Abstract: A method for measuring relative motion between an illuminated portion of a surface and an optical sensing device comprising a coherent light source and a photodetector device comprising an array of pixels and comparators for extracting motion features. The method includes the steps (a)-(d). Step (a) includes illuminating with the coherent light source the surface portion at a determined flash rate. Step (b) includes detecting, using the array of pixels a speckled light intensity pattern of the illuminated portion of the surface for each flash. Step (c) includes extracting edge direction data of two different types from the detected speckled light intensity patterns. Step (d) includes measuring relative motion between the optical sensing device and the illuminated portion of the surface based on extracted edge direction data.

Abstract: A sensor for an optical device includes an array of pixels in rows and columns which detect and process illumination falling thereon so as to identify inputs generated by a user on a surface of the optical device. A second reset period of variable length between a black calibration phase and an integration phase occurs in a processing cycle of a frame for each pixel, wherein the length of the second reset period is adjusted based on the ambient light conditions.

Abstract: An optical position sensing system includes a bezel surrounding a display, a position sensor assembly, and a processor for calculating touch locations. Prismatic film may be applied to the bezel. Each optical position sensor assembly includes a body. A lens holder holds an imaging window on a first side and a single element aspherical lens on a second side. The lens holder is mounted to a front face of the body such that the lens is aligned with an opening in the body. An optical sensor is mounted to a rear face of the body and aligned with the opening. A radiation source is positioned within the body above the lens holder and behind an illumination window. A light path separator is positioned between the illumination window and the imaging window, so that the radiation path is optically separated from the view path of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An optical position sensing system includes a bezel surrounding a display, a position sensor assembly, and a processor for calculating touch locations. Prismatic film may be applied to the bezel. Each optical position sensor assembly includes a body. A lens holder holds an imaging window on a first side and a single element aspherical lens on a second side. The imaging window has an inside face shaped to form a shallow convex surface. The lens holder is mounted to a front face of the body such that the lens is aligned with an opening in the body. An optical sensor is mounted to a rear face of the body and aligned with the opening. A radiation source is positioned within the body above the lens holder and behind an illumination window. A light path separator is positioned between the illumination window and the imaging window.

Abstract: An input device providing less strain on the user is disclosed. The input device comprises a means for tracking movement of the device and providing a signal associated with the movement to a computer system and means for receiving one of an audio signal, an optical signal and a verbal expression and providing associated signals to the computer system, wherein the computer system executes a function identified by a position determined based on the movement information and the received one of: audio signal, optical signal and verbal expression.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) human-computer interaction system that supports mouse operations through the motion of a finger and an operation method thereof are provided. In the provided system and method, a multi-view video recording device captures an image of a finger of an operator, and has an information connection with an electronic information device through an interaction handling program. After the interaction handling program is executed, a CPU of the electronic information device performs operations such as computation, synthesis, image presentation, gesture tracking, and command recognition on the captured image to interpret a motion of the finger of the user. Accordingly, the user may perform operations on an operation interface of the electronic information device by using the finger in a 3D space in a noncontact mode. The present invention is particularly applicable to application software with 3D space operations as it can perform 3D interaction with the application software.

Abstract: There is provided an optical finger mouse including two light sources, an image sensor and a processing unit. The two light sources emit light of different wavelengths to illuminate a finger surface. The image sensor receives reflected light from the finger surface to generate a plurality of image frames. The processing unit detects a displacement and a contact status of the finger surface and a physiological characteristic of a user according to the plurality of image frames. There is further provided an electronic device and a physiological characteristic detection device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser navigation module, including: a light source radiating laser beam; a housing having a window mounted thereon and having a transparent or semi-transparent part formed therein in order to radiate light radiated from an inner portion of the housing to an outer portion thereof, the window transmitting the laser beam radiated from the light source therethough and reflecting the laser beam therefrom and blocking inflow of a visible ray; a lighting device mounted in an inner portion of the housing; a light diffusion member transferring light radiated from the lighting device to the housing; and a printed circuit board including a first printed circuit board having the light source mounted thereon and a second printed circuit board having the lighting device mounted thereon, the first and second printed circuit boards being formed in a stacked structure.

Abstract: A mouse assembly used for a computer includes a first mouse module and a second mouse module. The first mouse module includes a first connector, and the second mouse module includes a second connector. The second mouse module is detachably and electrically connected to the first mouse module through the first connector and the second connector. When the first connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the second connector, the first mouse module and the second mouse module are assembled together, and the mouse assembly is used as a wireless mouse. When the first connector is mechanically disconnected from the second connector, the first mouse module intercommunicates with the second mouse module, and the mouse assembly is used as touch input device.

