PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8314773-B2
Application Number: US-3077608-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Mouse having an optically-based scrolling feature

Abstract:
A peripheral input device for controlling movements on a display screen. The peripheral input device includes a housing and an optical touch pad carried by the housing. The optical touch pad is configured to translate finger motion into movements on the display screen.

Claims:
1. A mouse, comprising:
 a housing having a generally flat bottom surface and a generally curved top surface, the generally curved top surface having a contour that substantially conforms to the contour of the inside of a hand; 
 a finger actuated scrolling region integrated into the top surface of the housing; and 
 an optical system disposed inside the housing and configured to detect finger movement across the scrolling region, wherein the finger actuated scrolling region represents a working area of the optical system. 
 
     
     
       2. A mouse, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a finger actuated scrolling region integrated into the housing; and 
 an optical system disposed inside the housing and configured to detect finger movement across the scrolling region, wherein the finger actuated scrolling region represents a working area of the optical system; 
 wherein the scrolling region comprises an optically operable window carried by the housing of the mouse, such that the optical system is further configured to work through the optically operable window so as to detect movements of a finger in close proximity to and moving across the optically operable window in order to detect the finger movement across the scrolling region, 
 wherein the optical system further comprises one or more light sources and one or more optical sensors for detecting movements of a finger in close proximity to and moving across the optically operable window by receiving light reflected directly from the finger through the optically operable window. 
 
     
     
       3. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the one or more light sources are a light emitter configured to shine light towards the optically operable window, and the one or more optical sensors are light detectors configured to measure the light intensity of the light that is reflected off an object located at the optically operable window. 
     
     
       4. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the scrolling region further comprises an optical touch pad configured to translate finger motion into scrolling movements. 
     
     
       5. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a light guide that directs light from the one or more light sources to the housing at the scrolling region; and 
 a lens that helps direct light from the housing at the scrolling region to the optical sensors. 
 
     
     
       6. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the housing of the mouse is formed from an optically transmissive material. 
     
     
       7. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the housing of the mouse is formed from a translucent material. 
     
     
       8. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a controller coupled to the one or more optical sensors configured to interpret data collected by the one or more optical sensors and reports this information to a host system. 
 
     
     
       9. The mouse, as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a position detection mechanism carried by the housing of the mouse and configured to translate finger motion and/or housing motion into movements on a display coupled to the mouse. 
 
     
     
       10. The mouse, as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the movements controlled by the finger motion are different than the movements controlled by the housing motion. 
     
     
       11. The mouse, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the movements controlled by the finger motion correspond to scrolling movements and wherein the movements controlled by the housing motion correspond to cursor movements. 
     
     
       12. The mouse, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an audio feedback device that provides audio feedback to a user of the mouse at a rate at which an object is moved across the optically operable window. 
 
     
     
       13. The mouse, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the optically operable window is located above a printed circuit board enclosed within the housing of the mouse, and the one or more light sources and optical sensors are mounted on the printed circuit board. 
     
     
       14. The mouse, as recited in  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the one or more light sources and optical sensors is mounted on a bottom side of the printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board includes one or more openings through which the at least one of the one or more light sources and optical sensors optically communicate with a surface outside the housing. 
     
     
       15. The mouse, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the optical system is further configured to work through the window. 
     
     
       16. The mouse, as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the optical system is further configured so as to detect finger movement across the window. 
     
     
       17. The mouse, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first position detection mechanism carried by the housing of the mouse and configured to translate the finger motion into scrolling movements. 
 
     
     
       18. The mouse, as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising a second position detection mechanism configured to translate housing motion into cursor movements. 
     
     
       19. The mouse, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the mouse further comprises a second optical system configured to detect movement of the mouse across a surface. 
     
     
       20. The mouse, as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the mouse further comprises a single light source, a beam splitter system, and a pair of optical sensors. 
     
     
       21. The mouse as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein vertical scrolling is implemented when a finger is moved along a first direction and horizontal scrolling in implemented when the finger is moved along a second direction. 
 
     
     
       22. The mouse as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the mouse has a longitudinal axis generally extending along the length of the mouse and a transverse axis, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the first direction is generally along the longitudinal axis of the mouse and the second direction is generally along the transverse axis of the mouse. 
     
     
       23. A method comprising:
 detecting finger movement across a finger actuated scrolling region integrated into a housing of a mouse, wherein the finger actuated scrolling region represents a working area of an optical system disposed within the housing of the mouse, the optical system including at least one light source and at least one light detector; 
 detecting movement of the mouse across a surface external to the mouse, the external surface being other than a surface immediately adjacent the finger actuated scrolling region, 
 translating the detected finger movement into a first movement on a display; and 
 translating the detected movement of the mouse across the external surface into a second movement on the display, the second movement being distinct from the first movement. 
 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 23 , further comprising:
 directing light from the at least one light source to the working area of the optical system; and 
 receiving light reflected from the working area at the at least one light detector. 
 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one light detector comprises a plurality of light detectors, and receiving light reflected from the working area comprises
 receiving reflected light at each of the plurality of light detectors. 
 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 23 , further comprising:
 using the at least one light source to generate a first light beam and a light second beam; 
 directing the first light beam onto the working area of the optical system; 
 directing the second light beam onto the external surface; and 
 using reflected light from the second light beam to detect mouse positions relative to the external surface. 
 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 26 , wherein the at least one light detector comprises a first and a second light detector, the method further comprising:
 receiving light of the first light beam reflected from the working area onto the first light detector; and 
 receiving light of the second light beam reflected from the external surface onto the second light detector. 
 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one light source comprises a single light source, the method further comprising:
 splitting light emanating from the single light source into the first and the second light beams. 
 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one light source comprises a first and second light source, the method further comprising:
 generating the first light beam using the first light source, and 
 generating the second light beam using the second light source. 
 
