United States Patent
`US 7,161,578 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`(12)
`Schneider
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`
`US007161578B1
`
`(54) UNIVERSAL PRESENTATION DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Gerhard A. Schneider, Mex (CH)
`
`(73) Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A. (CH)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`atent is extended or adjusted under 35
`TSC 154(b)
`by
`98 da
`S.C.
`1546)
`by
`ys:
`Appl. No.: 09/632,196
`App
`°
`Filed:
`Aug. 2, 2000
`
`21)
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(51)
`
`(56)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G09G 5/00
`(52) U.S. Ch cee 345/156; 345/169; 345/168
`(58) Field of Classification Search ........ 345/156-169,
`345/173, 179; 348/14.05
`See application file for complete search history.
`:
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`10/1998 Allen etal.
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`5/1999 Dandliker et al.
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`9/1999 FU weeceeeeceeeeeee 345/163
`11/1999 Wu
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`DE
`
`298 23 417
`
`5/1999
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Interactive RF Remote Control for Presentations—User’s Guide,
`version 1.6, 1998, and data sheet, 1999, Interlink Electronics, Inc.,
`Camarillo, CA, USA.
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner—Richard Hjerpe
`Assistant Examiner—Duc Q Dinh
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—TYownsend and Townsend
`and Crew LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`.
`:
`.
`:
`:
`A universal presentation device discloses having two or
`more presentation elements for use in environments such as
`presentation environments. For example, the universal pre-
`sentation device may include a combination of a laser
`pointer element, a pointing device element, and/or a writing
`instrument element. The universal presentation device is
`dimensioned to house each element within a single logical
`housing. Further, each element is operable with any of the
`other elements present within the universal presentation
`:
`:
`.
`.
`sevice: A methodot operating the universal Presentation
`evice, including its use environment, is also disclosed.
`
`45 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`105
`
`107
`
`110
`
`115
`
`120
`
`101
`
`130a
`
`} 125
`
`135
`
`130b
`
`APPLE 1026
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1026
`
`

`

`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Wo
`WO 91/07826
`5/1991
`
`
`5.994.710 A 11/1999 Kneeetal Wo WO 97 41502 11/1997
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`
`4994,
`ee et al.
`6,002,457 A
`12/1999 Yun et al.
`wo
`WO 98/37379
`8/1998
`6,002,525 A
`12/1999 Pouloetal.
`wo
`WO 99/39304
`8/1999
`............ 345/173
`6,014,132 A *
`1/2000 Shimadaet al.
`WO
`WO00/33245
`6/2000
`6,021,009 A
`2/2000 Borodovskyet al.
`wo
`WO 00/38103
`6/2000
`6,022,126 A
`2/2000 Sekineet al.
`6,040,592 A
`3/2000 McDanielet al.
`6,040,950 A
`3/2000 Broome
`6,049,338 A
`4/2000 Andersonetal.
`6,057,540 A
`5/2000 Gordonet al.
`6,081,261 A
`6/2000 Storket al.
`6,084,574 A
`7/2000 Bidiville
`eyo07 A x ap00 pnee et al.
`ee
`BU coreettereseesceecencenceees
`6,145,746 A
`11/2000 Bardetal.
`6,151,015 A
`11/2000 Badyalet al.
`6,157,591 A
`12/2000 Krantz
`6,175,357 BL
`1/2001 Gordon
`6,181,329 BL*
`1/2001 Stork et al. we. 178/19.01
`6,188,057 Bl
`2/2001 Misek
`6,212,296 B1*
`4/2001 Stork et al. we. 382/188
`6,233,368 Bl
`5/2001 Badyal etal.
`6,275,174 BI*
`8/2001 Stork etal. woe 341/20
`6,417,840 BL*
`7/2002 Daniels... 345/158
`6,424,335 Bl
`7/2002 Kim et al.
`6,545,664 BL*
`4/2003 Kim wees 345/158
`2003/0028688 Al
`2/2003 Tiphaneet al.
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Logitech TrackMan Live, [online], [retrieved on Dec. 5, 2002].
`Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http:/Avww.00labc.com/
`mouse/Logitech_trackman_live.html.
