Abstract: An optical navigation system with optical imaging of multiple inputs using a single navigation sensor. The optical navigation system includes a tactile interface device, an image sensor, and a processor. The tactile interface device facilitates a navigation input. The image sensor intermittently generates images of a surface of the tactile interface device and images of a contact navigation surface. The image sensor also generates the images of the surface of the tactile interface device exclusive of the images of the contact navigation surface. The processor is coupled to the image sensor. The processor generates a first navigation signal based on the images of the tactile interface device and generates a second navigation signal based on the images of the contact navigation surface.

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 encoding apparatus for the detection of position and/or motion of a mechanical device includes a codescale, an encoder housing having one or more portions and a light-detecting sensor embedded within the encoder housing, wherein the light-detecting sensor is capable of sensing a pattern produced by the codescale superimposed on the light-detecting sensor, and wherein the light-detecting sensor includes a two-dimensional array of light detection elements having dimensions n-by-m where n and m are both integers greater than 4.

Abstract: An optical navigation device, such an optical mouse, includes a housing, an illumination system, a tracking engine, and multiple height-specific imaging systems located within the housing. The height-specific imaging systems generate image information in response to reflected light from a navigation surface and each one the height-specific imaging systems is positioned to detect the largest portion of reflected light at a different separation distance between the housing and the navigation surface. An integrated circuit (IC) device for optical navigation includes an aperture plate having height-specific apertures and height-specific navigation sensor arrays aligned in one-to-one correspondence with the height-specific apertures and configured to generate image information in response to light that passes through the corresponding height-specific apertures. An optical element for use in an optical navigation system includes an illumination source lens and multiple height-specific focal lenses.

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 pointing device and method for using the same to measure the motion of that pointing device over a surface is disclosed. The pointing device includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a controller. The illumination system generates light in a plurality of wavelength bands and illuminates a surface below the pointing device with light from one of the wavelength bands. The imaging system records images of the illuminated surface. The controller selects the wavelength band used to illuminate the surface, compares first and second images recorded by the imaging system at different times when the surface is illuminated with that wavelength band, and determines a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the positioning device moved between the two different times.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring a rotational motion of a code wheel measures a rotational movement of the code wheel including an error component due to a non-rotational movement of the code wheel; measures the non-rotational movement of the code wheel; and produces an error-corrected measurement of the rotational movement of the code wheel by using the measured non-rotational movement of the code wheel to cancel the error component of the measured rotational movement of the code wheel. A signal can be produced indicating a need for maintenance when the non-rotational movement of the code wheel exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A control circuit having a drive circuit and a controller adapted for use in optical mice is disclosed. The drive circuit is connected between first and second ports and passes a current between those ports having an amplitude determined by a control signal that is generated by the controller. The first port is connected to an illumination device and the second port is connected to a power rail. The control circuit also includes a potential measuring circuit that generates a signal indicative of a drive circuit potential between the first and second ports. The controller records the drive circuit potential for a predetermined current when the first port is connected to an illumination device. The controller sets the control signal based on the recorded drive circuit potential. The control circuit can record the drive circuit potential when the controller is powered.

Abstract: An embodiment of an auscultation device can be constructed using electronic components to provide improved acquisition, processing, and communication of sound signals. An input device can be used for detecting sounds, and electrical signals representing the sounds can be processed and transmitted via Bluetooth and/or another form of wireless communication. Such embodiments can employ, at least in part, one or more of several commercially available wireless receiver devices, such as, without limitation, headsets and headphones, mobile phones, PDAs and/or other handheld devices, desktop, laptop, palmtop, and/or tablet computers and/or other computer devices and/or electronic devices.

Abstract: A pointing device having an elongated body with a transparent end adapted for movement over a surface is disclosed. An illumination subsystem illuminates the surface in an area adjacent to the transparent end, and an imaging subsystem forms images of a portion of the surface in that area. The present invention also includes a reference mark system that defines a direction that is independent of rotations of the elongated body. A controller periodically compares two of the images to determine the distance and direction that the transparent end moved between the two images. The controller utilizes the direction defined in the reference mark system to reduce the computational workload. In one embodiment, the reference mark system includes a disk that is free to rotate about an axis through the disk and a sensor, and the position of a reference mark that is displaced from the axis is measured.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer pointing device is provided with a navigation module, an electronic control system, and a motion-driven electromagnetic induction module. The electronic control system serves to activate and deactivate the navigation module. At times, the control system enters a sleep mode and deactivates the navigation module. In response to movement of the computer pointing device, the motion-driven electromagnetic induction module generates an output signal that wakes the control system and activates the navigation module. In another embodiment, a computer pointing device is provided with a housing, a battery, and a motion-driven electromagnetic induction module. The electromagnetic induction module is coupled to the battery, is enclosed within the housing, and is unconnected to any externally manipulable portion of the computer pointing device. Movement of the computer pointing device causes the electromagnetic induction module to charge the battery.