Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and usage techniques for modular lateral flow assay reader devices that can receive a number of different modules having a barcode scanning input device and optional network connectivity capabilities. A barcode scanning module can provide a simple input method that reduces errors compared to manual data entry. A network connectivity module can enable transmission of test results over a public network for standardizing, tracking and electronically connecting test results from assay reader devices located throughout a network. Such devices can programmatically implement a simplified workflow whereby pressing a single button readies the device for imaging, analyzing, and data storage/transmission and, in some implementations, configures the device to operate in one of a plurality of device operation modes.

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: An optical pointing device comprising an optical navigation sensor and an adjustment module for adjusting an operational height of the optical navigation sensor is provided in one embodiment. In another embodiment, an optical pointing device comprising a housing and an optical navigation sensor contained in the housing is provided where the optical navigation sensor is configured to provide movement information to a processing system to cause a pointer to continue moving in response to detecting that the housing has been lifted from a navigation surface.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes an angled one-piece substrate having a light source fixed to one area and a sensor die fixed to a second area, such that the light source is directed to illuminate the field of view of the sensor die when a surface of interest is imaged. The integrated circuit package is well suited for generating navigation information regarding movement relative to a surface. In one method of forming the integrated circuit package, the single-piece substrate is originally a generally flat lead frame to which the sensor die and light source are attached. After the components have been connected, the lead frame is bent to provide the desired light source-to-sensor angle. In an alternative method, the lead frame is pre-bent. For either method, optics may be connected to the integrated circuit package, thereby providing a module that includes the optics, the light source, the sensor and the packaging body.

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 integrated circuit package includes an angled one-piece substrate having a light source fixed to one area and a sensor die fixed to a second area, such that the light source is directed to illuminate the field of view of the sensor die when a surface of interest is imaged. The integrated circuit package is well suited for generating navigation information regarding movement relative to a surface. In one method of forming the integrated circuit package, the single-piece substrate is originally a generally flat lead frame to which the sensor die and light source are attached. After the components have been connected, the lead frame is bent to provide the desired light source-to-sensor angle. In an alternative method, the lead frame is pre-bent. For either method, optics may be connected to the integrated circuit package, thereby providing a module that includes the optics, the light source, the sensor and the packaging body.

Abstract: A device includes a light emitter, a current sensing resistance, a current generator, and detection circuitry. The current generator is connected to the light emitter and to the current sensing resistance. During a normal operating mode of the device, the current generator regulates current flow through the light emitter. In a test mode, the current generator regulates current flow through the current sensing resistance. The detection circuitry, during the test mode, detects when current flow through the current sensing resistance is outside an expected range.

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: 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: 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 such as a wireless telephone is disclosed, the apparatus having a screen with an icon, and an input device for controlling the icon on the screen. The input device includes a sensor adapted to detect movement and a captive disc movably suspended over the sensor, the captive disc having an active surface facing the sensor and the sensor viewing a portion of the active surface. When the captive disc is moved, the sensor detects differing portions of the active surface and determines movement by changes in its view. Because the captive disc is substantially flat, the input device can be relatively small in size compared to input devices of the current art. The smaller size requirement is advantageous for implementing the input device in various devices including the PDAS, wireless communication devices, and other electronic equipment.

Abstract: An optical pointing device includes a light source configured to respond to a drive current to provide at least partially coherent light to illuminate an imaging surface to thereby generate reflected images. A navigation sensor is configured to generate digital images based on the reflected images, and generate movement data based on the digital images that are indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the optical pointing device. A light source driver is configured to provide the drive current to the light source. A drive current controller is configured to calibrate the drive current based on selected digital images.

Abstract: A device includes a light emitter, a current sensing resistance, a current generator, and detection circuitry. The current generator is connected to the light emitter and to the current sensing resistance. During a normal operating mode of the device, the current generator regulates current flow through the light emitter. In a test mode, the current generator regulates current flow through the current sensing resistance. The detection circuitry, during the test mode, detects when current flow through the current sensing resistance is outside an expected range.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package includes an angled one-piece substrate having a light source fixed to one area and a sensor die fixed to a second area, such that the light source is directed to illuminate the field of view of the sensor die when a surface of interest is imaged. The integrated circuit package is well suited for generating navigation information regarding movement relative to a surface. In one method of forming the integrated circuit package, the single-piece substrate is originally a generally flat lead frame to which the sensor die and light source are attached. After the components have been connected, the lead frame is bent to provide the desired light source-to-sensor angle. In an alternative method, the lead frame is pre-bent. For either method, optics may be connected to the integrated circuit package, thereby providing a module that includes the optics, the light source, the sensor and the packaging body.

Abstract: The present invention detects single faults that would cause the current flowing through the light source to increase by a significant amount over the intended value. When the fault is a small leakage path to Ground potential from the light source cathode, it can be detected while maintaining operation of the light source within eye safety limits. In addition, the fault may be detected without activating the light source.

Abstract: Feedback is provided when an optical navigation device acquires an image that is not suitable for navigation purposes. An image sensor embedded within the optical navigation device acquires an image of a surface. An image monitor determines the navigability of the captured image and generates a signal indicative of the image's navigability. A comparator compares the signal to a threshold navigability level. When the image navigability is determined to be below the threshold and thus non-navigable, the comparator asserts a feedback signal. The feedback signal may trigger a variety of feedback mechanisms to alert the user that the surface is non-navigable. Possible feedback mechanisms include a warning message on a display screen, an illuminated light on the optical navigation device, or an audible sound.