Abstract: An optical navigation device, such as an optical navigation joystick or mouse, includes an internal redirector which may be separate or formed from material of a touch surface of the optical device. The redirector is disposed at an angle with respect to a plane of the touch surface, operative to reflect light which would otherwise strike the touch surface at a low angle and be internally reflected. The light may be reflected in a direction away from a light sensor of the device, reducing sensed internally reflected light, or may be reflected into the touch surface at a higher angle, potentially increasing a quantity of good signal. The redirector may also include portions which block light directly emitted from a light emitter, or reflected off other surfaces of the navigation device.

Abstract: A light guide module is applied in an optical touch module. A focusing component of the light guide module focuses the light emitted from a light guide component of the light guide module, so that all the light emitted from the light guide component can be convergently distributed in a touch area of the optical touch module. In this way, the light provided by a lighting component of the optical touch module can be effectively utilized, and the signal to noise ratio of the received signal of a sensor of the optical touch module increases. Therefore, the optical touch module can determines the location of the finger or the contacting object more correctly.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing data being displayed on at least one monitor screen based on monitoring user's attention in relation to the monitor screen. In one embodiment, upon detecting that the user's attention is leaving at least a portion of a screen, the system may alert the user of such an event. Alternatively, the system could alert the user upon detecting a triggering condition while the user's attention is away from the at least a portion of the screen. The step of alerting the user may include modifying at least a portion of a display on a monitor not being viewed by the user. Additionally, the system may initiate preparation of a report including any data not being viewed by a user during the time period when the user is not viewing a portion of the monitor.

Abstract: There is provided a displacement detection device including a light source, an image sensor and a control and processing unit. The light source is configured to illuminate a work surface. The image sensor is configured to receive reflected light from the work surface. The control and processing unit is configured to adjust a block size of comparison blocks according to a quality parameter.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments of optical mice are disclosed that facilitate off-surface detection while also providing high-contrast images of a tracking surface. In one embodiment, an optical mouse comprises a light source configured to emit light having a wavelength in or near a blue region of a visible light spectrum toward a tracking surface, an image sensor, and an optical band pass filter configured to pass the light having the wavelength in or near the blue region of the visible light spectrum emitted by the light source while filtering red and infrared wavelengths. Further, the mouse also comprises a controller configured to receive image data from the image sensor and to identify a tracking feature in the image data. The band pass filter prevents ambient light in the filtered wavelengths from reaching the image sensor, and thereby facilitates off-surface detection, while the blue color of the incident light and band pass filter provides a high-contrast image for motion tracking.

Abstract: A mouse pen and a photoelectric control switch thereof are provided, the photoelectric control switch includes a control rod in a shell moving between on-position and off-position, an optical coupling sensor comprising a light emitter and light receiver disposed on an extension line of the control rod, and an elastic element for resetting the control rod. The control rod includes a first end near the optical coupling sensor and equipped with a reflection element, and a second end for driving the control rod towards the optical coupling sensor which protrudes an orifice of the shell; at the on-position, light emitting from the light emitter is received by the light receiver after being reflected by the reflection element, while at the off-position, light cannot be received. The photoelectric control switch implements non-contact on/off controlling with the optical coupling sensor and the control rod, responses sensitively, and has longer lifetime.

Abstract: An optical finger navigation device and method for making the device uses a light pipe array lens, which includes an array of light pipes formed in a monolithic block of material. The light pipe array lens is configured to function similarly to a fiber bundle lens to transmit light through the lens using the light pipes in the monolithic block of material.

Abstract: A device for optical navigation, containing an image sensor which has a large number of image sensor units which are disposed in an array-like manner with respectively at least one light-sensitive surface and at least one lens which is disposed between an object to be imaged and the image sensor. A microlens array is present, at least one microlens being assigned to one image sensor unit. At least one pin diaphragm array is assigned to the image sensor array and is disposed between the image sensor array and the at least one microlens array.

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

Abstract: An optical navigation module comprising a rigid flange having a top surface. An optical navigation unit can be coupled to the top surface of the rigid flange with an electrical connection electrically coupled to the optical navigation unit. An alignment flange can be coupled to the rigid flange with the alignment feature including one or more alignment features. The alignment feature can be a hole adapted to receive an alignment pin to hold and align the optical navigation module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection system for the detection of movements of a movable object. The detection system may comprises: a light emitting device (S) for emitting light, a reflecting unit (5) being arranged in functional connection with the movable object and being adapted for reflecting the emitted light, a plurality of detectors (D1 to D4) for detecting the reflected light and outputting detection signals for determining a movement of the movable object. When reflecting the emitted light, the reflecting unit causes a light spot to be incident on the plurality of detectors, and the plurality of detectors are arranged in a predetermined manner so as to be located completely inside the light spot irrespective of any movement of the movable object. The present invention further relates to a method of detecting movements of the movable object, and an IC having implemented therein the detection system.

