Abstract: A mouse is disclosed to include a mouse body, which has a coupling structure on the top and two accommodation open chambers respectively at two sides of the coupling structure for storing different items, and a movable cover module, which has a top cover and a coupling structure fastened to the top cover and coupled to the coupling structure of the guide structure for allowing movement of the top cover relative to the mouse body selectively to a first open position to close the first accommodation open chamber and to open the second accommodation open chamber, a second open position to close the second accommodation open chamber and to open the first accommodation open chamber, or a closed position to close the first and second accommodation open chambers and to keep storage items in the accommodation open chambers from sight.

Abstract: Provided is an image sensor and optical pointing system using the same. The image sensor has a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a photocell for receiving light and generating an analog signal having a voltage corresponding to a quantity of the received light, a comparator for, in response to a shutter control signal, comparing the analog signal of the photocell with an analog signal of an adjacent pixel to generate a digital signal for movement calculation, or comparing the analog signal of the photocell with a reference voltage to generate a digital signal for shutter control, and a switch for transferring the digital signal for movement calculation and the digital signal for shutter control in response to a pixel selection signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an opto-electronic input device (10), wherein the input is formed by detected movements of an object (M), which opto-electronic input device is provided with an optical module (11) comprising at least one laser (1) mounted on a carrier plate (4), which laser emits a radiation beam (S) that is guided to a plate (V) close to the object (M) and, after reflection therefrom, causes a change in the resonant cavity of the laser (1) which is representative of the movement of the object (M), and which is measured within the module (11).

Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided for use in a wireless communication system. The mobile terminal comprising a housing having an opening and a selective input device. The selective input device includes a hub secured in the opening in the housing such that at least a portion of the periphery of the hub extends from the housing. A capacitance layer is integral with the periphery of the hub. A resilient ring is movably disposed on the periphery of the hub and operatively connected with the capacitance layer for generating signals when the ring is moved relative to the hub. A controller is operably connected to the input device for receiving and processing the signals.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a processor apparatus. The input apparatus includes a reduced keyboard and a roller ball input. The roller ball input includes a movable portion that is substantially continuously rotatable with respect to a housing of the device and is rotatable about more than one axis to provide input. The processor apparatus includes a disambiguation routine that can output various proposed interpretations of inputs from the reduced keyboard. The roller ball input advantageously provides various inputs to the handheld electronic device without requiring significant user attention, which enables a user to direct a greater amount of attention to the output from the disambiguation routine and to other aspects of the device.

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the invention includes a capacitive sensing apparatus that includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense an object proximate to a physical capacitive sensing reference surface. The capacitive sensing apparatus also includes a plurality of dielectric materials disposed between the capacitive sensor and the physical capacitive sensing reference surface. Note that at least one of the plurality of dielectric materials has a non-uniform thickness. The plurality of dielectric materials can be configured such that capacitive coupling between the capacitive sensor and the object proximate to the physical capacitive sensing reference surface is substantially constant across the physical capacitive sensing reference surface.

Abstract: A multi-angle, multi-dexterity mouse apparatus comprising: a base, configured to be placed on a working surface and having: a bottom surface configured to be placed on a working surface; a first inner surface; a second inner surface, the second inner surface being the mirror image of and opposed to the first inner surface, wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface are in adjustable communication to receive a portion of the mouse users hand; a first housing in rotatable adjustable communication with the base, wherein the first housing has an inner surface with an actuation means and an outer surface.

Abstract: A hand operated pointing device for use with a computer includes a movable housing, a source of non-coherent light illuminating a work surface and circuitry in the movable housing using arrays of data related to light reflected by the illuminated work surface to produce values by processing portions of a first array with portions of a second array. One of the values may be identified to represent movement of the housing relative to the work surface. The light may illuminate surface irregularities at an angle of incidence low enough to produce suitable arrays of data for processing from highlights and shadows of the illuminated surface irregularities. The circuitry may produce additional values by processing another selected portion of the first array with portions of a third array or may select a fourth array for processing with the third array. Predictions may be derived from the values.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a base surface. The pointing device includes a moveable puck confined to move over the base surface within a puck field of motion. The pointing device includes a position detector for identifying a position of the puck. The pointing device includes a first light source for providing visible light through the puck.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a rotatable member or wheel that can be mounted in a mouse or other input device that allows both rotation and response to lateral pressure for horizontal or other scrolling.

