Pointing device having improved automatic gain control and information reporting
US5359348A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0338
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved optical pointing device utilizing a moveable unit having a voltage-to-frequency converter (VFC). The VFC emits pulses with separation proportional to the angular rotative and/or translational position of the moveable unit, which pulses are applied to an LED of the moveable unit. A microcomputer in a base unit measures separation of the pulses received by a photodetector to determine the components of the angular rotative and/or translational position of the moveable unit. In accordance with another aspect, automatic gain control circuitry is located in the moveable unit, thereby eliminating the need for two-way communication to achieve consistency of operation in a prescribed space.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.