number of reflection from interface before light leaves thicker photoconduction。On the contrary, in thin film type light guide, there is the substantial amounts of internal reflection from interface。Therefore, significantly increase and the interaction of the finger contacted。In one embodiment, the thickness of LGF102 is between about 10 and about 100 microns。In another embodiment, the thickness of LGF102 is about 50 microns。

In a particular embodiment, using such as deposition, casting film extruding or the plastic film manufacturing technology such as impressing to form LGF102, this produces the product thinner than the product that the technology using such as injection moulding etc. for forming conventional light guides manufactures。Owing to LGF102 than conventional light guides much thinner and provides face illumination effective, high brightness, therefore reduce the integral thickness of optical finger navigation device 100。

LGF102 includes first type surface 112。In the illustrated embodiment, first type surface 112 is the upper surface of LGF102。As it can be seen, first type surface 112 includes the part of substantially planar shape。First type surface 112 can also include the upper surface of the sweep of LGF102。

LGF102 also includes finger interface surface 114。More specifically, a part for first type surface 112 is designated as finger interface surface 114。Finger interface surface 114 is about first type surface 112, finger (not shown) and contacts the part at place with LGF102。In certain embodiments, finger interface surface 114 is circular。Selectively, finger interface surface 114 is non-circular。

Finger interface surface 114 contributes to user and contacts with LGF102。Such as, the finger of user and finger interface surface 114 contact so that at the light that originally will be reflected by TIR in the position that finger contacts with LGF102 at least in part from photoconduction outgoing。Reflected by finger from some of the light of LGF outgoing and be directed back into sensor 106。Sensor 106 detects the light intensity change caused due to this reflection light。In certain embodiments, non-planar elements (not shown) increases the amount of light from finger scattering at finger interface surface 114 place from the light quantity of LGF102 outgoing by increasing。It is more fully described non-planar elements in conjunction with Fig. 4 A, Fig. 4 B and Fig. 5。Owing to can monitoring finger contact and can calculating finger motion, therefore finger inputs with the user contributing to LGF102 place that contacts of finger interface surface 114。

Fig. 2 A depicts the sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1。Optical finger navigation device 100 includes LGF102, light source 104, sensor 106 and one or more distance piece (spacer) 206。LGF102 includes first type surface 112。Light source 104 light be directed in LGF102。In one embodiment, light source 104 is configured to launch light to the edge surface of LGF102。Such as, from the incidence on the lateral edges 105 of LGF102 of the light of light source 104。LGF102 is by the TIR of the relative index of refraction of the material of the boundaries on either side of the angle of incidence and LGF102 that depend on light and internally reflected light。Also low angle ray of light 202 and high angle ray of light 204 are depicted。" low " and " height " used about the angle of light in this document refers to the relative angle of light and the surface of LGF102 rather than the angle of the normal with LGF102。

In certain embodiments, low angle ray of light 202 is accordingly totally internally reflected when it runs into the interface between LGF102 and external environment。But, high angle ray of light 204 can leave LGF102 by the boundary between LGF102 and external environment。High angle ray of light 204 can be detected by sensor 106 and/or interact with finger。

In one embodiment, distance piece 206 is between LGF102 and sensor 106。Sensor 106 is remained and leaves LGF102 fixed range by distance piece 206。By maintaining the interval between sensor 106 and LGF102, distance piece has manufactured gap 208。Gap 208 can hold the fluid existed in the environment around such as such as air, or can hold the discrete fluids such as such as noble gas。In some environment, gap 208 maintains the fluid of vacuum or relative low density。In a particular embodiment, distance piece 206 is one or more ball type devices。

Fig. 2 B depicts when the TIR that finger 210 is placed relative to LGF102 to change LGF102, the sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1。In the illustrated embodiment, the finger interface surface 114 of finger 210 and LGF102 physically contacts with, and changes the TIR of light carrying out reflecting in LGF102。Physical contact between finger 210 and LGF102 changes TIR and light is scattered to outside LGF102 at least in part。Change into the change of the LGF102 function of surface that relative to finger cause from LGF102 relative to surrounding due to refractive index and cause the change of the optical function (scattering and absorption) detected by imager。In certain embodiments, the refractive index of the refractive index ratio air of finger 210 is relatively closer to the refractive index of LGF102。Therefore, it will from the low angle ray of light 202 of LGF-ambient boundary total internal reflection instead by finger 210 scattering at least in part, thus changing the light pattern detected by sensor 106。Additionally, the high angle ray of light 204 will fled from along the direction away from sensor 106 in environment when finger 210 is absent from can be reflected towards sensor 106 by finger, thus changing the light pattern detected by sensor 106。In certain embodiments, light reflects from finger 210 and arrives the sensor 106 that originally will not arrive。The light reflexing to sensor 106 from finger 210 changes the light pattern detected by sensor 106。

