JPH03102215A - Apparatus and method for optical coding - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the power consumption, by providing a freely positionable light shield means for opening and closing an optical path generated from a light source means to a light convergence and electric conduction means and synchronizing the light source means and the light convergence and electric conduction means in pulse. CONSTITUTION: A pulse input means 12 for generating a pulse-like electric signal is provided on a device 10, and connected to a light source means 14. A current limit resistor R and a light emitting diodes D1, D2 mutually connected in series are provided on the means 14, which is connected to a ground point 16. Two phototransistors PT1, PT2 are connected to the means 12. The optical paths of light beams 20, 22 generated from the diodes D1, D2 are opened and closed. Consequently, pulse output generated from the transistors PT1, PT2 which are a light convergence and electric conduction means is transmitted to an encoder 24, and utilized for encoding. Thus, since the means 14 and the transistors PT1, PT2 are synchronized in pulse, power consumption can be held minimum.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to optical encoders, and more particularly to optical encoders that minimize power consumption and are particularly suitable for use in cursor control devices of computer-controlled display systems. The present invention relates to an encoding device and an optical encoding method.

[Problems to be solved by conventional technology and invention]

In many computer-controlled display systems, it is desirable to allow the user to control the position of a cursor or the like by means other than the main computer keyboard. For example, it may be necessary to repeatedly select software options displayed on a cathode ray tube (CRT), or it may be desirable to enter data in diagrammatic format into a computer system. . In such situations, traditional keyboard input systems typically
It is not as effective as a cursor control device called a mouse or trackball.

Some cursor control devices currently in use have a contact mechanism coder that includes a radially extending conductive arm that is attached to an encoding wheel. The arm closes an electrical circuit by contacting the stationary brush in response to movement of the cursor control device.

However, most conventional methods for detecting movement of a cursor control device include optical encoding means. Such optical encoders are less susceptible to wear in that respect because they allow for less mechanical movement of the mechanical parts and the amount of contact between the parts.

An example of a conventional cursor control device that utilizes optical encoding means is D. U.S. Patent No. R@. issued to Hovey.
No. 32,633 (named “Cursor Control
1 Device') and W. D. U.S. Patent No. Re. issued to Atk1nmon. No. 32,632 f and entitled "Display System J". Both the '632 patent and the '633 patent are assigned to the assignee of the present application.

Many optical encoders currently in use utilize at least one light emitting diode (LED) in conjunction with two open collector phototransistors.
ED generates photons at the base of a phototransistor,
Make the phototransistor conductive. Usually, the encoding disk (
(i.e., the aperture wheel) are radially connected to each other to alternately open and block the path of light toward the phototransistor as the encoding disk moves in conjunction with movement of the cursor control device. It has a slit provided at N'iL.

In other words, a system is created in which two phototransistors are given either an off state, an off state and an on state, an on state and an off state, or both an on state.

Such a change in state directs movement of the cursor control device. Since the LEDs utilized in conventional methods are constantly on during use of the cursor control device, power is also constantly consumed.

With the advent of more portable computers, such as lamp-top computers, the need for cursor control devices that consume less power has increased. As disclosed below, the applicant of this application is:
A novel device and method has been developed to minimize power consumption in such cursor control devices, with common applications where optical encoding is required.

[Means for solving problems]

An apparatus and method for optical encoding is disclosed.

Electrical input means are provided for providing a pulsed electrical input signal. A light source means connected to the pulsed electrical input means generates a plurality of pulses of light using the pulsed electrical input signal. Light concentrating and electrically conducting means are provided which are synchronized with the source means. The light collecting and electrically conducting means is arranged with respect to the light source means κ to receive and respond to the light generated by the pulsed light source means. An electrical output signal is generated indicative of such response. Positionable light shielding means is provided for opening and closing the optical path of light generated from the light source means to the condensing and electrically conducting means. This opening and closing affects the electrical output signal, and the resulting pulsed electrical output signal is used for encoding. Light source means, light condensing and
By pulse synchronization with the electrical conduction means, the device benefits from minimizing power consumption. The present invention is particularly adaptable for use with a kernel control device for a combination control and display system.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

■． Overall configuration Figure 1 shows an optical encoding device (the whole is denoted by 1 in the figure).
0). Pulse input means 12 is provided for generating a pulsed electrical signal. Such input means may be, for example, an integrated circuit or an analog device. The device 10 could be used for encoding in a variety of applications where low power is desirable and a counting scheme is required. For example, the device may be used in a computer cursor control device, a handheld text scanner, or a sensor for detecting items on a manufacturing assembly line.