`Bortz, J., Shatz, N., Pitou, D., “Optimal Design of a Nonimaging
`oe
`:
`Projection Lens for Use With an LED Source and a Rectangular
`Target”. P.
`di
`f SPIE.
`vol. 4092. 2000
`arger, Trocescungs ©
`vor
`,
`Agilent Technologies, “Solid-State Optical Mouse Sensor with PS/2
`and Quadrature Outputs,” Technical Data, May 2000, 10 pages.
`Hinckley, Ken and Sinclair, Mike, “Touch-Sensing Input Deveices,”
`Microsoft Research (To appear in ACM CHI’99 Conf. On Human
`Factors in Computing Systems), 1999, 8-pages.
`FreePen® On-line [online]. Kanitech, 1999 [retrieved on Oct. 29,
`1999]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:www.freepen.com/in-
`dex2 htm>.
`:
`:
`:
`:
`Inc.,
`GyroMouse Pro [online]. Diamond Multimedia Systems,
`1998/99 [retrieved on Oct. 29, 1999]. Retrieved from the Internet:
`<URL:www.diamondmm.com/products/current/gyromouse.cfm>.
`
`345/183
`
`EP
`
`0 798 659
`
`10/1997
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`105
`
`107
`
`110
`
`101
`
`130a
`
`"
`
`Cd
`
`420
`
`130b
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`
`
`
`190
`Power Source
`
`170
`
`FIG. 1B
`
`FIG. 1C
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`201
`
`230b
`
`230c
`
`420b
`
`FIG. 2A
`
`201
`
`210
`207
`LC "85
`
`Position
`Sensors
`1858, 185b, 185¢ Antenna
`
`485,
`
`205
`
`\
`
`v
`
`
`155b
`
`190
`
`470
`
`250 175a, 175, 175¢
`Switches
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`301
`
`
`
`301
`
`Antenna
`
`360 165
`160
`7=f --\-----
`
`Position
`Sensors
`185a, 185b, 185c
`
`
`
`
` 175a, 175b, 175¢
`Switches
`199
`390a, 390b
`Plunger
`Fasteners
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`401
`
`405
`
`407
`
`41
`
`430a, 430b
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`401
`
`130
`
`405
`
`410
`
`Switches
`
`68 NVZ_ 175a, 175b 480
`
`Wee
`
`
`
`170
`
`
`
`185a, 185b, 185¢
`Position Sensors
`
`Ball Cage
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`
`
`345
`
`525
`
` 535b
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`501
`
`505
`
`507 510
`
`as
`
`Switches
`
`550a, 550b <7
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`626 620a
`
`612 6108
`614
`603
`
`602
`
`605
`624
` 620b 622
`610b 616
`FIG. 6A
`
`604
`
`630
`
`612
`
`(NOt
`
`620a
`
`6268
`
`aay
`
`602
`
` 620b 622
`610b 16
`FIG. 6B
`
`604
`
`Unit
`
`'
`i
`
`J 701
`
`715
`
`Power
`Source
`
`~----~---------
`
`Antenna
`
`Postion
`Sensor(s)
`
` Movement 3
`ovemen
`panne Detection a720
`
`1
`i
`
`
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`
`
`
`850
`
`Gyroscope
`
`
`875
`
`Mode
`
`
`
`Position/
`
`825
`
`
`Detection
`
`Mouse/
`
`820
`
`Touchpad
`
`
`
`
`Select
`Mode
`
`
`
`Writing
`
`Instrument
`
`
`
`
`830
`
`
`
`Roller/
`845
`
`
`835
`Light
`Touchpad
`
`
`
`
`
`Switch/
`Selection
`Movement
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Button
`
`
`Detection
`
` Selection
`
`
`860
`
`
`865
`Movement
`Switch/
`
`
`
`Detection
`Button
`
`
`
`Selection
`
`
` 890Action
`
`840
`Laser
`Mode
`
`
`
`FIG. 8
`
`9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`Presentation Screen
`
`920
`
`/
`
`910 _
`cS [eal—— _}™
`i.oso am Computer
`
`
`
`Document
`
`FIG. 9
`
`
`
`1015
`
`Roller
`Mechanism
`
`
`to Locate
`
`Item
`
`
`
` 1045
`Mark
`
`
`Document
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1030
`
`Launch
`
`
` 1025
`Presentation
`
`Print
`
`
`
`Document
`
`
`
`
`1035
`View Show
`Presentation
`
`on Screen
`
`
`
`1050
`View
`
`
`Document
`
`
`
`FIG. 10
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`1145
`
`FIG.11
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`1135b FIG.12
`
`CO
`
`1140 SS
`
`12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 9, 2007
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`FIG.13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US 7,161,578 B1
`
`1
`UNIVERSAL PRESENTATION DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`2
`device to use pen-like features with the laser pointer and
`control device features already present within the unitary
`article. Generally, the universal presentation device is ben-
`eficially dimensioned substantially similar to a pen. This
`configuration is useful
`in allowing use of a variety of
`presentation elements including the disclosed laser pointer,
`control device, and writing instrument. Moreover, this con-
`figuration beneficially provides the user with a generally
`convenient and familiar feel when using the universal pre-
`sentation device. The structure can be dimensioned to
`
`include a housing having a length, width and height that
`accommodates a multitude of users.
