Optical sensor for pointing device with conical disks and single photodetector
US6300620A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0312
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for eliminating in at least one light emitter and light detector in a mouse design. This is done by using two conical shaped encoder wheels positioned so that they are almost touching each other. A single light emitter then is used to shine light at the junction, so that it passes through both cones. On the opposite side is a single chip, with two photodetectors integrated on each side. The chip is positioned so that light passing through the first conical encoder impinges on the first photodetector, while light passing through the second conical encoder impinges on the second photodetector. Thus, the two photodetectors can be integrated on a single chip, saving a separate photodetector chip. In addition, only a single LED is required.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.