Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a text field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the text field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating data and movement data are received in the computer system and the text field is identified from the indicating data. The computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the text field.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a text field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the text field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating data and movement data are received in the computer system and the text field is identified from the indicating data. The computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the text field.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a menu display having a plurality of menu items, and a menu item pointer movable by a user to highlight particular menu items. The portable electronic device includes a motion sensor for sensing relative movement between the portable electronic device and an imaging surface. The motion sensor is configured to generate a first set of movement data indicating a first relative movement between the portable electronic device and the imaging surface. The motion sensor is configured to generate a second set of movement data indicating a second relative movement between the portable electronic device and the imaging surface. A controller is configured to move the menu item pointer based on the first set of movement data to highlight a first menu item. The controller is configured to select the first menu item based on the second set of movement data.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing rotation includes a plurality of motion sensors constructed in a substantially coplanar arrangement. The plurality of motion sensors is each configured to generate incremental movement data indicative of movement of the sensor in two dimensions. A rotation data generator generates rotation data based on the incremental movement data. The rotation data represents rotation of a first one of the motion sensors about a second one of the motion sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A computer mouse includes a collapsible housing and an optical sensor within the housing. The housing may be collapsed into a relatively flat or compact structure. Once collapsed, the mouse may be stored in a compartment such as a PCMCIA slot of a notebook computer.

Abstract: An optical navigation sensor apparatus for an optical mouse includes an optical navigation sensor having an electronic chip, an aperture plate and an imaging lens integrated into a single package. The imaging lens includes a lens housing surrounding the aperture and providing a barrier to the entry of foreign matter into the aperture. In one form, the optical navigation sensor also includes a light emitting diode (LED) for illuminating a small area of a surface under the sensor and generating a reflected image that is detected by the electronic chip. In a sensor having an integral LED, an integral collimating lens is included for receiving light from the LED and focusing the light from the LED on the surface to be illuminated. The collimating lens is incorporated into a lens housing surrounding the LED and protecting the LED from exposure to foreign material.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer input module comprising: a base; a housing, attached to the base; and at least one set of light (infrared or laser) emitter and detector devices. The input module is adapted so as to generate output signals to a host computer based on the interruption of a light beam or beams between said adjustable emitter and detector devices. The preferred embodiment is a computer mouse wherein light switches, rather than the more typical buttons, are used to generate output signals from a computer mouse to its host computer (an “IR Mouse”). Another embodiment is a Wristband Mouse wherein a wristband replaces the base and housing.

Abstract: An optical mouse images as an array of pixels the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface below the mouse. The photo detector responses are digitized and stored as a frame into memory. Motion produces successive frames of translated patterns of pixel information, which are compared by autocorrelation to ascertain the direction and amount of movement. A hold feature suspends the production of movement signals to the computer, allowing the mouse to be physically relocated on the work surface without disturbing the position on the screen of the pointer. This may be needed if the operator runs out of room to physically move the mouse further, but the screen pointer still needs to go further. The hold feature may be implemented with an actual button, a separate proximity detector or by detecting the presence of a characteristic condition in the digitized data, such as loss of correlation or velocity in excess of a selected limit.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a drawing field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the drawing field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating and movement data are received in the computer system from the sensing device. The drawing field is identified and then the computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the drawing field.

Abstract: An optical image retrieval method, which makes optical input devices work on transparent media, which method generates a light and projects it in a vertical direction. The light is directed to a light-splitter and transmitted to an image contacting surface under a transparent medium. Optical image signals retrieved on the image contacting surface are reflected to the light-splitter, and then an optical axis of the image signals is reflected to a lens by the light-splitter once or more. Finally, the lens will focus the image signals onto an image detecting element.

Abstract: An input device that transmits, to a host device having a display displaying a pointer, information relating to the pointer and includes a sensor detecting contact information, and further includes an area extracting part and a control part. The area extracting part extracts a contact area of the sensor and a finger based on the contact information detected by the sensor. The control part controls the pointer based on the contact area extracted by the area extracting part.

