Abstract: Provided are an optical pointing apparatus and an automatic gain control (AGC) method thereof. The optical pointing apparatus includes: an image sensor comprised of a plurality of pixels, for receiving light reflected by a work surface, sensing image data, and outputting an electrical signal; an automatic gain control (AGC) unit for receiving the electrical signal, controlling the gain of the electrical signal according to brightness and darkness from images of the work surface and the motion speed of the optical pointing apparatus, and outputting a gain output signal; and an image data processor for receiving the gain output signal, analyzing brightness and darkness from images of the work surface to control the gain of the electrical signal, detecting the motion speed of the optical pointing apparatus to control the gain of the electrical signal, and calculating and outputting the motion speed of the optical pointing apparatus.

Abstract: A mouse for controlling the operation of a handheld wireless communication apparatus is disclosed having on the outside thereof, in addition to the basic left button, right button and roller/button, a reset button, a power switch, a joystick button, a mode selector switch and a quick launch button, and on the inside thereof a 2.4 GHz wireless transmission module and a program-controlled microprocessor so that the wireless mouse can be moved by the user on a support surface or operated with the fingers through the joystick button after separation of the wireless mouse from the support surface to shift or change picture frames on the screen of the controlled handheld wireless communication apparatus by means of a radio frequency control.

Abstract: A proximity sensor measures receptor output with an energy source deactivated. The sensor then measures receptor output with the energy source activated. The measurements with the energy source activated are compared to the measurements with the energy source deactivated to compensate for the effect of ambient conditions. A near condition is recognized if the change between the two groups of measurements exceeds a designated value. To compensate for receptor output that may decrease after reaching a peak value during approach of an object, a near condition can be maintained until the change between the two groups of measurements no longer exceeds a different designated value. Multiple sensors can be used to avoid false near conditions caused by, e.g., placing a device equipped with the sensors next to a stationary object. In one embodiment, a sensor comprises an infrared light emitting diode and a phototransistor.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display memory for storing an image of a first area forming a portion of an entire image; a display section including a display screen having a display area usable for displaying at least a partial image of the first area; a case for exposing the display screen; a scroll unit operable to move a display screen area appearing on the display screen over the image in accordance with a movement of the case; and a controller operable to provide a virtual memory area for storing an image of a second area having a size greater than the size of the first area in the image when the scroll unit moves the display screen area beyond the first area.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that in optical navigation devices it is possible to measure the intensity of light impacting the pixel array of photo-diodes. Based upon such an intensity determination, a feedback signal is used to reduce the intensity of the light to a point where it is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the discharge rate of a capacitive power supply is used to determine the intensity of the light source impacting the pixels. When the discharge rate is faster than a given amount the inference is that the light intensity is too great and power is reduced to the light source to reduce the intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved multi-axis joysticks and associated multi-axis optical displacement measurement means. The displacement measuring means may include one or more light emitters and one or more light detectors, preferably mounted in a planar hexagonal array. The relative position of an adjacent movable reflector assembly can be measured in six degrees of freedom by variations in detected light amplitude. Various ergonomic configurations of six axis joystick embodiments which may be facilitated by the compact design of the transducer means are disclosed. Means for dynamically adjusting coordinate transformations for construction machinery control are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying the spread of a laser beam. The apparatus comprises a laser source operable to generate a laser beam having a flux that exceeds a predetermined value and an optical train operable to modify the beam such that the flux of the beam through a predetermined aperture does not exceed the predetermined value. The optical train may include a focusing lens, a diffractive focusing vortex lens, a beam splitting device, or a two-dimensional diffraction grating.

Abstract: A current output of a drive signal, modulated between two current settings, is applied to a laser diode, e.g. VCSEL. The settings are selected such that laser diode's power output meets the average power and peak power limits of the eye safety standards. The drive signal having a duty cycle toggling between the two settings. The duty cycle is selected such that the average and peak power limits are met for the given upper current setting. The drive circuit may include an analog modulator or digital analog converter (DAC) for maintaining the lower and upper current settings. When the drive circuit is implemented as an integrated circuit, the DAC may be incorporated into the IC. The sensitivity of the DAC is selected to maintain the desired lower and upper current settings.

Abstract: A light brightness controller for an optical mouse, which has a light source, a current switch and a control unit. The light source illuminates a sampling plane of a mouse. The current switch has a plurality of switches respectively connected to the light source such that the control unit connected to the current switch can control an amplitude of current flowing through the light source by turning the switches on and off, thereby controlling a brightness of the light source.

