Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Hacking optical mice

Mike Pinkerton wrote:

> Tim,
>
> Well, if that's all the resolution they need, then maybe it's not so useful.
>
> However, optical mice utilize a high intensity LED; a digital camera;
> and some sort of signal processor to take snapshots and interpolate
> where they are etc., etc...

DIGITAL CAMERA? Signal processor? How about 2 photocells and
a CMOS gate? Actually, the mice have a little micro in there to count
pulses, discern direction, and report movement and button clicks through
the serial port.

>
> A lot of nice sensing technology there! I'm curious to find a review
> article or description of exactly what's going on in there...
>
> Sometime REAL soon, they are going to be able measure both the
> interference patterns AND the polarization of the returning light.
>
> When THAT happens, then resolution will be as good as a fraction
> of the LED/laser wavelength .... ca. 50nm ....

What on earth is the possible use of a hand held device that can measure movements
of a wavelength of light?

Jon