Abstract: A method for increasing a report rate of a wireless mouse for decreasing delay time of the wireless mouse includes selecting a packet mode, inputting data corresponding to the selected packet mode according to control signals inputted into the wireless mouse, performing a first error check operation according to a first data, performing a second error check operation according to the first error check operation and the inputted data, forming an error check block according to the second error check operation, forming a packet according to the error check block and the inputted data, and outputting the packet through a radio-frequency channel.

Abstract: An a data input system includes an encoded pad having position encoding and a data input device adapted to image a portion of the encoded pad to determine position and orientation of the data input device relative to the encoded pad. The encoding pad includes a plurality of correlation windows. Each correlation window includes a primary encoding marker in form of vertical line segment and a set of secondary encoding markers in form of diagonal line segments, at least one diagonal line segment intersecting the vertical line segment at an intersection angle. Spacing of the diagonal line segments encodes the X-axis position of the input device relative to the encoding pad. Intersection angle encodes the Y-axis position of the input device relative to the encoding pad. Angle of the primary encoding marker vertical line segment within the frame of the captured image encodes the angular orientation of the input device relative to the axes of the encoded pad.

Abstract: A first wireless input device includes a body, a case, a structure and a button. The button, connected to the body, activates the structure to make the case detach from the body when being depressed so that an electronic device stored in the first wireless input device is capable of being removed. A second wireless input device includes a body, a first structure and a button. The button, connected to the body, activates the first structure to separate the body and an electronic device stored in the second wireless input device when being depressed so that the electronic device is capable of being removed. A third wireless input device includes a body and a case. When the case and the body are connected together, a receiver stored in the third wireless input device is capable of being removed through an opening and a gap. When the case detaches from the body, a battery is capable of being replaced.

Abstract: A method and computer input device are provided for controlling a displayed object. Using the method and computer input device, an indication of the amount of rotation and translation of the computer input device is received. A decision is then made as to whether to use the amount of rotation of the computer input device to control a displayed object based on the amount of translation of the computer input device.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting multi-stage displacement resolution of a mouse is disclosed, which has a X-Y axis plane displacement detector, a switching circuit and a mouse micro controller. The X-Y axis plane displacement detector senses a distance and a moving direction generated by the mouse. The switching circuit has at least one switch. The mouse micro controller is coupled to the X-Y axis plane displacement detector and the switching circuit. The mouse micro controller sets the mouse resolution based on each switch, and responds to the distance and moving direction sensed by the X-Y axis plane displacement detector to provide a control signal to a computer connected to the mouse, thereby moving the mouse cursor on the screen of the computer, wherein the mouse cursor is moved based on the mouse resolution.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a coding element having a track with a track pattern that comprises multiple optically distinguishable sections. The optical encoder compares photodetector outputs with transition-specific thresholds that correspond to transitions between the optically distinguishable sections of the track. The comparisons are used to determine when the transition between two optically distinguishable sections of the track has passed the photodetector. Knowledge of the transition between two optically distinguishable sections is then translated into digital position information.

Abstract: A second enclosure can be folded over a first enclosure based on the rotation around a rotation axis defined relative to the first enclosure. A protrusion member is guided on the second enclosure along a straight line between first and second positions. A receiving hole is defined in the first enclosure so as to receive the insertion of the protrusion member protruding out of the front or back surface of the second enclosure. Even if one end of the protrusion member collides against the first enclosure during the fold of the second enclosure over the first enclosure, the protrusion member is caused to move. The first enclosure is thus prevented from suffering from damages or scratches over the first enclosure.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless input device that employs optical sensing to effect the likes of cursor movement and scrolling. Power management techniques can be optionally employed to avoid premature depletion of the wireless input device's power source. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless device having a power management algorithm controlling its power consumption. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for managing the power consumption of a wireless device.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display memory for storing an image of a first area forming a portion of an entire image; a display section including a display screen having a display area usable for displaying at least a partial image of the first area; a case for exposing the display screen; a scroll unit operable to move a display screen area appearing on the display screen over the image in accordance with a movement of the case; and a controller operable to provide a virtual memory area for storing an image of a second area having a size greater than the size of the first area in the image when the scroll unit moves the display screen area beyond the first area.

Abstract: An oscillation and rotation metric controller comprised of a scrolling wheel mechanism to oscillate for driving magnetic poles of a permanent magnet to displace thus to generate signals of changed magnetic field, signals being retrieved to achieve lateral oscillation metric control; and a knob switch encoder being fixed to the scrolling wheel mechanism to execute metric control by rotation displacement.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless input device that employs optical sensing to effect the likes of cursor movement and scrolling. Power management techniques can be optionally employed to avoid premature depletion of the wireless input device's power source. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless device having a power management algorithm controlling its power consumption. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for managing the power consumption of a wireless device.

