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WO2011052790A1 - Dispositif de pointage luminescent et dispositif électronique comprenant ce dispositif - Google Patents

Dispositif de pointage luminescent et dispositif électronique comprenant ce dispositif Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011052790A1
WO2011052790A1 PCT/JP2010/069536 JP2010069536W WO2011052790A1 WO 2011052790 A1 WO2011052790 A1 WO 2011052790A1 JP 2010069536 W JP2010069536 W JP 2010069536W WO 2011052790 A1 WO2011052790 A1 WO 2011052790A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
pointing device
subject
optical pointing
optical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2010/069536
Other languages
English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
渡邉　由紀夫
三木　錬三郎
明 永宗
三宅　隆浩
上田　稔
哲史 野呂
敏幸 高田
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sharp Corp
Original Assignee
Sharp Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2009252428A external-priority patent/JP4746118B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2009252437A external-priority patent/JP4695704B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2010116207A external-priority patent/JP4758511B1/ja
Application filed by Sharp Corp filed Critical Sharp Corp
Publication of WO2011052790A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011052790A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03547—Touch pads, in which fingers can move on a surface
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
    • G06F2203/033—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/033
    • G06F2203/0338—Fingerprint track pad, i.e. fingerprint sensor used as pointing device tracking the fingertip image

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical pointing device and an electronic device including the same, and more specifically, an optical pointing device as an input device that can be mounted on a portable information terminal (electronic device) such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants). It relates to the device.
  • a portable information terminal electronic device
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistants
  • a keypad is generally adopted as a user interface for inputting information.
  • the keypad is usually composed of a plurality of buttons for inputting numbers and characters and direction buttons (cross keys).
  • a GUI Graphic User Interface
  • the portable information terminal is highly functional and has a display function equivalent to that of a computer
  • the input means of the conventional portable information terminal that uses menu keys and other function keys as direction keys are expressed in GUI. It is not suitable for selecting an icon or the like and is inconvenient.
  • a portable information terminal is required to have a pointing device that enables intuitive operation, such as a mouse such as a ball mouse or an optical mouse used in a computer, a touch pad, or a tablet. ing.
  • a pointing device that can be mounted on a portable information terminal, a subject (for example, a fingertip) that contacts the pointing device is observed with an image sensor, and a change in the pattern of the subject (for example, a fingerprint) on the contact surface is extracted.
  • an optical pointing device that detects the movement of a subject. That is, an image of a subject formed by light reflected by the subject is continuously captured by an image sensor such as an image sensor, and a change amount of the captured image data with respect to the image data captured immediately before is extracted.
  • an optical pointing device that calculates the movement of a subject based on the amount and outputs it as an electrical signal. By using this optical pointing device, the cursor or the like shown on the display can be moved in accordance with the movement of the subject.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted from a light source and reflected by a subject in a horizontal direction (when the apparatus is placed horizontally), and vertically facing a horizontal ray path.
  • An optical pointing device including an installed condensing lens and an image sensor (imaging device) is described (see abstract of Patent Document 1).
  • the optical pointing device of Patent Document 1 In the optical pointing device of Patent Document 1, light emitted from a light source is shielded by a block-shaped light shielding wall provided with a reflecting mirror so that it does not directly enter the image sensor. That is, in the optical pointing device of Patent Document 1 that guides light to the image sensor with a reflecting mirror, the light emitted from the light source becomes stray light (light that does not pass through a prescribed light path) without being reflected by the subject. Therefore, it is possible to easily prevent light from being received.
  • Patent Documents 2 and 3 An optical pointing device that has been reduced in size and thickness has been proposed.
  • an ultra-thin optical joystick that is an optical pointing device disclosed in Patent Document 3
  • a subject on a contact surface is irradiated by a light source such as an LED, and light scattered from the subject is reflected by a condenser lens.
  • Focus on the image sensor continuously capture the subject image with an image sensor such as an image sensor, extract the amount of change in the captured image data from the image data captured immediately before, and move the subject based on the amount of change And the movement of the subject is output as an electrical signal.
  • the cursor or the like shown on the display can be moved in accordance with the movement of the subject.
  • the optical system in the ultra-thin optical joystick 100 ⁇ disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3 includes a light source unit 110 ⁇ including an LED 111 ⁇ and a reflection mirror 112 ⁇ as shown in FIG. 25 in order to reduce the size and thickness of the device.
  • the height of the optical joystick is about 2 mm or less. Can be reduced to. For this reason, an ultra-thin optical joystick is provided.
  • Patent Document 4 As in Patent Document 3, a bending optical element such as a prism is disposed immediately below the contact surface, and an optical pointing device that forms an image on an imaging element by bending reflected light from a subject in a horizontal direction.
  • An optical joystick has been proposed. Thereby, it is possible to realize an optical pointing device having a short length in the vertical direction while taking a long optical path, thereby realizing a reduction in thickness of the optical pointing device.
  • Patent Document 4 discloses a reflecting mirror that reflects light emitted from a light source and reflected by a subject in a horizontal direction (when the device is placed horizontally), and a horizontal mirror.
  • An optical joystick having a condensing lens and an image sensor (imaging device) that are vertically disposed opposite to each other on the light path is disclosed.
  • the optical pointing device described in Patent Documents 2 to 3 is reduced in size and thickness so that the optical system and the like are reduced and the capacity is reduced. Since no light shielding wall or the like can be provided, stray light cannot be shielded. When stray light is received by the image sensor, the light (scattered light) reflected by the subject cannot be sufficiently recognized by the effect of stray light when the image sensor receives light reflected from the subject. The performance of the pointing device is reduced. Therefore, a countermeasure for preventing stray light from being received by the image sensor is demanded.
  • an optical pointing device that uses a light source, a waveguide, and the like to emit light from the light source, bend the reflected light from the subject in the horizontal direction, and form an image on the image sensor through the waveguide. It is necessary to prevent stray light from a light source or the like from entering the image sensor.
  • the light from the light source 205 ⁇ is collected by the prism 201 ⁇ and the collecting light in the cover member 204 ⁇ constituting the prisms 201 ⁇ and 202 ⁇ and the condenser lens 203 ⁇ .
  • the stray light that diffuses upward when passing through the optical lens 203 ⁇ and the prism 202 ⁇ is shielded by the sheet-like miscellaneous light shielding wall 211 ⁇ provided on the upper side of the cover member 204 ⁇ , and the stray light that diffuses downward is covered by the cover member 204 ⁇ . It is shielded by a sheet-like miscellaneous light shielding wall 212 ⁇ provided on the side.
  • the optical joystick 100 ⁇ disclosed in Patent Document 4 as shown in FIG. 39, in the optical member 104 ⁇ constituting the prisms 101 ⁇ and 102 ⁇ and the condensing lens 103 ⁇ , the light from the light source 105 ⁇ is collected into the prism 101 ⁇ .
  • the stray light diffused laterally is blocked by the block-shaped holder 107 ⁇ .
  • the stray light diffusing upward is shielded by the sheet-like miscellaneous light shielding wall 111 ⁇ provided on the upper side of the optical member 104 ⁇ , and the stray light diffusing downward is provided on the lower side of the optical member 104 ⁇ . It is shielded by the shielding wall 112 ⁇ .
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical pointing device in which the influence of stray light on image data captured by an image sensor is reduced even in a thin optical pointing device, And providing an electronic apparatus including the same.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide stray light easily when using a light guide type optical member that is integrally formed including an optical path changing means and an imaging reflection portion and guides the inside by reflection. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical pointing device with high detection accuracy of an object and an electronic apparatus including the same.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical pointing device capable of reducing the influence of stray light on image data captured by an image sensor without providing a new shielding wall, and an electronic apparatus including the same. is there.
  • an optical pointing device of the present invention includes a light source that irradiates light to a subject, a light guide type optical member that reflects reflected light from the subject and guides the inside, and the light guide.
  • An optical pointing device including an imaging element that receives light guided by the optical optical member, wherein the optical guiding member includes an imaging reflection unit that guides the guided light to the imaging element.
  • stray light that changes the path of light that is emitted from the light source and is incident on the image sensor without passing through the imaging reflector on the back surface of the light guide optical member on which the light source and the image sensor are provided. It is characterized by having a prevention part.
  • the light guide type optical member is provided with a countermeasure (stray light countermeasure) against light that is directly incident on the image sensor without reflection of light emitted from the light source by the subject. That is, a stray light prevention unit that prevents light emitted from the light source from entering the imaging element without being reflected by the subject is formed on the back surface of the light guide type optical member. Accordingly, when light that has not been reflected by the subject that causes stray light among the light emitted from the light source reaches the stray light prevention unit, the path changes when the light is emitted from the stray light prevention unit. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source can be prevented from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject.
  • stray light countermeasure stray light countermeasure
  • the stray light preventing portion is formed on the back surface of the light guide type optical member, stray light can be prevented even in a thin optical pointing device.
  • the stray light prevention unit is preferably provided so as to avoid the path of the signal light for detecting the subject. Thereby, it is possible to prevent stray light from entering the imaging element without reducing the detection sensitivity of the signal light.
  • an optical pointing device of the present invention includes a light source that irradiates light to a subject, a light guide type optical member that reflects and guides reflected light from the subject, and An optical pointing device including an imaging device that receives light guided by a light guide type optical member, wherein the light guide type optical member has a contact surface that contacts the subject and light that is guided An imaging reflection part that guides the image to the imaging element and an optical path changing unit that changes the direction of the reflected light from the subject and guides it to the imaging reflection part.
  • the optical type optical member is disposed on the lower side of the light source side than the imaging reflection portion, and the light guide type optical member is further coupled with reflected light from the subject or direct light from the light source. Directly incident on the image sensor without going through the image reflector Is characterized in that notches for preventing Rukoto is formed on at least part of the light source side of the straight upper surface of the image sensor.
  • the optical pointing device includes a light source that irradiates light to a subject, a light guide type optical member that reflects and reflects light reflected from the subject inside, and the light guide type optical member.
  • An image sensor that receives the guided light.
  • the light guide type optical member includes a contact surface that contacts the subject, an imaging reflection unit that guides the guided light to the image sensor, and a direction of reflected light from the subject to change the connection.
  • Optical path conversion means for guiding to the image reflecting portion is integrally formed. Therefore, by adopting such a light guide type optical member, even if the optical path length of the optical system is increased and aberrations are suppressed, the length of the light guide type optical member in the vertical direction is compared with the optical path length. Therefore, the size can be reduced. In addition, the number of components can be reduced by integrally forming the contact surface, the optical path changing means, and the imaging reflection part.
  • stray light such as reflected light from the subject or direct light from the light source does not pass through the imaging reflection part.
  • the stray light may be directly incident on the image sensor, and such stray light is transmitted from the contact surface to the image sensor through the optical path conversion unit and the imaging reflection unit. It is a scattered light component from the incident subject, and Noise is an unnecessary light component that enters the image sensor through the other optical path).
  • the light guide type optical member has a cutout portion for preventing the reflected light from the subject or the direct light from the light source from directly entering the imaging element without passing through the imaging reflection portion. It is formed on at least part of the light source side on the top surface of the image sensor. For this reason, by forming a notch on at least a part on the light source side on the top surface of the image sensor, stray light composed of reflected light from the subject or direct light from the light source that does not pass through the imaging reflection unit, When the light is emitted from the inside of the light guide type optical member, it is reflected by the notch, the incident angle changes, and it can be prevented from being emitted from the inside of the light guide type optical member. As a result, it is possible to prevent stray light, which is reflected light from the subject not passing through the imaging reflection unit or direct light from the light source, from directly entering the image sensor.
  • the present invention in order to prevent stray light, only a notch portion is formed in the light guide type optical member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stray light incident on the image sensor with a simple configuration without using a special light shielding wall or light shielding member.
  • the optical pointing device of the present invention includes a light source that irradiates light on a contact surface of a subject, and an imaging element that forms an image of scattered light from the subject on an imaging device.
  • a light source that irradiates light on a contact surface of a subject
  • an imaging element that forms an image of scattered light from the subject on an imaging device.
  • the optical pointing device in the outer peripheral area of the imaging element and within the range where the direct light from the light source, scattered light from the subject or other disturbance light reaches, the light reflected by the outer peripheral area or the outer peripheral area
  • a structure is provided in which an optical path of light transmitted through the light source is changed to prevent the light from entering the imaging element as noise light.
  • the optical pointing device includes the light source that irradiates light on the contact surface of the subject and the imaging element that forms an image of the scattered light from the subject on the imaging element. Therefore, by adopting such an optical pointing device, the optical path length of the optical system can be made longer, the length in the vertical direction can be made smaller than the optical path length, and miniaturization can be achieved.
  • direct light from the light source, scattered light from the subject, or other disturbance light may be directly incident on the image sensor without passing through the imaging element.
  • Etc. reduce the S / N (Signal / Noise) of the image sensor.
  • the present invention in the outer peripheral region of the imaging element and within the range where direct light from the light source, scattered light from the subject, or other disturbance light reaches, the light reflected by the outer peripheral region or There is provided a structure that changes the optical path of the light transmitted through the outer peripheral region and prevents the light from entering the imaging element as noise light.
  • This structure is made of a scattering surface such as a prism.
  • the structure is not a new shielding wall because it suppresses incident light as noise light to the imaging element by changing the optical path of light reflected by the outer peripheral region or transmitted through the outer peripheral region.
  • the light guide type optical member includes a contact surface that contacts the subject and a light guide light that is guided to the imaging reflection unit to the imaging element.
  • the light guide in which the image reflection unit and the optical path conversion unit that converts the direction of the reflected light from the subject and guides it to the imaging reflection unit are formed integrally, and further, the light source and the image sensor are provided.
  • the back surface of the mold optical member is provided with a stray light prevention unit that changes the path of light that is emitted from the light source and enters the image sensor without passing through the imaging reflection unit. Therefore, even in a thin optical pointing device, it is possible to provide an optical pointing device and an electronic device that can reduce the influence of stray light on image data captured by the image sensor.
  • the light guide type optical member includes a contact surface with which the subject comes in contact, an imaging reflection unit that guides the guided light to the imaging device, and the subject. And an optical path changing unit that changes the direction of the reflected light and guides the reflected light to the imaging reflection unit, and the imaging element is closer to the light source than the imaging reflection unit in the light guide type optical member.
  • reflected light from the subject or direct light from the light source is directly incident on the imaging element without passing through the imaging reflection unit.
  • a notch for preventing the light is formed on at least a part of the light source side on the top surface of the image sensor.
  • the electronic apparatus of the present invention includes the optical pointing device described above.
  • the optical pointing device of the present invention is an outer peripheral region of the imaging element, in a range where direct light from the light source, scattered light from the subject, or other disturbance light reaches.
  • region is provided.
  • the electronic apparatus of the present invention includes the optical pointing device described above.
  • an optical pointing device that can reduce the influence of stray light on the image data captured by the image sensor without providing a new shielding wall, and an electronic device including the same.
  • FIG. 1 It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the optical pointing device in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the back surface of the cover part in the optical pointing device of FIG. It is a figure which compares the stray light prevention effect of an optical pointing device, (a) is sectional drawing of the optical pointing device which does not have a stray light prevention structure, (b) is sectional drawing of the optical pointing device which has a stray light prevention structure is there. It is a figure which shows the transmittance
  • FIG. 1 It is a perspective view explaining the assembly method of the optical pointing device of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the optical pointing device in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the diffraction element and the groove pattern of a diffraction element in the optical pointing device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the shape of the diffraction element in the optical pointing device of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the optical pointing device in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the electronic device in the 4th Embodiment of this invention, and is a schematic diagram which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone carrying the optical pointing device of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an optical pointing device according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical pointing device. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the cover part of the said optical pointing device.
  • (A) is a top view which shows the structure of the cover part of the said optical pointing device
  • (b) is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cover part of the said optical pointing device. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical path until the irradiation light with the spreading
  • (A) (b) is sectional drawing which shows the optical path in case the stray light from the to-be-photographed object in the said optical pointing device is directly input into an image pick-up element. It is sectional drawing which shows the optical path in case the stray light from the light source in the said optical pointing device is directly input into an image pick-up element. It is sectional drawing which shows the condition where the stray light from the light source in the said optical pointing device changes an optical path just before an image pick-up element by a notch part. It is sectional drawing which shows the cover part which formed the light shielding film in the said notch part.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the optical pointing device according to the present invention and showing the configuration of the optical pointing device.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the optical pointing device according to the present invention and showing the configuration of the optical pointing device.
  • FIG. 1 shows one Embodiment of the electronic device provided with the optical pointing device in this invention, and is a front view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone as an electronic device carrying an optical pointing device, (b) Is a rear view, and (c) is a side view.