Fig. 3 A to Fig. 5 depicts the enlarged drawing in the cross section of the embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1。Fig. 3 A depicts when placed fingerprint peaks 302 and fingerprint valley 304 to change the TIR of LGF102 relative to LGF102, the sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1。Finger 210 includes multiple fingerprint peaks 302。It it is fingerprint valley 304 between fingerprint peaks 302。In a particular embodiment, when finger 210 contacts with finger interface surface 114, fingerprint peaks 302 directly contacts with finger interface surface 114, and leaves little air bolus 306 at fingerprint valley 304 place。

As it has been described above, TIR depends on relative index of refraction and angle of incidence。In one embodiment, if the position that fingerprint peaks 302 runs into finger interface surface 114 at high angle ray of light 204 contacts with finger interface surface 114, then high angle ray of light 204 can be reflected by fingerprint peaks 302 at least in part。Therefore, by with the contacting of fingerprint peaks 302, sensor 106 image detected changes。

If low angle ray of light 202 runs into fingerprint interface surface in the position at fingerprint peaks 302 place, then the low angle ray of light 202 will being accordingly totally internally reflected at finger interface surface 114 place when being absent from finger can be scattered。Scattering light from low angle ray of light 202 towards sensor 106 scattering, and can change the image detected by sensor 106。

Fig. 3 B be when fingerprint peaks 302 and fingerprint valley 304 are placed on another position to change the TIR of LGF102 relative to LGF102, another sectional view of an embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1。In the illustrated embodiment, the position that high angle ray of light 204 is positioned at fingerprint interface surface more than 114 at fingerprint valley 304 is intersected with finger interface surface 114。As a result, high angle ray of light 204 can leave LGF102 at least in part。Similarly, the position that low angle ray of light 202 is positioned at fingerprint interface surface more than 114 at fingerprint valley 304 is intersected with finger interface surface 114。As a result, low angle ray of light 202 shows TIR at finger interface surface 114 place。The change of fingerprint positions causes that the overall TIR pattern of light 202,204 changes。Change by sensor 106 check pattern。

In certain embodiments, along with finger 210 moves at finger interface surface more than 114, can change in the reflection type of finger interface surface 114 place high angle ray of light 204 and volume reflection and low angle ray of light 202 scattering type and amount。When finger 210 is placed such that fingerprint peaks 302 is positioned at the point of intersection of high angle ray of light 204 and finger interface surface (as shown in Figure 3A), high angle ray of light 204 is at least partially through fingerprint peaks 302 scattering。Similarly, when finger 210 is placed such that fingerprint peaks 302 is positioned at the point of intersection of low angle ray of light 202 and finger interface surface (as shown in Figure 3A), low angle ray of light 202 is at least partially through fingerprint peaks 302 scattering。When finger 210 is placed such that fingerprint valley 304 is positioned at the point of intersection of high angle ray of light 204 and finger interface surface (as shown in Figure 3 B), high angle ray of light 204 can leave LGF102 at least in part。When finger 210 is placed such that fingerprint valley 304 is positioned at the point of intersection of low angle ray of light 202 and finger interface surface (as shown in Figure 3 B), low angle ray of light 202 shows TIR。Along with the change of the position of finger 210, arriving sensor 106 with more or less of high angle ray of light 204 and low angle ray of light 202, sensor 106 detects this change。

Fig. 4 A depicts the sectional view of another embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1, and it includes the non-planar elements 402 on the first type surface 112 of LGF102。In one embodiment, non-planar elements 402 is non-coplanar with first type surface 112。In one embodiment, non-planar elements 402 is evenly distributed on finger interface surface 114。In an alternate embodiment, non-planar elements 402 is distributed unevenly on finger interface surface 114。In certain embodiments, non-planar elements 402 projection at least in part exceeds first type surface 112。In one embodiment, non-planar elements 402 includes the projection on finger interface surface 114。In an alternate embodiment, non-planar elements 402 is the depressed part in first type surface 112。For the light in LGF102, non-planar elements causes that angle of incidence changes。Such angle of incidence changes the light causing will being accordingly totally internally reflected at script and is scattered。

Non-planar elements 402 changes the TIR of LGF102 and makes the light scattering from light source 104。In one embodiment, non-planar elements 402 makes the light scattering from light source 104 so that light is directed in sensor 106 at least partly。In certain embodiments, non-planar elements 402 makes the light scattering from light source 104 so that at least partly light directed away from sensor 106。Such as, when being incided non-planar elements 402 by the low angle ray of light 406 of first type surface 112 total internal reflection, this light can leave LGF102 at least in part along the direction away from sensor 106。The light being scattered off sensor 106 by non-planar elements 402 can be used for irradiating finger interface surface 114。The light being scattered off sensor 106 by non-planar elements 402 also can be interacted with finger 210 and be reflected back toward sensor 106。The effect of these interactions caused by non-planar elements 402 is to strengthen the signal detected by sensor 106。

