Multiple channel light guide for optically tracking pointing and input devices
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorDavid D. Bohn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A light guide includes at least two channels from which light is shined on a target area. The multiple channels disperse light across the target area more uniformly and with fewer dead or bright spots. The channels may be integral to one another, and may be molded. The light guide may further include an integral holder for supporting and aligning a LED light source to shine upon an entrance surface of the light guide. The entrance surface may also be formed as a collection lens. The channels may also be configured to direct light onto a target area at different angles. One or more of the channel faces from which light emanates may also be non-planar.
Claims34
A computer mouse configured to optically track motion of the mouse relative to a supporting surface, comprising:
- a housing, the housing having a first region through which light may be transmitted and received;
- a light source contained within the housing;
- a light guide including at least first and second channels separated from one another, and wherein
- the first channel includes a first exit face,
- the second channel includes a second exit face, and
- the light guide is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, to divide the received light between the first and second channels, and to direct the divided light from the first and second exit faces and through the housing first region so as to be rejoined upon a target area of the supporting surface;
- and
- an image sensor contained within the housing and positioned to receive the light directed from the first and second exit faces after the directed light has been rejoined on and reflected from the target area.
A computer input device for optically tracking motion of the device, comprising:
- a housing, the housing having a first region through which light may be transmitted and received;
- a light source contained within the housing;
- a light guide including at least two channels separated from one another, the light guide formed so as to:
- receive light emitted by the light source,
- divide the received light between the at least two channels, and
- direct the divided light from respective exit faces of the at least two channels through the housing first region;
- and
- an image sensor contained within the housing and positioned to receive the light from the light guide after the light has been reflected back through the housing first region, and wherein
- each of the at least two channels further comprises a reflecting face which internally reflects light so as cause same to emanate from the exit face, and
- one of the at least two channels extends further than another channel.
A light guide for use in connection with an optically-tracking motion sensor usable in a computer input device, comprising:
- an entrance surface for receiving light emitted by a light source;
- a first channel for directing light from the entrance surface through a first exit face to a tracked surface;
- and
- a second channel for directing light from the entrance surface through a second exit face to the tracked surface, the first and second channels being separated from one another and configured such that light incident upon the entrance surface is divided between the first and second channels, and the first and second exit faces being non-coplanar.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.