The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 03, 2004
Filed:
Dec. 22, 2001
Yong Yan, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An optical input apparatus includes a light source of a directional light beam and a receiving module. The receiving module contains a collection of photodetectors through which information can be input into a system by pointing the light beam at various photodetectors. The photodetectors can be so arranged that all the functionalities of the standard computer keyboard and mouse can be performed by this apparatus. Such an input interface reduces greatly the factors that may cause repetitive strain injuries and can be used by people having difficulties operating a keyboard and mouse. The most preferred embodiments are for computer mouse and keyboard. Other hand operating devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants and remote controls can all make use of the advantages offered by this apparatus.