Abstract: An optical navigation device for operation in a surface navigation mode and a free space navigation mode is described. One embodiment of the optical navigation device includes a microcontroller, a surface navigation sensor, and a free space navigation sensor. The surface and free space navigation sensors are coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to process a movement of the optical navigation device. The surface navigation sensor is configured to generate a surface navigation signal in response to a surface navigation image. The free space navigation sensor is configured to generate a free space navigation signal in response to a free space navigation image. Embodiments of the optical navigation device facilitate an integrated optical solution to provide desktop navigation and scene navigation in a single optical navigation device.

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus and method for making the apparatus uses a light source and a sensor having an imaging array mounted on a leadframe and encapsulated in an optically transparent body structure. The optically transparent body structure is configured to include a prism-like feature to internally reflect light from the light source toward a target surface and an imaging lens feature to optically manipulate the light reflected from the target surface onto the imaging array of the sensor.

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus and method for making the apparatus uses a light source and a sensor having an imaging array mounted on a leadframe and encapsulated in an optically transparent body structure. The optically transparent body structure is configured to include a prism-like feature to internally reflect light from the light source toward a target surface and an imaging lens feature to optically manipulate the light reflected from the target surface onto the imaging array of the sensor.

Abstract: An optical navigation device for operation in a surface navigation mode and a free space navigation mode is described. One embodiment of the optical navigation device includes a microcontroller, a surface navigation sensor, and a free space navigation sensor. The surface and free space navigation sensors are coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to process a movement of the optical navigation device. The surface navigation sensor is configured to generate a surface navigation signal in response to a surface navigation image. The free space navigation sensor is configured to generate a free space navigation signal in response to a free space navigation image. Embodiments of the optical navigation device facilitate an integrated optical solution to provide desktop navigation and scene navigation in a single optical navigation device.

Abstract: A vertical light source package uses leadframes with leads that extend in the same predefined direction. The leadframes are at least partially positioned in a structural body of the vertical light source package. The vertical light source package includes a light emitting device, such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, that is situated on one of the leadframes and electrically connected to the other leadframe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image of a work surface on an optical sensor array in an optical pointing device. Light from a region of the work surface is captured by an imaging system incorporating an optical coupling system and the optical sensor array. The focus of the imaging system is adjusted in accordance with the distance between the optical pointing device and the work surface. The distance may be sensed, or inferred by adjusting the imaging system to maximize the focus of the image.

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: 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.

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: A pointing device having an illumination system, camera system, and positioning mechanism is disclosed. The illumination system illuminates a surface below a transparent plate having a constant thickness. The camera system records images of the illuminated surface. The positioning mechanism adjusts the relative position of the illumination with respect to the camera system. The relative position is determined by the constant thickness. The positioning mechanism has a first position corresponding to a predetermined value for the constant thickness and a second position corresponding to the constant thickness being zero. The positioning mechanism is operable by a user of the pointing device to compensate for different thicknesses of transparent plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image of a work surface on an optical sensor array in an optical pointing device. Light from a region of the work surface is captured by an imaging system incorporating an optical coupling system and the optical sensor array. The focus of the imaging system is adjusted in accordance with the distance between the optical pointing device and the work surface. The distance may be sensed, or inferred by adjusting the imaging system to maximize the focus of the image.

Abstract: A pointing device having an illumination system, camera system, and positioning mechanism is disclosed. The illumination system illuminates a surface below a transparent plate having a constant thickness. The camera system records images of the illuminated surface. The positioning mechanism adjusts the relative position of the illumination with respect to the camera system. The relative position is determined by the constant thickness. The positioning mechanism has a first position corresponding to a predetermined value for the constant thickness and a second position corresponding to the constant thickness being zero. The positioning mechanism is operable by a user of the pointing device to compensate for different thicknesses of transparent plates.