The balmet input means 12 is connected to light source means, which is shown surrounded by a dashed line 14. The light source means 14 includes a current limiting resistor R1 and a light emitting diode D1 connected in series with each other.
and a light emitting diode D2. (The order in which these elements are arranged is not important.) The light source means 14 is connected to a ground point 16.

As can be seen from the figure, two phototransistors PT1 and PT2 are also connected to the pulse input stage 12.
These two phototransistors PT1, PT2 are located in such a position relative to the light emitting diodes DI, 02 that they can collect the light generated from the diodes.

The positionable shading means 18, which may be a coded aperture wheel or the like as in the case of a cursor control device, will now be described.

! ! The optical means 18 opens and closes the optical path of the light beams 20, 22 generated by the light emitting diodes DI, D2.

As a result, the photodiode PT1, which is the light collecting and conducting means,
, PT2 are transmitted to the encoding means 24 and used for encoding. Encoding means 2
4 may be part of the same integrated circuit that generates the pulse input, for example, as explained below. device 10
, the light source means 14 and the phototransistor PTI
, PT2 are pulse synchronized, so power consumption is minimized.

As mentioned above, in the conventional method in which only ■D is operated in pulses, when the phototransistor is turned on (charged) by the light from ■D which is operated in pulses, the IJD operated in pulses returns to 0 volts. When the phototransistor discharges slowly according to the RC time constant. If the discharging phototransistor does not finish discharging by the next pulse 1, the counting scheme employed for encoding may be erroneous. Advantageously, according to the invention, when the pulsed LED goes to O volts, the phototransistor also goes to 0 volts and does not need to be discharged. The phototransistor is thus ready for the next pulse.

■． Cursor Control Device As previously described, the inventive concepts disclosed above are particularly suited for use with a computer cursor control device. One specific embodiment that achieves such an application is shown in FIG.

Therefore, explanation will be given regarding FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a mouse configuration developed by the assignee of the present invention. A cursor display device, generally designated 26 in the figure, is provided with a first
optical encoding assembly 28 and a second optical encoding assembly 30 that performs optical encoding along the Y axis. Each optical encoding assembly has the same structure as the device 10 shown in FIG.

32.34 represents a positionable light blocking means, an aperture wheel assembly, also known in the art as an encoder disk assembly. Encoder disk assemblies 32, 34 are provided for converting movement of cursor control device 26 into signals indicative of X-Y position as defined in the computer's display system. Optical encoding assembly 28. 30, in response to movement of pole 39, integrates circuit 3, as explained below.
6 and returns the signal to integrated circuit 36.

Next, FIG. 3 will be explained. Figure 3 shows the mouse 38
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the mechanical components of the W.
D. U.S. Patent No. Re. issued to Atkinson. No. 32.632 (named “Display Sys
tsm J) and D. U.S. Patent No. Re. issued to Hov@y et al. No. 32, 633 (named “Cu
This figure is almost a reproduction of FIG. 5 of Rter Control DeviceJ). '632 patent and '633
Both patents are assigned to the assignee of this invention. The subject matter of these patents is incorporated herein by reference.

Briefly, as shown in FIG. 3, each encoder assembly includes an aperture wheel or encoder disk 40 coupled to a roller shaft 42. As shown in FIG. Further, each encoder disk 40 has a plurality of radially arranged slots (described later) that block the light beam generated by the U or Z generator 44 and transmitted to the photodetector 45. ) is provided. The frame 46 of the cursor control device 38 includes a dome-shaped housing 48 having three cutout locations 50, 52 and 54. As shown, notches 50 and 52 are approximately 90 degrees apart from each other, with notch 54 having a generally symmetrical orientation opposite the other two notches.

A cylindrical contact member 56 surrounds each roller shaft 42 at respective corresponding cutout locations through which it is shown. Each encoder disk assembly 58 is mounted to frame 46 to allow rotation of roller shaft 42 and encoder disk 40 with minimal friction. During operation, the ball located within the domed housing 48 of the frame 46 is maintained in contact with both contact members 56. Thus, as the balls rotate within the dome-shaped housing 48, each roller shaft 42 and its corresponding mechanical coder disk 40 also rotate. As the beams are interrupted by rotation of each encoder disk 40, signal pulses are generated representing the increments of movement, while the order in which the light beams are interrupted indicates the direction of movement of the cursor control device 38.

Appl@Computer, Ins. The latest mouse model used by Microsoft uses a fixed board with two apertures, one for each LED/photodetector combination; an aperture wheel behind the mask encoder;
That is, an encoder disk is arranged. Next, FIG. 4, which shows such a configuration, will be described. This figure is viewed from the side of the light emitter. The light passes through slit apertures 60.61 in fixed mask encoder 62.

Encoder disk 64 is positioned to receive light passing through slit aperture 60.61 and transmit the light through slot 66 to photodetector 68.70 or to block the light. A mask encoder 62 is provided to ensure that light passes through only one slot 66 at a time for each photodetector. Photodetector 68.
70 is such that if one detector is fully exposed by one slot 66 of the encoder disk 64, the other detector is only partially exposed, ideally half of it. It is arranged like this. In this way, the movement of a cursor control device that buttons on a certain surface? Along with the increment, the direction of the movement can also be determined. As an example, assume that cursor control device 38 is being moved over a surface at a constant speed along the X direction. Next, FIG. 5 will be explained. FIG. 5 shows an integrated circuit chip 3.
Sample output X from 6 to LED (Dxl lDX2)
drive is shown. Each LED is 160 Sat 2
It operates in pulses at a speed of 5 μB, and the pulse width is 10 μB.
It is s. The graphs labeled X1 aperture and X2 aperture therefore represent equally spaced but misaligned open and closed regions over time.

Gra7 X1 (PTx1out) and X2 (PTzs
ouj) indicates the electrical signal applied to the integrated circuit 36. Here, the electric signals from the photodetectors PTx1 and PT■ are transferred to the integrated circuit 36 by D, graph XI (quantity n
p) and the quadrature electrical signal K shown in X2 (ll Recap). Such quadrature signals are utilized by integrated circuits in a counting manner to detect cursor control movements.

Note that the forces of movement of the cursor control device along the Y axis: In most critical cases, there will be little change in the Y channel unless the Y encoder disk is rotated significantly. The computer display system is equipped with appropriate software or hardware, such as an edge detector, to detect signal state transitions. In this way, the signals from each pair of channels may be decoded such that the X-Y direction of motion can be determined for a particular order of transition changes from each channel along one axis.

As previously mentioned, pulse synchronization of the emitter and photodetector on a channel-by-channel basis minimizes power consumption. Further, in a preferred embodiment, integrated circuit 36 generates inputs Xdrive and Ydrive that are approximately 180 degrees out of phase. Therefore, by reducing peak power consumption as much as possible, power consumption can be further reduced.

m. Application Specific Integrated Circuit Returning to FIG. 2, the integrated circuit utilized here is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). ASIC35 is a coded mouse, i.e. trunk ball on? It executes the code function and transmits the result to the control CPU via the bus. As mentioned above, it is desirable to minimize actual power consumption! Yes. To achieve this objective, the ASIC 'x
The source means can be driven in a pulsed mode. By using pulse mode, the current is limited.