In one embodiment, sensor 106 is from the photogenerated image being directed to sensor 106。Show as, towards the light of sensor 106 scattering, the still image generated by sensor 106 by non-planar elements 402。In certain embodiments, sensor 106 change of the image generated is interpreted the finger 210 movement on finger interface surface 114。

Relative to the plane TIR waveguide without non-planar elements, the effect of non-planar elements 402 is to improve the absorption of finger peak and valley above sensor 106 and the brightness of scattering and complexity。The increase of this brightness enhances the ability of detection motion。Non-planar elements has from high to low the variations in refractive index of (such as, from LGF to air)。In one embodiment, as the another way increasing local static scattering, bubble or nanosphere can be introduced in the region 114 of LGF film and have high index of refraction change。But, the change produced in response to finger due to projection is maximum, and therefore projection is preferred in certain embodiments。

Fig. 4 B depicts the fingerprint peaks 302 about finger of Fig. 4 A and the sectional view of fingerprint valley 304。In certain embodiments, when finger 210 contacts with finger interface surface 114, fingerprint peaks 302 directly contacts with one or more non-planar elements 402, and leaves little air bolus at fingerprint valley 304 place。The fingerprint peaks 302 contacted with non-planar elements 402 changes the internal reflection of the light in LGF102。Such as, when as the situation of Fig. 4 A, air is adjacent with non-planar elements 402, the high angle ray of light 404 being mapped to non-planar elements 402 is accordingly totally internally reflected。And if fingerprint peaks 302 is adjacent with non-planar elements 402 as the situation of Fig. 4 B, then high angle ray of light 404 leaves LGF102 at least in part。The change of this internal reflection is caused by the refractivity between air and fingerprint peaks 302 at least in part。The change of the internal reflection of particular light ray changes the light entering sensor 106。Therefore, sensor 106 image generated also changes。In one embodiment, the change of the image generated is construed to the finger 210 motion on finger interface surface 114 by optical finger navigation device 100。

Fig. 5 depicts the sectional view of another embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of the Fig. 1 including prism shape or irregular non-planar elements 502。Irregular non-planar elements 502 can adopt any shape。In certain embodiments, irregular non-planar elements 502 can show as random shape。Such as, irregular non-planar elements 502 can be formed in the random grain on finger interface surface 114。Irregular non-planar elements 502 can be evenly distributed on finger interface surface 114。In another embodiment, irregular non-planar elements 502 is distributed unevenly on finger interface surface 114。In certain embodiments, irregular non-planar elements 502 can comprise the dust on the surface of such as finger interface surface 114 or wet goods environmental element。In the 5 embodiment of figure 5, irregular non-planar elements 502 is projected into above the first type surface 112 of LGF102。In other embodiments, as described below, non-planar elements is configured to extend to the recessed area below the first type surface 112 of LGF102。

Irregular non-planar elements 502 changes the internal reflection of the light in LGF102。In certain embodiments, irregular non-planar elements 502 is by outside at least some of light scattering to LGF102。Detected by the light towards sensor 106 scattering by sensor 106。It is scattered and light away from sensor 106 can irradiate finger interface surface 114 and can interact with finger 210。

In one embodiment, irregular non-planar elements 502 to interact with fingerprint peaks 302 and fingerprint valley 304 in the way of similar to above-mentioned other non-planar elements 402 in conjunction with Fig. 4 B description。Such as, the fingerprint peaks 302 contacted with irregular non-planar elements 502 can absorb in other cases will towards at least some of light of sensor 106 scattering, thus causing the change of the light detected by sensor 106。

Fig. 6 depicts the sectional view of another embodiment of the optical finger navigation device 100 of the Fig. 1 including encapsulants 602。In one embodiment, encapsulants 602 covers sensor 106 and provides protection to sensor 106。In a particular embodiment, encapsulants 602 is allowed for light and is arrived the transmitance material of sensor 106 from LGF102 by encapsulants 602。In a particular embodiment, encapsulants 602 is formed as having and allows it to play the optical characteristics of lensing。The lens formed by encapsulants 602 can be refracting element or Fresnel lens。In another embodiment, encapsulants 602 is attached to the bottom of LGF102 rather than the top of sensor 106。Especially, encapsulants 602 can be directed at finger contact area 114。Therefore, for different embodiments, the exact position of encapsulants 602 can be different, as long as some position in the laminated portions between sensor 106 and LGF102 exists air-gap another low-index layers such as (or) such as aeroges。

