Abstract: An optical pointing device and a control method thereof are provided. The optical pointing device includes: an illumination unit for illuminating light on a working surface, and generating light in a predetermined code in response to a code signal; a control unit for detecting an image on the working surface to calculate a movement value, outputting movement information in response to an input signal inputted from the outside and the calculated movement value, intermittently outputting a code generation signal, and turning off the illumination unit when the optical pointing device is separated from the working surface in response to a determination signal; and a determination unit for outputting the code signal in response to the code generation signal, detecting light in the predetermined code to thus determine whether or not the optical pointing device is separated from the working surface, and outputting the determination signal depending on the determination result.

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: An ergonomic mouse is described. A computer mouse may include a position tracking engine and a housing to encapsulate the position tracking engine. The housing may have a bottom portion with a substantially flat surface and an aperture for the position tracking engine. The housing may also have a top portion having a convex portion with a convex curved surface and a first concave portion with a first concave curved surface to receive a human thumb. The first concave portion may have an orientation relative to the bottom portion to cause a substantially neutral wrist deviation when a user grips the top portion.

Abstract: A self-calibrating optical feedback system for an optical navigation device. The self-calibrating optical feedback system includes a light source, an illumination lens, a beam splitter, and an optical feedback device. The illumination lens is coupled relative to the light source. The light source emits light based on a programming current. The illumination lens directs the light towards a beam splitter. The beam splitter partially reflects the light directed from the illumination lens. The optical feedback device detects the partially reflected light from the beam splitter and generates a feedback signal to modify an intensity of the light emitted by the light source. Embodiments of the self-calibrating optical feedback system maintain the output intensity of a laser driven optical navigation device below an eye-safety level.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing jitter during an optical navigation operation operates to automatically switch the current resolution based on jitter-resolution correlation data.

Abstract: An optical mouse with touch sensitive top includes a curved top including front clickable right and left buttons and a touch sensitive member extending rearward from the buttons, the touch sensitive member including a plurality of virtual buttons which are sensitive to touch; and a capacitive sensor assembly under the touch sensitive member and including first and conductive layers each being flexible and curved. In addition to button clicking and wheel scrolling, a user may press the virtual button for computer operation similar to a touchscreen operation.

Abstract: A mouse with coordinate and suspension positioning functions, which receives a directional light produced by an external illuminator. A second image sensor receives and converts the directional light into an electrical signal, and accordingly produces a directional image corresponding to the directional light. A second memory stores the directional image. When an image captured by a first image sensor cannot be focused, a processor enables the second image sensor and the second memory in order to analyze the directional image and obtain a rotating angle of the directional light for further fulfilling a coordinate positioning.

Abstract: A method for detecting lift from a surface portion of an optical pointing device comprising a coherent light source, a photodetector device including an array of pixels, and extracting motion features including comparators with an adjustable offset value, the method comprising the steps of: (i) illuminating the surface portion with radiation by the coherent light source; (ii) detecting radiation patterns reflected from the illuminated surface portion with the photodetector device; (iii) comparing light intensity between neighbouring pixels in the detected radiation patterns; (iv) extracting motion features as a function of the result of the comparison; (v) counting the total number of motion features extracted; (vi) increasing or decreasing the comparator offset value when the total number of motion features increases or decreases; (vii) comparing the comparator offset value with an offset threshold; (viii) enabling detection of a lift condition if the comparator offset value is lower than the offset threshol

Abstract: A hand-held device with a sensor for providing a signal indicative of a position of the hand-held device relative to an object surface enables power to the sensor at a first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is stationary and adjacent relative to the object surface, enables power to the sensor at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is moving and adjacent relative to the object surface, and enables power to the sensor at a third time interval when the hand-held device is determined to be in a position that is removed relative to the object surface.

Abstract: Provided is a convenient mouse device having low power consumption. The mouse device has a configuration in which an optical sensor for light shielding detection is provided in a region where a hand blocks light when the hand handles the mouse device so that the mouse device may perform a normal operation when the optical sensor for light shielding detection is shielded from light, and may perform a low consumption operation when the optical sensor for light shielding detection is not shielded from light.

Abstract: A mouse with adjustable button activating pressure includes a body, two circuit boards, two switch sets and at least one adjusting means. The body is provided with two adjacent buttons. The two switch sets are provided in the body and electrically connected to the corresponding circuit board to correspond to the buttons of the body respectively. Each switch set includes a plurality of switches of different activating pressures. The adjusting means is adjustably assembled with the body and coupled to the switch set, thereby allowing the switch set to move with respect to the button of the body. Via the above arrangement of the present invention, the button activating pressure can be adjusted.

