Abstract: A wireless optical mouse comprises an optical movement detection module, a movement detection module, and a control module. The optical movement detection module emits light to detect movement of the wireless optical mouse. The movement detection module has a lower accuracy and consumes less power than the optical movement detection module when detecting movement of the wireless optical mouse. The control module selectively stops detecting movement of the wireless optical mouse using the optical movement detection module. After the movement detection module detects movement, the control module restarts detecting movement of the wireless optical mouse using the optical movement detection module.

Abstract: A wireless mouse comprises a movement detection module that detects movement of the wireless mouse. A detection module detects at least one of movement and usage of the wireless mouse during operation. The detection module consumes power at a slower rate than the movement detection module. A control module selectively powers down the movement detection module and wherein after the detection module detects the at least one of movement and usage, the control module powers up the movement detection module.

Abstract: A scroll wheel device with a thin film type command switch mainly replaces conventional optical grating switch during rotation of a wheel for outputting a signal. The thin film type command switch is a flexible circuit board, and is provided with a circuit arrangement corresponding to a rotating trajectory of the wheel. The wheel is provided with a pressing portion which is simultaneously driven during rotation of the wheel and pressing the thin film type command switch for outputting different command signals. The thin film type command switch of the present invention can decrease the manufacturing cost and save the installation space of the scroll wheel device.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a housing, a main body and an input section. The housing contains an upper cover and two extending arms, which extended from the upper cover. The main body is housed under the upper cover and located between the two extending arms of the housing. The input section is placed on the front half of the main body for generating (inputting) key signals. The front half (the input section) and the back half of the main body form a smooth surface.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: An optical tracking assembly for an optical mouse includes a light source, an optical sensor chip, and an integral optics assembly. The integral optics assembly includes lenses and alignment features receiving the light source. The alignment features center the light source to the lenses and control a distance the light source is placed away from a navigation surface that reflects light onto the optical sensor chip. The lenses may include (1) collimating lenses for collimating light from the light source along a first optical axis to the navigation surface, and (2) imaging lenses for imaging reflected light from the navigation surface along a second optical axis to the optical sensor chip.

Abstract: Input devices and methods of operating the same are described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing, a display screen, a main input device, a wireless receiver, a carrier bay, and an auxiliary input device. The main input device translates user manipulations of the main input device into control signals. The auxiliary input device is sized and arranged to be carried in and attached to the carrier bay in a docked state and detached from the carrier bay in an undocked state. In the undocked state, the auxiliary input device translates user manipulations of the auxiliary input device into control signals and wirelessly transmits the control signals for reception by the wireless receiver. In the docked state, the auxiliary input device is unresponsive to user manipulations of the auxiliary input device.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: An input device having an extendible body or housing suitable for a hand-held operation. The input device includes a housing assembly including a palm-rest section and a base section opposite to the palm-rest section, a switch mechanism accommodated in the housing assembly and including an operating section arranged adjacent to the palm-rest section, and a motion detecting mechanism accommodated in the housing assembly and including a detecting section arranged adjacent to the base section. The housing assembly includes a plurality of cover members configured by dividing the palm-rest section and the base section into plural parts while keeping a condition where the palm-rest section and the base section are integrally associated with each other. The housing assembly also includes an inner casing at least partially enclosed within the plurality of cover members, and a link arrangement for linking the plurality of cover members with the inner casing.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a first convex lens on a housing of the pointing device and arranged such that when a user's finger slides over the lens, an image of the user's finger is sensed to generate a cursor-moving or scrolling signal for a computer.

Abstract: A multi-directional roller assembly for an input device includes a housing and a carrier supported within the housing. The carrier has a roller that can be rotated so as to scroll an image vertically on a display. The carrier can also be tilted left and right so as to execute a command or scroll the image on the display in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus disclosed facilitates the replacement of an input device. In the electronic apparatus equipped with the input device allowing various input operations, the input device including first signal generators is positioned by being placed in an opening of a housing from the outside. A cover can be detached from the housing and fixes the input device when installed in the opening of the housing. Second signal generators are provided inside the housing and function in combination with the respective first signal generators. Just mounting the cover to the housing fixes the input device. This facilitates the replacement of the input device, eliminating the need to open the housing and to remove a wiring board mounted with the second signal generators in replacement of the input device.

