Abstract: An inertial mouse device includes a main body; an accelerometer unit disposed in the main body for performing a motion-sensing function of the main body with at least two degrees of freedom, and generating a calibration output value when the main body is in a still state; and a microprocessor in communication with the accelerometer unit, receiving and processing the calibration output value with an operation so as to obtain an angle of the accelerometer unit relative to horizon. The microprocessor generates a shift signal when the main body is in a motional state, and performs calibration for the shift signal according to the angle.

Abstract: An optical displacement system for an input device of a host device includes a substrate; an aperture; a light source and a sensor chip attached to the substrate, an illumination optics to direct the light emitted by the light source to a surface of an object. The sensor chip is configured to receive at least part of the light emitted by the light source after the light has been scattered/reflected on the surface of the object.

Abstract: The low power image sensor includes: an image sensing unit which senses light from an object, converts the light into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal; a comparing unit which receives an electric signal from the image sensor, compares a voltage level of the electric signal with a reference voltage, and outputs an image signal as a 1 bit signal per pixel; and an effective image adjuster which compares bit value distribution of an image signal output from the comperator with a preset effective range, and adjusts the effective image to output an effective image. Further, an optical pointing device includes: an image sensor which senses light from an object and outputs an image signal; and a motion computing unit which receives the image signal and compares before and after images to calculate a motion vector.

Abstract: Two or more spatial filters are used in determining velocity based on speckle translation. A light source may be turned on, turned off, or both for a variable amount of time during operation. The velocity may then be determined with trend identification, correlation, recursive frequency estimation, or measurement bandwidth variation. A confidence level may also be calculated for the measured velocity, and the measured velocity reported or used only when the calculated confidence level meets or exceeds a given value.

Abstract: The invention mainly relates to a mouse with a capacitive tact switch incorporated thereto. When the user touches the mouse, the capacitive tact switch in the mouse will sense the proximity and inform the host control circuit immediately. Contrarily, when the user's hand is leaving the mouse, the capacitive tact switch will inform the host control circuit to shut down completely the most power consuming parts such as RF module, CMOS sensor thereby the goal of power saving can be achieved.

Abstract: An optical computer mouse has a support structure that can be moved across a surface. An illumination source that illuminates a region of the surface is coupled to the support structure. An imaging system in the mouse includes an optical sensor array that receives light from the illuminated region of the work surface and an image processor that receives data from the optical sensor array. The optical computer mouse may be switched between a navigation mode of operation, in which the image processor detects motion of the optical computer mouse over the work surface, and a barcode reading mode of operation, in which the image processor senses a barcode as the optical computer mouse is moved across a barcode.

Abstract: Architecture for automatic switching between multiple modes in a handheld device such as a mouse based on the presence of specular light, or lack thereof. When applied to a presenter mouse, the architecture facilitates the automatic switching between mouse mode and presenter mode without manual intervention by the user. An optical approach is well suited since most optical systems include a light source, lenses, and light sensors to detect reflected light from the source (or lack thereof). The approach leverages the existing light source and lenses in a mouse to minimize incremental cost, yet provide a robust technique for detecting lift from the tracking surface thereby automatically switching between modes as the user moves the mouse on and off the tracking surface. A delay circuit and/or image comparison can also be provided that eliminates undesirable triggering to a different mode by preventing unintended switching between the multiple modes.

Abstract: An optical input apparatus including light sources, light receiving areas, and processing circuits. The light from the sources can be reflected by fingers into the receiving areas where the incident light can trigger electrical signals. The processing circuits can process the signals and transmit corresponding data entry or pointing information to host computer or other electronic systems. The light receiving areas can be arranged and assigned functions to perform keyboard and mouse functions. Additional touch/pressure-triggered switch can be included to assist selection of keys. This invention enables fast and touchless operation of keyboard and mouse that avoid repetitive strain injuries and pains. It also enables fast and more convenient use of small size keyboard.

Abstract: A motion-detecting module includes a PCB, a light-emitting unit, and a light-sensing unit. The light-emitting unit is electrically disposed over the PCB. The light-sensing unit has a light-sensing die electrically disposed on the PCB and a package cover covered on the light-sensing die, and the package cover has a through hole corresponding to the light-sensing die and a transparent element disposed in the through hole. The present invention does not need extra package protection body of the prior art for protecting the light-sensing die during the transport of the light-sensing module. The present invention use original package cover to prevent the light-sensing die from being damaged by external force, and the original package cover shelters the light-sensing die from extra stray light.

