Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a user input system for a hand held computing device that comprises a movable piece with a reflective side, an optical cavity adjacent to said movable piece, a light emitting source positioned within the cavity such that emitted light is incident on to the reflective side of the movable piece, and a sensor positioned within the cavity to receive light reflected from the reflective side.

Abstract: A pointing device, such as an optical mouse, includes a light unit for illuminating a surface, a photodetector array configured to generate image information related to the illuminated surface, a navigation engine for generating navigation information at a target resolution of the pointing device, and a resolution input interface for controlling or adjusting the target resolution value of the pointing device via input of a resolution scaling ratio. The resolution input interface is configured for user input of the resolution scaling ratio, such that the target resolution of the pointing device can be readily adjusted, in real time, over a broad range of resolution values and in small increments. A technique for mitigating cursor jitter problems at high resolution values is also disclosed.

Abstract: An input apparatus including an optical mouse module and a mouse pad module is provided. The optical mouse module includes a light source and an optical sensor. The light source is adapted to emit a light beam. The optical sensor has a sensible distance. The mouse pad module is disposed on the optical mouse module. The mouse pad module includes a sliding sheet elastically coupled to the optical mouse module. The sliding sheet is adapted to move in a three-dimensional space. The optical sensor and the sliding sheet are arranged in an arrangement direction. An operation method of the input apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An input apparatus including an optical mouse module and a mouse pad module is provided. The optical mouse module includes a light source and an optical sensor. The light source is adapted to emit a light beam. The optical sensor has a sensible distance. The mouse pad module is disposed on the optical mouse module. The mouse pad module includes a sliding sheet elastically coupled to the optical mouse module. The sliding sheet is adapted to move in a three-dimensional space. The optical sensor and the sliding sheet are arranged in an arrangement direction. An operation method of the input apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A protective mechanism terminates the emission of a laser beam from an inadvertently inverted laser input device. A transmitting/detecting circuit is positioned under a laser input device that emits laser beams from a laser light. The transmitting/detecting circuit projects an infrared ray to a working surface to be reflected therefrom, with the reflected infrared ray detected by the transmitting/detecting circuit. The laser light is turned off if the transmitting/detecting circuit fails to detect the reflected infrared ray.

Abstract: A portable telephone device with incorporated projector 10 displays the contents of a received email upon a main liquid crystal display device 204 This portable telephone device with incorporated projector 10 projects the contents of the received email after having changed its vertical-horizontal ratio (its row-column ratio) so that the number of characters in the horizontal direction becomes greater, as compared to the display screen of the main liquid crystal display device 204, upon which the numbers of characters being displayed vertically and horizontally are equal.

Abstract: A method is provided for sensing displacement of an optical sensor relative to a surface, the sensor having at least first and second arrays with a plurality of photosensitive elements. The method involves: (i) generating for each array first set of quasi-sinusoidal signals at a first time and a second set of quasi-sinusoidal signals at a second time in response to motion of light received thereon; (ii) computing from said first and second sets of signals phase angle changes for signals received from each array; (iii) computing from said first and second sets of signals radius values for signals received from each array; (iv) computing unwrapped phase angle changes for signals received from each array; and (v) combining said unwrapped phase angle changes for each of said arrays using radius-weighted-averaging to provide a single weighted average of unwrapped phase angle change resulting from said motion of light.

Abstract: A mouse includes a lighting unit, a sensing unit, and a control unit. The lighting unit is used for generating a light output to shine onto a contact surface. The sensing unit is connected with the lighting unit, and forms an image for generating an image signal from the reflection of the light upon the contact surface. The controller unit is connected with the sensing unit, and is for controlling the light output of the lighting unit according to a reference value. In addition to calculating the movement of the mouse according to the image signal, the control unit also directly outputs the image signal to an application system with an image analysis function. Therein, the application system is for analyzing the image signal and outputting a correcting value to the control unit; and the control unit is for adjusting the reference value according to the correcting value.

Abstract: A multiple function optical image detecting structure includes a shell body, a tracing ball, an optical base, a circuit board, a light-emitting element, and an image sensor. The shell body receives the tracing ball. The optical base has a slanted spectroscope that faces part of the spherical surface of the tracing ball and a lens element located on one side of the spectroscope. The light-emitting element and the image sensor are electrically connected with the circuit board. The light-emitting element faces towards the spectroscope and the image sensor faces towards the lens element. The light axial of the projected light generated from the light-emitting element is reflected/transmitted to the surface of the tracing ball via the spectroscope. Thereby, the light is uniformly projected on the tracing ball and the image sensor obtains the image on the lens element to calculate a displacement.