Abstract: A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a supporting surface upon which the device rests. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

Abstract: An input device including a scroll wheel assembly for moving an image in multiple directions on a display screen. The scroll wheel assembly may include a finger-engagable control member that may be endlessly rotated about a rotation axis and a tilt sensor containing a tilt contact member coplanar with the finger-engagable control member and oriented in a substantially vertical, downward orientation such that pivoting of the finger-engagable control member may move the tilt contact member laterally to contact laterally disposed contact switches. In another example, the finger-engagable control member contains a flexible blade at an underside for biasing the scroll wheel assembly to an upright position.

Abstract: A method and system uses an acceleration curve to enhance data navigation. In a preferred embodiment, the scrolling algorithm of an input device with a rotational member accelerates a resultant scroll amount in direct relation to a rotational speed of the rotational member. The acceleration curve may be implemented in a look-up table in the mouse driver. Different acceleration curves may be used based upon whether a user is scrolling up or scrolling down. In a further embodiment, acceleration is temporarily inhibited upon the occurrence of a change in the direction of rotation of the rotational member.

Abstract: An optical window is disclosed through which light can be shone to generate a waveform. Windows are hourglass-shaped, to better conform the shape of the windows to the distribution of light intensity. The optical window can be incorporated into a variety of optical devices.

Abstract: A method and system uses an acceleration curve to enhance data navigation. In a preferred embodiment, the scrolling algorithm of an input device with a rotational member accelerates a resultant scroll amount in direct relation to a rotational speed of the rotational member. The acceleration curve may be implemented in a look-up table in the mouse driver. Different acceleration curves may be used based upon whether a user is scrolling up or scrolling down. In a further embodiment, acceleration is temporarily inhibited upon the occurrence of a change in the direction of rotation of the rotational member.

Abstract: A force-applying input device includes a mechanical section including a tilting lever; an operation section mounted to an end of the tilting lever; first and second actuators which apply a force to the operation section through the tilting lever; first and second position sensors which detect operation amount and direction of the tilting lever; and a control section which generates first and second drive signals of the first and second actuators by receiving first and second position signals output from the respective first and second position sensors. Based on the first and second position signals output from the position sensors, the control section computes the first and second drive signals of the first and second actuators in accordance with operation amount and direction of the operation section, and outputs first and second drive powers of the respective first and second actuators from first and second drive circuits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trackball and an in-vehicle device controller using the trackball. The trackball provides a stable operational feel and is easy to operate even in an environment in a vehicle where vibration and movement are present. The trackball includes a ball made of a non-magnetic material and having embedded therein bar members made of a magnetic material and arranged on three axes orthogonal to one another, a case enclosing the ball such that at least an upper portion of the ball is exposed, magnetic members fixed to the case on two axes penetrating through the center of the ball and orthogonal to each other so as to allow magnetic coupling to ends of the bar members, and another magnetic member fixed to the case on an axis penetrating through the center of the ball and orthogonal to the two axes so as to allow magnetic coupling to an end of one of the bar members.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input device and an actuator. The input device has an interface portion. The interface portion defines a selectively adjustable orifice having a range of sizes. The interface portion defines a plane and a longitudinal axis. An actuator is coupled to the interface portion of the input device. The actuator is configured to apply a haptic feedback force inwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis within the plane to at least three locations of the interface portion when a change in a size of an object disposed within the interface portion is sufficient to adjust the size of the orifice.

Abstract: A precise, consistent, reliable, and high resolution magnetism metric controller applied in electronic and information devices is comprised of a scrolling wheel mechanism to drive by rotation a permanent magnet to retrieve signals of changed magnetic field due to displacement of magnetic poles of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The finger-engagable scrolling device may contain rotation sensor within a scroll wheel assembly. The finger-engagable scrolling device may also contain lateral arms extending laterally from the finger-engagable scrolling device.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a movable cursor control device is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. One exemplary cursor control device comprises a housing, an electromagnetic emitting device coupled to the housing, and an electromagnetic detector coupled to the housing. The electromagnetic detector detects reflections of signals emitted from the electromagnetic emitting device and determines when the housing has been lifted from a surface. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. The exemplary method includes holding the cursor relative to an object on the display screen using a cursor control device activated by a user, detecting that the user no longer activates the cursor control device, and detecting that the user has lifted the cursor control device from a surface when the cursor control device is no longer activated by the user.