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

Abstract: An optical pointing device includes: an image input part emitting light and accumulating the light reflected from a working surface during a sampling period to generate an analog image, and converting the analog image into a digital image to output a sample frame, a correlation matrix generator comparing the sample frame with a reference area to generate a correlation matrix, selecting one weighting matrix of a plurality of weighting matrices in response to a movement value, and outputting a weighted correlation matrix using the selected weighting matrix, a movement value calculator finding a cell having a largest correlation value among the weighted correlation matrix, calculating the movement value and outputting the movement value to a position of the cell, and transmitting the movement value to the correlation matrix generator to select a following weighting matrix, and an interface converting the outputted movement value into a signal of a certain format.

Abstract: A computer pointing device that provides electromagnetic radiation therapy to help prevent or promote healing for repetitive stress injury. The device, such as a computer mouse, may include a body and a motion sensing device configured to determine movement of the body relative to a reference point. An EMR-emitting device, such as a plurality of LEDs, may be housed on the body and configured to emit EMR such as visible and/or infrared light within preferred wavelength ranges designed to provide therapeutic affects for the hand of a user.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a digital pen (100) comprises the steps of: i) acquiring calibration data indicative of parameters indicative of an offset between a nib (108) of the pen (100) and a field of view (124) of a camera (114) whilst the pen is in use; and ii) using the calibration data to compensate for the offset in subsequently acquired pen usage data. A digital pen, digital paper and software for calibrating a digital pen and a network comprising a digital pen are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A method for providing a continuous key operation in a mobile terminal that uses an input unit for detecting position movement of an object relative to the input unit depending on a change of an input signal, and a mobile terminal implementing the method, is provided. In the method, whether position movement is detected through the input unit is determined. When the position movement is detected, whether a continuous operation control key is actuated within a predefined time is determined. When the continuous operation control key is actuated within the predefined time, an operation corresponding to the detected position movement is repeatedly performed. The method for the continuous key operation of the mobile terminal provides convenience to a user who uses a directional key service through an optical mouse and a touchscreen.

Abstract: A mouse having a shake-elimination function when leaving a working plane is provided. A light sensing unit detects a light emitted by a light emitting unit toward a working plane or a column shaped member, and outputs a detection signal. A microprocessor determines whether the mouse is apart from the working plane according to the detection signal. When it is determined that the mouse is positioned apart from the working plane, the microprocessor clears the displacement amount obtained from the communication interface of the optical displacement sensor, and meanwhile the microprocessor inform the computer that the mouse is apart from the working plane. In such a way, when the user lifts the mouse up from the working plane, the displacement signal outputted from the optical displacement sensor won't cause the cursor shake.

Abstract: A method of estimating a position of a point on a writing implement relative to an optical sensor mounted on the writing implement is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) placing the point in contact with a coded surface; (b) capturing, using the sensor, at least two images of the coded surface at different rotations of the writing implement relative to the surface; (c) determining, from a perspective distortion of the coded surface in each image, an estimated rotation and viewing distance for each image; and (d) estimating, from the estimated rotations and viewing distances, the position of the point relative to the optical sensor.

Abstract: Two or more spatial filters are used in determining velocity based on speckle translation. A light source may be turned on, turned off, or both for a variable amount of time during operation. The velocity may then be determined with trend identification, correlation, recursive frequency estimation, or measurement bandwidth variation. A confidence level may also be calculated for the measured velocity, and the measured velocity reported or used only when the calculated confidence level meets or exceeds a given value.

Abstract: Provided is a handheld terminal. The handheld terminal includes a case having a through-hole formed at one side thereof; and an optical module constituted by a circuit board in which a light source for irradiating light and a sensor for receiving the light are installed, a lens disposed at one side of the circuit board and inserted into the through-hole, and a support bracket disposed at the other side of the circuit board. Therefore, it is possible to uniformly maintain the height of the sensor for receiving light based on the thickness of the lens to maintain a certain depth of focus.

Abstract: Movement of a hand operated pointing device may be tracked by providing a source of non-coherent light in a movable housing for illuminating a work surface and providing circuitry for producing a plurality of two dimensional arrays of data related to light reflected by surface irregularities on the illuminated work surface and for processing a first array with a second array to track movement of the housing relative to the illuminated work surface. Circuitry may be provided for processing the first array with the second array to predict further movement of the housing relative to the illuminated work surface. Circuitry may be provided for selecting a different portion of the first array in accordance with the prediction for processing with a third array to track further movement of the housing. Circuitry may be provided for determining validity of the tracked movement and sending a signal to a computer related to the tracked movement unless the tracked movement is determined not to be valid.

