Abstract: An optical navigation device containing an adjustable depth of field light source is positioned with respect to a surface such that the depth of field of light source can be adjusted to match the Z dimension of a particular surface. In one embodiment, a plurality of individual light sources are used each having a different angle of reflection from the surface. By selecting the light source having an angle of reflection to match the Z dimension of the surface to be navigated the device can be used over a wide range of Z dimensions. In one embodiment, the selection of the proper light source is accomplished upon start-up of the device with respect to a particular surface and in another embodiment a user can adjust the light surface to obtain optimal performance.

Abstract: A compact optical sensor package for use in an optical mouse. The optical sensor package includes a chip enclosure which is physically and electrically bonded to a main circuit Board using Ball Grid Array (BGA) technology. The chip enclosure includes a windowed cover having a window, and a base board hermetically sealed to the windowed cover to enclose the sensor chip. The sensor chip is electrically connected to bonding pads on the inner surface of the base plate. The bonding pads are electrically connected through the base plate to bonding pads on the outer surface of the base plate. The bonding pads on the outer surface of the base plate are elements in this application of Ball Grid Array technology.

Abstract: An input device includes a navigation mechanism configured to move parallel to a shaft and to move tangential to the shaft. The input device further includes a movement detection system to detect movement of the navigation mechanism relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A game controller having a moveable element and an imaging element that forms an image of a portion of the surface of the moveable element is disclosed. The moveable element has an optically readable pattern on a surface thereof and moves relative to a fixed position. The position of the moveable element at any given time is characterized by the relative position of the moveable element relative to a fixed reference position. The imaging element forms an image of a sub-area on the surface. The sub-area is determined by the relative position of the moveable element relative to the fixed position. A memory stores a map that specifies the readable pattern in each sub-area on the surface that can be imaged by the imaging element. A controller compares the image to the map to determine the position of the moveable element.

Abstract: An optical navigation device that regulates the brightness of an adjustable light source, and a method thereof, are described. Light from the light source is emitted onto a surface and reflected from the surface to a sensor. The light received by the sensor is used to measure movement of the optical navigation device relative to the surface. A light-sensitive device also receives light from the light source. The brightness of the light source can be adjusted according to the amount of light received at the light-sensitive device.