Abstract: The invention is a scrolling apparatus may be incorporated into an input device, such as a pointing device or a keyboard, for example, and operatively connected to a host computer to scroll an image along multiple axes relative to a display screen. The scrolling apparatus includes a rotatable member with the configuration of a wheel or a ball. In addition, the scrolling apparatus includes a depressible actuator located around the rotatable member. Both the rotatable member and the actuator, which scroll the image in different scrolling directions or at different scrolling velocities, for example, may be utilized for scrolling the image.

Abstract: An electronic pen for recording motion data relating to use of the pen. It includes a pen body and a ball mounted in the pen body. A sensor in the pen body, located proximate the ball, detects motion of the ball and converts the motion into corresponding electronic signals. A memory in the pen body, electronically coupled to the sensor, receives the electronic signals and stores corresponding data related to the motion. Use of a high-density memory, such as an atomic resolution storage memory, permits recording sufficient data for the motion within a memory module small enough to fit within the pen body.

Abstract: A system and method for accelerating scrolling of a display is disclosed. When a wheel of a wheeled pointing device is actuated by a user at a first rotational rate, the display in a window scrolls up or down one line at a time. When the wheel is rotated at a second rotational rate, the display in the window scrolls up or down multiple lines at a time. In additional embodiments, the scrolling technique shifts from one line at a time/multiple lines at a time to a page or pages at a time when the wheel is rotated for at a rotational rate for a minimum period of time.

Abstract: A key-free mouse includes a top cover and a bottom cover connected to each other through a pivotal connection of locking pins to locking slots. The locking pins and the locking slots are respectively provided at inner side of the top and the bottom covers at front and rear ends of a longitudinal axis thereof, so that the top cover is pivotally turnable about the longitudinal axis by a predetermined degree relative to the bottom cover to actuate a left or a right switch provided in the mouse. Elastic elements such as springs are provided in the mouse separately at predetermined positions for providing the top cover with suitable supporting elasticity to recover from a pivotally turned and laterally inclined position.

Abstract: Relating to a track ball device for manipulating a cursor moving on a display screen of an electronic apparatus, a track ball device being manipulated precisely while generating a click feel when a ball is rotated, having a small play angle and small size is presented. Beneath the center of the ball, the ball is rotatably supported by four rollers. The section of a contacting portion of the rollers contacting with the ball is a circular sawtooth profile, and the directions of the sawtooth serrations of opposite rollers are reverse to each other. Rollers 2 to 5 have switches as rotation amount detecting units. Further, X roller and Y roller contacting with the outer circumference in the orthogonal direction as seen from above the ball, and third roller hold the ball rotatably. Plural undulations are formed on the outer circumference of large-diameter contacting portions of the X roller and Y roller 3 of circular shaft shape. Rotary encoders are coupled to individual rollers.

Abstract: A computer mouse having a housing with a bottom surface which rests upon a horizontal operating surface. A tracking device is positioned in the housing for generating pointer control data. A fragrance emitting means is contained within the housing of the computer mouse and is in communication with the tracking device. When the computer mouse is slid upon the operating surface, the fragrance particles housed within the computer mouse are dispersed into the surrounding air.

Abstract: A mouse which truly performs at a low load level, significantly reducing high statistics rates of damaged muscle tissue and severe injury. The mouse does not require lifting to get back into sync and can adjust to the varying hand structure of different users, and apply contour in effective areas as to support the hand in such a way that strain is concentrated on the larger muscles of the lower arm rather than specific muscles of the wrist and fingers.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to input characters using a directional pad of a computing device. The directional pad is configured to generate directional inputs. The invention creates mappings for the directional inputs where each of the mappings associates at least one of the directional inputs with at least one of the characters. The user may activate one of the mappings by selecting one of the directional inputs. While the mapping is activated, the user may input a character by selecting a directional input associated with that character.

