Abstract: A non-Bluetooth device operates in a same frequency band as Bluetooth devices by employing a method of intelligent frequency hopping. The method includes: scanning a frequency band for frequency hopping communications in the frequency band by one or more Bluetooth communication devices communicating according to a Bluetooth communication protocol; determining a first frequency hopping sequence utilized by the one or more Bluetooth communication devices according to the Bluetooth communication protocol; determining a second frequency hopping sequence within the frequency band to avoid interference from the frequency hopping communications by the one or more Bluetooth communication devices; and establishing a wireless communication connection between two non-Bluetooth devices, the wireless communication connection operating in the frequency band according to a second wireless communication protocol different than the Bluetooth communication protocol, and using the second frequency hopping sequence.

Abstract: A user device is disclosed which includes a touch input and a keypad input. The user device is configured to operate in a gesture capture mode as well as a navigation mode. In the navigation mode, the user interfaces with the touch input to move a cursor or similar selection tool within the user output. In the gesture capture mode, the user interfaces with the touch input to provide gesture data that is translated into key code output having a similar or identical format to outputs of the keypad.

Abstract: Illumination spot alignment is performed by capturing an image by an image array. The image is evaluated to determine an illumination spot size and location. Coordinates identifying the illumination spot size and location are stored.

Abstract: A user device is disclosed which includes a touch input and a keypad input. The user device is configured to operate in a gesture capture mode as well as a navigation mode. In the navigation mode, the user interfaces with the touch input to move a cursor or similar selection tool within the user output. In the gesture capture mode, the user interfaces with the touch input to provide gesture data that is translated into key code output having a similar or identical format to outputs of the keypad.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the x, y and z coordinates of a position of an input device in an interactive computer system is disclosed. An image sensor situated on the input device captures images of an electronic marker displayed on a display screen. As the position of the input device changes, the features of the electronic marker as captured by the image sensor also change. Images of the electronic marker captured during game play are compared to a calibration image of the electronic marker to determine current x, y and z coordinates of positions of the input device. The game display is updated to reflect the movements of the input device.

Abstract: A non-Bluetooth device operates in a same frequency band as Bluetooth devices by employing a method of intelligent frequency hopping. The method includes: scanning a frequency band for frequency hopping communications in the frequency band by one or more Bluetooth communication devices communicating according to a Bluetooth communication protocol; determining a first frequency hopping sequence utilized by the one or more Bluetooth communication devices according to the Bluetooth communication protocol; determining a second frequency hopping sequence within the frequency band to avoid interference from the frequency hopping communications by the one or more Bluetooth communication devices; and establishing a wireless communication connection between two non-Bluetooth devices, the wireless communication connection operating in the frequency band according to a second wireless communication protocol different than the Bluetooth communication protocol, and using the second frequency hopping sequence.

Abstract: An optical mouse employs an optical mouse controller and an optical mouse sensor. In operation, the optical mouse sensor generates an image sensing report signal indicative of a movement of the optical mouse over a surface of an object and communicates the image sensing report signal to the optical mouse controller based on a CPI resolution setting of the optical mouse sensor. To be responsive to varying applications, the optical mouse sensor detects a dynamic movement variable associated with the movement of the optical mouse over the surface of the object and controls a switching of the CPI resolution setting among at least two different CPI resolutions based on a detection of the dynamic movement variable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surface is navigated by 1) using a first light sensor, mounted to a navigation device, to detect light reflected from a surface, and 2) using outputs of the first light sensor, over time, to determine relative movement of the navigation device with respect to the surface. While using the first light sensor, it is determined whether the outputs of the first light sensor, over time, are indicating movement of the navigation device with respect to the surface. If not, 1) a second light sensor that is mounted to the navigation device, and of a different type than the first light sensor, is used to detect light reflected from the surface, and 2) outputs of the second light sensor, over time, are used to determine relative movement of the navigation device with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A mold assembly having a first mold portion with a first cavity having a retention groove. A second mold portion associated with the first mold portion and configured to come together therewith. The second mold portion has a second cavity. The second cavity and the first cavity form a first substrate compartment. A third mold portion is associated with the first mold portion and configured to come together therewith. The third mold portion has a third cavity having a shut-off member. The third cavity and the first cavity form a first over-mold compartment when the first and third mold portions come together. The shut-off member projects from the third cavity surface to impinge on a surface of a component formed by the first substrate compartment. The first retention groove mirrors the shut-off member and is aligned therewith when the first and third cavities form the first over-mold compartment.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for operating the same is disclosed. The pointing device includes an illumination system, a camera system, and a controller. The illumination system illuminates a surface over which the pointing device moves. The illumination system generates a light level determined by an illumination control signal. The camera records a plurality of images of the illuminated surface. The controller records first and second images taken by the camera at different times and determines a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the positioning device moved between the two different times. The controller also generates the illumination control signal. The illumination control signal depends on at least one of the images recorded by the camera system. In one embodiment, the surface is characterized by a reflectivity and the light level generated by the illumination system is inversely related to that reflectivity.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the x, y and z coordinates of a position of an input device in an interactive computer system is disclosed. An image sensor situated on the input device captures images of an electronic marker displayed on a display screen. As the position of the input device changes, the features of the electronic marker as captured by the image sensor also change. Images of the electronic marker captured during game play are compared to a calibration image of the electronic marker to determine current x, y and z coordinates of positions of the input device. The game display is updated to reflect the movements of the input device.