Abstract: An input device for controlling a presentation program that is being run on a remote computing device is provided. The input device includes a first optical sensor configured to be activated by exposure to a focused beam of light and a second optical sensor configured to be activated by exposure to a focused beam of light. An RF communication device wirelessly delivers the instructional signals to the remote computing device to advance or reverse the presentation program.

Abstract: A light pointer apparatus and method of use comprising: a substantially flat bottom surface comprising a sufficiently large surface area such that when said substantially flat bottom surface is rested upon a substantially flat horizontal surface, said apparatus remains substantially immobile and stable relative to the substantially flat horizontal surface solely by virtue of the plane of contact formed between said substantially flat bottom surface and the substantially flat horizontal surface; a light source for emitting a low-divergence light beam comprising wavelengths in the visible light spectrum with a beam divergence of at most three degrees, fixed in orientation relative to said substantially flat bottom surface so as to emit said low-divergence light beam at a predetermined emission angle of at least 45 degrees relative to said substantially flat bottom surface; and surfaces other than said substantially flat bottom surface capable of being held and moved by a human hand.

Abstract: A wireless mouse includes a switch unit arranged between a circuit board and a lower cover of the wireless mouse. The circuit board defines two electrical connection contacts which can control to provide power for the wireless mouse. The switch unit can make the electrical connection contacts be connected to each other in response to the wireless mouse is pressed by a user. The switch unit also can make the electrical connection contacts be not connected to each other in response to the wireless mouse is not pressed by a user.

Abstract: An optical pointing device for detecting a displacement between the optical pointing device and a working surface includes a casing, a light emitting component and a light sensing component. The casing includes a transparent element. A light emitting hole is defined through the casing and located at the same side with the transparent element. The light emitting component is located inside the casing and emits a light beam. The light beam passes through the light emitting hole and is reflected by the working surface to pass through the transparent element. The light sensing component is located inside the casing. The transparent element is located between the light sensing component and the working surface to cover the light sensing component. The light sensing component has a light sensing surface configured for sensing the light beam reflected by the working surface.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring linear and angular displacement of a moving object, such as an autonomous moving object. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface of the autonomous moving object or a working surface. A processor on the autonomous moving object is operatively coupled to the optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor outputs linear and angular displacement values to the processor during movement of the autonomous moving object to determine a direction and distance traveled by the autonomous moving object.

Abstract: A method of notetaking includes the steps of: displaying a source document on a display device; writing notes on a substrate relating to the displayed source document to create handwritten notes; generating digital ink representing the handwritten notes; and indexing the digital ink with an identifier for the displayed source document so that the displayed source document is retrievable when accessing the notes. The displayed source document has no association with the substrate prior to writing the notes.

Abstract: An input device includes an operation surface, a first detection means, a second detection means, an operation signal generating means, and a transmission means. The operation signal generating means generates an operation signal used to perform a first operation on a screen where a detection result of the first detection means has been reflected, if the duration of the detection, which is performed at the same contact position by the first detection means, is shorter than a predetermined time. The operation signal generating means generates an operation signal used to perform a second operation on the screen where a detection result of the second detection means has been reflected, as long as the detection is continued at the same contact position, if the duration of the detection, which is performed at the same contact position by the first detection means, reaches the predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical touch device, including a main body, a keyboard and a light emitting member. The keyboard, placed on the main body and having a first end portion and a second end portion, includes a supporting frame, a keycap and a stopping member. The keycap is connected to the supporting frame and moves between a first position and a second position. The stopping member is connected to the keycap and moves simultaneously with the keycap. The light emitting member generates a light beam to the keyboard. When the keycap is in the first position, the light beam passes through the first end portion to the second end portion, and when the keycap is in the second position, the light beam is terminated by the stopping member, such that the light does not reach the second end portion.

Abstract: The application discloses a pointing device to interface with a graphical user interface of a computer or other electronic device. As disclosed the pointing device includes a contoured body profile having a forward portion and an aft or tail portion. In embodiments disclosed, the body of the pointing device includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions are rotationally connected via a hinge assembly to fold the device for transport and unfold the device for use. The application also discloses a pointing device having a pocket for removably holding a dongle or other device for transport or storage.

