Remote control device
First Claim
1. A remote control device for controlling a controllable device, comprising:
- high power consuming circuitry controllable to enter either a relatively low power sleep mode or a relatively high power awake mode;
an actuation mechanism operable by a user to control the high power consuming circuitry to perform a remote controlling of the controllable device;
a conductive plate that contacts the user hand when the remote control device is held in the user hand; and
a switch circuit that causes the high power consuming circuitry to transition between the relatively lower power sleep mode and the relatively high power awake mode, in response to the user holding the remote control device and simultaneously contacting the conductive plate and the actuation mechanism, wherein the relatively high power awake mode enables the remote controlling of the controllable device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A handheld control device, such as an air mouse, for remotely operating a controlled device, such as a TV, computer (PC), VCR or digital satellite system is provided with a microprocessor. In order to conserve battery power, the microprocessor may be switched from a high power awake state in which the air mouse functions are performed, and a low power sleep state. Power is conserved through the use of conductive outer surfaces that form a switch that controls the awake/sleep state of the microprocessor. The holding of the remote control device in the hand of a user with a finger on a conductive control button awakens the microprocessor. Conversely, the microprocessor enters the sleep state once the user hand is removed from its operating position on the remote control device.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A remote control device for controlling a controllable device, comprising:
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high power consuming circuitry controllable to enter either a relatively low power sleep mode or a relatively high power awake mode; an actuation mechanism operable by a user to control the high power consuming circuitry to perform a remote controlling of the controllable device; a conductive plate that contacts the user hand when the remote control device is held in the user hand; and a switch circuit that causes the high power consuming circuitry to transition between the relatively lower power sleep mode and the relatively high power awake mode, in response to the user holding the remote control device and simultaneously contacting the conductive plate and the actuation mechanism, wherein the relatively high power awake mode enables the remote controlling of the controllable device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An air mouse for pointing and clicking at a controllable device to control the controllable device, the air mouse comprising:
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a microprocessor controllable to enter either a relatively low power sleep mode or a relatively high power awake mode; an actuation mechanism operable by a user to control the microprocessor to perform a remote controlling of the controllable device; a conductive plate that contacts the user hand when the remote control device is held in the user hand; and a switch circuit that causes the microprocessor to transition between the relatively lower power sleep mode and the relatively high power awake mode, in response to the user holding the air mouse and simultaneously contacting the conductive plate and the actuation mechanism, wherein the relatively high power awake mode enables the remote controlling of the controllable device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification