Optical screen pointing device with inertial properties
US6621483B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10F39/198
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes an imaging surface against which a portion of the tip of a human digit may be placed. A light source illuminates that portion of the tip of the digit that is placed against the imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer generates digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer generates a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of motion of the tip of the digit across the imaging surface. A controller generates a second set of movement data when the tip of the human digit is removed from the imaging surface. The second set of movement data is indicative of motion of the tip of the digit across the imaging surface prior to removal of the tip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.