Abstract: An auxiliary input device for menu control on a portable computing device is provided. The auxiliary input device includes a lighting unit, an optical lens, and an optical sensor. The lighting unit is for projecting light to a surface upon which the portable computing device is moved upon. The optical lens is for receiving reflected light from the surface and focusing the reflected light on the optical sensor. The optical sensor is for periodically capturing images of the reflected light and transmitting information of the images captured to the portable computing device. The images captured map a movement of the portable computing device. Accordingly, the portable computing device scrolls through a menu displayed thereon according to the images captured. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A low power multimedia playing system is provided. The system includes a portable computer and a portable media player. The portable computer includes an activation switch, an interface, a storage unit, a microcontroller, and a bus controller. The activation switch is for a function of playing audio files. The storage unit is for storing the audio files. The interface configured is for communicating with the portable media player. The microcontroller is operated when the portable computer is not powered, and is programmed for controlling the media player connected thereto to play the audio files stored in storage unit. The bus controller configured is for controlling a battery to supply power to the storage unit and the microcontroller, in response to an operation on the activation switch.

Abstract: A portable computing device for controlling a computer is provided. The portable computing device includes an input device, and an optical sensing module. The optic sensing module is for capturing images which map a movement of the portable computing device. When the portable computing device is connected to the computer and is in a mouse mode, the optical sensing module is operative to serve as an input device for the computer to control a movement of a cursor thereon, and the input device is also operative to serve as an input device for the computer.

Abstract: An auxiliary input device for menu control on a portable computing device is provided. The auxiliary input device includes a lighting unit, an optical lens, and an optical sensor. The lighting unit is for projecting light to a surface upon which the portable computing device is moved upon. The optical lens is for receiving reflected light from the surface and focusing the reflected light on the optical sensor. The optical sensor is for periodically capturing images of the reflected light and transmitting information of the images captured to the portable computing device. The images captured map a movement of the portable computing device. Accordingly, the portable computing device scrolls through a menu displayed thereon according to the images captured. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An input device with a lock mechanism is provided. The input device has a storage unit, a pressure sensor, a microcontroller, and a locking unit. The storage unit is for storing information, typically private, sensitive files/documents. The pressure sensor is for generating pressure sensing signals if pressed. The microcontroller is for scanning the pressure sensing signals in real time, and generating and transmitting a lock signal to the locking unit. The locking unit is signaled to perform a lock operation on the storage unit in response to the lock signal, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the information of the storage unit. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An input device with a fingerprint recognizing mechanism is provided. The input device has a storage unit, a fingerprint input interface, and a microcontroller. The storage unit is for storing information, typically private, sensitive files/documents. Furthermore, the information is not allowable for access when the storage unit is in a locked state. The fingerprint input interface is for inputting fingerprint data of a fingerprint. The microcontroller includes a fingerprint identifying module and an unlocking module. The fingerprint identifying module compares the fingerprint data from the fingerprint input interface with predetermined fingerprint data, and generating an unlock signal if the fingerprint data match the predetermined fingerprint data. The unlocking module unlocks the storage unit in response to the unlock signal from the fingerprint identifying module, thereby enabling a computer system to access the information of the storage unit. A related method is also provided.