Optical mouse having an integrated camera
First Claim
1. An apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor, said apparatus capable of being used in a first mode and a second mode, said apparatus comprising:
- an opto-electronic mechanism for capturing images;
a user-selectable trigger for allowing a user to determine if operation is in the first mode or the second mode and for providing a mode signal;
a controller coupled to the opto-electronic mechanism and user-selectable trigger for receiving the mode signal and when in the first mode for translating the captured signals into corresponding motion information signals used to control the cursor, and when in the second mode for capturing and displaying the images; and
a cursor movement module for receiving the captured images and using image comparison to selectively provide cursor position signals based on the image comparison.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor. The apparatus can be used for operation in a first mode and a second mode. The apparatus includes an opto-electronic mechanism that is provided for receiving image signals. The apparatus also has a user-selectable trigger that allows a user to assert or de-assert a mode signal that determines whether operation is desired in the first mode or the second mode. The apparatus has a controller that is coupled to the opto-electronic mechanism and user-selectable trigger for receiving the mode signal. When operation is in the first mode, the received image signals are processed and used to control movement of a cursor on a screen or display. When operation is in the second mode, the received image signals are processed and displayed as video images on a PC.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor, said apparatus capable of being used in a first mode and a second mode, said apparatus comprising:
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an opto-electronic mechanism for capturing images;
a user-selectable trigger for allowing a user to determine if operation is in the first mode or the second mode and for providing a mode signal;
a controller coupled to the opto-electronic mechanism and user-selectable trigger for receiving the mode signal and when in the first mode for translating the captured signals into corresponding motion information signals used to control the cursor, and when in the second mode for capturing and displaying the images; and
a cursor movement module for receiving the captured images and using image comparison to selectively provide cursor position signals based on the image comparison. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of using images to provide mouse position signals, comprising the steps of:
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a. receiving a first image;
b. receiving a second image after receipt of the first image; and
c. comparing the first and second images and selectively modifying the mouse position signals based on the comparison.
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14. In an apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor, said apparatus having a first mode and a second mode, a method of providing position information signals or images comprising:
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a. receiving a modes signal that indicates desired operation in either a first mode or a second mode;
b. receiving image signals;
c. if the first mode is selected, controlling cursor movement based on the received image signals; and
d. if the second mode is selected, processing and displaying image signals;
wherein controlling cursor movement and processing and displaying image signals includes motion estimation. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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16. A notebook computer having an apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor, said apparatus capable of being used in a first mode and a second mode, said apparatus comprising:
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an opto-electronic mechanism for capturing images;
a user-selectable trigger for allowing a user to determine if operation is in the first mode or the second mode and for providing a mode signal; and
a controller coupled to the opto-electronic mechanism and user-selectable trigger for receiving the mode signal and when in the first mode for translating the captured signals into corresponding motion information signals used to control the cursor, and when in the second mode for capturing and displaying the images.
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17. A notebook computer having an apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor, said apparatus capable of being used in a first mode and a second mode, said apparatus comprising:
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an opto-electronic mechanism for capturing images;
a user-selectable trigger for allowing a user to determine if operation is in the first mode or the second mode and for providing a mode signal;
a controller coupled to the opto-electronic mechanism and user-selectable trigger for receiving the mode signal and when in the first mode for translating the captured signals into corresponding motion information signals used to control the cursor, and when in the second mode for capturing and displaying the images; and
a sliding board having a view hole, with the sliding board covering the opto-electronic mechanism when in the first mode and with the view hole aligned with the opto-electronic mechanism when in the second mode. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A notebook computer having an apparatus for capturing images and for manipulating a cursor, said apparatus capable of being used in a first mode and a second mode, said apparatus comprising:
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an opto-electronic mechanism for capturing images;
a user-selectable trigger for allowing a user to determine if operation is in the first mode or the second mode and for providing a mode signal; and
a controller coupled to the opto-electronic mechanism and user-selectable trigger for receiving the mode-signal and when in the first mode for translating the captured signals into corresponding motion information signals used to control the cursor, and when in the second mode for capturing and displaying the images, wherein the controller further includes a DSP module. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification