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Abstract

A method and device for converting movement of an optical mouse on a surface having any random surface pattern of relatively light and dark areas separated by edges to electrical signals representing a direction of motion relative to two non-parallel axes. A plurality of prechargeable photon sensors are disposed on the mouse in a row along each axis and facing the surface periodically. The presence of an edge is periodically sensed in at least one preselected portion of each row of sensors, defining a sensor state for each axis for each period upon the sensing of an absence of an edge. Successive sensor states are compared to determine if movement has occurred relative to each axis and a signal representative of the movement determined is produced.

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First Claim