Abstract: An optical pointing device includes a light source configured to respond to a drive current to provide at least partially coherent light to illuminate an imaging surface to thereby generate reflected images. A navigation sensor is configured to generate digital images based on the reflected images, and generate movement data based on the digital images that are indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the optical pointing device. A light source driver is configured to provide the drive current to the light source. A drive current controller is configured to calibrate the drive current based on selected digital images.

Abstract: A method and system for an optical navigation device configured to generate navigation information through a transparent layer. Specifically, the optical navigation device includes a light source that is configured to illuminate a reflective surface through a layer that is optically transparent to the light source. A sensor is configured to generate navigation information in response to light reflecting off the reflective surface. The sensor is configured with a depth of field to support a distance between the sensor and the reflective surface. A contact sensor is also included to indicate when the optical navigation device is no longer in contact with the transparent layer. The contact sensor allows for skating functionality for the optical navigation device.

Abstract: An apparatus having a coherent light source, an optical sensor, and a controller that can be utilized in optical mice and the like is disclosed. The coherent light source emits coherent light in a cone of angles about an illumination direction. The optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors disposed on a die having a surface substantially perpendicular to the illumination direction. The controller compares first and second images recorded by the optical sensor at different times and determines a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the apparatus has moved between the two different times. A portion of the coherent light source is bonded to the die at a location within the array of photodetectors.

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

Abstract: An optical structure of a laser input device includes an input device body; a laser source, inside the input device body to emit a laser light beam which travels linearly along a determined incident path to a work surface; a splitter, having a first interface and a second interface behind the first interface, wherein the first interface and the second interface are in a light reflecting path of the laser light beam and reflect respective axial light beams which have the same frequency and intersect with each other; and a light sensor, located at an intersection of the axial light beams for sensing a light interference strip pattern formed by intersecting the axial light beams. Moving direction and displacement of the input device on a work surface can be determined more precisely by sensing the change of the light interference strip pattern.

Abstract: A peripheral input device for controlling movements on a display screen. The peripheral input device includes a housing and an optical touch pad carried by the housing. The optical touch pad is configured to translate finger motion into movements on the display screen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a selectable light source device for a dual light source optical mouse and a detecting method for the device. The optical input device such as an optical mouse is assembled with a dual light source. One of the dual light sources is selected as an emitting light source due to its brightness. The first surface characteristic value and the second surface characteristic value received by the signal comparing unit are compared and then the result signal is transmitted to the on/off control unit for controlling the on/off the switch of the laser-emitting unit and the light-emitting unit to determine if the light source is the laser-emitting unit or the light-emitting unit.

Abstract: An optical mouse, with shade compensation, has a light source, a sensor and a controller. The light source illuminates a sampling plane of a mouse. The sensor consists of a 2-dimensional array of sensing elements to capture an image from the sampling plane and temporarily store the image into a 2-dimensional array of pixels, each having a pixel value. The controller is connected to the sensor for adjusting the pixel values according to a predetermined table, thereby achieving a shade compensation for the sensing elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using a general purpose input-output (GPIO) interface to test a user input device such as a wireless keyboard or mouse. Operation of key-scan logic can be tested by the GPIO interface by temporarily disconnecting the outputs of the various rows and columns and substituting signals generated by a test algorithm into the input terminals of the key-scan logic. The test signal is processed by the key scan circuitry and a key-scan output signal is generated. This key-scan output signal is then compared to a known reference output signal to determine if the key-scan logic and associated circuitry is operating properly. Other embodiments of the GPIO testing system can be used to test other user devices such as a computer mouse/scrolling device.