Abstract: A portable telephone set equipped with a telephone function equivalent to that of a mobile phone includes a display section, on which one or more selection items in addition to various displays are displayed, and key switches for an input operation. Its main body is provided with a mouse type input section capable of selecting the selection items displayed on the display section. The mouse type input section has the structure similar to that of a track ball type mouse or an optical mouse for a personal computer, and is disposed at the bottom, back or side surface of the main body integrally with the main body.

Abstract: An optical mouse is operated on a work surface and includes at least one light emitter for emitting a light beam; a light receiver contained by a casing; a rolling ball arranged on the casing and opposite to the light receiver. The light beam has only one reflection by the rolling ball during an optical path thereof and then is detected by the light receiver. The rolling ball is made of transparent material and the distance thereof with the light receiver is adjustable to vary image resolution. The optical mouse can be turned over and placed on a notebook computer for using as a track ball.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an apparatus body, a lid member, a supporting mechanism, an operation section and a control section. The apparatus body has a playback section. The lid member has a display section provided on one face thereof. A signal from the playback section is supplied to the display section. The supporting mechanism is provided between the apparatus body and the lid member. The supporting mechanism supports the lid member on the apparatus body for pivotal motion between a first position wherein the lid member covers an upper face of the apparatus body and a second position wherein the lid member uncovers the upper face of the apparatus body and also for pivotal motion around an axis parallel to the plane of the lid member at the second position. The operation section is provided on the apparatus body. The control section is provided on the apparatus body.

Abstract: A scroll wheel assembly includes a rotatable member. Encoded rotation of the rotating member causes scrolling of an image on a display screen along an axis. An actuator is located within the rotational member. Pressure on different parts of the actuator causes scrolling of the image in opposing directions along a second axis. Pressure upon additional parts of the actuator can provide additional screen functions. Functions and commands caused by manipulation of the rotatable member or actuator may also be programmable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing user input are provided. One such method includes: receiving a first user input provided via a first component of a pointing device, moving a cursor displayed on a display device responsive to the first user input, receiving a second user input provided by rotating a second component of the pointing device, and modifying an item corresponding to a current location of the cursor.

Abstract: A method and system uses an acceleration curve to enhance data navigation. In a preferred embodiment, the scrolling algorithm of an input device with a rotational member accelerates a resultant scroll amount in direct relation to a rotational speed of the rotational member. The acceleration curve may be implemented in a look-up table in the mouse driver. Different acceleration curves may be used based upon whether a user is scrolling up or scrolling down. In a further embodiment, acceleration is temporarily inhibited upon the occurrence of a change in the direction of rotation of the rotational member.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: The invention is a mouse handled in hand, especially the mouse can be put both on a table surface and into a palm. The mouse comprises: at least one house; at least one switch button; a trackball, which is on a different surface of the house than a surface where the switch button is on; at least one brace apparatus, which supports the trackball when the mouse is placed at any angle; and at least one tracing trackball apparatus, which connects to the trackball to collect trackball rolling information.

Abstract: An input device that transmits, to a host device having a display displaying a pointer, information relating to the pointer and includes a sensor detecting contact information, and further includes an area extracting part and a control part. The area extracting part extracts a contact area of the sensor and a finger based on the contact information detected by the sensor. The control part controls the pointer based on the contact area extracted by the area extracting part.

Abstract: An optical mouse includes a bottom casing, a top cover mounted to the bottom casing to define an interior space. A circuit board and a lens set are located in the interior space. The bottom casing has an opening. A detecting device is mounted to the circuit board. A receiving portion and a light emitting diode (LED) are mounted to a bottom side of the detecting device in alignment with a slot in the circuit board. A solder pad to which an electrical conductor is connected has a central bore and is positioned on a circumferential margin of a light projection surface of the LED to allow light projected from the light projection surface to transmit through the central bore. The lens set is located between the circuit board and the bottom casing, and includes a reflection member and a lens.

Abstract: Relating to a track ball device for manipulating a cursor moving on a display screen of an electronic apparatus, a track ball device being manipulated precisely while generating a click feel when a ball is rotated, having a small play angle and small size is presented. Beneath the center of the ball, the ball is rotatably supported by four rollers. The section of a contacting portion of the rollers contacting with the ball is a circular sawtooth profile, and the directions of the sawtooth serrations of opposite rollers are reverse to each other. Rollers 2 to 5 have switches as rotation amount detecting units. Further, X roller and Y roller contacting with the outer circumference in the orthogonal direction as seen from above the ball, and third roller hold the ball rotatably. Plural undulations are formed on the outer circumference of large-diameter contacting portions of the X roller and Y roller 3 of circular shaft shape. Rotary encoders are coupled to individual rollers.

Abstract: An input unit has a mouse function and at least one inputting function. The input unit comprises image-recording means (8) which record images. These images are used for providing both the mouse function and the inputting function. The images are processed in the input unit or in some other unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compensating for position slip in interface devices that may occur between a manipulandum and a sensor of the device due to a mechanical transmission. A device position delta is determined from a sensed position of a manipulandum of an interface device. It is determined if position slip has occurred caused by a change in position of the manipulandum that was not sensed by a sensor of the interface device, typically caused by a mechanical transmission between sensor and manipulandum. If position slip has occurred, an error in the sensed position caused by the position slip is corrected by adjusting the sensed position to take into account the position slip. The adjusted position delta is used as the position of the manipulandum and the display of objects controlled by the interface device are accordingly compensated.

Abstract: A self-powered computer-pointing device includes a housing and a roller ball accommodated within the housing. At least a portion of the roller ball is exposed through an opening in the housing to allow the roller ball to contact a surface on which the computer-pointing device rests. Movement of the computer-pointing device across the surface imparts rotation of the roller ball. A sensing mechanism senses movement of the roller ball and generates x-y movement signals corresponding to movement of the computer-pointing device across the surface. The sensing mechanism conveys the x-y movement signals to a host computer. A power generating mechanism is coupled to the roller ball and converts rotational movement of the roller ball into electrical energy that is used as power by the computer-pointing device.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a movable member in an electronic input device within a predefined resolution. Two offset signals indicate the position of the movable member. The time required for each signal to cross a threshold level is measured and inverted, revealing an offset sinusoidal relationship. The offset sinusoids may be plotted against each other to reveal an approximate circle of inverse time samples for a cycle. Corresponding inverted minimum and maximum times are used to determine a center reference value for each signal. As a function of the inverted times, a quadrant of the circle is determined. Within a quadrant, a sector most closely corresponding to the position of the movable member is determined from among a plurality of predefined sectors that define the resolution. A number of sectors between position samples of the movable member are accumulated and communicated to a host device.

Abstract: A finger-mounted data entry device that allows a user to enter information into a computing device without using a keyboard and a method of using the data entry device. The data entry device includes thumb contacts and finger contacts. The thumb contacts are positioned on the user's thumbs such that the thumb contacts represent rows of keys on a standard keyboard: a first thumb contact representing a base row of keys; a second thumb contact representing an upper row of keys; and a third thumb contact representing a lower row of keys.

Abstract: An input device with a pressure-sensitive element using a pressure sensing resistor. A solid elastomeric material is mounted over the pressure sensing resistor to transfer a force from the user's finger to the pressure sensitive resistor without visible deformation of the elastomeric material. This provides a comfortable button for a user which does not require the compression of a domed cap to provide pressure-sensing input. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure-sensing input element utilizes both the amount of pressure and the amount of time to determine the type of signal provided to the electronic system. In another aspect of the present invention, an input device contains a first scrolling element (e.g. a wheel) and includes a switch button mounted close to the scrolling element to activate continuous scrolling.

Abstract: A cursor positioning device that can be sealed if the environment requires sealing, that can withstand harsh use, and can position the cursor easily and quickly. In operation the where the operator places their fingers on the positioning articulator and rocks or slides the articulator in the direction they want the cursor to move. And with movement signatures do single and double clicks, and character strings to the host computer, either through the mouse port or the keyboard port. The key and articulator interrupters block optical beams for key and mouse like positioning thus eliminating any physical contact or force from articulator to detecting optics. Cursor position is positioned by an interrupter disposed in a ring of optical emitters and detectors, whereas depending on the position of movement by the positioning interrupter emission is blocked, or partially blocked, between a particular pair or pairs of emitters and detectors, that particular pair or pairs being the direction of cursor movement.