Abstract: Embodiments of diffuse optics in an optical mouse are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical mouse comprises a light source configured to emit light toward a tracking surface, an image sensor, an optical diffuser disposed optically upstream of the tracking surface and configured to diffuse light from the light source that illuminates the tracking surface, and a controller configured to receive image data from the image sensor and to identify a tracking feature in the image data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of optical mice are disclosed that facilitate off-surface detection while also providing high-contrast images of a tracking surface. In one embodiment, an optical mouse comprises a light source configured to emit light having a wavelength in or near a blue region of a visible light spectrum toward a tracking surface, an image sensor, and an optical band pass filter configured to pass the light having the wavelength in or near the blue region of the visible light spectrum emitted by the light source while filtering red and infrared wavelengths. Further, the mouse also comprises a controller configured to receive image data from the image sensor and to identify a tracking feature in the image data. The band pass filter prevents ambient light in the filtered wavelengths from reaching the image sensor, and thereby facilitates off-surface detection, while the blue color of the incident light and band pass filter provides a high-contrast image for motion tracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rolling walker with a pair of armrest platforms and vertical handles in combination with a removable utility tray. The armrest platforms provide added or alternate support for a patient not provided by a conventional four wheeled rolling walker. A utility tray assembly provides a tray top and a drawer for patient care services. The armrest platforms are supported at a vertical distance above the ground surface by a pair of armrest frames. The armrest frames are carried by the main frame of the conventional walker. The armrest frames each includes a main armrest frame member, a diagonal member and an armrest support member to carry the armrest platform and vertical handles with hand brakes. The armrest platforms can be adjusted in both horizontally and vertically with respect to the main frame of the conventional walker for better distribution of the user's weight. The utility tray assembly rests on the armrest platforms when needed.

Abstract: An optical mouse configured to track motion on a broad range of surfaces is disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical mouse includes a light source configured to emit light having a wavelength in or near a blue region of a visible light spectrum, an image sensor positioned relative to the light source such that light from a specular portion of a distribution of light reflected by the tracking surface is detected by the image sensor, and a controller configured to receive image data from the image sensor and to identify a tracking feature in the image data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rolling walker with a pair of armrest platforms and vertical handles in combination with a removable utility tray. The armrest platforms provide added or alternate support for a patient not provided by a. conventional four wheeled rolling walker. A utility tray assembly provides a tray top and a drawer for patient care services. The armrest platforms are supported at a vertical distance above the ground surface by a pair of armrest frames. The armrest frames are carried by the main frame of the conventional walker. The armrest frames each includes a main armrest frame member, a diagonal member and an armrest support member to carry the armrest platform and vertical handles with hand brakes. The armrest platforms can be adjusted in both horizontally and vertically with respect to the main frame of the conventional walker for better distribution of the user's weight. The utility tray assembly rests on the armrest platforms when needed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selecting a light source in a pointing device such as a mouse. The selection of the light source may be based on attributes of a received image, which are in turn based on reflected light received at the pointing device from the tracking surface. Because the attributes of the receive image are related to characteristics of the tracking surface over which the pointing device is moved, an illumination source appropriate for a particular surface type can be chosen.

Abstract: An optical mouse includes a housing, a remote sensing unit and an optical coupling. The remote sensing unit may include a sensor and the optical coupling may be a fiber optic cable and may connect the housing to the remote sensing unit. The fiber optic cable may also be transparent. Mechanical elements of the optical mouse, such as switches or scroll wheels may also be located within the housing of the device.

Abstract: An input device including a scroll wheel assembly for moving an image in multiple directions on a display screen. The scroll wheel assembly may include a finger-engagable control member that may be endlessly rotated about a rotation axis and a tilt sensor containing a tilt contact member coplanar with the finger-engagable control member and oriented in a substantially vertical, downward orientation such that pivoting of the finger-engagable control member may move the tilt contact member laterally to contact laterally disposed contact switches. In another example, the finger-engagable control member contains a flexible blade at an underside for biasing the scroll wheel assembly to an upright position.

Abstract: A peripheral input device having a body configured to be stored within a housing of a computer device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a wireless input device is configured to be recharged within the housing. Further aspects of the invention relate to an input device configured to operatively connect to underutilized ports of a computer system. In one embodiment, the input device operatively connects to a PCMCIA port of a computer. Yet further aspects of the invention relate to an input device having an expandable body, wherein the body may be configured to have an increased surface area upon expansion of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of medical device packages designed and fabricated to provide instantaneous recognition as to the source and origin of a sterilized medical device stored therein and for passively retaining said medical device and related items in a desired manually accessible location within the package. The invention provides apparatus and methods for safely transporting, storing, identifying source and origin of, opening, packing and unpacking, evenly balanced packages containing sterilized implantable medical devices (IMDs). The packages and methods of the invention also are designed with features and structures that efficiently enhance the mechanical stability of one or more of the packages when stored in inventory at a clinic, in transport, and on an initial packaging site, and promote ease of handling and complement implant procedure efficiency in the operating room.

