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Hand held electronic remote control device

  • US 5,459,489 A
  • Filed: 06/15/1993
  • Issued: 10/17/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/05/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A hand held remote control device for enabling a user to communicate device originated signals to a remote receiver used to input command signals to a computer terminal or multimedia unit comprising:

  • an elongated housing forming a containment chamber having a first end and an opposite end, and having an opening at said first end;

    means for closing said first end of said elongated housing;

    means forming a communications window at one end of said containment chamber;

    first position sensor means for sensing a first orientation of said elongated housing relative to a first axis parallel to the lengthwise dimension of said elongated housing, and havingmeans forming a generally cylindrical first chamber mounted within said elongated housing, and having a first chamber axis oriented substantially parallel to said first axis;

    a first rotation responsive element located within said first chamber and free to move therein relative to the perimeter of said first chamber under the influence of gravity as said remote control device rotates about said first chamber axis, said first rotation responsive element being capable of influencing the direction of reflected and transmitted beams of light cast upon said first rotation responsive element as a function Of the location of said first rotation responsive element within said chamber;

    at least one light source disposed along said first chamber axis and operative to illuminate said first rotation responsive element; and

    first and second light sensors disposed on opposite sides of said first chamber and operative to detect light reflected by said first rotation responsive element and to develop first and second current signals corresponding to light influenced by said first rotation responsive element;

    second position sensor means for sensing a second orientation of said elongated housing relative to a second axis normal to said first axis, and havingmeans forming a generally cylindrical second chamber mounted within said elongated housing, and having a second chamber axis oriented substantially parallel to said second axis;

    a second rotation responsive element located within said second chamber and free to move therein relative to the perimeter of said second chamber under the influence of gravity as said remote control device rotates about said second chamber axis, said second rotation responsive element being capable of influencing the direction of reflected and transmitted beams of light cast upon said second rotation responsive element as a function of the location of said second rotation responsive element within said chamber;

    at least one light source disposed along said second chamber axis and operative to illuminate said second rotation responsive element; and

    third and fourth light sensors disposed on opposite sides of said second chamber and operative to detect light reflected by said second rotation responsive element and to develop third and fourth current signals corresponding to light influenced by said second rotation responsive element;

    electronic means disposed within said containment chamber and operative to develop housing orientation signals for transmission through said communications window to said remote receiver;

    user interface means for allowing a user to communicate with said electronic means; and

    power supply means disposed within said containment chamber for supplying operative power to said electronic means.

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