Abstract: An optical navigation input device with a light guide which acts as a beam shaping element. The optical navigation input device includes a light source and the light guide. The light source emits a light beam having a substantially elliptical or substantially circular cross section. The light guide is positioned relative to the light source to receive the light beam from the light source in a first direction. The light guide also redirects the light beam in a second direction toward an illumination surface at a non-zero angle of incidence. The light guide directs the light beam through a refraction interface in order to illuminate a substantially circular area on the illumination surface.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a panel (10) having a light-pervious area (142), a light source (60) attached on the panel for lighting the light-pervious area, a variable resistor (30) electrically connected in series with the light source, and a rotating member (40) rotatably attached on the panel, the rotating member is engagingly coupled to the variable resistor and is manually rotatable in a manner that a resistance of the variable resistor is adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing battery power consumption of a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus and the method uses information surrounding a mouse function as a value of a light sensor to adjust an LCD brightness. The apparatus includes a sensor part for determining first sensing information for determining whether a function using ambient brightness information operates, and second sensing information for determining the ambient brightness; wherein an adjustment to a screen brightness of the portable terminal is made using the second sensing information when the first sensing information is not operative.

Abstract: An optical navigation device with a phase grating for beam steering. The optical navigation device includes a light source, and image sensor, and a beam steering element. The light source directs a light beam toward a navigation surface. The image sensor receives light along an imaging path and generates a navigation image of the navigation surface from the light received along the imaging path. The beam steering element is disposed between the navigation surface and the image sensor. The beam steering element receives reflected light from the navigation surface along a specular reflection path. The beam steering element directs a first portion of the reflected light along the imaging path toward the image sensor. The beam steering element directs a second portion of the reflected light along a beam steering path away from the imaging path.

Abstract: An optical input device includes a first body, a second body and a processing unit. The first body is moved on a surface. The second body performs relative motion with respect to the first body. The processing unit obtains a displacement of the first body on the surface and a relative variation between the second body and the first body, controls at least one cursor according to the displacement, and controls the update of an image display according to the relative variation. The present invention further provides an operating method of an optical input device and an image system.

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 is provided with function buttons being aligned back and forth on its surface. Thus, the width is narrower than in a general mouse to make the mouse slim. Furthermore, the back-and-forth function buttons can be pressed by a finger tip put on the upper surface of the mouse to operate the mouse.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an optical displacement sensor for sensing movement of a data input device across a surface by determining displacement of optical features in a succession of frames. The sensor includes at least an illuminator, telecentric imaging optics on the object (scattering surface) side, and an array of photosensitive elements. The illuminator is configured to illuminate a portion of the surface. The telecentric imaging optics is configured to image the optical features emanating from the illuminated portion of the surface, and the array of photosensitive elements is configured to detect intensity data relating to the optical features imaged by the telecentric imaging optics. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for simultaneous view and point navigation. In a first embodiment of the invention, a single virtual environment interaction method can include maintaining first and second independent views corresponding to respectively different geometric planes in a single virtual environment, such as a flight simulator, first-person or third-person shooter game or avatar-driven adventure game. The method also can include independently changing the first view responsive to a first input directive from a first input device while concurrently changing the second view responsive to a second input directive from a second input device. Thereafter, the method further can include modifying a point of interest in one of the views responsive to a third input directive from one of the first and second input devices. Optionally, the devices can include an under-mouse sensor and trackpoint included as part of a dual-pointer mouse.

Abstract: A finger computer mouse for mounting on and operation by a finger, the finger computer mouse comprising a body having a first end and a second end; a first switch at the first end and a second switch at one of the second end and intermediate the first and second ends; operation of the first switch being the equivalent of a right click and operation of the second switch being the equivalent of a left click.

Abstract: A computer input device, such as a mouse, has a processing circuit, a memory having instructions for controlling operations of the processing circuit, a surface movement sensor in communication with the processing circuit providing to the processing circuit first signals indicative of sensed movement of the computer input device upon a surface, and one or more touchless sensor subsystems in communication with the processing circuit providing to the processing circuit second signals indicative of sensed surface movements relative to the computer input device occurring in spaced proximity to the computer input device. A transmission circuit under control of the processing circuit issues transmissions to a computer representative of the first and second signals to cause regions or locations on a computer display screen to be pointed to, to cause information which is represented on the computer display screen to be moved and/or selected, to cause locations on the computer display screen to be designated, etc.

Abstract: Manufacturing an optical module includes providing a frame, attaching a light-emitting diode chip and a sensor chip to the frame, and forming overcoats on the light-emitting diode chip and the sensor chip. Each of the overcoats includes a lens. The overcoats can prevent internal chips from being damaged and suffering dust contamination during manufacture.

Abstract: An input device that adjusts its operation mode according to operation directions includes a movement sensing module, an operation direction control unit, a micro-control unit, and a transmission module. The movement sensing module for sensing a plurality of reflection images relative to a light source that is reflected by a reflection surface. Furthermore the movement sensing module obtains a movement displacement amount and a movement direction of the input device according to pattern variations between the reflection images. The operation direction control unit provides an operation direction of the movement sensing module. The micro-control unit converts the movement direction sensed by the movement sensing module according to the operation direction of the movement sensing module. The transmission module transmits the movement displacement amount and the converted movement direction of the input device to a host terminal so as to control a cursor displayed on the host terminal.

Abstract: An optical pointing device is provided. The optical pointing device includes: a base plate; a circuit board disposed on one side of the base plate, and having a light source irradiating light and a sensor receiving a light reflected from a working surface; an optical structure disposed between the base plate and the circuit board and having a light path guiding the light irradiated from the light source to the sensor; and a light blocking mean disposed on the light path to block the light path when the base plate is separated from a predetermined position.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for using the same are disclosed. The pointing device includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a controller. The illumination system illuminates a portion of a surface over which the pointing device travels with coherent light. The imaging system includes a first window for receiving light from the illuminated portion of the surface and transmitting that light to a first imaging array such that a speckle pattern is generated on the first imaging array and a second window includes an imaging optical system for forming an image of part of the illuminated portion of the surface on a second imaging array. The controller selects either the first imaging array or the second imaging array and compares the output of the selected imaging array at first and second times to determine a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the pointing device moved.

Abstract: An optical navigator sensor for sensing an image of an object comprises a substrate, a laser diode, an optical sensor device and a housing. The optical sensor device and the laser diode are fixed on the base plate and covered by the housing. The housing guides the light emitted from the laser diode to the object and guides the light reflected from the object to the optical sensor device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical navigation sensor for a computer mouse is designed to be operable on an optically transparent material. The optically transparent material may include a contact surface on which the mouse sits during normal operation. An optically rough tracking surface is provided below the contact surface. The mouse includes a light source that illuminates an area on the contact surface and an area on the tracking surface. The mouse may include a tracking sensor onto which the illuminated area on the tracking surface is imaged to detect mouse displacement. The mouse may also include a lift sensor that picks up specular light reflected from the illuminated area on the contact surface to generate lift information indicative of whether the mouse has been lifted off the contact surface. Tracking of the mouse displacement may be qualified with the lift information.

Abstract: A method for operating an optical pointing device involves capturing a plurality of arrays of data, representing light reflected from a surface to a two-dimensional array of photo detectors, processing at least some of the plurality of arrays of data to estimate movement of the surface during each of a plurality of measurement cycles, and sending a series of estimated movement update signals to a computer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optic system for providing illumination and imaging functions in an optical navigation system. Generally, the optic system includes a unitary optic component having an illumination lens and at least one prism to project a collimated beam of light from a light source in the optical navigation system onto a surface, and an imaging lens to image at least a portion of the illuminated surface to an array of photosensitive elements. In one embodiment, optic system further includes an aperture component having a precision aperture, the aperture component configured to locate the precision aperture between the imaging lens of the unitary optic component and the array of photosensitive elements in a path of light reflected from the portion of the illuminated surface to the array of photosensitive elements. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing input of an optical mouse sensor having the optical mouse sensor as an input unit are provided. In the method, a touch movement velocity associated with input of the optical mouse sensor is determined. The movement velocity is compared with a threshold. If the movement velocity is less than the threshold, the input of the optical mouse sensor is processed as continuous key input.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for tracking motion across a surface by creating an interference pattern by reflecting light from the surface. There is produced, as a result of sensor moving across the surface, at least one signal pattern corresponding to a detection of a dimension of the interference pattern. This detected dimension is associated with an assumed dimensional value to determine a distance traveled by the sensor.

