Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a single chip for receiving the reflected images, generating digital representations of the reflected images, and generating a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of relative motion between the chip and the imaging surface. The single chip includes a serial interface for outputting motion data in a serial format based on the movement data.

Abstract: An optical navigation system. The optical navigation system includes an image sensor capable of optical coupling to a surface of an object, a data storage device, and a navigation circuit. The data storage device is capable of storing successive images captured by the image sensor. The navigation circuit includes a first digital circuit capable of determining an optical displacement estimate for a relative displacement between the image sensor and the object obtained by comparing the images, a second digital circuit capable of determining a mechanical displacement estimate for the relative displacement obtained from consideration of a mechanical characteristic associated with the optical navigation system, and a third digital circuit capable of determining an adjusted displacement estimate obtained from the optical displacement estimate and the mechanical displacement estimate.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. An optical motion sensor generates digital images from the reflected images at a first frame rate. The motion sensor is configured to generate movement data based on the digital images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus. The motion sensor is configured to modify the first frame rate to one of a plurality of alternate frame rates based on a current relative velocity between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotation includes a plurality of motion sensors constructed in a substantially coplanar arrangement. The plurality of motion sensors is each configured to generate incremental movement data indicative of movement of the sensor in two dimensions. A rotation data generator generates rotation data based on the incremental movement data. The rotation data represents rotation of a first one of the motion sensors about a second one of the motion sensors.

Abstract: A lead frame includes pins for a plurality of parts. The pins for the plurality of the parts include first pins for a first part and first pins for a second part. The first pins for the first part include first shaped pins and second shaped pins. Each of the first shaped pins has a wide area of a first length, and a narrow area. Each of the second shaped pins has a wide area of a second length and a narrow area. The first length and the second length are not equal. The first pins for the first part are interdigitated with the first pins for the second part.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen, includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface with a plurality of light pulses, thereby generating reflected light pulses. A detection circuit is configured to sense light, distinguish between the reflected pulses and ambient light, and generate a low signal indication if the magnitude of the reflected pulses falls below a threshold value. An optical motion sensor generates digital images based on the reflected pulses. The motion sensor is configured to generate movement data based on the digital images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. An optical motion sensor generates digital images from the reflected images at a first frame rate. The motion sensor is configured to generate movement data based on the digital images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus. The motion sensor is configured to modify the first frame rate to one of a plurality of alternate frame rates based on a current relative velocity between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotation includes a plurality of motion sensors constructed in a substantially coplanar arrangement. The plurality of motion sensors is each configured to generate incremental movement data indicative of movement of the sensor in two dimensions. A rotation data generator generates rotation data based on the incremental movement data. The rotation data represents rotation of a first one of the motion sensors about a second one of the motion sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a single chip for receiving the reflected images, generating digital representations of the reflected images, and generating a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of relative motion between the chip and the imaging surface. The single chip includes a serial interface for outputting motion data in a serial format based on the movement data.

Abstract: A fiber-optic system includes a photodetector for receiving optical signals from a light source, a threshold producing circuit coupled to the photodetector, and a delay block coupled to the photodetector. The threshold producing circuit produces a decision threshold voltage in response to signals from the photodetector. The delay block, formed of one or more stages of all-pass filter, delays the signals from the photodetector. The outputs of the delay block and the threshold producing circuit are connected to the inputs of a comparator. By providing a delayed signal, the decision threshold voltage is established in the comparator before the delayed signals reach the comparator. In this manner, pulse width distortion is largely eliminated in the first bit of data in burst mode data and the dynamic range of the overall system is preserved. In some cases, a multi-staged delay causes DC offset error in the delayed signal to the comparator.

Abstract: An optical system for a bar code scanner has a working range that is not determined by the lens aperture, but by the dimension and orientation of the detector. In the preferred embodiment, the desired working range is imaged onto a detector array using a modified Scheimpflug arrangement. The array in the first Scheimpflug plane with respect to the lens defines a second Scheimpflug plane that intersects the bar code tag to be read. So long as the bar code tag intersects the image of the detector array in the second Scheimpflug plane, a portion of the image of the bar code tag will be in focus on at least one of the elements of the detector array. The lens aperture can be as large as desired to maximize resolution and minimize illumination needs without adversely affecting the working range. The scanner's bar code illumination can be directed along the second Scheimpflug plane, which is off the optical axis of the lens.