Pin 1 performs Y pulse drive (vertical direction) and is directly connected to the collectors of Y emitters Pty1 and Pty2. It is also connected to a resistor Ry that supplies power to the Y pulse drive bina and the Y LEDs D, 1, and D.

Bin number 2 is a Y2 bin and is used to detect the phototransistor input signal generated during vertical movement of the cursor control device.

Bin number 3 is a Y1 person bin and is also used to detect the phototransistor input signal generated during such vertical movement of the force-sol control device.

Pins 4 and 5 are the X2 and XI input pins, respectively, used to detect the phototransistor input signal generated during horizontal movement of the cursor control device.

The No. 6 bin is for X pulse drive (horizontal direction) and is directly connected to the collector of the X7 autotransistor PTx1, PT,c. Xdrive is a light emitter Dx1, Dx! It is also connected to a resistor Rx which supplies power to the resistor Rx.

Bin number 7 is the input bin used as feedback to oscillator clock resistor Re1. Bin number 8 is the output bin that connects to capacitor Cc used in the oscillator. Bin number 9 is the output bin connected to the external timing resistors R, , Km used in the oscillator.

Bin number 10 is connected to the ground point.

The 11th pin is connected to the input/output line of the data bus DB between the CPU and the CPU.

Bin No. 12 Fi is connected to the switch input terminal currently in use.

Bin number 13 is for the second switch input terminal.

Pins 14 to 17 are used for testing purposes, pin 18 is the power input terminal vdd to the ASIC.
used as. A decoupling capacitor C and a high frequency capacitor Chf are used to stabilize the power input line.

Table 1 provides examples of values for the various elements shown in FIG.

Table 1 Rx, Ry IKn Soil 5% Ce
10 pf soil 5% cdO. 1 μf Chf 1. OA! Dx1, Dx1Dy1, D,, Omror+ EE
L 104HB"el 56.2KΩ±1% Rc, I 22, IKΩ soil 1%
Rcl + Rall and Cc constitute the 800khz oscillator block p'rx1, p'r, , p'ryl, p'ry2EE
TP 104 H Bvdd5■ Pulse characteristics XIYdrive Pulse #A10μS cycle 1
60μS±16% erupted, No. 2 to No. 5! Note that the input to the pin at contains an internal 70kΩ pulldown resistor to ground. Pin 12 is internally connected to a 930kΩ pull-up resistor and is also connected to the 5 port input terminal. Pin number 13 has an input terminal' internally connected to a 930 kΩ pull-up resistor.

As mentioned above, the X pulse is 180° with respect to the Y pulse.
Out of phase. Therefore, power is conserved unless both pulse drive signals go high at the same time.

Next, we will explain the ASIC with reference to FIG. 6, which is a block diagram. It will be seen that the chip can be viewed as three different parts. The mouse-specific portion γ2 on the right side of the dash-dotted line 74 is a portion used to generate the desired pulses required for operation, as described above, and will be described in detail below. A portion T6 represents a circuit related to a data bus for the CPU, and is indicated by a chain line 80.
The left part 78 of is associated with the clock κ. Therefore,
These two parts 16 and 78 will not be discussed in detail.

CDIVO061 Human power switch SW1-
and SW2-. This pad includes an inverting Schmitt input terminal and a 930 kΩ pull amplifier resistor.

The CDEVOO62 capacitor includes an inverting Schmitt input terminal and a 70kΩ pulldown resistor, M'-,X1
．． It is used as an input pad for each input of jN, X2jN, Y1jN and Y2-IN.

METESTPOR/: The head is the input band for the power-on reset and test bands. This is P
Used for ADIN input pins.

CDEVO 0 6 3 Pat is 3-bin low current R-C
Including Qi device. This is used as an input bin for the feedback resistor, an output bin for the timing capacitor, and an output bin for the timing resistor.

The 15MA-NB IDI pad is a 15mA input/output pad used for the DB input/output data line κ.

The 8600M pand has a non-inverting output x7 with medium drive current used for Xdrive and Ydrlve.
Abatsud.

