Abstract: A control device includes a case having a bottom surface that has a front portion and a back portion; and a first friction pad and a second friction pad disposed on the front portion of the bottom surface. The first and second friction pads are configured to detect pressure from a user hand to power-up the control device. The first and second friction pads are also configured to detect the absence of the user hand and place the control device in a sleep mode based on the detection of the absence of the user hand.

Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for data wireless systems on computers, for using the same cable to bi-directionally transmit antenna signals as well as other signals to and from the inside of a shielded computer housing. An example of a control signal is a connect signal for establishing initial contact between the computer and a remote wireless device. An example of a control signal transmitted from inside the computer housing to the outside, is a signal for lighting an LED. Antenna signals are separated from the control signals based on differences between these signals, for example, differences in frequency. In one embodiment, a capacitor filters out a DC control switch signal, while the high frequency antenna signal is filtered by the normal input pin circuitry of a processor.

Abstract: A method and system for data wireless systems on computers, for using the same cable to bi-directionally transmit antenna signals as well as other signals to and from the inside of a shielded computer housing. An example of a control signal is a connect signal for establishing initial contact between the computer and a remote wireless device. An example of a control signal transmitted from inside the computer housing to the outside, is a signal for lighting an LED. Antenna signals are separated from the control signals based on differences between these signals, for example, differences in frequency. In one embodiment, a capacitor filters out a DC control switch signal, while the high frequency antenna signal is filtered by the normal input pin circuitry of a processor.

Abstract: A set of wireless devices can be coupled together using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The system includes an RFID writer for writing a unique identifier to an RFID tag stored in a transmitter device. The unique identifier can then be used to identify a wireless signal sent from the transmitter device to a receiver device. The receiver may also include an RFID tag, and the two devices may share a secret encryption key for use in creating an encrypted link between the transmitter and receiver. Virtual links may also be established at a distribution center by writing an address through a closed box into each device RFID. One or more RFID writers may be used to verify the identifier written to the RFID tags, carry out quality control checks, and track products to prevent inventory leaks and verify that sold products are certified.

Abstract: A method and system for data wireless systems on computers, for using the same cable to bi-directionally transmit antenna signals as well as other signals to and from the inside of a shielded computer housing. An example of a control signal is a connect signal for establishing initial contact between the computer and a remote wireless device. An example of a control signal transmitted from inside the computer housing to the outside, is a signal for lighting an LED. Antenna signals are separated from the control signals based on differences between these signals, for example, differences in frequency. In one embodiment, a capacitor filters out a DC control switch signal, while the high frequency antenna signal is filtered by the normal input pin circuitry of a processor.

Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor.

Abstract: A dual-purpose bridge for wireless communication allows both a low frequency (e.g., below 1 GHz) wireless communication standard and a high frequency (e.g., above 1 GHz) wireless communication standard to operate for a particular wireless communications device. Resources existing between the bridged standards can be shared to reduce the cost of implementing any one communication standard. The output signal of each communication system is coupled with a processor. The wireless communication standard that was used to transmit the output signal is determined and then the corresponding protocol is employed. Processing is performed in the processor and the resulting data can then be applied to a data port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating at least one light emitter and one light detector in a mouse design. This is done by using two conical shaped encoder wheels positioned so that they are almost touching each other. A single light emitter then is used to shine light at the junction, so that it strikes both cones. Adjacently located is a single chip, with two photodetectors integrated on each side. The chip is positioned so that light directed at the first conical encoder impinges on the first group of photodetectors, while light directed at second conical encoder impinges on the second group of photodetectors. Thus, the two photodetectors can be integrated on a single chip, saving a separate photodetector chip. In addition, only a single LED is required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating in at least one light emitter and light detector in a mouse design. This is done by using two conical shaped encoder wheels positioned so that they are almost touching each other. A single light emitter then is used to shine light at the junction, so that it passes through both cones. On the opposite side is a single chip, with two photodetectors integrated on each side. The chip is positioned so that light passing through the first conical encoder impinges on the first photodetector, while light passing through the second conical encoder impinges on the second photodetector. Thus, the two photodetectors can be integrated on a single chip, saving a separate photodetector chip. In addition, only a single LED is required.

Abstract: A micro-stick in which the movement of the micro-stick is detected inductively. The micro-stick is connected to an actuator element which varies interaction between an electromagnetic element and a number of conductive coils. In one embodiment, the coils are mounted on a printed circuit board mounted beneath the micro-stick. The micro-stick is mounted on a plate having a number of pins extending through the circuit board. On the other side of the circuit board is a flexible metal sheet which is contacted by the pins, and moved away from the coils in a direction in which the micro-stick is tilted. This increased separation of the metal sheet from the coils can then be detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless radio frequency ("RF") communications interface between peripherals and the host personal computer or workstation. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless electronic mouse which uses an RF transmitter to transmit information unidirectionally to a receiver which is coupled to a host computer. This arrangement eliminates the need for a cable connection between the mouse and the receiver, while at the same time permitting continuous communication therebetween. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus to allow the receiver to differentiate between multiple RF wireless mice operating within the same transmission zone by a combination of providing a unique identification code to each transmitting mouse and allowing the user to choose from a plurality of transmission channels. The receiver then automatically switches to the channel selected by the user.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for selectively varying the load to a photodetector such as a phototransistor which forms part of a photosource/photodetector pair and for selectively using to advantage or compensating for the parasitic capacitance of the photodetector to permit reductions in power, conversion of fixed signal thresholds to software controlled digital hysteresis, automatic adjustment and compensation for unmatched photosources and associated photodetectors, and adjustment of fixed voltage thresholds.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for selectively varying the load to a photodetector such as a phototransistor which forms part of a photosource/photodetector pair and for selectively using to advantage or compensating for the parasitic capacitance of the photodetector to permit reductions in power, conversion of fixed signal thresholds to software controlled digital hysteresis, automatic adjustment and compensation for unmatched photosources and associated photodetectors, and adjustment of fixed voltage thresholds.