Abstract: A peripheral input device having a body configured to be stored within a housing of a computer device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a wireless input device is configured to be recharged within the housing. Further aspects of the invention relate to an input device configured to operatively connect to underutilized ports of a computer system. In one embodiment, the input device operatively connects to a PCMCIA port of a computer. Yet further aspects of the invention relate to an input device having an expandable body, wherein the body may be configured to have an increased surface area upon expansion of the body.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user interface for a handheld device that can be operated with one hand renders multiple items on the screen of the handheld device that are designed to match the footprint of a thumb or other finger. A user selects an item in the user interface by pressing it with their finger. The handheld interface system receives the user's selection as an area of the screen that the user touched. The handheld interface system determines a probability that each of the multiple items rendered on the screen was the focus of the user's selection. Then, the handheld interface system displays a subsequent screen based on the determined probability.

Abstract: A multi-stage power supply for providing power to a network powered device such as a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power device (PD) is disclosed. The multi-stage power supply comprises: a primary power supply for supplying primary power input of the PD; and a supplemental power supply for supplying supplemental power input of the PD. The supplemental power supply supplies power without substantially changing the power supplied by the primary power supply.

Abstract: A peripheral input device having a body configured to be stored within a housing of a computer device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a wireless input device is configured to be recharged within the housing. Further aspects of the invention relate to an input device configured to operatively connect to underutilized ports of a computer system. In one embodiment, the input device operatively connects to a PCMCIA port of a computer. Yet further aspects of the invention relate to an input device having an expandable body, wherein the body may be configured to have an increased surface area upon expansion of the body.

Abstract: Changes in the detent position of a detented control wheel used for the Z-axis in a pointing device are determined in a manner that avoids problems previously experienced. A detented wheel is coupled to an optical encoder that produces a quadrature output signal. A quadrature state table containing entries defining quadrature state change conditions that invoke position change indications is used to determine when transitions between detent positions are reported and includes provision for reporting transitions between detent positions even if quadrature states are missed. Also employed is a physical-to-logical quadrature state conversion scheme that enables the transition point between adjacent detent positions to be correctly determined within a controlled range relative to the adjacent detent positions, regardless of the physical quadrature state while the wheel is in a detent position.