Abstract: The method and system serve to notify the user of an event through a control device. Active notification takes place even when the computer sound and screen are disabled, for example, when in a power saving mode or screen saving mode. Notification may include visual notification, audio notification, vibratory notification, or tactile notification. Tactile notification can also serve to provide a private notification system which will not alert or disturb other people in the vicinity of the user. Such tactile notification can be provided by means of a texture change in the surface of the control device. One way in which this could be done is by raising a plurality of pegs through the surface of a control device to change its texture.

Abstract: An optical detection system and method detects movement of an optical pointing device in a data processing environment. The system works with any surface than can diffusely scatter a collimated beam from a coherent light source. Specifically, the system comprises a coherent light source and an optical sensing assembly. The optical sensing assembly comprises a plurality of photosensor arrays and a plurality of optical elements. Each photosensor array includes pixels of a particular size and shape. Each optical element has an artificially limited aperture and is associated, through optical matching, with a respective photosensor array. The coherent light source generates a collimated beam that is diffusely reflected off of the surface. The optical sensing assembly receives the diffusely reflected, or scattered, collimated beam and passes it through the artificially limited apertures of the optical elements to the associated corresponding photosensor array.

Abstract: An optical mouse includes a bottom casing, a top cover mounted to the bottom casing to define an interior space. A circuit board and a lens set are located in the interior space. The bottom casing has an opening. A detecting device is mounted to the circuit board. A receiving portion and a light emitting diode (LED) are mounted to a bottom side of the detecting device in alignment with a slot in the circuit board. A solder pad to which an electrical conductor is connected has a central bore and is positioned on a circumferential margin of a light projection surface of the LED to allow light projected from the light projection surface to transmit through the central bore. The lens set is located between the circuit board and the bottom casing, and includes a reflection member and a lens.

Abstract: The invention comprises an information carrier on which the position of a measuring point (37, 41) may be determined using a mobile readout device, as well as an attendant method of determining a position wherein the information carrier features a surface onto which a visible primary information has been applied, in the manner of a book or a geographic map, wherein at least one machine-readable pattern has been printed on the surface, said pattern coding a position information, which upon bringing to bear methods of image analysis and of local sampling of parts (36, 40) of the surface, will allow a determination of position for a measurement point (37, 41) and wherein the pattern coding the position information is transparent in such a way that the primary information on the surface remains visible.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a movable member in an electronic input device within a predefined resolution. Two offset signals indicate the position of the movable member. The time required for each signal to cross a threshold level is measured and inverted, revealing an offset sinusoidal relationship. The offset sinusoids may be plotted against each other to reveal an approximate circle of inverse time samples for a cycle. Corresponding inverted minimum and maximum times are used to determine a center reference value for each signal. As a function of the inverted times, a quadrant of the circle is determined. Within a quadrant, a sector most closely corresponding to the position of the movable member is determined from among a plurality of predefined sectors that define the resolution. A number of sectors between position samples of the movable member are accumulated and communicated to a host device.

Abstract: A multifunctional photoelectric switch comprises a display section for displaying a first display information and a second display information. The first display information includes a plurality of items concerning a threshold value and the second display information includes a plurality of items concerning functions of the photoelectric switch. A switch is provided for switching information to be displayed on the display section between each type of display information. A selection menu for the user to select either “Easy” or “Pro” is displayed in the progress of making a transition from a “light reception amount and/or threshold value display” mode of the basic display information to an “operation function setting” mode of the second display information. The user selects and sets either “Easy” or “Pro” on the selection screen. In the “Pro” mode, the set items concerning all functions are displayed; in the “Easy” mode, only the basic items are displayed.

Abstract: An input device with a pressure-sensitive element using a pressure sensing resistor. A solid elastomeric material is mounted over the pressure sensing resistor to transfer a force from the user's finger to the pressure sensitive resistor without visible deformation of the elastomeric material. This provides a comfortable button for a user which does not require the compression of a domed cap to provide pressure-sensing input. In another aspect of the invention, a pressure-sensing input element utilizes both the amount of pressure and the amount of time to determine the type of signal provided to the electronic system. In another aspect of the present invention, an input device contains a first scrolling element (e.g. a wheel) and includes a switch button mounted close to the scrolling element to activate continuous scrolling.