     
     
       30. A mouse, comprising:
 a housing having a generally flat bottom surface and a top surface; 
 a finger actuated scrolling region integrated into the top surface of the housing; 
 an optical system disposed inside the housing and configured to detect finger movement across the scrolling region, wherein the finger actuated scrolling region represents a working area of the optical system, and 
 means, at least partially distinct from the optical system to detect finger movement across the scrolling region, for detecting movement of the housing across a surface external to the housing while at least a portion of the bottom surface of the housing is in contact with the external surface and the external surface is other than a surface immediately adjacent the finger actuated scrolling region. 
 
     
     
       31. The mouse as recited in  30 , wherein the means for detecting comprises another optical system, the other optical system including at least some elements distinct from the optical system configured to detect finger movement across the scrolling region. 
     
     
       32. The mouse as recited in  30 , wherein the means for detecting comprises a mechanical mechanism. 
     
     
       33. The mouse as recited in  32 , wherein the means for detecting comprises a trackball. 
     
     
       34. The mouse as recited in  claim 30  wherein the optical system is configured to produce a first position signal for making a first movement a on a display screen, and the detecting means is configured to produce a second position signal for making a second movement on the display screen, the second movement being distinct from the first movement. 
     
     
       35. A mouse, comprising:
 a housing 
 a finger actuated scrolling region integrated into the housing; and 
 an optical system disposed inside the housing and configured to detect finger movement through the housing and in multiple directions across the scrolling region; 
 wherein vertical scrolling is implemented when a finger is moved along a first direction and horizontal scrolling in implemented when the finger is moved along a second direction. 
 
     
     
