Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating in at least one light emitter and light detector in a mouse design. This is done by using two conical shaped encoder wheels positioned so that they are almost touching each other. A single light emitter then is used to shine light at the junction, so that it passes through both cones. On the opposite side is a single chip, with two photodetectors integrated on each side. The chip is positioned so that light passing through the first conical encoder impinges on the first photodetector, while light passing through the second conical encoder impinges on the second photodetector. Thus, the two photodetectors can be integrated on a single chip, saving a separate photodetector chip. In addition, only a single LED is required.

Abstract: In the case where the operator is moving the cursor on the computer screen through the use of a mouse, when the cursor display moves to a position which coincides with any of the menu display, a boundary position of the menu display or a position which coincides with the icon display, pressure sensing power generating means within the mouse is actuated to give a shock force or the like to the operator. This enables the operator to recognize the grasp in the operating state by not only visual judgment but also by hand.

Abstract: The inventive third-axis input device is integrally formed and arranged between two racks on the mouse base, which have a predetermined distance therebetween. The third-axis input device comprises a roller, two shafts each extending from lateral side of the roller and arranged on the rack, an encode wheel formed integrally on the first shaft and placed within an IR module of the mouse, the second shaft is corresponding to a micro switch. An abutting wheel is formed integrally with the first shaft and has a plurality of dents and bumps on the rim thereof and having a predetermined separation. A supporting member with elastic displacement is arranged on the base and corresponding to the abutting wheel. The abutting wheel is pushed by the supporting member when the user rotates the roller. The user can feel the lifting and falling movement of the roller and has better feeling for coordinate movement.

Abstract: Sampling of a phototransistor in an optical encoding system is controlled by “turning on” the phototransistor, after light has already charged the base of the phototransistor at least somewhat, by applying a potential difference across the collector and emitter of the phototransistor, producing an essentially instantaneous emitter response, which is then sampled.

Abstract: A dual-layer optical ball for use in a cursor control pointing device. The ball is illuminated by a light source that emits light signals at, at least, a first wavelength, the ball having an inner layer surface that is capable of diffusing a light signal and an outer layer having a substantially smooth surface that surrounds the inner layer. The outer layer is substantially transparent to light at the first frequency. The inner layer diffuses the light signals at different intensities depending upon an the area of the inner surface that is illuminated.

Abstract: A computer input device having multiple multi-directional detection devices that can be simultaneously operated by a user to provide multi-dimensional input to a computer is disclosed. The multi-directional detection devices are arranged on an input device housing to facilitate simultaneous operation by one hand of an operator. One multi-directional detection device may include a spherical ball located within the housing and protruding from a bottom surface of the housing so that when the housing is located on a horizontal surface and moved about, that ball rotates within the housing. Encoders detect the rotation of the ball and provide an indicative signal to circuitry located within the housing. Another multi-directional detection device may include a spherical ball located within the housing and protruding from a top surface of the housing. Encoders detect rotation of this ball and provide indicative signals to the circuitry.

Abstract: Disclose is a multifunction input module comprising a clamping stage, an optical chopper, a light source, and a photo detector. The clamping stage has a pivoting rack with two axial holes which can support the shaft of the optical chopper. The clamping stage has two clamping grooves outside the optical chopper to accommodate the light source and the photo detector. The clamping stage further has a plurality of clamping hooks on the bottom thereof which can be inserted into holes on a circuit board such that the optical chopper, light source, and photo detector can be easily and firmly arranged on the circuit board.

Abstract: A cursor control device for computers includes a ball whose surface is marked with a regular pattern based on the Platonic solids. The ball surface is illuminated and the rotations are measured precisely from the observed motions of the Platonic solids. The precision of measurement enables the rotation to be measured about other axes and transformed to the desired coordinates without undue deterioration of accuracy. In one embodiment, a nonplanar retainer exposes adjacent faces of a trackball for three components of rotation. In another embodiment, the ball rotation is measured inside a mouse, and the high accuracy of detection of rotation enables collection of transformed rotations from a sensor mounted to the side for a more compact design.

Abstract: A pointing device, such as a mouse, track ball or joystick, having a roller. The roller itself has either a plurality of slits or reflective strips for optical detection. A photoemitter and photodetector are positioned to detect rotation of the roller. Thus, the present invention eliminates the need for coupling to a separate optical encoder. The roller can be depressed to cause the actuation of a microswitch. In a preferred embodiment, the photoemitter and photodetector are aligned along a vertical axis, such that the position information is not affected by the vertical depressing of the roller.