`
`The present invention relates to presentation devices, and
`moreparticularly, to a multi-function presentation device.
`2. Description of Background Art
`Conventional computer pointing devices such as a com-
`puter mouse, a trackball, or a touchpad, are known. A
`conventional pointing device allowsa user to control opera-
`tion of a cursor on a computer display. Most conventional
`pointing devices are connected to a computer through a wire.
`In an alternative embodiment the universal presentation
`This limits the use of such conventional pointing devices as
`device is configured to include two distinct presentation
`a control and presentation tool because the wire limits their
`portions that couple together to form a unitary article. Each
`range of movementandflexibility of connection.
`portion may include one or more functional presentation
`Conventional cordless pointing devices allow for greater
`elements for the universal presentation device. For example,
`range of movement and connection flexibility. Conventional
`one portion may includealaser pointer element and a second
`cordless pointing devices are preferred for control and
`portion may include a pointing device element.
`In this
`presentation tools because the lack of a cord allowsa user to
`embodiment, each portion is reconfigurable so that, for
`freely move about while continuing to maintain control of a
`example, the pointing device portion may be replaced by a
`cursor on a computer display. However, a problem with
`writing instrument element portion. Moreover, because each
`conventional cordless pointing devices is that their use is
`portion may include functionality of more than one presen-
`limited only to the computer on which their receiver is
`tation element, one portion may include a laser pointer
`connected. Moreover,
`the conventional cordless pointing
`element and a writing instrument element and a second
`device is not useful with other presentation items such as a
`portion may include a control device element.
`In this
`dry erase board, a poster board, a physical exhibit, or the
`embodiment, each portion can be sized accordingly to
`like.
`accommodate the desired overall device dimensions.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`For non computer-based presentations, a user typically
`will use a conventional laser pointer to point to the presen-
`tation item. The conventional laser pointer includes a low
`powerlaserthat allows the user to shine a concentrated light
`beam on a specific spot on the presentation item. Moreover,
`the conventional laser pointer can also be used to point to a
`particular location on a computer display screen. However,
`the conventional laser pointer cannot be used to actually
`control the cursor on the display screen.
`Thus, there is an increased number of devices needed
`when giving a multifaceted presentation. Such an increase
`creates a number of problems. For example,
`too many
`devices can potentially restrict freedom of movementfor the
`user. Further, a user must rememberall the different devices
`that are required for any particular presentation. This can be
`cumbersome and potentially unprofessional because a user
`must remember each device, its use, and its location at all
`times, for example, during a presentation to an audience.
`Therefore, there is a need for a universal control device
`that (1) allows a user to have a unitary, integrated presen-
`tation and control system and (2) allows for modularity to
`help increase functionality of the system.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Thepresent invention includesan all-in-one, or universal,
`presentation device. The universal presentation device may
`include twoor morepresentation elements within a substan-
`tially unitary configuration or article. Presentation elements
`include, for example, a laser pointer element, an electronic
`control device element (or computer pointing device ele-
`ment), or a writing instrument element.
`In one embodiment,
`the universal presentation device
`houses two presentation elements, for example, the laser
`pointer element and the pointing device element, within an
`elongated housing. In addition, the universal presentation
`device may include additional presentation elements, for
`example, a writing instrument element. The writing instru-
`ment element allows a user of the universal presentation
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`The features and advantages described in the specification
`are not all
`inclusive and,
`in particular, many additional
`features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary
`skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and
`claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used
`in the specification has been principally selected for read-
`ability and instructional purposes, and may not have been
`selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject
`matter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above and other more detailed and specific objects
`and features of the present invention are more fully dis-
`closed in the following detailed description, reference being
`had to the accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1a is an illustration of a first embodiment of a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustration of components
`within the first embodiment of the universal presentation
`device in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 1c is an illustration of an embodiment of a power
`source subhousing opening for a power supply source for a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`FIG. 2a is an illustration of a second embodiment of a
`
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustration of components
`within the second embodimentof the universal presentation
`device in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 3a is an illustration of a third embodiment of a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG.36 is a block diagram illustration of components of
`the third embodiment of the universal pointing device in
`accordance with the present invention.
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`3
`FIG. 4a is an illustration of a fourth embodiment of a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 46 is a block diagram illustration of components of
`the fourth embodimentof a universal presentation device in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 5a is an illustration of a fifth embodiment of a
`
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 56 is a block diagram illustration of components of
`the fifth embodimentof the universal presentation device in
`accordance with the present invention.
`FIG. 6a is an illustration of a first embodiment of a
`fastening system for a universal presentation device in
`accordance with the present embodiment.
`FIG. 66 is an illustration of a second embodiment of a
`
`fastening system with power source components for a uni-
`versal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG.7 is a block diagram illustration of one embodiment
`of electronic components for a universal presentation device
`in accordance with the present invention.
`FIG.8 is a state diagram illustration of one embodiment
`for operation of a universal presentation device in accor-
`dance with the present invention.
`FIG.9 is an illustration of an exemplar environment for
`using a universal presentation device in accordance with the
`present invention.
`FIG. 10 is a state diagram illustration of one embodiment
`for a process of using a universal presentation device in a
`presentation environment in accordance with the present
`invention.
`FIG. 11 is an illustration of a first example of using a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG.12 is an illustration of a second example of using a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 13 is an illustration of a third example of using a
`universal presentation device in accordance with the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention is discussed with the reference to
`the Figures in which similar reference numbers of compo-
`nents may indicate like or similar functionality. The present
`invention includes a universal presentation device that may
`provide multiple functions, for example, a writing function,
`an electronic control device function, and/or a pointing
`device function. The present invention includes an all-in-
`one, or universal, presentation device. The universal pre-
`sentation device may include two or more presentation
`elements within a substantially unitary configuration or
`article.
`
`Exemplary Embodiments
`
`invention may be described through the
`The present
`exemplary illustrations set forth in FIGS. 1a through 5d.
`FIG.1a illustrates a first embodimentof a universal presen-
`tation device 101 in accordance with the present invention.
`The first embodiment of the universal presentation device
`101 includes a first portion 105, a second portion 110, and
`a band 107. Thefirst portion 105 of the universal presenta-
`tion device 101 includes a first presentation element, for
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
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`US 7,161,578 B1
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`5
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`
`15
`
`4
`example, a coherent light source element such as a laser
`pointer element. The laser pointer element includes a laser
`pointer lens 115 and a laser pointer switch button 120.
`The second portion 110 of the universal presentation
`device 101 includes a second presentation element. The
`second presentation element may be an electronic control
`device, for example, a computer pointing device element.
`The pointing device element includes one or more pointing
`device buttons (generally 130), e.g., 1302, 1308, and a roller
`ball assembly 135. The roller ball assembly 135 includes a
`roller ball 125. The pointing device buttons 130 and the
`roller ball assembly 135 are functionally similar to conven-
`tional pointing device buttons and roller ball assemblies
`found on conventional pointing devices, for example, a
`conventional computer mouse-type pointing device, a con-
`ventional computer trackball-type pointing device, or a
`conventional computer touchpad-type pointing device.
`Thefirst portion 105, the second portion 110, and the band
`107 generally form a unitary configurationorarticle (e.g., an
`apparatus). In one embodimentthefirst portion 105 and the
`second portion 110 may be, for example, physically separate
`housings that may couple about the band 107. The physi-
`cally separate portions may be configured to release and
`re-attach to one another. In yet another embodiment, the first
`portion 105 and the secondportion 110 may be, for example,
`a single or unitary housing havinga first and a second logical
`portion within the housing. In this embodiment the band 107
`is optional or may be present around a circumferenceof the
`housing for cosmetic purposes.
`The first portion 105 and the second 110 maybe config-
`ured to form an elongated housing within which both the
`laser pointer element and the pointing device element are
`present. In this embodiment,the laser pointer lens 115 of the
`laser pointer element is substantially at a first end ofthe first
`portion 105 of the universal presentation device 101. The
`laser pointer button 120 is located along the surface of the
`first portion 105. A second endofthefirst portion 105 meets
`a second end of the second portion 110.
`The roller assembly 135 of the pointing device elementis
`substantially at a first end of the second portion 110 of the
`universal presentation device. The pointing device buttons
`130a, 1308 are located along the surface, (e.g., proximate to
`the roller assembly 135), of the second portion 110 of the
`universal presentation device 101. Thus, in this configura-
`tion the laser pointer lens 115 and the roller assembly 135
`are on substantially opposite ends of the unitary configura-
`tion of the universal presentation device 101 andthe point-
`ing device buttons 130 are along the surface proximateto the
`roller assembly 135. In alternative embodiments, the roller
`assembly 135 may be another type of control assembly, for
`example, a tip stick assembly (e.g., an eraser tip), mini-
`joystick assembly, or a touch sensing assembly.
`Thefirst embodimentof the universal presentation device
`101 may have a substantially cylindrical-shaped configura-
`tion, a bar shaped configuration, an elongated barrel shaped
`configuration, or a variety of other geometrical configura-
`tions that are capable of housing at least a laser pointer
`element and a pointing device element. Those ofskill in the
`art will recognize that the shape of the universal presentation
`device 101, including each portion 105, 110, can be ergo-
`nomically suited to the human handsuch that the device is
`easy to hold and readily usable. For example, the universal
`presentation device 101 may be approximately 10 to 20
`centimeters in length, approximately 1 to 6 centimeters in
`height, and approximately 1 to 6 centimeters in width. In
`addition, each portion 105, 110 may be approximately 5 to
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`US 7,161,578 B1
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`10 centimeters in length, approximately 1 to 6 centimeters in
`height, and approximately 1 to 6 centimeters in width.
`Alternatively, the device can have a shape that requires
`only limited or no manual dexterity of the hands. For
`example, the universal presentation device may be housed in
`a 6x6x1 cm®* box that is mountable to an object such a table
`or wheelchair. The size of the functional features such as
`
`buttonsor roller balls can be exaggerated to ease use. From
`this disclosure, those of skill in the art will recognize that
`other dimensions are also envisioned for this and other
`
`embodiments of the universal presentation device disclosed
`herein.
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustration of components
`within the first embodiment of the universal presentation
`device 101 in accordance with the present invention. The
`components of the first embodiment of the universal pre-
`sentation device 101 includes laser unit 150, a laser switch
`155, a microcontroller (or microprocessor) unit (“MCU”)
`160, a radio frequency (“RF”) unit 165, a power manage-
`ment unit 170, a power source 190, one or more switches
`(generally 175), e.g., a first switch 175a and a second switch
`175b, an antenna system 180, and one or more position
`sensors (generally 185), e.g., 185a, 1856, 185c, in a roller
`ball assembly 135. The roller ball assembly 135, including
`the roller ball 125 and the one or more sensors 185, form a
`control mechanism.
