Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to input devices configured for use with computing devices. The present invention relates to methods and devices for establishing, maintaining and managing, wireless connections with between an input device and one or more host devices that the input device is paired with. The input device may include sensory feedback indicating the host device actively paired with the input device, and may enable switching between host devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a roller for an input device, where the roller's absolute angular position is measured by a magnetic encoder. A magnet is attached to the roller, possibly inside the roller so as to make the embodiment more compact. In one embodiment, the magnetization is simple and low cost. Further, tight tolerances are not required, and such a system is easy to manufacture. In one embodiment, the sensor is covered by any non-ferromagnetic material, to protect it from foreign particles, and to reduce ESD. In one embodiment, the wheel consumes much less power than conventional wheels in input devices. In one embodiment, the tilting of the wheel is measured using the same sensor that is used for measuring the rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, a ratcheting feel provided to the user when rotating the wheel is synchronized with the rotation signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable an optical device to track on a diffusing surface over which a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface is placed. Some embodiments are directed towards detecting when an optical device is lifted off the surface it was resting on. Embodiments also include a sensing system that detects the z distance (distance to the tracking surface) and improves image quality by improving the effectiveness of the optical sensor subsystem and/or the illumination subsystem at the detected z distance. Other embodiments include a system and method that enables an optical device to track on a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface alone. This may involve dark-field imaging based on certain features (e.g., dirt) already present on the transparent surface. Alternately, this may involve creating features such as droplets, spreading dirt residue, and creating thermal spots, which can be used for tracking.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a roller for an input device, where the roller's absolute angular position is measured by a magnetic encoder. A magnet is attached to the roller, possibly inside the roller so as to make the embodiment more compact. In one embodiment, the magnetization is simple and low cost. Further, tight tolerances are not required, and such a system is easy to manufacture. In one embodiment, the sensor is covered by any non-ferromagnetic material, to protect it from foreign particles, and to reduce ESD. In one embodiment, the wheel consumes much less power than conventional wheels in input devices. In one embodiment, the tilting of the wheel is measured using the same sensor that is used for measuring the rotation of the wheel. In one embodiment, a ratcheting feel provided to the user when rotating the wheel is synchronized with the rotation signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable an optical device to track on a diffusing surface over which a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface is placed. Some embodiments are directed towards detecting when an optical device is lifted off the surface it was resting on. Embodiments also include a sensing system that detects the z distance (distance to the tracking surface) and improves image quality by improving the effectiveness of the optical sensor subsystem and/or the illumination subsystem at the detected z distance. Other embodiments include a system and method that enables an optical device to track on a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface alone. This may involve dark-field imaging based on certain features (e.g., dirt) already present on the transparent surface. Alternately, this may involve creating features such as droplets, spreading dirt residue, and creating thermal spots, which can be used for tracking.

Abstract: A housing for a control device includes an enclosed cavity configured to secure an optical detection system, including a light source and a sensor, and a face of the enclosed cavity configured to include a window to allow light from the light source to scatter light off of a surface and configured to allow reception of the scattered light on the sensor. In this configuration the housing is structured to prevent exposure of the optical detection system to external elements such as the surface. Also disclosed is a homodyning system for use with a coherent light source optical pointing device.

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: Various systems and methods are employed for lift-detection. Beam triangulation can be used, and in one embodiment, an optical lift detection module is separate from the optical tracking module. In one embodiment, a capacitive lift detection technique is used. A capacitor is built into the bottom case of the mouse. When the mouse is resting on a surface, the surface material serves as a dielectric for the capacitor, while air serves as the dielectric when the mouse is lifted. This dielectric change leads to a change in the capacitance value, leading to detection of lift. In one embodiment, a capacitor with an easily compressable material inserted between the two electrodes is used. In another embodiment, a mechanical plunger with an elastic membrane is used for lift detection. Lift detection can be tunable and/or customizable. The actual height of the life can be detected, rather than simple on-off notifications.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an optical pointing device, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is characterized by a unique set of illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics include impinging angle, light wavelength, light homogeneity, and the like. A sensor receives electromagnetic energy originating at the light source to scan an imaged area. The sensor measures performance indexes associated with the light sources, which depend on the illumination characteristics. The sensor includes an imaging module, which may include passive filters, and control logic, which includes at least a DSP module and a light sensor selection module. Another embodiment includes additional signaling light sources that do not interfere with the illumination system and are for signaling to the user. A method to select the most adequate light source for any given surface is based on measured performance indices.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with an efficient optical illumination. The optical illumination can be provided by tilting a light source and using a refractive lens to direct the light onto a surface. Alternatively, the optical illumination can be provided using total internal reflection with a conical light pipe and a curvatured entrance and exit surface.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with an efficient optical illumination. The optical illumination can be provided by tilting a light source and using a refractive lens to direct the light onto a surface. Alternatively, the optical illumination can be provided using total internal reflection with a conical light pipe and a curvatured entrance and exit surface.

