Abstract: An optical module, for use in a depth camera, includes a plurality of laser emitting elements, each of which emits a corresponding laser beam, and a micro-lens array (MLA) that includes a plurality of lenslets. Laser beams emitted by adjacent laser emitting elements at least partially overlap one another prior to being incident on the MLA For each lenslet of at least a majority of the lenslets of the MLA, the lenslet is at least partially filled by light corresponding to laser beams emitted by at least two of the laser emitting elements. The inclusion of the plurality of laser emitting elements is used to reduce speckle contrast. The overlap of the laser beams, and the at least partially filling of the lenslets of the MLA with light corresponding to laser beams emitted by multiple laser emitting elements, is used to reduce diffraction artifacts.

Abstract: An optical module, for use in a depth camera, includes a plurality of laser emitting elements, each of which emits a corresponding laser beam, and a micro-lens array (MLA) that includes a plurality of lenslets. Laser beams emitted by adjacent laser emitting elements at least partially overlap one another prior to being incident on the MLA For each lenslet of at least a majority of the lenslets of the MLA, the lenslet is at least partially filled by light corresponding to laser beams emitted by at least two of the laser emitting elements. The inclusion of the plurality of laser emitting elements is used to reduce speckle contrast. The overlap of the laser beams, and the at least partially filling of the lenslets of the MLA with light corresponding to laser beams emitted by multiple laser emitting elements, is used to reduce diffraction artifacts.

Abstract: An optical module, for use in a depth camera, includes a plurality of laser emitting elements, each of which emits a corresponding laser beam, and a micro-lens array (MLA) that includes a plurality of lenslets. Laser beams emitted by adjacent laser emitting elements at least partially overlap one another prior to being incident on the MLA For each lenslet of at least a majority of the lenslets of the MLA, the lenslet is at least partially filled by light corresponding to laser beams emitted by at least two of the laser emitting elements. The inclusion of the plurality of laser emitting elements is used to reduce speckle contrast. The overlap of the laser beams, and the at least partially filling of the lenslets of the MLA with light corresponding to laser beams emitted by multiple laser emitting elements, is used to reduce diffraction artifacts.

Abstract: An optical module, for use in a depth camera, includes a plurality of laser emitting elements, each of which emits a corresponding laser beam, and a micro-lens array (MLA) that includes a plurality of lenslets. Laser beams emitted by adjacent laser emitting elements at least partially overlap one another prior to being incident on the MLA For each lenslet of at least a majority of the lenslets of the MLA, the lenslet is at least partially filled by light corresponding to laser beams emitted by at least two of the laser emitting elements. The inclusion of the plurality of laser emitting elements is used to reduce speckle contrast. The overlap of the laser beams, and the at least partially filling of the lenslets of the MLA with light corresponding to laser beams emitted by multiple laser emitting elements, is used to reduce diffraction artifacts.

Abstract: The various embodiments generally describe systems and methods related to 3-dimensional (3-D) imaging. In one exemplary embodiment, an imaging system incorporates a 2-dimensional (2-D) image capture system that generates 2-D digital image information representing an object, a signal transmitter that transmits a ranging signal towards the object, and a signal receiver that receives the ranging signal returned by the object. Also included, is an image processor that computes distance information from the time difference between signal transmission and reception of the ranging signal. The image processor combines the distance information and 2-D digital image information to produce 3-D digital image information representing the object.

Abstract: A secure portable mouse memory device for use with a processor unit. The device includes a mouse having an encryption processor in communication with the processor unit, a memory and an encryption key. The memory has an unlock mode in which the memory is operable to communicate with the processor unit and has a lock mode in which the memory is not operable to communicate with the processor unit. The encryption processor locks the memory in the unlock mode when the encryption processor matches a received unlock code with the encryption key.

Abstract: A system to monitor an ergonomic risk condition of a user includes a hand-held device having a sensor that senses a stress parameter related to the user and generates stress data in response. The system additionally includes a processing unit in communication with the sensor. The processing unit determines an ergonomic risk condition in response to the stress data.

Abstract: An optical mouse includes a package cover and a substrate mounted in the package cover. An illumination source is attached to the substrate for illuminating a navigation surface with radiation. A sensor is attached to the substrate for detecting radiation reflected off the navigation surface. A first level interconnect electrically connects a circuit formed on the substrate with the illumination source and sensor. Integration allows for a compact form-factor and low-cost manufacturing.