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

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) imaging system configured to display an autostereoscopic image of a scene toward a viewing area, and detect gestures occurring in the viewing area. The system includes an imaging device configured to project a plurality of projected images in distinct directions, and each projected image is characterized as a distinct perspective view of the scene. The imaging device is also configured to detect a plurality of received images for the purpose of detecting gestures. The system also includes a holographic diffuser, and a mirror arrangement configured to reflect the plurality of projected images from the imaging device toward the holographic diffuser to display an autostereoscopic image of the scene in the holographic diffuser, and reflect a plurality of perspective images from the viewing area toward the imaging device such that each received image corresponds to a distinct perspective view of the viewing area.

Abstract: An optical navigation module includes a light source, a light transmission window having a navigation surface, a first light shield configured for blocking the ambient light and absorbing the scattered light, a sensor configured for detecting light from the light transmission window and a second light shield located between the light source and the sensor and configured for blocking the direct light from the light source to the sensor. The light transmission window includes at least one refraction surface. The refraction surface is in the light path from the light source to the sensor.

Abstract: An optical navigation device for a computer application includes a radiation source capable of producing a beam of radiation, a sensor for receiving an image, and an optical element for identifying movement of the feature to thereby enable a computer action to be carried out. The optical element is formed from a single piece and includes at least one frustrated total internal reflection (F-TIR) surface capable of affecting frustrated total internal reflection of the beam of radiation in the presence of the feature to thereby generate the image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indexing device. A first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a control unit are primarily disposed in the indexing device. The control unit couples to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. The control unit receives a first move detection signal outputted by the first sensing unit, and receives a second move detection signal from the second sensing unit. The variance of the first move detection signal and/or the second move detection signal is referred to compute a cursor control signal. Further, the first sensing unit or the second sensing unit is slidably disposed in the device's casing. This movable sensing unit allows the cursor control correlated to the moving indexing device more accurate, more stable and/or faster responsive to the user's operation.

Abstract: An optical navigation system and an optical navigation apparatus thereof are provided. The optical navigation system comprises a host and the optical navigation apparatus. The host detects a running program to generate a control signal. The optical navigation apparatus, which is connected to the host in a wireless way, receives the control signal and performs a performance configuration according to the control signal to adjust an image data amount that is required for processing.

Abstract: A method used in an optical mouse apparatus includes: generating and emitting a light signal which is emitted to a surface so as to reflect and generate a light reflected signal; generating sensed image(s) according to the light reflected signal wherein the sensed image(s) are used for estimating an offset of the optical mouse apparatus; dynamically adjusting photometric exposure for the sensed image(s) according to a quality parameter, a moving speed, or an output offset number per unit time of the sensed image(s).

Abstract: A mouse device includes an upper cover, a lower cover, a circuit board, a first switch, a second switch, and a triggering element. The circuit board is fixed between the upper cover and the lower cover. The first switch and the second switch are disposed on a bottom surface of the circuit board. The triggering element is pivotally coupled to the lower cover and protruded through a bottom side of the lower cover. When a first side or a second side of the upper cover is depressed, the upper cover, the lower cover and the circuit board are rotated relative to the triggering element. Consequently, the first switch or the second switch is correspondingly triggered.

Abstract: A control system, a mouse and a control method thereof are provided. The control system comprises a dongle and the mouse. The dongle is wiredly connected to a host and has a first light source for emitting a first light. The mouse is wirelessly connected to the dongle and has a transmitter, a second light source for emitting a second light, an optical sensor and a processor. The optical sensor senses the first light at a first time interval to generate a first sensing signal and then also, senses the second light at a second time interval to generate a second sensing signal. The processor generates a first control signal and a second control signal according to the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, respectively, and transmits them to the dongle via the transmitter so that the host receives the first and second control signals via the dongle.