  • It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the conventional optical pointing device. It is an assembly disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the other conventional optical pointing device.
  • (A) shows one Embodiment of the optical pointing device in this invention, Comprising: It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an optical pointing device, (b) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the cover part of the said optical pointing device.
  • (A) is a plan view showing a configuration of another structure in the optical pointing device, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ of (a).
  • (A) is a plan view showing a configuration of still another structure in the optical pointing device, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ′ of (a).
  • (A) is a plan view showing a configuration of still another structure in the optical pointing device
  • (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C ′ of (a).
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the optical pointing device according to the present invention, showing the configuration of the optical pointing device including a lens and the optical path from the light source. It is a top view which shows the structure of the optical pointing device provided with the said lens, and the optical path from a light source.
  • (A) shows one Embodiment of the electronic device provided with the optical pointing device in this invention, Comprising: It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone as an electronic device carrying an optical pointing device, (b) ) Is a rear view thereof, and (c) is a side view thereof. It is an assembly exploded perspective view which shows the structure of the conventional optical pointing device.
  • Each embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking an optical pointing device using an LED as a light source module as an example.
  • the optical pointing device of the present invention detects the movement of a subject by irradiating a subject such as a fingertip with light and receiving light reflected from the subject.
  • a subject such as a fingertip
  • the configuration of the optical pointing device of each embodiment will be specifically described.
  • symbol is attached
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an optical pointing device 30 according to the first embodiment.
  • the optical pointing device 30 includes a substrate portion 26 and a cover portion (light guide type optical member) 24.
  • the substrate unit 26 includes a circuit board 21, a light source 16, an image sensor 15, and a transparent resin 20.
  • the cover unit 24 includes a contact surface 11, a bending element 12 (an optical path conversion unit, a prism) that forms the inclined surface 13, an imaging element (imaging reflection unit) 14, and reflection surfaces 17 and 18 (an optical path conversion unit).
  • the subject 10 in contact with the contact surface 11 of the cover unit 24 is a subject such as a fingertip, and is an object for which the optical pointing device 30 detects the movement of the fingerprint of the finger.
  • the subject 10 is described as being small relative to the optical pointing device 30.
  • the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) of the optical pointing device 30 is defined as the Z axis
  • the width direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1) of the optical pointing device 30 is defined as the Y axis.
  • the direction from the lower part to the upper part of the optical pointing device 30 is the positive direction of the Z axis
  • the direction from the light source 16 to the image sensor 15 is the positive direction of the Y axis.
  • the positive direction of the Z axis is also called the vertical direction
  • the positive direction of the Y axis is also called the horizontal direction.
  • the depth direction of the optical pointing device 30 is the X axis
  • the direction from the back side to the near side of the optical pointing device 30 shown in FIG. 1 is the positive direction of the X axis.
  • the light source 16 and the image sensor 15 are mounted on one circuit board 21.
  • the light source 16 and the image sensor 15 are electrically connected to the circuit board 21 by wire bonding or flip chip mounting.
  • a circuit is formed on the circuit board 21.
  • the circuit controls the light emission timing of the light source 16 or receives an electrical signal output from the image sensor 15 to detect the movement of the subject.
  • the circuit board 21 has a planar shape made of the same material, and is made of, for example, a printed board or a lead frame.
  • the light source 16 emits light toward the contact surface 11 of the cover portion 24.
  • the light M emitted from the light source 16 is refracted by the bending element 12 of the cover portion 24 through the transparent resin 20, the traveling direction is changed, and reaches the contact surface 11. That is, the light M enters the contact surface from an oblique direction (at a certain incident angle with respect to the contact surface).
  • the cover portion 24 is made of a material having a refractive index larger than that of air, the light M that has reached the contact surface 11 partly touches the contact surface 11 when the subject 10 does not exist on the contact surface 11. The light is transmitted and the remaining part is reflected by the contact surface 11.
  • the light source 16 is realized by a light source such as an LED, for example, and is preferably realized by an infrared light emitting diode with high brightness.
  • the image sensor 15 receives the light L reflected from the subject 10 irradiated by the light source 16, forms an image on the contact surface 11 based on the received light, and converts the image into image data.
  • the image sensor 15 is an image sensor such as a CMOS or a CCD.
  • the image sensor 15 includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor: calculation unit) (not shown), and captures received light as image data in the DSP.
  • the image sensor 15 continues to capture images on the contact surface 11 at regular intervals in accordance with instructions from the circuit board 21.
  • the image captured by the image sensor 15 is different from the image captured immediately before.
  • the image sensor 15 compares the values of the same portion of the captured image data with the immediately preceding image data, and calculates the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10. That is, when the subject 10 on the contact surface 11 moves, the captured image data is image data indicating a value deviated from the image data captured immediately before by a predetermined amount.
  • the image sensor 15 calculates the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 based on the predetermined amount.
  • the image sensor 15 outputs the calculated movement amount and movement direction to the circuit board 21 as electric signals.
  • the DSP may be included in the circuit board 21 instead of in the image sensor 15. In that case, the image sensor 15 transmits the captured image data to the circuit board 21 in order.
  • the image sensor 15 captures an image of the contact surface 11 when the subject 10 is not present on the contact surface 11.
  • the image sensor 15 captures an image of the surface of the subject 10 in contact with the contact surface 11.
  • the image sensor 15 captures an image of a fingertip fingerprint.
  • the DSP of the image sensor 15 since the image data captured by the image sensor 15 is different from the image data when the subject 10 is not on the contact surface 11, the DSP of the image sensor 15 has the subject 10 on the contact surface 11. A signal indicating that is touching is transmitted to the circuit board 21.
  • the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 are calculated compared with the image data captured immediately before by the DSP, and a signal indicating the calculated movement amount and movement direction is transmitted to the circuit board 21. .
  • the light source 16 and the imaging element 15 are sealed with a transparent resin 20 made of a translucent resin.
  • the shape of the transparent resin 20 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped.
  • the bottom surface of the transparent resin 20 is in close contact with and in contact with the upper surface of the circuit board 21, and concave portions that are in close contact with the light source 16 and the image sensor 15 are formed.
  • a thermosetting resin such as a silicone resin or an epoxy resin
  • a thermoplastic resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate
  • the cover part 24 protects each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 such as the light source 16 and the imaging element 15.
  • the cover part 24 is located on the upper side of the substrate part 26 and is in close contact with the side surface and the upper surface of the substrate part 26.
  • the surface of the cover 24 that is on the negative side of the Z-axis and that is not exposed to the outside when mounted on the substrate 26 and formed as the optical pointing device 30 is referred to as the back of the cover 24. . That is, some of the contact surfaces (contact surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C) on the back surface of the cover portion 24 are in close contact with and in contact with the side surface and the upper surface of the substrate portion 26.
  • the bottom surface (contact surface 24 ⁇ / b> C) of the cover portion 24 forms the same plane as the bottom surface of the substrate portion 26.
  • the upper surface of the cover part 24 is parallel to the bottom surface (contact surface 24C) of the cover part 24 and the bottom surface of the substrate part 26, and both side surfaces of the cover part 24 are the upper surface of the cover part 24 and the cover part. It is formed by a surface having an angle with respect to the bottom surface (contact surface 24 ⁇ / b> C) of 24 and the bottom surface of the substrate portion 26. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the optical pointing device 30 has a trapezoidal shape in the cross-sectional view. However, the shape is not limited to this, and the side surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface.
  • a flange 25 is provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the side surface of the cover, and the optical pointing device of the present invention is mounted on the device and is pushed from the contact surface 11 of the cover 24 to the negative side of the Z axis by a subject such as a finger.
  • the force generated in the positive direction of the Z-axis by a leaf spring-shaped contact switch provided on the bottom surface of the substrate portion 26 (not shown) is regulated at a certain position to ensure a certain stroke amount necessary as a pushbutton switch. Used for.
  • the contact surface 11 is a surface where the subject 10 is in contact with the optical pointing device 30.
  • the contact surface 11 is an upper surface of the cover portion 24 and is located above the light source 16.
  • the bending element (prism) 12 is located above the light source 16 and below the contact surface 11, and forms a concave portion on the back surface of the cover portion 24 that is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24 and not in contact with the substrate portion 26. To do.
  • the bending element 12 is formed with an inclined surface 13, and a narrow angle formed by the inclined surface 13 and the upper surface of the cover portion 24 is defined as an inclination angle ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 refracts the light M emitted from the light source 16 on the inclined surface 13 and converts the path of the light M so as to go to the subject 10.
  • the bending element 12 totally reflects the light L reflected from the subject 10 by the inclined surface 13, and converts the path of the light L in the positive direction of the Y axis inside the cover portion 24. .
  • the light L reflected from the subject 10 that has been totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 is directed to a reflection surface 17 described later.
  • the inclined surface 13 of the bending element 12 transmits the light M and totally reflects the light L. Therefore, a material having a refractive index higher than the refractive index of the space above the light source 16 and between the cover portion 24 and the substrate portion 26 is used for the cover portion 24.
  • the cover 24 may be made of an air layer using a visible light absorption type polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin having a refractive index of about 1.5. That is, an aluminum reflective film or the like is not deposited on the inclined surface 13 of the bending element 12 in order to totally reflect the light L.
  • the imaging element (lens) 14 reflects the reflected light L from the subject 10 and forms an image of the subject 10 on the imaging element 15.
  • the imaging element 14 is located above the image sensor 15 and on the positive side of the Y axis with respect to the image sensor 15, and is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24 that is not in contact with the substrate portion 26. A recess is formed.
  • the imaging element 14 is formed with a toroidal surface having different curvatures in two orthogonal directions. The imaging element 14 reflects the light L reflected by the toroidal surface so as to form an image on the imaging element 15.
  • a reflective film of metal for example, aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, dielectric dichroic film, etc.
  • metal for example, aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, dielectric dichroic film, etc.
  • the imaging element 14 is formed with a toroidal surface, but instead, for example, a reflector such as a spherical surface or an aspherical surface that can form an image on the imaging element 15. It is possible to use.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the bottom surface (contact surface 24C) side of the cover part 24.
  • the aperture 19B having a fine prism structure on both sides in the X-axis direction of the imaging element (lens) 14 is also shown. Is formed.
  • FIG. 3A shows the optical pointing device 300 when the stray light preventing prism 19A is not provided in the optical pointing device 30 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B shows the optical pointing device 30 of FIG.
  • the aperture 19B is also a structure for guiding stray light / disturbance light from outside the effective diameter in the X-axis direction of the imaging element 14 in a certain direction without entering the imaging element 15 using the same fine structure. Since the operation and effect are the same as the stray light prevention prism 19A, only the stray light prevention prism 19A will be described here.
  • the light from the light source 16 is emitted with a certain spread from the light emitting point of the light source.
  • the light M is scattered and reflected by the subject 10, becomes reflected light L, and enters the image sensor 15.
  • light N1 and light N2 other than M are incident on the image sensor 15 as stray light without passing through the optical path of the imaging element 14 as shown in FIG. 3A where the stray light prevention prism is not formed.
  • the signal component obtained by subjecting the image picked up on the image pickup device 15 by the light passing through the optical path L to the image processing by the circuit board 21 can obtain signal information regarding the amount and direction of movement of the subject 10.
  • a similar image by light passing through the optical path N1 and the optical path N2 can only obtain an image that does not move even if the subject 10 moves, so that not only signal information can be obtained but also a moving image. Since the images that do not move overlap and hide the movement of the images, accurate signal information cannot be obtained.
  • light passing through the optical path L from which signal information can be obtained is referred to as signal light
  • light other than signal light is referred to as noise light.
  • noise light generated by a light source inside the optical pointing device is incident as stray light or from outside the optical pointing device.
  • FIG. 3B provided with the stray light preventing prism 19A, the stray light N1 and N2 generated in FIG.
  • the stray light prevention prism 19A and the aperture 19B are effective in addition to the light at the angles N1 and N2 of the light source 16 shown in FIG. 3, and not only the stray light from the light source 16 provided in the optical pointing device 30. It is also effective for disturbance light from outside the device.
  • the fine prism structure of the stray light preventing prism 19A and the aperture 19B may be appropriately set so that one side is about 30 to 100 ⁇ m and the forming angle is not in the undercut direction of the molding die.
  • a prism aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, dielectric dichroic film, etc.
  • a light-shielding film for example, paint or ink mixed with carbon black is formed by inkjet or printing
  • stray light countermeasures By absorbing stray light, it is possible to enhance the stray light countermeasure effect. It is also possible to hybridize the fine prism structure for stray light countermeasures with the vapor deposition film or the light shielding film. For example, when there is a total reflection surface in the immediate vicinity of a place where it is desired to take countermeasures against stray light, stray light from a small portion that is not covered becomes a problem even if most of the surface is covered with a vapor deposition film or a light shielding film. This is because the formation accuracy of the film is as low as 0.5 mm to 1 m, and it is necessary to enlarge the mask so that the film is not attached to the total reflection surface. Since the value is one digit or more (about 10 ⁇ m), it is sufficiently possible to form a fine prism structure in a portion where this film cannot be formed.
  • the incident light is scattered on the spot, but the strong light does not reach the image pickup device 15, so that the stray light prevention action is achieved. Is enough.
  • the reflecting surface 17 reflects the light L so that the light L totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 is incident on the imaging element 14 and the light L reflected from the imaging element 14 is incident on the imaging element 15. It is.
  • the reflection surface 17 is located above the image sensor 15 and on the upper surface of the cover portion 24.
  • the reflection surface 17 is formed by depositing a reflection film on the upper surface of the cover portion 24. Since the reflective film forming the reflective surface 17 is exposed to the outside and can be seen well by the user, it is desirable to make the film as inconspicuous as possible in appearance.
  • FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the transmittance and reflectance at each wavelength, where the horizontal axis represents wavelength (nm) and the vertical axis represents transmittance and reflectance (%).
  • the dotted line in the figure indicates the transmittance, and the solid line indicates the reflectance (the same applies to FIGS. 4B and 4C).
  • the reflecting film forming the reflecting surface 17 reflects infrared light having a wavelength band of 800 nm or more irradiated from the light source 16 and transmits light having a visible wavelength band of 800 nm or less. That's fine.
  • the reflected light L from the subject 10 is efficiently reflected by appropriately setting the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source 16 and the reflectance and transmittance characteristics of the reflecting film forming the reflecting surface 17.
  • the reflective surface 17 which is not conspicuous in appearance can be formed.
  • the cover portion 24 is preferably formed of a material having the characteristics shown in FIG. .
  • the material of the cover portion 24 may be a visible light absorption type polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin that transmits only infrared light.
  • a predetermined as shown in FIG. 4C is formed on the upper surface of the cover unit 24 and the upper surface of the reflection surface 17. What is necessary is just to coat with the material which reflects only the wavelength band of color (green in the example of illustration), and permeate
  • a material having such characteristics By coating the upper surface of the cover portion 24 and the upper surface of the reflecting surface 17 with a material having such characteristics, a desired color is applied to the surface of the optical pointing device 30 without impairing the optical characteristics of the optical pointing device 30. Can be attached.
  • the reflection surface 18 reflects the light L reflected from the imaging element 14 and reflected by the reflection surface 17 toward the reflection surface 17 again.
  • the reflection surface 18 is located above the image sensor 15 and on the positive side of the Y axis from the image sensor 15, and is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24.
  • the reflection surface 18 is formed by depositing a reflection film on the back surface of the cover portion 24.
  • the reflective film forming the reflective surface 18 is preferably one that efficiently reflects light.
  • the reflecting surface 18 is formed by vapor-depositing a metal such as aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, or a dielectric dichroic film.
  • the cover portion 24 is assembled above the substrate portion 26 with the transparent resin 20 side surface and the upper surface sealing the imaging element 15 in the substrate portion 26 as a reference. Yes.
  • contact surfaces 24 A and 24 B serving as a reference for making a decision on the transparent resin 20 of the substrate portion 26 are integrated with the contact surface 11, the bending element 12, the imaging element 14, and the flange 25. Is formed. Therefore, the contact surfaces 24A and 24B, the contact surfaces 11, the bending element 12, the imaging element 14, and the flange 25 are arranged with high mold tolerance.
  • the positional relationship with the cover portion 24 can be arranged with high accuracy. Therefore, since each unit and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 can be arranged with high accuracy, the optical pointing device 30 with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 can be realized.
  • the path through which the light emitted from the light source 16 reflects the subject 10 and enters the image sensor 15 will be described again.
  • the light M emitted from the light source 16 is refracted and transmitted by the inclined surface 13 of the bending element 12 and reaches the contact surface 11.
  • the light M emitted from the light source 16 is scattered and reflected on the surface of the subject 10 in contact with the contact surface 11.
  • the light L reflected by the surface of the subject 10 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 of the bending element 12, and the path changes in the positive direction of the Y axis.
  • the light L totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 is reflected by the reflecting surface 17 and reaches the imaging element 14.
  • the light L is reflected back by the imaging element 14, is reflected one after another by the reflecting surface 17, the reflecting surface 18, and the reflecting surface 17 and enters the imaging device 15.
  • the length of the cover 24 in the Y-axis direction can be made smaller and smaller than the optical path length. It is possible to reduce the size.
  • the contact surface 11, the bending element 12, the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A, and the aperture 19B are integrally formed with the cover portion 24. Therefore, the number of parts of the optical pointing device 30 can be reduced, and the number of assembly processes can also be reduced.
  • the cover portion 24 by forming a mold for forming the cover portion 24 with high accuracy, the inclined surface 13 and the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A and the aperture 19B of the bending element 12 can be manufactured with high accuracy, and The positional relationship among the contact surface 11, the bending element 12, the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A and the aperture 19B can also be arranged with mold accuracy. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the optical pointing device 30 can be reduced, and the optical pointing device 30 with high subject detection accuracy can be realized.
  • the contact surface 11, the bending element 12, and the imaging element 14 when assembling the contact surface 11, the bending element 12, and the imaging element 14 as separate parts, shapes such as an abutting surface for assembly and a fitting shape are required. Since it cannot be formed, a separate aperture such as a light-shielding sheet and stray light prevention means are required, so a contact surface for assembling them and a shape such as a fitting shape are also required, and a margin for adjusting the relative positional relationship between them. It is necessary to ensure.
  • the above shape is not necessary, and if there is a minimum required optical surface, it is not necessary to secure an adjustment margin, and the contact surface 11, the bending element 12 and the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A, and the aperture
  • the thickness of the cover part 24 including 19B can be reduced. Therefore, the thickness of the optical pointing device 30 can be reduced.
  • the cover portion 24 is assembled above the substrate portion 26 with the transparent resin 20 side surface and the upper surface of the substrate portion 26 as a reference.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining how to assemble the optical pointing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cover portion 24 includes contact surfaces 24A, 24B, and 24C that serve as a reference for making a decision on the transparent resin 20 of the substrate portion 26.
  • the aperture 19B and the flange 25 are integrally formed.
  • the contact surfaces 24A, 24B, and 24C, the contact surfaces 11, the bending element 12, the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A, the aperture 19B, and the flange 25 are arranged with high precision with mold tolerances.
  • the cover portion 24 is arranged as shown by an arrow P in FIG. 5, and the contact surfaces 24A, 24B, and 24C of the cover portion 24 are brought into contact with the side surface and the upper surface (surface) of the transparent resin 20 of the substrate portion 26.
  • the positional relationship with the cover part 24 can be arranged with high accuracy. Therefore, since each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 can be arranged with high accuracy, the optical pointing device 30 with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 can be realized.
  • a light shielding resin may be resin-sealed on the side surface of the transparent resin 20 and the upper surface excluding the lens portion. Further, a light shielding resin may be resin-sealed on the side surface of the transparent resin 20 and on the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 excluding a portion where the reflected light L from the subject is transmitted.
  • a thermosetting resin such as a silicone resin or an epoxy resin
  • a thermoplastic resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate is used, similarly to the light-transmitting resin.
  • the light-blocking resin includes carbon black.
  • the light emitted from the light source 16 is reflected directly or at a place other than the subject 10 and enters the image sensor 15. Can be prevented. It is possible to prevent so-called stray light that is not reflected light L from the subject 10 from entering the image sensor 15. Therefore, malfunction of the optical pointing device 30 due to stray light can be prevented, and the subject 10 can be detected with high accuracy.
  • the light emitted from the light source 16 does not pass through the imaging element 14 on the back surface (the surface facing the light source 16 and the image sensor 15) of the cover portion 24.
  • a stray light prevention prism 19A that changes the path of light incident on the image sensor 15 is provided.
  • the cover 24 is provided with a countermeasure (stray light countermeasure) against the light emitted from the light source 16 and directly incident on the imaging element 15 without being reflected by the subject 10.
  • the path is changed when the light is emitted from the stray light prevention prism 19A. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 16 can be prevented from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject 10.
  • the stray light preventing prism 19A is formed on the back surface of the cover portion 24, stray light can be prevented even in the thin optical pointing device 30.
  • the contact surface 11, the bending element 12, the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A, and the aperture 19B are integrally formed with the cover portion 24. That is, an optical system that is an essential component of the optical pointing device 30 is integrally formed. As a result, even if the optical path length of the optical system is increased and aberrations are suppressed, the length of the cover portion 24 in the vertical direction can be reduced as compared with the optical path length. Therefore, the optical pointing device 30 can be further reduced in size and thickness. Further, by integrally molding, the cover portion 24 can be assembled with high accuracy and the number of parts can be reduced.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of an optical pointing device 30a according to the second embodiment.
  • a diffractive element 12 ′ is arranged instead of the bending element 12 that totally reflects the reflected light L in the horizontal direction in the first embodiment.
  • differences from the first embodiment due to the arrangement of the diffraction element 12 ′ in the second embodiment will be described.
  • the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment is omitted.
  • the transparent resin 20 that seals the light source 16 is such that the negative side surface of the Y axis is not flush with the side surface of the circuit board 21, and the negative side surface of the Y axis is It is located on the positive side of the Y axis from the side surface of the circuit board 21.
  • the light M emitted from the light source 16 is transmitted and refracted on the back surface of the cover portion 24 via the lens portion 27 of the transparent resin 20 and reaches the contact surface 11.
  • the cover 24 includes the contact surface 11, the diffraction element 12 ', the imaging element 14, the stray light prevention prism 19A, the aperture 19B, and the reflection surfaces 17 and 18.
  • the cover portion 24 is located above the substrate portion 26 and is in close contact with the X-axis positive side surface, the Y-axis positive side surface, and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 that seals the imaging device 15 and the light source 16. It touches.
  • the diffractive element 12 ′ is located above the light source 16 and below the contact surface 11, and at a portion that does not contact the substrate portion 26 on the back surface (contact surface 24 ⁇ / b> C) of the cover portion 24.
  • the diffractive element 12 ′ reflects the light L reflected from the subject 10, and converts the path of the light L in the positive direction of the Y axis inside the cover portion 24.
  • the light L reflected from the subject 10 and reflected by the diffraction element 12 ′ travels toward the reflecting surface 17.
  • FIG. 7A is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the diffraction element 12 ′.
  • the diffractive element 12 ' is a reflective diffractive element that uses + 1st order reflected diffracted light.
  • the shape of the diffractive element 12 ′ for example, it is desirable that the cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG.
  • the blazed diffractive element 12 'shown in FIG. 7A the light utilization efficiency can be improved, and the 0th order light, the ⁇ 1st order light and the higher order diffracted light that become stray light can be suppressed. Therefore, in the optical pointing device 30a, it is possible to prevent the imaging performance of the optical system from deteriorating.
  • a reflective film al for example, aluminum, silver, gold, dielectric dichroic film, etc.
  • a reflective film al is vapor-deposited on the outer surface (surface on the negative side of the Z axis) of the diffraction element 12 ′. It is desirable.
  • the blazed groove depth (length in the Z direction) of the diffractive element 12 ' is t.
  • the blazed groove pattern of the diffractive element 12 ' has a straight regular pitch as shown in FIG. 7B, and is desirably as fine as possible in order to maximize the diffraction angle.
  • the groove pattern of the diffraction element 12 ′ is curved as shown in FIG. Distortion can be corrected.
  • the groove pitch of the diffractive element 12 ′ is not an equal pitch but a pattern in which the pitch gradually changes, and the diffractive element 12 ′ is designed to have a lens effect in a certain direction. You may do it. In this case, it is possible to correct aberration that occurs due to the difference in focal length between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on the image sensor 15.
  • both the image distortion and astigmatism can be corrected by making the groove pattern of the diffractive element 12 'a curved and unequal pitch pattern. .
  • a reflective Fresnel lens may be used for the diffractive element 12'.
  • a specific shape of the Fresnel lens is shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of a diffraction element 12 ′ that is a Fresnel lens, as in FIG. 7A.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the Fresnel lens is a blaze shape.
  • a reflective film al for example, aluminum, silver, gold, dielectric dichroic film, etc.
  • the thickness of the cover portion 24 can be made uniform compared to the case where a prism or a bulk lens is formed on a part of the cover portion 24. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the optical pointing device 30a while increasing the strength of the cover portion 24.
  • a hologram lens is used for the diffraction element 12 ′, aberrations that cannot be corrected by a normal lens can be corrected, so that the imaging performance is improved, and the image of the subject 10 is projected clearly on the imaging element 15. Can do.
  • the diffractive element 12 ′ when used to reflect the light L reflected from the subject 10 in the horizontal direction, compared with the case where the bending element (prism) 12 is formed in the cover part 24, The thickness can be made uniform. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness while increasing the strength of the cover portion 24.
  • the light irradiated from the light source 16 can be irradiated to the contact surface 11 with uniform light intensity.
  • the size of the bending element 12, particularly the length in the Z-axis direction is the same as that of the optical pointing device. It greatly affects the thickness. That is, in order to design the optical pointing device thin, it is important to reduce the length of the bending element 12 in the Z-axis direction.
  • the size of the bending element 12 cannot be designed freely, and the size of the bending element 12 depends on the size of the contact surface 11. And in order to detect the pattern on the contact surface 11, the contact surface 11 must have a certain amount of area. Therefore, if the area of the contact surface 11 is to be secured, the bending element 12 inevitably increases, and the thickness of the optical pointing device 30 (size in the Z-axis direction) cannot be reduced.
  • the optical pointing device 30a is made thinner than the first embodiment by using a diffractive element 12 'that can be smaller in length in the Z-axis direction than the bending element 12 instead of the bending element 12. Can be achieved.
  • a cover is provided above the substrate portion 26 with reference to the side surface and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 that seals the imaging element 15 in the substrate portion 26.
  • the part 24 is assembled. That is, a part of the contact surface (contact surfaces 24A, 24B, 24C) on the back surface of the cover portion 24, the side surface on the positive side of the X axis in the transparent resin 20 that seals the image sensor 15 and the light source 16, and the Y axis
  • the cover portion 24 is assembled above the substrate portion 26 with reference to the positive side surface and the upper surface. Therefore, the positional relationship between the substrate part 26 and the cover part 24 can be arranged with high accuracy. Therefore, since each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30a can be arranged with high accuracy, the optical pointing device 30a with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 can be realized.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of an optical pointing device 30b according to the third embodiment.
  • a diffractive element 12 ′ is arranged instead of the bending element 12 that totally reflects the reflected light L of the optical pointing device in the horizontal direction.
  • differences from the first embodiment due to the arrangement of the diffraction element 12 ′ in the third embodiment will be described.
  • the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be described for the sake of explanation.
  • the changed portion and the effect are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the same effect is obtained.
  • the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted.
  • light shielding films 28A and 28B for shielding light from outside the device are formed on the contact surface 11 of the cover portion 24.
  • the window area indicated by P in the figure is a portion where the light shielding film is not formed, the subject 10 is in contact with the contact surface 11 of the cover 24, and the light from the light source 16 is shielded by the light shielding films 28A and 28B. This is an area where the subject 10 can be reached without being done.
  • the light coming from the outside of the pointing device 30b of the present embodiment the light from other than the object surface on the cover contact surface that can obtain good characteristics in the imaging element 14 is multiple-reflected inside the cover unit 24, and the image sensor 15, the signal light passing through the optical system including the imaging element 14 of the cover 24 becomes disturbance light and the contrast of the image captured by the imaging element 15 is lowered.
  • the subject 10 is a finger even when the light comes from outside the apparatus, the light transmitted through the finger enters the cover portion 24 from the contact surface and passes through the optical system including the imaging element 14.
  • the contrast of the image is lowered as a result.
  • the light shielding films 28A and 28B may be reflective films that specifically reflect disturbance light (for example, aluminum, silver, gold, dielectric dichroic film, etc.), and absorption films that absorb disturbance light in situ (for example, , Paint or ink mixed with carbon black).
  • disturbance light for example, aluminum, silver, gold, dielectric dichroic film, etc.
  • absorption films that absorb disturbance light in situ (for example, Paint or ink mixed with carbon black).
  • vapor deposition film may be performed by masking the window area, and in the case of an absorption film, it may be formed by ink jet or pad printing.
  • the area where the light-shielding film is formed is only required to be formed in the positive direction of the Z axis with respect to the flange 25 protruding from the device housing, since the flange 25 is disposed inside the device housing. Further, the casing of the device has a thickness, and disturbance light is shielded by the thickness. Therefore, the light shielding film 28B is not always necessary, and measures such as forming only the light shielding film 28A may be appropriately taken.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the mobile phone 100 on which the optical pointing device 107 is mounted.
  • 10A is a front view of the mobile phone 100
  • FIG. 10B is a rear view of the mobile phone 100
  • FIG. 10C is a side view of the mobile phone 100.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example in which the electronic device is a mobile phone, the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the electronic device may be, for example, a PC (particularly a mobile PC), a PDA, a game machine, a remote controller such as a television, or the like.
  • the mobile phone 100 includes a monitor-side casing 101 and an operation-side casing 102.
  • the monitor-side casing 101 includes a monitor unit 105 and a speaker unit 106
  • the operation-side casing 102 includes a microphone unit 103, a numeric keypad 104, and an optical pointing device 107.
  • Any of the optical pointing devices 30, 30a, 30b, and 30c described in the first to fourth embodiments can be applied to the optical pointing device 107 mounted on the mobile phone 100.
  • the optical pointing device 107 is arranged on the upper part of the numeric keypad 104 as shown in FIG. 10A.
  • the arrangement method and the direction of the optical pointing device 107 are not limited thereto. It is not done.
  • the speaker unit 106 outputs audio information to the outside, and the microphone unit 103 inputs audio information to the mobile phone 100.
  • the monitor unit 105 outputs video information. In the present embodiment, the monitor unit 105 displays input information from the optical pointing device 107.
  • the cellular phone 100 includes an upper casing (monitor-side casing 101) and a lower casing (operation-side casing 102).
  • a so-called foldable mobile phone 100 is connected to each other via a hinge. Since the folding type is the mainstream of the cellular phone 100, the folding type cellular phone is given as an example in the present embodiment, and the cellular phone 100 on which the optical pointing device 107 can be mounted is foldable. It is not limited.
  • a folding mobile phone 100 having a thickness of 10 mm or less in a folded state has also appeared. If the portability of the mobile phone 100 is taken into consideration, its thickness is an extremely important factor.
  • components that determine the thickness of the operation-side casing 102 except for an internal circuit board (not shown) are a microphone unit 103, a numeric keypad 104, and an optical pointing device 107.
  • the thickness of the optical pointing device 107 is the largest, and the thinning of the optical pointing device 107 directly leads to the thinning of the mobile phone 100. Therefore, the optical pointing device of the present invention that can be thinned as described above is a preferred invention for an electronic device that needs to be thinned, such as the cellular phone 100.
  • the optical pointing device including the light source 16 has been described.
  • the light source 16 even in the case of external light such as sunlight, an optical pointing device that operates without degrading performance can be obtained by the configuration of the present invention.
  • the optical pointing device using the cover portion 24 has been described.
  • the same effect can be obtained by providing the stray light preventing unit of the present invention in a conventional optical pointing device (for example, the configuration of Patent Documents 2 and 3) that does not use the cover unit 24.
  • the present invention can also be expressed as follows.
  • An optical pointing device comprises an imaging means for forming an image of scattered light from a subject, and receiving the scattered light from the subject and continuously taking images of the surface of the subject at regular intervals.
  • An image sensor that captures an image as image data, and a calculation unit that calculates the moving direction and amount of movement of the subject by comparing the image data captured by the image sensor with the image data captured by the image sensor immediately before,
  • An optical pointing device comprising a cover member that covers the imaging means, the imaging device, and the calculation unit, wherein the cover member has at least a contact surface that contacts the subject, and the imaging means; ,
  • An optical path deflecting unit that deflects the direction of scattered light from the subject incident from the contact surface and guides it to the imaging unit, a stray light preventing unit that prevents stray light, and the imaging unit Apertures to be granted, may be integrally formed.
  • the cover portion, the optical path deflecting unit, the imaging unit, the stray light preventing unit, and the aperture are integrally formed, the number of components constituting the optical pointing device can be reduced. it can. Therefore, the number of assembling steps can be reduced in the manufacturing process of the optical pointing device. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an assembly error that occurs when assembling each component.