Fig. 7 depicts the block diagram of an embodiment of the portable electronic system 702 with optical finger navigation。Portable electronic system 702 implements user input apparatus 100 (such as, the optical finger navigation device 100 of Fig. 1) to help user to input。The example of the portable electronic system 702 that can implement the embodiment of user input apparatus 100 includes hand-hold communication device and global positioning system (GPS) devices such as such as cell phone。Additionally, in the scope of embodiments of portable electronic system 702, it is also possible to implement the other kinds of electronic peripheral devices such as such as personal music player, personal digital assistant (PDA), biological fingerprint sensor, smart phone, panel computer。

By implementing the embodiment of user input apparatus 100 in portable electronic system 702, user input apparatus 100 such as can help user to input, and is navigated with the content on the display device 141 to user input apparatus 100。Such as, user input apparatus 100 can help the navigation identification 706 on display device 704 is controlled。Navigation identification 706 can be cursor, highlighted mark (highlighter), arrow or other kinds of navigation identification。Additionally, the user's input received by user input apparatus 100 can help the other kinds of function controlled by user, include but not limited to action in volume control, audio frequency playback selection, browser control, bio-identification, electronic musical instrument, game etc.。The type of the function controlled by user that the embodiment that can utilize user input apparatus 100 is implemented depends on the type of the function provided in general manner by portable electronic system 702。Although additionally, Fig. 7 particularly illustrates portable electronic system 702, but other embodiments can portable but be not necessarily the hand-held electronic installation of user or be commonly referred to be in not portable device enforcement user input apparatus 100。

Portable electronic system 702 includes optical navigator 708。There is specific assembly although optical navigator 708 is shown as and is depicted here as implementing specific function, but other embodiments of optical navigator 708 can include less or more assembly to implement less or more function。

The optical navigator 708 of diagram includes optical navigation circuit 710 and microcontroller (uC) 712。Generally speaking, optical navigation circuit 710 generates signal, and this signal represents the finger at user input apparatus 100 place or other Navigational Movements。After optical navigation circuit 710, one or more signals are sent to microcontroller 712。The exemplary types being sent to the signal of microcontroller 712 from optical navigation circuit 710 includes the passage orthogonal signalling (channelquadraturesignal) based on relative displacement Δ X and Δ Y。Shift value Δ X and Δ Y can represent the specific pattern for fingerprint recognition or the vector of displacement, direction and size。These signals or other signals can represent the relative motion between finger and user input apparatus 100。Other kinds of signal can be sent to microcontroller 712 by other embodiments of optical navigation circuit 710。In certain embodiments, various function implemented by microcontroller 712, including to or send from mainframe computer system or other electronic installation (not shown) or receive data, or shift value is processed。

In order to generate navigation signal, it is shown that optical navigation circuit 710 include driver 714, digital signal processor (DSP) 716 and image-taking system (IAS) 718。Image-taking system 718 includes user input apparatus 100 and analogue-to-digital converters (ADC) 722。Other embodiments of optical navigation circuit 710 and/or image-taking system 718 can include less or more assembly to implement less or more function。

In one embodiment, the driver 714 of optical navigation circuit 710 controls the work of light source 104, to produce to be sent to the optical signal of finger interface surface 114。Light source 104 can be controlled to several different luminance levels by driver 714, or, driver 714 can provide pulse to light source 104 along with detector ON/OFF signal is sent to sensor 106, thus strengthening the system response function for expecting purpose。As it has been described above, the sensor 106 that then optical signal being reflected is input by a user device 100 receives and detects。

In one embodiment, user input apparatus 100 generates the one or more analog electrical signals corresponding to the incident illumination on sensor 106。Then analogue signal is sent to analogue-to-digital converters 722 by user input apparatus 100。The signal of telecommunication is converted from analog into digital signal and then digital signal is sent to digital signal processor 716 by analogue-to-digital converters 722。

After digital signal processor 716 receives the signal of digital form from the analogue-to-digital converters 722 of image-taking system 718, digital signal processor 716 can utilize the signal of telecommunication to carry out extra process。As it has been described above, then one or more signals are sent to microcontroller 712 by digital signal processor 716。In certain embodiments, digital signal processor 716 includes navigation module 720, to generate horizontal movable information based on finger relative to the transverse movement of finger interface surface 114。Other embodiments of navigation module 720 can generate other kinds of movable information。

More specifically, in one embodiment, the sensor 106 of user input apparatus 100 includes the array (not shown) being made up of individual photodetector, such as, 16 × 16 or 32 × 32 arrays of individual photodetector, this array is configured to detect the light from the illuminated point reflection finger interface surface 114。Each photodetector in sensor 106 generates with the intensity signal of digital value (such as, 8 bit digital value) form output。Image information is obtained in units of frame by sensor 106, and wherein the frame of image information includes one group of value simultaneously obtained for the individual photoelectric detector of each in sensor 106。Picture frame obtains speed and tracking resolution can be programmable。In an embodiment, picture frame obtains speed range up to 2300 frames per second, and has the resolution of per inch 800 point (CPI)。Although provide frame to obtain some examples of speed and resolution, it is envisioned that other frame obtains speed and resolution。