Abstract: A control circuit having a drive circuit and a controller adapted for use in optical mice is disclosed. The drive circuit is connected between first and second ports and passes a current between those ports having an amplitude determined by a control signal that is generated by the controller. The first port is connected to an illumination device and the second port is connected to a power rail. The control circuit also includes a potential measuring circuit that generates a signal indicative of a drive circuit potential between the first and second ports. The controller records the drive circuit potential for a predetermined current when the first port is connected to an illumination device. The controller sets the control signal based on the recorded drive circuit potential. The control circuit can record the drive circuit potential when the controller is powered.

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

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

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a laser positioning device for sensing relative movement between a data input device and a surface by determining displacement of image features in a succession of images of the surface. The device forms a single integrated package, which includes a planar substrate and a transparent encapsulant that also embodies a collimating lens. Both a coherent light source and a sensor array and associated circuitry are configured on the planar substrate. Another embodiment relates to a method of sensing relative movement between a data input device and a surface. Coherent light is emitted from a laser and collimated so as to form a collimated illumination beam with a predetermined diameter, D, and a substantially uniform phase front. A speckle pattern is generated by impingement of the collimated illumination beam on the surface and detected by a sensor array. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical navigation device that is capable of performing pattern detection. An optical navigation device according to the present teachings includes a image sensor that acquires a series of images of a surface and an image buffer for holding a template and a processor that detects a pattern on the surface by comparing the series of images to the template. The form factor of an optical navigation device enables its use as a pattern detection device for a wide variety of patterns on a wide variety of surfaces having a wide variety of forms.

Abstract: A housing for a control device includes an enclosed cavity configured to secure an optical detection system, including a light source and a sensor, and a face of the enclosed cavity configured to include a window to allow light from the light source to scatter light off of a surface and configured to allow reception of the scattered light on the sensor. In this configuration the housing is structured to prevent exposure of the optical detection system to external elements such as the surface. Also disclosed is a homodyning system for use with a coherent light source optical pointing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical navigation system for determining a pose, which includes the position and orientation of an object in an environment. The optical navigation system uses a number of beacons affixed at known locations in the environment to provide electromagnetic radiation in a sequenced pattern. An on-board optic images the radiation from the beacons onto an on-board centroid sensing device to obtain an imaged distribution of the radiation on the on-board centroid sensing device. The centroid sensing device determines the centroid of the imaged distribution and provides centroid information to a navigation unit for determining the pose of the object from the centroid. The navigation system is particularly well-suited for navigating hand-held objects.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an operation frequency of an optical input device is introduced. The method includes capturing and setting a first image as a reference frame of the optical input device; capturing and setting a plurality of frames as a plurality of sample frames of the optical input device; analyzing the plurality of sample frames according to the reference frame; capturing a second image according to a predetermined rule and setting the second image as the reference frame of the optical input device instead of the first image; and adjusting an operation frequency of the optical input device according to a time interval between setting the first image as the reference frame of the optical input device and setting the second image as the reference frame of the optical input device.