  • the shape of the optical path deflecting means, imaging means, stray light preventing means and the aperture itself can be manufactured with high precision, and the contact surface can be bent.
  • the positional relationship between the element and the imaging element and the positional relationship between the imaging means and the aperture can be arranged with high accuracy without variation.
  • the manufacturing cost of the optical pointing device can be reduced, the detection accuracy of the subject is high, and the S / N (Signal / Noise: Signal here means from the contact surface to the optical path deflecting means and the imaging means.
  • the stray light preventing means and the aperture of the optical pointing device according to the present invention may have a fine structure.
  • the stray light preventing means and the aperture can be integrally formed with a mold or the like together with the optical path deflecting means and the imaging means.
  • the stray light preventing means and the aperture can be formed integrally with the cover member by the technique of insert molding, but separate parts are required, and the position of these parts also shifts during insert molding.
  • it has a fine structure, high-precision arrangement is possible without the need for separate parts.
  • the stray light preventing means and the aperture fine structure of the optical pointing device according to the present invention may be a prism structure.
  • a fine uneven dimple structure is also effective, but in the dimple structure, the stray light component may be scattered there and reflected again on another surface of the cover part and incident on the image sensor. Is not small.
  • the planar portion of the prism since the planar portion of the prism reflects stray light in a specific direction, it is less likely to be reflected again on another surface of the cover portion and enter the imaging device. Will improve.
  • the stray light preventing means and the aperture of the optical pointing device according to the present invention may be provided with a reflection performance by a deposited film in which a metal or a dielectric is deposited.
  • the incident angle of the stray light incident on the stray light prevention means and the aperture is not constant, and it is incident from various directions, but when the reflection performance is not given, there is a certain condition that meets the total reflection condition coming from the stray light prevention means and the aperture structure
  • the reflection range by the deposited film can be increased to widen the range of angles that can be reflected, thereby improving stray light prevention performance.
  • the imaging means of the optical pointing device may be configured by any one of a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, and a toroidal surface.
  • the curvature of the imaging means is spherical, aspherical, or toroidal.
  • the imaging means of the optical pointing device according to the present invention may be provided with a reflection performance by a deposited film obtained by depositing a metal, a dielectric or the like.
  • the light pointing device can be reduced in size in the plane direction, in which scattered light from the subject is reflected by the imaging means and returned to the subject direction.
  • the optical path deflecting means of the optical pointing device according to the present invention is constituted by any of a total reflection surface, a deposition film reflection surface on which a metal or a dielectric is deposited, a reflection diffraction grating surface or a reflection hologram surface. May be.
  • the optical path deflecting means When the optical path deflecting means is a total reflection surface, the light projected on the image sensor is the highest in light use efficiency with respect to a vapor deposition reflection surface, a reflection type diffraction grating surface and a reflection type hologram surface, which will be described later. Since it becomes brighter, the S / N ratio is improved. Further, when the optical path deflecting means is a vapor deposition reflecting surface, the light use efficiency is lowered, but the light incident on the optical path deflecting means can be reliably reflected.
  • the surface of the cover where the contact surface is located may contact the subject.
  • the reflected light is reflected when the reflected light is reflected at the location where the subject is in contact. Is reflected on the surface of the object, not reflected on the surface of the cover, and thus the reflected light path is shifted. Therefore, by arranging the vapor deposition reflective film at this location, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deviation of the path of the reflected light, the imaging performance of the imaging element is improved, and the imaging element captures the image of the subject. A clear image can be taken.
  • the optical path deflecting means is a reflection type diffraction element and a reflection type hologram surface
  • the light use efficiency is lowered as in the case of the vapor deposition film reflection surface, but the optical path deflection is performed in the direction opposite to the contact surface of the cover part.
  • the cover portion including the function of the optical path deflecting means can be formed without forming a concave portion therefor. Therefore, the thickness of the entire cover portion can be made uniform from the cover portion including the bending element of the concave portion, and the cover portion can be thinned while increasing the strength of the cover portion.
  • the deflecting means when it is a reflection hologram surface, it can also have a role of correcting aberrations that cannot be corrected by the imaging means, so that the imaging element that reflects the reflected light of the bending element can be used.
  • the imaging performance is improved, and the image pickup device can pick up a subject image clearly.
  • the performance of the optical pointing device can be improved by appropriately using each of these reflecting surfaces.
  • the optical pointing device may further include a light source covered with the cover member, and the scattered light from the subject may be generated based on light emitted from the light source.
  • the scattered light is generated based on light emitted from the light source and reflected by the subject. Therefore, the angle at which the light emitted from the light source irradiates the subject can be aligned to some extent. Therefore, even when the illuminance of the light source is lowered, a sufficient amount of light for detecting the subject can be maintained. Therefore, since the amount of current supplied to the light source can be reduced, the amount of current consumed by the optical pointing device can be suppressed.
  • a light shielding performance for shielding light from the outside of the apparatus may be imparted to a region other than the contact surface of the cover member located on the object plane in the imaging means of the optical pointing device according to the present invention.
  • the light coming from the outside of the optical pointing device In the light coming from the outside of the optical pointing device according to the present invention, the light from other than the object surface on the cover contact surface that provides good characteristics in the imaging means becomes disturbance light for the optical pointing device.
  • each of the transparent resins in which the light source and the imaging element are resin-sealed has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one side surface of the transparent resin in which the light source is resin-sealed is One side surface of the other transparent resin disposed on the same plane as the one side surface of the substrate and resin-sealed with the imaging element is disposed on the same plane as the other side surface of the substrate,
  • the cover portion is disposed on the upper side of the substrate with reference to the front surface, both side surfaces of the substrate, and one side surface of the transparent resin in which the light source and the imaging element in the same plane are sealed with resin. Also good.
  • the cover portion is disposed on the upper side of the substrate with reference to. Therefore, the positional relationship among the contact surface, the light source, the imaging element, the bending element, and the imaging element can be arranged with high accuracy. Therefore, an optical pointing device with high subject detection accuracy can be realized.
  • an electronic apparatus includes the above optical pointing device.
  • the electronic apparatus includes the optical pointing device that can be easily thinned.
  • the thickness of the optical pointing device greatly affects the thickness of the electronic device. Therefore, even if the optical pointing device is provided, the electronic device can be thinned.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram showing an optical pointing device 30 ⁇ in the fifth embodiment.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes a substrate portion 26 ⁇ and a cover portion 24 ⁇ as a light guide type optical member.
  • the board portion 26 ⁇ includes a circuit board 21 ⁇ , a light source 16 ⁇ , an image sensor 15 ⁇ , and a transparent resin 20 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ includes a contact surface 11 ⁇ , an optical path changing means for forming the inclined surface 13 ⁇ , a bending element 12 ⁇ as a prism, an imaging element 14 ⁇ as an imaging reflecting portion, and reflecting surfaces 17 ⁇ and 18 ⁇ .
  • the subject 10 ⁇ in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover 24 ⁇ is a subject such as a fingertip, and is an object for which the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ detects the movement of the finger fingerprint.
  • the subject 10 ⁇ is shown small for convenience with respect to the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 11) of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is defined as the Z axis
  • the width direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 11) of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is defined as the Y axis.
  • the direction from the lower part to the upper part of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is the positive direction of the Z axis
  • the direction from the light source 16 ⁇ to the image sensor 15 ⁇ is the positive direction of the Y axis.
  • the positive direction of the Z axis is also called the vertical direction
  • the positive direction of the Y axis is also called the horizontal direction.
  • the depth direction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is defined as the X axis
  • the direction from the back side to the near side of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ illustrated in FIG. 11 is defined as the positive direction of the X axis.
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ are mounted on one circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ are electrically connected to the circuit board 21 ⁇ by wire bonding or flip chip mounting.
  • a circuit is formed on the circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the circuit controls the light emission timing of the light source 16 ⁇ or detects the movement of the subject 10 ⁇ in response to an electric signal output from the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the circuit board 21 ⁇ has a planar shape made of the same material, and is made of, for example, a printed board or a lead frame.
  • the light source 16 ⁇ emits light toward the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ is refracted by the bending element 12 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ through the transparent resin 20 ⁇ , the traveling direction is changed, and reaches the contact surface 11 ⁇ . That is, the irradiation light M ⁇ is incident on the contact surface 11 ⁇ from an oblique direction, that is, at a certain incident angle with respect to the contact surface.
  • the cover 24 ⁇ is made of a material having a refractive index larger than that of air. Therefore, when the subject 10 ⁇ is not on the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the irradiation light M ⁇ that reaches the contact surface 11 ⁇ is partially a contact surface. 11 ⁇ is transmitted, and the remaining part is reflected by the contact surface 11 ⁇ . At this time, when the incident angle of the irradiation light M ⁇ with respect to the contact surface 11 ⁇ satisfies the condition of total reflection, the irradiation light M ⁇ does not pass through the contact surface 11 ⁇ but is reflected by the contact surface 11 ⁇ and goes into the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ is reflected by the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ and is incident on the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the light source 16 ⁇ is realized by a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is preferably realized by an infrared light emitting diode with high luminance.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ receives reflected light L ⁇ reflected by the subject 10 ⁇ irradiated by the light source 16 ⁇ , forms an image on the contact surface 11 ⁇ based on the received light, and converts it into image data.
  • the image pickup device 15 ⁇ includes an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor: calculation unit) (not shown), and takes the received irradiation light M ⁇ as image data into the DSP.
  • the image pickup device 15 ⁇ continues to take images on the contact surface 11 ⁇ at regular intervals in accordance with instructions from the circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the image captured by the image sensor 15 ⁇ is different from the image captured immediately before.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ compares the values of the same portion of the captured image data with the immediately preceding image data, and calculates the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 ⁇ . That is, when the subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ moves, the captured image data is image data indicating a value deviated by a predetermined amount with respect to the image data captured immediately before.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ calculates the moving amount and moving direction of the subject 10 ⁇ based on the predetermined amount.
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ outputs the calculated movement amount and movement direction to the circuit board 21 ⁇ as electric signals.
  • the DSP may be included in the circuit board 21 ⁇ , not in the image sensor 15 ⁇ . In that case, the imaging device 15 ⁇ transmits the captured image data to the circuit board 21 ⁇ in order.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ captures an image of the contact surface 11 ⁇ when there is no subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ captures an image of the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ that is in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ captures an image of a fingertip fingerprint.
  • the DSP of the image sensor 15 ⁇ since the image data captured by the image sensor 15 ⁇ is different from the image data when the subject 10 ⁇ is not on the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the DSP of the image sensor 15 ⁇ has the subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ . Is sent to the circuit board 21 ⁇ . Then, when the subject 10 ⁇ moves, the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 ⁇ are calculated compared with the image data captured immediately before by the DSP, and a signal indicating the calculated movement amount and movement direction is transmitted to the circuit board 21 ⁇ . .
  • the surroundings of the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ are sealed with a transparent resin 20 ⁇ that is a translucent resin.
  • the shape of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped.
  • the bottom surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ is in close contact with and in contact with the upper surface of the circuit board 21 ⁇ , and concave portions that are in close contact with the light source 16 ⁇ and the imaging element 15 ⁇ are formed.
  • a thermosetting resin such as a silicone resin or an epoxy resin
  • a thermoplastic resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ mounted on the circuit board 21 ⁇ are respectively sealed with the transparent resin 20 ⁇ , the circuit board 21 ⁇ , the light source 16 ⁇ , the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and the transparent resin 20 ⁇ are integrated.
  • a substrate portion 26 ⁇ is formed. Therefore, the number of parts of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be reduced, and the number of assembly steps can also be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be reduced, and the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ can be realized.
  • the cover part 24 ⁇ protects each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ such as the light source 16 ⁇ and the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ is positioned above the substrate portion 26 ⁇ and is in close contact with and in contact with the side surface and the upper surface of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . That is, some of the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are in close contact with and in contact with the side surface and the upper surface of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the bottom surface 24c ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ forms the same plane as the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the contact surface 24b ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ and the bottom surface 24c ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are parallel to each other, and both side surfaces of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are covered.
  • the upper surface of the portion 24 ⁇ , the contact surface 24b ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ , and the surface having an angle with respect to the bottom surface 24c ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in the cross-sectional view of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ , the cover portion 24 ⁇ has a trapezoidal shape. However, the cover portion 24 ⁇ is not limited to this shape, and the side surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 24c ⁇ .
  • a flange 25 ⁇ is provided in the vicinity of the bottom of the side surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , and the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ of the present embodiment is mounted on the electronic device, and the contact surface 11 ⁇ to Z of the cover portion 24 ⁇ is moved by the subject 10 ⁇ such as a finger.
  • a pushbutton switch that restricts the force generated in the positive direction side of the Z-axis at a certain position by a leaf spring-shaped contact switch (not shown) provided on the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the base plate portion 26 ⁇ when pressed to the negative direction side of the shaft. Used to ensure a certain amount of stroke required.
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ in the cover portion 24 ⁇ is a surface where the subject 10 ⁇ is in contact with the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ is located above the light source 16 ⁇ on the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ is a prism, and is located above the light source 16 ⁇ and below the contact surface 11 ⁇ , and is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ and not on the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . Are formed.
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ has an inclined surface 13 ⁇ , and a narrow angle formed by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ and the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ is defined as an inclination angle ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ refracts the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ and converts the path of the irradiation light M ⁇ so as to go to the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ totally reflects the reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ , and converts the path of the reflected light L ⁇ in the positive direction of the Y axis inside the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ that has been totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ is directed to a reflection surface 17 ⁇ that will be described later.
  • the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ transmits the irradiation light M ⁇ and totally reflects the reflected light L ⁇ . Therefore, a material having a refractive index larger than the refractive index of the space between the cover portion 24 ⁇ and the substrate portion 26 ⁇ above the light source 16 ⁇ is used for the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • a visible light absorption type polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin having a refractive index of about 1.5 is used for the cover portion 24 ⁇ , and the space may be an air layer. That is, an aluminum reflective film or the like is not deposited on the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ in order to totally reflect the reflected light L ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 14 ⁇ reflects the reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ and forms an image of the subject 10 ⁇ on the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 14 ⁇ is located above the image sensor 15 ⁇ and on the positive side of the Y axis with respect to the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and is located on a portion of the back surface of the cover part 24 ⁇ that is not in contact with the substrate part 26 ⁇ . A recess on the back surface is formed.
  • a toroidal surface having different curvatures in two orthogonal directions is formed on the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 14 ⁇ reflects the reflected light L ⁇ on the toroidal surface so as to form an image on the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • a metal reflective film such as aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, or a dielectric dichroic film is deposited on the toroidal surface of the imaging element 14 ⁇ . .
  • the imaging element 14 ⁇ is formed with, for example, a toroidal surface.
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the imaging element 14 ⁇ is a reflector such as a spherical surface or an aspherical surface, and is connected to the imaging device 15 ⁇ . Anything that can be imaged can be used.
  • the reflection surface 17 ⁇ causes the reflected light L ⁇ totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ to be incident on the imaging element 14 ⁇ , and the reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the imaging element 14 ⁇ is incident on the imaging element 15 ⁇ . Is reflected.
  • the reflective surface 17 ⁇ is located above the image sensor 15 ⁇ and on the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflective surface 17 ⁇ is formed by depositing a reflective film on the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ . Since the reflective film forming the reflective surface 17 ⁇ is exposed to the outside and can be clearly seen by the user, it is desirable that the reflective film be as inconspicuous as possible in appearance.
  • the reflective film forming the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ is red in the wavelength band of 800 nm or more emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ .
  • Any device that reflects external light and transmits light having a visible wavelength band of 800 nm or less may be used.
  • the reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ is efficiently reflected by appropriately setting the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ and the reflectance and transmittance characteristics of the reflecting film forming the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ .
  • the material of the cover portion 24 ⁇ is a visible light absorbing polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin that transmits only infrared light. You can do it.
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ By forming the cover portion 24 ⁇ with such a material, it is possible to block the visible light component of the unnecessary light entering from the outside of the cover portion 24 ⁇ with the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflection surface 17 ⁇ that reflects infrared light
  • the infrared light component of the unnecessary light can be blocked by the reflection surface 17 ⁇ .
  • the surface of the cover unit 24 ⁇ which is the surface of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇
  • a predetermined color such as green
  • the upper surface of the cover unit 24 ⁇ and the upper surface of the reflection surface 17 ⁇ May be coated with a material having a characteristic of reflecting other wavelengths and transmitting other wavelengths.
