Dual mode optical navigation device and mode switching method thereof

Abstract

There is provided a mode switching method of a dual mode optical navigation device. The dual mode optical navigation device is configured to be operated on a working surface and has a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface having an included angle with the first bottom surface. The mode switching method includes: determining whether the first bottom surface or the second bottom surface contacts with the working surface; switching the dual mode optical navigation device to a first mode when identifying that the first bottom surface contacts with the working surface; and switching the dual mode optical navigation device to a second mode when identifying that the second bottom surface contacts with the working surface.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Disclosure[0002]This disclosure generally relates to an optical navigation device and, more particularly, to a dual mode optical navigation device and a mode switching method thereof that may switch the operation mode according to different operating states.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The conventional optical navigation device, such as an optical mouse, generally includes a light source, an image sensor and a process unit. When a user operates the optical mouse on a working surface, the light source illuminates the working surface and the image sensor receives light reflected from the working surface. The process unit of the optical mouse calculates a movement value corresponding to the user's operation according to the images successively captured by the image sensor and converts the movement value to an electric signal. A host then relatively controls a cursor movement according to the electric signal.[0005]With the popularity of ge...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present disclosure provides a dual mode optical navigation device and a mode switching method that can replace the function of a roller in conventional devices, making it more practical. Additionally, it can scroll windows smoothly and perform gesture operations based on its displacement relative to a working surface, improving the user experience. The device can determine whether it is touching the surface based on image features or sensor signals and switch modes accordingly, overcoming the limitations of conventional devices.

Problems solved by technology

Compared with the touch interface, conventional optical mice only have limited applications due to only being able to relatively control cursor movements according to the movement value.

However, using such additional elements to improve the user experience, the optical mouse can have problems of low accuracy, poor durability (e.g. due to abrasion of the roller) and large volume (e.g. due to ergonomic design of the pressing area of the buttons).

Images