Computer input device with multi-purpose light guide
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorDavid D. Bohn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer input device includes a light guide that illuminates a target area for imaging so as to permit tracking relative motion of a surface. The light guide also directs light to a window that is externally visible to a user of the device when the device rests upon a supporting surface. In one form, the light guide includes an entrance surface that receives light from a light source, together with two separated channels. The light guide directs a portion of the light incident upon the entrance surface through a first channel to the target area. The light guide further directs a portion of the incident light through a second channel so as to illuminate the window.
Claims18
A computer input device, comprising:
- a housing, the housing including
- a first region through which light may be transmitted and received for optically tracking relative motion of a tracking surface, and
- a second region through which light may be transmitted and which is externally visible to a device user when the first region is adjacent to a tracking surface;
- 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 at least a portion of the received light between the at least two channels,
- direct a portion of the divided light from a first of the at least two channels to the housing first region, and
- direct a portion of the divided light from a second of the at least two channels to the housing second region;
- and
- an image sensor contained within the housing and positioned to receive light from the light guide after light directed through the first channel has been reflected back through the housing first region.
A computer mouse, comprising:
- a lower surface configured for contact with and to move across a supporting surface;
- an upper housing extending from the boundary of the lower surface;
- a light emitting diode (LED);
- an opening formed in a portion of the lower surface and positioned so as to permit light to emanate from the opening, reflect from a region of a supporting surface, and shine back through the opening;
- an illumination window formed in a portion of the upper housing;
- and
- a light guide for transmitting a portion of the light emitted by the LED to the opening and a portion of the light emitted by the LED to the illumination window, wherein the light guide comprises a first channel and a second channel separated by a gap, the computer mouse further comprising an image sensor, the image sensor positioned to receive light from the light guide after light directed through the first channel has been reflected back through the opening, wherein the light emitted from the second channel to the illumination window is not reflected off the supporting surface and through the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.