  • the reflection surface 18 ⁇ reflects the light L ⁇ reflected from the imaging element 14 ⁇ and reflected by the reflection surface 17 ⁇ toward the reflection surface 17 ⁇ again.
  • the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is located above the image sensor 15 ⁇ and on the positive side of the Y axis from the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is formed by depositing a reflective film on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflective film that forms the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is preferably one that reflects light efficiently.
  • the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is formed by vapor-depositing a metal such as aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, or a dielectric dichroic film.
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ is assembled above the substrate portion 26 ⁇ with reference to the side surface and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ serving as a reference for making a decision on the transparent resin 20 ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ are integrated with the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , the imaging element 14 ⁇ , and the flange 25 ⁇ . Is formed. Therefore, the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ , the contact surfaces 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , the imaging element 14 ⁇ , and the flange 25 ⁇ are arranged with high precision with mold tolerances.
  • the positional relationship with the cover portion 24 ⁇ can be arranged with high accuracy by bringing the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ into contact with the side surfaces and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . Therefore, since each unit and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be arranged with high accuracy, the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ can be realized.
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ is refracted and transmitted by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ and reaches the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ is scattered and reflected on the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ that is in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the reflected light L ⁇ reflected by the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ is totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ , and the path is changed in the positive direction of the Y axis.
  • the reflected light L ⁇ totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ is reflected by the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ and reaches the imaging element 14 ⁇ . Then, the reflected light L ⁇ is reflected back by the imaging element 14 ⁇ , reflected one after another by the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ , the reflecting surface 18 ⁇ , and the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ , and finally enters the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ and the imaging element 14 ⁇ are integrated in the cover 24 ⁇ , and the light source 16 ⁇ and the imaging element 15 ⁇ are close to each other.
  • the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ may directly enter the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • These incident lights are stray lights, and S / N (Signal / Noise: Signal here) of the image sensor 15 ⁇ is scattered from a subject incident on the image sensor from the contact surface through the optical path changing means and the imaging reflection section. It is a light component, and “Noise” refers to an unnecessary light component that enters the image sensor through the other optical path) and therefore needs to be removed.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view from the bottom surface 24c ⁇ side of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • 13A is a plan view showing the configuration of the cover portion 24 ⁇ of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ , and
  • FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cover portion 24 ⁇ of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is formed in the cover portion 24 ⁇ on at least a part on the light source 16 ⁇ side on the top surface of the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the term “at least” indicates that the notch 19 ⁇ may extend not only to a part on the light source 16 ⁇ side on the top surface of the image sensor 15 ⁇ but also to the light source 16 ⁇ side from the top surface on the image sensor 15 ⁇ . The main point.
  • the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is formed in the cover portion 24 ⁇ from the lowest end of the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ to the height of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ provided with the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the inclined surface is extended by further forming a notch 19 ⁇ on the inclined surface that rises to the right.
  • the right inclined surface of the notch 19 ⁇ is formed on a part of the upper surface of the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the notch 19 ⁇ has a shape in which the cover 24 ⁇ is notched so as to avoid the stray light from entering the image sensor 15 ⁇ , in addition to the slope that rises to the right shoulder or the slope that descends to the right. If it is, it is enough.
  • the width of the cutout portion 19 ⁇ in the direction orthogonal to the light guide direction of the cover portion 24 ⁇ is such that the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ made of a prism is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A and 13B. And the width in the direction orthogonal to the light guide direction of the cover portion 24 ⁇ in the image sensor 15 ⁇ . Since the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is formed in the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or the light source 16 ⁇ is prevented from directly entering the imaging device 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging device 14 ⁇ . ing.
  • FIGS. (A) (b) The principle that the notched portion 19 ⁇ can prevent the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ from directly entering the imaging device 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging device 14 ⁇ is shown in FIGS. (A) (b), FIG.16 and FIG.17 demonstrates.
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the reflected light L ⁇ that is reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ and is incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ after the spread irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇
  • FIG. 15A shows a notch 19 ⁇
  • FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view showing the optical path L1 ⁇ of the reflected light L ⁇ in the optical pointing device when there is no notch
  • FIG. 15B shows the optical path L2 ⁇ in the other reflected light L ⁇ of the optical pointing device when there is no notch 19 ⁇ .
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing optical paths M1 ⁇ and M2 ⁇ of the irradiation light M ⁇ from the light source 16 ⁇ to the subject 10 ⁇ in the optical pointing device without the cutout portion 19 ⁇
  • FIG. 17 shows the present embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the reflected light L (alpha) of the optical pointing device 30 (alpha) provided with the notch part 19 (alpha).
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ of the light source 16 ⁇ is emitted with a certain spread from the light emitting point of the light source 16 ⁇ .
  • a part of the irradiation light M ⁇ is scattered and reflected by the subject 10 ⁇ , becomes an optical path of the reflected light L ⁇ , and enters the imaging device 15 ⁇ through the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • the other part of the reflected light L ⁇ has an optical path through the imaging element 14 ⁇ as shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). The light does not pass and becomes stray light such as the optical path L1 ⁇ and the optical path L2 ⁇ , and enters the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • stray light such as an optical path M1 ⁇ and an optical path M2 ⁇ that are not directed to the subject 10 ⁇ in the irradiation light M ⁇ of the light source 16 ⁇ may be directly incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the light guided inside is normally totally reflected inside and therefore does not come out from the cover part 24 ⁇ .
  • the stray light such as the optical path M1 ⁇ and the optical path M2 ⁇ due to the stray light or the direct light not directed to the subject 10 ⁇ has an acute emission angle or an adhesive or transparent resin 20 ⁇ and a cover having a refractive index that approximates the refractive index of the cover portion 24 ⁇ . Since it is in contact with the portion 24 ⁇ , the light is emitted to the outside of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the signal component obtained by image processing of the image picked up on the image pickup device 15 ⁇ by the light passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ of the reflected light L ⁇ by the circuit board 21 ⁇ is the amount and direction of movement when the subject 10 ⁇ is moved.
  • the same information by the light passing through the optical paths L1 ⁇ and L2 ⁇ or the optical paths M1 ⁇ and M2 ⁇ can be obtained only when the subject 10 ⁇ moves. For this reason, not only the signal information cannot be obtained, but also the non-moving image overlaps the moving image, thereby hiding the movement of the image, so that accurate signal information cannot be obtained.
  • the reflected light L ⁇ that passes through the imaging element 14 ⁇ from which signal information is obtained is referred to as signal light
  • the light other than the signal light is referred to as noise light.
  • the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is formed in the cover portion 24 ⁇ , as shown in FIG. 17, for example, the optical paths M1 ⁇ and M2 ⁇ that are direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ are reflected by the cutout portion 19 ⁇ .
  • the light does not directly enter the image sensor 15 ⁇ . Therefore, it is possible to prevent direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ and stray light such as the optical paths L1 ⁇ and L2 ⁇ from directly entering the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • the notch 19 ⁇ is also effective for disturbance light from the outside of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is formed in the cover portion 24 ⁇ . It is possible to prevent stray light such as reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ from directly entering the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ . Is reflected by the imaging element 14 ⁇ and is incident from the back side of the image sensor 15 ⁇ , whereas stray light such as reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ is generated on the front side of the image sensor 15 ⁇ . This is due to incidence from a certain light source 16 ⁇ side. In other words, the incident direction of the signal light and the incident direction of the stray light with respect to the imaging element 15 ⁇ are opposite to each other.
  • the formation range of the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is a range that does not inhibit the reflected light L ⁇ that is effective as signal light in the reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • a light shielding film 19a ⁇ can be further provided in the notch portion 19 ⁇ as shown in FIG. 18, for example.
  • the light shielding film 19a ⁇ can be formed by, for example, black paint or ink mixed with carbon black by inkjet, printing, or vapor deposition. Such a black film is preferable because it absorbs light.
  • the formation accuracy of the light shielding film 19a ⁇ is as low as 0.5 mm to 1 m, and it is necessary to enlarge the mask so that the light shielding film 19a ⁇ is not attached to the total reflection surface. Since the manufacturing accuracy is one digit or more (about 10 ⁇ m) from the above value, it is sufficiently possible to form the notch 19 ⁇ in a portion where the light shielding film 19a ⁇ cannot be formed.
  • FIG. 19A is a distribution diagram showing the illuminance distribution in the image sensor 15 ⁇ when the cover 24 ⁇ does not have the notch 19 ⁇
  • FIG. 19B shows only the notch 19 ⁇ in the cover 24 ⁇
  • FIG. 19C is a distribution diagram showing the illuminance distribution in the image sensor 15 ⁇ when the image sensor 15 ⁇ is used
  • FIG. 19D is a graph in which (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 19 are collectively represented as one.
  • each graph of (a), (b), (c), and (d) in FIG. 19 is expressed by standardizing the peak value of the illuminance distribution when there is no notch 19 ⁇ as 1.
  • the notch portion 19 ⁇ and the light shielding film 19a ⁇ in the cover portion 24 ⁇ it is possible to improve the imaging characteristics particularly in improving the contrast of the image and improve the characteristics of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ . It was also found that improvement in yield can be expected.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
  • the surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ is transparent, but it is also possible to prevent light shielding.
  • a light-shielding resin may be resin-sealed on the side surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ and on the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ excluding a portion where the reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ is transmitted.
  • a thermosetting resin such as a silicone resin or an epoxy resin
  • a thermoplastic resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate
  • the light-blocking resin includes carbon black.
  • the light emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ is reflected directly or at a place other than the subject 10 ⁇ and enters the image sensor 15 ⁇ . Can be prevented. It is possible to prevent so-called stray light that is not reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ from entering the image sensor 15 ⁇ . Therefore, malfunction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ due to stray light can be prevented, and the subject 10 ⁇ can be detected with high accuracy.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes the light source 16 ⁇ that irradiates the subject 10 ⁇ with light and the cover as a light guide type optical member that reflects and guides the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • Part 24 ⁇ and an image sensor 15 ⁇ that receives the light guided by the cover part 24 ⁇ .
  • the cover 24 ⁇ has a contact surface 11 ⁇ that contacts the subject 10 ⁇ , an imaging element 14 ⁇ that serves as an imaging reflection unit that guides the guided light to the imaging device 15 ⁇ , and the direction of reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • a bending element 12 ⁇ is integrally formed as an optical path changing means that converts the light into the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • the length of the cover portion 24 ⁇ in the vertical direction can be made smaller than the optical path length even if the optical path length of the optical system is increased and aberrations are suppressed. And miniaturization can be achieved. Further, by integrally forming the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , and the imaging element 14 ⁇ , the number of parts can be reduced and the number of assembly steps can be reduced. In addition, by forming a mold for forming the cover portion 24 ⁇ with high accuracy, the inclined surface 13 ⁇ and the imaging element 14 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ can be manufactured with high accuracy, and the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , The positional relationship of the image element 14 ⁇ can also be arranged with mold accuracy. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be reduced, and the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ can be realized.
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , and the imaging element 14 ⁇ are assembled as separate parts, shapes such as an abutting surface for assembly and a fitting shape are required. Furthermore, as a measure against stray light, the cutout portion 19 ⁇ cannot be formed, so a separate member such as a light shielding sheet or stray light prevention means is required, and the shape of the contact surface, fitting shape, etc. for assembling them is also required. In addition, it is necessary to secure a margin for adjusting the relative positional relationship between them.
  • the above-described fitting shape is not necessary, and if there is a minimum optical surface, it is not necessary to secure an adjustment margin, and the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , and the imaging element are not required.
  • the thickness of the cover portion 24 ⁇ including the child 14 ⁇ can be reduced. Therefore, the thickness of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be reduced.
  • stray light such as reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ does not pass through the imaging element 14 ⁇ . May be directly incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and such stray light reduces the S / N of the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ has a cutout portion that prevents the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ from directly entering the imaging device 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging device 14 ⁇ .
  • 19 ⁇ is formed on at least a part on the light source 16 ⁇ side on the top surface of the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the notched portion 19 ⁇ is formed at least in part on the light source 16 ⁇ side on the top surface of the image pickup device 15 ⁇ , so that the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ does not pass through the imaging device 14 ⁇ .
  • the stray light consisting of is emitted from the inside of the cover part 24 ⁇ , it is reflected by the notch part 19 ⁇ , the incident angle changes, and it can be prevented from being emitted from the inside of the cover part 24 ⁇ .
  • the cutout portion 19 ⁇ is formed in the cover portion 24 ⁇ . Therefore, stray light incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ can be suppressed with a simple configuration without using a special light shielding wall or light shielding member.
  • the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ is directly incident on the imaging element 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ . It is preferable to provide a light-shielding film 19a ⁇ as a light-shielding member for preventing the above.
  • stray light composed of reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ not passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ or direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ is shielded by the light shielding film 19a ⁇ when emitted from the inside of the cover portion 24 ⁇ . Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent stray light including reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ not passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ or direct light from the light source from directly entering the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • the light shielding member is made of a black film.
  • the black film has a property of absorbing light, stray light including reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ reflected by the cutout portion 19 ⁇ or direct light from the light source is generated inside the cover portion 24 ⁇ . It is possible to prevent the light from being reflected by the light source and reflected by the imaging reflection part and finally entering the image sensor. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the influence of stray light and provide the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • the optical path changing means can be made of a prism that is a bending element 12 ⁇ that refracts reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • the optical path changing means can be easily configured.
  • the prism totally reflects incident light, the light use efficiency is highest with respect to optical path deflecting means such as a reflective diffractive element, a reflective Fresnel lens, or a reflective hologram lens.
  • optical path deflecting means such as a reflective diffractive element, a reflective Fresnel lens, or a reflective hologram lens.
  • the imaging element 14 ⁇ is configured by any one of a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, and a toroidal surface. Accordingly, the curvature of the imaging element 14 ⁇ is changed to a spherical surface based on the optical aberration such as spherical aberration and coma generated from the configuration of the optical system of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ , and the distortion amount of the image projected on the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • the optical characteristics of the cover 24 ⁇ of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be further improved by appropriately setting the aspherical surface or the toroidal surface.
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view showing an optical pointing device 40 ⁇ according to the sixth embodiment.
  • a diffractive element 42 ⁇ is arranged instead of the bending element 12 ⁇ that totally reflects the reflected light L ⁇ in the horizontal direction in the fifth embodiment.
  • differences from the fifth embodiment due to the arrangement of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ in the sixth embodiment will be described.
  • the description of the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment is omitted.
  • the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes a diffractive element 42 ⁇ as an optical path deflecting unit instead of the bending element 12 ⁇ of the fifth embodiment that totally reflects the reflected light L ⁇ in the horizontal direction. It is arranged. Therefore, the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ does not exist in the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ includes a contact surface 11 ⁇ , a diffraction element 42 ⁇ , an imaging element 14 ⁇ , a notch portion 19 ⁇ , and reflection surfaces 17 ⁇ and 18 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ is located on the upper side of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ , on both side surfaces of the circuit board 21 ⁇ , the negative side surface of the Y axis in the transparent resin 20 ⁇ , and the positive side surface and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ . It is in close contact.
  • the diffractive element 42 ⁇ is located above the light source 16 ⁇ and below the contact surface 11 ⁇ , and at a portion of the contact surface 24b ⁇ on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ that does not contact the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the diffractive element 42 ⁇ reflects the reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ , and converts the path of the reflected light L ⁇ in the positive direction of the Y axis inside the cover 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ reflected by the diffraction element 42 ⁇ travels toward the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ .
  • FIG. 21A is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ .
  • a diffraction element 42 ⁇ shown in FIG. 21 (a) is a reflection type diffraction element using + 1st order reflected diffraction light.
  • the outer surface of the diffractive element 42 ⁇ (the surface on the negative side of the Z axis), for example, It is desirable to deposit a reflective film 42a ⁇ such as aluminum, silver, gold, or a dielectric dichroic film.
  • the shape of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ made of a reflection type diffraction element is desirably a blazed shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 21A so that + 1st order light is strongly generated.
  • the blazed diffraction element 42 ⁇ shown in FIG. 21A the light utilization efficiency can be improved and the 0th-order light, the ⁇ 1st-order light, and the higher-order diffracted light that become stray light can be suppressed. Therefore, in the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ , it is possible to prevent the imaging performance of the optical system from deteriorating.
  • the blazed groove pattern of the diffractive element 42 ⁇ is a groove pattern with straight lines of equal pitch as shown in FIG. 21B, and it is desirable to make it as fine as possible in order to make the diffraction angle as large as possible. .
  • the diffraction element 42 ⁇ is designed so that the groove pitch of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ is not an equal pitch but a pattern in which the pitch gradually changes, and has a lens effect in a certain direction. May be.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ it is possible to correct an aberration that occurs due to a difference in focal length between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.