`
`With regard to the laser pointer element, the laser unit 150
`electrically couples with the laser switch 155. The laser
`switch 155 couples with the laser pointer switch button 120
`of FIG. 1a. The laser switch 155 electrically couples the
`laser unit 150 with the power source 190 whenthe laser unit
`is in an on state, and decouples the laser unit 150 from the
`power source 190 whenthe laser unitis in an off state. In one
`embodiment, the laser unit 150 is a conventional laser unit
`that includes a conventional laser diode. Whenthe laser unit
`
`150 is in an on state, the laser diode generates a coherent
`light beam (or laser beam) that is emitted through a con-
`ventional laser lens, e.g., laser pointer lens 115. This coher-
`ent light beam may be shined on an object to “point” to that
`object.
`With regardto the pointing device element, the MCU 160,
`electrically couples with the RF unit 165, the power man-
`agement unit 170, the switches 175, and the position sensors
`185. The MCU 160 also communicatively couples with a
`conventional computer unit through the RF unit 165. The
`power source 190 electrically couples with the MCU 160,
`the RF unit 165,
`the power management unit 170,
`the
`switches 175, and the position sensors 185. The antenna
`system 180 couples with the RF unit 165. The switches 175
`respectively couple to the pointing device buttons 130 of
`FIG. 1a. Within the roller ball assembly, the roller ball 125
`is in contact with the position sensors 185.
`In one embodiment, the MCU 160 is a convention micro-
`controller (or microprocessor) unit
`that may include a
`memory cache. For example, the MCU may be an Intel
`microcontroller (e.g., MCS 96 or 51 microcontroller family)
`or a Motorola microcontroller (e.g. 68HCxx or MPC- or
`MMC-family microcontrollers). The MCU 160 provides
`operational control over the functions of the pointing device
`element. The MCU also communicates with a conventional
`computer unit through the RF unit 165. The RF unit 165 is
`a conventional radio frequency transceiver (transmitter and/
`or receiver) that communicates through radio frequency
`transmission with a conventional host computer having an
`RFtransceiver. In particular, the RF transceiver of the RF
`unit 165 electrically couples with RF transceiver in the host
`computer and a host antenna system. The antenna system
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`180 of the universal presentation device 101 is a conven-
`tional radio-frequency antenna system, for example, a loop
`antenna system or a whip antenna system. This antenna
`system 180 couples with the host antenna system to help
`facilitate RF communication between the universal presen-
`tation device 101 and the host computer.
`The pointing device switches 175 are conventional point-
`ing device switches similar to those found on conventional
`pointing devices. The pointing device switches 175a, 1755
`are configured to provide a selection mechanism for a user
`of the universal presentation device 101. The position sen-
`sors 185 are conventional position sensors for a pointing
`device. The position sensors 185 and the roller ball 125
`provide a movement mechanism for a user of the universal
`presentation device 101as the ball is rotated withinthe roller
`ball assembly 135.
`The power managementunit 170 is a conventional power
`management unit and is optional
`in the pointing device
`portion of the universal presentation device 101. The power
`management unit 170 may be used to manage power con-
`sumption of the components of the pointing device portion.
`For example,
`the power management unit 170 extends
`powersource life by placing the RF unit 165 in an off state
`when the pointing device is not transmitting information
`back to the computer host. In addition, the power manage-
`ment unit 170 mayplace the entire pointing device element
`in a sleep modeoroff states when the pointing device is not
`in use for some timeoris not usedat all. The power source
`unit 190 is a conventional power source unit that provides
`direct current or alternate current power. For example, the
`power source unit 190 may include two 1.5-volt battery
`powercells.
`Briefly, FIG. 1c illustrates one embodiment of a power
`source subhousing (or compartment) 188 within a universal
`presentation device, e.g., 101, in accordance with the present
`invention. The power source subhousing 188 includes at
`least one powersource contact, e.g., 199a, 1998, for appro-
`priate polarities of a power source. The power source may
`be, for example, one or morebatteries, e.g. 198a, 198b. The
`batteries, e.g. 198a, 1985, are placed within the power
`source subhousing 188 to provide a power supply for the
`electronic components of the universal presentation device,
`e.g. 101. It is noted that the power source subhousing 188
`may be configured in a multitude of locations on and/or
`within the universal presentation device, e.g., 101.
