Abstract: An optical sensor system that uses focused (not collimated) light optics and produces effective tracking on a variety of surfaces while having looser manufacturing and/or operational tolerances than prior focused optics systems. Embodiments provide an optical sensor system for a mouse moveable on a surface. An LED and a light sensor are coupled to a substrate. An illumination lens directs light at a first angle to the surface, with the light focused on a focal point below the surface. An imaging lens focuses light reflected at an angle generally equal to the first angle on the light sensor. The focal point is sufficiently below the surface so that that the diameter of a produced spot of light on the surface is more than 40% larger than a field of view (FOV) of the light sensor, and less than 400% larger than the FOV of the light sensor.

Abstract: A method of operating an input device can include generating a light beam by a light source module, steering the light beam towards a target location on an underlying surface, steering a reflected light beam towards an image sensor of the input device, receiving the reflected light beam by the image sensor, and generating tracking data by the image sensor that corresponds to a two-dimensional (2D) movement of the input device on the underlying surface. The method further includes determining that the input device is operating: on and in contact with the underlying surface when the reflected light beam received by the image sensor is located on a first set of pixels of the image sensor, and above and not in contact with the underlying surface when the reflected light beam is located on a second set of pixels of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor system that uses focused (not collimated) light optics and produces effective tracking on a variety of surfaces while having looser manufacturing and/or operational tolerances than prior focused optics systems. Embodiments provide an optical sensor system for a mouse moveable on a surface. An LED and a light sensor are coupled to a substrate. An illumination lens directs light at a first angle to the surface, with the light focused on a focal point below the surface. An imaging lens focuses light reflected at an angle generally equal to the first angle on the light sensor. The focal point is sufficiently below the surface so that that the diameter of a produced spot of light on the surface is more than 40% larger than a field of view (FOV) of the light sensor, and less than 400% larger than the FOV of the light sensor.

Abstract: A method of operating an input device can include generating a light beam by a light source module, steering the light beam towards a target location on an underlying surface, steering a reflected light beam towards an image sensor of the input device, receiving the reflected light beam by the image sensor, and generating tracking data by the image sensor that corresponds to a two-dimensional (2D) movement of the input device on the underlying surface. The method further includes determining that the input device is operating: on and in contact with the underlying surface when the reflected light beam received by the image sensor is located on a first set of pixels of the image sensor, and above and not in contact with the underlying surface when the reflected light beam is located on a second set of pixels of the plurality of pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: A mouse configured to display an icon including a top housing that is semi-opaque; and an icon indicator disposed under the top housing, the icon indicator including a light source and an icon plate. The light source is configured to light the icon plate to display an icon through the top housing. The icon indicator and icon are substantially not visible through the top housing if the light source is not lighted.

Abstract: A mouse configured to display an icon including a top housing that is semi-opaque; and an icon indicator disposed under the top housing, the icon indicator including a light source and an icon plate. The light source is configured to light the icon plate to display an icon through the top housing. The icon indicator and icon are substantially not visible through the top housing if the light source is not lighted.

Abstract: A mouse configured to display an icon including a top housing that is semi-opaque; and an icon indicator disposed under the top housing, the icon indicator including a light source and an icon plate. The light source is configured to light the icon plate to display an icon through the top housing. The icon indicator and icon are substantially not visible through the top housing if the light source is not lighted.