Member Avatar for idiotguy

Hi friend!

Of course I know,this is not the right place to ask this question. But I'm asking this,because i dont find any other good place.I wanna use the technology of the optical mouse and infrared keyboard (Yes!both are virtually same technology)in my project. Which part i want to use is, the sensing part of mouse and infrared keyboard (yeah! people call it sensor).Can I do that? or any other patent will stop me from doing this??

Thank you,
Bala Krish

Edited by idiotguy
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The OP asked about reusing the “sensing part” of an optical mouse and an infrared keyboard. Those are different beasts: an optical mouse contains a tiny image sensor plus optics and on‑chip motion processing (it reports X/Y deltas). many “infrared” keyboards (the old line‑of‑sight type) are simply transmitters/receivers that send encoded key codes. Which one to salvage depends entirely on the project goal (motion tracking vs. key matrix data). As suggested, clarify the end goal first.

Practical path for optical‑mouse sensors:

  • Salvage or buy a mouse sensor module; note any part numbers on the chip and look up the datasheet.
  • Expect a small set of pins: power (usually 3.3V), ground, SPI‑style signals and often an IRQ/motion output. The register map and init sequence are model‑specific, so follow the datasheet.
  • Typical workflow: initialise the sensor over SPI, poll the motion registers periodically, convert the signed dx/dy values and integrate into position. Example pseudocode (model registers vary):
init_spi();
sensor_reset();
while (1) {
  read_motion_cmd();
  dx = spi_read();
  dy = spi_read();
  x += signed(dx);
  y += signed(dy);
}

Infrared keyboard/receiver notes:

  • Many IR receivers output a demodulated TTL pulse stream (suitable for pulseIn/interrupt capture). Protocols vary; remote protocols like NEC/RC5 exist, but keyboards may use proprietary encoding or an RF dongle instead.
  • For reliable links, check modulation frequency (≈38 kHz for typical IR demodulators), shield from ambient light, and capture with a logic analyser or MCU to reverse‑engineer timing if needed.

IP and commercial caution:

  • Reusing commodity sensors for hobby projects is straightforward, but commercial products should verify component licenses, avoid copying proprietary firmware, and—if there’s any doubt—consult IP counsel. For faster results consider off‑the‑shelf optical‑flow/IR receiver breakout modules designed for hobbyists.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

You need to elaborate a bit more on your question. What is it you are trying to do with the mouse and keyboard technology?

Member Avatar for JGorard159

If you're talking about just using an infrared camera/sensor in your own hardware project, I think you should be fine. I doubt the patent laws are strong enough for the inventors of the optical mouse to take you to court for using a piece of technology which is practically ubiquitous in modern devices.

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

If it is a personal project.... no one will care.

If you are designing a new device, the infrared components were probably licensed from a 3rd party manufacturer anyway. Once you identify the part, you can always go to that manufacturer and sign your own agreement for use of their tech in your device.

If you reverse engineer to learn how the thing works then use that knowledge to design your own... better make sure you aren't stealing any propriety tech that they have patented....

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