8600L pad is test bin XIYI. ut and X2Y2. Non-inverting output cover sofa pan with low drive current used for ut.

Figure 7 shows the mechanism that produces the necessary pulse generation.
FIG. 7 is a logic diagram of portion 72 of the mouse portion of the SrC. As you can see from this diagram, the mouse-specific part T of ASIC 3 B
2 can be viewed as multiple modules, indicated by dashed lines, according to their functionality. The clock splitter shown by dashed line 82 divides the 200 kHz clock into X, r, v,
100 used for pulse and Ydrive pulse
Divide into khz clock. A 100 kHz clock is used to generate 10 μS pulses as shown in FIG. Other relevant frequencies from the clock divider are Xdrive@period of 160μ1 and Y
6.25kHz frequency drlvs generating cycle? It is a number.

The Xdrive module indicated by dashed line 84 is 6
．． 25kHz, 6.25kHz and 100K
Based on the hz frequency and the circuit as shown!
5Xdrive, is generated. This circuit is 1
A period of 60 μS and a pulse of 10 μ− are generated.

The Ydr1ve module indicated by the dashed line 86 is 6
, 25 kHz - . 6.2 5kHz and 1
This shows that DYd■■ is generated with a clock frequency of 00kHz. This circuit has a period of 160 μs and a period of 10
A pulse of l1g is generated. Ydrive is
Xd■
Same as ve. (For Xdrive,
6.25 kHz is input to the NOR gate, and D
6.25khz is input to the flip 7 romp. ) As mentioned earlier, this phase difference minimizes power consumption.

4 pulse recapture modules/L/88.90,92.
94 recaptures the output of the phototransistor and forms a quadrature waveform as described above. Module 96. 98
represents the test bin.

■． Reducing the number of pins Next, FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 8 schematically shows another embodiment of an integrated circuit chip that performs the necessary pulse generation. This embodiment highlights that by utilizing the inventive concepts of the present invention, the number of integrated circuit bins used can be reduced. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, four input cabinets Y2, Yl, X2
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 does not have two output pins -X1, Yl and X2, Y2-L. This is possible because no discharge occurs in the phototransistor and the horizontal and vertical phototransistors are pulsed 180 degrees out of phase.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional/circuit diagram showing the encoding method of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a cursor control device that implements the encoding method shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cursor control device showing the mechanical aspects of the encoding method of the present invention. , FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away diagram schematically illustrating the alignment of the photodetector with respect to the encoder disk and mask encoder, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that can be used to implement the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing sample waveforms generated by DR. FIG. 8, a logic diagram of the portion of the ASIC associated with the mechanism that performs pulse generation, is one alternative embodiment of the present invention that uses an integrated circuit chip such that the number of bins required can be reduced. FIG. 10...Optical encoding device, 12...Pulse input means, 14...Light source means, 18...Renku means,
20. 22...Light beam, 24...Encoding means, 26...Cursor control device, 28.30...
- Optical encoding assembly, 32. 34... Light shielding means, 36... Integrated circuit.

