Rechargeable cordless input and pointing device

• US 7,158,116 B2
• Filed: 04/04/2003
• Issued: 01/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Benhov GmbH, LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: DRB Institute, LLC
• Inventors: Poltorak, Alexander I.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hjerpe; Richard
• Assistant Examiner(s): ABDULSELAM, ABBAS I
• Application Number:
  US10/407,402
• Publication Number:
  US 20040196262A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,369 Days
• Field of Search: 345/163, 345/157, 345/158, 345/161, 345/184, 345/167, 345/166, 250/221, 341/31, 178/18.01, 715/857
• US Class Current: 345/158
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/033 Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user , e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor digitisers characterised by the transducing means G06F3/041
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03543 Mice or pucks G06F3/03541 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0395 Mouse pads

Abstract

A wireless pointing device, such as a computer mouse, employs self-generated electric energy to power itself and to recharge its internal energy cell. The self-generated power may come from a flywheel coupled to a generator, from a photovoltaic cell, from a secondary coil inductively coupled to an alternating current-powered primary coil in a mouse pad, or from another source. The mouse can also include a movement detector for indicating when the mouse is in use. When the mouse is not in use for a predefined time period, the mouse turns itself off, or enters a low power consumption state, to conserve the energy stored in its internal energy cell.

Claims

1. A pointing device comprising:

a) a movement detector producing electrical signals in response to manipulations of the pointing device, the electrical signals describing the manipulations;

b) a controller coupled to the movement detector to receive electrical signals from the movement detector describing the manipulations, and to prepare the received signals for external wireless transmission;

c) a fuel cell, supplying power for said controller and external wireless transmission; and

an activity detector for indicating when the pointing device is in use, separate from said movement detector, said controller having a plurality of states representing different power consumption levels, a power consumption state of said controller being dependent on said activity detector.

2. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a) an antenna; and

b) a transmitter coupled to the controller to receive the prepared signals from the controller and to transmit the prepared signals to the host data processor through the antenna.

3. A pointing device in accordance with claim 2, wherein the transmitter comprises an RF transmitter.

4. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, comprising an electromagnetic converter, said electromagnetic converter comprising a coil in said pointing device subjected to an external magnetic field, wherein a movement of the pointing device within the magnetic field generates electrical energy.

5. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:

a) a switching assembly comprising at least one manually operable switch, each of the at least one switch being capable of assuming at least two states, the switching assembly being coupled to the controller so as to enable the controller to sense the states of the at least one switch.

6. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an RF transmitter for said external wireless transmission.

7. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an infrared transmitter for said wireless transmission.

8. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pointing device is a mouse.

9. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pointing device is a trackball.

10. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pointing device is a pen.

11. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pointing device is a joystick.

12. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, comprising a photovoltaic cell.

13. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a power control circuit and a power storage element, wherein said power control circuit receives energy from said fuel cell and supplies a required portion to said controller, and supplies an excess portion to said power storage element or draws a deficient portion from said power storage element.

14. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a programmable microcontroller.

15. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission occurs through an ultrasound radiator.

16. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission occurs through an optical radiator.

17. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein pointing device further comprises an electromagnetic generator which converts kinetic energy representing a movement of said pointing device into electrical power.

18. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fuel cell charges a capacitor.

19. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery.

20. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said controller receives external information wirelessly.

21. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pointing device comprises an electromagnetic converter, having a relatively moving magnet and coil internal thereto, producing an electrical signal in response to a movement.

22. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the pointing device comprises an electromagnetic converter, having a coil, further comprising a mouse pad generating a magnetic field surrounding said coil when said pointing device is situated on said mouse pad.

23. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensitive device providing an input to said controller.

24. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a flywheel.

25. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor, said pressure sensor controlling a power consumption mode of said pointing device between at least a low power consumption mode and a high power consumption mode.

26. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a flywheel coupled to a generator.

27. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a power consumption state of said controller is further dependent on a timer.

28. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pointing device comprises a touchpad.

29. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pointing device communicates with a computer through a Universal Serial Bus port.

30. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said pointing device communicates wirelessly with RF energy.

31. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said movement detector consists essentially of a purely optical device.

32. A pointing device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a primary battery.

33. A pointing device in bidirectional data communication with a host data processor, the pointing device comprising:

a) a movement detector generating electrical signals in response to manipulations of the pointing device, the electrical signals describing the manipulations;

b) a controller coupled to the movement detector to receive the electrical signals from the movement detector describing the manipulations, to prepare the received signals for wireless transmission to the host data processor, and wirelessly receive data from the host data processor, wherein said controller and a radio frequency circuit for bidirectional communication are combined on a single integrated circuit;

c) a rechargeable power storage device, supplying power for operation to said controller; and

d) a power generator to recharge said rechargeable power storage device, and to power said controller.

34. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, wherein a communication from said pointing device to said host data processor communicates data for at least one of changing a sensitivity to movement, changing a velocity of a cursor, changing a function of manual input buttons, initiating self testing, performing rechargeable cell maintenance procedures, and reporting a status.

35. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, wherein said wherein the power generator comprises a fuel cell.

36. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising a switching assembly comprising one or more switches, each of the one or more switches being capable of assuming at least two states, the switching assembly being coupled to the controller so as to enable the controller to sense the states of the one or more switches, the controller generating clicking signals corresponding to the states of the one or more switches for wireless transmission to the host processor.

37. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising an RF transmitter for transmitting data from the controller and the host data processor, and an RF receiver for receiving data from the host data processor.

38. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising an infrared transmitter.

39. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, wherein the pointing device is a device selected from the group consisting of a cordless mouse, a cordless trackball, cordless pen computer input device, a cordless joystick, a cordless computer tablet, and a cordless keyboard.

40. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, wherein the power generator comprises a photovoltaic cell.

41. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, wherein the power generator derives electrical energy from electromagnetic fields generated external to the pointing device.

42. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, wherein the power generator derives electrical energy from kinetic energy of a movement of the pointing device.

43. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising a pad, the pad comprising:

a) a base; and

b) a coil associated with the pad inductively coupled to a coil within said pointing device.

44. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising a pad, packaged independent of the pointing device, comprising a plurality of embedded permanent magnets, the plurality of embedded permanent magnets emanating magnetic fields in space outside of the pad;

wherein the power generator derives energy by movement of the pointing device through the magnetic fields emanated by the permanent magnets.

45. A pointing device in accordance with claim 33, further comprising:

a) an antenna; and

b) a wireless transmitter coupled to the controller to receive the prepared signals from the controller, the wireless transmitter being coupled to the antenna to send the prepared signals to the host data processor through the antenna;

wherein the rechargeable power source provides at least a portion of required electrical power for the wireless transmitter.

56. The hand-manipulated cordless computer input pointing device according to any of claims 33, 45, 46, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55, wherein the cordless pointing device serves as a mouse, a trackball, a pen, a tablet, keyboard, or a joystick.

46. A pointing device being capable of entering a reduced power consumption state and a normal power consumption state, the pointing device comprising:

a) a movement detector generating electrical signals in response to manipulations of the pointing device, the electrical signals describing the manipulations;

b) a switching assembly comprising one or more switches, each of the one or more switches being capable of assuming at least two states;

c) a main controller coupled to the movement detector and to the switching assembly, to receive the electrical signals describing the manipulations, to sense the states of the one or more switches, to prepare the electrical signals describing the manipulations for transmission to a host data processor, and to generate clicking signals corresponding to the states of the one or more switches;

d) an antenna;

e) a transmitter coupled to the main controller and to the antenna, to receive the prepared and clicking signals from the main controller and to send the prepared and clicking signals to the host data processor through the antenna;

f) a secondary power cell receiving, storing, and releasing electrical energy;

g) an activity detector that produces a wake-up signal when the pointing device is moved;

h) a state control mechanism comprising a timer set to expire after a first period, the state control mechanism being capable of receiving the wake-up signal from the activity detector and starting the timer upon receipt of each wake-up signal, the state control mechanism being capable of causing the pointing device to be in the normal power state upon receipt of said each wake-up signal, the state control mechanism being capable of causing the pointing device to enter the reduced power state when the timer expires;

i) a fuel cell for generating electrical energy; and

j) a power controller coupled to the power cell and to the fuel cell, to receive the generated electrical energy and recharge the secondary power cell.

47. A method of operating a wireless pointing device, the method comprising the steps of:

a) detecting an activity of the pointing device, indicating when the pointing device is in use;

b) detecting a movement of the pointing device, representing user manipulation of the pointing device, separate from said detecting an activity;

c) wirelessly transmitting signals from the pointing device describing the manipulations;

d) providing means for converting a fuel into electrical energy to generate electrical power in the pointing device; and

e) selecting one of a plurality of states to enter into, each state having a respectively different power consumption level, a selection of state to enter into being dependent on said detecting of activity.

50. A method of operating a wireless pointing device in accordance with claims 47, 48 or 49 wherein said wireless pointing device is a computer mouse, a computer trackball, a computer pen, a computer tablet or a computer joystick.

48. A method of operating a wireless pointing device comprising the steps of:

a) providing a pointing device;

b) providing a fuel cell for generating electrical power in the pointing device;

c) providing a temporary power storage element within the pointing device; and

d) providing a circuit for charging the temporary power storage element with the electrical power generated by the fuel cell, wherein said temporary power storage element supplies a required electrical power to said pointing device, an excess electrical power being accumulated in said temporary storage element.

49. A method of operating a wireless pointing device comprising the steps of:

a) providing a movement sensor, producing a movement output representing a movement of the pointing device;

b) providing an activity sensor producing an activity output indicative of an activity of the pointing device;

c) providing a controller, receiving the activity output and the movement output, and transmitting a signal wirelessly representing the movement during periods of activity, wherein the transmitting consumes power;

d) providing a fuel cell which produces electrical energy from a fuel;

e) activating the pointing device;

f) moving the pointing device;

g) wirelessly transmitting the signal; and

h) ceasing the wireless transmitting to reduce power consumption.

51. A hand-manipulated cordless computer input pointing device, comprising:

a housing;

at least one pressure-sensitive element for receiving a manual input;

an electrooptical sensor, for quantitatively sensing a movement of the housing;

an activity detector, for determining an activity of a user of the pointing device;

a processor, receiving inputs from the activity detector, at least one pressure-sensitive element, and the sensor, and selectively activating the sensor and producing a digital output stream representing the received inputs for a period after the activity detector detects activity;

a wireless transmitter, transmitting the produced digital output stream remotely from the housing;

a fuel cell power source, having a peak power output insufficient to fully operably power the processor and sensor during activity; and

a power storage element, storing power from the power source during periods of inactivity, such that during normal activity, at least the processor and optical sensor receive sufficient power for operation.

52. The hand-manipulated cordless computer input pointing device according to claim 51, further comprising a photovoltaic element.

53. The hand-manipulated cordless computer input pointing device according to claim 51, further comprising a receiver for receiving information from a host data processor wirelessly.

54. The hand-manipulated cordless computer input pointing device according to claim 51, wherein the at least one pressure-sensitive element comprises at least one switch.

55. A pointing device in bidirectional data communication with a host data processor, and being capable of entering a reduced power consumption state and a normal power consumption state, the pointing device comprising:

a) a movement detector generating electrical signals in response to manipulations of the pointing device, the electrical signals describing the manipulations;

b) a switching assembly comprising one or more switches, each of the one or more switches being capable of assuming at least two states;

c) a main controller coupled to the movement detector and to the switching assembly, to receive the electrical signals describing the manipulations, to sense the states of the one or more switches, to prepare the electrical signals describing the manipulations for transmission to a host data processor, and to generate clicking signals corresponding to the states of the one or more switches;

d) an antenna;

e) a transmitter coupled to the main controller and to the antenna, to receive the prepared and clicking signals from the main controller and to send the prepared and clicking signals to the host data processor through the antenna, and to receive data from the host data processor, wherein the main controller and a radio frequency circuit for bidirectional communication are combined on a single integrated circuit;

f) a secondary power cell receiving, storing, and releasing electrical energy;

g) an activity detector that produces a wake-up signal when the pointing device is moved;

h) a state control mechanism comprising a timer set to expire after a first period, the state control mechanism being capable of receiving the wake-up signal from the activity detector and staffing the timer upon receipt of each wake-up signal, the state control mechanism being capable of causing the pointing device to be in the normal power state upon receipt of said each wake-up signal, the state control mechanism being capable of causing the pointing device to enter the reduced power state when the timer expires;

i) power generator for generating electrical energy; and

j) a power controller coupled to the power cell and to the power generator, to receive the generated electrical energy and recharge the secondary power cell.

57. A pointing device in accordance with claim 55, wherein the power generator comprises a photovoltaic element.

58. A pointing device in accordance with claim 55, wherein the power generator comprises a kinetic energy converter, converting kinetic energy derived from a movement of the pointing device into electrical energy.

59. A pointing device in accordance with claim 55, wherein the power generator comprises means for inducing varying magnetic field in a coil, means for inductively coupling the induced varying magnetic field to the coil in the pointing device, and means for generating DC power in the pointing device from the inductively coupled varying magnetic field.

60. A pointing device in bidirectional data communication with a host data processor, the pointing device comprising:

a) a movement detector generating electrical signals in response to manipulations of the pointing device, the electrical signals describing the manipulations;

b) a controller coupled to the movement detector to receive the electrical signals from the movement detector describing the manipulations, to prepare the received signals for wireless transmission to the host data processor, and wirelessly receive data from the host data processor;

c) a rechargeable power storage device, supplying power for operation to said controller;

d) a power generator to recharge said rechargeable power storage device, and to power said controller;

e) an antenna; and

f) a wireless transmitter coupled to the controller to receive the prepared signals from the controller, the wireless transmitter being coupled to the antenna to send the prepared signals to the host data processor through the antenna;

wherein the rechargeable power source provides at least a portion of required electrical power for the wireless transmitter.