Abstract: An apparatus classifies a material, which may include identifying the material, identifying the type of the material, or identifying the type of the material's surface. The apparatus includes a detector for capturing an image of a surface of the material, and a processor classifies the material by analyzing the image. When incorporated in a mechanism, this apparatus can classify the material on which the mechanism is operating, and, thus, the mechanism can tune some or all of its settings to the material without inconvenience to and with no susceptibility to error by a human operator. For example, when incorporated in a printer, this apparatus can identify the type of media being printed, and, thus, the printer can tune its print settings to the identified media type without relying on operator input.

Abstract: The present invention is a printer that includes an optical encoder that accurately represents the actual motion of the paper in both X and Y directions. The optical encoder uses a coherent or quasi-coherent illumination source. A detector may be used to capture images produced from the reflected light off the print media.

Abstract: An optical vehicle motion detection system and a method for detecting motion of a vehicle. The optical vehicle motion detection system has at least one optical detector on a vehicle for detecting an image of a road surface and for generating image data corresponding to the detected image. An image processor processes image data of successive images of the road surface detected by the at least one optical detector as the vehicle travels along the road for determining positional change of the vehicle relative to the road surface and for generating vehicle motion data. The optical vehicle motion detection system can be incorporated in a vehicle navigation system to permit monitoring of the movement of the vehicle for accident prevention, traffic control and for other purposes.

Abstract: Systems for the accurate rendering of printed material are disclosed. A system may comprise a substrate, a roller in close contact with the substrate, and a motion sensor that tracks the motion of the roller. A substrate is advanced by an advancement mechanism towards a printing mechanism, and a roller is placed in contact with the substrate so that movement of the substrate results in movement of the roller. Optical and/or motion sensors may be used to track the motion of the roller. In some embodiments, more than one motion sensor may be used to track the motion of the ball roller in more than one plane of movement.

Abstract: Tracking separation between an object and a surface involves illuminating the surface and reducing the collection angle of light that reflects off of the surface in response to a change in separation between the object and the surface. Reducing the collection angle of light that reflects off of the surface causes the amount of light that is detected to be dependent on the separation distance between the object and the surface. The amount of detected light is then used as an indication of the separation distance.

Abstract: An optical mouse comprises a housing, an optics module, and a replaceable contaminant barrier. The housing has a surface with an optical window. The optics module includes a light source disposed within the housing and configured to direct light out of, and receive light in, through the optical window. The replaceable contaminant barrier is transparent and is removably secured across the optical window.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer includes an at least partially coherent light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a navigation sensor for generating digital images based on the reflected images, performing a movement computation based on the digital images, generating movement data based on the movement computation that is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus, wherein the movement computation includes attenuating fixed pattern noise in the digital images.

Abstract: An optical device and methods thereof are described. The device includes a first light source adapted to emit light onto a surface, and a detector adapted to receive light reflected from the surface. The reflected light produces a speckle pattern. The distance between the optical device and the surface can be measured using a quantifiable attribute associated with the speckle pattern.

Abstract: A contaminant-neutralizing cradle comprises a base and a support surface configured to removably receive a coherently-illuminated mouse. A neutralizing element is disposed on the support surface for alignment with at least one exposed surface of an optics module of the mouse and is configured to neutralize the optical effect of a contaminant on the at least one exposed surface. A method of neutralizing contaminants for an optical mouse comprises providing a mouse containing an optics module having at least one surface exposed to an opening of the mouse and interposing a barrier in the mouse between a contaminant and the at least one exposed surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer includes an at least partially coherent light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a navigation sensor for generating digital images based on the reflected images, performing a movement computation based on the digital images, generating movement data based on the movement computation that is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus, wherein the movement computation has a low sensitivity to effects in the digital images caused by particle contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for position determination and motion tracking for use in a processor based system. Embodiments may incorporate a redirector that moves in at least one direction about a fixed point, an object operable to reflect a search beam as a location beam, logic operable to determine at least one angle of position for the object from the orientation of the redirector, and logic operable to determine a distance of the object from a fixed point.

Abstract: An optical navigation system for determining movement relative to a navigation terrain includes a first source and a second source of optical radiation for illuminating the navigation terrain, the first source differing from the second source in at least one operating parameter. The system further includes means to select the first source and the second source independently based on decision criteria. The system further includes a detector for capturing patterns in the optical radiation subsequent to illuminating of the navigation terrain.