Optical Mouse Saves Space in Cellphones

Chris writes "Researchers at Philips have integrated a space-saving optical mouse into a mobile phone for the first time. Dutch researchers at the Philips Center for Industrial Technology have developed a compact, optical interface for portable electronic equipment. The team says that its new input gadget can be easily integrated in cellphones, laptops and PDAs, providing an space-efficient alternative to a mechanical trackball or touch-pad for example. The device is made up of a low-power red laser diode and a detector placed beneath a lens. Light from the 650 nm laser is focused on an object, such as a fingertip, creating an external cavity. It is not necessary to touch the lens. A small portion of this light is then reflected back and mixes with the light within the internal laser cavity."

Comments

More annoyances

[MikeDX]

Why dont people just get the right tool for the job instead of bolting on more crap to the ever increasingly annoying mobile phone. Not only do we have to contend with annoying ringtones, but people rave on about how "COOL!" it is to play "SNAKE" and other games on a phone! If you want games, get a gameboy advance. If you want to talk to people, buy a phone If you want to play with a mouse.. well thats up to you. Whats next? Are they going to add a spider-web launching addon?

Insightful comment

[dirvish]

Imagine a beowulf cluster of those!

D'oh

[bobtheprophet]

Can you imagine a beowulf cluster of those????? *slaps self*