Abstract: A method for providing interactive self-supporting screen with scalable flexibility. Such a support combined with a flexible computer screen enables reliable touch, writing, mobile drawing, accurate selection, and virtual typing without requiring desk or table space. A flexible screen when rolled up will provide a reduced footprint device for storage or transport and the selective deployment to the required size as the operator desires. Consisting of Protective layer (Flexible-paper feel surface, can be touch enabled), Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) layer, back light layer (if required), Backing (flexible, slat seam filling; blotter feel), Slats or slabs (Curtin or blinds like), and pullout, telescoping, or swing out cantilever supports.

Abstract: An image sensor, an optical pointing device and a motion calculating method of the optical pointing device are disclosed. The optical pointing device includes an image sensor for obtaining and providing a surface image corresponding to a motion searching range; and an image processor for determining a direction and a length of an X axis and a Y axis of the motion searching range and a reference area to continuously obtain the surface image corresponding to the direction and length of the X axis and Y axis, obtaining a reference frame and a current frame using the continuously obtained surface image, setting a certain area of the reference frame corresponding to the direction and length of the X axis and Y axis of the reference area as the reference area, and calculating a correlation between the reference area and the sample frame, to thereby calculate motion. The image sensor can obtain the larger surface image in the X axis direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monitor, a camera for sensing an image on the monitor, a translucent material positioned between the monitor and the camera, and a processor for receiving the sensed image from the camera, determining a location of a laser spot with respect to the sensed image, and controlling an aspect of the display in response to the location of the spot. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A computer input apparatus is disclosed which has improved safety control. The computer input apparatus includes a calibration circuit to control the operation current of a coherent light source to be above a minimum threshold required for normal operations, but below an upper threshold for safety reason. The computer input apparatus includes a fault detection circuit to monitor fault conditions. When this computer input apparatus employs a coherent light source, it does not require any optical lens to diminish optical power.

Abstract: Disclosed are a navigation system and a navigation method, wherein the navigation method comprises the steps of sequentially providing image frames containing navigation information and generating electric signals corresponding to a position of an optical sensor, storing a first image frame into a reference frame memory as a reference frame, storing an input image frame subsequent to the first image frame into an input frame memory as a current input frame, setting a mask window having a predetermined size on the reference frame, obtaining correlation values over all the pixels on the current input frame by a full search comparison method, by moving the mask window on the current input frame pixel by pixel, calculating X-axis and Y-axis displacements of a pixel having the greatest correlation value of all the pixels, and updating the reference frame using the current input frame stored in the input frame memory.

Abstract: A computer input device controller dynamically adjusts the rate at which an illumination source is activated, and may also adjust the rate at which other optical tracking system components are activated. As the velocity of optical tracking system movement relative to a tracked surface increases, the controller increases the activation rate(s). As the velocity of relative movement decreases, the controller decreases the activation rate(s). Future displacements of a tracking system relative to a tracked surface are also estimated. In particular, relative tracking system/tracked surface velocity is calculated based on a series of images. Relative displacement is then estimated based on the calculated velocity.

Abstract: An image capturing device is disclosed. The image capturing device includes: a light-emitting component for generating a light ray; a light-guiding component for providing a first straight light-guiding path to guide the light ray generated by the light-emitting component toward a surface; and a sensor for sensing the light ray reflected by the surface to detect a movement of the image capturing device on the surface.

Abstract: An input device for a computer is provided. The input device includes a motion detector and a receiver. The motion detector has an inertia sensor, a gyro, an optical mouse module, and a microprocessor. When the motion detector is in a motion operation mode, the inertia sensor and the gyro are enabled for detecting a motion state and direction of the motion detector in a 3-D space, so as to generate an inertia data and a direction data. When the motion detector is in a mouse operation mode, the optical mouse module is enabled for detecting a motion stat of the motion detector on a 2-D plane, so as to generate a coordinate data. The microprocessor codes the coordinate data or codes the inertia data and the direction data to generate a detecting data for the receiver. Then, the detecting data is transmitted to the computer for operating the computer.

Abstract: A signal processing method for an optical trace-detecting module is adapted to perform signal processing between a hardware device having an optical trace-detecting module and a computer device. After a hardware device performs signal connection with a computer device, a fingerprint recognition start-up is implemented by an optical trace-detecting module of the hardware device. Continuous image detection is then performed for displacement control. The presence of the hardware device is confirmed by a start-up procedure of the computer device. A single fingerprint image is picked up by the optical trace-detecting module of the hardware device so as to perform start-up ID recognition. After that, a plurality of frames of object images is continuously picked up by the optical trace-detecting module, and then converted into a displacement signal to be transmitted to the computer device, so as to control a window interface.

