Optical sensor for pointing device with conical disks and single photodetector
US6476375B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0312
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for eliminating at least one light emitter and one 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 strikes both cones. Adjacently located is a single chip, with two photodetectors integrated on each side. The chip is positioned so that light directed at the first conical encoder impinges on the first group of photodetectors, while light directed at second conical encoder impinges on the second group of photodetectors. 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.