Abstract: A multi-direction input device for computers includes a direction wheel, a toggle mechanism and a plurality of electrodes. The direction wheel has one-degree of rotational freedom and two-degree of freedom to perform clicking, forward rolling, backward rolling, leftward moving and rightward moving operations. Thereby mating electrodes are electrically connected to generate corresponding signals. In normal conditions, the toggle mechanism and a movable contact jointly support the direction wheel. When the direction wheel is depressed, the toggle mechanism drives and connects a corresponding electrode to generate a click signal.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of sensing motion of an optical sensor relative to a surface. A first resolution and a second resolution are set. Measurement signals are obtained from a sensor array, and the motion of the optical sensor relative to the surface is tracked using the measurement signals. The tracking of the motion in a first dimension is performed at the first resolution, and the tracking of the motion in a second dimension is performed at the second resolution. Another embodiment relates to an optical sensor apparatus for sensing motion relative to a surface, wherein the tracking of the motion is performed at a variable resolution along each of two axes. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical navigation system having two or more optical pipelines for image acquisition and a single multiplexed optical array. Each of the two or more optical pipelines for image acquisition may include an illuminator that emits optical radiation at a navigation surface where each navigation surface is separate from the other navigation surfaces. The single multiplexed optical array may be configured to receive optical radiation reflected from the respective navigation surfaces. The optical navigation system may further include illuminator drivers that control each of the optical pipelines for image acquisition and an optical sensor that is configured to multiplex the images recovered by the optical pipelines for image acquisition and perform image correlation for the different navigation surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a calibration method of projection effect. The calibration method of projection effect according to the invention comprises the following steps. The first, step (a) is performed to make an optical navigation system move along a predetermined trace relative to an object plane. Then, step (b) is performed to sense the predetermined trace by a sensor to obtain a projection trace. The next, step (c) is performed to calculate a projection effect value according to the included angle between a reflected light and the object plane. Finally, step (d) is performed to calibrate the projection trace with the projection effect value to obtain a calibration trace which is in proportion to the predetermined trace.

Abstract: Embodiments of an input device are disclosed.

Abstract: An image invariant optical speckle capturing device and method. A highly coherent light is used to illuminate a surface and is scattered by the surface, and is captured from the direction with a ±10° from the angle of specular reflection. A light restrictive module is designed to confine the angular field of view of the sensor, when the speckle capturing device has a relative motion with respect to the surface, the speckle only move on the image but the shape and the intensity are almost keep constant, that is favorable for high accuracy optical pattern recognition and positioning.

Abstract: An optical mouse employs an optical mouse controller and an optical mouse sensor. In operation, the optical mouse sensor generates an image sensing report signal indicative of a movement of the optical mouse over a surface of an object and communicates the image sensing report signal to the optical mouse controller based on a CPI resolution setting of the optical mouse sensor. To be responsive to varying applications, the optical mouse sensor detects a dynamic movement variable associated with the movement of the optical mouse over the surface of the object and controls a switching of the CPI resolution setting among at least two different CPI resolutions based on a detection of the dynamic movement variable.

Abstract: A method and system for visually tracking a point of contact of an optical output from a computer input device includes an internal camera configured to visually track the point of contact of the optical output against a surface and an optical source to transmit the optical output from the computer input device. The camera also transmits the position of the point of contact as a computer input. In one form, the computer applies the position of the point of contact as an input to an application operating on the computer, such as a gaming application. In one form, the camera can visually track the movement of the computer input device along a surface.

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

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

Abstract: A light pipe for an optical navigation system. The light pipe includes a collection surface, a collimation surface, and a reflective surface. The collection surface is to accept incident light into the light pipe from a light source. The collimation surface is to collimate the light and to direct the collimated light to a navigation plane for detection by a navigation sensor. The reflective surface is between the collection surface and the collimation surface and is to reflect the light along a reflective path as the light travels within the light pipe from the collection surface to the collimation surface. The reflective surface has a curved geometry oriented substantially along the path of travel of the light through the light pipe. The curved geometry of the reflective path facilitates convergence of the light with respect to a first axis.

Abstract: Operating a pointing device in a low power manner by receiving first tracking information from a first tracking device, de-activating the first tracking device when the accuracy of the first tracking information is determined to be inadequate, activating a second tracking device in order to acquire second tracking information when the first tracking device is deactivated, wherein the first tracking device is substantially lower power device that the second tracking device.

Abstract: Universal Video Computer Vision Input Virtual Space Mouse-Keyboard Control Panel Robot has computer system use video vision camera sensors, logical vision sensor programming as trainable computer vision seeing objects movements X, Y, Z dimensions' definitions to recognize users commands by their Hands gestures and/or enhance symbols, colors objects combination actions to virtually input data, and commands to operate computer, and machines. The robot has automatically calibrated working space into Space Mouse Zone, Space Keyboard zone, and Hand-Sign Languages Zone between user and itself. The robot automatically translate the receiving coordination users' hand gesture actions combinations on the customizable puzzle-cell positions of working space and mapping to its software mapping lists for each of the puzzle-cell position definition and calibrate these user hand and/or body gestures' virtual space actions into entering data and commands to computer meaningful computer, machine, home appliances operations.