Abstract: There is described a method for measuring relative motion between an illuminated portion of a surface and an optical sensing device comprising a coherent light source and a photodetector array, the method comprising the steps of illuminating under a determined gradient by means of the coherent light source the surface portion at a determined flash rate; detecting by means of the photodetector array speckled light intensity pattern of the illuminated portion of the surface for a first flash; detecting a second speckled light intensity pattern of the illuminated portion of the surface for a second flash; extracting motion features of two different types from the detected first and second speckled light intensity patterns; determining a measurement of the relative motion between the optical sensing device and the illuminated surface portion based on a comparison of motion features extracted; wherein before the step of determining a measurement of the relative motion, the method further comprises the step of keep

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a laser spot on a projected computer screen image computes a projective transformation matrix using the projected computer screen image electronically captured in a frame of image data. The projective transformation matrix is computed by fitting a polygon to a contour of each graphical object in the frame of image data and determining whether the polygon for each graphical object satisfies a set of predefined parameters to find a candidate polygon that corresponds to an outline of the projected computer screen image in the frame of image data.

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: The image sensor 15 of the information processing apparatus 1 can capture the retroreflective sheet 17 subjected to infrared light emitted from the infrared emitting diodes 11 since the retroreflective sheet 17 is exposed when the open-close portion 19 is opened. Therefore, it is possible to detect the input device 3. On the other hand, when the open-close portion 19 is closed, the image sensor 15 can not capture the retroreflective sheet 17 since the reflective sheet 17 is not exposed. Therefore, the input device is not detected.

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: A method and apparatus comprising a hand held controller adapted to communicate with at least one item of process equipment. The controller communicates to an operator through a screen using at least one graphical image. The operator uses the image to assess at least one operational parameter of the equipment. The operator may manipulate the controller to alter the parameter of the equipment.

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 at a predetermined scrolling speed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical position detection IC outputs, in accordance with movement of an object on a detection area including a light-transmissive area which is disposed on a top surface of a housing. A control module controls a movement direction and a movement amount of a cursor, which is displayed on a display screen of a display device, based on an attitude signal which indicates in which of two directions the optical position detection IC is disposed, and movement amount information which is output from the optical position detection IC.

Abstract: A wireless computer mouse includes a first operating portion, a second operating portion, a circuit board, and a switch. A pair of LEDs is mounted on the circuit board. One of the LEDs corresponds to the first operating portion, and another LED corresponds to the second operating portion. An optic member is mounted on the circuit board. The optic member includes two opposite reflecting portions. Each of the reflecting portions corresponds to one LED, and each of the reflecting portions is configured to reflect the light of the corresponding LED to highlight a surface underneath the mouse. The switch is configured for selectively enabling the first operating portion and the second operating portion. When the first operating portion is enabled, the LED corresponding to the first operating portion lights. When the second operating portion is enabled, the LED corresponding to the second operating portion lights.

Abstract: An optical navigation device for a computer application includes a radiation source capable of producing a beam of radiation, a sensor for receiving an image, and an optical element for identifying movement of the feature to thereby enable a computer action to be carried out. The optical element is formed from a single piece and includes at least one frustrated total internal reflection (F-TIR) surface capable of affecting frustrated total internal reflection of the beam of radiation in the presence of the feature to thereby generate the image.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes an optical transmission element, operable in use to transmit light from an illumination source to a sensor via a mousing surface, and a housing unit. The optical transmission element may have an alignment shaft. Ideally the optical transmission element and housing unit are assembled to a substrate by snap-fit. The alignment shaft ensures that the optics are properly aligned to the substrate and the light source and sensor thereon.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring linear and angular displacement of a moving object, such as an autonomous moving object. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface of the autonomous moving object or a working surface. A processor on the autonomous moving object is operatively coupled to the optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor outputs linear and angular displacement values to the processor during movement of the autonomous moving object to determine a direction and distance traveled by the autonomous moving object.