Abstract: A product for electronic transmission of handwritten information, a user unit for recording and sending the information, and a computer program for controlling a user unit are disclosed. The product may include at least one writing area for the handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. A position-coding pattern in the form of a plurality of symbols may be reproduced in the writing area, an arbitrary position area of a predetermined size of the position-coding pattern unambiguously defining a position on the product. The address area may include an address-coding pattern with a plurality of symbols, an arbitrary address portion of a predetermined size of the address-coding pattern unambiguously defining part of the address.

Abstract: A method of determining a movement vector between two images is disclosed. The method comprises capturing a first image using a sensor array. Next, a first feature set is extracted from the first image. A second image subsequent in time from the first image is captured. Similarly, a second feature set is extracted from the second image. The first feature set is compared to the second feature set to determine a shift in position of the second image relative to the first image. Finally, the movement vector is output based upon the shift in position.

Abstract: A cursor positioning device that can be sealed if the environment requires sealing, that can withstand harsh use, and can position the cursor easily and quickly. In operation the where the operator places their fingers on the positioning articulator and rocks or slides the articulator in the direction they want the cursor to move. And with movement signatures do single and double clicks, and character strings to the host computer, either through the mouse port or the keyboard port. The key and articulator interrupters block optical beams for key and mouse like positioning thus eliminating any physical contact or force from articulator to detecting optics. Cursor position is positioned by an interrupter disposed in a ring of optical emitters and detectors, whereas depending on the position of movement by the positioning interrupter emission is blocked, or partially blocked, between a particular pair or pairs of emitters and detectors, that particular pair or pairs being the direction of cursor movement.

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: A device has a projection type image display unit which has a projection lens and generates a coordinate input screen, and linear sensors for sensing an image of a beam spot, and computes a coordinate value corresponding to the beam spot on the basis of information obtained by the projection type image display unit and the output signals from the linear sensors. This beam spot is generated by irradiating the predetermined position on the coordinate input screen with light coming from a pointing tool, or corresponds to a light-emitting portion provided to the distal end of the pointing tool located near the coordinate input screen.

Abstract: A computer pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, includes a reverse cantilever button assembly to match strength-related variations in user hand size. In one embodiment a button assembly is built with two cantilever beams, the fulcrums for each beam being at opposite ends of the button assembly. The stiffness of the two beams can be selected to obtain an increasing, decreasing, or constant force profile necessary to activate the associated electronic switch as one moves along the external surface of the button assembly from the palm end toward the fingertip end. An increasing force profile provides lower actuating force for operators with smaller hands, while providing greater tactile feedback for operators with larger hands.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a digital processing system, comprising a housing, a scrolling detector, a cursor positioning detector, and a transmitter. The housing has a wall having an outer scrolling surface over which a finger of a person's hand is movable in a scrolling movement. The scrolling detector is located within the housing. The scrolling detector detects the scrolling movement remotely through the wall and generates a scrolling signal. The cursor positioning detector is secured to the housing and is actuable by the hand to generate a position signal. The transmitter transmits the scrolling signal and the position signal to the digital processing system.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a movable cursor control device is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. One exemplary cursor control device comprises a housing, an electromagnetic emitting device coupled to the housing, and an electromagnetic detector coupled to the housing. The electromagnetic detector detects reflections of signals emitted from the electromagnetic emitting device and determines when the housing has been lifted from a surface. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. The exemplary method includes holding the cursor relative to an object on the display screen using a cursor control device activated by a user, detecting that the user no longer activates the cursor control device, and detecting that the user has lifted the cursor control device from a surface when the cursor control device is no longer activated by the user.

Abstract: An optical mouse includes a bottom casing, a top cover mounted to the bottom casing to define an interior space therebetween, a circuit board and a lens set arranged in the interior space. The bottom casing defines an opening. A detecting device is mounted to the circuit board. A receiving portion and a light emitting diode (LED) are mounted to a bottom side of the detecting device in alignment with a slot defined in the circuit board. A solder pad to which an electrical conductor is connected forms a central bore and is positioned on a circumferential margin of a light projection surface of the LED to allow light projected from the light projection surface to transmit through the central bore.