Abstract: An axle of a scroll wheel for a mouse or other type of computer input device is held in a first part of a carriage. The first carriage part is joined to a second part of the carriage by a flexure. When a force is applied to one side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in one direction relative to the second part so as to engage a first switch. When a force is applied to the other side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in the opposite direction to engage a second switch. The carriage is connected to a base. When sufficient force is applied to the scroll wheel in the proper direction, at least a portion of the carriage moves and engages a third switch. The carriage includes a tang or other flexible member to bias the carriage against pivotal movement.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is provided that includes an antenna structure adapted for coupling to a medical device antenna when the medical device is not implanted in a patient's body. The antenna structure effectively extends the medical device antenna length, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of a communication link between the medical device and a programmer or monitor outside the implanted environment. The antenna structure is fabricated from any conductive material, which may be in the form of conductive wire, tape, ink, foil, film, adhesive or the like, and is attached to a portion of a medical device packaging assembly or another accessory device or substrate such as a pouch or overlay. The antenna structure may be a monopole, dipole, slot antenna, microstrip patch, or loop antenna, and may be fixed or movable relative to the substrate on which it is implemented.

Abstract: A scroll wheel assembly for computer input device having a housing. The scroll wheel assembly includes a housing and an engagable scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatable with a shaft to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scroll wheel is laterally tiltable relative to the housing and the shaft. A sensor is preferably positioned within the housing for sensing tilting of the rotatable member. In response to sensed tilting movement of the rotatable member, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The computer input device having the rotatable member may take the form of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball device, or another type of computer input device.

Abstract: A scroll wheel assembly for computer input device having a housing. The scroll wheel assembly includes a housing and an engagable scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatable with a shaft to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scroll wheel is laterally pivotable relative to the housing and the shaft. A ball joint is used to couple the scroll wheel to the shaft and permit this functional arrangement. A sensor is preferably positioned within the housing for sensing lateral movement of the rotatable member. In response to sensed lateral pivotable movement of the rotatable member, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The scrolling speed can be affected relative to the amount of displacement of the rotatable member and/or the amount of time that the rotatable member is displaced a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pair of arm rest platforms and vertical handles so the user of a rolling walker can have added or alternate support not provided by a conventional rolling walker or rollator. The arm rest platforms are supported at a vertical distance above the conventional walker by providing a pair of arm rest frames each extending between the main frame of the conventional walker and a respective arm rest platform. The arm rest frames each includes an main arm rest frame member carried by the main frame of the conventional walker and an arm rest support member to carry the arm rest platform and vertical handles. The conventional hand brakes can also be relocated; to be operated when gripping the vertical handles. The arm rest platforms can be adjusted in both horizontally and vertically with respect to the main frame of the conventional walker for better distribution of the user's weight.

Abstract: A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a housing wall surface, which may be on a side, top, or rear of the device. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

Abstract: A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a supporting surface upon which the device rests. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

Abstract: An input device with an optical scanner for use in capturing biometric images such as fingerprints. The user places the biometric image on the platen window. Movement of the platen window allows a scan head to scan the biometric image and capture a series of scan lines. The series of scan lines are combined together to form an image representative of the biometric image.

Abstract: An input device with an optical scanner for use in capturing biometric images such as fingerprints. The user places the biometric image on the platen window. Movement of the platen window causes a scan head to move and allows the scan head to scan the biometric image and capture a series of scan lines. The series of scan lines are combined together to form an image representative of the biometric image.

Abstract: Mouse-like functions of smooth, non-orthogonal movement of cursors, scrolling, panning, and navigating are provided on a handheld device without a detached or semi-detached mouse-like or stylus-like part. Existing graphical user interfaces are used on handheld devices without redesigning the workflow or defining special keys for navigating a cursor or selecting graphical objects. Navigation sensors on a handheld device with a display to detect and measure relative motion of a surface in front of the navigation sensor. This relative motion is then used to move a cursor on the display, or pan or otherwise navigate what is shown on the display. The navigation sensors are placed on the opposite side of the device as the display or on the bottom of a two part hinged device. This allows the user to slide the device around the surface it is placed on to manipulate the display while viewing the display.