Abstract: A mouse device includes a case member, a battery storage box for accommodating a battery, and a ring-shaped cover. The battery storage box is disposed within the case member. Moreover, the battery storage box has an entrance. The entrance is formed in a sidewall of the battery storage box. The ring-shaped cover is connected with the case member from a rear side and a bottom side of the case member for covering the entrance. Due to the structure of the ring-shaped cover, the mouse device has no rotating shaft at the rear end of the case member. Consequently, the length of the case member of the present mouse device is shorter, and the overall volume of the present mouse device is reduced.

Abstract: An optical mouse apparatus includes a light source circuit, a sensing circuit, and a processing circuit. The light source circuit is used for generating and emitting a light signal onto a surface so as to generate a light reflected signal. The sensing circuit is used for estimating an image offset of the optical mouse apparatus. The processing circuit is coupled to the light source circuit and the sensing circuit and used for generating and outputting a control signal to a terminal according to the image offset outputted by the sensing circuit. The sensing circuit is further used for detecting at least one of a moving speed or an offset direction of the image offset of the optical mouse apparatus, so as to dynamically determine whether to compress data of the image offset outputted to the processing circuit, for reducing data amount read by the processing circuit.

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus, an optical navigation method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium thereof are provided. The optical navigation apparatus includes a light source unit, an image sensing unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit is electrically connected to the light source unit and the image sensing unit. The light source unit provides a beam of light. The image sensing unit captures a first image at a first time instant when the light is projected onto a reflection surface. The processing unit calculates an image quality index of the first image and determines a matching block size between the first image and a second image according to the image quality index.

Abstract: A mouse device includes a base and a displacement sensing device. The displacement sensing device includes a light-emitting element, an optical assembly, and an optical sensing element. When the mouse device is moved, a light beam emitted by the light-emitting element is transferred through the optical assembly to be received by the optical sensing element. Consequently, the optical sensing element generates a cursor displacement signal. The optical assembly is integrally formed with the base, and there is no gap between the optical assembly and the base. If electrostatic discharge occurs in the external environment of the mouse device, the electrostatic discharge fails to be introduced into the mouse device.

Abstract: A pointing device and a display apparatus applying the same are provided. The pointing device corrects an error that occurs in a boundary between block in calculating a current location of the pointing device and calculates the current location. Accordingly, an error occurring in a boundary between blocks in calculating a current location of the pointing device is prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking movement between a surface and an optical navigation device are described. In an embodiment, the optical navigation device has an image sensor that includes an array of pixels and motion tracking involves acquiring image information, the image information including pixel values that correspond to the pixels, calculating a surface quality (SQUAL) value from the image information, determining a level of saturation of the pixel array from pixel values of the image information, comparing the determined level of saturation of the pixel array to a saturation threshold, increasing a SQUAL threshold if the determined level of saturation of the pixel array is greater than the saturation threshold, and deciding whether or not to output motion tracking information in response to a comparison of the SQUAL value to the SQUAL threshold. Other embodiments of the method are also described.

Abstract: A light-based input device may be based on a wedge-shaped light-guide structure. Light may be introduced into the interior of the light-guide structure from a light source and corresponding reflected light exiting the light-guide structure may be measured using a light detector such as an image sensor. The location at which a user places an object in contact with an upper surface of the light-guide structure may be detected by analyzing the pattern of reflected light that exits the light-guide structure. Multiple layers of light-guide structures may be separated from each other by opaque material such as plastic so that the device can determine the direction in which the object is traversing the light-guide layers. A light-based input device may be implemented using free-space light beams that are interrupted by the user. Keys may be provided in a light-based input device by movably mounting contact pads to a light-guide structure.

Abstract: An optical mouse apparatus includes a light source unit, a sensing unit, and a processing unit. The light source unit is arranged for generating and emitting an optical signal, wherein the optical signal is emitted upon a surface, and then reflected to form an optical reflected signal. The sensing unit is arranged for generating a sensed image output according to the optical reflected signal, wherein the sensed image output is utilized for estimating an image displacement of the optical mouse apparatus. The processing unit is coupled to the light source unit and the sensing unit, and arranged for controlling the light source unit to emit the optical signal and determining a operation status of the optical mouse apparatus according to an image variation of at least a partial region of each of consecutive images of the sensed image output.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid human-interface device including an optical navigation module and a pointing module. The optical navigation module is configured to replace the conventional buttons of a convention pointing device, such as an optical mouse or a trackball mouse or TV controller. The optical navigation module is configured to sense gestures of at least one object operated by a user to activate commands associated with particular programs running on the host. Since the optical navigation module is only configured to sense gestures of the object but not the movement of the hybrid human-interface device relative to a surface, the resolution thereof is aimed to be sufficiently high enough for sensing gestures and no need to be relatively high.