Abstract: An improved method for photon transfer curve (PTC) testing in an image sensor is described. A cost and time savings is achieved by reducing the number of frames necessary for measurements to two that are generated by illuminating a first plurality of pixel rows at a first intensity level m1, a second plurality of pixel rows at a second intensity level t2, and so forth up to an nth plurality of pixel rows illuminated at an nth intensity level mn where mn>m2>m1. The resulting image has “n” regions each with a different brightness. The highest intensity level essentially saturates the pixels in the nth region. In one example, a four row exposure and five intensity levels are employed in the illuminator sequence. An intelligent light source is pre-programmable with illumination intensity settings and is synchronized to the image sensor using HSYNC and VSYNC signals, for example.

Abstract: An optical navigation system with a lift detection module is provided for preventing cursor movement if the optical navigation system has been lifted from the navigation surface. The optical navigation system may include an image sensor, a controller and a lift detection module. The lift detection module may be operatively coupled with the image sensor and the controller to selectively report a motion data upon determining a lift by comparing the average of the photosensitive pixel elements with a pixel element threshold value and the surface quality value with a surface quality threshold value. The lift detection module may be incorporated in a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller may be added to a navigation system to provide an additional lift detection feature.

Abstract: A mouse with a wire arrangement structure is provided. The mouse includes a housing, a base, a connection unit and a wire. The housing includes an opening and an opening edge. The base corresponds to the housing, wherein the base is moved between a first position and a second position, and when the base is in the first position, the base abuts the opening edge to cover the opening, and when the base is in the second position, the base is separated from the opening edge. The connection unit is connected to the housing and the base, allowing the base to move relative to the housing. The wire includes a joint, wherein when the wire is in a receiving state, the wire is wound up around the connection unit.

Abstract: A high resolution mouse includes an illumination source, a sensor, lens is formed along optical path between the illumination source and the sensor; a resolution enhancing element is formed on the sensor and between a reflection surface of an object and the sensor to improve pitch resolution; wherein an index of reflection of the resolution enhancing element is greater than one; wherein the resolution enhancing element includes liquid, gas or solid material.

Abstract: A shape-changeable mouse includes a first casing, a second casing, a push rod, a sliding element and a third casing. The push rod is pivotally coupled with the first casing and the second casing. The second casing has a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole. The sliding element has a positioning post. The third casing is used for storing a sensor. The third casing is rotatable relative to the first casing to lie flat on a sensing surface. In a case that the positioning post is inserted into the first positioning hole, a first angle is defined between the first casing and the second casing. Whereas, in a case that the positioning post is inserted into the second positioning hole, a second angle is defined between the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of tracking movement relative to a surface involves comparing at least some data elements of a first array with at least some of data elements of a second array if it is determined, from an examination of the first array of data elements, that a characteristic condition does not exist in the first array of data elements, wherein the characteristic condition is related to the uniformity of at least a majority of the data elements of the first array.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a projector module projecting an image onto an external surface; a display having a touchscreen; and a controller configured to receive a control signal corresponding to a touch input received via the display, wherein the control signal is for adjusting at least a size or a position of an external display area formed on the external surface such that the external display area is adjusted based on a touch pattern of the touch input, to adjust the external display area in response to the control signal, and to control the projector module to project the image on the adjusted external display area, wherein a screen area set and positioned according to the touch input is displayed via the touchscreen and the external display area is adjusted according to a size and a position of the screen area.

Abstract: A cursor-manipulating device comprising a light diffusing surface, for example a Lambertian surface, covering a cavity containing a light source and an image sensor, wherein the cursor-manipulating device is a touch pad like device. The image detector senses the touching of the outer surface of the cursor-manipulating device with a pointing device, for example a finger, in which the outer surface comprises a light diffusing surface that allows the image sensor to capture and track an image of the pointing device touching the light diffusing surface in order to control a cursor of an electronic device. Multiple touching devices, like fingers, can be used to control simultaneous events on the screen of an electronic device, e.g. a notebook PC, cellular phone, game device and a GPS device.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling an image display includes at least one reference object for generating a predetermined spectrum signal; a modulation unit for modulating the predetermined spectrum signal with a predetermined method; and a remote controller. The remote controller includes an image sensor for receiving the modulated predetermined spectrum signal and generating a digital signal; and a processing unit for receiving the digital signal, demodulating the digital signal so as to generate a digital image which only contains the image of the reference object, and calculating an image variation of the image of the reference object formed on the digital image, wherein the remote controller controls the image display according to the image variation thereby eliminating the interference from a light source which generates a light band overlapping the band of the predetermined spectrum signal. The present invention also provides a control method for controlling an image display.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an optical displacement sensor for sensing movement of a data input device across a surface by determining displacement of optical features in a succession of frames. The sensor includes at least an illuminator, telecentric imaging optics on the object (scattering surface) side, and an array of photosensitive elements. The illuminator is configured to illuminate a portion of the surface. The telecentric imaging optics is configured to image the optical features emanating from the illuminated portion of the surface, and the array of photosensitive elements is configured to detect intensity data relating to the optical features imaged by the telecentric imaging optics. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer peripheral that operates either as a computer mouse or as a scanner. The peripheral includes navigation sensors that generate information on motion of the device and an image array that captures successive image frames of an object being scanned. In a mouse mode, the peripheral periodically transfers readings from the navigation sensors to a computing device so that the computing device can track a position of the device. In a scanner mode, in addition to obtaining navigation information from the navigation sensors, the peripheral also captures image frames as it is moved across the object. Operation of the navigation sensors and image array may be synchronized such that an association between the image data and the navigation information may be generated and maintained as image frames are transferred to the computing device, even if some of the frames are dropped in transmission between the scanner-mouse and a computer.

Abstract: There is provided a display apparatus which includes a signal processing part which processes a video signal including at a peripheral area thereof a position determining pattern having a plurality of characteristics; a display part which displays a picture on the basis of the video signal processed by the signal processing part; a sensing part which senses the position determining pattern which is included in the video signal; and a control part which controls the signal processing part to adjust a position of the picture displayed on the display part, on the basis of a shift between a characteristic sensed by the sensing part among the plurality of characteristics of the position determining pattern and a predetermined reference characteristic. The position determining pattern has a face shape. Accordingly, the position of the picture can be quickly determined and adjusted.

Abstract: Provided is a convenient mouse device having low power consumption. The mouse device has a configuration in which an optical sensor for light shielding detection is provided in a region where a hand blocks light when the hand handles the mouse device so that the mouse device may perform a normal operation when the optical sensor for light shielding detection is shielded from light, and may perform a low consumption operation when the optical sensor for light shielding detection is not shielded from light.

Abstract: An optical navigation device with a phase grating for beam steering. The optical navigation device includes a light source, and image sensor, and a beam steering element. The light source directs a light beam toward a navigation surface. The image sensor receives light along an imaging path and generates a navigation image of the navigation surface from the light received along the imaging path. The beam steering element is disposed between the navigation surface and the image sensor. The beam steering element receives reflected light from the navigation surface along a specular reflection path. The beam steering element directs a first portion of the reflected light along the imaging path toward the image sensor. The beam steering element directs a second portion of the reflected light along a beam steering path away from the imaging path.

Abstract: Illumination spot alignment is performed by capturing an image by an image array. The image is evaluated to determine an illumination spot size and location. Coordinates identifying the illumination spot size and location are stored.

Abstract: Embodiments of peripheral pointing devices and methods for manufacturing the same are generally described herein. In at least one embodiment, a peripheral device comprises a housing, one or more buttons at a first side of the housing, a displacement tracker at a second side of the housing, a keypad comprising keys at the second side of the housing; and a keypress restrictor coupled to the housing. Other examples, embodiments, and related methods are further described below.

Abstract: In view of the foregoing, an improved handheld electronic device having a reduced keyboard provides facilitated language entry by making available to a user certain words that a user may reasonably be expected to enter. Incoming data, such as the text of a message, can be scanned for proper nouns, for instance, since such proper nouns might not already be stored in memory and might be expected to be entered by the user when, for example, forwarding or responding to the message. A proper noun can be identified, for instance, on the basis that it begins with an upper case letter. The proper nouns can be stored, for example, in memory that may, by way of further example, be a temporary dictionary.

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: Methods and devices for calculating the position of a movable device are disclosed. The device may include multiple optical detectors (ODs) and the movable device may include light sources. Optics may be above the ODs. A controller may calculate the position of the light source based on data from the ODs and properties of the optics. The device may be a game console, and the light source may be a game controller. The roles of the OD and light sources may be interchanged. The rotation of the movable device may be determined using multiple light sources and/or multiple ODs on the movable device. The movable device may calculate its position and transmit it to a console. The light sources may be modulated by time or frequency to distinguish between the light sources. There may be two or more movable devices. There may be two or more consoles.

Abstract: A method controls time-outs during a computer program. The method comprises the step of providing a computer including a display screen; a program on the computer; an optical mouse in communication with the computer to manipulate a cursor on the display screen during operation of the program; a landing shaped and dimensioned to receive the optical mouse in a selected position on the landing; and, a movable element in the landing positioned to be sensed, when the element moves, by the optical mouse when the mouse is in the selected position on the landing. The method also comprises the steps of operating the computer program; positioning the mouse on the landing in the selected position; and, moving the movable element to be sensed by the optical mouse.

