IMAGING ARRAY

An imaging array provides a plurality of distinguishable bitmap images and comprises an array of sensor cells capable of sensing radiation. The cells are connected in a manner to form distinguishable bitmap images through a pattern of correspondence among the cells. Each bitmap image formed comprises a combination of one or more cells indicative of detecting an image pixel within a field of array cells that have been nonindicative of such detection. The pattern of correspondence may be one of inhibition of the operation of other cells in the array or one of indication of operation to other cells in the array. Various patterns of correspondence can be created among the cells creative of bitmap images. Bitmap images may consist of combinations of responsive cells within a field of nonresponsive cells in the array. For example, each bitmap image may comprise radiation responsive array cells that have sensed a sufficient quantity of radiation within a field of cells which have not sensed radiation or have been inhibited from sensing radiation. On the other hand, each bitmap image may comprise array cells that have not sensed a sufficient quantity of radiation within a field of cells that have sensed a sufficient quantity of radiation. An application of the imaging array is in an IC chip for a cursor control device or an "optical mouse" for use with an interactive display oriented computer system to provide movement for a visible cursor from position to position on a display screen of such a system.