Navigation module 720 compares to come the picture frame in succession of sensor 106, to determine the movement of the characteristics of image between frame。Especially, navigation module 720 determines movement by the common trait exist in the subsequent image frame of sensor 106 is correlated with。Movement between picture frame is expressed as the form of the motion vector (such as Δ X and Δ Y) of such as X and Y-direction。Motion vector is used to determine the input equipment 100 motion relative to navigation surface afterwards。Provide the more detailed description of the example of navigation sensor mobile tracking technology in the following documents, and they are fully incorporated in here by reference: it is entitled as the United States Patent (USP) 5 of " NAVIGATIONTECHNIQUEFORDETECTINGMOVEMENTOFNAVIGATIONSENSO RSRELATIVETOANOBJECT ", 644,139 and be entitled as the United States Patent (USP) 6 of " METHODOFCORRELATINGIMMEDIATELYACQUIREDANDPREVIOUSLYSTORE DFEATUREINFORMATIONFORMOTINGSENSING ", 222,174。

Fig. 8 is the flow chart of an embodiment of the method 800 depicting the optical finger navigation for using LGF。Although specifically with reference to optical finger navigation device 100, but some embodiments of implementation 800 can be carried out in conjunction with other optical finger navigation systems or user input apparatus。

At block 802 place, light source 104 is luminous。Although many other types of light source can be adopted, but light source 104 can be light emitting diode (LED) or laser instrument。At block 804 place, light irradiates the LGF102 with finger interface surface 114 as mentioned above。LGF102 shows TIR at least in part。

At block 806 place, sensor 106 detects from the LGF102 light reflected towards sensor 106。Sensor 106 detects the change of the internal reflection shown by LGF102 that the contact based on finger 210 is brought and makes the change of corresponding light pattern。In certain embodiments, sensor 106 detects the change of the light pattern caused by one or more fingerprint peakses 302 and fingerprint valley 304 and the interaction of finger interface surface 114。In a particular embodiment, sensor 106 detects the change of the light pattern caused by the one or more non-planar elements 402 interaction with finger 210。At block 808 place, sensor 106 is based on detected photogenerated navigation signal。

Fig. 9 is the flow chart of the embodiment depicting the method for manufacturing the optical finger navigation device 100 using LGF102。Although specifically with reference to optical finger navigation device 100, but some embodiments of method 900 can be implemented together with other optical finger navigation systems or user input apparatus。

At block 902 place, form LGF102。Any process can be used to form LGF102, include but not limited to roll-to-roll extruded, physical deposition, chemical deposition and melted spin coating (meltspinning)。The certain types of forming process used can be determined by the expectation function of LGF102。Such as, the forming process being used for manufacturing the LGF for commercial lighting purpose can be different from the forming process for manufacturing the LGF for illuminating key label in the phone。At block 904 place, LGF102 forms non-planar elements 402。In certain embodiments, non-planar elements 402 projection at least in part is beyond the first type surface 112 of LGF102。In an alternate embodiment, non-planar elements 402 includes extending to the depression below the first type surface 112 of LGF102。Any method can be used to form non-planar elements 402, include but not limited to impressing, stacking (layering), nano impression, molded, etching, printing, bonding and spraying。In certain embodiments, non-planar elements 402 can be incorporated in the body membrane (bulkfilm) in finger areas 114, the identical optical function produced providing the description such as element 402。Such as, in certain embodiments, it is possible in LGF102, form nanosphere (such as, little air bubble or sapphire ball)。The bigger change of refractive index is there is so that light occurs more greatly but the scattering of static state between nanosphere (not shown) and LGF102。Therefore, finger will cause the change of scattering strength。

At block 906 place, LGF102 is coupled to and detects by the sensor 106 of the light of non-planar elements 402 scattering。In one embodiment, LGF102 is coupled to sensor 106 by such as utilizing low index adhesive to bond。In another embodiment, LGF102 utilizes the low index encapsulant 602 between LGF102 and sensor 106 to be coupled to sensor 106。In certain embodiments, LGF102 is coupled to sensor 106 via distance piece 206。

At block 908 place, light source 104 is coupled into and optically connects with LGF102。Light source 104 can to allow any mode that light propagates to enter LGF102 from light source 104 to be coupled to LGF102。

