WO2005033923A1

WO2005033923A1 - A pen-type mouse apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005033923A1
Application number: PCT/KR2004/002556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong-Hoon Ham
Original assignee: Penz Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-10-07
Filing date: 2004-10-07
Publication date: 2005-04-14
Also published as: CN1864126A; KR100438846B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pen-type mouse apparatus for preventing an image sensor from being deteriorated in performance due to a scattered light incident on the image sensor, and for allowing a user to use a pen-type mouse at various angles to accommodate a use of the pen-type mouse. The pen-type mouse apparatus including: a mouse body; an auxiliary light source disposed within the mouse body to irradiate a light; an image sensor for sensing the irradiated light to convert the sensed light into an electric signal; a light diaphragm for filtering an unnecessary one of an reflected light reflected from a bottom surface; an imaging lens for accurately imaging the reflected light on the image sensor; and a light guide extended from the image sensor up to an end of the mouse body, for preventing a scattered light generated at the auxiliary light source from being introduced into the image sensor.

Description

Description A PEN-TYPE MOUSE APPARATUS Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an input device such as a computer or an electronic apparatus, and more particularly, to a pen-type mouse apparatus for preventing an image sensor from being deteriorated in performance due to a scattered light incident on the image sensor, and for allowing a user to use a pen-type mouse at various angles to accommodate a use of the pen-type mouse.

[2] Background Art

[3] Generally, a mouse is a peripheral apparatus for a computer for indicating a position by using a cursor displayed on a display unit in a computer system. The mouse is comprised of a ball for a coordinate extraction and a fiinction setting button.

[4] However, a conventional ball-type mouse has a disadvantage in that a ball is not smoothly rotated on a smooth bottom surface. Accordingly, a pad is required for a smooth rotation of the ball due to a limited use place.

[5] Further, the conventional ball-type mouse has a disadvantage in that even though it is operated on the pad, a coordinate axis operating by a rotation of the ball is not accurately rotated, thereby causing a cursor not to be smoothly moved on a screen. Especially, the conventional ball-type mouse has a drawback in that its shape makes it difficult to perform a natural writing or drawing operation unlike a shape of a general writing instrument.

[6] In order to solve the above drawback, a pen-type mouse has been developed to accurately control the cursor at the time of an elaborate graphic or signature work.

[7] The above pen-type mouse is comprised of a mouse body, a light emitting unit, a reflective plate, an imaging module, an image sensor, a controlling unit, a transmitting unit, a setting button, a wheel switch and a pen tip.

[8] In detail, the mouse body is shaped to have a section such as a circular or elliptic section to allow a user to grasp the mouse body with hands. Additionally, the pen tip senses a pressure when a front end of the mouse body is in contact with a predetermined bottom surface such as a table surface. Additionally, the light emitting unit senses a contact pressure of the pen tip when the pen tip is pressed against the bottom surface.

[9] In more detail, the light emitting unit emits a light when a weak light emitting state is changed into a normal light emitting state according to a signal indicating that the pen tip is in contact with the bottom surface. Additionally, the light emitting unit emits the light when the image sensor senses any variation of an image or when the setting button or the wheel switch is selected.

[10] Further, the reflective plate guides the emitted light such that the emitted light is irradiated into the bottom surface at a predetermined angle. The bottom surface reflects the irradiated light to provide a reflected light. Additionally, the lens unit images the reflected light. Additionally, the image sensor receives and converts the collected and imaged light into an electric signal. Additionally, the controlling unit performs amplification, filtration and photoelectric transformation depending on the converted electric signal provided from the image sensor, and calculates a coordinate value of a cursor displayed on the monitor.

[11] Furthermore, the transmitting unit provides the calculated coordinate value and a set signal of the setting button to a micom of a computer body by using a mouse button. Additionally, the setting button and the wheel switch allow a predetermined work on the monitor through the controlling unit.

[12] Meanwhile, the above-constructed pen-type mouse is constructed to maintain an angle at which the reflected light is irradiated to the bottom surface to be at a low angle. In detail, the pen-type mouse is constructed to maintain an angle between the irradiated light and the bottom surface to be at about 10A?to 25 A?

[13] In case where the light is irradiated at the low angle from the light emitting unit to the bottom surface through the reflective plate, the light is irradiated on a left and slanting surface of an embossing portion formed on the bottom surface, but is never irradiated on a right and slanting surface of the embossing portion.

[14] Accordingly, an image is observed as having a different brightness at the left and right slanting surfaces of the embossing portion. This is used to effectively form the image.

[15] Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[16] However, in this case, there is an inconvenience in use since the user of the pen- type mouse should be always maintained at a low angle. That is, when the user uses the pen-type mouse to write a character or draw a picture, he/she grasps the pen-type mouse at various angles. However, since the conventional pen-type mouse can be used only at a low angle range of 10A?to 25 A? the pen-type mouse causes an inconvenience in use at a high angle as well as cannot be used at various angles.

[17] Further, since the pen-type mouse is used at the low angle, the user works long time with a wrist being positioned lower than fingers touching the pen-type mouse. Accordingly, the pen-type mouse causes a user's uncomfortable posture such as a forearm twisting and the wrist bent. That is, the pen-type mouse has a limit in that an advantage of a most natural and comfortable work is not sufficiently highlighted.

[18] Furthermore, the conventional pen-type mouse has a drawback in that a scattered light is introduced from the auxiliary light source to the image sensor to deteriorate a fiinction of the image sensor. Technical Solution

[19] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pen-type mouse apparatus that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[20] An object of the present invention is to provide a pen-type mouse apparatus with a predetermined structure for preventing a scattered light from being incident on an image sensor not to deteriorate the image sensor in performance.

[21] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pen-type mouse apparatus in which an angle between an incident light and a reflected light is set at a predetermined range to allow a user to use a pen-type mouse at various angles, thereby accommodating a use of the pen-type mouse.

[22] Advantageous Effects

[23] According to the above-construction, the inventive pen-type mouse apparatus includes the light guide extended from the image sensor to the end of the body to provide an effect in that the scattered light generated at the auxiliary light source is prevented from being introduced into the image sensor. [24] Brief Description of the Drawings [25] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [26] FIGs. 2 to 7 are views illustrating degrees of pattern recognition of a pen-type mouse depending on a variation of an angle between an incident light and a reflected light according to the present invention; [27] FIGs. 8 to 10 are sectional views illustrating use states of a pen-type mouse according to the present invention; [28] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a state where a pen-type mouse is vertically fixed in a mount according to the present invention; [29] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state where a pen-type mouse is aslant fixed in a mount according to the present invention; [30] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a pen-type mouse according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [31] FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [32] FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [33] FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [34] FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating a pen-type mouse in a state where an angle (I? between an incident light and a reflected light is 21 A?according to the present invention; [35] FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating a pen-type mouse in a state where an angle (I? between an incident light and a reflected light is 40A?according to the present invention; and [36] FIG. 19 is a sectional view illustrating a pen-type mouse in a state where an angle (I? between an incident light and a reflected light is 51A?according to the present invention. [37] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [38] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. [39]

[40] <First Embodiment

[41] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [42] Referring to FIG. 1, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes a mouse body 201 having a shape with a section such as a circular section or an elliptic section to allow a user's convenient grasping with hands; and a tip part 280 formed at a front end of the mouse body 201. The tip part 280 includes a pen tip 281 being in contact with a bottom surface 202 such as a table surface to fiinction as a reference point for imaging the light; and a tip holder 282 for supporting and covering the pen tip 281.

[43] In detail, the pen tip 281 can be replaced, and is comprised of a pen nib and a contact sensing unit for sensing a contact of the pen nib and the bottom surface. Additionally, as the pen nib, there is a pen nib filled with ink and a pen nib without the ink. Accordingly, a pressing state of the pen nib is sensed by the contact sensing unit. Additionally, the pen nib filled with the ink is used to write or draw a character or a picture on a paper while the character or the picture is outputted through a monitor. Additionally, in case where the ink is completely exhausted, only the pen tip 281 can be replaced for use.

[44] Further, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes a switching unit 240. The switching unit 240 includes a first switch 241 for sensing a pressure when the pen tip 281 is pressed against the bottom surface 202; a second switch 242 disposed at a circumferential upper end of the mouse body 201 to adjust a screen up and down; and a third switch 243 for selecting or executing an icon, a program or the like on the screen after the pen-type mouse 200 is moved to move a cursor to a desired position on the monitor.

[45] In detail, the first switch 241 is embodied using an on-off switch for sensing the pressure when the pen tip 281 is pressed. Accordingly, if the user grasps the mouse body 201 as catching a pen, and presses the pen tip 281 against the bottom surface 202 such as the table surface, a click fiinction such as a selection, execution or dragging of the icon or the program can be embodied.