Abstract: An image processing method of a optical navigator includes the steps of: capturing a first image and calculating an average brightness of the first image; determining whether the average brightness is between a first threshold value and a second threshold value; when the average brightness is between the first and second threshold values, determining whether the first image is attenuated by an attenuation value; when the first image is not attenuated by the attenuation value, updating the attenuation value and a gain; attenuating the first image with the updated attenuation value and amplifying the attenuated first image with the gain; and comparing the attenuated and amplified first image with a reference image to obtain a displacement. The present invention further provides an optical navigator.

Abstract: A three-dimensional force and torque converter unit for measuring an external force or torque applied to the unit and converting it into a signal, whereby the signal may be used to control a system or device incorporating the converter unit. The converter unit includes a controller formed with four spaced apart arms having six or more degrees of constraint. A force or torque may be applied to the tip portions of each of the arms via a gripping means. Sensors are used to measure the deflection of the arms under an applied loading or torque and an output signal is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a light source and optical input device using the same. The light source controlling method includes setting a shutter ON time of an image sensor using a statistical value of an image obtained through the image sensor, and setting a light source ON time in accordance with the shutter ON time and turning on/off the light source and the shutter in response to the set light source ON time and the set shutter ON time. Thus, undesired consumption of electric power of the light source is prevented to increase energy efficiency by actively setting an ON/OFF period of the light source consuming the maximum electric current in the optical input device according to a shutter ON/OFF period. Further, availability of the light source and its electric current is enhanced by controlling the light source for the shutter OFF period and by allowing the light source to be used as a source for the data transmission.

Abstract: Well-designed absolutely fixing mechanisms are provided for optical mice to avoid loose engagement between the optical components and base plate in an optical mouse, and eliminate shifting and out-of-focus of the light path in the optical mouse, thereby improving performance of the optical mouse.

Abstract: A mouse having a scrolling function includes a mouse body, an optical finger navigation module and a control unit. The optical finger navigation module is used for sensing a motion of a user's finger. The control unit controls a frame of a computer to be scrolled at an adjustable scrolling speed according to a moving speed of the user's finger.

Abstract: A wireless mouse includes a housing, a wireless signal receiver, a power switch, a carrier seat and a push-push element. The power switch is arranged inside the housing and includes a triggering part. The carrier seat is movably installed inside the housing for carrying the wireless signal receiver thereon and has a knob exposed outside a surface of the housing. The push-push element is arranged inside the housing and includes a clipping part for engaging with the carrier seat to fix the carrier seat in a first position or a second position. When the carrier seat is fixed in the first position, the carrier seat contacts the triggering part of the power switch to turn off the power switch.

Abstract: An optical mouse system with a high-angle optical path features small size and low power consumption. The illumination source and optical sensor are mounted in the same plane, directly on the PCB. The higher angle of the optical path causes more light to be reflected to the optical sensor, increasing optical efficiency and allowing a smaller, lower powered LED to be used. This also results in increased sensitivity of the optical sensor, allowing use of the mouse on surfaces on which conventional optical mice cannot function adequately. Sensitivity can be further increased by optional isolation of the optical sensor and illumination source. Lower power usage increases battery life for mobile or wireless-mouse use, while reducing thermal waste considerations. This allows the creation of a significantly smaller form factor for the overall package, thereby reducing materials costs and giving designers more flexibility for external design considerations.

Abstract: A vertical gyroscope is adapted for use as a pointing device for controlling the position of a cursor on the display of a computer. A motor at the core of the gyroscope is suspended by two pairs of orthogonal gimbals from a hand-held controller device and nominally oriented with its spin axis vertical by a pendulous device. Electro-optical shaft angle encoders sense the orientation of a hand-held controller device as it is manipulated by a user and the resulting electrical output is converted into a format usable by a computer to control the movement of a cursor on the screen of the computer display. For additional ease of use, the bottom of the controller is rounded so that the controller can be pointing while sitting on a surface. A third input is provided by providing a horizontal gyroscope within the pointing device. The third rotational signal can be used to either rotate a displayed object or to display or simulate a third dimension.