Abstract: A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes various embodiments, some of which include a patterned ball and some of which rely on other patterned surfaces, which recognizes changes in the position of the pattern relative to a sensor having an array of photosensitive elements. Circuitry associated with the sensor determines movement of the pattern across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.

Abstract: An optical reflective mouse or other pointing device for computers which provide an optical signal. The mouse modifies, e.g., interrupts, the optical signal from the computer as a function of the mouse movement or operation of one or more control buttons.The mouse reflects or retroreflects the modified optical signal to the computer as a computer control signal. The mouse employs retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, prisms, mirrors and other optical elements in combination with a mouse ball operator to complete the mouse. No electronics, radiation sources or batteries or any cable connection to the computer is required.

Abstract: A compact pointing device generally includes a ball, a light source, and a sensor. The ball includes an outer layer, a reflective inner core and a transparent layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner core. Disposed in the outer layer is a pattern of areas which appear transparent and opaque when illuminated by light generated by the light source. During operation, the light generated by the light source travels through a portion of the outer layer and the transparent layer before illuminating a portion of the inner core. The light is reflected back from the inner core along a path which extends through a portion of the transparent layer and a portion of the outer layer. As the light passes through the outer layer, a "shadow" of the pattern is cast onto the sensor. The sensor responds to movements of the shadow of the pattern (e.g., when a user manipulates the ball) by generating an output which is processed to provide a cursor control output.

Abstract: An ambidextrous upright computer mouse includes a relatively upright finger engaging side on one side, and a thumb engaging side on an opposite side. Two sets of buttons are positioned at opposite ends of the finger engaging side. The mouse is symmetrical about a vertical transverse medial plane. When the finger engaging side is on the right side, the mouse can be grasped by a right hand. When the mouse is rotated so that the finger engaging side is on the left side, it can be grasped by the left hand. There is always a set of buttons at the forward end of the mouse, regardless of its orientation. Only one set of buttons is enabled at any time. The sets of buttons are alternately enabled and disabled by moving a selector switch. Ambidexterity is provided without compromising feel and comfort for either hand.

Abstract: This invention discloses a display pointing device inclduing a housing, an optical sensor mounted in the housing, and processing circuitry receiving an output from the optical sensor for identifying a location on a display pointed to by the pointing device based on the optically sensible characteristics of at least one pattern at the location which is sensed by the optical sensor. A method for operating the display pointing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer control devices and, more particularly, to devices for controlling the position of a cursor on a computer display. The invention permits improved technology for cursor control devices. Certain embodiments of devices according to the present invention offer an edge detection system that uniquely identifies the maximum and minimum edges for use in a cursor control device, utilizing improved grating plates. Certain embodiments offer more reliable switch cycle detection in a cursor control device.

Abstract: A method and system in a computer system having a display and a keyboard for automatically adjusting a pointing device to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed users, wherein the pointing device is utilized in association with a graphical user interface displayed within the computer system. Initially, the location of the pointing device with respect to a central location is electronically determined. The graphical user interface is subsequently automatically altered to indicate a left-handed pointing device preference, if the pointing device is located to the left of the central location. Likewise, the graphical user interface is automatically altered to indicate a right-handed pointing device preference, if the pointing device is located to the right of the central location. The pointing device can comprise a mouse, and the central location can be identified as the keyboard or the display.

Abstract: An encoder wheel arrangement, which includes a rack mounted on a circuit board, a positioning block supported on spring elements in the rack, an operation wheel supported on the positioning block and turned by hand to rotate a shaft and a notched disk relative to a photoelectric transmitter and a photoelectric receiver on the circuit board, the operation wheel having a plurality of axial grooves equiangularly spaced around its inside wall and turned with the operation wheel to alternatively pass over two opposite ends of the positioning block of the rack for quick positioning at one of a series of angular positions.

Abstract: A controller has a stationary housing, a stem projecting from the housing along a stem axis, and a mount in the housing operatively engaging the stem and permitting same to tip relative to the housing about a center point in the housing generally traversed by the axis. An element carrying at least one emitter/receiver unit directs a beam generally radially of the center and another element carrying a field of interleaved reflective and less reflective regions is juxtaposed with the unit, spaced from the center, and impinged by the beam of the unit. One of the elements is fixed on the housing and the other of the elements is fixed on the stem so that on tipping of the stem about the center the beam is swept across the regions of the field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting a sensitivity level of an optical encoding circuit in an input device includes an adjuster for adjusting the sensitivity level, a threshold locator for detecting a sensitivity threshold of the occurrence of a prescribed output from a light detector circuit, and a motion encoder for encoding motion from the output of the light detector circuit. The threshold locator locates a sensitivity threshold by setting the sensitivity level to one extreme, then repeatedly sampling the light detector circuit output for a prescribed state most likely at the one extreme, while incrementally changing the sensitivity level each time the prescribed state is detected. The sensitivity level used by the threshold locator thus approaches the sensitivity threshold of the prescribed state. A sensitivity level for motion encoding is set based on the sensitivity level for threshold location.

Abstract: A signal processing system for a strain-gauge pointing device has a reduced parts count and permits the use of relatively inexpensive low-tolerance components. The system can process signals from two or three or more strain gauges, permitting additional inputs by users without a linear increase in the number of signal processing components. The system employs an RC network to develop an offset for the signal to be provided to an analog-to-digital converter. The system performs each measurement twice, once with a particular excitation polarity and again with the opposite excitation polarity, which permits correction for drift and temperature instability.

Abstract: A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes various embodiments, some of which include a patterned ball and some of which rely on other patterned surfaces, which recognizes changes in the position of the pattern relative to a sensor having an array of photosensitive elements. Circuitry associated with the sensor determines movement of the pattern across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.

Abstract: An apparatus provides an electronic signal in response to at least one of an applied force and an applied torque. The apparatus includes a detection device that detects movement of a movable member relative to a base, and provides the electronic signal, by driving a plurality of first sensor components.

Abstract: A mouse structure is provided. The mouse structure includes a shell adapted to receive therein a ball, a receiving device for receiving a photo interrupting device in the shell, and an urging device for urging the photo interrupting device to contact against the ball properly. The probability of shift-detection missing is then reduced.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for resolution enhancement of a coordinate input device. The method includes the steps of receiving a predetermined number of light beams, which are generated from a light source and passed through a rotating grating disc, by a light detector; detecting the intensity of the light beams by the light detector so as to receive a continuous response voltage signal; converting the continues response voltage signal to a digital signal; and distinguishing the digital signal as at least three different detecting modes by a plurality of predetermined critical values for enhancing the resolution of the coordinate input device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method used in a cursor controlling apparatus for detecting a direction a cursor should move on a monitor which comprises steps of: intermittently receiving a light to obtain a series of different optical quantities; generating a series of voltage signals respectively responsive to the series of optical quantities; and determining a direction by detecting a sequence of the voltage signals. The present invention can reduce manufacturing cost, economize assembling time, and obtain a more accurate direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-hand control unit for controlling movements in optical instruments. The control unit corresponds in its configuration essentially to a computer mouse and has a mouse roller ball 2 on its lower side, an additional rotational transducer 3 at the thumb position and two or three keys (5, 6, 7) on the side of the mouse lying opposite to the rotational transducer 3. The keys (5, 6, 7) are for actuation by the middle finger, index finger and little finger, respectively. The mouse roller ball 2 and the rotational transducer 3 preferably function to drive continuously movable elements such as the illuminating field diaphragm 13, the aperture diaphragm 12, the motorized focus 20 or a motorized object stage 21. The keys (4, 5, 6, 7) are provided for driving discretely adjustable elements such as the objective-lens turret 14 or the incident-light reflector turret 15 or for switching over between coarse drive and fine drive for a motor-driven focus drive.

Abstract: A cursor control device for personal computers and workstations includes various embodiments, some of which include a patterned ball and some of which rely on other patterned surfaces, which recognizes changes in the position of the pattern relative to a sensor having an array of photosensitive elements. Circuitry associated with the sensor determines movement of the pattern across the array, and translates that movement into conventional cursor control signals supplied to a host system.

Abstract: A cursor control device includes a body accommodating a circuit board and having a bottom circular hole for accommodating a ball. The body further has a pair of encoders, each of which includes a wheel with a spindle extending in the direction of the ball and rubbing against the ball. When the ball rolls, the wheel may synchronously rotate with the ball. A light source and a sensor are respectively disposed on both sides of the wheel. The cursor control device further includes a first securing seat and a second securing seat, in which the wheel may be mounted on the first securing seat and the light source and the sensor may be mounted on the second securing seat. Both securing seats may be directly mounted onto the circuit board to achieve easy assembly.