Abstract: A method for generating a laser light detecting signal for an optical mouse provides a plurality of different electrical actions of the optical mouse. The optical mouse includes at least an optical emitting unit, an optical receiving unit, a detecting unit, and a signal processing unit. The method for generating a laser light detecting signal of an optical mouse comprises the optical emitting unit generating at least one laser light. The optical receiving unit receives the laser light either directly or from the desktop. The optical receiving unit transmits a detection signal to the signal processing unit for generating a control signal. The optical mouse executes the different electrical actions by the control signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical pointing device comprising a coherent light source for illuminating a surface portion with radiation, a driver of the coherent light source for controlling coherent light emissions, a photodetector device responsive to radiation reflected from the illuminated surface portion, processing means for determining, based on the photodetector device response, a measurement of relative motion between the optical pointing device and the illuminated portion of the surface, wherein the coherent light source driver is a fault-tolerant driver comprising redundant power control means for limiting the output power of coherent light emissions.

Abstract: A dual light sources mouse capable of controlling the on and off state of the second light source is proposed. The dual light sources mouse includes a first sensor unit, a first light emitting unit, a microprocessor unit, a second sensor unit and a second light emitting unit. The dual light sources mouse is an optical mouse with a pair of sensor units. The first sensor unit analyzes the motion state of the mouse by collocating with the first light emitting unit, and then the microprocessor unit controls the on and off state of the second light unit which is collocated with the second sensor unit. The second light unit (for instance: a laser diode) can thus be turned off to ensure the security in use while the dual light sources mouse is in the static state.

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

Abstract: A system for enabling user interaction with computer software. The system includes a computer system which transfers print data to a printer, the printer being responsive to the print data to print a form by printing information indicative of a text field and coded data at least partially indicative of the text field. The coded data is coincident with the information so that when a sensing device is moved in an operative position relative to the text field, the sensing device can sense the coincident coded data and generate the indicating data indicative of movement of the sensing device relative to the text field. The computer system uses the indicating data to determine movement of the sensing device relative to the at least one text field and then perform an action associated with the text field at least partly based on the movement of the sensing device.

Abstract: A computer game system uses an infrared sensor which produces an infrared light to produce pulse of infrared light. Optics focus reflections from the infrared light pulse from different portions of the environment to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce indications of the distance of the closest objects. The indications can be used by a processor to determine each action. The determined action can be used as input to a computer game. The infrared sensor can also be used with a musical keyboard system.

Abstract: A device such as an optical mouse includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The device also includes an optical motion sensor for generating one-dimensional projection data based on the reflected images, filtering the projection data, and generating movement data based on the filtered projection data. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the device.

Abstract: An optical tracking system is disclosed that provides more precise tracking and better performance in an optical mouse. It involves provides a collimated laser, and imaging a reflection of the collimated laser, such that the reflection has a substantially linear phase gradient. The reflection of the laser includes a pattern of speckles due to optical interference effects. The speckles are imaged such that the substantially linear phase gradient restricts any variation in intensity of the imaging of the speckles during a translating motion of the reflection, thereby providing superior tracking performance.

Abstract: An input pointer includes two top-surface switches and a rotary switch on the top surface of the main body, a protrusion on an imaginary center line on the bottom surface of the main body, and two bottom-surface switches at the sides of the protrusion. The two top-surface switches and the rotary switch are turned ON when pressed by a user's finger, whereas the bottom-surface switches are turned ON when the main body is tilted about the protrusion.

Abstract: A wireless optical mouse comprises an optical movement detection module that emits light to detect movement of the wireless optical mouse. A touch detection module detects user contact with the wireless optical mouse. A control module selectively stops detecting movement of the wireless optical mouse using the optical movement detection module. After the touch detection module detects user contact, the control module restarts detecting movement of the wireless optical mouse using the optical movement detection module.

Abstract: A method for immediately determining incorrect pixel values of a captured image on an optical mouse, which determines a quality of an image in a video stream captured by the optical mouse and accordingly finds a motion distance for the optical mouse. The method first computes a set of match values for possible motion vectors of a sample image with respect to a reference image and applies a filtering operation to compute a respective smooth coefficient for each match value. The method further computes a locally minimum number in the set of match values according to a first rule, such that the sample image is regarded as a qualified image when the locally minimum number is smaller than a threshold and accordingly a global minimum in the set of match values is found as a motion vector of the sample image.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: A peripheral input device for controlling movements on a display screen. The peripheral input device includes a housing and an optical touch pad carried by the housing. The optical touch pad is configured to translate finger motion into movements on the display screen.

Abstract: An optical tracking assembly for an optical mouse includes a light source, an optical sensor chip, and an integral optics assembly. The integral optics assembly includes lenses and alignment features receiving the light source. The alignment features center the light source to the lenses and control a distance the light source is placed away from a navigation surface that reflects light onto the optical sensor chip. The lenses may include (1) collimating lenses for collimating light from the light source along a first optical axis to the navigation surface, and (2) imaging lenses for imaging reflected light from the navigation surface along a second optical axis to the optical sensor chip.

Abstract: An optical mouse device that includes a light source and an object, such as an operator's hand or other instrument that is disposed in the path of the light energy to reflect the light energy emitted from the light source. At least one sensor unit receives the reflected light energy and generates electrical signals based on the received reflected light energy. The electrical signals may be used to control an apparatus, such as a cursor on a computer screen, operating table, or industrial machinery.

Abstract: An information input device is disclosed. A device for inputting information, which includes: an integrated board coupled inside a flat main body; a rotary input module that includes a maneuver part, which is rotatably supported by a support part secured to the board, and a detector part, which generates signals in correspondence to the rotation of the maneuver part, where the maneuver part is exposed at one side of the main body; and an optical module secured to the board such that the optical module is adjacent to the rotary input module and exposed at the other side of the main body, where the optical module generates signals in correspondence with the movement of the main body, allows a small volume for convenient use and portability, and does not require FPCB's, so that costs may be reduced and assembly may be facilitated.

Abstract: In an information input device, which includes: a flat main body; a rotary input module that includes a maneuver part, which is rotatably supported by a support part, and a detector part, which generates signals in correspondence to the rotation of the maneuver part, where the maneuver part is exposed at one side of the main body; an optical module installed on the board such that the optical module is exposed at the other side of the main body, where the optical module generates signals in correspondence with the movement of the main body; and a memory device housed within the main body, a HDD may be mounted in a slim type mouse, which has a small volume for convenient use and portability, so that an effect comparable to using a portable auxiliary memory device can be obtained simply by connecting the mouse.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a camera for capturing an image of a pattern on a surface. A processor in the computer input device determines equations for lines from the image of the pattern, applies the line equations to a transform to form transformed line equations, and uses the transformed line equations to determine the height of the computer input device above the surface.

Abstract: A light control module appropriate for an optical pointing device. The light control module comprises a processing unit outputting a first signal and a second signal, a photo sensor unit executing a capture operation according to an impulse of the first signal, and a light emitting unit executing a light emitting operation according to an impulse of the second signal, wherein when a frequency value of the first signal is less than a first preset value, at least one impulse is inserted between two successive impulses of the second signal for adjusting a frequency value of the second signal such that an equivalent frequency value corresponding to any two successive impulses of the second signal is greater than a second preset value, thus rendering flickers of the light emitting unit imperceptible.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for using the same to measure the motion of that pointing device over a surface is disclosed. The pointing device includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a controller. The illumination system generates light in a plurality of wavelength bands and illuminates a surface below the pointing device with light from one of the wavelength bands. The imaging system records images of the illuminated surface. The controller selects the wavelength band used to illuminate the surface, compares first and second images recorded by the imaging system at different times when the surface is illuminated with that wavelength band, and determines a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the positioning device moved between the two different times.

Abstract: A display device for a portable terminal displays an adaptive image in accordance with a position of a user. The display device includes a display unit, a slope detection unit for detecting a slope of the display unit that is rotating in one direction among front, rear, right and left directions from its upright position, an image processing unit for processing an image to be displayed on the display unit, and a control unit for rotating the image processed by the image processing unit in accordance with the slope of the display unit detected by the slope detection unit, and displaying the rotating image on the display unit. The display device can display an image to match the viewing angle of the user in accordance with the position of the user who views the display unit, and thus the convenience of the user of the portable terminal is maximized.

