Pen like computer pointing device

摘要

A pen like computer pointing device images as an array of pixels the spatial features of generally any micro textured or micro detailed work surface below the tip of the pen. The photo detector (108) responses are digitized and stored as a frame into memory (108). Motion produces successive frames oftranslated patterns of pixel information, which are compared by autocorrelation to ascertain the direction and amount of movement. A contact sensor (106) senses when the tip of the pointing device is in contact with the work surface. Buttons (112,116) are included on the body (102) of the pointing device that allow it to function in place of a computer mouse device. <IMAGE>