       36. The mouse as recited in  claim 35 , wherein the mouse has a longitudinal axis generally extending along the length of the mouse and a transverse axis, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the first direction is generally along the longitudinal axis of the mouse and the second direction is generally along the transverse axis of the mouse.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to commonly owned and co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/238,380, entitled “MOUSE HAVING AN OPTICALLY-BASED SCROLLING FEATURE,” filed on Sep. 9, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to an input device for use in a computer system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mouse having an optically-based scrolling feature. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Most computer systems, as for example general purpose computers such as portable computers and desktop computers, receive input from a user via an input device such as a mouse. As is generally well known, the mouse allows a user to move an input pointer (e.g., cursor) and to make selections with respect to a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display screen. The mouse typically includes a trackball or optical sensor (located at the bottom side of the mouse) for translating the motion of the users hand into signals that the computer system can use. For example, by positioning the mouse on a desktop and moving it thereon, the user can move an input pointer or cursor in similar directions within the GUI. The mouse also conventionally includes one or more buttons, which are located on the top side of the mouse. These one or more buttons, when selected, can initiate a GUI action such as menu or object selections. The one or more buttons are typically provided by on or more button caps that move relative to the housing (e.g., through an opening in the housing). 
     Recently, a scroll wheel has been added to the mouse to give the user scrolling functionality. The scroll wheel saves time and steps, and allows a user to move through documents by physically rolling the wheel forward or backward-instead of clicking on the scroll bar displayed on the GUI. In the past, scrolling was implemented by selecting the scroll bar with the mouse, and moving the scroll bar on the GUI by moving the mouse up or down. A switch has also been incorporated into some mice for changing the mouse from a cursor control device to a scroll control device. In cursor control mode, mouse movements control cursor movements, and in scroll control mode, mouse movements control scroll movements. In most cases, the scroll wheel and switch require a separate mechanical component for actuating the scrolling feature. These devices also generally require the mechanical component to be mounted in the mouse with portions of it protruding out of the mouse housing to allow a user&#39;s finger access, i.e., the housing includes a cut out to allow the mechanical component to protrude therethrough. 
     Although mice designs such as those described above work well, there are continuing efforts to improve their form, feel and functionality. For example, it would be desirable to provide an improved scrolling feature for a mouse that is aesthetically pleasing to the user. As should be appreciated, the scroll wheel is not aesthetically pleasing since it protrudes above the mouse housing, i.e., breaks the surface of the mouse. Furthermore, the scroll wheel of the mouse can only be manipulated in one direction, and thus the use of the scroll wheel becomes counter intuitive when scrolling in a different direction in the GUI, as for example directions that are orthogonal thereto. In addition, it would be desirable to provide an improved scrolling feature for a mouse that allows the mouse to scroll directly without holding down or physically moving a wheel, button, switch or the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a peripheral input device for controlling movements on a display screen. The peripheral input device includes a housing and an optical touch pad carried by the housing. The optical touch pad is configured to translate finger motion into movements on the display screen. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a mouse having a finger actuated scrolling region that is integrated into a housing of the mouse. The scrolling region represents the working area of an optical system disposed inside the housing. The optical system is configured to detect finger movement across the scrolling region. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a mouse for use in a computer system having a display screen. The mouse includes a first position detection mechanism configured to track the position of a finger moving across an outer surface of the mouse and to generate signals for controlling movements on the display screen. The mouse also includes a second position detection mechanism configured to track the position of the mouse moving across a surface and to generate signals for controlling movements on the display screen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a peripheral input device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram of an optical touch pad, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  show a peripheral input device in a vertical scrolling mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3E-3F  show a peripheral input device in a horizontal scrolling mode, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a broken away side view, in cross section, of a peripheral input device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a broken away side view, in cross section, of a peripheral input device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a mouse, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view, in cross section, of a mouse, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified diagram of a dual position detection mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a peripheral input device  20 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. By peripheral input device  20 , it is meant a device that is capable of connecting and sending information to a host system such as a computer system. As shown, the peripheral input device  20  includes a cable  22  for connecting to the host system. Alternatively, a radio frequency (RF) link or optical infrared (IR) link may be used in order to eliminate the cable. The peripheral input device  20  is generally configured to implement one or more tasks (e.g., specific functions) in the host system. For example, the peripheral input device may be used to control movements and/or perform actions on a display screen of the host system (e.g., via a graphical user interface). 
     The peripheral input device  20  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a housing  24  that provides a structure for gripping the device during use thereof (e.g., handheld). The housing  24  also provides a structure for enclosing, containing and/or supporting the internal components of the peripheral input device  20 . By way of example, the internal components may correspond to circuitry capable of processing/sending user inputs to the host system. The housing  24  also helps to define the shape or form of the peripheral input device  20 . That is, the contour of the housing  24  embodies the outward physical appearance of the peripheral input device  20 . The contour may be rectilinear, curvilinear or both. 
