Abstract: An apparatus configured for use in a camera identifies appropriate times to capture optical images with the camera. The apparatus includes a motion detector for generating movement data based on movement of the camera. A controller coupled to the movement detector identifies appropriate times to capture optical images based on the movement data.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a single chip for receiving the reflected images, generating digital representations of the reflected images, and generating a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of relative motion between the chip and the imaging surface. The single chip includes a serial interface for outputting motion data in a serial format based on the movement data.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for use in a camera identifies appropriate times to capture optical images with the camera. The apparatus includes a motion detector for generating movement data based on movement of the camera. A controller coupled to the movement detector identifies appropriate times to capture optical images based on the movement data.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: A mouse for navigating upon grainy surfaces is equipped with at least two optical navigation circuits having different views of the work surface and whose axes may be non-parallel. For each navigation circuit an indication of navigation impairment owing to grain is detected. A suitable algorithm chooses from among the various navigation circuits which one's output to use. The multiple optical navigation circuits can each be separate self-contained mechanisms on separate dies or they can be separate sections of a single integrated circuit. The various metrics used within a navigation circuit for spatial filter selection can be further used by the navigation circuit selection algorithm. Each optical navigation circuit can have its own light source, or they can share a common one. They may also share any imaging optics, although each navigation sensor sees a different image.

Abstract: A computer mouse uses an optical sensor to detect movement and thereby generate signals to control movement of an on-screen icon. The optical mouse also includes circuitry or a processor to detect bar codes and demodulate data encoded therein.

Abstract: A mouse for navigating upon grainy surfaces is equipped with at least two optical navigation circuits having different views of the work surface and whose axes may be non-parallel. For each navigation circuit an indication of navigation impairment owing to grain is detected. A suitable algorithm chooses from among the various navigation circuits which one's output to use. The multiple optical navigation circuits can each be separate self-contained mechanisms on separate dies or they can be separate sections of a single integrated circuit. The various metrics used within a navigation circuit for spatial filter selection can be further used by the navigation circuit selection algorithm. Each optical navigation circuit can have its own light source, or they can share a common one. They may also share any imaging optics, although each navigation sensor sees a different image.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and method for modifying the firmware of the device after fabrication utilizes a shadow memory to “shadow” some or all of the original firmware in the ROM. In an exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor device is an optical navigation sensor that generates tracking information using captured surface images and a navigation code, which is included in the firmware. The shadow memory may be programmed with a complete modified firmware, which replaces the original firmware, or modified portions of the original firmware, which replace the corresponding portions of the original firmware. The use of the shadow memory allows the original firmware of the semiconductor device to be updated after the fabrication of the device. In addition, the shadow memory allows other data such as product identification information and proprietary functionality codes to be incorporated into the semiconductor device after fabrication.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a single chip for receiving the reflected images, generating digital representations of the reflected images, and generating a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of relative motion between the chip and the imaging surface. The single chip includes a serial interface for outputting motion data in a serial format based on the movement data.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: A computer mouse uses an optical sensor to detect movement and thereby generate signals to control movement of an on-screen icon. The optical mouse also includes circuitry or a processor to detect bar codes and demodulate data encoded therein.