Scrolling input device
US9841842B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04109
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An input device may include an image sensor having an imaging surface that includes an array of pixels, and an optical waveguide layer carried by the imaging surface and having an exposed user surface and a first refractive index associated therewith. The input device may also include a substrate between the optical waveguide layer and the image sensor and having a second refractive index associated therewith that is lower than first refractive index. A collimation layer may be between the image sensor and the substrate. A light source may be configured to transmit light into the optical waveguide so that the light therein undergoes a total internal reflection. The optical waveguide may be adjacent the imaging surface so that an object brought into contact with the exposed user surface disturbs the total internal reflection resulting in an image pattern on the imaging surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.