Abstract: A system for optical navigation includes an optical navigation sensor integrated circuit (IC) configured to generate image information for use in navigation sensing and a collapsible structure which sets the distance between the optical navigation sensor IC and a navigation surface and which can be expanded or collapsed as needed. The collapsible structure includes a collapse system configured to allow the collapsible structure to be in an expanded state or a collapsed state. The collapse structure has a smaller profile dimension in the collapsed state than in the expanded state. The collapsible structure is placed in the expanded state for navigation sensing and in the collapsed state for storage and/or charging.

Abstract: A process for determining the displacement of an entity equipped with a sensor for capturing a sequence of images, comprising a step for determining a motion vector associated with a current image as a function of at least one correlation calculation between a first block of pixels in the current image and a second block of pixels from which the vector points towards said first block of pixels, with said second block being in a previous image in the sequence of images, wherein the dimensions of the first block are determined as a function of at least a motion vector associated with a previous image in the image sequence.

Abstract: Optical device and a method for cleaning an optical surface on an optical device. An optical device has a device body and at least one optical surface on the device body. At least one access port on the device body is at a location on the device body laterally spaced from the at least one optical surface. At least one guide channel extends through the device body from the at least one access port toward the at least one optical surface for guiding a cleaning fluid injected into the device body through the at least one access port through the device body to the at least one optical surface to clean the at least one optical surface. The optical device can be an optical pointing device such as an optical computer mouse, or another device having an optical surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method of using the same is provided for sensing relative movement between the sensor and a surface by detecting changes in optical features of light reflected from the surface. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a two dimensional array of photosensitive elements, the array including at least a first plurality of photosensitive elements arranged and coupled to sense a first combined movement along a first set of at least two non-parallel axes, and a second plurality of photosensitive elements arranged and coupled to sense a second combined movement along a second set of a least two non-parallel axes.

Abstract: In an input device, a camera captures images of a surface. Using the images, the input device determines its orientation. Data representing the orientation of the input device and data representing the captured image are communicated from the input device to a host computing device.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a light guide that illuminates a target area for imaging so as to permit tracking relative motion of a surface. The light guide also directs light to a window that is externally visible to a user of the device when the device rests upon a supporting surface. In one form, the light guide includes an entrance surface that receives light from a light source, together with two separated channels. The light guide directs a portion of the light incident upon the entrance surface through a first channel to the target area. The light guide further directs a portion of the incident light through a second channel so as to illuminate the window.

Abstract: A method of estimating image displacement by block matching for a pointing device used in a computer system. The method provided in the present invention comprises capturing digital images sequentially using a photo capture device, obtaining a template frame and a current frame, estimating a predicted velocity vector, and computing the displacement of the image. The efficiency and reliability of block match searching are improved by reducing the search range according to the calculated displacement. The template block can be defined anywhere on the template frame according to the predicted velocity to extend the lifetime of the template frame, and the displacement vector between the template block and the center of the template frame is proportional to the predicted velocity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating a distinct “click” signal from a input device to a computer (541) or other device. The click signal is analogous to a right or left click of a conventional computer mouse. The click signal may be generated from an optical sensor unit by lifting and putting back a finger or other object from a window (112) of the optical sensor unit (500) and by simultaneously pressing a key (537) of the computer keyboard (532).

Abstract: An optical pointing device has a rotatable optics housing and provides cursor control in one of two modes: a finger navigation mode and a desktop navigation mode. In the finger navigation mode, the rotatable optics housing is in a first position and moving a finger across a transparent plate in the optics housing controls the cursor movement. In the desktop navigation mode, the rotatable optics housing is in a second position and moving the entire optical mouse in a conventional manner across a fixed surface controls cursor movement. The optical pointing device may further include a touchpad scroll input device and a laser pointing device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses directional weighting functions while computing optical flow for an image through belief propagation. The system operates by computing local velocity estimates for points in the image. The system also computes directional weighting functions for points in the image, wherein the directional weighting functions facilitate propagating information in a manner which can vary with direction. The system subsequently uses these directional weighting functions during a belief propagation process, which propagates the local velocity estimates between points in the image, and which computes an optical flow field for points in the image.

Abstract: An apparatus including an image sensor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polarization filter, an image sensor, and a processor connected to the image sensor. The polarization filter is adapted to filter out light polarized in a first direction from a first scene. The image sensor is adapted to capture the filtered light, and the image sensor includes support circuits to convert the captured filtered light to image data. The processor is adapted to process the image data to detect features of the first scene. The polarization filter filters out noise component of the image, thus increasing contrast. In another embodiment, a mosaic polarization filter is used to capture a scene in a first image including light from the scene having first polarity and to capture the scene in a second image including light from the scene having first polarity. The two images can be analyzed to determine various characteristics of the scene.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer includes an at least partially coherent light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a navigation sensor for generating digital images based on the reflected images, performing a movement computation based on the digital images, generating movement data based on the movement computation that is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus, wherein the movement computation has a low sensitivity to effects in the digital images caused by particle contamination.