  • both the distortion of the image and the astigmatism can be corrected by making the groove pattern of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ a curved and unequal pitch pattern. .
  • FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of a reflective Fresnel lens.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the reflective Fresnel lens is a blazed shape.
  • a reflective Fresnel lens is used as the diffractive element 42 ⁇
  • the thickness of the cover 24 ⁇ can be made uniform as compared with the case where a prism or a bulk lens is formed on a part of the cover 24 ⁇ . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ while increasing the strength of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • a reflection film 42a ⁇ such as aluminum, silver, gold, a dielectric dichroic film, etc. is formed on the outer surface (surface on the negative side of the Z axis) of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ . It is desirable to vapor-deposit.
  • a reflection hologram lens as the diffraction element 42 ⁇ . If a reflection hologram lens is used as the diffractive element 42 ⁇ , it is possible to correct aberrations that cannot be corrected by a normal lens, so that the imaging performance is improved and the image of the subject 10 ⁇ can be clearly projected on the image pickup element 15 ⁇ . it can.
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ can be compared with the case where the bending element 12 ⁇ made of a prism is formed on the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the thickness can be made uniform. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness while increasing the strength of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the light irradiated from the light source 16 ⁇ can be irradiated to the contact surface 11 ⁇ with a uniform light intensity.
  • the size of the bending element 12 ⁇ particularly the length in the Z-axis direction.
  • the size of the bending element 12 ⁇ in order to design the optical pointing device thin, it is important to reduce the length of the bending element 12 ⁇ in the Z-axis direction.
  • the size of the bending element 12 ⁇ cannot be designed freely, and the size of the bending element 12 ⁇ depends on the size of the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ In order to detect a pattern on the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the contact surface 11 ⁇ must have a certain area. As a result, if the area of the contact surface 11 ⁇ is to be secured, the bending element 12 ⁇ is inevitably increased, and the thickness (size in the Z-axis direction) of the optical pointing device cannot be reduced.
  • the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ is made thinner than in the fifth embodiment by using the diffraction element 42 ⁇ that can be smaller in length in the Z-axis direction than the bending element 12 ⁇ . Can be planned.
  • the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ cover the substrate portion 26 ⁇ above the substrate portion 26 ⁇ on the basis of the positive side surface and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ .
  • the part 24 ⁇ is assembled. Therefore, the positional relationship between the substrate portion 26 ⁇ and the cover portion 24 ⁇ can be arranged with high accuracy. Therefore, since each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ can be arranged with high accuracy, the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ can be realized.
  • the optical path conversion means includes the diffraction element 42 ⁇ as the optical path deflection means that deflects the direction of the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ and guides it to the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • the diffractive element 42 ⁇ is configured by any one of a reflective diffractive element, a reflective Fresnel lens, and a reflective hologram lens.
  • the light path conversion means composed of the diffraction element 42 ⁇ is less efficient in using light than the light path conversion means based on total reflection such as a prism.
  • the cover part 24 ⁇ including the function of the diffractive element 42 ⁇ can be formed without forming a concave portion therefor. .
  • the diffraction element 42 ⁇ when it is a reflection hologram lens, it can have a role of correcting aberrations that cannot be corrected by the imaging element 14 ⁇ . As a result, the imaging performance of the imaging element 14 ⁇ is improved, and the image of the subject 10 ⁇ can be clearly captured by the imaging element 15 ⁇ . Therefore, the performance of the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ can be improved.
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram showing the configuration of the optical pointing device 50 ⁇ in the seventh embodiment.
  • the same configuration as that of the fifth embodiment will be described for the sake of explanation.
  • the changed portion and the effect are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, and the same effect is obtained.
  • the description of the same parts as those of the fifth embodiment is omitted.
  • shielding films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ that shield light from the outside of the device are formed on the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ . Is different.
  • the optical pointing device 50 ⁇ of the present embodiment is a shield that blocks light from the outside of the device on the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ shown in the fifth embodiment.
  • Films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ are formed.
  • the window area indicated by P ⁇ in the figure is a portion where the shielding films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ are not formed and the subject 10 ⁇ is in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover 24 ⁇ , and the light from the light source 16 ⁇ is the shielding film 51a ⁇ .
  • the light from the outside of the optical pointing device 50 ⁇ is emitted from a portion other than the object surface on the cover contact surface that provides good characteristics in the imaging element 14 ⁇ . Since the image is internally reflected and incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ , the contrast of the image captured by the image sensor 15 ⁇ becomes disturbance light with respect to the signal light passing through the optical system including the imaging element 14 ⁇ of the cover 24 ⁇ . Decreases. Of course, even when the subject 10 ⁇ is a finger even when the light comes from outside the apparatus, the light transmitted through the finger enters the cover portion 24 ⁇ from the contact surface and passes through the optical system including the imaging element 14 ⁇ . However, since the amount of disturbance light is larger, the contrast of the image is lowered as a result.
  • the shielding films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ may be reflective films such as aluminum, silver, gold, and dielectric dichroic films that specifically reflect disturbance light, and may also absorb disturbance light in situ, such as carbon black. It may be an absorption film such as paint or black ink. In the case of a vapor deposition film, vapor deposition may be performed by masking the window area, and in the case of an absorption film, it may be formed by ink jet or pad printing.
  • the area where the shielding films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ are formed is only required to be formed in the positive direction of the Z axis with respect to the flange 25 ⁇ protruding from the housing of the device because the flange 25 ⁇ is disposed inside the housing of the device to be mounted. .
  • the shielding film 51b ⁇ is not always necessary, and measures such as forming only the shielding film 51a ⁇ may be appropriately performed.
  • FIG. 23 shows that the shielding films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ are formed on the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ in the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ shown in the fifth embodiment.
  • the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the shielding films 51a ⁇ and 51b ⁇ can be formed on the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ of the sixth embodiment, and the effect thereof is the same as that of the present embodiment.
  • the shielding film 51a ⁇ that shields light from the outside is provided in the surface region other than the contact surface 11 ⁇ with which the subject 10 ⁇ contacts in the cover 24 ⁇ . Yes.
  • the light from other than the subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ that provides good characteristics in the imaging element 14 ⁇ becomes disturbance light for the optical pointing device 50 ⁇ .
  • the surface region other than the contact surface 11 ⁇ is provided with the shielding film 51a ⁇ that blocks light from the outside, so that the influence of disturbance light can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the contrast of an image photographed by the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an appearance of a mobile phone 60 ⁇ as an electronic device equipped with any one of the optical pointing devices 30 ⁇ , 40 ⁇ , and 50 ⁇ .
  • 24A is a front view of the mobile phone 60 ⁇
  • FIG. 24B is a rear view of the mobile phone 60 ⁇
  • FIG. 24C is a side view of the mobile phone 60 ⁇ .
  • FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C an example is shown in which the cellular phone 60 ⁇ is used as the electronic device, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the electronic device may be, for example, a PC (particularly a mobile PC), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant: personal digital assistant), a game machine, a remote controller such as a television, or the like.
  • the cellular phone 60 ⁇ includes a monitor-side casing 61 ⁇ and an operation-side casing 62 ⁇ .
  • the monitor-side casing 61 ⁇ includes a monitor unit 65 ⁇ and a speaker unit 66 ⁇
  • the operation-side casing 62 ⁇ includes a microphone unit 63 ⁇ , a numeric keypad 64 ⁇ , and, for example, an optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ mounted on the mobile phone 60 ⁇ is not necessarily limited to this, and any of the optical pointing devices 40 ⁇ and 50 ⁇ can be applied.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is arranged on the upper part of the numeric keypad 64 ⁇ as shown in FIG. 24A.
  • the arrangement method and the direction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ will be described below. It is not limited.
  • the speaker unit 66 ⁇ outputs audio information to the outside, and the microphone unit 63 ⁇ inputs audio information to the mobile phone 60 ⁇ .
  • the monitor unit 65 ⁇ outputs video information. In the present embodiment, the monitor unit 65 ⁇ displays input information from the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the cellular phone 60 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes an upper casing (monitor side casing 61 ⁇ ) and a lower casing (operation side casing 62 ⁇ ).
  • a so-called foldable mobile phone 60 ⁇ is connected to each other via a hinge. Since the folding type is mainly used as the cellular phone 60 ⁇ , a folding type cellular phone is given as an example in this embodiment, and the cellular phone 60 ⁇ on which the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be mounted is a folding type. It is not limited to.
  • the optical pointing device of the present invention that can be thinned as described above is a preferred invention for an electronic device that needs to be thinned, such as the cellular phone 60 ⁇ .
  • the cellular phone 60 ⁇ as the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment includes the optical pointing devices 30 ⁇ , 40 ⁇ , and 50 ⁇ . Therefore, when using the cover 24 ⁇ in which the optical path changing unit and the imaging reflection unit are integrated, it is possible to provide the mobile phone 60 ⁇ including the optical pointing devices 30 ⁇ , 40 ⁇ , and 50 ⁇ that are less affected by stray light.
  • the influence of stray light can be easily reduced and the detection accuracy of a subject can be improved.
  • a high optical pointing device and an electronic device including the same are provided.
  • the cover 24 ⁇ has a contact surface 11 ⁇ with which the subject 10 ⁇ comes into contact, an imaging element 14 ⁇ that guides the guided light to the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and a direction of reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ to change the direction of the reflected light to the imaging element 14 ⁇ .
  • a bending element 12 ⁇ such as a guiding prism is integrally formed.
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ is disposed on the lower side of the light source 16 ⁇ with respect to the imaging element 14 ⁇ in the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the cover 24 ⁇ further includes a notch 19 ⁇ that prevents the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ or the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ from directly entering the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging element 14 ⁇ . It is formed on at least part of the light source 16 ⁇ side on the top surface.
  • FIG. 27A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical pointing device 30 ⁇ in the ninth embodiment
  • FIG. 27B is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cover portion of the optical pointing device.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes a substrate portion 26 ⁇ and a cover portion 24 ⁇ that is a light guide type optical member, as shown in FIG.
  • the board portion 26 ⁇ is composed of a circuit board 21 ⁇ , a light source 16 ⁇ , an image sensor 15 ⁇ , and a transparent resin 20 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ includes a contact surface 11 ⁇ , an optical path changing means for forming the inclined surface 13 ⁇ , a bending element 12 ⁇ as a prism, an imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ as an imaging element, and reflecting surfaces 17 ⁇ and 18 ⁇ .
  • the subject 10 ⁇ that is in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover 24 ⁇ is a subject such as a fingertip, and is an object for which the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ detects the movement of the finger fingerprint.
  • the subject 10 ⁇ is described small for convenience with respect to the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the thickness direction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ (vertical direction in FIG. 27A) is taken as the Z axis
  • the width direction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ (lateral direction in FIG. 27A) is taken as the Y axis.
  • the direction from the lower part to the upper part of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is defined as the positive direction of the Z axis
  • the direction from the light source 16 ⁇ toward the image sensor 15 ⁇ is defined as the positive direction of the Y axis.
  • the positive direction of the Z axis is also called the vertical direction
  • the positive direction of the Y axis is also called the horizontal direction.
  • the depth direction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is taken as the X axis
  • the direction from the back side to the near side of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ shown in FIG. 27 is taken as the positive direction of the X axis.
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ are mounted on one circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ are electrically connected to the circuit board 21 ⁇ by wire bonding or flip chip mounting.
  • a circuit is formed on the circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the circuit controls the light emission timing of the light source 16 ⁇ or detects the movement of the subject 10 ⁇ by receiving an electrical signal output from the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the circuit board 21 ⁇ has a planar shape made of the same material, and is made of, for example, a printed board or a lead frame.
  • the light source 16 ⁇ emits light toward the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ is refracted by the bending element 12 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ through the transparent resin 20 ⁇ , the traveling direction is changed, and reaches the contact surface 11 ⁇ . That is, the irradiation light M ⁇ is incident on the contact surface 11 ⁇ from an oblique direction, that is, at a certain incident angle with respect to the contact surface.
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ is made of a material having a refractive index larger than that of air, a part of the irradiation light M ⁇ that has reached the contact surface 11 ⁇ is a contact surface when there is no subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ . 11 ⁇ is transmitted, and the remaining part is reflected by the contact surface 11 ⁇ . At this time, when the incident angle of the irradiation light M ⁇ with respect to the contact surface 11 ⁇ satisfies the condition of total reflection, the irradiation light M ⁇ does not pass through the contact surface 11 ⁇ but is reflected by the contact surface 11 ⁇ and goes into the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ is reflected by the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ and is incident on the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the light source 16 ⁇ is realized by a light source such as an LED, for example, and is preferably realized by an infrared light emitting diode with high luminance.
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ receives the scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflected by the subject 10 ⁇ irradiated by the light source 16 ⁇ , forms an image on the contact surface 11 ⁇ based on the received light, and converts it into image data.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ is composed of an image sensor such as a CMOS or a CCD.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ includes a DSP (not shown), and takes the received irradiation light M ⁇ into the DSP as image data.
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ continues to capture images on the contact surface 11 ⁇ at regular intervals in accordance with instructions from the circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the image captured by the image sensor 15 ⁇ is different from the image captured immediately before.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ compares the values of the same portion of the captured image data with the immediately preceding image data, and calculates the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 ⁇ . That is, when the subject 10 ⁇ moves on the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the captured image data is image data indicating a value deviated from the image data captured immediately before by a predetermined amount.
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ calculates the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 ⁇ based on the predetermined amount.
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ outputs the calculated movement amount and movement direction to the circuit board 21 ⁇ as electric signals.
  • the DSP may be included in the circuit board 21 ⁇ instead of in the image sensor 15 ⁇ . In that case, the imaging element 15 ⁇ transmits the captured image data to the circuit board 21 ⁇ in order.
  • the image sensor 15 ⁇ captures an image of the contact surface 11 ⁇ when there is no subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ captures an image of the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the imaging element 15 ⁇ captures an image of a fingertip fingerprint.
  • the DSP of the image sensor 15 ⁇ is subject to the subject 10 ⁇ on the contact surface 11 ⁇ . Is transmitted to the circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the subject 10 ⁇ moves, the movement amount and movement direction of the subject 10 ⁇ are calculated compared with the image data captured immediately before by the DSP, and a signal indicating the calculated movement amount and movement direction is transmitted to the circuit board 21 ⁇ .
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ are sealed with a transparent resin 20 ⁇ , which is a translucent resin.
  • the shape of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped.
  • the bottom surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ is in close contact with and in contact with the upper surface of the circuit board 21 ⁇ , and concave portions that are in close contact with the light source 16 ⁇ and the imaging element 15 ⁇ are formed.
  • a thermosetting resin such as a silicone resin or an epoxy resin
  • a thermoplastic resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate
  • the light source 16 ⁇ and the image sensor 15 ⁇ mounted on the circuit board 21 ⁇ are respectively sealed with the transparent resin 20 ⁇ , the circuit board 21 ⁇ , the light source 16 ⁇ , the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and the transparent resin 20 ⁇ are integrated.
  • a substrate portion 26 ⁇ is formed. Therefore, the number of parts of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be reduced, and the number of assembly steps can also be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be reduced, and the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ can be realized.
  • the cover part 24 ⁇ protects each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ such as the light source 16 ⁇ and the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ is positioned above the substrate portion 26 ⁇ and is in close contact with and in contact with the side surface and the upper surface of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . That is, some of the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are in close contact with and in contact with the side surface and the upper surface of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the bottom surface 24c ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ forms the same plane as the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the contact surface 24b ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ and the bottom surface 24c ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are parallel to each other, and both side surfaces of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are covered.
  • the upper surface of the portion 24 ⁇ , the contact surface 24b ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ , the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ , and the surface having an angle with respect to the bottom surface 24c ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ are formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 27, in the cross-sectional view of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ , the cover portion 24 ⁇ has a trapezoidal shape. However, the cover portion 24 ⁇ is not limited to this shape, and the side surface may be perpendicular to the bottom surface 24c ⁇ .
  • the front and rear side flanges 25 ⁇ and the side surface side flanges 27 ⁇ are provided in the front and rear sides of the cover portion 24 ⁇ and near the bottoms of the side surfaces.
  • the front and rear flanges 25 ⁇ and the side flanges 27 ⁇ are mounted on the electronic device with the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ of the present embodiment, and are pushed from the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ toward the negative direction of the Z axis by the subject 10 ⁇ such as a finger.
  • the force generated in the positive direction of the Z-axis by a leaf spring contact switch (not shown) provided on the bottom surface 26a ⁇ of the base plate portion 26 ⁇ is regulated at a certain position, and a certain stroke amount required as a pushbutton switch Used to ensure.
