Microsoft Corporation
Stylus with light energy harvesting

Abstract:

A stylus includes a housing extending over a length and including a first end opposite a second end, a circuit configured to generate a signal, a power source configured to power generation of the signal, a writing tip extending from the first end of the housing, and a light harvesting unit configured to generate energy. The light harvesting unit includes a transparent window integral with the housing and positioned proximal to the writing tip, a panel of solar cells configured to absorb light received through the transparent window, optical fibers configured to transmit light from the window toward the panel of solar cells and an optical diffuser configured to diffuse the light transmitted by the optical fibers over a spatial extent of the panel of solar cells. The energy generated by the light harvesting unit is received by the circuit and configured to recharge the power source.