Abstract: A cursor control device for an image display includes a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit and a switching device. The first sensing unit is for detecting a first displacement of the cursor control device with respect to a surface and calculating a first coordinate variation of a cursor on the image display according to the first displacement. The second sensing unit is for sensing an object, detecting a second displacement of the cursor control device with respect to the object and calculating a second coordinate variation of the cursor on the image display according to the second displacement. The switching device switches output between the first coordinate variation and the second coordinate variation. The present invention further provides an image system and a cursor control method for an image display.

Abstract: An apparatus having handwriting input and the mouse functions is an external input device of computer field. A handwriting screen is amounted inside a mouse body, and the handwriting screen is connected to a processor. An optical displacement sensor is connected to the processor or can also be located therein. USB interface unit is connected to the processor or can also be located therein. The optical displacement sensor is used to acquire relative coordinate information when the apparatus moves, and the handwriting screen is used to acquire handwriting trace information. The processor is directly connected to USB external interface of the computer through its connection or its embedded USB interface unit to establish a communication. The present invention relates to a structure of the apparatus divided into two parts, i.e. the mouse and the handwriting screen.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to signal conditioning circuitry 14a for an optical pointing device, the circuitry comprising: means 15a for determining the rate of change of a signal generated on periodic illumination of a photodetector, and outputting a signal representative of said determined rate of change; and means 17a for comparing the signal output by said determining means to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A wireless optical pointing device. The wireless optical pointing device comprises a photo sensor detecting a series of continuous images on an operating surface, a processing unit coupled with the photo sensor, processing the detected images, and outputting an image displacement signal accordingly, and a RF (Radio Frequency) unit coupled with the processing unit and transmitting a RF signal according to the image displacement signal, wherein the photo sensor and the RF unit receive a common oscillation frequency source and operate accordingly.

Abstract: The optical pointing device of the present invention includes a light source for emitting light; a mode identifier for outputting an upside-down mode signal when the optical pointing device is used upside-down; an image sensor for receiving reflected light from an object and obtaining image information of the object; a converter for converting the image information into digital image data; a basic motion value calculator for outputting a basic motion value corresponding to a motion of the optical pointing device using the image data; and a motion value converter for receiving the basic motion value and outputting a mirror motion value corresponding to the motion of the object in response to the upside-down mode signal. Thus, the optical pointing device provides the rotation mode, the upside-down mode and the normal mode, so that the optical pointing device is used in various situations and upside-down.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an optical pointing device, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources. Each light source is characterized by a unique set of illumination characteristics. Illumination characteristics include impinging angle, light wavelength, light homogeneity, and the like. A sensor receives electromagnetic energy originating at the light source to scan an imaged area. The sensor measures performance indexes associated with the light sources, which depend on the illumination characteristics. The sensor includes an imaging module, which may include passive filters, and control logic, which includes at least a DSP module and a light sensor selection module. Another embodiment includes additional signaling light sources that do not interfere with the illumination system and are for signaling to the user. A method to select the most adequate light source for any given surface is based on measured performance indices.

Abstract: An electronic pointing cursor control device such as a trackball or mouse, comprising a first chamber adjoined to a second chamber, the chambers being separated by a fluid-tight wall comprising an optically permeable region; wherein the first chamber contains electronic components including optical detectors directed towards the optically permeable region and a ball protruding through an aperture provided in the second chamber, the detectors being operable in use to detect and generate electronic signals representative of motion of the ball. Also provided is an electronic pointing or cursor control device comprising a ball and optical detectors operable to detect and generate electronic signals representative of motion of the ball, wherein the detectors are mounted such that a radial line from the ball to the detectors forms a non-zero angle with a diametric line though the ball normal to the mounting plane of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an optical navigation circuit. In particular, the optical navigation circuit may be part of an optical navigation device. The optical navigation circuit includes an image sensor, dynamic reconfiguration logic, and a digital signal processor. The image sensor includes a pixel array to generate a plurality of electrical signals corresponding to incident light at the pixel array. The dynamic reconfiguration logic is coupled to the image sensor. The dynamic reconfiguration logic is configured to receive the plurality of electrical signals from the pixel array and to generate a plurality of reconfigured electrical signals based on the plurality of electrical signals from the pixel array. The digital signal processor is coupled to the dynamic reconfiguration logic. The digital signal processor is configured to receive the plurality of reconfigured electrical signals from the dynamic reconfiguration logic.