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) a) Electrical input means for supplying a pulsed electrical input signal; b) Light source means connected to the pulsed electrical input means and generating a pulse of light using the pulsed electrical input signal. and; c) synchronized with and for said light source means;
light collection and electrical conduction means arranged to receive and respond to the light generated by said pulsed light source means and generate an electrical output signal indicative of such response; d) from said light source means; a positionable light shielding means for opening and closing the optical path of the light generated to the light condensing/electrical conduction means; the opening and closing affects the electrical output signal, and a pulsed electrical output signal is generated as a result. is used for encoding, and which achieves the result of minimizing power consumption by pulse synchronizing said light source means and said light collection and electrical conduction means. (2) an apparatus for performing optical encoding along the X-axis and the Y-axis, comprising: an X-axis optical encoding assembly for optical encoding along the X-direction; and an X-axis optical encoding assembly for optical encoding along the Y-direction; a Y-axis optical encoding assembly, each encoding assembly comprising: a) electrical input means for supplying a pulsed electrical current; b) connected to said pulsed electrical input means for supplying said pulsed electrical input signal; light source means for generating pulses of light; c) synchronized with and relative to said light source means;
light collecting and electrically conducting means arranged to receive and respond to the light generated by said pulsed light source means and generate an electrical output signal indicative of said response; d) from said light source means; positionable light shielding means for opening and closing the optical path of the light being generated to the light collecting and electrically conducting means to affect the electrical output signal, the light blocking means being positionable to open and close the optical path of the light being generated to the light collecting and electrically conducting means, so as to provide an X-axis optical encoding assembly and a Y-axis optical A pulsed electrical output signal obtained from the encoding assembly is used for encoding to minimize power consumption by pulse synchronizing the light source means and the light collection and electrical conduction means. Features of optical encoding device. (3) a) electrical input means for supplying a pulsed electrical signal; b) comprising a plurality of series-connected electrical elements; (i) at least one light source generating the light beam; (ii) ) electrical resistance means for limiting current, further having an input end and an output end, one of the series-connected electrical elements located at the input end is configured to control the pulsed electrical input. c) a light source means electrically connected to the electrical input means, another electrical element located at the output end of the electrical element being electrically connected to a ground point and generating a light beam; c) each of the electrical input means In addition to being connected to
The light source means is arranged to collect light generated therefrom, has a threshold level of electrical conduction, receives light from the light source means, and encodes the light. and (d) a positionable light shielding means that opens and closes the optical path of the light beam in response to changes in its own position. The pulsed output obtained from the two light collecting and electrically conducting means is used for encoding, and the power consumption is minimized by pulse synchronization between the light source means and the light collecting and electrically conducting means. Features of optical encoding device. (4) An apparatus for performing optical encoding on a first axis and a second axis, comprising: an optical encoding assembly for the first axis; and an optical encoding assembly for the second axis; The first axis optical encoding assembly comprises: a) a first axis electrical input means for providing a first axis pulsed electrical signal; and b) a first plurality of series connected electrical elements. (i) at least one light source for generating said directional light beam; and (ii) electrical resistance means for limiting current, further having an input end and an output end, said One of the connected electric elements located at the input end is electrically connected to the first shaft pulse electric input means,
c) another electric element located at the output end of the electric elements is electrically connected to a ground point, and a first axial light source means for generating a light beam having a certain directionality; The light source means is connected to an electrical input means for one axis, and is arranged to be able to collect light generated therefrom with respect to the light source means, and has a threshold level for electrical continuity; two first axis focusing and electrically conducting means for receiving light from the means and utilizing the light for encoding; d) adjusting the optical path of said light beam in response to a change in its position; a positionable light shielding means for the first shaft that opens and closes, and as a result of the opening and closing, the first shaft pulse output obtained from the two light condensing and electrically conducting means is used for encoding;
In the first axis optical encoding assembly, power consumption is minimized by pulse synchronization of the first axis light source means and the first axis light collection and electrical conduction means. obtained; said second axis optical encoding assembly comprising: a) a second axis electrical signal that provides a second axis pulsed electrical signal that is 180° out of phase with respect to the first axis pulsed electrical signal; input means; b) a second plurality of series-connected electrical elements, comprising: (i) at least one light source for generating said directional light beam; and (ii) an electrical resistance for limiting current. and further has an input end and an output end, and one electric element located at the second input end among the series-connected electric elements is configured to generate pulse electricity for the second shaft. A second electrical element is electrically connected to the input means, and another electrical element located at the second output end of the electrical element is electrically connected to a ground point, and a second electrical element that generates a light beam with a certain directionality. axial light source means; c) each connected to the electrical input means;