     The peripheral input device  20  generally includes a touch pad  26 . The touch pad  26  is configured to provide positional data to the host system so as make movements on a display screen (e.g., via a graphical user interface). The positional data is generally produced when a hand or finger (or other object) is moved across the surface of the touch pad  26 . By way of example, the positional data may be used to control the movement of a cursor/pointer on the display screen or to scroll or pan through the display screen. Additionally or alternatively, the optical touch pad  26  may provide command data to the host system so as implement tasks in the host system. The command data may be produced when a finger taps the surface of the touch pad  26 . By way of example, the command data may be used to select an item on the screen, open a file or document, execute instructions, start a program, view a menu, and/or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the touch pad  26  corresponds to an optical touch pad. By optical touch pad, it is meant a touch pad that is based on optical technologies rather than conventional technologies such as capacitive technologies. The optical touch pad may be widely varied. For example, it may be a separate device that is positioned within the housing  24  or it may be an integrated device that uses a portion of the housing  24  to form the optical touch pad  26 . In either case, the optical touch pad  26  generally includes an optically operable window and one or more optical sensors that monitor the position of a finger (or other object) as it is moved across the optically operable window, i.e., the sensors work through the optically operable window. By way of example, the optically operable window may be formed from a translucent or semi-translucent material. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical touch pad  26  is an integrated device such that the optical sensors are located within the housing  24 , and at least a portion of the housing  24  serves as the optically operable window, i.e., the optical sensors work through a optically operable portion of the housing  24 . The optically operable portions may form the entire housing  24  or only a small portion of the housing  24  (or anywhere therebetween). In one embodiment, the housing includes a top member and a bottom member, of which at least the entire top member serves as an optically operable window. The working area of the optical sensors generally defines one or more movement sensitive areas  28  within the optically operable window. By movement sensitive areas  28 , it is meant the regions of the housing  24  that are used by a user to activate the optical touch pad  26  in order to implement actions (movements, commands) on the display screen. For example, by moving their finger over or on the region of the housing  24 . 
     The optical sensors may be widely varied. For example, the optical sensors may correspond to camera like devices that capture images of the changing surface as the finger moves thereby or light detectors that measure the intensity of light reflecting off the finger as the finger moves over the surface of the housing. In each of these examples, the optical sensors are generally coupled to a controller that interprets the data collected by the optical sensors. For example, the controller may correspond to an application specific integrated circuit and/or a micro processor configured to compute the position, speed and direction of finger movement based on the signals produced by the optical sensors. The controller may also be configured to report this information to the host system. 
     The position of the movement sensitive areas  28  relative to the housing  24  may be widely varied. For example, the movement sensitive areas  28  may be positioned almost anywhere (e.g., top, side, front, or back) on the housing  24  so long as they are accessible to a user during manipulation of the device  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the movement sensitive areas  28  are positioned in middle front portion of the housing  24 . This allows a user to actuate GUI movements by moving his/her index finger across the movement sensitive areas  28 . As should be appreciated, the sides of the device  20  are generally gripped by the thumb and ring/pinky fingers. The number of movement sensitive areas  28  may also be widely varied. That is, although only one movement sensitive area  28  is shown in  FIG. 1 , it should be noted that a plurality of movement sensitive areas may be used. In addition, the shape of the movement areas may be widely varied. For example, they may be circles, triangles, squares, rectangles or any other known shape or they may be complex or random shapes such as an apple. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement area is shaped as an oval. 
     Although not shown, the peripheral input device  20  may also include one or more buttons that provide a clicking action for performing actions on the display screen. By way of example, the actions may include selecting an item on the screen, opening a file or document, executing instructions, starting a program, viewing a menu, and/or the like. The buttons may be widely varied. For example, the buttons may be mechanical buttons that are disposed through an opening in the housing  24  or a unified button/housing that incorporates the functionality of a button (or buttons) directly into the housing  24 . The buttons of the peripheral input device  20  may also be a combination of the above (e.g., mechanical buttons and unified button housing). In the illustrated embodiment, the clicking action is provided by a unified button housing and thus there are no separate mechanical buttons. By way of example, a description of unified button housings may be found in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,470 and patent application Ser. No. 10/060,712, which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     Additionally, the peripheral input device  20  may include a position detection mechanism for performing additional movements on the display screen (e.g., by providing positional data to the host). Examples of position detection mechanisms, which may be used, are optical arrangements, trackball arrangements, joystick arrangements, touch pads arrangements and the like. The position detection mechanism may provide functionality similar to the touch pad  26 . For example, the touch pad as well as the position detection mechanisms may be used to perform cursor movements or scroll movements. The position detection mechanism may also provide functionality that is different than the touch pad  26 . For example, the touch pad  26  may provide scroll control while the position mechanism may provide cursor control. In cases such as this, the movement sensitive areas  28  of the touch pad  26  may be referred to as scrolling or panning regions. 
     In one embodiment, the position detection mechanism provides positional data corresponding to movements of the housing  24  when its moved across the surface (e.g., a desktop). By way of example, the position detection mechanism may correspond to a trackball or an optical sensor arrangement, both of which are commonly used in mice. In this embodiment, the housing  24  generally provides additional structure for moving the device  20  along a surface and for gripping the device  20  for movement thereof. Further, the position detection mechanism is generally positioned on the bottom side of the device (rather than on the top side where the touch pad, i.e., movement sensitive areas, are located). In one implementation, a bottom side of the housing has an external contour that substantially conforms to the contour of a flat surface such as a desktop and a top side of the housing has an external contour that substantially conforms to the contour of the inside surface of a hand. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram of an optical touch pad  30 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The optical touch pad  30  may be a stand alone device or be integrated with other devices. For example, the optical touch pad  30  may be placed in an input device such as a keyboard, mouse or other peripheral input device such as the peripheral input device shown in  FIG. 1 . In addition, it may be placed in a portable device such as a laptop computer, cellular phone, media player, PDA or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical touch pad  30  is part of a peripheral input device that is connected to a host system  31 . By way of example, the host system may be a computer system such as a conventional computer system that includes a general purpose computer and a display. 
     As shown, the optical touch pad  30  includes an active surface  32  for receiving moving inputs from a finger  34 . The moving inputs are shown by arrow  35 . The active surface  32  is configured to cooperate with an optical assembly  36  that includes one or more optical sensors  38 . The optical sensors  38  are configured to optically detect the position of the finger  34  as its moved over the active surface  32 . The optical assembly  36  may also include one or more light sources  40  that cooperate with the one or more optical sensors  38 , i.e., the light source  40  generates light that is used by the sensors  38  to process finger movements. The optical assembly  36  may also include one or more optical components  42  that help direct the light between the light source and the optical sensors. By way of example, the optical components may include lens, mirrors, prisms, and the like. 