The specific embodiment of user input apparatus 100 is described by reference to Fig. 1-9。Describing another embodiment with reference to Figure 10-16, wherein user input apparatus is encapsulated on circuit board substrate。Specifically, Figure 10-12 illustrates the particular step in the assembling process of optical finger navigation device, and Figure 13-16 describes the side view of amplification of some details of optical finger navigation device and the top view of Figure 10-12。

Figure 10 is the axonometric chart of the optical finger navigation device 1000 of part assembling, and wherein optical finger navigation device 1000 includes circuit board substrate 1010, sensor 106 and light source 104, and wherein sensor is similar above with reference to those described in Fig. 1-9 with light source。In the embodiment in figure 10, circuit board substrate is rigid multi-layer substrate known in the art。Conductive path (not shown) extends to flexible circuit board substrate 1012 from the conduction disc circuit board substrate。Flexible circuit board substrate provides conductive path and conduction disc, and it makes guider be electrically connectable to the portable electronic system (such as portable electronic system 702) at optical finger navigation device place。In the embodiment in figure 10, it is installed to circuit board substrate including the optical navigation circuit 710 of sensor 106 and light source 104 at the tube core installed position specified。Although other electric connection technology can be used, but optical navigation circuit and light source may utilize and be electrically connected to circuit board substrate based on silicon renucleation (TSV)。LGF is installed to circuit board substrate after being installed to circuit board substrate by optical navigation circuit and light source。

Figure 11 be after LGF102 has been fitted into circuit board substrate 1010, the axonometric chart of optical finger navigation device 1000。In the embodiment in figure 11, LGF is laminated on the top major surface of circuit board substrate。Such as, glue low for refractive index ratio LGF is utilized to be laminated on circuit board substrate by LGF。Glue should have the refractive index lower than LGF, so that maintaining TIR in LGF。In an alternate embodiment, maintaining gap between LGF and circuit board substrate, this gap accommodates the fluid that refractive index ratio LGF is low, such as air。As shown in figure 11, the first type surface 112 of LGF is parallel with circuit board substrate and the plane surface parallel with the plane of sensor 106。LGF is also configured with the hole 1014 corresponding with the position of light source 104。Hole is formed by the lateral edges 1014 of LGF, and in the embodiment in figure 11, although other configurations of lateral edges it is also possible that, but the lateral edge of LGF is vertical with the first type surface of LGF。Hole and the position of light source in LGF make the light from light source can be injected in LGF by the lateral edge of LGF。Although light source is arranged in the hole of LGF, but in other embodiments, LGF does not include hole and light source is positioned at the peripheral lateral edges place of composition LGF of LGF。LGF and light source other configuration it is also possible that, as long as light is to cause the angle of TIR to be injected in LGF。After LGF is connected to optical finger navigation device, cosmetic cover can be installed on device。

Figure 12 is the axonometric chart being mounted with the optical finger navigation device 1000 after cosmetic cover 1018。In the fig. 12 embodiment, cosmetic cover is the molded shell of plastics, the outward flange of its covering board substrate 1010 but keep exposing by a part of LGF102。The expose portion of LGF at least corresponds to the position of sensor so that finger can be placed on above the position of sensor by the user of optical finger navigation device。In the fig. 12 embodiment, cosmetic cover has the periphery 1020 of projection to provide sense of touch to feed back to the user of device。Sense of touch feedback gives user's tactile cue with the ideal position of user's finger of device。Especially, the finger of user is guided the appropriate location to optical navigator by the protuberance of cosmetic cover。Other embodiments of cosmetic cover it is also possible that, including the embodiment not providing sense of touch to feed back。Cosmetic cover can be configured to conform to device and be installed in the design requirement of specific electronic system therein。In an embodiment, the optical finger navigation device shown in Figure 12 may be mounted to that in the handheld electronic communication device of such as smart phone etc.。

Figure 13 is the sectional view of the optical finger navigation device 1000 of Figure 12。The sectional view of Figure 13 is not proportional to the size of Figure 12, and is provided to the space layout of illustrated circuit base board 1010, sensor 106, light source 104 and cosmetic cover 1018。In the embodiment of Figure 13, circuit board substrate includes the conductive layer 1022 between two non-conductive layers 1024 and 1026。Sensor is electrically connected to the trace (trace) in conductive layer, and can be physically installed into the one in non-conductive layer and/or conductive layer。Although specifically not describing in fig. 13, but sensor (and encapsulating the optical navigation circuit 710 of sensor in it) utilizes TSV to be electrically connected to conductive layer, but other physical connections and electrical connection it is also possible that。

In the embodiment of Figure 13; utilize glue low for refractive index ratio LGF to be laminated on the top layer 1024 of circuit board substrate by LGF102, and the hole 1014 at light source place is filled with transparent epoxy resin, protects with the protection and electric discharge (ESD) that light source provides mechanical aspects。

