Image sensing operator input device

• US 6,373,047 B1
• Filed: 10/19/2000
• Issued: 04/16/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Manolito E. Adan, Terry M. Lipscomb
• Inventors: Adan, Manolito E., Lipscomb, Terry M.
• Primary Examiner(s): PYO, KEVIN K
• Application Number:
  US09/692,120
• Time in Patent Office: 544 Days
• Field of Search: 250/221, 250/222.1, 250/208.1, 250/206.1, 250/214.R, 250/216, 345/156, 345/163, 345/165, 345/166, 382/317, 382/321, 382/313, 707/100
• US Class Current: 250/221
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0317 in co-operation with a patterned surface, e.g. absolute position or relative movement detection for an optical mouse or pen positioned with respect to a coded surface
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0395 Mouse pads

Abstract

A computer input device detects images on a surface. The computer input device generates input information indicative of a change event when the device switches from reading one predetermined pattern to reading another predetermined pattern. The present invention can also be directed to a method of using the input device or printable medium with the predetermined patterns disposed thereon.

Claims

1. A data structure passed from a computer pointing device to a computer, comprising:

a first data portion indicative of movement of the pointing device relative to a surface;

a second data portion indicative of actuation of an actuation button on the pointing device; and

a third data portion indicative of a predetermined optical image detected on the surface, wherein the third data portion comprises operational characteristic information usable by the computer to change operational characteristics of the computer.

2. The data structure of claim 1 wherein the third data portion comprises mode information useable by the computer to change operating modes.

3. The data structure of claim 1 wherein the third data portion comprises command information indicative of a command to be issued to an application residing on the computer.

4. The data structure of claim 3 wherein the third data portion comprises information related to a logon procedure useable by a logon program.