`In an example of operation of the universal presentation
`device 101, the pointing device element communicatively
`couples with a conventional computer unit (or host). Par-
`ticularly,
`the RF unit 165 of the universal presentation
`device 101 couples with an RF transceiver associated with
`the computer host. The conventional
`computer host
`includes, for example, a conventional RF transceiver, a
`conventional microprocessor, a conventional memory, a
`conventional storage device, and a display (or screen). The
`computer host also includes a conventional computer oper-
`ating system that resides in the conventional storage device
`and/or the conventional memory. The conventional com-
`puter host may also include one or more computer applica-
`tion programs that also reside in the conventional storage
`device and/or conventional memory. A user may interact
`with a conventional application program through the uni-
`versal presentation device 101.
`When the user of the universal presentation device 101
`selects an action, for example, highlighting a word on a word
`processing application displayed on the computer screen, the
`user rotates the roller ball 125 of the roller assembly 135
`until a cursor on the screen is on top of the desired word. The
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`user then selects the word by depressing (e.g., clicking or
`double clicking) on one of the pointing device switch
`buttons, e.g., 130a. The respective pointing device switch
`sends an electrical signal to the MCU 160 indicating that a
`selection has been made. The MCU 160 communicates to
`
`the computer host through the RF unit 165 that the pointing
`device switch button, e.g. 130a has been selected. The RF
`unit 165 transmits an RF signal via the antenna system 180.
`The RFtransceiver unit at the computer host receives the RF
`signal and sends an electrical signal to the microprocessor of
`the computer host to interpret the selected switch button to
`highlight the selected word.
`The user may also use the laser pointer element of the
`universal presentation device 101 to point to, for example,
`the computer screen. Specifically, the user may point the
`laser pointer lens 115 in the direction of the computer screen
`and depress the laser pointer switch button 120. The laser
`pointer switch 155 triggers on the laser unit 150. Within the
`laser unit 150, the laser diode turns on and generates a
`coherent light beam. The coherent light beam is a highly
`focused light beam that is emitted in the direction that the
`laser pointer lens 115 points. For example, if the laser
`pointer lens 115 is pointed towards the computer screen, the
`coherent light beam is focused on the computer screen. The
`user can use the laser pointer to point out something on that
`computer screen, for example, the highlighted word selected
`by the pointing device element.
`FIG. 2a is an illustration of a second embodiment of a
`
`universal presentation device 201 in accordance with the
`present invention. The second embodimentof the universal
`presentation device 201 includesa first portion 205, a second
`portion 210, and an optional band 207, similar to the first
`embodiment of the universal presentation device 101. As
`with the first embodiment 101,
`the first and the second
`portions 205, 210 may, for example, be two separate physi-
`cal portions that may be configured into a unitary device or
`maybe two logically separate portions that may be config-
`ured to provide particular functionality at each portion.
`For example, similar to the first embodiment 101, the
`second embodiment 201 includes a laser pointer element and
`a pointing device element. In the second embodiment 201,
`the first portion 205 may be configured to include compo-
`nents of the laser pointer element, for example, the laser
`pointer lens 115 and one or morelaser pointer switch buttons
`(generally 120), e.g., 120a, 1205. The second portion 210
`may be configured to include components of the pointing
`device, for example, a roller assembly 225 and one or more
`pointing device switch buttons (generally 230), e.g., 230a,
`2306, 230c. It is noted that the roller assembly 225 is a
`conventional roller ball unit that includesa roller ball and is
`
`functionally similar to a roller assembly 135. The pointing
`device switch buttons 230 are also conventional pointing
`device switch buttons and are functionally similar to the
`pointing device switch buttons 130 described above.
`As with the first embodiment 101, the laser pointer lens
`115 is located substantially at one end ofthefirst portion 205
`of the second embodiment of the universal presentation
`device 201. The one or more laser pointer buttons, e.g.,
`120a, 1208, are located along the surface ofthefirst portion
`205. The roller assembly 225 is configured for placement
`along the surface of the second portion 210 of the second
`embodimentofthe universal presentation device 201. Simi-
`larly, the pointing device buttons, e.g., 230 are also located
`along the surface of the second portion 210 of the second
`embodimentof the universal presentation device 201. It is
`noted that the pointing device buttons, e.g., 230, m