Abstract: An indicating device used for a projection system is provided. The indicating device comprises a body, a transmission device and a photovoltaic conversion device. The transmission device is disposed in the body to emit a signal. The photovoltaic conversion device is disposed on the body and partially converts the optical energy into electrical power for the projection image.

Abstract: A computer input device, such as a mouse, has a surface movement sensor in communication with a processing circuit for providing to the processing circuit first signals indicative of sensed movement of the computer input device upon a surface, and one or more touchless sensor subsystems in communication with the processing circuit for providing to the processing circuit second signals indicative of sensed surface movements relative to the computer input device. A transmission circuit under control of the processing circuit issues transmissions to a computer representative of the first and second signals.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface with automatic control of cursor speed based on detected controller distance from the screen and characteristic hand movement.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumption in an inactive device. Based upon inputs received from one or more sensors, a processor in a device determines that the device has not moved or has been inactive for a predetermined period. One or more components of the device are placed in an inactive state or in a sleep mode when the device has been inactive for the predetermined period. The inactive state or sleep mode requires less power consumption by the components than an active mode of operation. A piezoelectric sensor in the device is used to detect movement. The piezoelectric sensor provides an input signal to the processor upon detecting movement of the device. The one or more components are placed in the active mode in response to the input signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image displacement detection method, which employs the center of a 1st frame as a starting point, and the previous image displacement vector or the inversed direction displacement of the adjusted previous image displacement vector as the image matching reference block; next, proceeds the matching with the 2nd frame to calculate the image displacement vector between the 1st frame and the 2nd frame. Thus, the method of the present invention can relatively increase about twice the maximum tracking speed of the sensor.

Abstract: In relation to a current image from a sequence of images captured by an image sensor, in a first step, a temporary motion vector is determined as a function of reference data comprising a preceding image and a motion vector associated to the preceding image. Then, in a second step, if the temporary motion vector does not satisfy a reliability criterion, the first step is repeated in relation to a following image, on the basis of the same reference data. Otherwise, the temporary motion vector is associated with the current image.

Abstract: A computer input device (e.g. a mouse) with a finger-triggered sensor is described. The sensor generates input signals in addition to the conventional mouse signals generated by click buttons, tracking device and scrolling wheel. The sensor may be an optical sensor, a touch-sensitive sensor or other types of sensors. The signals generated by the sensor, either alone or in combination with other signals generated by the buttons, tracking device or scrolling wheel, may be interpreted to generate various messages for the operating system and/or application programs. The interpretation may be performed by a circuit on the input device, by a driver program on the host computer, or both. The sensor may be provided on a mouse, a laptop keyboard that has a pointing device, an external keyboard equipped with a pointing device, or on a stand-alone device that can be electrically connected to a computer through its available ports.

Abstract: An input device that adjusts its operation mode according to operation directions includes a movement sensing module, an operation direction control unit, a micro-control unit, and a transmission module. The movement sensing module for sensing a plurality of reflection images relative to a light source that is reflected by a reflection surface. Furthermore the movement sensing module obtains a movement displacement amount and a movement direction of the input device according to pattern variations between the reflection images. The operation direction control unit provides an operation direction of the movement sensing module. The micro-control unit converts the movement direction sensed by the movement sensing module according to the operation direction of the movement sensing module. The transmission module transmits the movement displacement amount and the converted movement direction of the input device to a host terminal so as to control a cursor displayed on the host terminal.

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: An input processing device comprises a display screen and a pointing device for inputting corresponding 2-dimensional coordinates on the display screen. A 3-dimensional space is displayed on the display screen and the 2-dimensional coordinates inputted from the pointing device are detected. Next, shift amounts, per unit of time, of the detected 2-dimensional coordinates are calculated based on a predetermined calculation start condition. And the calculated shift amounts are converted to 3-dimensional coordinate shift amounts in the 3-dimensional space.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a movement detector adapted to detect movement of an operating object, a pressure detector adapted to detect an operating pressure of the operating object, and a controller adapted to direct movement of a target object, wherein the controller controls the moving direction of the target object in accordance with the detected movement of the operating object and controls the moving speed of the target object in accordance with the operating pressure detected when the operating object is moving.

Abstract: A system and method for performing optical navigation uses an imaging lens, which is positioned between a target surface and an image sensor array, that is orientated to be substantially horizontal with respect to the target surface such that the optical axis of the imaging lens is substantially perpendicular to the target surface.