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ in the cover part 24 ⁇ is a surface where the subject 10 ⁇ contacts the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ is located above the light source 16 ⁇ on the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ is a prism, and is located above the light source 16 ⁇ and below the contact surface 11 ⁇ , and is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ at a portion not in contact with the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . Are formed.
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ has an inclined surface 13 ⁇ , and a narrow angle formed by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ and the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ is defined as an inclination angle ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ refracts the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ and converts the path of the irradiation light M ⁇ so as to go to the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ totally reflects the scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ , and converts the path of the scattered reflected light L ⁇ in the positive direction of the Y axis inside the cover portion 24 ⁇ . is there. Scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the subject 10 ⁇ that has been totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ travels to a reflection surface 17 ⁇ described later.
  • the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ transmits the irradiation light M ⁇ and totally reflects the scattered reflected light L ⁇ . Therefore, a material having a refractive index larger than the refractive index of the space between the cover portion 24 ⁇ and the substrate portion 26 ⁇ above the light source 16 ⁇ is used for the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • a visible light absorption type polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin having a refractive index of about 1.5 is used for the cover portion 24 ⁇ , and the space may be an air layer. That is, an aluminum reflective film or the like is not deposited on the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ in order to totally reflect the scattered reflected light L ⁇ .
  • a notch portion 19 ⁇ for preventing stray light is formed in the positive direction of the Y axis from the end of the total reflection surface of the bending element 12 ⁇ on the contact surface 24b ⁇ side of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ reflects the scattered reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ and forms an image of the subject 10 ⁇ on the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ is located above the image sensor 15 ⁇ and on the positive side of the Y axis with respect to the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and is located on a portion of the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ that is not in contact with the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . A recess is formed on the back surface.
  • a toroidal surface having different curvatures in two orthogonal directions is formed on the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ .
  • the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ reflects the scattered reflected light L ⁇ on this toroidal surface so as to form an image on the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • a reflective film made of metal such as aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, dielectric dichroic film, etc. is formed on the toroidal surface of the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ . Is vapor-deposited.
  • the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ is formed with, for example, a toroidal surface.
  • the present invention is not limited to this. Any material that can form an image can be used.
  • the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ causes the scattered reflected light L ⁇ totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ to be incident on the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ and the scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ to be incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the reflected reflected light L ⁇ is reflected.
  • the reflection surface 17 ⁇ is located above the image sensor 15 ⁇ and on the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflective surface 17 ⁇ is formed by depositing a reflective film on the upper surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ . Since the reflective film forming the reflective surface 17 ⁇ is exposed to the outside and can be seen well by the user, it is desirable that the reflective film be as inconspicuous as possible.
  • the reflective film that forms the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ is red in the wavelength band of 800 nm or more emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ . Any device that reflects external light and transmits light having a visible wavelength band of 800 nm or less may be used.
  • the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ and the reflectance and transmittance characteristics of the reflective film forming the reflective surface 17 ⁇ the scattered reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ is efficiently reflected.
  • the material of the cover portion 24 ⁇ is a visible light absorption type polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin that transmits only infrared light. You can do it.
  • the cover part 24 ⁇ With such a material, visible light components can be blocked by the cover part 24 ⁇ from unnecessary light entering from the outside of the cover part 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflection surface 17 ⁇ that reflects infrared light
  • the infrared light component of the unnecessary light can be blocked by the reflection surface 17 ⁇ .
  • the surface of the cover part 24 ⁇ which is the surface of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇
  • a predetermined color such as green
  • the upper surface of the cover part 24 ⁇ and the upper surface of the reflection surface 17 ⁇ May be coated with a material having a characteristic of reflecting other wavelengths and transmitting other wavelengths.
  • the reflecting surface 18 ⁇ reflects the scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflected from the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ and reflected by the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ toward the reflecting surface 17 ⁇ again.
  • the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is located above the image sensor 15 ⁇ and on the positive side of the Y axis from the image sensor 15 ⁇ , and is located on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is formed by depositing a reflective film on the back surface of the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • the reflective film that forms the reflective surface 18 ⁇ is preferably one that reflects light efficiently.
  • the reflecting surface 18 ⁇ is formed by depositing a metal such as aluminum, nickel, gold, silver, or a dielectric dichroic film.
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ is assembled above the substrate portion 26 ⁇ with reference to the side surface and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ has contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ serving as a reference for making a decision on the transparent resin 20 ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ .
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ , and the front and rear flanges 25 ⁇ and the side flange 27 ⁇ are integrally formed.
  • the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ , the contact surfaces 11 ⁇ , the bending element 12 ⁇ , the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ , the front and rear side flanges 25 ⁇ , and the side surface side flanges 27 ⁇ are arranged with high mold tolerance. Therefore, the positional relationship with the cover portion 24 ⁇ can be arranged with high accuracy by bringing the contact surfaces 24a ⁇ and 24b ⁇ of the cover portion 24 ⁇ into contact with the side surfaces and the upper surface of the transparent resin 20 ⁇ of the substrate portion 26 ⁇ . Therefore, since each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be arranged with high accuracy, the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ with high detection accuracy of the subject 10 ⁇ can be realized.
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ irradiated from the light source 16 ⁇ is refracted and transmitted by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ and reaches the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the irradiation light M ⁇ emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ is scattered and reflected on the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ that is in contact with the contact surface 11 ⁇ .
  • the scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflected by the surface of the subject 10 ⁇ is totally reflected by the inclined surface 13 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ , and the path is changed in the positive direction of the Y axis.
  • signal information relating to the amount and direction of movement of the subject 10 ⁇ when the subject 10 ⁇ is moved can be obtained from the signal component obtained by image processing of the image picked up on the image sensor 15 ⁇ by the scattered reflected light L ⁇ on the circuit board 21 ⁇ . .
  • the bending element 12 ⁇ and the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ are integrated in the cover portion 24 ⁇ , and the reflected light from the subject 10 ⁇ is close to the light source 16 ⁇ and the imaging device 15 ⁇ .
  • direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ may directly enter the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging mirror 14 ⁇ .
  • a similar image by direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ passing through the optical path M1 ⁇ can be obtained only when the subject 10 ⁇ moves, so that the signal information is obtained. Not only cannot be obtained, but the non-moving image overlaps the moving image, hiding the movement of the image, so that accurate signal information cannot be obtained.
  • light passing through the optical path of the scattered reflected light L ⁇ from which signal information is obtained is referred to as signal light, and light other than the signal light is referred to as noise light.
  • noise light generated by the light source 16 ⁇ inside the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is defined as stray light
  • noise light generated by light incident from the outside of the optical pointing device is defined as disturbance light.
  • stray light is imaged reflection of direct light incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ directly from the light source 16 ⁇ without passing through the subject 10 ⁇ and the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ and scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ based on the light from the light source 16 ⁇ . Light directly incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the mirror 14 ⁇ .
  • the S / N ratio of the image sensor 15 ⁇ is expressed by Signal (signal light) / Noise (noise light), and it is necessary to remove noise light that lowers the S / N ratio.
  • the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ , the scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ , or other disturbance light reach.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is provided that suppresses the incident light as noise light to the imaging element 15 ⁇ by changing the optical path of the light reflected by the outer peripheral region or the light transmitted through the outer peripheral region.
  • FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the cover portion 24 ⁇ of FIG. 27A as viewed from the Z-axis direction negative toward the positive direction.
  • the optical path of the stray light M1 ⁇ is changed to the stray light M1′ ⁇ , and the light is changed to a light beam in a direction different from that of the image pickup device 15 ⁇ . Further, even when the light is transmitted and refracted, the optical path is changed to stray light M1 ′′ ⁇ , and the light beam is changed in a direction different from that of the image sensor 15 ⁇ , so that it does not become stray light.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is preferably formed of a scattering surface.
  • a scattering surface By using a scattering surface as the structure S1 ⁇ , light from the light source 16 ⁇ that does not pass through the subject 10 ⁇ that causes stray light is scattered on the scattering surface. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the light emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is preferably made of a prism. Since this prism reflects incident light, it reflects stray light. Therefore, stray light can be reliably prevented from entering the imaging surface. Further, since the prism transmits and refracts the stray light, the stray light can be reliably prevented from entering the imaging surface.
  • the amount of stray light incident on the imaging surface when the apex angle of the prism is 90 °, the pitch is 44 ⁇ m, and the depth is 23 ⁇ m was examined.
  • the stray light amount is 0.022% when the structure S1 ⁇ is not provided, whereas when the structure S1 ⁇ is provided.
  • the stray light amount was 0.002%, and the stray light amount was reduced to 1/10.
  • a structure S1 1 ⁇ having a prism cross-sectional shape of a right triangle can be formed.
  • This structure S1 1 ⁇ is easy to cut, and in the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ in which the contact surface 11 ⁇ and the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ are formed integrally with the cover 24 ⁇ , cutting is performed simultaneously with the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ . Since it can be processed, there is an advantage that the production efficiency is improved.
  • the prism cross-sectional shape may be a circular cross-sectional shape, that is, the structure S1 2 ⁇ in which the prism shape has an uneven spherical surface. Since this structure S1 2 ⁇ can be expected to have a scattering effect compared to the structure S1 1 ⁇ , stray light can be prevented from entering the imaging surface, and the intensity of stray light can be further reduced.
  • the prism shape can be a structure S1 3 ⁇ having a square-convex uneven surface. Also in the structure S1 3 ⁇ , the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ in which the cutting process is easy and the contact surface 11 ⁇ and the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ are integrally formed with the cover 24 ⁇ is performed simultaneously with the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ . Since it can be cut, the production efficiency is improved. Further, since the prism shapes are provided on both sides compared to the one-side prism shape, there is an advantage that stray light can be efficiently prevented.
  • FIG. 33 is a view showing stray light M2 ⁇ and stray light M3 ⁇ passing through the front and rear flanges 25 ⁇ and the side flanges 27 ⁇ in the cover portion 24 ⁇ .
  • a structure S2 ⁇ is provided on the side flange 27 ⁇ .
  • the structure S2 ⁇ can also be a structure S2 ⁇ made of a prism.
  • the stray light M3 ⁇ is changed to a stray light M3 ′′ ⁇ and changed to a light beam in a direction different from that of the image pickup device 15 ⁇ , so that it does not become stray light.
  • the structure S3 ⁇ can also be a structure S3 ⁇ made of a prism.
  • the stray light M2 ⁇ passing through the front and rear flanges 25 ⁇ is changed to a stray light M2′ ⁇ , and the light path is changed to a light beam in a direction different from that of the image pickup device 15 ⁇ .
  • the stray light M2 ⁇ is changed to a stray light M2 ′′ ⁇ and is changed to a light beam having a direction different from that of the imaging element 15 ⁇ , so that the stray light is not generated.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes the light source 16 ⁇ that irradiates light on the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the subject 10 ⁇ , and the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ that forms an image of the scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ on the image sensor 15 ⁇ . And. Therefore, by adopting such an optical pointing device 30 ⁇ , the optical path length of the optical system can be made longer, the length in the vertical direction can be made smaller than the optical path length, and miniaturization can be achieved.
  • the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ , the scattered reflected light L ⁇ from the subject 10 ⁇ or other disturbance light directly enters the image sensor 15 ⁇ without passing through the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ .
  • stray light or the like reduces the S / N (Signal / Noise) of the image sensor.
  • the outer peripheral area of the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ which is within the range where the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ , the scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ , or other disturbance light reaches.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is provided that suppresses the incident light as noise light by changing the optical path of the reflected light or the light transmitted through the outer peripheral region.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is made of a scattering surface such as a prism.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ suppresses light and the like from the light source 16 ⁇ that is not reflected by the subject 10 ⁇ that causes stray light and the like from being reflected in a specific direction and entering the imaging element 15 ⁇ as noise light. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the light source 16 ⁇ from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject 10 ⁇ .
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is not a new shielding wall because it suppresses incident light as noise light to the imaging element 15 ⁇ by changing the optical path of the light reflected by the outer peripheral region or transmitted through the outer peripheral region. .
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ that can reduce the influence of stray light on the image data captured by the image sensor 15 ⁇ without providing a new shielding wall.
  • the contact surface 11 ⁇ , the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ , and the structure S1 ⁇ are integrally provided on the cover portion 24 ⁇ that is a light guide member that propagates scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ . ing.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ is integrally formed with the optical system of the optical member such as the contact surface 11 ⁇ and the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ , the optical member and the structure S1 ⁇ can be assembled with high accuracy. The number of parts can be reduced.
  • the structures S1 ⁇ are provided on both sides of the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ in the lateral direction.
  • the structure S1 ⁇ can be formed simultaneously with the formation of the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ , so that the manufacturing efficiency of the structure S1 ⁇ is improved.
  • the cover portion 24 ⁇ as a light guide member also serves as a cover member.
  • FIG. 36 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an optical pointing device 40 ⁇ of the tenth embodiment.
  • a lens 42 ⁇ as an imaging element is used in place of the imaging reflector 14 ⁇ made of the reflecting mirror as the imaging element in the ninth embodiment. Is different.
  • the image of the subject 10 ⁇ such as the fingertip is captured as scattered reflected light L ⁇ from the contact surface 11 ⁇ which is the surface on the upper side in the vertical direction of the bending element 12 ⁇ . It is.
  • the scattered reflected light L ⁇ reflects the inclined surface 43 ⁇ of the bending element 12 ⁇ , forms an image by the lens 42 ⁇ as an imaging element, reflects the inclined surface 44 ⁇ , and is captured as image data by the imaging element 15 ⁇ .
  • Changes in the contact surface 11 ⁇ are extracted from the image data obtained from the image sensor 15 ⁇ by image processing, and the amount and direction of movement of the subject 10 ⁇ can be obtained.
  • the scattered reflected light L ⁇ since the scattered reflected light L ⁇ has a role of transmitting the change of the contact surface 11 ⁇ to the imaging element 15 ⁇ , the scattered reflected light L ⁇ is signal light. Further, a light source 16 ⁇ constituting a light source module for illuminating the subject 10 ⁇ is disposed below the bending element 12 ⁇ . Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, stray light M4 ⁇ is cited as stray light for the signal light of the scattered reflected light L ⁇ .
  • the structures S4 ⁇ are provided above and below in the vertical direction on the same plane as the lens 42 ⁇ .
  • stray light M4 ⁇ is reflected in a direction different from that of the image sensor 15 ⁇ and changed to stray light M4′ ⁇ . Therefore, the stray light M4 ⁇ is incident on the image sensor 15 ⁇ . Absent.
  • the stray light M4 ⁇ changes its optical path to the stray light M4 ′′ ⁇ and changes to a light beam in a direction different from that of the image sensor 15 ⁇ , so that it does not become stray light.
  • the structure S4 ⁇ and the lens 42 ⁇ are on the same plane. Therefore, in order to reduce stray light, for example, when using an aperture as a well-known member, it is necessary to assemble the lens 42 ⁇ and the aperture as separate members when using the aperture.
  • the structure S4 ⁇ is integrated with the lens 42 ⁇ , so that the alignment is easy. For this reason, it can assemble with high precision compared with the case where an aperture is used.
  • the structure S4 ⁇ is provided vertically above and below the same plane as the lens 42 ⁇ .
  • the structure S4 ⁇ is not necessarily limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG.
  • the structures S5 ⁇ provided on both sides in the lateral direction can be used.
  • the stray light M5 ⁇ from the light source 16 ⁇ is changed in optical path to the stray light M5′ ⁇ and does not enter the image pickup device 15 ⁇ , it is possible to prevent the performance of the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ from being deteriorated. Further, even when the structure S5 ⁇ is provided to transmit and refract it, the stray light M5 ⁇ is changed to a stray light M5 ′′ ⁇ and changed to a light beam having a direction different from that of the imaging element 15 ⁇ , so that it does not become stray light.
  • the structures S4 ⁇ and S5 ⁇ are provided on both sides in the vertical direction or both sides in the lens 42 ⁇ as the imaging element.
  • the structures S4 ⁇ and S5 ⁇ can be formed at the same time when the lens 42 ⁇ as the imaging element is formed, the manufacturing efficiency of the structures S4 ⁇ and S5 ⁇ is improved.
  • FIGS. 38A, 38B, and 38C are views showing the appearance of a cellular phone 60 ⁇ as an electronic device on which any one of the optical pointing devices 30 ⁇ and 40 ⁇ is mounted.
  • 38A is a front view of the mobile phone 60 ⁇
  • FIG. 38B is a rear view of the mobile phone 60 ⁇
  • FIG. 38C is a side view of the mobile phone 60 ⁇ .