     In general, when an object (e.g., finger  34 ) approaches the active surface  32 , a position signal is generated by the optical sensors. Moreover, when an object is moved across the active surface  32 , multiple position signals are generated by the optical sensors  38 . The multiple position signals may be used to determine the direction, position, speed and acceleration of the object as its moved around the active surface  32 . In one embodiment, the optical sensor  38  is a camera or image acquisition like device that takes multiple pictures of the finger as its moved and produces signals based on the changing pictures. For example, as the finger  34  is moved, the different pictures show the finger  34  at various points within the field of view of the camera. In this embodiment, the light source  40  serves to provide light in the field of view of the camera. In another embodiment, the optical sensor  38  is a plurality of light detectors, each of which measures the intensity of light as its reflected off the finger  34 . The light is produced via the light source  40 . Each finger position produces a different light intensity at each of the detectors and thus the finger position may be determined from the varying signals produced by the light detectors. In most cases, the spectrum of light outputted by the light source is balanced with the optical sensor, i.e., they are optically matched so as to provide a more efficient coupling between the light source and sensor. 
     The optical assembly may also include a control assembly  44  that interprets the data collected by the optical sensors  38 . For example, the control assembly  44  may monitor the signals produced by the sensors  38  and compute the position, speed and direction of finger movement based on the processed signals. The control assembly  44  may also report this information to the host system  31  so that it can be used to move a cursor or scroll through a display screen  46 . By way of example, the control assembly  44  may include an application specific integrated circuit and/or a processor. In one implementation, the application specific integrated circuit processes the data from the sensors and outputs quadrature signals based on the data to the processor, and the processor processes the quadrature signals and outputs positional data to a host device. For example, the processor may output the positional data (e.g., X and Y) via a universal serial bus (USB). 
     Although not shown, the optical assembly may also include a buzzer to provide audio feedback to a user. The audio feedback can, for example, be a clicking sound produced by the buzzer. In one embodiment, the buzzer is a piezo-electric buzzer. In most cases, the clicking sounds provide audio feedback to the user at the rate at which the finger is moved across the active surface. The number of clicking sounds per unit time increases the faster the movement, and the clicking sounds per unit time decreases the slower the movement. The buzzer is typically controlled by the control assembly. 
     Moreover, the active surface may include a tactile features, which provide tangible surfaces that help the user manipulate the touch pad. For example, the tactile feature may define the boundary of the active surface. The tactile features may be widely varied. For example, the tactile features may be bumps, lips, recesses, cavities and/or the like. The tactile features should be least obtrusive surface as possible while still allowing the user to feel or view the boundary. In most cases, the tactile features  62  are disposed around the outer periphery of the active surface. This configuration informs the user where the edge of the active surface is when using the touch pad. Alternatively, the boundary may be printed so that it is viewed rather than felt. 
       FIGS. 3A-3F  are diagrams of a peripheral input device  50  being manipulated by a hand  52  of a user, in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. By way of example, the peripheral input device  50  may generally correspond to the peripheral input device  20  shown in  FIG. 1 . The peripheral input device  50  is generally configured to provide both cursor and scroll control. In particular, movement of the peripheral input device  50  along a surface  54  controls the movement of a cursor, and movement of a finger  56  along the surface of the peripheral input device  50  controls a scrolling movement. As shown, the peripheral input device  50  includes an optical touch pad that is integrated into the top portion  58  of the housing  60  and a second position detection mechanism  62  that is positioned at the bottom portion  64  of the housing  60 . The optical touch pad defines a scrolling region  66  on the housing  60  so as to allow a user to control scroll movements, i.e., movement of a finger thereover actuates scrolling on a display screen. The position detection mechanism  62 , on the other hand, monitors the position of the housing  60  so as to allow a user to control cursor movements, i.e., movement of the housing over a surface actuates cursor movements on the display screen. 
     The term “scrolling” as used herein generally pertains to moving displayed data or images (e.g., text or graphics) across a viewing area on a display screen so that a new set of data or image (e.g., line of text or graphics) is brought into view in the viewing area. In most cases, once the viewing area is full, each new set of data appears at the edge of the viewing area and all other sets of data move over one position. That is, the new set of data appears for each set of data that moves out of the viewing area. In essence, scrolling allows a user to view consecutive sets of data currently outside of the viewing area. The viewing area may be the entire viewing area of the display screen or it may only be a portion of the display screen (e.g., a window frame). By way of example, the scrolling may be used to help perform internet browsing, spreadsheet manipulation, viewing code, computer aided design, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, vertical scrolling is implemented when a finger is moved across the scrolling region in a first direction, as for example, from front to back or back to front. This particular embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D . In the case of vertical scrolling, when a user scrolls (or pans) down, each new set of data appears at the bottom of the viewing area and all other sets of data move up one position. If the viewing area is full, the top set of data moves out of the viewing area. Similarly, when a user scrolls (or pans) up, each new set of data appears at the top of the viewing area and all other sets of data move down one position. If the viewing area is full, the bottom set of data moves out of the viewing area. In another embodiment, horizontal scrolling is implemented when the finger is moved across the scrolling region in a second direction, as for example, from left to right or from right to left. This particular embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 3E-3F . In the case of horizontal scrolling, when a user scrolls (or pans) to the side, each new set of data appears at the side of the viewing area and all other sets of data move to the side one position. If the viewing area is full, the outer most (right or left) set of data moves out of the viewing area. Similarly, when a user scrolls (or pans) to the opposite side, each new set of data appears at the side of the viewing area and all other sets of data move to the side one position. If the viewing area is full, the outer most set of data moves out of the viewing area. As should be appreciated, the above embodiments provide an intuitive way to scroll since the direction of the moving finger corresponds to the direction of scrolling. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D , the vertical scroll control mode of the peripheral input device  50  is actuated when the user&#39;s finger is moved between the front of the scroll region  66  (as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3C ) and the back of the scroll region  66  (as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3D ). To elaborate, the palm side surface of the hand  52  is placed on the back portion of the device  50  and the thumb  70  and two rightmost fingers  72  (or leftmost fingers if left handed) are used to grip the sides of the mouse. The two remaining fingers  56  and  74  (either by themselves or in combination) are used to manipulate the scrolling region  66  (and buttons if included on the mouse). In the illustrated embodiment, the index finger  56  is used to implement scrolling through the scrolling region  66 . In this particular embodiment, upward vertical scrolling is implemented when the index finger  56  is moved forwards away from the hand  52 , and downwards vertical scrolling is implemented when the index finger  56  is moved backwards towards the hand  52 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3E-3F , the horizontal scroll control mode of the device  50  is actuated when the user&#39;s finger  56  is moved between the left side of the scroll region  66  (as shown in  FIG. 3E ) and the right side of the scroll region  66  (as shown in  FIG. 3F ). To elaborate, the palm side surface of the hand  52  is placed on the back portion of the device  50  and the thumb  70  and two rightmost fingers  72  (or leftmost fingers if left handed) are used to grip the sides of the device  50 . The two remaining fingers  56  and  74  (either by themselves or in combination) are used to manipulate the scrolling region  66  (and buttons if included on the mouse). In the illustrated embodiment, the index finger  56  is used to implement scrolling through the scrolling region  66 . In this particular embodiment, upward vertical scrolling is implemented when the index finger is moved forwards away from the hand. In this particular embodiment, right vertical scrolling is implemented when the index finger  56  is moved sideways towards the other fingers, and left horizontal scrolling is implemented when the index finger  56  is moved sideways towards the thumb. 
     It should be noted that the hand positions shown in  FIGS. 3A-3F  are by way of example and not by way of limitation. That is, the hand positions may vary according to each device or user of the device. For example, the scrolling region may be located on a different area of the mouse, and thus different fingers may be used to actuate the scrolling region. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that any portion of the hand may be used to initiate the scrolling region regardless of the position of the scrolling region on the mouse. By way of example, any of the fingers, as well as palm or back side of the hand may be used to initiate the scrolling region. 
     Furthermore, it should also be noted that the scrolling region is shown by way of example and not limitation. That is, the scrolling region is not limited to only horizontal and vertical movements. For example, the scrolling region may correspond to a panning region or a second cursor control region, both of which allow other movements such as diagonal. 
       FIG. 4  is a broken away side view of a peripheral input device  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the peripheral input device  100  may generally correspond to any of the peripheral input devices shown herein. The peripheral input device  100  is configured with an optical touch pad  102  that is integrated directly with the housing  104  of the peripheral input device  100 . By integrated directly, it is meant that the housing  104  serves as a portion of the optical touch pad  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  104  serves as the operable optical window for the touch pad  102 . The housing  104  is generally formed from a translucent or semi-translucent material that also provides strength and durability for protecting the internal components of the device  100 . By way of example, the housing  104  may formed from a clear plastic material such as polycarbonate. Although a large portion of the housing  104  may be operable optically (e.g., translucent), the touch pad  102  generally defines a movement area  105  on the surface of the housing  104  for implementing GUI movements such as cursor or scroll movements. That is, the movement area  105  provides a boundary for forming the active portion of the touch pad  102 . 
     As shown, the peripheral input device  100  includes a circuit board  106  to which the electronic components of the device are attached, as for example, the electronic components of the optical touch pad  102 . The electronic components of the optical touch pad of  FIG. 4  generally include a light source  108  and an image acquisition sensor  110  that work together to measure changes in finger position across the surface of the housing  104 . In general, the light source  110  is configured to illuminate a portion of the housing  104 , and the image acquisition sensor  110  is configured to acquire sequential surface images (e.g., multiple surface images per second) of the illuminated portion of the housing  104 . In most cases, the illuminated area as well as the field of view of the image acquisition sensor  110  defines the movement area  105  of the touch pad  102 . As should be appreciated, the image acquisition sensor  110  captures multiple images of the finger  101  as its moved across the movement area  105 . These images may be used to determine the direction, position, speed, and acceleration of the moving (or stationary) finger. By way of example, the light source  108  may correspond to a light emitting diode (LED) such as a visible light LED or an infrared LED, and the image acquisition sensor  110  may correspond to a CMOS image sensor. 
     The image acquisition sensor  110  may be combined with other elements to form a bundled package. For example, it may be combined with elements that are configured to compare the most recent image to the past images to determine the direction, position, speed, and acceleration of finger movement, and/or elements that are configured to output this data to other devices. The elements may also be configured to drive the operation of the light source. By way of example, the image acquisition sensor may be operatively coupled to a microcontroller  112 , which is capable of implementing those tasks. In one embodiment, the bundled image acquisition sensor corresponds to the HDNS-2000 or HDNS-2051 (or the like) Optical Mouse Sensors produced by Agilent of Palo Alto Calif. The HDNS-2000 Optical Mouse Sensor provides a non-mechanical tracking engine that measures changes in position by optically acquiring sequential surface images for 1500 times per second while mathematically determining the direction and magnitude of movement. 
     In order to effectively illuminate the housing  104 , e.g., movement area  105 , an optical system  114  may also be provided. The optical system  114  may be any device or devices that directs the light to the desired area. By way of example, the optical system  114  may correspond to a light conduit such as a light pipe or light guide or it may correspond to a combination of optical elements such as lens, mirrors, prisms and the like. In one embodiment, the optical system  114  is a specially designed optical component made in part with a light guiding material that directs light from the light source  108  to the housing  104 . 
     In one implementation, the optical component  114  includes a light receiving area  116 , one or more light directing areas  118 , and a light output area  120 . The light receiving area  116  is configured to transmit light from the light source  108  to the light directing areas  118 . In most situations, the light receiving area  116  is positioned substantially adjacent to the light source  108  to efficiently couple light from the light source  108  to the light receiving area  116 . The light directing areas  118  are arranged to direct the transmitted light from the light receiving area  116  to the light output area  120 . The light output area  120  is positioned so as to direct light outward away from the optical component  114  and towards the housing  104  in the region of the movement areas  105 . In this manner, when the light source  108  is transmitting light, the transmitted light illuminates the housing  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the optical system  114  is configured to direct the light from behind the PCB  106  where the light source  108  is located and onto the housing  104  in the region of the movement area  105 . A second optical system  122  may be provided to help the image acquisition sensor  110  capture the image of the finger  101 . For example, a lens  124  may be provided to focus the image onto the sensor  110 . The first and second optical systems  114 ,  122  may be separate (as shown) or they may be combined into a single device. 