[46] Further, a pressure sensing of the first switch 241 can allow fiinctions other than the on-off fiinction. In detail, depending on a pressure intensity at which the pen tip 281 is pressed, the first switch 241 can sense the pressure intensity at various levels such as 8 steps, 16 steps,..., 256 steps and 512 steps to express a line at various thicknesses in a writing or drawing fiinction of the pen-type mouse 200.

[47] Furthermore, the third switch 243 can be pressed by the user to perform the same operation as a general mouse click unit. In detail, after the user moves the pen-type mouse 200 to move the cursor to a desired position on the monitor, he/she presses the third switch 243 to select or execute the icon, the program or the like on the screen. Additionally, the third switch 243 is disposed at left and right sides of the mouse body 201 to accommodate a left-hander in use.

[48] Here, it is noted that the first switch 241, the second switch 242 and the third switch 243 can be changed in fiinction according to need. [49] Alternatively, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes an auxiliary light source 210 for emitting a light when the tip part 280 senses the pressure; a convex lens 211 for collecting the emitted light spreading around to provide a parallel light before the emitted light reaches the bottom surface; and a window 212 disposed at an end of the mouse body 201 to prevent a foreign material such as a dust from being introduced from the bottom surface 202.

[50] Further, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes an image sensor 220 for introducing the reflected light from the bottom surface, and recognizing a pattern of the reflected light; and a light guide module 230. The light guide module 230 includes an imaging lens 232 for accurately imaging the reflected light on the image sensor 220; a light diaphragm 231 disposed between the imaging lens 232 and the image sensor 220 to adjust an amount of the reflected light introduced into the image sensor 220; and a light guide 233 extended from the image sensor 220 to the end of the mouse body 201 on a path of the reflected light.

[51] In detail, if the tip part 280 disposed at the front end of the mouse body 201 senses the pressure, a signal is generated relating to a contact of the pen tip 281 with the bottom surface 202. The signal causes to the auxiliary light source 210 to emit the light. Additionally, the auxiliary light source 210 can be disposed at an external or an internal of the mouse body 201 to increase a detection power of a desired image.

[52] Further, generally, there is no problem even though the tip part 280 is used on the predetermined bottom surface 202. However, since imaging is difficult in such as a tablet Personal Computer (PC), an electronic coil 800 can be provided to detect a variation of an electromagnetic field and sense a position. Here, the electronic coil 800 is disposed on the pen tip 281 of the tip part 280. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the electronic coil 800 can be disposed at an appropriate position within the mouse body 201.

[53] Further, when position sensing is performed through the electronic coil 800 in the tablet PC, light sensing is temporarily held. In other words, a standby fiinction is executed to temporarily hold an irradiation of the light through the auxiliary light source 210 and a processing of the image sensor 220. The above standby fiinction is one of a power reduction fiinction for reducing consumption current.

[54] Meanwhile, if it is not a case where the pen-type mouse is embodied in the tablet PC, the auxiliary light source 210 can be operated at a normal brightness when the pen tip 281 senses the pressure or the image sensor senses any variation of the image.

[55] Further, Light Emitting Diode (LED) is generally used as the auxiliary light source 210. The inventive pen-type mouse 200 uses a high luminance LED as the auxiliary light source 210. The auxiliary light source 210 irradiates the light with a luminance intensity of 1500mcd to 3000mcd. Additionally, in case where the image sensor 220 has a good sensitivity, the auxiliary light source 210 can irradiate the light even with a small amount of about 500mcd to 3000mcd.

[56] Furthermore, an infrared LED, which is being currently produced, has a wavelength of 830nm, 850nm or 880nm. The auxiliary light source 210 of the inventive pen-type mouse 200 has a wavelength of 380nm to 780nm. By using this, a visible ray can be used as the light irradiated to the bottom surface 202 to express a color. Accordingly, ones' favorite colors can be considered and a mental and emotional stability is finally promoted.

[57] Further, the convex lens 211 collects the light, which is spread and emitted form the auxiliary light source 210 at a predetermined angle, to provide the parallel light before the incident light emitted form the auxiliary light source 210 reaches the bottom surface 202. Here, the incident light is spread from the auxiliary light source 210 at a low angle of 20A?and at a high angle of 140A?

[58] Furthermore, the mouse body 201 is generally opened at the end being in contact with the bottom surface 202, but has the window 212 mounted to prevent the foreign material such as the dust from being introduced from the bottom surface 202.

[59] Here, the window 212 is preferably formed of a light-transmissive transparent material such as glass to transmit the light. As shown, the window 212 and the convex lens 211 can be integrally formed of the light-transmissive transparent material.

