Abstract: A system of computer input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, is disclosed. The input device comprises a plurality of keys, a housing coupled to the keys, and a dock formed in the housing. The dock is configured to receive a second input device; and contains a mechanical coupling mechanism for temporarily coupling the second input device to the first input device via the dock.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device includes an outer housing, a sensor assembly configured to sense a position of the input device relative to a work surface, a wireless transmitter coupled to the sensor assembly, and a cable comprising a cable connector configured to connect to a data port in a computer on one end of the cable. The cable has both data and power lines, and the input device is capable of operating in both a wired and a wireless mode.

Abstract: An accessory for a portable device can include a number of selectable operational states. In order to convey information about the current operational state to a user, the accessory can be configured to generate a state signal that is directed to the primary device for the accessory. The state signal can include information, such as a static image, about the current operational state that can be displayed on a display device of the primary device. Where a primary device has multiple states than cannot easily be displayed to a user, an accessory can be used to generate a state signal that can be directed to a secondary device in order to display the state information for the primary device using the secondary device.

Abstract: A security device for preventing removal and theft of valuable devices includes an alarm that is coupled to a cable. At a distal end of the cable, a locking device is provided. The locking device is coupled to valuable device. The other end of the cable is coupled to the alarm. The alarm includes a power source. A lock plate is placed over the power source. The cable is routed through the alarm and through the lock plate prior to coupling the locking device to the portable electronic device. With the cable through the alarm and the lock plate, the lock plate cannot be removed and thus, the power source is inaccessible. A wire loop runs through the cable and is coupled to the alarm such that if the cable is cut, the circuit is broken and the alarm sounds.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the presence of a wireless network connection point based upon wireless network characteristics. Examples of such characteristics include, but are not limited to: message length, repetition rate and response timing. These types of characteristics are used to differentiate various types of wireless networks from other radio frequency signals within a given band. The output of the locator is compared against desired thresholds to indicate signal strengths roughly corresponding to current wireless networks cards.

Abstract: A security device for preventing removal and theft of valuable devices includes an alarm that is coupled to a cable. At a distal end of the cable, a locking device is provided. The locking device is coupled to a valuable device. The other end of the cable is coupled to the alarm. The alarm includes a power source. A lock plate is placed over the power source. The cable is routed through the alarm and through the lock plate prior to coupling the locking device to the portable electronic device. With the cable through the alarm and the lock plate, the lock plate cannot be removed and thus, the power source is inaccessible. A wire loop runs through the cable and is coupled to the alarm such that if the cable is cut, the circuit is broken and the alarm sounds.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for reconfiguring an ID code associated with a receiver to enable a receiver to respond to data packets tagged with the ID code sent from a desired transmitter. The system includes a transmitter, selectively responsive to an enable command, for broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when the enable command is asserted, the data packet including an ID code, the transmitter broadcasting an ID configuration command having a configuration ID code at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for reconfiguring an ID code associated with a receiver to enable a receiver to respond to data packets tagged with the ID code sent from a desired transmitter. A preferred embodiment includes a transmitter, selectively responsive to an enable command, for broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when the enable command is asserted, the data packet including an ID code, the transmitter broadcasting an ID configuration command having a configuration ID code at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted. The preferred embodiment of a method for operating a transmitter includes the steps of broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when an enable signal is asserted, the data packet including an ID code; and broadcasting an ID configuration command at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted, the ID configuration command including a new ID code.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the presence of a wireless network connection point based upon wireless network characteristics. Examples of such characteristics include, but are not limited to: message length, repetition rate and response timing. These types of characteristics are used to differentiate various types of wireless networks from other radio frequency signals within a given band. The output of the locator is compared against desired thresholds to indicate signal strengths roughly corresponding to current wireless networks cards.

Abstract: A security device for preventing removal and theft of valuable devices includes an alarm that is coupled to a cable. At a distal end of the cable, a locking device is provided. The locking device is coupled to valuable device. The other end of the cable is coupled to the alarm. The alarm includes a power source. A lock plate is placed over the power source. The cable is routed through the alarm and through the lock plate prior to coupling the locking device to the portable electronic device. With the cable through the alarm and the lock plate, the lock plate cannot be removed and thus, the power source is inaccessible. A wire loop runs through the cable and is coupled to the alarm such that if the cable is cut, the circuit is broken and the alarm sounds.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for reconfiguring an ID code associated with a receiver to enable a receiver to respond to data packets tagged with the ID code sent from a desired transmitter. A preferred embodiment includes a transmitter, selectively responsive to an enable command, for broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when the enable command is asserted, the data packet including an ID code, the transmitter broadcasting an ID configuration command having a configuration ID code at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted. The preferred embodiment of a method for operating a transmitter includes the steps of broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when an enable signal is asserted, the data packet including an ID code; and broadcasting an ID configuration command at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted, the ID configuration command including a new ID code.

Abstract: A PDA protection system alerts a user of a PDA that the PDA is spaced apart from the user by distance exceeding a predetermined threshold. The PDA protection system contains a transmitting apparatus that provides a signal, and a receiving apparatus that receives the signal, to determine whether the PDA has been forgotten.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a computer pointing device having an annular rotating ring that is rotatable by a user to control the movement of a cursor on a computer screen. The annular rotating ring is preferably implemented around a trackball to facilitate the ease of use by the user. The annular rotating ring is made up of three constituent rings, namely, a finger ring, a bearing ring, and a shutter ring. The three constituent rings are constructed in such a way that they are interlocked to eliminate any unnecessary movement or slop during use.