       FIG. 5  is a broken away side view of a peripheral input device  150 , in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the peripheral input device  150  may generally correspond to any of the peripheral input devices shown herein. The peripheral input device  150  is configured with an optical touch pad  152  that is integrated directly with the housing  154  of the peripheral input device  150 . By integrated directly, it is meant that the housing  154  serves as a portion of the optical touch pad  152 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  154  serves as the operable optical window for the touch pad  152 . The housing  154  is generally formed from a translucent or semi-translucent material that also provides strength and durability for protecting the internal components of the device  150 . By way of example, the housing  154  may formed from a clear plastic material such as polycarbonate. Although a large portion of the housing  154  may be operable optically (e.g., translucent), the touch pad  152  generally defines a movement area  155  on the surface for implementing GUI movements such as cursor or scroll movements. That is, the movement areas  155  provide a boundary for the active portion of the touch pad  152 . 
     As shown, the peripheral input device  150  includes a circuit board  156  to which the electronic components of the device are attached, as for example, the electronic components of the optical touch pad  152 . The electronic components of the optical touch pad of  FIG. 5  generally include a light source or light emitter  158  and one or more light detectors  160  that work together to measure changes in finger position across the surface of the housing  154 . The light emitter  158  is configured to shine light towards the housing  104  in the region of the movement area  155 . The light detectors  160  are generally configured to measure the light intensity of the light  162  that is reflected off of the finger  151  when the finger  151  is positioned over the movement area  155 . By way of example, the light source  108  may correspond to a I-R emitter diode and the light detectors  160  may correspond to I-R detectors. 
     Accordingly, when the finger  51  (or other object) is present as shown, the light  162  is reflected to the light detectors  160 . That is, the light  162  passes through the housing  154 , and hits the finger  151  thus causing the light  162  to be reflected back through the housing  154  and onto the detector  160 . When the finger  151  is moved, the reflected light  162  changes at each of the detectors thus altering the intensity of light at the detectors. When a substantial amount of light  162  is reflected back to the detector  160 , the detectors  160  produce signals that may be used to determine the direction, position, speed and acceleration of the finger movement. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  are side views of a unibody mouse  200 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a cross sectional diagram of the mouse shown in  FIG. 6 . By way of example, the unibody mouse  200  may correspond to any of the device shown herein. The unibody mouse  200  generally includes a mouse housing  202  that provides a structure for moving the mouse along a surface, for gripping the mouse for movement thereof and for implementing at least one button function of the mouse  200 . The term “unibody” herein refers to a mouse that integrates at least one button function directly into the mouse housing  202 , i.e., pressing on the mouse housing  202  creates a clicking action. As such, any part of the hand, from finger to thumb to palm, can trigger a clicking action. 
     In one embodiment, the mouse housing  202  includes a base  204  and a button body  206 . The base  204  is configured to moveably support the mouse  200  during use thereof, i.e., the base  204  makes moving contact with a surface such as a desktop or mouse pad. The button body  206 , on the other hand, is configured to move relative to the base  204  so as to provide the clicking action, i.e., the entire surface of the body  206  above the base  204  acts as a single button. In the illustrated embodiment, the button body  206  is pivotable relative to the base  204 , as for example, about pivot axis  208 . As such, the body  206  is capable of moving between an unactuated position (shown by a solid line) and an actuated position (shown by a dotted line) when a force F is applied to the body  206 . The force F may be any downward force on the mouse  200 , whether from a finger, palm or hand that results in a clicking action. 
     The clicking action generally allows a user to perform an action on a display screen, as for example, making a selection in a GUI. For example, the clicking action may be used to implement a single click, a double click and/or a dragging and dropping function. As is generally well known, a single click often selects an item on the screen, a double click often opens a document or starts a program, and dragging and dropping generally makes it easy to move an item on the screen. In order to perform a single click using the mouse  200 , the user presses and releases the body  206 . In order to perform a double click using the mouse  200 , the user quickly presses and releases the body  206  twice. In order to perform a drag and drop function, the user first positions the pointer or cursor over an item on the screen (by moving the mouse along the flat surface) and presses and holds down the body  206  so as to select the item. Thereafter, the user, while still holding down the body  206 , moves the pointer to a desired position on the screen (by moving the mouse along the flat surface) and subsequently releases the body  206 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the base  204  and button body  206  provide the mouse housing  202  for containing the electronics that generate control signals associated with controlling cursor movements, scrolling and performing actions on a display screen. By way of example, the electronics may include printed circuit boards (PCB)  210 , processors  212 , switches  214 , position detection mechanisms  216  and  218 , and the like. The base  204  and body  206  may also define the shape or form of the mouse  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom side of the base  204  has an external contour (e.g., rectilinear) that substantially conforms to the contour of a flat surface such as a desktop and a top side of the mouse housing  202  has an external contour that substantially conforms to the contour of the inside surface of a hand (e.g., curved). As shown, the button body  206  represents a substantial portion of the entire mouse housing  202 . 
     More specifically, the body  206  includes an inner shell  222  and an outer shell  224 . The outer shell  224  is structurally coupled to the inner shell  222 . The means for coupling the outer shell  224  to the inner shell  222  is not shown herein, however, any suitable coupling means may be used. By way of example, the outer shell  224  may be coupled to the inner shell  22   2  via fasteners such as snaps, screws, glues and the like. Alternatively, the inner and outer shell  222 ,  224  may be integrally formed from a single piece of material. The inner and outer shells  222 ,  224 , as well as the base  204 , are generally formed from a suitable material such as plastic. In one implementation, the inner and outer shell  224  are formed from an optically transmissive material. As shown, the inner shell  222  is disposed between the base  204  and the outer shell  224 . In one embodiment, the inner shell  222  is configured to cover the electronic components disposed on the PCB  210 . 