[60] Meanwhile, as described above, the imaging lens 232 accurately images the reflected light on the image sensor 220. The light diaphragm 231 adjusts an amount of the imaged light depending on a characteristic of the image sensor 220. Additionally, the light guide 233 prevents the scattered light, which is generated at the auxiliary light source 210, from being introduced into the image sensor 220.

[61] In detail, some of the reflected light is unnecessary when the image sensor 220 performs the pattern recognition. Additionally, as the unnecessary reflected light introduced into the image sensor 220 is increased in amount, the image sensor 220 is difficult to accurately perform the pattern recognition. Accordingly, the unnecessary reflected light is required to be interrupted.

[62] In the inventive pen-type mouse 200 apparatus, the light diaphragm 231 interrupts the reflected light correspondingly to the sensitivity of the image sensor 220 to introduce only the reflected light necessary for the pattern recognition into the image sensor 220. Additionally, the light guide 233 prevents the scattered light from being introduced into the image sensor 220 to allow only the reflected light necessary for the pattern recognition to be introduced into the image sensor 220.

[63] In other words, the light diaphragm 231 and or the light guide 233 allow/allows only the reflected light necessary for the pattern recognition to be introduced into the image sensor 220 such that the image sensor 220 can more easily perform the pattern recognition. Accordingly, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 does not need to maintain an incident angle to be at the low angle for the pattern recognition. The pattern recognition can be embodied and performed within a range of the angle described later.

[64] Meanwhile, the light guide module 230 can include a mirror or a rectangular prism as a path changing unit, according to need. In detail, the mirror or the rectangular prism is installed on a path of the light passing through the imaging lens 232 to change the path of the irradiated light, thereby accurately imaging the light on the image sensor 220.

[65] Further, the image sensor 220 receives and converts the collected and imaged light into an electrical signal to provide the converted light to a controlling unit (later described). Here, the image sensor 220 can be installed even at an internal surface of the pen-type mouse body 201 by the path changing unit for vertically changing the path of the received reflected light. Accordingly, the image sensor 220 can be installed anywhere of within the mouse body 201 even though it has a larger horizontal length than a diameter of the pen-type mouse 200. Therefore, the pen-type mouse 200 apparatus can be manufactured with a reduced thickness.

[66] Furthermore, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 apparatus includes a controlling unit 290 for receiving the electric signal; a transmitting unit 250 for transmitting a coordinate value calculated at the controlling unit 290 to a micom of a computer; a battery 270 for supplying a power to the transmitting unit 250; and a weight 260 for weighting according to need to fix the mouse body 201 in posture and prevent the mouse body 201 from being falling down.

[67] In detail, the controlling unit 290 performs amplification, filtration and photoelectric transformation according to the electric signal to calculate the coordinate value of the cursor displayed on the monitor. In more detail, the controlling unit 290 reads the images provided from the image sensor 220, compares the images varied depending on a time, detects a varied amount of the images, and converts the detected amount into the coordinate values using an X-axis and a Y-axis. [68] Further, the transmitting unit 250 transmits the calculated coordinate values and a variety of set signals to the micom of the computer through the mouse port. Additionally, the transmitting unit 250 performs all of wire or wireless transmissions. In the wire transmission, a connector is used for communication. In the wireless transmission, the battery 270 is required as a power supply source. Additionally, a laser diode 271 can be installed at a rear of the battery 270 to fiinction as a laser pointer for a report description such as a presentation.

[69] Furthermore, a degree of pattern recognition is different depending on a magnitude of an angle (I? between the incident light eradiated from the auxiliary light source 210 to the bottom surface, and the reflected light reflected from the bottom surface. The degree of pattern recognition depending on the angle (I? is described later.

[70] Hereinafter, an operation of the above-constructed pen-type mouse 200 apparatus according to the present invention is described.

[71] First, the user grasps the mouse body 201 with hands and presses the mouse body 201 to contact the pen tip 281 with the bottom surface. If so, the first switch 241 senses the pressure. In this state, the user moves the pen-type mouse 200 to move the cursor to the desired position on the monitor screen. Additionally, the user presses the third switch 243 to select and execute the icon, the program or the like on the monitor screen.