The light source means is arranged to collect light generated therefrom, has a threshold level of electrical conduction, receives light from the light source means, and encodes the light. d) a positionable second axis light shielding means that opens and closes the optical path of the light beam in response to changes in its own position; and as a result of the opening and closing, the second axis pulse output obtained from the two light condensing and electrically conducting means is used for encoding,
In the second axis optical encoding assembly, pulse synchronization of the light source means and the second axis light collection and electrical conduction means results in minimizing power consumption;
The first axis pulsed electrical input means and the second axis pulsed electrical input means further reduce power consumption by minimizing peak power consumption. (5) An apparatus for minimizing power consumption of a cursor control device for generating signals indicative of X-Y position in a computer-controlled display system, comprising: an X-axis optical encoding assembly for encoding along the X direction; , and a Y-axis optical encoding assembly for encoding along the Y direction, each encoding assembly comprising: a) electrical input means for providing a pulsed electrical input signal; b) said electrical input means. c) light source means that is connected to the light source means and generates pulses of light using the pulsed electrical input signal; a light-concentrator arranged to receive and respond to the light being received, and to generate an electrical output signal indicative of such response;
electrically conductive means; d) the position of said light shielding means is influenced by a change in the position of said cursor control device, and as a result of opening and closing, a pulsed output signal obtained from said light concentrating and electrically conductive means is transmitted to a computer; positionable light shielding means for opening and closing the optical path of the light being generated from the light source means to the light condensing/electrical conduction means to a sufficient extent to influence the electrical output signal so as to indicate a position in the control display system; An optical encoding device characterized in that power consumption is minimized by pulse synchronization of the light source means and the light condensing/electrical conduction means. (6) An apparatus for minimizing power consumption of a cursor control device for a computer-controlled display system that generates signals indicative of X-Y position in a computer-controlled display system, comprising: a) an X-axis providing an X-axis pulsed electrical input signal; pulse electric input means; b) X-axis light source means connected to the X-axis pulse electric input means and generating pulses of light using the X-axis pulse electric input signal; c) the X-axis light source means. is in pulse synchronization with the X
axial light source means arranged to receive and respond to light being generated by said X-axis light source means and to generate at least two X-axis electrical output signals indicative of such response; two X-axis light-concentrating and electrically conductive means; d) the position of said X-axis light-blocking means is influenced by a change in the X position of said cursor control device, and as a result of opening and closing, light is removed from said light-concentrating and electrically-conducting means; The optical path of the light being generated from the X-axis light source means to the X-axis focusing and electrically conducting means is adjusted so that the two resulting X-axis pulse output signals indicate position in a computer-controlled display system. X-axis positionable light blocking means that opens and closes sufficiently to affect the axis electrical output signal; e) Y-axis pulsed electrical input means for supplying a Y-axis pulsed electrical input signal; f) said Y-axis pulsed electrical input means. g) Y-axis light source means connected to the Y-axis pulse electric input signal to generate pulses of light; g) being in pulse synchronization with the Y-axis light source means,
2 axial light source means arranged to receive and respond to light being generated by said Y-axis light source means and to generate two Y-axis electrical output signals indicative of such response; h) the position of the Y-axis light shielding means is affected by the change in the Y position of the cursor control device, and as a result of opening and closing, the Y-axis light shielding means;
A pulsed Y-axis output signal from the Y-axis light source means indicates a Y-position in a computer-controlled display system.
Y-axis positionable light shielding means for opening and closing the optical path generated to the axial light condensing/electrical conduction means to a degree that sufficiently affects the Y-axis electric output signal; An optical encoding device characterized by minimizing power consumption through pulse synchronization with light condensing and electrical conduction means. (7) a) supplying a pulsed electrical input signal; b) utilizing the pulsed electrical input signal to generate a plurality of pulses of light from the light source means; c) light collecting and electrically conducting means for said light source means arranged to receive and respond to the light generated by said pulsed light source means and to generate an electrical output signal indicative of such response; d) influencing the electrical output signal by opening and closing the optical path of the light being generated from the light source means to the light collecting and electrically conducting means; The opening and closing affects the electrical output signal, and the resulting pulsed electrical output signal is used for encoding, and by pulse synchronization of the light source means and the light collecting and electrically conducting means,
An encoding method characterized by minimizing power consumption.