  • FIGS. 38 (a), (b), and (c) an example is shown in which the cellular phone 60 ⁇ is used as the electronic device, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the electronic device may be, for example, a PC (particularly a mobile PC), a PDA, a game machine, a remote controller such as a television, or the like.
  • the mobile phone 60 ⁇ includes a monitor-side casing 61 ⁇ and an operation-side casing 62 ⁇ .
  • the monitor-side housing 61 ⁇ includes a monitor unit 65 ⁇ and a speaker unit 66 ⁇
  • the operation-side housing 62 ⁇ includes a microphone unit 63 ⁇ , a numeric keypad 64 ⁇ , and an optical pointing device 30 ⁇ , for example.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ mounted on the mobile phone 60 ⁇ is not necessarily limited to this, and can also be applied to the optical pointing device 40 ⁇ .
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ is arranged above the numeric keypad 64 ⁇ .
  • the arrangement method and the direction of the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ are described here. It is not limited.
  • the speaker unit 66 ⁇ outputs sound information to the outside, and the microphone unit 63 ⁇ inputs sound information to the mobile phone 60 ⁇ .
  • the monitor unit 65 ⁇ outputs video information. In the present embodiment, the monitor unit 65 ⁇ displays input information from the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ .
  • the cellular phone 60 ⁇ of the present embodiment includes an upper casing (monitor-side casing 61 ⁇ ) and a lower casing (operation-side casing). 62 ⁇ ) is connected via a hinge as a so-called foldable mobile phone 60 ⁇ . Since the folding type is mainstream as the cellular phone 60 ⁇ , a folding type cellular phone is given as an example in this embodiment, and the cellular phone 60 ⁇ on which the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ can be mounted is a folding type. It is not limited to.
  • the optical pointing device of the present invention that can be thinned as described above is a preferred invention for an electronic device that needs to be thinned, such as the cellular phone 60 ⁇ .
  • the cellular phone 60 ⁇ as the electronic apparatus of the present embodiment includes the optical pointing devices 30 ⁇ and 40 ⁇ . Therefore, when using the cover portion 24 ⁇ in which the light guide member and the imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ or the lens 42 ⁇ are integrated, the optical pointing devices 30 ⁇ and 40 ⁇ that are less affected by stray light on the image data captured by the image sensor 15 ⁇ are provided.
  • the mobile phone 60 ⁇ provided can be provided.
  • an optical pointing device that can reduce the influence of stray light on image data captured by an image sensor without providing a new shielding wall, and an electronic apparatus including the same.
  • the optical pointing device 30 ⁇ includes a light source 16 ⁇ that irradiates light on the contact surface 11 ⁇ of the subject 10 ⁇ , and an imaging reflecting mirror 14 ⁇ that forms an image of the scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ on the image sensor 15 ⁇ .
  • the light reflected by the outer peripheral region or transmitted through the outer peripheral region is within the outer peripheral region of the imaging mirror 14 ⁇ and reaches the direct light from the light source 16 ⁇ , the scattered light from the subject 10 ⁇ , or other disturbance light.
  • a structure S1 ⁇ that suppresses light from entering the imaging element 15 ⁇ as noise light is provided.
  • the light guide type optical member may change the direction of the reflected light from the subject by changing the direction of the reflected light from the subject, the contact surface with which the subject is in contact, and the imaging reflective portion. It is preferable that the optical path conversion part to guide is integrally formed.
  • the light guide type optical member has a contact surface with which the subject comes into contact, an imaging reflection unit that guides the guided light to the imaging reflection unit, and reflection from the subject reflected by the contact surface.
  • An optical path conversion unit that converts the optical path of light and guides it to the imaging reflection unit, and these are integrally formed. That is, an optical system that is an essential component in the optical pointing device is integrally formed.
  • the length of the light guide type optical member in the vertical direction can be made smaller than the optical path length. Therefore, further downsizing and thinning of the optical pointing device can be realized.
  • the light guide type optical member can be assembled with high accuracy and the number of parts can be reduced.
  • the stray light prevention unit may be a prism that refracts the guided light.
  • the stray light prevention unit is formed of a prism, the light source light that has not been reflected by the subject that causes stray light is reflected in a specific direction by the stray light prevention unit. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the light emitted from the light source from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject.
  • the stray light prevention unit may be composed of a refractive surface that scatters the guided light.
  • the stray light prevention unit is formed of a refracting surface, the light source light that is not reflected by the subject that causes stray light is refracted by the stray light prevention unit. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the light emitted from the light source from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject.
  • the stray light prevention unit may be composed of a light shielding member that shields light that has been shielded.
  • the stray light prevention unit since the stray light prevention unit is made of the light shielding member, the stray light prevention unit shields the light source light that has not been reflected by the subject causing the stray light. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the light emitted from the light source from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject.
  • the light shielding member is preferably made of a black film. Since the black film has a property of absorbing light, the stray light prevention unit absorbs light source light that has not been reflected by the subject that causes stray light. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the influence of stray light and provide an optical pointing device with high subject detection accuracy.
  • the stray light prevention unit is formed integrally with the contact surface, the imaging reflection unit, and the optical path conversion unit.
  • the stray light prevention unit is integrally formed with the optical system of the light guide type optical member. Therefore, the light guide type optical member and the stray light prevention unit can be assembled with high accuracy, and the number of parts can be reduced.
  • a reflection film for reflecting the guided light is formed on the prism surface.
  • the reflection film is formed on the surface of the prism, the range of angles that can be reflected by the stray light prevention unit can be expanded. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the light emitted from the light source from becoming stray light without being reflected by the subject.
  • the imaging reflecting portion may be a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, or a toroidal surface in which the curvature of the surface in the light guide direction and the curvature of the surface orthogonal to the light guide direction are different from each other. Good.
  • the imaging reflecting part has a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, or a toroidal surface. Accordingly, the curvature of the imaging reflecting portion is made spherical, non-spherical based on optical aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma aberration generated from the configuration of the optical system of the optical pointing device, and the distortion amount of the image projected on the image sensor.
  • optical aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma aberration generated from the configuration of the optical system of the optical pointing device, and the distortion amount of the image projected on the image sensor.
  • the optical path changing unit includes a prism that refracts reflected light from the subject, a reflective diffractive element that deflects reflected light from the subject, a reflective Fresnel lens, or a reflective hologram lens. You may be comprised from either.
  • the optical path conversion unit is configured by the prism (total reflection surface), the optical path conversion unit can be configured easily. Further, since the prism totally reflects incident light, the light utilization efficiency is highest with respect to optical path deflecting means such as a reflection type diffraction element, a reflection type Fresnel lens, or a reflection type hologram lens, which will be described later. As a result, the image projected onto the image sensor becomes brighter, and the S / N ratio can be improved.
  • optical path deflecting means such as a reflection type diffraction element, a reflection type Fresnel lens, or a reflection type hologram lens, which will be described later.
  • the optical path conversion unit is composed of a reflection type diffractive element, a reflection type Fresnel lens, or a reflection type hologram lens (that is, the optical path that the optical path conversion unit deflects the direction of reflected light from the subject and guides it to the imaging means In the case of a deflection unit), the light use efficiency is lower than that of the optical path conversion unit by total reflection such as a prism.
  • the optical path deflecting unit is formed on the back surface of the light guiding type optical member, the light guiding type optical member including the function of the optical path deflecting unit can be formed without forming a concave portion therefor.
  • the thickness of the light guide type optical member can be made thin and uniform. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the light guide optical member (that is, to reduce the thickness of the optical pointing device).
  • the optical path conversion unit when it is a reflection hologram lens, it can have a role of correcting aberrations that cannot be corrected by the imaging reflection unit. Thereby, the imaging performance of the imaging reflection unit is improved, and the image of the subject can be clearly captured by the imaging element.
  • the light guide type optical member includes a light shielding film that shields light from the outside in a surface region other than the contact surface with which the subject contacts.
  • the light incident from the outside of the optical pointing device becomes disturbance light that is not necessary for the optical pointing device to detect the subject.
  • the light shielding film is formed on the surface of the light guide type optical member on the subject side so as to avoid the contact surface where the subject contacts. Therefore, the influence of disturbance light can be suppressed by the light shielding film. Therefore, the contrast of the image formed by the image sensor is improved.
  • the imaging element is provided on a substrate and is resin-sealed with a transparent resin, and the light guide optical member is in contact with the surface and side surfaces of the transparent resin. It is preferable.
  • the light guide type optical member is in contact with the transparent resin that seals the image pickup device provided on the substrate.
  • the light guide type optical member can be arranged with high accuracy while maintaining the parallelism between the light guide type optical member and the image sensor. That is, each part and each element constituting the optical pointing device can be accurately arranged. Therefore, an optical pointing device with high subject detection accuracy can be realized.
  • an electronic apparatus includes any one of the above optical pointing devices.
  • the cutout portion prevents light reflected from the subject or direct light from the light source from directly entering the imaging element without passing through the imaging reflection portion. It is preferable that a member is provided.
  • the stray light composed of the reflected light from the subject not passing through the imaging reflecting portion or the direct light from the light source is emitted from the inside of the light guide type optical member, it is shielded by the light shielding member.
  • the light shielding member is made of a black film.
  • the black-based film has the property of absorbing light, so that stray light consisting of reflected light from the subject reflected by the notch or direct light from the light source is generated inside the light guide type optical member. It is possible to prevent the light from being reflected by the light source and reflected by the imaging reflection part and finally entering the image sensor. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the influence of stray light and provide an optical pointing device with high subject detection accuracy.
  • the optical path changing means can be composed of a prism that refracts reflected light from the subject.
  • the optical path changing means can be easily configured. Further, since the prism totally reflects incident light, the light utilization efficiency is highest with respect to optical path deflecting means such as a reflection type diffraction element, a reflection type Fresnel lens, or a reflection type hologram lens, which will be described later. As a result, the image projected onto the image sensor becomes brighter, and the S / N ratio can be improved.
  • optical path deflecting means such as a reflection type diffraction element, a reflection type Fresnel lens, or a reflection type hologram lens, which will be described later.
  • the optical path changing means comprises optical path deflecting means for deflecting the direction of reflected light from the subject and guiding it to the imaging reflecting section, and the optical path deflecting means comprises: It may be configured by any of a reflection type diffraction element, a reflection type Fresnel lens, and a reflection type hologram lens.
  • the light path conversion means composed of the light path deflection means is less efficient in using light than the light path conversion means by total reflection such as a prism.
  • the optical path deflecting unit is formed on the side opposite to the contact surface of the light guiding type optical member, the light guiding type optical member including the function of the optical path deflecting unit is formed without forming a concave portion therefor. be able to.
  • the optical path deflecting means when the optical path deflecting means is a reflection hologram lens, it can have a role of correcting aberrations that cannot be corrected by the imaging reflection section. As a result, the imaging performance of the imaging reflection unit is improved, and the image of the subject can be clearly captured by the imaging element.
  • the performance of the optical pointing device can be improved.
  • the imaging reflection unit is constituted by any one of a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, and a toroidal surface.
  • the curvature of the imaging reflecting portion is made spherical, non-spherical based on optical aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma aberration generated from the configuration of the optical system of the optical pointing device, and the distortion amount of the image projected on the image sensor.
  • optical aberrations such as spherical aberration and coma aberration generated from the configuration of the optical system of the optical pointing device, and the distortion amount of the image projected on the image sensor.
  • a shielding film that shields light from the outside is provided in a surface region of the light guide type optical member other than the contact surface with which the subject contacts.
  • the light from other than the subject on the contact surface that can obtain good characteristics in the imaging reflecting portion becomes disturbance light for the optical pointing device.
  • the surface region other than the contact surface is provided with a shielding film that shields light from the outside, so that the influence of disturbance light can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the contrast of an image photographed by the image sensor.
  • an electronic apparatus is characterized by including the above-described optical pointing device.
  • an electronic apparatus including an optical pointing device that is less affected by stray light when using a light guide type optical member in which an optical path changing unit and an imaging reflection unit are integrated.
  • the contact surface, the imaging element, and the structure are integrally provided on a light guide member that propagates scattered light from a subject.
  • the structure is integrally formed with the optical system of the optical member such as the contact surface and the imaging element, the optical member and the structure can be assembled with high accuracy and the number of parts can be reduced. be able to.
  • the structures are provided on both sides in the vertical direction or both sides in the horizontal direction of the imaging element.
  • the structure can be formed at the same time when the imaging element is formed, the manufacturing efficiency of the structure is improved.
  • the light guide member also serves as a cover member.
  • an electronic apparatus is characterized by including the above-described optical pointing device.
  • an electronic apparatus including an optical pointing device in which the influence of stray light on image data captured by an image sensor is reduced.
  • the present invention relates to an optical pointing device as an input device that can be mounted on a portable information terminal (electronic device) that is particularly required to be reduced in size and thickness, such as a mobile phone and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and an electronic device including the same. Can be suitably used. Further, the present invention can be used for an input device such as a PC or a mobile phone, and can be preferably used particularly for a portable device that is required to be small and thin.
  • a portable information terminal electronic device
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

Dans le dispositif de pointage luminescent (30) de l'invention qui utilise un élément optique de guidage de lumière, l'impact de la lumière parasite sur les données d'image capturées par un élément de capture d'image est atténué. Le dispositif de pointage luminescent (30), qui utilise une partie formant capot (24) en tant qu'élément optique de guidage de lumière, comprend un prisme de prévention de lumière parasite (19A), sur la surface arrière de la partie formant capot (24), qui modifie le trajet de la lumière qui est émise par une source de lumière (16), et qui frappe l'élément de capture d'image (15) sans traverser un élément de formation d'image (14).
PCT/JP2010/069536 2009-11-02 2010-11-02 Dispositif de pointage luminescent et dispositif électronique comprenant ce dispositif Ceased WO2011052790A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2009252428A JP4746118B2 (ja) 2009-11-02 2009-11-02 光ポインティング装置およびそれを備える電子機器
JP2009-252428 2009-11-02
JP2009-252437 2009-11-02
JP2009252437A JP4695704B2 (ja) 2009-11-02 2009-11-02 光ポインティング装置及びそれを備えた電子機器
JP2010-116207 2010-05-20
JP2010116207A JP4758511B1 (ja) 2010-05-20 2010-05-20 光ポインティング装置及びそれを備えた電子機器

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WO2011052790A1 true WO2011052790A1 (fr) 2011-05-05

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CN110795968A (zh) * 2018-08-02 2020-02-14 苏州苏大维格光电科技股份有限公司 用于获取指纹图像的装置

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JPH1131216A (ja) * 1997-07-14 1999-02-02 Olympus Optical Co Ltd 指紋読取光学系
JP2004318890A (ja) * 2003-04-18 2004-11-11 Agilent Technol Inc 指認識及びフィンガ・ナビゲーションを組み合わせるための画像入力システム及び装置
JP2008507787A (ja) * 2004-07-29 2008-03-13 クルシアルテック シーオー．，エルティーディー 光ポインティング装置および個人携帯端末機
JP2008510248A (ja) * 2004-08-20 2008-04-03 クルシアルテック シーオー．，エルティーディー 超薄型の光学式ジョイスティックおよび超薄型の光学式ジョイスティックを含んだ個人用携帯端末機
JP2008226224A (ja) * 2007-03-08 2008-09-25 Crucialtec Co Ltd 携帯端末機の光ポインティング装置
JP2009176271A (ja) * 2008-01-21 2009-08-06 Crucial Tec Co Ltd 光学式ジョイスティック及びそれを有する携帯電子機器

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH1131216A (ja) * 1997-07-14 1999-02-02 Olympus Optical Co Ltd 指紋読取光学系
JP2004318890A (ja) * 2003-04-18 2004-11-11 Agilent Technol Inc 指認識及びフィンガ・ナビゲーションを組み合わせるための画像入力システム及び装置
JP2008507787A (ja) * 2004-07-29 2008-03-13 クルシアルテック シーオー．，エルティーディー 光ポインティング装置および個人携帯端末機
JP2008510248A (ja) * 2004-08-20 2008-04-03 クルシアルテック シーオー．，エルティーディー 超薄型の光学式ジョイスティックおよび超薄型の光学式ジョイスティックを含んだ個人用携帯端末機
JP2008226224A (ja) * 2007-03-08 2008-09-25 Crucialtec Co Ltd 携帯端末機の光ポインティング装置
JP2009176271A (ja) * 2008-01-21 2009-08-06 Crucial Tec Co Ltd 光学式ジョイスティック及びそれを有する携帯電子機器

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110795968A (zh) * 2018-08-02 2020-02-14 苏州苏大维格光电科技股份有限公司 用于获取指纹图像的装置

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