Abstract: Low-cost haptic interface device implementations for interfacing a user with a host computer. A haptic feedback device, such as a mouse or other device, includes a housing physically contacted by a user, and an actuator for providing motion that causes haptic sensations on the device housing and/or on a movable portion of the housing. The device may include a sensor for detecting x-y planar motion of the housing. Embodiments include actuators with eccentric rotating masses, buttons having motion influenced by various actuator forces, and housing portions moved by actuators to generate haptic sensations to a user contacting the driven surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus including an image sensor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polarization filter, an image sensor, and a processor connected to the image sensor. The polarization filter is adapted to filter out light polarized in a first direction from a first scene. The image sensor is adapted to capture the filtered light, and the image sensor includes support circuits to convert the captured filtered light to image data. The processor is adapted to process the image data to detect features of the first scene. The polarization filter filters out noise component of the image, thus increasing contrast. In another embodiment, a mosaic polarization filter is used to capture a scene in a first image including light from the scene having first polarity and to capture the scene in a second image including light from the scene having first polarity. The two images can be analyzed to determine various characteristics of the scene.

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 method and apparatus are disclosed for using a general purpose input-output (GPIO) interface to test a user input device such as a wireless keyboard or mouse. Operation of key-scan logic can be tested by the GPIO interface by temporarily disconnecting the outputs of the various rows and columns and substituting signals generated by a test algorithm into the input terminals of the key-scan logic. The test signal is processed by the key scan circuitry and a key-scan output signal is generated. This key-scan output signal is then compared to a known reference output signal to determine if the key-scan logic and associated circuitry is operating properly. Other embodiments of the GPIO testing system can be used to test other user devices such as a computer mouse/scrolling device.

Abstract: An ergonomic computer mouse has an arcuate top surface, a front end, a rear end, and left and right sidewalls. The top surface has a circular side view profile that extends from the front end to the rear end and is contiguous with finger buttons on the mouse. The surface of the left or thumb sidewall is uniquely contoured for the left side of the user's hand and thumb. A large thumb ball support protrudes from the rear half of the left sidewall at an incline. The thumb ball support and rear end have a circular shape when viewed from above. The left sidewall also has a concave thumb channel for the thumb of the user. An elongated thumb button is located above the thumb channel in order to avoid accidental thumb button actuations. The mouse also has a pair of finger buttons and a scroll tab at the front of its top surface. Each of these features on the mouse are ergonomically designed to conform to the natural shapes and positions of the user's hand during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-function optical mouse, which integrates various functions of computer peripheral apparatuses onto a mouse body. The feature lies in that a mouse control device in an original optical mouse is combined with a video/audio device and a mass storage device in conjunction with multiple units outside the mouse and a multi-memory card socket. Thus, the multi-function optical mouse having the audio playing and storing function, the personal file access function, and the IP phone connection function is achieved.

Abstract: An input pointer includes two top-surface switches and a rotary switch on the top surface of the main body, a protrusion on an imaginary center line on the bottom surface of the main body, and two bottom-surface switches at the sides of the protrusion. The two top-surface switches and the rotary switch are turned ON when pressed by a user's finger, whereas the bottom-surface switches are turned ON when the main body is tilted about the protrusion.

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: The present invention is generally directed toward optical encoder systems and corresponding methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an optical encoder system that includes an optical encoder device having an input wheel. The optical encoder device further includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor to detect rotational movement of the input wheel. In a further aspect, the optical encoder device is coupled to a vehicle. In a still further aspect, the optical encoder device can be coupled to a control inceptor in a vehicle. In yet a further aspect, optical encoder device can include a housing so that the optical encoder device is couplable to structure as a single modular unit.

Abstract: There is described a method for measuring relative motion between an illuminated portion of a surface and an optical sensing device comprising a photodetector array, which includes a plurality of rows and columns of pixels respectively aligned along first and second axes, the method allowing to determine a measurement of the relative motion between the optical sensing device and the illuminated portion of the surface based on a comparison of motion features extracted from light intensity patterns obtained with the photodetector array, wherein said method includes a checking process between two light intensity patterns for discarding erroneous motion features due to the surface design.

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: 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: 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: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer includes a movement sensor for sensing relative movement between the apparatus and a surface, and generating corresponding movement data. The movement sensor is configured to generate compressed data representing the movement data. The apparatus includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the compressed data.