[72] Meanwhile, if the pen tip 281 is pressed, the auxiliary light source 210 emits the light by the pressure sensing signal. Additionally, the emitted light is collected and transformed into the parallel light by the convex lens 211. Additionally, the parallel light is incident on the bottom surface 202. Additionally, the incident light is reflected at a predetermined angle (I?. Additionally, the reflected light is introduced into the light guide 233, and is adjusted in amount by the light diaphragm 231. Additionally, the reflected light is accurately imaged on the image sensor 220 by the imaging lens 232. Additionally, the reflected light received at the image sensor 220 is provided to the controlling unit 290. The controlling unit 290 converts the image provided from the image sensor 220 into the coordinate value. Finally, the converted coordinate value is transmitted using the transmitting unit 250 to the micom of the computer through the mouse port.

[73] FIGs. 2 to 7 are views illustrating the degree of pattern recognition of the pen-type mouse depending on a variation of the angle between the incident light and the reflected light according to the present invention.

[74] In detail, FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a case where the angle (I? is set at a range 15?to 20A? FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a case where the angle (I? is set at a range of 21A?to 25A? FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a case where the angle (I? is set at a range of 26A?to 29 A? FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a case where the angle (I? is set at 30A? FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a case where the angle (I? is set at 40A? FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a case where the angle (I? is set at 51 A?

[75] Referring to FIG. 2, when the angle (I? is set at the range of 15?to 20A? brightness is not apparently distinguished. Accordingly, the pattern recognition is not easy. Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the brightness is apparently distinguished in comparison to FIG. 2. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the pattern recognition is more improved than at the angle range of FIG. 2.

[76] Referring to FIG. 4, the brightness is more easily distinguished than that of FIG. 3. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the pattern recognition is greatly improved. Additionally, referring to FIGs. 5 to 7, as the angle (I? is increased not linearly but approximately linearly, the brightness can be more apparently distinguished. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the pattern recognition is greatly improved.

[77] Here, as the angle (I? is large, the pen-type mouse 200 can be embodied in high performance. However, as the angle for the pattern recognition is large, the pen-type mouse 200 is thickened in section. Accordingly, a desirable angle range is required.

[78] In other words, a range of the angle (I? less than 20A s not desirable for the pattern recognition. To the contrary, a range of the angle (I? more than 50A?as no problem regarding the pattern recognition, but has a need to consider a thickness.

[79] Accordingly, it is desirable that the angle (I? is set at a range of 20A?to 51 A?

[80] FIGs. 8 to 10 are sectional views illustrating use states of the pen-type mouse according to the present invention.

[81] FIG. 8 illustrates the pen-type mouse 200 at an angle of about 120A?etween the pen tip 281 and the bottom surface according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 illustrates the pen-type mouse 200 at a vertical angle of about 90A?etween the pen tip 281 and the bottom surface, and FIG. 10 illustrates the pen- type mouse 200 at a slanting angle of about 60A?etween the pen tip 281 and the bottom surface.

[82] Even though the inventive pen-type mouse 200 is diversified in use according to a user's fancy, the angle (I? between the light incident on the bottom surface and the light reflected from the bottom surface is always constant.

[83] In other words, the angle (I? is set at a range of 21 A?to 51 A?uch that the user can naturally and conveniently use the pen-type mouse 200 at various angles unlike a con- ventional pen-type mouse used only at the low angle.

[84] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the pen-type mouse vertically fixed in the mount, and FIG. 12 is a view illustrating the pen-type mouse aslant fixed in the mount.

[85] Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 is maintained at a predetermined angle against the bottom surface 202. The pen-type mouse 200 is mounted, supported and fixed on the mount 700 such that the mouse body 201 is not rotated.

[86] In detail, the pen-type mouse 200 includes a mouse charging terminal 741 at one side of an outer circumference surface of the mouse body 201 to charge the pen-type mouse 200 in a state where the pen-type mouse is mounted in the mount 700.

[87] Further, the mount 700 includes a charging terminal 742 provided at one side of an inner circumference surface and contacting with the mouse charging terminal 741 to supply the current; a weight 710 for providing a center of gravity for the mount; a controlling unit 720 for allowing a wireless communication with the pen-type mouse 200; and a foot 730 disposed at a lower portion of the mount 700 to smoothly move the mount 700 on the bottom surface.

[88] Furthermore, the mount 700 has a hole line (not shown) through which the light is emitted and received, at a lower surface to allow the use of the pen-type mouse 200 in a state where the pen-type mouse 200 is mounted on the mount 700.

[89] In detail, the hole line is a traveling path of the incident light, which is incident on the bottom surface 202 from the auxiliary light source 210 of the pen-type mouse 200, and the reflected light, which is reflected from the bottom surface 202.

[90] In more detail, the mount 700 includes a storage space (not shown) provided at one lower side to store the pen tip 281; and a protrusion groove (not shown) provided on an inner circumference surface to prevent the pen-type mouse 200 from being rotated in a mounted state.

[91] The above-constructed mount 700 has an advantage in that the pen-type house 200 is mounted to facilitate its storage, and the table is cleanly arranged around. Additionally, the above-constructed mount 700 has an advantage in that the pen-type mouse 200 is enabled and operated in a state where the pen-type mouse 200 is mounted in the mount 700.

[92] Hereinafter, different embodiments are described with reference to the drawings. Here, the same structural elements as those of the pen-type mouse 200 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Additionally, a description of the same parts as those of the first embodiment is omitted, and only different parts thereof are described. Mode for the Invention

[93] <Second Embodiment

[94] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a pen-type mouse according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[95] Referring to FIG. 13, the pen-type mouse 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an image senor 320 is disposed at one side surface within a mouse body 201.

[96] In detail, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes an auxiliary light source 210 for emitting a light when the tip part 280 senses the pressure; a convex lens 211 for collecting the emitted light spreading around to provide a parallel light before the emitted light reaches the bottom surface; and a window 212 disposed at an end of the mouse body 201 to prevent the introduction of a foreign material such as a dust from the bottom surface 202.

[97] Further, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes an image sensor 220 vertically disposed within the mouse body 201 to introduce the emitted light reflected from the bottom surface, and recognizing a pattern of the introduced reflected light; and a light guide module 230. The light guide module 230 includes an imaging lens 232 for accurately imaging the reflected light on the image sensor 320; a light diaphragm 231 disposed over the imaging lens 232 to adjust an amount of the reflected light introduced into the image sensor 320; a mirror 234 for changing a path of the reflected light, which passes through the light diaphragm 231, toward the image sensor 220; and a light guide 233 vertically extended from the end of the mouse body 201 to the mirror 234 and approximately vertically bent from the mirror 234 toward the image sensor 220 to house the imaging lens 232, the light diaphragm 231 and the mirror 234.

[98] In detail, the light guide 233 is bent along the path of the reflected light. That is because the image sensor 320 is mounted vertically to the bottom surface unlike the first embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, the mirror 234 allows the path of the reflected light to be bent toward the image sensor 220, and the light guide 233 has a shape bent along the path of the reflected light.

[99] As described above, in case where the image sensor 320 has a horizontal length larger than a diameter of the pen-type mouse 200, the image sensor 220 is vertically mounted to reduce the mouse body 201 in thickness.

[100] Even in this case, an angle (I? between an incident light irradiated from the auxiliary light source 210 to the bottom surface 202 and the reflected light reflected from the bottom surface 202 is constantly set at a range of 21A^*b 51 A?

[101] According to the above construction, the light emitted from the auxiliary light source 210 is incident on the bottom surface, and the reflected light reflected from the bottom surface passes through the image lens 232 disposed within the light guide 233. Additionally, the passed reflected light is adjusted in amount by the light diaphragm 231. Additionally, the mirror 234 changes the path of the reflected light to image the reflected light on the image sensor 220.

[102]

[ 103] < Third Embodiment

[104] FIG. 14 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[105] Referring to FIG. 14, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 is characterized in that a light guide module 430 includes a light diaphragm 431, an imaging lens 432, a light guide 433, and first and second mirrors 434 and 435.

[106] In detail, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 is characterized in that a mouse body 201 has a front end slanted to have almost streamlined shape at a side of a pen tip 281 for user's convenience. Additionally, for an easy imaging of an image on an image sensor 220, the first mirror 434 being a path changing unit is installed on the path to change a path of a reflected light before the reflected light is collected from a bottom surface to the imaging lens 432. Additionally, the second mirror 435 being the path changing unit is installed on the path of the light passing through the imaging lens 432 to once more change the path of the reflected light after the reflected light is collected to the imaging lens 432.

[107] In the above-constructed pen-type mouse 200, the first mirror 435 primarily changes the path of the reflected light, which is reflected from the bottom surface. After that, the reflected light is collected along the changed path at the imaging lens 432 to pass through the light diaphragm 431. Next, the second mirror 435 secondarily changes the path of the reflected light, which passes through the light diaphragm 431. After that, the reflected light is finally imaged on the image sensor 220 through twice changing of the path.

[108]

[109] <Fourth Embodiment

[110] FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Ill] Referring to FIG. 15, it is characterized in that the inventive pen-type mouse 200 includes a window assembly 510. The window assembly 510 includes a convex lens 511 for collecting an incident light to provide a parallel light before the incident light emitted from an auxiliary light source 210 reaches a bottom surface 202; a window 512 provided at a lower part, which is in contact with the bottom surface 202, of a mouse body 201 to prevent a foreign material such as a dust from being introduced from the bottom surface 202; and a reflective plate 513 aslant disposed at a middle of the convex lens 511 and the window 512. In detail, the reflective plate 513 is used when it is difficult to form an incident angle due to the incident light irradiated from the auxiliary light source 210 vertically to the bottom surface. In more detail, the reflective plate 513 allows the incident light to undergo a path changing process before the incident light is irradiated into the bottom surface 202. Accordingly, the incident light can be easily irradiated into the bottom surface 202. Additionally, the window assembly 510 has an effect in that the convex lens 511, the reflective plate 513 and the window 512 are integrated with one another to reduce a size or a manufacture cost of the mouse body 201.

[112] Further, since the imaging lens 232 is also formed of a light-transmissive transparent material, it can be integrated with the window assembly 510.

[113]

[114] <Fifth Embodiment

[115] FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a pen-type mouse according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[116] Referring to FIG. 16, the inventive pen-type mouse 200 is characterized in that a controlling unit 690 is differently formed to perform amplification, filtration and photoelectric transformation depending on an electric signal converted through an image sensor 220 to calculate a coordinate value of a cursor displayed on a monitor.

[117] In detail, the controlling unit 690 is vertically extended from an upper end of a mouse body 201 toward a front end of a side of a pen tip 281 to have a predetermined length. The controlling unit 690 is aslant bent at a predetermined angle at its predetermined point. The controlling unit 690 is horizontally again bent in an opposite direction at its predetermined point of a slanted portion. Additionally, a light guide module 230 is mounted under a horizontal portion of the controlling unit 690, and a first switch 241 is disposed down an end of the horizontal portion of the controlling unit 690.

[118] Generally, the controlling unit 690 is formed of a Printed Gra t Board (PCB) assembly. The inventive pen-type mouse 200 is characterized in that the controlling unit 690 is formed of a flexible PCB. Accordingly, the path within the mouse body 201 can be reduced in length. Therefore, there is an advantage in that a space within the mouse body 201 can be more easily utilized.

[119] FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the pen-type mouse in a state where the angle (I? is 21A?according to the present invention, FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating the pen-type mouse in a state where the angle (I? is 40A?according to the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view illustrating the pen-type mouse in a state where the angle (I? is 51A?according to the present invention.

[120] As described above, in the inventive pen-type mouse 200, even though a shape of the mouse body 201, and a shape or a size of its internal structural element are different, the angle (I? between the incident light emitted from the auxiliary light source 210 and the reflected light reflected form the bottom surface can be constantly maintained at the range of 21A?to 51A?to allow the user to use the pen-type mouse 200 at various angles.

[121] Industrial Applicability

[122] According to a pen-type mouse according to the present invention, a scattered light generated at an auxiliary light source is prevented from being introduced into an image sensor and at the same time, an angle (I? between an incident light and a reflected light is set at a range of 21A?to 51A?such that the user can use the pen-type mouse at various angles, thereby providing a very high industrial applicability.