Abstract: A three-dimensional position and motion telemetry computer input apparatus includes a wireless movable element configured to repeatedly transmit encoded signals in at least three mutually distinct directions. A set of at least three unidimensional signal detectors are disposed in spaced relation to one another and configured to repeatedly detect in real-time, the amplitude of the encoded signals incident thereon. A controller is configured to repeatedly capture data corresponding to the signal amplitude, in real-time. A calculation engine repeatedly determines the 3-D position of the movable element using the captured data. At least one output port coupled to the calculation engine, repeatedly transmits the 3-D position of the movable element to a data consumer in real time.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image of a work surface on an optical sensor array in an optical pointing device. Light from a region of the work surface is captured by an imaging system incorporating an optical coupling system and the optical sensor array. The focus of the imaging system is adjusted in accordance with the distance between the optical pointing device and the work surface. The distance may be sensed, or inferred by adjusting the imaging system to maximize the focus of the image.

Abstract: An optical detector measuring a movement of an object in a space on a measurement axis comprises a light source, a reflective portion, a detection unit and a converting unit. The light source comprises a resonance chamber, the light source emitting a laser beam toward the object, the laser beam contacting the object and generating a first scattering beam and a reflection beam, wherein a part of the first scattering beam enters the resonance chamber. The reflective portion reflects the reflection beam toward the object, the reflection beam re-contacting the object and generating a second scattering beam and a sub-reflection beam, wherein a part of the second scattering beam and the sub-reflection beam enter the resonance chamber. The detection unit measures an optical-electrical variation in the resonance chamber to generate an electric signal. The converting unit converts the electric signal to a movement on the measurement axis in the space.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with an efficient optical illumination. The optical illumination can be provided by tilting a light source and using a refractive lens to direct the light onto a surface. Alternatively, the optical illumination can be provided using total internal reflection with a conical light pipe and a curvatured entrance and exit surface.

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

Abstract: The invention proposes a device (20) comprising an actuation ball (30, FIG. 13), a casing (22) that surrounds the ball, elements (56) for guiding the ball in rotation, a first detection light source (LS1) for emitting at least one detection beam (EL1), and a detection sensor (126) to capture at least the light (RL1) originating from the lit zone of the ball (30), characterized in that the first light source (LS1) emits an invisible light (EL1), and in that the device comprises a second light source (LS2), distinct from the first light source (LS1) for illuminating the ball (30) that emits a visible illumination light (EL2) towards the ball (30).

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical pointing system, a signal transmission method of the same, and a signal processing method of a computer used in the optical pointing system. The optical pointing system comprises an image sensor for outputting an analog signal corresponding to a surface image, a signal conversion section for converting the analog signal of the image sensor into a digital image signal, a movement value calculation circuit for calculating a movement value using the digital image signal of the signal conversion section and outputting the calculated movement value, and a computer interface for receiving the digital image signal and the movement value and transmitting the digital image signal and the movement value to a computer. Thereby, an image signal of a worktable surface on which the optical pointing system is placed can be processed at not only the optical pointing system but also the computer, so that it is possible to calculate the accurate movement value of the optical pointing system.

Abstract: An optical mouse having a light-sheltering device is used on an operating surface. The optical mouse includes a housing, a circuit board, a sensor and light source device, an IR control device, and a sheltering element. The circuit board is installed in the housing. The sensor and light source device is also installed on the circuit board. The IR control device is electrically connected with the circuit board. The sheltering element is movably installed in the housing for sheltering the light signal of the IR control device when the housing is off of the operating surface. Via a smart design, the mouse closes the light beam of the sensor and light source device to prevent the user's eyes from being injured and the cursor from moving.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: A data input device for use with a tracking surface having light-scattering properties. The device comprises a single laser configured to project a light beam onto the tracking surface. A portion of the light beam striking the tracking surface reflects back into a cavity of the laser and thereby alters at least one characteristic of the projected light beam. A detector associated with the laser detects the altered characteristic of the light beam projected by the laser. A controller responsive to the detector determines the relative distance between the device and the tracking surface as a function of the altered characteristic of the projected light beam detected by the detector. Another device comprises a laser projecting a light beam oriented substantially perpendicular to the tracking surface when the device is operating in a tracking mode.

Abstract: The cursor-controlling mechanism includes a beam splitter, a light source, an image sensor and a mouse ball. The light source is positioned beside one side of the beam splitter, and the image sensor is positioned above the beam splitter. The mouse ball is rotatably positioned beside the other side of the beam splitter. The light source emits light beam at the beam splitter, and the light beam is divided into two sub-beams by the beam splitter. One sub-beam maintains original optical path toward the mouse ball and hits the mouse ball. The other sub-beam is directed downwardly to hit a worktable. The image sensor detects surface beneath the cursor-controlling mechanism and obtains image. By position of the mouse ball and surface beneath the cursor-controlling mechanism, the cursor-controlling mechanism has the functionality of mouse and trackball.

Abstract: An optical mouse suitable for being put on a surface of an object and including a light source, an image sensor, and a total internal reflection (TIR) prism is provided. The light source is suitable for emitting a light beam, and the TIR prism is disposed between the surface of the object and image sensor located on an optical path of the light beam. The TIR prism has an air gap which reflects the light beam emitted from the light source to the surface. Next, the light beam is reflected by the surface back to the TIR prism, and the light beam reflected by the surface passes through the air gap to be captured by the image sensor. Additionally, an optical mouse using Michelson interference principle is provided. The above-mentioned optical mice improve the accuracy when capturing images and reduce the probability of incorrect image judgment.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for operating the same is disclosed. The pointing device includes an illumination system, a camera system, and a controller. The illumination system illuminates a surface over which the pointing device moves. The illumination system generates a light level determined by an illumination control signal. The camera records a plurality of images of the illuminated surface. The controller records first and second images taken by the camera at different times and determines a displacement indicative of the direction and distance the positioning device moved between the two different times. The controller also generates the illumination control signal. The illumination control signal depends on at least one of the images recorded by the camera system. In one embodiment, the surface is characterized by a reflectivity and the light level generated by the illumination system is inversely related to that reflectivity.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with increased accuracy in tracking ability. The increased accuracy can be achieved by using a multiple sensor system. A second sensor is added to the optical device. The second sensor increases the probability of obtaining a high quality image. Thus, the tracking ability of the device can be performed with greater accuracy over a single sensor device. The second sensor can also perform additional functions.

Abstract: An inverted mouse apparatus having a movable plate, a main surface structure and a displacement-detecting device is disclosed herein. The attaching element set on the movable plate can be utilized to attach it on a finger that can operate and control the movable plate in three dimensions. The main surface structure is disposed under the movable plate, and both the movable plate and the main surface structure have the adsorptive elements to attach to each other. The displacement-detecting device is set right under the main surface structure to detect the horizontal displacement and direction of the movable plate relative to the main surface structure. Thus an inverted mouse apparatus without the need of the sliding-on-desk or sliding-on-pad operation is provided. The mouse apparatus can not only mimic the movable-type mouse which most people are used to but also control the movement of the cursor more precisely than the stationary-type mouse.

Abstract: A technique for optical navigation involves summing intensity values from a photodetector array on a per-column and a per-row basis for both reference image data and sample image data and then performing separate one-dimensional cross-correlations on the per-column sums and on the per-row sums to separately determine displacement in the x and y directions, respectively.

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: Embodiments of a washable computer mouse are disclosed. In an embodiment, a water impermeable layer is sealably mounted to a housing so as to provide a water impermeable region and a water permeable region. Mouse circuitry, which includes a sensor and a light source and a responsive element, is positioned in the water impermeable region. A biased button is positioned in the water permeable region and is configured to engage the responsive element. In an embodiment, the mouse circuitry may be configured for wireless transmission of signals and may include a removable door that, in operation, sealably covers a replaceable power source. In an alternative embodiment, the housing may include an exposed connector and a plug that is configured to seal the connector may be attached to the housing by a tether.