Abstract: A signal processing method is provided for sensing movement of an optical sensor relative to a surface. Generally, the method includes steps of: (i) generating sets of signals responsive to motion along each of a first, second, and third direction, the directions not necessarily all different, (ii) combining the sets of signals to generate a first complex signal for each direction at a first time; (iii) combining the sets of signals to generate a second complex signal for each direction at a second time subsequent to the first time; (iv) computing a third complex signal for each direction wherein each of the third complex signals is a predicted value for each of the second complex signals, the predicted signal depending on a number of values representing distance moved; and (v) determining optimum values of the values representing distance moved by minimizing differences between the second and third complex signals.

Abstract: A contaminant-neutralizing cradle comprises a base and a support surface configured to removably receive a coherently-illuminated mouse. A neutralizing element is disposed on the support surface for alignment with at least one exposed surface of an optics module of the mouse and is configured to neutralize the optical effect of a contaminant on the at least one exposed surface. A method of neutralizing contaminants for an optical mouse comprises providing a mouse containing an optics module having at least one surface exposed to an opening of the mouse and interposing a barrier in the mouse between a contaminant and the at least one exposed surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an optical mouse illumination system that provides near-normal incidence of light beams upon a surface without employing complicated beam-splitter assemblies, and without employing near-grazing incidence methods of illumination. The optical mouse illumination systems disclosed herein provide higher efficiencies than most prior art optical mouse illumination systems, and yet are less expensive and less complicated to manufacture. The systems disclosed herein are also well adapted for use in battery-powered mouse applications. Illumination prisms forming portions of the systems disclosed herein may or may not have total internal reflection (TIR) mirrors incorporated therein. Roof prisms of various types may be employed in conjunction with TIR mirrors and illumination prisms to eliminate or reduce the effect of dark spots in the beam of light emitted by the light source. Coherent or incoherent light sources may be employed with the optical systems described herein.

Abstract: An optical device and methods thereof are described. The device includes a first light source adapted to emit light onto a surface, and a detector adapted to receive light reflected from the surface. The reflected light produces a speckle pattern. The distance between the optical device and the surface can be measured using a quantifiable attribute associated with the speckle pattern.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless input device that employs optical sensing to effect the likes of cursor movement and scrolling. Power management techniques can be optionally employed to avoid premature depletion of the wireless input device's power source. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless device having a power management algorithm controlling its power consumption. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for managing the power consumption of a wireless device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer includes an at least partially coherent light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a navigation sensor for generating digital images based on the reflected images, performing a movement computation based on the digital images, generating movement data based on the movement computation that is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus, wherein the movement computation includes attenuating fixed pattern noise in the digital images.

Abstract: Low-cost haptic interface device implementations for interfacing a user with a host computer. A haptic feedback device, such as a mouse or other device, includes a housing physically contacted by a user, and an actuator for providing motion that causes haptic sensations on the device housing and/or on a movable portion of the housing. The device may include a sensor for detecting x-y planar motion of the housing. Embodiments include actuators with eccentric rotating masses, buttons having motion influenced by various actuator forces, and housing portions moved by actuators to generate haptic sensations to a user contacting the driven surfaces.

Abstract: A Bluetooth-based cordless mouse apparatus has a communication function of an internet phone and optionally further has a USB mass storage so as to enhance a user's convenience and improve voice quality. This apparatus provides several functions such as a wireless mouse, a wireless keypad, a USB mass storage, a wireless presenter, and a wired/wireless phone through a single Bluetooth protocol based device, and allows letter/number input in presentation. A wired/wireless phone-based terminal in a communication system has a Bluetooth-based wireless camera module and an image transmission function via an internet network or a public network to realize a remote security function. This system allows a user, who is out, to check inner conditions of a home by using a mobile phone or an internet-connected computer, thus realizing home monitoring using an embedded camera module.

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: An apparatus including an image sensor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polarization filter, an image sensor, and a processor connected to the image sensor. The polarization filter is adapted to filter out light polarized in a first direction from a first scene. The image sensor is adapted to capture the filtered light, and the image sensor includes support circuits to convert the captured filtered light to image data. The processor is adapted to process the image data to detect features of the first scene. The polarization filter filters out noise component of the image, thus increasing contrast. In another embodiment, a mosaic polarization filter is used to capture a scene in a first image including light from the scene having first polarity and to capture the scene in a second image including light from the scene having first polarity. The two images can be analyzed to determine various characteristics of the scene.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of portable electronic devices, such as computer mice, which have structures for temporarily storing a cable and/or electrical connector between uses. Some embodiments include structures and/or mechanisms for releasably attaching the electrical connector with a computer mouse or other peripheral device. Some embodiments may also include a storage mechanism for storing at least a portion of the cable. The storage mechanism may comprise a cable winding mechanism. Thus, the cable and electrical connector of the device may be conveniently stored for travel and/or between uses. In some embodiments designed for use in connection with optical mice, the device may also be configured such that an optical component window is covered while the cable and/or electrical connector are being temporarily stored.