Abstract: A pointing device including a ball engaging one or more shaft encoders, each shaft encoder having an encoding wheel, including a monolithic photosensitive array for detecting light pulses representative of rotary movement of the ball. The photosensitive array provides a plurality of resolutions and permits accurate tracking of rotary movement of the ball without need for a mask. Comparator and latch means operate on the output of the array and provides digital hysteresis.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cursor control device which includes a ball housing for accommodating therein a ball, a grid wheel device driven by the ball for intermittently passing therethrough a light to control a movement of a cursor, a wheel shaft device engaged with the grid wheel device and driven by the ball for transmitting the grid wheel, and an urging device engaged with the wheel shaft device for urging the wheel shaft device against the ball to assure that the grid wheel device can rotate synchronously with the ball. The present invention utilizes the urging device to exert a force on the wheel shaft device so that the transmission roller device can be urged against the ball to facilitate the close contact between the transmission roller device and the ball rather than be passively contacted by the ball.

Abstract: An improved photoelectric sensor for an X-Y input device, the input device including vertical and horizontal slotted discs at ends of respective vertical and horizontal shafts, the discs being situated adjacent but not touching one another, is made up of a single photoelectric sensor and a single LED installed on opposite sides of the portions of the slotted discs that are adjacent each other, with the photosensor including four photoelectric sensor areas A, B, C, and D located on a single chip and having a width corresponding to the width of a slot or slotted wall of the slotted disc such that the rotation direction of the respective discs can be determined by whether the phase difference between signals generated by sensors A and B, and between signals generated by sensors C and D, is positive or negative.

Abstract: A method of detecting quadrature signals in a computer input device allows a microprocessor in the input device to perform comparator functions, thus eliminating the need for external comparator circuitry. At least one light-emitting element in the input device emits light pulses, and these light pulses are selectively received by a light-detecting element. A notched encoder wheel separates the light-emitting element from the light-detecting element, allowing various amounts of light to be received by the light-detecting element depending on whether a notch separates the two elements. The microprocessor loads a sample of the output from the light-detecting element: a first sample taken at a selected time value and a second sample taken at twice the selected time value. The second sample is used for quadrature calculations used in determining cursor movement on a video display device. The first sample is retrieved by the microprocessor and determined if it is a digital "1" signal.

Abstract: A temperature compensated opto-electronic circuit structure including a emitter connected to one input of a comparator to provide a reference signal. A detector signal is applied to another input terminal of a comparator, and the output of the comparator is determined by a difference between the reference signal and the detector signal. As the temperature of the opto-electronic circuit increases and decreases, the reference signal is automatically adjusted due to the temperature-related forward voltage changes of the emitter.

Abstract: A method for producing opto-electronic devices, such as opto-mechanical mouse devices, which includes adjusting a detector signal after a detector and emitter are connected to the remaining circuitry associated with the opto-electronic device. The method also includes a rough adjustment step wherein a the detector signal is adjusted to a predetermined output voltage, and a fine adjustment step wherein an encoder is rotated between the emitter and the detector, and the circuit is adjusted such that the duty cycle of a comparator is within a desired range.

Abstract: A continuous loop multi-axis pointing position control device is provided permitting continuous rotation about an X-axis to provide generation of a first motion signal and a continuous rotation about a Y-axis to provide generation of a second motion signal to enable directional control of a cursor or pointing device on a computer screen and to substitute for track ball, joystick and mouse control devices.

Abstract: An encoder with a light emitted editing wheel comprises an editing wheel defines a wheel body and a hole in its middle portion. The editing wheel is made from transparent material, such glass, acrylic etc. The editing wheel is mounted on a shaft member and can be actuated to rotate thereon via suitable actuating means. A plurality of light focusing means being disposed along the circumference of the editing wheel. A light receiving means is provided radially on the wheel body. The light focusing means is interconnected with the light receiving means and capable of focusing a light source transmitted from the light receiving means into a plurality of light point. A light source is disposed at a perpendicular position above the editing wheel. The light source is capable of sending a light to the light receiving means of the editing wheel. And a sensor means is disposed adjacent to the light focusing means. A pair of light detecting means are provided at the sensor means thereon.

Abstract: An assembled photomechanical mouse structure including a bottom casing, an upper cover associated with the bottom casing, a circuit board enclosed by the bottom casing and upper cover, a ball member, two slotted discs, an idle roller, and a photoelectrical set composed of an LED and a double-chip phototransistor, wherein the bottom casing is integrally formed with stepped supports for fitting the circuit board thereon, two shaft posts and a roller support, and the circuit board is located on a front section of the bottom casing, extending from front end thereof only to the position of the slotted discs , on one side of the circuit board adjacent to the slotted discs being formed with an X direction and a Y direction rectangular slots whereby the LED and phototransistor are disposed on two opposite sides of each of the slots, the shaft post being formed with a shaft hole and a slant slide channel located thereabove, whereby the slotted disc can be pushed through the slant guide channels of two opposite shaft p