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Optical Mouse Saves Space in Cellphones

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the look-at-my-tiny-pointer dept.

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."

4 of 114 comments (clear)

  1. er... by awx · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Since when has a mobile phone needed a trackpad/mechanical trackball anyway? We all seem to get along fine with up and down buttons...

    Disclaimer: i live in the UK where we have decent networks and handsets. Go Nokia 7110, go!

    --
    Feel that power? That's mah MOUSING FINGER
  2. Just what we need by adamy · · Score: 3, Interesting

    More reliance on mice and pointing technologies.
    Since it won't work as awell as a stylus (Hardwriting recognition) And you don't have as much room to find things as a nortmal 17" Screen, I'd have to wonder at the usefullness.

    Cool points for using a laser, though.

    --
    Open Source Identity Management: FreeIPA.org
  3. Optical TrackPoint? by scotfl · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It's a neat and innovative idea, but my first impression is that the usability metrics would suck. Unless, of course, the scrolling was throttled down to where it gets frustrating (1:1 mouse settings, anyone?).

    --
    "In my values, freedom is more important than 'serving users' in a mere practical sense." -- RMS
  4. You can try this now! by Tjp($)pjT · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I was hoping to actually file a patent on this! You can demonstrate the effect by taking an optical trackball and using a fingertip or thumbtip in the cavity created when you remove the ball. I noticed the effect cleaning a logitech device several years ago. The MS trackball also works well. As to "bluetooth" I have used my logitech wireless this way, so I assume it would work for a bluetooth as well.

    --
    - Tjp

    I am in wallow with my inner money grubbing capitalistic pig. ... Oink!