Abstract: A pointing device having an illumination system, an imaging array, and a controller is disclosed. The illumination system illuminates a surface over which the pointing device moves, the illumination system generating a light signal having first and second spectral regions. A portion of the light signal is viewable by a user of the pointing device. The first spectral region includes visible light of a predetermined color and the second spectral region includes infrared light. The imaging array records a plurality of images of the illuminated surface and is sensitive to light in the second spectral region. The second spectral region can be chosen to match the sensitivity of a silicon imaging array, while the first spectral region provides a decorative glow that is seen by the user.

Abstract: A cordless pointing device used for moving a pointer displayed on a display screen and selecting information displayed on the display screen. The cordless pointing device includes an operation device having an optical reflection surface, a light emitting and receiving unit, which is a separate unit from the operation device, and emits a light to the optical reflection surface of the operation device and receives the light reflected on the optical reflection surface of the operation device, a switch for generating an instruction on information pointed by the pointer, and a control unit that moves the pointer according to a movement of the operation device detected by the light emitting and receiving unit when the light is received and detects the instruction given by the switch.

Abstract: An adaptive mouse is disclosed. In the adaptive mouse, a cover layer made of a moldable material covers a mouse body, and a plurality of sensors is disposed between the mouse body and the cover layer. The sensors are used to sense a hand shape of a user when the user holds the cover layer. The sensors under the left and right finger predicting areas are defined as a left button and a right buttons to allow the user to operate the mouse normally. Then, the displacement signal of the mouse is adjusted. The adaptive mouse may increase comfortableness and relieve fatigue, and it also may be adapted to any holding states without orientation limitation.

Abstract: A method for operating an optical motion sensing device comprising a light source and a photodetector device, said method comprises the steps of: a) illuminating a surface portion with radiation by means of the light source; b) detecting radiation patterns reflected from the illuminated surface portion by means of the photodetector device; c) extracting motion features from the detected radiation patterns by comparing light intensity between neighbouring pixels of said photodetector device by means of comparators with a determined hysteresis threshold; d) detecting and measuring displacement with respect to the illuminated surface portion based on said extracted motion features; e) determining whether the optical motion sensing device is moving or at rest; f) adjusting said determined hysteresis threshold of the comparators between at least a low and a high hysteresis values, consisting in selecting said low hysteresis value when the optical motion sensing device is moving and selecting said high hysteresis v

Abstract: An optical navigation system and method for reducing the power consumption of the system uses a surface quality value of a captured image frame of a target surface to selectively reduce the number of photosensitive pixel elements to be used to capture a subsequent image frame.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a drive current to a light source during an optical navigation operation uses brightness characteristics of captured frames of image data to determine whether each of the frames of image data belongs to one of at least first and second types of frames of image data. The drive current is adjusted depending on counts of the frames of image data belonging to the first and second types of frames of image data.

Abstract: A trace-detecting computer input device such as a touch input device, optical tracing module, or optical tracing plate includes a trace-detecting module and a microswitch. The trace-detecting module has a neutral position and a depressed position. A first control signal is generated when an object moves across the top of the trace-detecting module. When the trace-detecting module is in the depressed position, the microswitch is activated to generate a second control signal which is in addition to the trace-detecting first control signal.

Abstract: A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a sensing device and a computer system. The computer system generates print data and transfers it to a printer. The printer prints a form by printing information related to an interactive element and coded data indicative of the interactive element in response to the print data. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data, which is coincident with the information, and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, and generate indicating data using the determined information. The indicating data, which is indicative of the interactive element is used by the computer system to identify the interactive element and perform a corresponding action.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically inferring an absolute pose of a manipulated object in a real three-dimensional environment from on-board the object with the aid of an on-board optical measuring arrangement. At least one invariant feature located in the environment is used by the arrangement for inferring the absolute pose. The inferred absolute pose is expressed with absolute pose data (?, ?, ?, x, y, z) that represents Euler rotated object coordinates expressed in world coordinates (Xo, Yo, Zo) with respect to a reference location, such as, for example, the world origin. Other conventions for expressing absolute pose data in three-dimensional space and representing all six degrees of freedom (three translational degrees of freedom and three rotational degrees of freedom) are also supported. Irrespective of format, a processor prepares the absolute pose data and identifies a subset that may contain all or fewer than all absolute pose parameters.