Abstract: A new mobile electronic device, referred to as a soap, may be used to control electronic devices, external or internal to the soap, in an intuitive, convenient, and comfortable manner. For example, a soap may serve as an alternative to input devices such as a mouse. A soap device may include a core, and a hull that at least partially encloses the core. The core includes a tracking component capable of tracking movement relative to the hull. The soap input device also includes a transmission component configured to transmit a signal from the tracking component to a computing device, where it may control the position of a pointer and the use of a selector on a monitor. The hull may be soft and flexible, the core may be freely rotatable about at least one axis. The core has a shape such that tangentially applied pressure rotates the core relative to the hull. A user may therefore control an electronic device, simply by rolling and manipulating the soap.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical mouse device with a Micromirror Array Lens (MMAL) is provided. To have the three-dimensional optical mouse system, a three-dimensional imaging device is used for detecting the motion of optical pointer or fingers of the user and gives a location of the pointer to computer working as a pointing device in three-dimension. This three-dimensional pointing system uses three-dimensional imaging device using MMAL with variable focal length.

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

Abstract: An optical mouse light emitter has a transparent body, a divergent light-emitting component and a disc reflective structure. The transparent body has a front end surface and a lateral circular surface. The light-emitting component is built in the transparent body. The disc reflective structure is built on the lateral circular surface. The disc reflective structure has an internal surface. The light emitted from the light-emitting component through the front end surface of the transparent body forms a light collection area. The light emitted from the light-emitting component to the internal surface of the disc reflective structure is reflected by the internal surface to form an axial parallel light and focused at the light collection area for reducing the light interference and enhancing the illumination so as to improve the light sensing effect of the optical mouse, lower its cost and reduce its electric power consumption.

Abstract: An acceleration reference device comprises an accelerometer that is configured to generate acceleration information that is indicative of movement of the device; a communication interface that is configured to be communicatively coupled to a proximately located computer; a controller that is configured to generate movement information based on the acceleration information from the accelerometer and to communicate the acceleration information through the communication interface to the proximately located computer. The acceleration reference device cooperates with a cellular communication terminal configured to function as a mouse for the proximately located computer or for itself. Related terminal systems and methods are disclosed for using the device to provide mouse type functions.

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

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus and method for making the apparatus uses a light source and a sensor having an imaging array mounted on a leadframe and encapsulated in an optically transparent body structure. The optically transparent body structure is configured to include a prism-like feature to internally reflect light from the light source toward a target surface and an imaging lens feature to optically manipulate the light reflected from the target surface onto the imaging array of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosure is a position tracking sensor of an optical mouse and method of controlling the same. The position tracking sensor comprises an image sensor for receiving light inputted from exterior of the optical mouse to detect an image and outputting image information on the detected image, and a controller for determining whether the optical mouse is spaced apart from a worktable using the image information and turning off a light source when it is determined that the optical mouse is spaced apart from the worktable. Thus, it is possible not only to prevent malfunction of the optical mouse resulting from the image detected by external light when the optical mouse is spaced apart from the worktable, but also to prevent the light source from being unnecessarily turned on and the resulting undesired consumption of electrical power.

Abstract: An optical sensor module for an optical pointing device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The optical sensor includes: a lead frame having a light receiving hole formed in a pad; an image sensor attached to the pad and detecting light emitted from a light source through the light receiving hole; and a molding member for integrally molding the lead frame and the image sensor. The method includes: forming a light receiving hole in a pad of a lead frame; attaching an image sensor to the pad; connecting the image sensor to a lead of the lead frame by bonding using a wire; molding the lead frame and the image sensor; and trimming the lead of the lead frame to a certain length and forming the lead.

Abstract: Provided are an optical module and an input apparatus having the same. The input apparatus includes the optical module having a circuit board provided with a light source and a sensor installed therein, a lens disposed at one side of the circuit board, and a support bracket disposed at the other side of the circuit board; and a main body having a through-hole at its one side and into which the lens of the optical module is inserted. Therefore, it is possible to uniformly maintain the height of the sensor for receiving light based on the thickness of the lens to maintain a certain depth of focus.

