Programmable resolution for optical pointing device

An optical pointing device comprising:

• a housing;
• an optical sensor including:
• a photodetector array configured to generate image information;
• and
• a navigation engine configured to:
• a) receive a resolution scaling ratio that is representative of a target resolution for the pointing device,
• b) generate displacement information in response to the image information, and
• c) generate navigation information at the target resolution in response to the displacement information, the resolution scaling ratio, and a maximum resolution of the pointing device;
• and
• a resolution input interface disposed in or on the housing and in communication with the navigation engine, the resolution input interface for inputting the resolution scaling ratio to the navigation engine, wherein:
• the target resolution is a function of the resolution scaling ratio and the maximum resolution, and
• the resolution input interface is configured for access and actuation by a user of the pointing device and for input of the resolution scaling ratio by the user through actuation of the resolution input interface.

A method for controlling the resolution of an optical pointing device having a housing, a photodetector array, and a navigation engine, the method comprising:

• a) identifying a maximum resolution for the pointing device;
• b) inputting at least one resolution scaling ratio to the pointing device, wherein the resolution scaling ratio is representative of a target resolution and wherein the resolution scaling ratio is input to the pointing device through user actuation of a resolution input interface that is disposed in or on the housing of the optical pointing device;
• and
• c) generating navigation information in response to the resolution scaling ratio and the maximum resolution.