Abstract: A method of moving the cursor is used in a computer system having a processor operatively coupled to a cursor control device having a light source and an image sensor for optically tracking motion of the cursor control device. The method is executed to move the cursor according to an enhanced tracking value generated based on a measured tracking value, a projected tracking value, and a tracking confidence value based on an illumination value representative of an intensity of light sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selecting a light source in a pointing device such as a mouse. The selection of the light source may be based on attributes of a received image, which are in turn based on reflected light received at the pointing device from the tracking surface. Because the attributes of the receive image are related to characteristics of the tracking surface over which the pointing device is moved, an illumination source appropriate for a particular surface type can be chosen.

Abstract: A mouse pen has an aspheric lens and a sensor disposed in a housing with an opening, wherein the aspheric lens is interposed between the sensor and the opening. The aspheric lens is tilted. The tilting angle and the position of the aspheric lens define the best resolution point for the sensor, which is different from the focus of the aspheric lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system being adapted to be connected to at least one computer. The system comprises: at least one tracking surface, and a pointing device adapted to navigate on the at least one computer when the pointing device is moved across the at least one tracking surface, which defines a first zone and a second zone. The system further comprises a detection unit which detects the zone the pointing device is present in, and a control unit adapted to activate a function when present in the first zone.

Abstract: A mouse wheel assembly is provided according to the present invention. The mouse wheel assembly includes a member and an optical module. The member has a pattern formed thereon. The optical module is adapted to illuminate the pattern on the member, capture an image of the pattern as a result of the illumination and recognize a feature change of the image of the pattern to obtain the change direction and change speed of the member.

Abstract: Each opto-mechanical pointing device includes a housing having a base that two or more rollers extend beyond to make contact with a surface. An optical module that includes a light source and a detector track the motion of the opto-mechanical pointing device directly or indirectly. Light reflecting off markings positioned opposite of each detector is used to determine the speed and distance traveled by an opto-electrical pointing device. Alternatively, the speed and distance traveled by an opto-electrical pointing device is determined by monitoring the tilt or rotation of the opto-mechanical pointing device with respect to the surface beneath the pointing device.

Abstract: An optical mouse with a light indicating function is provided, which includes a light source module, a reflecting mirror, and a button. The light source module is used for emitting an irradiating light. The reflecting mirror disposed on a path of the irradiating light and located at a normal position in use, for reflecting the irradiating light to generate a reflecting light for detecting the displacement of the optical mouse. The button is adopted for being pushed to move the reflecting mirror, so that the reflecting mirror is moved away from the normal position in use, and then the irradiating light travels straightly to serve as an indicating light beam of the light indicator.

Abstract: An optical pointing device, which is to be disposed on a working surface, includes a casing, a light source, a light sensor, and an obstructing member. The casing has a light transmissible portion. The light source is mounted in the casing, and emits light that is directed through the light transmissible portion of the casing and that is reflected by the working surface back into the casing through the light transmissible portion. The light sensor is mounted in the casing, and detects the light reflected by the working surface. The obstructing member is disposed in the casing, and is capable of preventing the light sensor from detecting the light reflected by the working surface when the casing is moved beyond a predetermined distance above the working surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling a computer cursor involves capturing a plurality of arrays of data in a hand held device representing light entering the device from an environment in which the device resides, processing at least some of the plurality of arrays of data in the device to estimate motion of the device with respect to the environment during each of a plurality of measurement cycles, and sending a series of estimated motion signals to a computer to move a cursor display in response to motion of the device relative to the environment, each such estimated motion signal representing the estimated motion of the handheld device during more than one of the plurality of measurement cycles.

Abstract: Pointing devices such as computer mouse are commonly used for making selections on computer screens. However, prolong or frequent use of such pointing devices might result in users suffering from repetitive stress disorder. Further, due to the widespread use of personal computers (PC), this problem is made more even pronounced. In addition, users increasingly require additional buttons to be provided on the computer mouse for purposes such as PC gaming. Although device manufacturers have started building more buttons on existing computer mice, the buttons are typically not ergonomically positioned. An embodiment of the invention describes an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons.

Abstract: An optical module of an optical mouse includes a light source, a light-guiding unit having a fixing portion, a first lens and a second lens. A housing of the light source includes a substantially plane light-emitting surface, and the light-guiding unit guides light emitted by the light source. The fixing portion is disposed on one side of the light-guiding unit for fastening the light source. The first lens is disposed on one side of the fixing portion close to the light-guiding unit for focusing the light emitted by the light source onto a working surface. The second lens is disposed on an optical path between the light source and the first lens using injection molding for focusing the light provided by the light source onto a focal point of the first lens.

