National Semiconductor Corporation

James V Ball

Robert A Pease

A computer input system for input of data to a computer from a remote location by a human operator. The computer input system includes a detecting means which remotely detects the movement of a point object, such as an operator's nose, and a processing means for converting the detected motion into an output signal. The output signal may be used by a computer to move an image within a picture on a display. The detecting means detects the motion of the point object by detecting a ray which is reflected from or radiated by the point object.

Remote computer input system which detects point source on operator

A preferred embodiment of an integrated semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die having a hole therethrough. A paddle member includes a handle member connected between the paddle member and the semiconductor die to suspend the paddle member in the hole. A cap layer is bonded to the semiconductor die to completely cover the hole, the paddle member, and the handle member. The second surface of the semiconductor die is bonded to the lead frame. A preferred embodiment of a method of manufacturing an integrated semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming a semiconductor die having a paddle area for isolating sensitive circuitry and an unoccupied area which substantially surrounds the paddle area except for a handle area, forming a trench in the unoccupied area, covering the paddle area, the trench, and the handle area with a sacrificial spacer material, covering the sacrificial spacer material with a cap layer, etching the semiconductor die beneath the paddle area and the trench until the handle area suspends the paddle area within a hole formed in the semiconductor die, and bonding the second surface of the semiconductor die to a lead frame.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

James V Ball