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 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: An optical navigation chip. The optical navigation chip is appropriate for an optical pointing device and used for calculating a displacement of the optical navigation chip relative to an operating surface. The optical navigation chip comprises a photo sensor array driven by a photo sensor control circuit for detecting an image of the operating surface, a signal readout circuit coupled with the photo sensor array for reading out the image in analog format, an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) circuit coupled with the signal readout circuit for converting the image from analog format to digital format, an image qualification circuit coupled with the ADC circuit for determining quality of the image and outputting a quality index accordingly, and a motion detection circuit for outputting the displacement according to the quality index.

Abstract: A pointing device is disclosed which does not require a tablet, such as a digitizer, and is mechanically simplified, and a scanner, a robot, a mobile communication device and an electronic dictionary using the pointing device. The pointing device includes a light source, a ball and an optical image sensor. The light source irradiates light. The ball rotates by the movement of the entire pointing device. The optical image sensor detects the movement of the pointing device using an image. The pointing device irradiate light onto the ball through the light source, acquires an image on a surface of the ball through the optical image sensor, and outputs data on movement direction and distance by comparing and analyzing previous and current images.

Abstract: This invention relates to an active Laser Protection System (LPS) system specifically designed to provide a device that automatically adjusts a protection panel of the device in response to laser light exposure thus preventing a user from being exposed to damaging laser light. In one embodiment the LPS system utilizes a light weight portable goggle type eyewear. In yet another embodiment the LPS system is comprised of contact lenses worn by the user. The LPS system may be used in all light transmissive surfaces where the penetration of laser light is not desired, such as aircraft, spacecraft, vessel, train, and automotive windshields, etc. The LPS system may also be utilized as a replacement window for structures where laser light penetration is undesired. The protection panels utilize Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) that are activated by laser sensors by means of a microprocessor and power supply means.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward optical encoder systems and corresponding methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an optical encoder system that includes an optical encoder device having an input wheel. The optical encoder device further includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor to detect rotational movement of the input wheel. In a further aspect, the optical encoder device is coupled to a vehicle. In a still further aspect, the optical encoder device can be coupled to a control inceptor in a vehicle. In yet a further aspect, optical encoder device can include a housing so that the optical encoder device is couplable to structure as a single modular unit.

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: A mouse for controlling movements on a display screen is disclosed. The mouse includes a housing that is gripped by a user during manipulation of the mouse and a sensor configured to detect the presence of a user's hand or portions thereof located outside of and in close proximity to a predetermined portion of the housing. The signals produced by the sensor are used to control functionalities of the mouse, as for example, switching between a cursor control mode and a scroll/pan control mode of the mouse.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for facilitating navigation techniques in a three-dimensional virtual environment. The present invention couples input driving techniques to the state of one or more workspace variables (e.g., object state, virtual body state, environment state) to change the user's viewing context within a single input control motion. Modification of the user's viewing context allows navigation to various positions and orientations with out the need to be provided with that viewing context prior to navigation. The modification of the user's viewing context also allows for single input motion employing the same input drive controls.

Abstract: An optical navigation system. The optical navigation system includes an image sensor capable of optical coupling to a surface of an object, a data storage device, and a navigation circuit. The data storage device is capable of storing successive images captured by the image sensor. The navigation circuit includes a first digital circuit capable of determining an optical displacement estimate for a relative displacement between the image sensor and the object obtained by comparing the images, a second digital circuit capable of determining a mechanical displacement estimate for the relative displacement obtained from consideration of a mechanical characteristic associated with the optical navigation system, and a third digital circuit capable of determining an adjusted displacement estimate obtained from the optical displacement estimate and the mechanical displacement estimate.

Abstract: An optical trackball is disclosed that is easy to operate without been worried about the contamination on the contacting shifts of encoders inside the trackball. When a distal motion from a user to rotate an operating ball having an uneven surface on the trackball, an image-detecting module will detect the varying of the reflected image from an illuminated portion of the uneven surface, causing the correspondingly moving of the cursor on the computer display.

Abstract: A rotary encoder includes a roller having substantially cylindrical shape, an inner shaft, a translucent cylindrical light guide shaft, a pair of holders, a light-emitting device, and a light-detecting device. The inner shaft is inserted and secured to a center hole of the roller, and has a slit at one end along a direction parallel to the axis thereof. The light guide shaft is inserted in the inner shaft so that one end of it is surrounded by the slit, and this guide has a first and second planes, and a first and second inclined planes. The first and second planes are formed on a lower side at both ends of the light guide shaft in parallel to the axis of the shaft. The first and second inclined planes are formed above the first and second planes at an angle of 45 degrees to the axis of the shaft, so that the two planes are substantially orthogonal to each other.

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.