Agilent Technologies Inc. announced that it has been granted China Patent ZL98125964 by the State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic of China. The patent is titled “ ‘Seeing Eye’ Mouse for a Computer System” and covers core optical computer mouse technology essential to the mouse’s design and manufacture. Agilent is a recognized pioneer in optical mouse sensor technology.

“Our position as the world’s largest manufacturer of optical mouse sensors is strengthened each time we are issued a new patent,” said Ngoh Kee Hane, vice president and general manager of the Navigation Products Division in Agilent’s Semiconductor Products Group. “As part of our commitment to protecting our investments in intellectual property, Agilent is applying for additional optical mouse patents in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and other countries.”

Agilent pioneered position sensing for mouse technology and supplies these products to all major optical mouse manufacturers worldwide, having shipped more than 400 million sensors to date. Agilent provides a broad portfolio of mouse sensors, ranging from inexpensive, entry-level LED-based models to high-precision versions. Since their introduction, optical mice powered by Agilent’s optical sensing technology have established themselves as the standard in computer input devices. Agilent’s new LaserStream technology is expected to revolutionize the mouse industry yet again.

More information about Agilent’s LED and laser optical navigation sensors is available at www.agilent.com/view/opticalnavigation.