Abstract: A universal charger which can charge multiple electronic devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, remote control, etc. In one embodiment, a user is directed to a website over the internet to a site containing charging profiles for multiple devices. The user selects the particular devices the user will want to charge and downloads the charging profiles. The charging profiles are provided to the universal charger device. A number of mechanisms are provided to identify the device, such as wireless or wired communication with the device or reading an RFID tag in the device. Various embodiments are disclosed, including having smaller devices (remote control, mouse) moved to the charger and the charger move to larger devices (keyboard). Also, various indicators are shown to indicate which device needs charging, and various lighting schemes show the amount of charging.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with increased accuracy in tracking ability. The increased accuracy can be achieved by using a multiple sensor system. A second sensor is added to the optical device. The second sensor increases the probability of obtaining a high quality image. Thus, the tracking ability of the device can be performed with greater accuracy over a single sensor device. The second sensor can also perform additional functions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable an optical device to track on a diffusing surface over which a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface is placed. Some embodiments are directed towards detecting when an optical device is lifted off the surface it was resting on. Embodiments also include a sensing system that detects the z distance (distance to the tracking surface) and improves image quality by improving the effectiveness of the optical sensor subsystem and/or the illumination subsystem at the detected z distance. Other embodiments include a system and method that enables an optical device to track on a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface alone. This may involve dark-field imaging based on certain features (e.g., dirt) already present on the transparent surface. Alternately, this may involve creating features such as droplets, spreading dirt residue, and creating thermal spots, which can be used for tracking.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable an optical device to track on a diffusing surface over which a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface is placed. Some embodiments are directed towards detecting when an optical device is lifted off the surface it was resting on. Embodiments also include a sensing system that detects the z distance (distance to the tracking surface) and improves image quality by improving the effectiveness of the optical sensor subsystem and/or the illumination subsystem at the detected z distance. Other embodiments include a system and method that enables an optical device to track on a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface alone. This may involve dark-field imaging based on certain features (e.g., dirt) already present on the transparent surface. Alternately, this may involve creating features such as droplets, spreading dirt residue, and creating thermal spots, which can be used for tracking.

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: A housing for a control device includes an enclosed cavity configured to secure an optical detection system, including a light source and a sensor, and a face of the enclosed cavity configured to include a window to allow light from the light source to scatter light off of a surface and configured to allow reception of the scattered light on the sensor. In this configuration the housing is structured to prevent exposure of the optical detection system to external elements such as the surface. Also disclosed is a homodying system for use with a coherent light source optical pointing device.

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: In one embodiment of an optical pointing device, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is characterized by a unique set of illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics include impinging angle, light wavelength, light homogeneity, and the like. A sensor receives electromagnetic energy originating at the light source to scan an imaged area. The sensor measures performance indexes associated with the light sources, which depend on the illumination characteristics. The sensor includes an imaging module, which may include passive filters, and control logic, which includes at least a DSP module and a light sensor selection module. Another embodiment includes additional signaling light sources that do not interfere with the illumination system and are for signaling to the user. A method to select the most adequate light source for any given surface is based on measured performance indices.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with increased accuracy in tracking ability. The increased accuracy can be achieved by using a multiple sensor system. A second sensor is added to the optical device. The second sensor increases the probability of obtaining a high quality image. Thus, the tracking ability of the device can be performed with greater accuracy over a single sensor device. The second sensor can also perform additional functions.