     The inner shell  222  is pivotally coupled to the base  204  via a pivot  226  located towards the rear of the mouse  200 . By way of example, the pivot  226  may include a pivot support attached to the base  204 , and the inner shell  222  may include an internal pivot pin for mating with an opening in the pivot support. The pivot  226  allows the body  204  to swing between an unclicked position, placing the body  206  away from the base  204 , and a clicked position, placing the body  206  towards the base  204 . In the clicked position (e.g., when a downward force is applied to the body  204 ), the inner shell  222  is configured to engage the switch  214 , which is mounted on the PCB  210  and which is located opposite the pivot  226 . That is, during the clicking action, a bottom portion of the inner shell  222  is pushed against an actuator  228  of the switch  214  thereby activating the switch  214 , i.e., the actuator  228  is configured to move between a deactivate position (e.g., upright) and an activate position (e.g., depressed). When activated, a command signal such as a data selection or execution command signal is sent to a computer. By way of example, the signal may be sent through a cable (not shown) that is connected to the internal electronics housed within the mouse  200 . In one embodiment, a spring mechanism is used to bias the inner shell  222  in a direction away from the base  204 , i.e., in the un-clicked position (as shown). By way of example, the spring mechanism may be part of the switch  214 , i.e., the actuator  228  may be biased in the upright position, or it may be a separate spring pad connected to the base  204 . 
     Also mounted on the PCB  210 , are the first position detection mechanism  216  and the second position detection mechanism  218 . The first position detection mechanism  216  is configured to track (as shown by arrows) the position of a finger moving across the mouse  200  (e.g., outer shell  224 ). The second position mechanism  218  is configured to track the position of the mouse  200  (e.g., base  204 ) moving across a surface. Each of the position detection mechanisms produces a separate positional signal for making movements on a display screen. The movements may be widely varied. For example, the movements may correspond to cursor movements, scrolling movements, panning movements and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the first position detection  216  is configured to implement scrolling when a finger is moved across the mouse  200 , and the second position mechanism  218  is configured to move a cursor when the mouse  200  is moved along a surface. The position detection mechanisms may be widely varied. For example, the position detecting mechanisms may be a mechanical mechanism such as a trackball or an optical mechanism such as an optical sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second position detection mechanisms  216 ,  218  are optical sensor arrangements. As shown, the optically transmissive inner and outer shells  222 ,  224  allow the optical sensors of the first position mechanism  216  to work therethrough. Alternatively, the first position detection mechanism  216  may be located above the inner shell  222 , between the inner shell  222  and the outer shell  224 . In cases such as these, the inner shell  222  may be formed from an opaque material. 
     In one embodiment, the first position mechanism  216  is dedicated to controlling a first GUI movement and the second position detection mechanism  218  is dedicated to controlling a second GUI movement that is different than the first GUI movement. For example, the first position detection mechanism  216  may be dedicated to controlling a scrolling or panning feature and the second position detection mechanism  218  may be dedicated to controlling movements of a cursor. Accordingly, the user may move the mouse  200  to move the cursor and move his or her finger to scroll on a display screen. 
     Although not shown, the switch  214 , and position detection mechanisms  216 ,  218  are operatively coupled to the processor  212 . The processor  212  generally provides control functions for the mouse  200 . For example, the processor  212  may be used to interpret data gathered from the switch  214  and position detection mechanisms  216 ,  218 . The processor  212  may also be used to transmit the results of the data to a host device. For example, the first position detection mechanism  216  via the optical sensor may detect finger movement, and send electrical signal to the processor  212 , and the processor  212  may send out the movement information to a host system. 
       FIG. 8  is a simplified block diagram of a dual position detection mechanism  250 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the dual position detection mechanism  250  includes a single light source  252 , a beam splitter system  254  and a pair of optical sensors  256 ,  257 . In this embodiment, the light  258  from the light source is split into multiple beams  260 ,  262  via the beam splitter arrangement  254 . Each of the split beams  260 ,  262  is used with one of the distinct optical sensors  256 ,  257 . That is, the light  258  entering the beam splitter arrangement  254  is split into two distinct beams  260 ,  262 . Each of these beams follows a different optical path corresponding to each of the optical sensors  256 ,  257 . For example, the first optical path may correspond to the first optical sensor  256 , and the second optical path may correspond to the second optical sensor  257 . In one embodiment, the light source is an LED and the optical sensors are image acquisition sensors such as CMOS image sensors. The beam splitter arrangement may be widely varied. In general, its any optical component (or components) that can split a single beam into two distinct beams. For example, the beam splitter arrangement may include a beam splitter cube, diffraction grating or the like, as well as other optical components for splitting the beam. The dual position detection mechanism  250  may also include other optical components  264  for directing each of the split beams  260 ,  262  to a desired area. By way of example, light conduits such as light pipes or light guides may be used. In one embodiment, the first optical sensor  256  is configured to detect finger positions relative to an operable optical window  266 , and the second optical sensor  257  is configured to detect device positions relative to a surface  268 , as for example, the configuration shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     It should be noted that the position detection mechanism shown in  FIG. 8  is not a limitation and that more than two beams may be split away from a single beam. 
     The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different embodiments or implementations may have one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that it requires no obvious button to actuate a GUI movement. Buttons break the surface of the housing and are therefore less aesthetically pleasing. For example, there is no need for a cutout at the housing nor a mechanical component to protrude out of the device. Another advantage of the invention is that the user implements the GUI movements by a simple and natural posture change of the hand and is not required to hold down a button. For example, the invention provides scrolling with very little force (almost zero) exerted by the finger on the scroll area of the device. In contrast, convention devices have mechanical components that require some amount of force to be applied by the finger, as for example, in the form of a pushing action to rotate a wheel or to activate a switch. Another advantage of the invention is that it allows an intuitive way to scroll on a display screen. For example, the user can manipulate his or her finger side to side for horizontal scrolling and backwards/forwards for vertical scrolling. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, a switch may be provided to activate the optical touch pad and deactivate the second position detection mechanism (or vice versa) so that scrolling and cursor movements are not active simultaneously. The switch may be a separate switch, or it may be built into the two devices, i.e., activates which ever mechanism is being used, if both are being used only activates the one that was initiated first. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20080213
Publication Date: 20121120
Grant Date: 20121120
Priority Date: 20020909
Inventors: LOW WING KONG
BERKELEY BRIAN H.
LYON BENJAMIN BENDIX
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0317", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0317", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03543", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 31990968