Abstract: An optical mouse employs an optical mouse controller and an optical mouse sensor. In operation, the optical mouse sensor generates an image sensing report signal indicative of a movement of the optical mouse over a surface of an object and communicates the image sensing report signal to the optical mouse controller based on a CPI resolution setting of the optical mouse sensor. To be responsive to varying applications, the optical mouse sensor detects a dynamic movement variable associated with the movement of the optical mouse over the surface of the object and controls a switching of the CPI resolution setting among at least two different CPI resolutions based on a detection of the dynamic movement variable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, movement between a surface and an imager is tracked by using the imager to acquire a series of digital images of the surface. Each of the digital images represents a pattern of light that is reflected from the surface. If a first number of the digital images have surface qualities that are above a surface quality threshold set to an initial value, ones of the series of digital images are compared to track movement between the surface and the imager. If a second number of the digital images have surface qualities that are below the surface quality threshold, then i) the surface quality threshold is dynamically lowered to a new value, and thereafter ii) ones of the series of digital images are compared to track movement between the surface and the imager. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Temperature Compensated Laser System (“TCLS”) for producing a temperature compensated laser drive current for a laser in an optical navigation device is described. The TCLS may include a controller in signal communication with an adjustable current source, wherein the adjustable current source produces the temperature compensated laser drive current. The TCLS may also include a measurement module in signal communication with the controller and the adjustable current source, wherein the controller adjusts the temperature compensated laser drive current produced by the adjustable current source responsive to a change in temperature sensed by the TCLS.

Abstract: An optical navigation system having an optical navigation integrated circuit (“navigation IC”) is described. The optical navigation system may include an emitter module and a pixel array surrounding the emitter module. The optical navigation system may further include a ring optical system located on the surface of the navigation IC over the pixel array.

Abstract: A printing device includes a controller, a light emitter and a color sensor. The controller controls print functions. The light emitter is situated to emit light on media fed into the printing device. The color sensor detects light from the light emitter reflecting off the media. The color sensor generates a feedback signal for use by the controller.

Abstract: Illumination spot alignment is performed by capturing an image by an image array. The image is evaluated to determine an illumination spot size and location. Coordinates identifying the illumination spot size and location are stored.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for measuring the color of a light signal. The apparatus includes a plurality of color sensing elements, an optical system for illuminating each of the color sensing elements with light from the light source, and a controller for determining the intensity and wavelength of the light signal from the signals generated by said color sensing elements. Each color sensing element generates an electrical signal that depends on the wavelength and intensity of light incident on the color sensing element. Each of the color sensing elements is characterized by a gain function that relates the electrical signal generated thereby to the wavelength and intensity of light incident thereon. Each of the gain functions is different from the others of the gain functions.

Abstract: A microwave phase shifter comprise a dielectric waveguide having a flat side and a moving conductor plane member substantially parallel to the waveguide side. Piezoelectric means are provided to move the plane member with respect to the waveguide side between a portion relatively remote from the waveguide side and an other position substantially in contact with the waveguide side. The piezoelectric means consists preferably of a stack of piezoelectric members supplied by a variable d.c. power source. Owing to the piezoelectric means for moving the conductor plane member, a variable phase shift is continuously adjusted. Such a phase shifter can be as an antenna network when the dielectric waveguide contains groups of radiator perturbations, such as conductor strips, respectively controlled by one or several piezoelectric means carrying conductor plates facing waveguide portions including the perturbations groups.