Abstract: A cursor control device having a light source and an image sensor for optically tracking motion. The device includes an upwardly facing dome or window that provides a visual and tactile interface for user interaction. The user's hand or finger, bare or gloved, or other object controlled by the user, can be moved in close proximity or touching the dome, and means are provided to discriminate against the motion of objects that are not close to the dome in order to prevent unwanted cursor motion. Said means can include optics having a limited depth of focus, adaptive illumination processing for controlling the intensity of light emitted from the light source to optimize sensor operation, and/or processing for projecting cursor motion in accordance with a detected level of confidence in the sensor data.

Abstract: A method of moving the cursor is used in a computer system having a processor operatively coupled to a cursor control device having a light source and an image sensor for optically tracking motion of the cursor control device. The method is executed to move the cursor according to an enhanced tracking value generated based on a measured tracking value, a projected tracking value, and a tracking confidence value based on an illumination value representative of an intensity of light sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A cursor control device (700) having a light source (70) and an image sensor (80) for optically tracking motion. The device (700) includes an upwardly facing dome (710) or window (32) that provides a visual and tactile interface for user interaction. The user's hand or finger, bare or gloved, or other object controlled by the user, can be moved in close proximity or touching the dome (710), and means are provided to discriminate against the motion of objects that are not close to the dome in order to prevent unwanted cursor motion. Said means can include optics (40) having a limited depth of focus, adaptive illumination processing for controlling the intensity of light emitted from the light source (70) to optimize sensor operation, and/or processing for projecting cursor motion in accordance with a detected level of confidence in the sensor data.