Abstract: An input device encodes motion using a laser self-mixing velocimeter. The laser beam is directed at a disk or other moving member. As light from that beam is reflected back into the emitting cavity of the laser, the beam power output fluctuates because of the self-mixing effect and generates a beat signal. The beat signal frequency is used to determine the speed of the member's motion. The direction of motion is also determined based on the beat signal. A difference frequency analog phase locked loop filters the beat signal. A zero-point control disables motion detection when the average beat signal amplitude falls below a threshold. A triangle modulator generates a triangle wave for the laser bias current, with the triangle wave frequency being a submultiple of the beat signal frequency.

Abstract: A data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties with respect to the device. The device comprising a single laser having a modulated light beam. A beam splitter splits the modulated light beam into two light beams projected along separate paths toward the tracking surface. A portion of the light striking the tracking surface reflects back into a cavity of the single laser for self-mixing with the projected light, thereby altering first and second characteristics of the projected modulated light beam according to first and second directions associated with the tracking surface. A detector associated with the laser detects the altered first and second characteristics of the modulated light beam projected by the laser, and a controller responsive to the detector determines the relative movement of the tracking surface and data input device relative to one another as a function of the altered first and second characteristics detected by the detector.

Abstract: A data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties with respect to the device. The device comprising a single laser having a modulated light beam. A beam splitter splits the modulated light beam into two light beams projected along separate paths toward the tracking surface. A portion of the light striking the tracking surface reflects back into a cavity of the single laser for self-mixing with the projected light, thereby altering first and second characteristics of the projected modulated light beam according to first and second directions associated with the tracking surface. A detector associated with the laser detects the altered first and second characteristics of the modulated light beam projected by the laser, and a controller responsive to the detector determines the relative movement of the tracking surface and data input device relative to one another as a function of the altered first and second characteristics detected by the detector.