Abstract: In an optical coordinate input apparatus, a body includes an opening portion adjacent to a reflective surface, and a circuit board is installed in the body. An optical sensor module is installed in the body adjacent to the opening and separately from the circuit board, and has a light-receiving surface, of which an incident optical axis is inclined with respect to the reflective surface, and a light source, of which an exiting optical axis is inclined with respect to the incident optical axis. Accordingly, the circuit board is easily positioned in the body irrespective of optical and mechanical characteristics of the optical sensor module.

Abstract: The optoelectronic module (1) includes a photoreceptor circuit (3) for picking up light from a light source by reflection on an external surface. The photoreceptor circuit and the light source circuit are mounted on a substrate (2), and contact pads (6) of the circuits are electrically connected to pads of the substrate. The substrate pads are connected to conductive paths of the substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first portion (2a) on which the photoreceptor circuit (3) and light source circuit are mounted and electrically connected, a second portion (2b) including electrical connection terminals (9) and a connecting portion (2c) between the first portion and the second portion. This connecting portion connects some conductive paths of the first portion to the connection terminals of the second portion. The connecting portion allows the height and/or spacing of the second portion to be adjusted relative to the first portion when the module is mounted, particularly in a computer mouse.

Abstract: A method of estimating image displacement by block matching for a pointing device used in a computer system. The method provided in the present invention comprises capturing digital images sequentially using a photo capture device, obtaining a template frame and a current frame, estimating a predicted velocity vector, and computing the displacement of the image. The efficiency and reliability of block match searching are improved by reducing the search range according to the calculated displacement. The template block can be defined anywhere on the template frame according to the predicted velocity to extend the lifetime of the template frame, and the displacement vector between the template block and the center of the template frame is proportional to the predicted velocity.

Abstract: A wireless device and a power-saving device thereof are provided. The power-saving device includes a bracket, a rocker arm and a struck element. The bracket is electrically connected to a circuit board of the wireless device. The rocker arm is movably disposed on the bracket. The struck element is disposed around the rocker arm and electrically connected to the circuit board. When the wireless device is moved and makes the rocker arm move waveringly and touch the struck element, the circuit board is therefore conducted, such that the wireless device switches from a sleep mode to an operation mode.

Abstract: The pen-type optical input device of the present invention is utilized for controlling the cursor of operating system of electronic device. The pen-type optical input device comprises a main body, a circuit board and an opaque ball. Therefore, the operational efficiency is improved and the input device is utilized whether the axis plane is transparent or not due to the ball location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required.

Abstract: A mouse apparatus configured for concurrently controlling a cursor displayed on a display screen connected to a host unit of an information technology system includes: a light pointer emitting invisible light in a predetermined wavelength range toward the display screen and forming an invisible light spot thereon, a selectively reflective layer disposed over the display screen and configured for reflecting the light spot, a number of light sources sparsely fixedly disposed near edges of the display screen, an image sensing module for capturing images of the light sources and the reflected light spot, and a processor for processing images sensed by the image sensing module and outputting a control signal to the host unit to position the cursor on the display screen. A method for concurrent cursor control is also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting a lift condition from an illuminated surface portion of an optical motion sensing device. According to a first embodiment, two different “loss-of-focus” thresholds are used. A first threshold is used when the optical pointing device is not moving, and a second threshold greater than the first one is used when the optical pointing device is moving. The optical device further requires means for detecting whether it is moving or not. According to a second embodiment, a dynamical loss-of-focus threshold depending on an average number of motion features that the surface exhibits to the sensor of the optical pointing device is used.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of portable electronic devices, such as computer mice, which have structures for temporarily storing a cable and/or electrical connector between uses. Some embodiments include structures and/or mechanisms for releasably attaching the electrical connector with a computer mouse or other peripheral device. Some embodiments may also include a storage mechanism for storing at least a portion of the cable. The storage mechanism may comprise a cable winding mechanism. Thus, the cable and electrical connector of the device may be conveniently stored for travel and/or between uses. In some embodiments designed for use in connection with optical mice, the device may also be configured such that an optical component window is covered while the cable and/or electrical connector are being temporarily stored.