Abstract: In order to enhance accuracy of determination as to whether an object has contacted a screen and to enhance accuracy of calculation of a coordinate position of the object, edges of an imaged image are detected by an edge detection circuit 76, and by using the edges, it is determined by a contact determination circuit 77 whether or not the object has contacted the screen. Moreover, in order to appropriately control sensitivity of optical sensors in response to external light, by a calibration circuit 93, a drive condition of the optical sensors is changed based on output values of the optical sensors, which are varied in response to the external light.

Abstract: A method for operating a hand held optical pointing device, such as an optical mouse, involves capturing a plurality of arrays of data in a hand held optical pointing device representing light reflected from irregularities on a surface, processing at least some of the plurality of arrays of data in the device to estimate movement of the device with respect to the surface during each of a plurality of measurement cycles, and sending a series of estimated movement update signals to a computer, each such estimated movement update signal representing the estimated relative movement of the handheld optical pointing device with respect to the surface during more than one of the plurality of measurement cycles.

Abstract: A method of detecting image movement is provided. A reference frame is accessed, and a reference window is captured from the reference frame. A sampling frame is then accessed. When the reference window has not reached the margin of the reference frame, a new window is captured from the reference frame to replace the reference window. From the reference frame, a window matching the reference window is searched and a moving vector is calculated. When the sampling window reaches the margin of the sampling frame, the sampling frame replaces the reference frame. Another reference window is also captured from the reference frame, and the step of accessing the sampling frame is repeated.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes an integrated package. The integrated package includes a planar leadframe, a light source die mounted on the leadframe, and a sensor die mounted on the leadframe to be coplanar with the light source die. The integrated package may be mounted at an angle or parallel to a navigation surface. The sensor die may be mounted at a distance from the light source die to detect specular or scattered reflection. The optical navigation device may be devoid of any optical element used to manipulate light generated by the light source die.

Abstract: There is provided a pointing device including a light source that provides incident light for illuminating a front surface of a substrate at a predetermined angle of incidence, the substrate having a rear surface as well as the front surface and being transparent to the wavelength of the incident light, a detector that detects the intensity of speckle light from the front and rear surfaces, the speckle light generated from the incident light, and legs that are in contact with the substrate and charge the front surface of the substrate through friction between the legs and the substrate.

Abstract: An optical mouse includes a housing movable across a work surface with a source of non-coherent light in the movable housing for illuminating the work surface at a low or grazing angle of incidence, and may include a two dimensional array of photodetectors, each of which may produce an output in response to light reflected from surface irregularities on the illuminated work surface. The housing may include a memory for storing the photodetector outputs captured at one or more times. Circuitry in the housing may track movement of the housing relative to the work surface by comparing at least some of the photo detector outputs captured at a first time with at least some of the photo detector outputs captured at a second time depending upon whether a characteristic condition in the photo detector outputs, such as uniformity, is detected.

Abstract: An optical mouse for controlling a cursor on a display. The mouse emits a light beam that interacts with a target surface and receives reflected light therefrom to detect movement of the mouse. The mouse includes a housing, a single-mode VCSEL disposed within the housing for emitting the light beam through a surface of the housing, the emitted light interacting with the target surface, a photodetector disposed within the housing that receives the light reflected from the target surface and that provides an electrical output and a processor that receives the electrical output and calculates a value that is indicative of the amount and direction of movement of the optical mouse relative to the target surface.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided having an image sensor for sensing coded tags disposed on an interactive surface, a force sensor configured to sense a force applied to the interactive surface by the sensing device to generate force data indicative of the force, a processor configured to generate, using at least one sensed coded tag, indicating data, and a transmitter configured to communicate the indicating and force data to a computer system. Each coded tag encoding data identifies an orientation of that coded tag. The indicating data is indicative of a rotational orientation of the sensing device relative to interactive surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect operating states of a display based on visible light are disclosed. An example device to detect an operating state of a display includes at least one optical sensor and a logic circuit. The at least one optical sensor is disposed to detect visible light emanating from a screen of the display and to convert the visible light into an electrical signal. The logic circuit is coupled to the at least one optical sensor to generate an output signal indicative of the operating state of the display based on the electrical signal.