Abstract: An electronic pen for interacting with a substrate having coded data disposed thereon. The pen comprises: an image sensor for sensing the coded data when the pen is used to interact with the surface; a cartridge having a nib for contacting the surface; a retraction mechanism for slidably moving the cartridge between a retracted position and an extended position; a force sensor cooperating with the retraction mechanism; a processor configured to generate indicating data indicative of the interaction with the substrate; and communication means for communicating the indicating data to a computer system. The image sensor is configured to sense the coded data only when the force sensor detects that the nib is in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: An imaging device may have illumination paths directed to an imaging area to thereby illuminate the whole of the imaging surface. The imaging area may be adapted to generate frustrated total internal reflection of the illumination from the imaging surface, in the presence of an element in contact with some or all of the imaging surface.

Abstract: An assembly is adapted for being employed in an optical navigation device, such as that used on a computer or mobile communications device. The assembly includes a housing device and an optical device, wherein the housing device includes a receiving section for receiving the optical device. The receiving section has a first and a second opening. The housing device has first and second vertical registration features for aligning the optical device with the housing device. The first and second vertical registration features are spatially associated with the first and second opening respectively.

Abstract: A controller apparatus for manipulating objects in an electronic application. The controller apparatus comprises a free-standing graspable controller. The controller apparatus comprises a first optical component and a second optical component to determine the rotation direction and speed of the controller. The direction and speed data are relayed to the electronic device to produce an object manipulation in the electronic application.

Abstract: A dual-channel optical navigation system with vertically aligned sensors. The dual-channel optical navigation system includes a circuit board, a contact navigation sensor, and a free-space navigation sensor. The circuit board mechanically supports and electrically connects multiple navigation sensors on opposing sides of the circuit board. The contact navigation sensor is coupled to a first side of the circuit board. The contact navigation sensor generates a contact navigation signal based on contact navigation images of a contact navigation surface approximately adjacent to the dual-channel optical navigation system. The free-space navigation sensor is coupled to a second side of the circuit board. The free-space navigation sensor generates a free-space navigation signal based on free-space navigation images of an operating environment of the dual-channel optical navigation system.

Abstract: A computer mouse in one embodiment includes an arcuate cover comprising a plurality of projections on a top surface; a capacitance trigger assembly aligned with the projections thereabove and comprising a flexible arcuate first capacitive film and a flexible arcuate second capacitive film therebelow; a printed circuit board disposed under the capacitance trigger assembly and comprising a photodetector array on an underside and a microprocessor; and a base releasably secured to the cover and comprising a light guide. In response to a touch of the projection, a button clicking action is triggered.

Abstract: An optical navigation device for operation in a surface navigation mode and a free space navigation mode. The optical navigation device includes a microcontroller, a first navigation sensor, and a second navigation sensor. The first navigation sensor is coupled to the microcontroller, and the second navigation sensor is coupled to the first navigation sensor. The microcontroller processes a movement of the optical navigation device. The first navigation sensor generates a first navigation signal in a first navigation mode. The second navigation sensor generates a second navigation signal in a second navigation mode and sends the second navigation signal to the first navigation sensor. By implementing a navigation sensor to process signals from multiple navigation sensors, the cost and size of the optical navigation device can be controlled, and a small packaging design can be used.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of optically detecting click events are described. Images of a contact surface are captured at respective capture times. The captured images are convolved with a two-dimensional circularly symmetric spatial bandpass filter to produce corresponding filtered images each including a set of pixels with respective pixel value magnitudes. Based on the pixel value magnitudes of the corresponding filtered images, each of the capture times is assigned to one of an in-contact time class during which the contact surface is determined to be in-contact with a user's finger and an out-of-contact time class during which the contact surface is determined to be out-of-contact with the user's finger. A select signal indicating that the contact surface has been touched to make a selection is generated based on a click event predicate defining at least one condition on the time classes respectively assigned to successive ones of the capture times.

Abstract: SOC (System On Chip) for optical mouse with 8-pins is provided. The SOC of the invention has three power pins for coupling a first power voltage, a second power voltage and ground voltage, a driving pin for controlling a light source, an optical sensing array for receiving reflected light, two signal pins for data exchange with a host and two IO pins. For at least five different switches of the optical mouse that receive touch controls of users, each IO pin receives and distinguishes statuses of multiple switches, such that a total pin count of the IO pins is less than a total number of switches.

Abstract: An optical navigation system and method of controlling the light output power of the system uses an optical feedback system to control the driving signal being applied to a light source of the optical navigation system.

Abstract: An optical navigation device, such an optical mouse, includes a housing, an illumination system, a tracking engine, and multiple height-specific imaging systems located within the housing. The height-specific imaging systems generate image information in response to reflected light from a navigation surface and each one the height-specific imaging systems is positioned to detect the largest portion of reflected light at a different separation distance between the housing and the navigation surface. An integrated circuit (IC) device for optical navigation includes an aperture plate having height-specific apertures and height-specific navigation sensor arrays aligned in one-to-one correspondence with the height-specific apertures and configured to generate image information in response to light that passes through the corresponding height-specific apertures. An optical element for use in an optical navigation system includes an illumination source lens and multiple height-specific focal lenses.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a light source which is detected to determine the motion of the pointing device. The pointing device further includes a sensor which is adapted to detect light from the light source in one type of operation to thereby determine the motion and which is adapted to detect ambient light in a second type of operation.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of tracking movement relative to a surface involves comparing at least some data elements of a first array with at least some of data elements of a second array if it is determined, from an examination of the first array of data elements, that a characteristic condition does not exist in the first array of data elements, wherein the characteristic condition is related to the uniformity of at least a majority of the data elements of the first array.

Abstract: A handheld optical navigation device may include a first radiation source configured to produce a first beam of radiation onto a surface below the device, a first sensor configured to receive a first image based upon reflected radiation from the surface below the device, and to identify movement of the device based upon the first image for providing a first control action, and a second sensor configured to receive a second image based upon reflected radiation from an object different from the surface below the device, and to identify movement of the object based upon the second image for providing a second control action.

Abstract: The introduced disposition in optical mouse, with voice capture to send as audio file (FIGS. 1, 2,3,4,5,6), joining the functions of recording, storing and sending (email) MP3 audio files, using a voice capture board (FIG. 6) through a system adapted to the conventional mouse system. The process is done independently of any device other than the mouse, and is more practical since the user will have no other device besides those already conventionally used in the PC. Such device consists of two buttons (FIG. 1 num. 4 and 5) coupled to the mouse (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,5,6), internally connected to a printed circuit board (FIG. 6), which was created exclusively for this purpose, with an internal microphone (FIG. 6. num 15) for voice (sound) capture.

Abstract: A device for optical navigation, containing an image sensor which has a large number of image sensor units which are disposed in an array-like manner with respectively at least one light-sensitive surface and at least one lens which is disposed between an object to be imaged and the image sensor. A microlens array is present, at least one microlens being assigned to one image sensor unit.

Abstract: A mouse with gain weight means comprising a case, a cursor control unit, a plurality of keys, a housing, and a balancing weight component. The case has a circuit board disposed inside of the case and a plurality of balancing weight notches in the bottom of the case. The cursor control unit 2 is disposed in the circuit board and extends to the outside of the bottom of the case. Disposed on the case are the keys and the housing. The balancing weight component includes a plurality of balancing weight lumps installed in the balancing notches. The mouse of the present invention has the balancing weight lumps installed in the bottom of the case to make the mouse easier for the user to handle.

Abstract: In an interactive display device and method, a video projector projects an image on a screen. An optical pointer includes a mouse click signal input button and a light source emitting a light beam for pointing to the screen to form a light mark. A detection camera acquires an image from the screen and detects an image from the light mark. A processing system calculates the position of the light mark in the detected image. The optical pointer includes: a contact or proximity detector capable of detecting a contact between one end of the optical pointer and the screen and generating a light mark presence signal; and moreover a radio transmitter capable of transmitting a light mark presence signal to a processing system. The treatment system compared the respective signals for detecting a light mark and light mark presence to deduce therefrom a validation signal for the light mark.

Abstract: Reduction of dust contamination in optical mice. Trapped charged particles within an optical element result in a surface charge on the optical element, the surface charge reducing the attraction of dust to the optical surface. Charged particles may be trapped in the optical element, or in a coating on the element. Irradiation from an alpha source or ion implantation techniques may be used.

Abstract: An optical mouse and image capture chip thereof. The image capture chip comprises an image sensor, a calculating logic circuit, and a refreshing logic circuit. The image sensor has a plurality of sensor units, capturing an image according to an exposure parameter to provide a plurality of exposure values. The calculating logic circuit provides an average exposure value by calculating the exposure values. If the exposure sample is within a first exposure range, the refreshing logic circuit maintains the exposure parameter and accordingly drives the image sensor to capture a next image. If the average exposure value is within a second exposure range, the refreshing logic circuit adjusts the exposure parameter with a first exposure extreme and accordingly drives the image sensor to capture a next image.

Abstract: A computer mouse includes a housing and two wheels that are capable of rolling on a supporting surface. A first pair of light sources and a second pair of light sources are arranged at one side of the two wheels, respectively. A light sensor changes from a first state to a second state after receiving light, and changes from the second state to the first state after the light is blocked. A driving module is used for successively turning on the first pair of light sources and the second pair of light sources in a first frequency. A scanning module is used for scanning the light sensor in a second frequency, to obtain states of the light sensor. A controlling module is used for generating data representative of movement of the housing according to the states of the light sensor.

Abstract: An optical input device includes at least two bodies for being moved on a surface, and a processing unit for obtaining a relative motion between the bodies and for updating the picture shown by the image display according to the relative motion. The present invention further provides an image system.

Abstract: An optical navigation system and method of estimating motion uses a plate with an aperture, a photodetector and an optical system for optical lift detection. The optical system is configured to direct an input light to a target surface through the aperture of the plate and to direct the input light reflected from the target surface and transmitted back through the aperture of the plate toward the photodetector to be detected by the photodetector for lift detection.

Abstract: An optical pointing device and a power supply semiconductor device therefore are provided. The optical pointing device includes at least one power supply voltage drop portion, wherein each of the power supply voltage drop portion comprises: a voltage-drop regulator for outputting a dropped power supply voltage; a first reference voltage generator for generating a first reference voltage; a first voltage division controller for outputting first and second drop voltage division control signals according to the moving velocity; a first voltage divider for outputting a first varied division voltage in response to the first and second drop voltage division control signals; a first comparator for comparing the level of the first varied division voltage with the level of the first reference voltage to output a first comparison output signal; and a first switch controller for dropping the output voltage of the voltage-drop regulator in response to the first comparison output signal.

Abstract: A dust-proof computer mouse with scroll function is disclosed. The computer mouse contains a housing having an upper surface and a lower surface, at least one depressible button on the upper surface, a scrolling area on the upper surface, an optical sensor dimple on the lower surface, and a cover layer covering at least an area of the upper surface around the depressible button to prevent dust from entering the interior of the housing through spaces around the depressible button.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that incorporate chromatic sensors in a mouse to vary the operation of the mouse. Some embodiments may include a method of modifying the programming of a mouse that includes sampling, with the chromatic sensor, an optical property of a surface upon with the mouse is operating (such as color of the surface), and then dynamically modifying the programming of the mouse based upon the sampled optical property. In this manner, the operation of the mouse, such as tracking resolution, may be customized based upon the properties of the surface upon which the mouse is operating. Other embodiments may include utilizing the mouse with the chromatic sensor as a scanner to display images on a housing of the mouse.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an electronic device. The electronic device includes a cursor controlling apparatus which is detachably mounted to the electronic device. The cursor controlling apparatus includes a touchpad mounted on a top portion of the cursor controlling apparatus, a mouse module mounted in the cursor controlling apparatus, and a controller connected to the touchpad and the mouse module. The controller is capable of detecting whether the cursor controlling apparatus is mounted to the electronic device. The controller enables the touchpad and disables the mouse module when the controller detects the cursor controlling apparatus is mounted to the electronic device. The controller enables the mouse module and disables the touchpad when the controller detects the cursor controlling apparatus is not mounted to the electronic device.

Abstract: A mouse with direction-adjustable connecting wire includes a housing, a connecting wire and a turntable. The connecting wire has one end that is embedded in the housing. The turntable is pivotably disposed in the bottom of the housing, and the connecting wire is passed through the turntable and located therein. Thereby, a direction-adjustable connecting wire is designed to make the mouse is easy to be operated and has better controllability without causing the operational inconvenience; for this reason, it takes fully into account the requirements and operation habits of the different users.

Abstract: A computer mouse includes a housing; a sliding plate is slidably connected to the housing; a first sub-switch and a second sub-switch arranged within the housing; a first operating portion mounted on one end of the computer mouse; a second operating portion mounted on an opposite end of the computer mouse; an image sensor configured for capturing images; a processing unit arranged within the housing; wherein, the first operating portion and the processing unit are connected to the first sub-switch, the second operating portion and the processing unit are connected to the second sub-switch, when the sliding plate sliding to one of two ends of the housing, actuating the one of the two sub-switches respectively.

Abstract: Movement of an optical mouse may be tracked by providing a source of non-coherent light in a movable housing for illuminating a work surface at a low angle of incidence, providing a two dimensional array of photo detectors for producing arrays of data elements responsive to light reflected from surface irregularities on the illuminated work surface and providing circuitry for capturing a first array of data elements from the two dimensional array of photo detectors at a first time, for detecting a characteristic condition in the first array, for capturing a second array of data elements at a second time, and for tracking movement of the housing relative to the work surface by comparing at least some of the data elements of the first array with at least some of the data elements of the second array if the characteristic condition is not detected in the first array.

Abstract: An optical motion tracking device (10) includes a photo detector array (18) comprised of highly sensitive photo sensors coupled to a computational circuit (19) inside a casing (11). The photo detector array (18) detects optical features of a surface (25) using ambient light reflected from or propagated through the surface (25) and transmitted into the casing through an aperture (15). Protrusions (14) on the bottom (10) lifts the device (10) from the surface (25) and allow the ambient light to illuminate the surface (25). A nontransparent sidewall (17) encloses a light path from the aperture (15) to the photo detector array (18) to reduce light interference. A reflective band (32) near the aperture (15) to increases the illumination of the surface (25). The computational circuit (19) calculates the correlation between the images from the photo detector array (18) to track the motion of the device (10).

Abstract: A computer input device includes a body and a trace-detecting module coupled to the body. The body has a micro control unit (MCU), and the trace-detecting module has at least a light pervious area, and a trace-detecting unit. The trace-detecting unit further has at least a light source and a sensor. The sensor senses a reflected light beam caused by movement of a user's digit movement on the light pervious area at a velocity which can be sensed by the sensor. If the velocity exceeds a threshold stored in the MCU, the MCU executes automatically scrolling.

Abstract: An optimal correlation matching method for determining track behavior, which applies a video stream having a first image and a second image for locating a motion vector associated with a block of the first image in the second image, wherein each image has a plurality of blocks in rows and columns and each block has a plurality of pixels in rows and columns. The method divides a search window into a plurality of search subdivisions, selects one from the subdivisions as an operating search window, locates a center of a block respectively at all positions of the operating search window such that upon each position of the center located, pixels of the block of the first image in accordance with the operating search window are applied to corresponding pixels of the second image for performing match operation, thereby reducing required number for match operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen, includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface with a plurality of light pulses, thereby generating reflected light pulses. A detection circuit is configured to sense light, distinguish between the reflected pulses and ambient light, and generate a low signal indication if the magnitude of the reflected pulses falls below a threshold value. An optical motion sensor generates digital images based on the reflected pulses. The motion sensor is configured to generate movement data based on the digital images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that are related to computer mice configured to track motion on smooth surfaces. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides an optical mouse comprising a light source configured to illuminate a tracking surface, an image sensor, and an array of lenses configured to superimpose a plurality of images of spatially different areas of the tracking surface onto the image sensor. The optical mouse further comprises a controller configured to receive a plurality of time-sequenced frames of image data from the image sensor, to detect motion of the mouse on the tracking surface from movement of one or more tracking features in the plurality of time-sequenced frames of image data, and to output a motion signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable an optical device to track on a diffusing surface over which a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface is placed. Some embodiments are directed towards detecting when an optical device is lifted off the surface it was resting on. Embodiments also include a sensing system that detects the z distance (distance to the tracking surface) and improves image quality by improving the effectiveness of the optical sensor subsystem and/or the illumination subsystem at the detected z distance. Other embodiments include a system and method that enables an optical device to track on a transparent and/or translucent and/or optically smooth surface alone. This may involve dark-field imaging based on certain features (e.g., dirt) already present on the transparent surface. Alternately, this may involve creating features such as droplets, spreading dirt residue, and creating thermal spots, which can be used for tracking.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: A computer accessory device configured to communicate with a computer includes a two-dimensional sensor array configured to generate image data as the device is moved over a surface. A first memory is configured to store a first set of images based on a first set of the image data. A second memory is configured to store a second set of images based on a second set of the image data. The second set of images is configured to be stitched-together into a stitched-together image. At least one controller is configured to generate navigation information based on the first set of images. The navigation information is indicative of displacement and rotation of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an optical pen mouse capable of magnifying a displayed object and a method of magnifying a displayed object using the same. The optical pen mouse includes a magnification setting unit and a microcomputer. The magnification setting unit inputs a magnification (M) so as to adjust a size of an object to be displayed on the monitor of a computer. The microcomputer calculates input coordinate values (X,Y) (a horizontal coordinate value, a vertical coordinate value) based on an electrical signal from the light receiving unit, and, when the magnification (M) is received from the magnification setting unit, calculates display coordinate values (X?,Y?) based on the input coordinate values (X,Y) and the magnification (M), converts the calculated display coordinate values (X?,Y?) into a coordinate data code, and outputs the coordinate data code.