Abstract: A COB module of an optical mouse has a controller circuit and optical components of the optical mouse integrated thereon, so as to improve the problem with conventional optical mice that light path shifting tends to occur and improve the imaging definition. By disposing a button and wheel mechanism independently outside the COB module, the optical mouse has significantly improved flexibility in design, lower cost related to design alteration, and relaxed requirements on alignment and correction during production.

Abstract: An optical pointing device includes an illumination system, an imaging system and at least one diffraction element. The illumination system includes a light source for providing a light beam to a reflective surface outside the optical pointing device. The imaging system includes an image sensor disposed on a transmission path of the light beam after being reflected by the reflective surface. The at least one diffraction element is disposed in the illumination system and/or the imaging system and disposed on the transmission path of the light beam to change the transmission path of the light beam. The present optical pointing device can achieve the advantage of small volume.

Abstract: The system provides a gestural interface to various visually presented elements, presented on a display screen or screens. A gestural vocabulary includes ‘instantaneous’ commands, in which forming one or both hands into the appropriate ‘pose’ results in an immediate, one-time action; and ‘spatial’ commands, in which the operator either refers directly to elements on the screen by way of literal ‘pointing’ gestures or performs navigational maneuvers by way of relative or “offset” gestures. The system contemplates the ability to identify the users hands in the form of a glove or gloves with certain indicia provided thereon, or any suitable means for providing recognizable indicia on a user's hands or body parts. A system of cameras can detect the position, orientation, and movement of the user's hands and translate that information into executable commands.

Abstract: In a lens module and an optical mouse using the lens module, the lens module includes a substrate, a light guide rod and a carrying base. The light guide rod is extended from the substrate along a predetermined direction and has a light incident surface. The carrying base is connected with the light incident surface and has a carrying surface for carrying a light source of the optical mouse. The substrate, the light guide rod and the carrying base are integrated into one piece. The lens module has lower cost.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for processing optical signals in a computer mouse, which is related to electric digital data processing. The method is that the relative displacement vector between the mouse device and the illuminated object surface producing laser speckles is reflected by means of collecting movement information of laser speckle signals. The device for carrying out the method consists of a mouse body; inside said mouse body, an amplifying and shaping module, a direction identifying and counting module and a computer interface circuit for processing photoelectric signals are disposed and connected in sequence, characterized in that, said device further includes at least one laser device and a photo sensor for receiving laser speckle signals from the object surface illuminated by laser beams. Said photo sensor transfers the received photoelectric signals to the amplifying and shaping module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a user interface device that can capture motion in more than two degrees of freedom at a time. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention can include multiple sensors so that, in addition to xy motion, rotational motion can be captured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical mouse. A body of the mouse has a bottom area sufficient to stand up independently and also has a pen shape to be wrapped around and gripped by the user's thumb and index finger. The pen shaped body is formed with a protruding portion having an inclined surface to allow the user's middle finger to rest thereon in a state wherein the user's thumb and index finger wrap around and grip the body and the middle finger is bent. The optical mouse causes no stress on the user's wrist in use by virtue of the pen shaped body, and has stability and accuracy by virtue of a bottom area thereof to allow the mouse to stand up independently, and can be easily assembled by using a standard optical lens, resulting in improved productivity and reduced production costs.

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

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a tracking device to generate movement information for use in moving a user interface object on a graphical user interface. The tracking device is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. The system also includes a base device configured to receive the tracking device. The base device is configured to translate movement of the base device relative to an adjacent surface for use in moving the user interface object.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for adjusting the depth of view in an optical sensor of a pointing device (see FIG. 4). The method and system of the invention allow a user to select a depth of views from multiple depths of view. The user may select the depth of view using an appropriate graphical user interface. The depth of view may also be selected by the pointing device with no user input. In either case, the depth of view of the optical sensor may be adjusted to more accurately account for different levels of contrast in the micro-texture of the user's work surface.

Abstract: An integrated resolution switching surface detection system for an optical navigation device. The integrated resolution switching surface detection system includes a resolution switching engine, a surface detection engine, and a navigation engine. The resolution switching engine sets a resolution status based on a motion speed of a tracking surface relative to a navigation sensor, wherein the motion speed is a measure of motion data over time. The surface detection engine sets a surface detection status based on the resolution status that is set by the resolution engine. The navigation engine reads motion data from the navigation sensor and reports the motion data to a computing device according to the surface detection status that is set by the surface detection engine. Embodiments of the integrated resolution switching surface detection system maintain smooth and predictable cursor movement associated with a plurality of finger assert and finger de-assert events.