Abstract: Feedback is provided when an optical navigation device acquires an image that is not suitable for navigation purposes. An image sensor embedded within the optical navigation device acquires an image of a surface. An image monitor determines the navigability of the captured image and generates a signal indicative of the image's navigability. A comparator compares the signal to a threshold navigability level. When the image navigability is determined to be below the threshold and thus non-navigable, the comparator asserts a feedback signal. The feedback signal may trigger a variety of feedback mechanisms to alert the user that the surface is non-navigable. Possible feedback mechanisms include a warning message on a display screen, an illuminated light on the optical navigation device, or an audible sound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image navigation module for an optical mouse. The image navigation module includes a module unit and a lid type prism-integrated lens. The module unit is constructed in such a way that a light emitting element and a sensor die are constructed on a board in a chip-on board manner. The lid type prism-integrated lens is put on the board to cover regions where the light emitting element and the sensor die are constructed. The sensor die is a single chip sensor into which an image sensor for detecting light converged by the lid type prism-integrated lens and a Main Control Unit (MCU) for processing detected signals are integrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening the illumination intensity over an optical sensor is disclosed. The intensity of light off the axis from a lens is less than the light on axis by a factor of cos4&thgr;, where &thgr; is the angle from the lens exit pupil to the off-axis point. Light from the lens incident upon the optical sensor therefore will not be uniform in intensity. Light-blocking patches are placed over the areas of the optical sensor where light intensity needs to be reduced to achieve uniform illumination intensity across the entire optical sensor. Areas of the optical sensor that fall closest to the axis of the lens receive the greatest intensity of light due to the rule of cos4&thgr;, and therefore will require more light-blocking patches than areas of the optical sensor further away from the lens axis.

Abstract: Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

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: An improved optical mechanism of an optical mouse is disclosed. The improved optical mechanism is implemented inside the optical mouse and applies a layer of black coating or a surface processing to surface adjacent to photosensor surroundings to thus form an absorbing layer for absorbing reflecting light not directly projected to a photosensor, thereby advantageously receiving relatively high light points by the photosensor and increasing light-and-shade contrast, i.e., stressing the corresponding light as the light is directly projected to the photosensor and otherwise, the corresponding shade is stressed. Therefore, the performance on determining the mouse image is actually increased.

Abstract: A light guiding device of an optical mouse is disclosed. The light guiding device is implemented inside the optical mouse applied to an operating surface. The optical mouse has a light device to project an incident light. The light guiding device includes a first lens part facing to the light device for receiving the incident light. The incident light received is focused and then projected to a prism plane for total reflection such that the incident light is directed to a slope plane arranged obliquely towards the same direction as the prism plane. The incident light is further refracted slight downwardly into a cavity defined by a bottom of the light guiding device through the slope plane and finally projected on the operating surface through a bottom opening of the optical mouse.

Abstract: A keypad device for telephones, mobile phones, remote control units, text and character transmitters, calculators, electronic planners or the like, wherein a control element, when actuated manually by an operator, is adapted to be able to carry out at least two function commands, and preferably wherein the movement of the control element can be felt manually, or optionally is indicated by sound and/or light.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a pushbutton for selecting an item displayed on the display screen. The pushbutton includes an imaging surface against which a portion of the tip of a human digit may be placed. A light source illuminates that portion of the tip of the digit that is placed against the imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer generates digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer generates a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of motion of the tip of the digit across the imaging surface.

Abstract: An LED is used as an illuminant of an image sensor and includes a fabricated block, a first electrode and a second electrode contained in the fabricated block for transmitting an electric current to a PN surface of a semiconductor that is contained in the fabricated block and secured in a top portion of the first electrode. The semiconductor has a light-projecting axis forming an acute angle with an elongate line of a bottom of the fabricated block.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: To provide an optical pointing device capable of being provided as a device of short stature, being used integrally with an apparatus having a limited stature and a limited space, reducing cost and improving reliability. A pointing board has an X axis line pattern and a Y axis line pattern which are orthogonal to each other. When the pointing device is moved on a support base provided on a control circuit board, lights from an X and Y axis light emitting devices crosses the X and Y axis line patterns and are reflected. The reflected light is detected as an optical pulses by an X and Y axis photo-detectors. Coordinate information according to a movement direction and a movement quantity is converted into an electrical signal, and a cursor is moved on a display screen of the computer.

