Eye-safe laser navigation sensor
First Claim
1. An optical navigation apparatus providing fault-tolerant limitation of laser output power, the apparatus comprising:
- a diode laser; and
a current source interconnected with the diode laser; and
two independent circuits in the current source for limiting current flowing through the diode laser.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One embodiment relates to an optical navigation apparatus which provides fault-tolerant limitation of laser output power. The apparatus includes a diode laser and a current source interconnected with the diode laser. Two independent circuits in the current source are configured to limit current flowing through the diode laser. Another embodiment relates to a method of providing fault-tolerant limitation of laser output power in an optical navigation apparatus. A first digital current limit value is converted to a first analog signal, and the first analog signal is used to limit an electrical current from a power supply connection to an anode of a diode laser. A second digital current limit value is converted to a second analog signal, and the second analog signal is used to limit an electrical current from a cathode of the diode laser to a ground connection. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An optical navigation apparatus providing fault-tolerant limitation of laser output power, the apparatus comprising:
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a diode laser; and
a current source interconnected with the diode laser; and
two independent circuits in the current source for limiting current flowing through the diode laser. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of providing fault-tolerant limitation of laser output power in an optical navigation apparatus, the method comprising:
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converting a first digital current limit value to a first analog signal;
using the first analog signal to limit an electrical current from a power supply connection to an anode of a diode laser;
converting a second digital current limit value to a second analog signal; and
using the second analog signal to limit an electrical current from a cathode of the diode laser to a ground connection. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. An integrated circuit configured to provide fault-tolerant limitation of laser output power in an optical navigation apparatus, the integrated circuit comprising:
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circuit means for converting a first digital current limit value to a first analog signal;
circuit means for using the first analog signal to limit an electrical current from a power supply connection to an anode of a diode laser;
circuit means for converting a second digital current limit value to a second analog signal; and
circuit means for using the second analog signal to limit an electrical current from a cathode of the diode laser to a ground connection. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification