Abstract:
A user input device for use with a computing device is provided. The user input device may include a housing with a bottom portion including a substrate that includes a transparent portion. The user input device may further include an optical tracking engine mounted in the housing proximate the substrate and being configured to transmit and/or detect light for tracking movement of the user input device through the transparent portion of the substrate.
Abstract:
An x-ray laminography imaging system and a positioning system to be used therewith. The positioning system is configured to move the object in the X, Y and Z-directions (i.e., pitch and roll) to ensure that the object planes of the object that are being imaged are at least substantially parallel to the focal plane of the imaging system. The object is positioned so that object planes associated with the X, Y and Z-coordinates of points along the contour of the surface of the object are at least substantially parallel to the focal plane of the imaging system during imaging of the object plane. Because some objects, such as printed circuit boards, for example, are sometimes warped, by ensuring that the object plane being imaged is at least substantially parallel to the focal plane of the imaging system, precise laminographs are obtained. The preciseness of the laminographs ensures that the cross-sectional slices of the object are accurate, which improves the robustness of an inspection system that uses x-ray laminography to inspect objects.
Abstract:
A system and method of testing the quality of electronic device interconnections uses a pressure-sensitive medium. The interconnections of the electronic device are placed in contact with the pressure-sensitive medium. Force is then applied to the device so that an indication of the pressure exerted by each interconnection is produced by the pressure-sensitive medium. The indication of the pressure exerted by each interconnection is then analyzed to determine the quality of the connections of the electronic device.
Abstract:
An apparatus for increasing the speed at which an object can be optically scanned. First and second optical signals from first and second areas of an object are focused respectively onto first and second optical sensor arrays. Image data signals from first and second optical sensor arrays are interlaced in a detection circuit to form a composite image of the object. By exposing the first area during the time that the optical signal from exposure of the second area is being clocked out and by exposing the second area during the time that the optical signal from exposure of the first area is being clocked out, the object can be scanned at a faster rate. Specialized image sensors do not need to be developed. Commercially available image sensors can be used. In particular, increased scan speed could result from placing two relatively inexpensive, commercially available Charge Coupled Devices (CCD's) or Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors parallel to each other and alternatively exposing near-by areas of the object.
Abstract:
An axle of a scroll wheel for a mouse or other type of computer input device is held in a first part of a carriage. The first carriage part is joined to a second part of the carriage by a flexure. When a force is applied to one side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in one direction relative to the second part so as to engage a first switch. When a force is applied to the other side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in the opposite direction to engage a second switch. The carriage is connected to a base. When sufficient force is applied to the scroll wheel in the proper direction, at least a portion of the carriage moves and engages a third switch. The carriage includes a tang or other flexible member to bias the carriage against pivotal movement.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for centering an optical component, such as a lens element, within an optical bore sleeve. The optical component has an outer perimeter, and the optical bore sleeve has an inner perimeter for receiving the outer perimeter of the optical component. A plurality of deformable ridges are interposed between the outer perimeter of the optical component and the inner perimeter of the sleeve for aligning the optical component and the sleeve along a common optical axis as the ridges are deformed upon insertion of the optical component into the sleeve.
Abstract:
A microlens and microlens array which collect light incident upon image sensor pixels. The microlens comprises two parts one which collects light from the cross-sectional area lying over the light-detection area and the second which collects light from the corner areas of the pixel lying outside the cross-sectional area of the light-detection area. Light from each of the two areas is refracted onto an associated light-detection area. Essentially all of the light incident upon the pixel can thus be collected and refracted to the photosensitive area.