In the embodiment of Figure 13, space 1030 is present between sensor 106 and the bottom major surface of LGF102。Space can be filled with air or some other fluids or solid material。In an alternate embodiment, LGF can directly be laminated on the top of sensor or sensor encapsulation。

In the above-described embodiments, the non-planar elements 402 and 502 on the first type surface 112 of LGF102 can be used for increasing the amount of the light leaving LGF102 at finger interface surface 114 place, to increase the light quantity of the finger scattering/reflection by user。The non-planar elements described with reference to Fig. 4 A, 4B and Fig. 5 is the feature extended above in the plane of the first type surface of LGF。In another embodiment, LGF is configured with the array of the feature of below the plane of the first type surface being positioned at LGF。The array in " light extraction features portion " makes light leave LGF near finger interface surface 114 place or its。Made light leave LGF near finger interface surface 114 or its by light extraction features portion, therefore user input apparatus 100 do not rely on finger contact (and the change of the TIR produced in touched surface) make light leave LGF。

The position in light extraction features portion, layout and shape control to leave the position of light of LGF, intensity and angle。The position in light extraction features portion is selected as corresponding with the position of sensor 106 so that the light incidence reflected by the finger of user is on a sensor。Indicate the example 1032 of the position in light extraction features portion in fig. 13。The position of feature, layout and shape are ideally selected to so that leave the light quantity optimization of LGF and make light leave the angle optimization of LGF。In an embodiment, the position in light extraction features portion, layout and shape are selected as strengthening the DE Specular Lighting in user's finger and shade。

Figure 14 A is the top view of the array relative to the light extraction features 1034 in the position of sensor 106, LGF102。Feature configures with the depressed part array of 19 × 19 on the top major surface of LGF。In the embodiment of Figure 14 A, LGF is about 50 μ m-thick, and each features is the depressed part of 10 μ m 10 μ m 10 μm in the top major surface 112 of LGF。Additionally, a mask of each 10 μ m 10,10 μm of depressed parts of μ m has the cylindrical chamfering of 10 μm of radiuses。The fillet surface in light extraction features portion is oriented towards the position of light source 104, extracts a part for light with the finger from LGF towards user。Enable to follow the tracks of accurately it is desirable that light extraction features portion extracts enough light, but be less than many light so that the quality of characteristics of image is reduced to so that mobile tracking becomes coarse some position。

Figure 14 B originates from the LGF102 of Figure 14 A sectional view at hatching A-A place。It is the depressed part extending below in LGF in the plane of the top major surface 112 of LGF that Figure 14 B illustrates light extraction features portion 1034。In the embodiment of Figure 14 B, the fillet surface 1036 in light extraction features portion faces the position of light source 104 so that the light 1038 injected is incident in light extraction features portion at fillet surface place。Especially, in Figure 14 B, light propagates through LGF and then runs into the fillet surface in one of light extraction features portion due to TIR。The angle of fillet surface will not cause TIR and therefore light leave LGF。When the finger of user contacts or during very close to LGF, the light leaving LGF is reflected。A part for reflection light will to detecting back through LGF and by sensor。

Figure 15 depicts the axonometric chart of the embodiment in one of the light extraction features portion from Figure 14 A and 14B。In the embodiment of Figure 15, light extraction features portion is the depressed part of 10 μ m 10 μ m 10 μm in LGF, and a face 1036 of depressed part is rounded or chamfering with the radius of 10 μm。Although there has been described some examples of the position of light extraction features portion array, layout and shape, but other positions, layout and shape being possible。

Figure 16 depicts the user's finger contacted in the position in light extraction features portion with LGF。The corresponding sports of navigation identification that user's finger will cause in portable electronic system relative to the transverse movement of sensor。

In an embodiment, in the surface of sensor, it is desirable to the range of exposures on the LGF of about 1mm × 1mm。In an embodiment, LGF can dye desired color。Such as, LGF can dye, while making infrared light pass through, human viewer be presented black。

Although illustrate and describe the operation of method here with particular order, but the operation order of each method can be changed, so that specific operation can be performed with reverse order or make at least partly can perform specific operation with other operations simultaneously。In another embodiment, it is possible to by interval and/or alternately in the way of implement instruction or the child-operation of unique operation。

Although having been described above and illustrate only certain embodiments of the present invention, but the invention is not restricted to particular form described herein and that illustrate or parts layout。The scope of the present invention is limited by claim and full scope of equivalents thereof。

The cross reference of related application

The application is the same pending application No.12/487 submitted on January 23rd, 2009, the continuation in part application of 191, and being the same pending application No.12/487 submitted on June 18th, 2009, the continuation in part application of 359, the complete disclosure of the two application is incorporated herein by reference。

Claims (17)

1. an optical finger navigation device, including:

Light-guiding film LGF, wherein said LGF show total internal reflection TIR at least partially, and the thickness of wherein said LGF is between 10 microns and 100 microns；

Light source, its light source and described LGF optical communication, and be configured to incident light in described LGF；

Sensor, it is configured to detecting from after the finger reflection of described LGF from the light of described LGF outgoing；

Navigation module, its light being configured to respond to reflect from described finger and detected by described sensor is to generate horizontal movable information, and described horizontal movement information indicates the transverse movement relative to described sensor of the described finger；And

Circuit board substrate, wherein said light source, described sensor and described navigation module are connected to described circuit board substrate, and wherein said LGF is directly laminated to described circuit board substrate, does not have the intervention of optical lens between described circuit board substrate and described LGF。

2. optical finger navigation device according to claim 1, wherein said LGF includes first type surface and lateral edges, and wherein said light source is configured to incident light in described LGF at described lateral edges place。

3. optical finger navigation device according to claim 1, wherein said LGF includes multiple light extraction features portion, and the plurality of light extraction features portion makes light by the surface contrary with described sensor from described LGF outgoing。

4. optical finger navigation device according to claim 3, wherein said multiple light extraction features portions include multiple depressed parts at the first type surface place at described LGF。

5. optical finger navigation device according to claim 3, wherein said multiple light extraction features portions are formed in described LGF。

6. optical finger navigation device according to claim 1, first type surface that wherein said LGF includes having planar section and at least in part multiple non-planar elements outside the plane with described planar section, wherein said non-planar elements makes light from described LGF outgoing。

7. optical finger navigation device according to claim 6, wherein said non-planar elements includes the multiple light extraction features portions being recessed to the lower section of the described first type surface of described LGF。

8. optical finger navigation device according to claim 7, wherein said multiple light extraction features portions include the array with the depressed part of cylindrical chamfering。

9. optical finger navigation device according to claim 6, wherein said multiple non-planar elements are shaped as the DE Specular Lighting and shade strengthened in described finger。

10. an optical finger navigation device, comprising:

Circuit board substrate；

Sensor, it is connected to described circuit board substrate, and described sensor includes the array of individual photodetector；

Light-guiding film LGF, its thickness is between 10 microns and 100 microns and to be mounted directly to described circuit board substrate, optical lens is not had between described circuit board substrate and described LGF, and, be placed adjacent to described sensor so that described sensor described circuit board substrate and described LGF at least some of between, between described sensor and described LGF, there is no optical lens；

Light source, during it is installed to described circuit board substrate and is configured to incident light on the edge surface of described LGF；And

Navigation module, its light being configured to respond to reflect from finger and detected by described sensor is to generate horizontal movable information, and described horizontal movement information indicates the transverse movement relative to described sensor of the described finger。

11. optical finger navigation device according to claim 10, wherein utilize glue low for LGF described in refractive index ratio that described LGF is laminated directly to described circuit board substrate。

12. optical finger navigation device according to claim 10, wherein said LGF includes multiple light extraction features portion。

13. a portable handheld electronic system, comprising:

Display, it includes navigation identification；

Optical finger navigation device, it is configured to the change based on the light pattern detected according to the finger motion relative to described optical finger navigation device, generates the navigation signal for moving described navigation identification, and described optical finger navigation device includes:

Circuit board substrate；

Light-guiding film LGF, its thickness is between 10 microns and 100 microns, wherein said LGF shows total internal reflection TIR at least partially, and wherein said LGF is directly laminated to described circuit board substrate, does not have optical lens between described circuit board substrate and described LGF；

Light source, its be connected to described circuit board substrate and with described LGF optical communication, and be configured to incident light in described LGF；

Sensor, it is connected to described circuit board substrate and is configured to detecting from after the finger reflection of described LGF from the light of described LGF outgoing；And

Navigation module, its light being configured to respond to reflect from described finger and detected by described sensor is to generate horizontal movable information, and described horizontal movement information indicates the transverse movement relative to described sensor of the described finger。

14. portable handheld electronic system according to claim 13, wherein said LGF includes multiple light extraction features portion, and the plurality of light extraction features portion makes light from described LGF outgoing。

15. portable handheld electronic system according to claim 14, wherein said LGF includes first type surface, and wherein said multiple light extraction features portion includes the multiple depressed parts at first type surface place in described LGF。

16. portable handheld electronic system according to claim 13, wherein said LGF includes first type surface and lateral edges, and wherein said light source is configured to incident light in described LGF at described lateral edges place。

17. portable handheld electronic system according to claim 13, wherein said LGF includes first type surface and forms the lateral edges in the hole completely penetrating through described LGF, and wherein said light source is placed in the described hole of described LGF, so that described light is injected in described LGF at the described lateral edges place of described LGF, and wherein said hole is filled with transparent epoxy resin。