[123] While the present invention has been described and illustrated herein with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[ 1 ] A pen-type mouse apparatus comprising : a mouse body; an auxiliary light source disposed within the mouse body to irradiate a light; an image sensor for sensing the irradiated light from the auxiliary light source to convert the sensed light into an electric signal; a light diaphragm for filtering an unnecessary one of a reflected light reflected from a bottom surface; an imaging lens for accurately imaging the reflected light, which is reflected from the bottom surface, on the image sensor; and a light guide extended from the image sensor up to an end of the mouse body, for preventing a scattered light generated at the auxiliary light source from being introduced into the image sensor, wherein an angle between an incident light irradiated from the auxiliary light source to the bottom surface and the reflected light reflected from the bottom surface is at a range of 21A?to 51 A? [2] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the incident light is a visible ray for expressing a color. [3] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 1, fiirther comprising a mount for supporting and fixing the mouse body, the mount having a hole line at a lower surface to allow the light to be transmitted and received therethrough such that the mouse body can be used in a fitted state. [4] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 1, fiirther comprising a mount having a charging terminal at one side of an inner circumference surface to charge a pen-type mouse. [5] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image sensor is provided at an upper end of the light guide. [6] A pen-type mouse apparatus comprising: a mouse body; a pen tip provided as a reference point at a front end of the mouse body, for imaging an image on and in contact with a bottom surface; an auxiliary light source disposed within the mouse body, for irradiating a light; an image sensor for sensing the irradiated light from the auxiliary light source to convert the sensed light into an electric signal; a light guide module having: an imaging lens for accurately imaging a reflected light, which is reflected from the bottom surface, on the image sensor, a light diaphragm disposed between the imaging lens and the image sensor, for filtering an unnecessary one of the reflected light, a light guide extended from the image sensor up to an end of the mouse body, for preventing a scattered light generated at the auxiliary light source from being introduced into the image sensor, and a mirror disposed within the light guide to change a path of the reflected light; a controlling unit for receiving the converted electric signal, and calculating a coordinate value of a cursor displayed on a computer monitor; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the calculated coordinate value to a micom. [7] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mouse body comprises an electronic coil for detecting a variation of an electromagnetic field to sense its position. [8] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mirror is disposed at an upper side of the light diaphragm, and wherein the light guide is bent along the(a) path of the reflected light which is changed by the mirror, which is changed by the mirror, of the reflected light to allow the reflected light to reach the image sensor. [9] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mirror is provided at an upper side of the light diaphragm and at a lower side of the imaging lens, and wherein the light guide is bent along a path, which is changed by the mirror, of the reflected light to allow the reflected light to reach the image sensor. [10] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 6, comprising: a first switch disposed at an upper side of a pen tip, for sensing a pressing of the pen tip and for allowing a click fiinction of selecting, executing or dragging an icon or a program on a monitor screen; a second switch disposed at an upper side of the first switch, for adjusting the screen up and down; and a third switch disposed at both left and right sides of the mouse body, for allowing the icon or the program to be selected or executed on the monitor screen. [11] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mouse body comprises a first switch for sensing a pressure intensity, at which the pen tip is pressed, at various levels to express a line at variable thicknesses when a writing or drawing fiinction is performed. [12] A pen-type mouse apparatus comprising : a mouse body; an auxiliary light source disposed within the mouse body to irradiate a light; an image sensor for sensing the irradiated light from the auxiliary light source to convert the sensed light into an electric signal; a light guide module for accurately imaging a reflected light, which is reflected from a bottom surface, on the image sensor; a window assembly having: a convex lens for collecting an incident light from the auxiliary light source to provide a parallel light before the incident light reaches the bottom surface, a reflective plate for changing a path of the incident light passing through the convex lens such that an angle between the incident light and the reflected light is at a range of 21A?to 51 A? and a window for preventing a foreign material of the bottom surface from being introduced into the mouse body; a controlling unit for receiving the converted electric signal and calculating a coordinate value of a cursor displayed on a computer monitor; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the calculated coordinate value to a micom. [13] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the convex lens, the reflective plate and the window are formed of a light-transmissive transparent material. [14] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the convex lens, the reflective plate and the window are integrally formed. [15] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the light guide module comprises: a light guide extended at a predetermined length to prevent a scattered light generated at the auxiliary light source from being introduced into the image sensor; and at least one mirror disposed within the light guide, for changing a path of the reflection light, wherein the light guide is bent in a direction of the reflected light whose the path is changed by the mirror. [16] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the light guide module comprises: an imaging lens for accurately imaging the reflected light, which is reflected from the bottom surface, on the image sensor; and a light diaphragm disposed between the imaging lens and the image sensor, for filtering an unnecessary one of the reflected light reflected from the bottom surface. [17] A pen-type mouse pen-type mouse apparatus comprising: a mouse body; an auxiliary light source disposed within the mouse body to irradiate a light; an image sensor for sensing the irradiated light from the auxiliary light source to convert the sensed light into an electric signal; a light guide module for accurately imaging a reflected light, which is reflected from a bottom surface, on the image sensor; a controlling unit formed of a flexible material and bent at a predetermined angle, for receiving the converted electric signal and calculating a coordinate value of a cursor displayed on a computer monitor; and a transmitting unit for transmitting the calculated coordinate value to a micom. [18] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the controlling unit is extended as much as a predetermined length from an upper end to a lower end of the mouse body to have a predetermined length and is bent at its predetermined point. [19] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the controlling unit is bent in a diameter direction of the mouse body at its predetermined point to reduce the light guide module in length, thereby reducing a length of the path. [20] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a laser diode is installed within the mouse body to perform a fiinction of a laser pointer. [21] The pen-type mouse apparatus according to claim 17, wherein an angle between an incident light incident on the bottom surface and the reflected light reflected from the bottom surface is at a range of 21A?to 51 A?