Poa Sana, Inc.

Daniel A Francis

David S Graham

A user input device for an electronic device is disclosed. The user input device provides positional information using a grid of light. The grid of light is produced from a light source and waveguides. The grid of light is also received and processed using waveguides and a light detector. Optionally, optics may be used to enhance the operation of the user input device. The user input device is particularly suited for use as a user input device for a computer system or the like.

User input device for a computer system

XY position digitizer,has an X send substrate,X with an associated X receive substrate,X, and a Y send substrate,Y with an associated Y receive substrate,Y, defining free space region,F therebetween. Send waveguides,X are embedded in the X send substrate and send waveguides,Y are embedded in the Y send substrate. The send waveguides sends an array of send light beams,X across the free space region to the X receive substrate. The send waveguides likewise sends an array of send light beams,Y across the free space region to the Y receive substrate. Receive waveguides,X are embedded in the X receive substrate and receive waveguides,Y are embedded in the Y receive substrate in correspondence with the X and Y send waveguides. Each receive waveguide receives at least a portion of the light beam from the corresponding send waveguide. An array of X send optical systems,X are embedded in the X send substrate. One send optical system is in precise optical alignment with each send waveguide, for enhancing the collimation of the constrained send light from that aligned send waveguide.

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Daniel A Francis