Optical projection system for computer input devices

• US 20050116928A1
• Filed: 11/28/2003
• Published: 06/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Bohn, David D., Badyal, Rajeev, Oliver, Thomas C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,289,104 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/157
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0337 Status LEDs integrated in the mouse to provide visual feedback to the user about the status of the input device, the PC, or the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0383 Signal control means within the pointing device

Abstract

A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a supporting surface upon which the device rests. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

Claims

1. A computer input device configured to rest on a supporting surface, comprising:

a housing having a lower periphery; and

an image projection system configured to display an image on the supporting surface adjacent to and outside of the lower periphery when the computer input device is resting on the supporting surface.

2. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein the image projection system is substantially contained within the housing.

3. The computer input device of claim 2, wherein the image projection system includes a light source, a light blocker having a light transmissive portion and a light blocking portion, and a lens.

4. The computer input device of claim 3, wherein the image projection system further includes a mirror disposed in a light path between the light source and the displayed image.

5. The computer input device of claim 3, wherein the light blocker is optically located between the light source and the lens.

6. The computer input device of claim 3, wherein the lens creates a focal point for the displayed image located substantially on the supporting surface.

7. The computer input device of claim 3, wherein the lens is optically located in a light path between the light source and the light blocker.

8. The computer input device of claim 2, wherein the image projecting system includes a light blocker and optics configured to enable the introduction of collimated light to the light blocker.

9. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein the computer input device is a mouse.

10. The computer input device of claim 9, wherein the image projecting system includes an active LED matrix.

11. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein computer input device is one of a trackball, mouse, and keyboard.

12. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein the image includes an edge adjacent to the lower periphery, and wherein the image projection system is configured and oriented so that the adjacent edge of the image is within 1 mm and 25 mm from the lower periphery.

13. The computer input device of claim 2, further comprising multiple predetermined image forming devices disposed within the housing, each image forming device producing a different displayed image.

14. The computer input device of claim 13, further comprising a device for moving the image forming devices relative to an optical path.

15. The computer input device of claim 14, wherein the device for moving the image forming devices is configured to linearly move the image forming devices.

16. The computer input device of claim 14, wherein the device for moving the image forming devices is configured to rotatably move the image forming devices.

17. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein computer input device is a pointing device.

18. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein computer input device includes a motion detecting system.

19. The computer input device of claim 1, further comprising an aperture in the housing, and wherein an optical path defined between a light source and the displayed image extends through the aperture.

20. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein the image projection system includes a laser.

21. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein the computer input device is packaged as a kit with multiple replaceable image forming devices.

22. The computer input device of claim 21, further comprising a light source and a light path extending from the light source to the displayed image, wherein each of the multiple replaceable image forming devices is removably attachable within the light path.

23. The computer input device of claim 1, further comprising a light source and a light path extending from the light source to the displayed image, wherein each of the multiple replaceable image forming devices is a removable overlay accessible from an exterior of the housing.

24. A computer mouse comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of actuators;

a motion detecting system for determining relative movement of the mouse; and

an optical projection system including a light source and a movable image forming element located within the housing.

25. The computer mouse according to claim 24, wherein the mouse is configured to rest on a supporting surface and the optical projection system is configured to project an image onto the supporting surface.

26. The computer mouse according to claim 25, wherein the optical projection system includes an LED, a mirrored surface, and optics.

27. The computer mouse according to claim 26, wherein the optical projection system includes an LED and collimating optics.

28. The computer mouse according to claim 25, wherein the optical projection system includes an array of LEDs.

29. A method of notifying a user of an occurrence via a computer peripheral device configured to project images, the method including the steps of:

projecting a first image onto a display region; and

upon a predetermined condition associated with a computer program, projecting a second image, different from the first image, onto the display region.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the display region is in an area adjacent a housing periphery of the computer peripheral device such that the projecting steps include projecting the first and second images onto a supporting surface adjacent the housing periphery.