Abstract: A scrolling signal generation method is provided. A look-up table has been previously established. By inquiring the look-up table, a controlling unit judges whether the received plural phase signals can be collaboratively defined as a scrolling signal. If one of the phase signals received by the controlling unit is lost because of the noise, the controlling unit compares the plural phase signals with plural scrolling data of the look-up table. If the plural phase signals comply with plural scrolling data of the look-up table, the plural phase signals are defined as the scrolling signal. Consequently, the optical scroll wheel using the scrolling signal generation method of the present invention can be smoothly operated without causing the erroneous action.

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus and an optical navigation method are provided. The optical navigation apparatus includes a light source unit, an image sensing unit, and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is electrically connected to the light source unit and the image sensing unit. The light source unit generates a beam of light. The image sensing unit captures a plurality of images within a time interval. The processing unit determines that the beam of light is projected onto a touch object according to the images, calculates a piece of displacement information related to the touch object according to the images, generates a comparison result by comparing the piece of displacement information with a threshold, and sets a displacement resolution of the optical navigation apparatus according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A pen-like optical input device includes a body. A light source, a light sensing unit and a lens are disposed in the body, a light ray is emitted by the light source to the outside of the body, and a reflected light ray is generated outside the body. The reflected light ray then is received by the light sensing unit after being refracted by the lens, in which the light sensing unit has a light receiving surface, and a normal of the light receiving surface inclines to an optical axis of the lens, thereby forming an angle with the optical axis.

Abstract: An information handling system is disclosed including a display, a base coupled to the display and a keypad with a plurality of keys disposed on the base. The system further includes a touchpad located proximate the keypad and a point stick located substantially between at least two of the plurality of keys, wherein the point stick is configured to be a scroll control device. A method for manipulating information on a display of an information handling system is further disclosed herein. The method includes moving a cursor on the display using a touchpad proximate a keypad on the information handling system and scrolling the information on the display in a direction corresponding with the direction of pressure applied to a top portion of a point stick located substantially between at least two keys of the keypad.

Abstract: An object is to appropriately transmit operation data from a controller device to an information processing device. The controller device is capable of wirelessly communicating with the information processing device. The controller device includes a generating unit, a communication unit, and a display unit. The generating unit generates operation data based on an operation performed on the controller device. The communication unit receives one image's worth of image data from the information processing device with a first frequency, the image data generated in the information processing device through a process performed based on the operation data, and transmits the operation data to the information processing device with a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. The display unit displays an image based on the image data.

Abstract: A computer readable recording media, having at least one program code recorded thereon, an image adjusting method can be performed when the program code is read and executed. The image adjusting method comprises: catching a current image; computing at least one kind of brightness information of the current image; respectively setting corresponding threshold values to different kinds of the brightness information; and determining if a contrast enhancing operation should be performed to the current image to generate an adjusted image according to a number that the brightness information is over the threshold value.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal comprises a projection module for projecting images on a projection surface external to the mobile communication terminal; a display screen on which a first image and a second image are rendered; a user interface to allow a user interact with the mobile communication terminal; and a controller to process information, in response to user interaction with the user interface to generate an output via the projection module; wherein the user interacts with the user interface to cause at least the first image to be projected on the projection surface by the projection module, while both the first image and the second image are displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a housing and a keypad assembly configured within the housing. The keypad assembly includes one or more groups of keys configured for movable positioning between a first orientation in which a top surface of an individual key is exposed to a user, and a second orientation in which the top surface of the key pivotally retracts into the housing so as to expose an edge surface of the key.

Abstract: A receiver device receives a wireless signal and an image signal. The wireless signal is outputted from an input device to control a terminal device. The receiver device includes a receiver, a light source, an image detector and a processor. The receiver can receive the wireless signal. The light source emits a beam, and the beam is reflected by an external object to form the image signal. The image detector continuously receives the image signals. The processor is electrically connected to the receiver and the image detector. The processor can respectively transmit the wireless signal and the image signal to the terminal device.

Abstract: A touchscreen system for locating an opaque object in a target region, detects interruption of light beams. Each of the touchscreens have one or more optical emitters (10) to create the beams, and one or more optical detectors (30) to provide detection signals arranged to use emission wavelengths which are compatible with night vision apparatus, and having an NVIS radiance smaller than 1.7 10?11 NR.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid pointing device including an optical navigation module and a pointing module. The optical navigation module is configured to replace the conventional buttons of a convention pointing device, such as an optical mouse or a trackball mouse. The optical navigation module is configured to sense gestures of at least one object operated by a user to activate commands associated with particular programs running on the host. Since the optical navigation module is only configured to sense gestures of the object but not the movement of the hybrid pointing device relative to a surface, the resolution thereof is aimed to be sufficiently high enough for sensing gestures and no need to be relatively high.

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: A computer input device includes a light source assembly forming an incident light beam that strikes an area on a surface beneath the input device with large incident angle. A light sensing assembly in the input device is positioned to receive scattered light and includes a band-pass filter. A barrier is located directly above the area where the light beam is incident on the top surface to prevent light from traveling directly from the light source assembly to the light sensing assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting, representing, and interpreting three-space input are described. Embodiments of the system, in the context of an SOE, process low-level data from a plurality of sources of spatial tracking data and analyze these semantically uncorrelated spatiotemporal data and generate high-level gestural events according to dynamically configurable implicit and explicit gesture descriptions. The events produced are suitable for consumption by interactive systems, and the embodiments provide one or more mechanisms for controlling and effecting event distribution to these consumers. The embodiments further provide to the consumers of its events a facility for transforming gestural events among arbitrary spatial and semantic frames of reference.

Abstract: A mouse motion trajectory testing system includes a testing fixture and an electronic calculator connected to the testing fixture. The testing fixture includes a testing base, a rotatable member under the testing base, and a controlling unit. The testing base is used for fixing the tested mouse thereon. The controlling unit is used for driving the rotatable member to be rotated for a preset number of revolutions at a preset speed, so that the tested mouse generates a motion signal. The electronic calculator has testing program for receiving the motion signal from the tested mouse, thereby judging whether the tested mouse is qualified or not.

Abstract: An optical navigation device that can sense the movement of an object, such as a user's finger, so that the movement can control a feature of a consumer digital device such as a cursor on a display screen. The device includes a substrate to which an LED, reflector, and image sensor are attached. Light from the LED is directed by the elliptical reflector toward and through a window that is transparent to the light from the LED and then is reflected off of the user's finger back through the window, through a lens, and onto the image sensor. The reflector is positioned to direct light toward the window at an oblique angle, in the range of 65 to 70 degrees from an angle normal to the window. Further, the reflector is curved to gather light across a large solid angle in the vicinity of the LED. The curved shape of the reflector may be a portion of an ellipsoid and the LED may be located at one of the foci of the ellipsoid, with the window located at the other foci of the ellipsoid.

Abstract: A dual protocol input device for use with a host system is provided. In one embodiment, the input device comprises a chip with a number of semiconductor devices integrally formed thereon, including: an optical navigation sensor (ONS) to sense movement of the ONS relative to a surface; a wired protocol block to communicate data from the ONS to the host system by a wired communication protocol; a wireless protocol block to communicate data from the ONS to the host system by a wireless communication protocol; and a micro-controller coupled to the ONS, the wired protocol block and the wireless protocol block, to switch the input device between the wireless communication protocol and the wired communication protocol.

Abstract: Input devices configured to provide user interface by detecting three dimensional movement of an external object are disclosed. The input device comprises at least two photodetector pairs, a radiation source and a circuit configurable to detect differential and common mode signals generated in the photodetector pairs. By detecting the common mode and differential signals, movement of an external object may be determined and used to control a pointer, or a cursor.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes a light source, an image sensor, a navigation unit and a lift detection unit. The light source is configured to illuminate a work surface. The image sensor receives reflected light from the work surface to output an image frame. The navigation unit is configured to filter the image frame and output a filtered image frame. The lift detection unit is configured to calculate a maximum difference of intensities between two adjacent pixels in the image frame, calculate a pixel number of pixels of interest in the filtered image frame, and identify a lift event by comparing the maximum difference with a difference threshold and/or comparing the pixel number with an operating threshold.

Abstract: An optical navigation module for receiving control from an object disposed on an operation plane is provided. The optical navigation module includes a substrate defining a base plane that is perpendicular to the operation plane; a light source installed on the base plane of the substrate and configured to emit light to a side of the substrate; an optical structure installed at the side of the substrate; a light sensor installed on the base plane of the substrate; a light shield installed on the base plane of the substrate spatially separating the light source and the light sensor so that light emitted by the light source is not directly shed on the light sensor, the light shield having an aperture formed thereon; and a tactile switch for executing a command installed at a side of the light source that is opposite to the side facing the operation plane.