Abstract: A surface having specular regions shaped to reflect incident light toward an optical sensor provides an ideal surface to be scanned by an optical mouse. When light is shined upon the surface, the reflections off of the specular regions appear as white points in the image acquired by the optical sensor, which gives the optical sensor the distinguishing characteristics it needs to differentiate between images. Since the specular regions reflect light so well, less light is needed to obtain an image, and power is conserved. The surface appears as a dark background in the image, providing contrast to the light reflecting off the specular regions. To protect the specular regions, an optically transparent coating can be layered on top of the surface. An alternative surface that may be easier to manufacture is a light colored surface dotted with darker colored regions.

Abstract: A mouse pointing device structure. The mouse pointing device structure includes a main body, a cover, a button device and an irradiation device. The cover is disposed on the main body and has a transparent portion. The button device is disposed on the cover. The transparent portion is located between the main body and button device. The irradiation device is disposed between the cover and main body. The light output from the irradiation device is output to the outside of the mouse pointing device structure through the transparent portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing three-dimensional relative movement includes a movable motion sensor including a first and a second two-dimensional array of photo detectors. At least one lens directs far-field images onto the first and the second arrays of photo detectors. The sensor is configured to generate digital representations of the far-field images and to generate three-dimensional relative movement data based on the digital representations of the far-field images. The movement data is indicative of motion of the sensor in three dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical mouse and method for preventing abnormal operation of the same. The method comprises the steps of (a) when a shutter-on time of an image sensor is continuously increased or decreased, obtaining a plurality of frames for the shutter-on time, and (b) calculating and outputting a movement value of the optical mouse using one frame obtaining a surface image with the highest accuracy from among the plurality of frames obtained in the step (a). Thus, by sensing the time when the optical mouse passes through an interface having an obvious difference in brightness and preventing the wrong movement value from being outputted, it is possible to prevent the abnormal operation of the optical mouse.

Abstract: An input device for a computer comprises a housing adapted to fit within a PCMCIA chamber of a computer, the housing having a connector for connecting to a bus accessible within the PCMCIA chamber, a position sensor disposed in the housing; a transmitter disposed in the housing, capable of transmitting position information obtained from the position sensor to the computer; and a rechargeable power source disposed in the housing and operatively connected to the connector, the power source being rechargeable when the housing is disposed within the PCMCIA chamber.

Abstract: A passive optical mouse is provided. The mouse does not require an interrogating light source. Instead, the mouse includes a sensor array and lens assembly that captures ambient images from arbitrary sources. A comparison is made between successive images to determine movement of the mouse. The movement of the mouse causes a movement vector to be output, which is used to control movement of a cursor of a computer. In addition, the mouse is configured to provide dual mode operation wherein the mouse can also operate as a video camera.

Abstract: An optical pointing device includes a base which can be a casing of a peripheral device of a computer system having a display using a cursor or a portion of a display system using a cursor. The base defines a cavity having an opening in a surface of the base. An optical sensing system is received and retained in the cavity. The optical sensing system includes a lens located in front of the optical sensing system for directing optical signals toward/away from the optical sensing system. A light-transmitting panel is removably and selectively mounted to the opening of the cavity for covering the cavity. The distance between the panel and the lens is substantially equal to the focusing length of the lens whereby an object moving on the panel can be clearly detected by the optical sensing system and then converted into a corresponding first electrical signal to drive the cursor in a first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. An optical motion sensor generates digital images from the reflected images at a first frame rate. The motion sensor is configured to generate movement data based on the digital images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus. The motion sensor is configured to modify the first frame rate to one of a plurality of alternate frame rates based on a current relative velocity between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

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 of a dynamic range has an analog/digital (A/D) converter having an input range adjusted based on an input range control signal, the A/D converter receiving an input signal over the adjusted input range and converting the received signal into digital data, and an image data processor for determining on the basis of image data from the A/D converter whether a data concentrated distribution has occurred, detecting a level of the input range with the data concentrated distribution upon determining that the data concentrated distribution has occurred, outputting the input range control signal to the A/D converter according to the detected level and processing the image data from the A/D converter to detect motion data therefrom.