Abstract: An input device is disclosed that includes keys on a first surface and a second surface of the input device. At least some of the keys are operably coupled to a matrix including a switch for each key therein. When one of the keys is pressed, the corresponding switch is activated to provide a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: Automatic mode determination for an input device is disclosed. Depending on conditions of the input device, the input device can transition from a first mode to a transition mode and/or a second mode.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided for reporting motion information about the pointing device. Counts representing movement in two dimensions are processed so that a packet data stream may accommodate the motion information. One aspect of the invention utilizes the value of count to determine whether compression of the motion information should be performed. When it is determined that compression should be performed, a compression function is selected, the count is processed by the compression function, and an indicator is set to indicate that the count is processed by the compression function. Reporting information, which includes the processed count and the indicator, is then transmitted to computer system. A user input interface that is associated with the computer system recovers the counts using appropriate inverse functions in accordance with the indicators.

Abstract: An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.

Abstract: An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.

Abstract: Automatic mode determination for an input device is disclosed. Depending on conditions of the input device, the input device can transition from a first mode to a transition mode and/or a second mode.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed that includes keys on a first surface and a second surface of the input device. At least some of the keys are operably coupled to a matrix including a switch for each key therein. When one of the keys is pressed, the corresponding switch is activated to provide a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: Interference between collocated wireless devices sharing the same RF channel is avoided or minimized by a new header format provided for the first data packet in an RF transmission. By inclusion of an invalid pulse in the header of each isolated data packet, an FM receiver that “captures” a desired signal from a closest device, midstream of processing an undesired signal (pertubation) from a more distant collocated device, is caused to abort the invalid packet and reinitialize. The receiver is then able to properly process the first packet in the desired transmission (from the closest device).

Abstract: A method and a pointing device are provided for reporting a movement amount of an operation instrumentality of the pointing device. A first value representing the movement amount in a first direction is examined. Whether scaling should be performed is determined based on the first value. When it is determined that scaling is to be performed, the first value is scaled by a first scaling factor and a first scaling indicator is set to indicate that the first value is scaled by the first scaling factor. Reporting information is then output, including the first value if scaling has not been performed, and when scaling has been performed, the reporting information includes the scaled first value and the first scaling indicator. The first value may be scaled by one of a plurality of scaling factors selected based on the first value.

Abstract: Computer-readable media executable by a computer are provided for reporting a movement amount of an operation instrumentality of the pointing device. A first value representing the movement amount in a first direction is examined. Whether scaling should be performed is determined based on the first value. When it is determined that scaling is to be performed, the first value is scaled by a first scaling factor and a first scaling indicator is set to indicate that the first value is scaled by the first scaling factor. Reporting information is then output, including the first value if scaling has not been performed, and when scaling has been performed, the reporting information includes the scaled first value and the first scaling indicator. The first value may be scaled by one of a plurality of scaling factors selected based on the first value.

Abstract: Disclosed are a unique system and method that facilitate establishing and maintaining a secure connection between at least one wireless input component and a host (e.g., PC). The system and method involve the wireless input component broadcasting a message that can be “heard” by any potential host located within a given distance from the wireless input component. The message can indicate that the input component is available for use or pairing with a PC. PCs in the area can respond to the message by notifying the user that a wireless input component is available and by generating a random PIN. The PIN can be displayed to the user on the respective PC. The user can be prompted to enter the PIN using the wireless device. When a match between the user's response and the corresponding PC is determined, the two can be securely linked. In addition the invention provides support of wireless input devices at boot or start up.

Abstract: Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out be detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided for reporting motion information about the pointing device. Counts representing movement in two dimensions are processed so that a packet data stream may accommodate the motion information. One aspect of the invention utilizes the value of count to determine whether compression of the motion information should be performed. When it is determined that compression should be performed, a compression function is selected, the count is processed by the compression function, and an indicator is set to indicate that the count is processed by the compression function. Reporting information, which includes the processed count and the indicator, is then transmitted to computer system. A user input interface that is associated with the computer system recovers the counts using appropriate inverse functions in accordance with the indicators.

Abstract: A method and a pointing device are provided for reporting a movement amount of an operation instrumentality of the pointing device. A first value representing the movement amount in a first direction is examined. Whether scaling should be performed is determined based on the first value. When it is determined that scaling is to be performed, the first value is scaled by a first scaling factor and a first scaling indicator is set to indicate that the first value is scaled by the first scaling factor. Reporting information is then output, including the first value if scaling has not been performed, and when scaling has been performed, the reporting information includes the scaled first value and the first scaling indicator. The first value may be scaled by one of a plurality of scaling factors selected based on the first value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing cursor motion on a display is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, an indication of an amount of movement of an operation instrumentality of a pointing device in a first direction is received from the pointing device. At a reporting time, a predetermined portion of the amount of movement of the pointing device in the first direction is reported to a computer. In at least one subsequent reporting time, a remainder of the amount of the movement in the first direction is reported. Preferably, at least two reports are sent to the computer for each time an indication of the amount of movement of the pointing device is received from the pointing device. In addition to smoothing of cursor motion, higher rates of movement of the operation instrumentality can be reported for a given bit length of the reports as the total amount of movement is divided into separate smaller reports.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff). In order to lessen the time required for detection, and/or improve the sensitivity thereof, the bucket capacitor may initially be charged to a repeatable non-zero reference level closer to the charge level that will cause a state transition.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided for reporting motion information about the pointing device. Counts representing movement in two dimensions are processed so that a packet data stream may accommodate the motion information. One aspect of the invention utilizes the value of count to determine whether compression of the motion information should be performed. When it is determined that compression should be performed, a compression function is selected, the count is processed by the compression function, and an indicator is set to indicate that the count is processed by the compression function. Reporting information, which includes the processed count and the indicator, is then transmitted to computer system. A user input interface that is associated with the computer system recovers the counts using appropriate inverse functions in accordance with the indicators.

Abstract: Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. Charge is transferred between the “scoop” capacitor and a relatively large “bucket” capacitor, and a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch. A state transition (e.g., from low to high, or high to low) of the input threshold switch is detected and a value (TouchVal) indicative of a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. The presence or absence of an object or body portion in close proximity to or contact with a device can be determined by comparing TouchVal with a predetermined threshold value (TouchOff). In order to lessen the time required for detection, and/or improve the sensitivity thereof, the bucket capacitor may initially be charged to a repeatable non-zero reference level closer to the charge level that will cause a state transition.

Abstract: A method and a pointing device are provided for reporting a movement amount of an operation instrumentality of the pointing device. A first value representing the movement amount in a first direction is examined. Whether scaling should be performed is determined based on the first value. When it is determined that scaling is to be performed, the first value is scaled by a first scaling factor and a first scaling indicator is set to indicate that the first value is scaled by the first scaling factor. Reporting information is then output, including the first value if scaling has not been performed, and when scaling has been performed, the reporting information includes the scaled first value and the first scaling indicator. The first value may be scaled by one of a plurality of scaling factors selected based on the first value.

Abstract: Computer-readable media executable by a computer are provided for reporting a movement amount of an operation instrumentality of the pointing device. A first value representing the movement amount in a first direction is examined. Whether scaling should be performed is determined based on the first value. When it is determined that scaling is to be performed, the first value is scaled by a first scaling factor and a first scaling indicator is set to indicate that the first value is scaled by the first scaling factor. Reporting information is then output, including the first value if scaling has not been performed, and when scaling has been performed, the reporting information includes the scaled first value and the first scaling indicator. The first value may be scaled by one of a plurality of scaling factors selected based on the first value.