Abstract: A proximity sensor measures receptor output with an energy source deactivated. The sensor then measures receptor output with the energy source activated. The measurements with the energy source activated are compared to the measurements with the energy source deactivated to compensate for the effect of ambient conditions. A near condition is recognized if the change between the two groups of measurements exceeds a designated value. To compensate for receptor output that may decrease after reaching a peak value during approach of an object, a near condition can be maintained until the change between the two groups of measurements no longer exceeds a different designated value. Multiple sensors can be used to avoid false near conditions caused by, e.g., placing a device equipped with the sensors next to a stationary object. In one embodiment, a sensor comprises an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff). TouchOff can be adjusted to take into account environmentally induced (non-touch related) changes in the capacitance of the scoop capacitor.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff). In order to lessen the time required for detection, and/or improve the sensitivity thereof, the bucket capacitor may initially be charged to a repeatable non-zero reference level closer to the charge level that will cause a state transition.

Abstract: A proximity sensor measures receptor output with an energy source deactivated. The sensor then measures receptor output with the energy source activated. The measurements with the energy source activated are compared to the measurements with the energy source deactivated to compensate for the effect of ambient conditions. A near condition is recognized if the change between the two groups of measurements exceeds a designated value. To compensate for receptor output that may decrease after reaching a peak value during approach of an object, a near condition can be maintained until the change between the two groups of measurements no longer exceeds a different designated value. Multiple sensors can be used to avoid false near conditions caused by, e.g., placing a device equipped with the sensors next to a stationary object. In one embodiment, a sensor comprises an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff). TouchOff can be adjusted to take into account environmentally induced (non-touch related) changes in the capacitance of the scoop capacitor.

Abstract: Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

Abstract: A proximity sensor measures receptor output with an energy source deactivated. The sensor then measures receptor output with the energy source activated. The measurements with the energy source activated are compared to the measurements with the energy source deactivated to compensate for the effect of ambient conditions. A near condition is recognized if the change between the two groups of measurements exceeds a designated value. To compensate for receptor output that may decrease after reaching a peak value during approach of an object, a near condition can be maintained until the change between the two groups of measurements no longer exceeds a different designated value. Multiple sensors can be used to avoid false near conditions caused by, e.g., placing a device equipped with the sensors next to a stationary object. In one embodiment, a sensor comprises an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor.

Abstract: A proximity sensor measures receptor output with an energy source deactivated. The sensor then measures receptor output with the energy source activated. The measurements with the energy source activated are compared to the measurements with the energy source deactivated to compensate for the effect of ambient conditions. A near condition is recognized if the change between the two groups of measurements exceeds a designated value. To compensate for receptor output that may decrease after reaching a peak value during approach of an object, a near condition can be maintained until the change between the two groups of measurements no longer exceeds a different designated value. Multiple sensors can be used to avoid false near conditions caused by, e.g., placing a device equipped with the sensors next to a stationary object. In one embodiment, a sensor comprises an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff).

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff).

Abstract: A peripheral device is connectable to a computer having one of a first interface and a second interface. The first interface communicates with the peripheral device over a differential data connection having a first data conductor and a second data conductor. The second interface communicates with the peripheral device over a clock conductor and a single ended data connection which includes a data conductor. The peripheral device includes an interface detection component coupled to at least one of first and second communication conductors used to communicate between the peripheral device and the computer. The interface detection component is configured to detect which of the first and second interfaces the peripheral device is connected to.

Abstract: Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Capacitive proximity sensing may be carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane, wherein charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch, and a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff).

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff).

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff).

Abstract: An emitter lens is provided between the radiation source and the work surface to be illuminated. The emitter lens collects radiation and reshapes the illumination pattern to increase intensity and uniformity. The radiation source and emitter lens have associated housings which act to properly orient and align the emitter lens and radiation source. The emitter lens also acts to space the radiation source from an aperture in a housing of the computer input device to provide protection against damage due to electrostatic discharge (ESD). An imaging lens is provided between the work surface and the image sensor to focus light reflected from the work surface onto the image sensor. An imaging lens housing or holder is provided to properly orient and align the imaging lens with the image sensor. The imaging lens housing provides an apron which increases ESD discharge path length.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. The conductor may be a plate provided in the form of an adhesive label printed with conductive ink. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff).

Abstract: An input device for a computer system includes a detection circuit with first and second inputs capable of carrying first and second input signals. A user depressible switch adapted to allow a user to interact with the computer system is placed in series with a rectification device between the two inputs. The rectification device being adapted to limit electrical current in a first direction between the first input and the second input.

Abstract: A touch screen control system having a plurality of light emitter and detector pairs positioned on opposite sides of a touch screen display. The emitters and detectors are controlled by a microprocessor-based control system that energizes each of the light emitters in a pseudorandom manner. Before each light emitter is energized, the intensity of ambient light is measured by its associated light detector, and the ambient temperature is also measured by a temperature sensor. The intensity at which the light emitter is then energized is controlled as a function of ambient light and temperature. The control system generates a bitmap identifying beams from each light emitter to its associated detector that are obscured during each of several scans of the light emitter/detector pairs. In order to reject false receptions of light from an obscured light emitter beam, the control system processes the bitmap through a predetermined voting procedure.