Abstract: A method includes placing an input device in a passive mode of operation and periodically monitoring a displacement sensor of the input device, receiving an indication of displacement from the displacement sensor, and placing the input device in an active mode of operation characterized by a power consumption level. The method also includes determining a passing of a predetermined time period since receiving the indication of displacement, placing the input device in a second active mode of operation characterized by a second power consumption level less than the power consumption level, and periodically monitoring one or more of a plurality of touch sensors. The method further includes receiving an indication of input from the one or more of the plurality of touch sensors and placing the input device in the active mode of operation.

Abstract: An input device includes a housing for supporting a user's hand and a displacement sensor, mounted in the housing, for providing a displacement signal. The input device also includes a first portion of the housing operable to receive a first digit of the user and a first solid-state touch sensor disposed in the first portion and operable to detect movement of the first digit along the first portion. The input device further includes a second portion on the housing operable to receive a second digit of the user and a second solid-state touch sensor disposed in the second portion and operable to detect movement of the second digit along the second portion.

Abstract: A method of operating an input device in conjunction with a host device includes determining that the input device is in a stationary state and receiving a first signal from a first sense zone of the input device. The method also includes determining an input command based on determining that the input device is in the stationary state and the first signal and transmitting a signal associated with the input command from the input device to the host device.

Abstract: A touch sensor system includes a touch controller having a first connector and a second connector and multiple sensor zones. The touch sensor system also includes a plurality of drive lines connected to the first connector of the touch controller and to the multiple sensor zones and a plurality of sets of sense lines connected to the second connector of the touch controller. Each set of the plurality of sets of sense lines is connected to one of the multiple sensor zones.

Abstract: A method includes placing an input device in a passive mode of operation and periodically monitoring a displacement sensor of the input device, receiving an indication of displacement from the displacement sensor, and placing the input device in an active mode of operation characterized by a power consumption level. The method also includes determining a passing of a predetermined time period since receiving the indication of displacement, placing the input device in a second active mode of operation characterized by a second power consumption level less than the power consumption level, and periodically monitoring one or more of a plurality of touch sensors. The method further includes receiving an indication of input from the one or more of the plurality of touch sensors and placing the input device in the active mode of operation.

Abstract: An input device includes a housing for supporting a user's hand and a displacement sensor, mounted in the housing, for providing a displacement signal. The input device also includes a first portion of the housing operable to receive a first digit of the user and a first solid-state touch sensor disposed in the first portion and operable to detect movement of the first digit along the first portion. The input device further includes a second portion on the housing operable to receive a second digit of the user and a second solid-state touch sensor disposed in the second portion and operable to detect movement of the second digit along the second portion.

Abstract: A method of operating an input device in conjunction with a host device includes determining that the input device is in a stationary state and receiving a first signal from a first sense zone of the input device. The method also includes determining an input command based on determining that the input device is in the stationary state and the first signal and transmitting a signal associated with the input command from the input device to the host device.

Abstract: A touch sensor system includes a touch controller having a first connector and a second connector and multiple sensor zones. The touch sensor system also includes a plurality of drive lines connected to the first connector of the touch controller and to the multiple sensor zones and a plurality of sets of sense lines connected to the second connector of the touch controller. Each set of the plurality of sets of sense lines is connected to one of the multiple sensor zones.

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: An optical displacement system for an input device of a host device includes a substrate; an aperture; a light source and a sensor chip attached to the substrate, an illumination optics to direct the light emitted by the light source to a surface of an object. The sensor chip is configured to receive at least part of the light emitted by the light source after the light has been scattered/reflected on the surface of the object.

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 system and method of manufacturing directed to an attachment system for use in an optical device. The attachment system mechanically couples a light source to an illumination lens using an attachment device. The attachment device can be an auto-centering device for reducing positional errors in a light beam emitted from the light source.

Abstract: An optical displacement system for an input device of a host device includes a substrate; an aperture; a light source and a sensor chip attached to the substrate, an illumination optics to direct the light emitted by the light source to a surface of an object. The sensor chip is configured to receive at least part of the light emitted by the light source after the light has been scattered/reflected on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A computer mouse which has a number of features protecting it from damage when dropped. Additionally, the mouse of the invention is designed with features that make it more easily graspable and less likely to drop out of a user's hand in the first place. Finally, aesthetic features are built in to the design of the drop-resistant features. In one aspect, the present invention provides buttons on the top, front of the mouse which are recessed and shielded by a frame to avoid damage when dropped. In addition, the buttons are set back from the nose or front of the mouse so there would not be direct forces on the buttons if dropped on its nose. In another aspect, the invention provides a horizontal slot in an encoder shaft support assembly. Thus, the shaft is blocked from popping upward in a conventional slot arrangement when dropped.