US20060284842A1 - Rechargeable Cordless Input and Pointing Device - Google Patents

Abstract

A human interface device (HID), comprising A human activity detector, a wireless communication link for communicating a signal corresponding to at least one human activity to a receiver, and a wireless powering device for supplying power to power at least the wireless communication device. The wireless powering device may be an inductive coil to scavenge magnetic field energy, an electromechanical energy converter, a fuel cell, or the like.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/407,402, filed Apr. 4, 2003, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to input and pointing devices for data processing systems, and, more particularly, to cordless input and pointing devices such as mice, trackballs, computer pens, joysticks, and keyboards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• With the advent of the information revolution, computers have found their way to most desks, be it in the office or at home. For the better part of the last two decades, most programs run by computers have been employing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for inputting a substantial part of user-generated data and controls into the computers. Graphical user interfaces rely heavily on pointing devices—such as mice, trackballs, and touch pads—for most functions. For example, a computer operator can move a cursor on a computer display by manipulating the pointing device. Manipulation of the pointing device depends on the nature of the device. In case of a mouse, manipulation means sliding the mouse across a surface, such as a mouse pad. When the pointing device is a trackball, manipulation means rotating its ball in different directions. Finger-actuated buttons (switches) are typically provided on a pointing device for” clicking,” i.e., for selecting particular areas of the display, to cause the computer to perform the functions associated with the icons displayed in these areas.
• A pointing device may be built into its host computer. More commonly, a pointing device is a device that is physically separate from its host computer. In the latter case, various methods can be employed to connect the pointing device to the computer through a cable. For example, the pointing device may plug into a standard RS 232 serial port of the computer through a serial cable. In another example, the pointing device may plug into a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) port of the computer through a USB cable. Alternatively, the pointing device may plug into a proprietary interface port of the computer through a compatible proprietary cable. The cable connecting the pointing device to the host computer generally serves two purposes. First, it provides a link for the flow of data describing movements (manipulations) of the pointing device to the host computer. Second, the cable carries the electrical power necessary for the operation of the pointing device.
• Cable connections between pointing devices and their corresponding host computers have a number of disadvantages. They add to the tangled webs of cables underneath a typical computer user's desk. They also limit the distance between a pointing device and a computer. And, of course, the extra cable on the desk adds to the clutter. Moreover, a cable used in one computer setup might not fit another setup. For example, a cable used to connect a mouse to a laptop (or notebook) computer—generally about two feet (61 cm) in length—will likely be too short for a desktop computer application. Thus, a computer user may need multiple pointing devices.
• A cordless mouse obviates the inconveniences of the corded mouse: there is no need for a cord of any length, because a cordless mouse connects to the computer through a wireless link. The wireless link can be, for example, a radio frequency (RF) link, an optical link, an infrared link, or even an ultrasound link. Whatever the nature of this link, it enables a one- or two-way flow of data between the host computer and the mouse.
• Recall, however, that the mouse cable serves two functions: (1) enabling the flow of data, and (2) supplying electrical power to the mouse. The wireless link can readily enable the flow of data, thereby fulfilling the first function, but it is not at all apparent how the wireless link can practically supply the electrical power to the mouse.
• The common solution in the art of wireless pointing devices is to provide a primary or secondary (rechargeable) cell within the wireless mouse to furnish the electrical power needed to operate the mouse. Thus, both functions formerly performed by a connecting cable are fulfilled in a wireless mouse. Unfortunately, this solution is not without its own deficiencies.
• Of the two kinds of cells, that is primary and rechargeable, the latter appears to be a more economical and popular choice for cordless mice. In one implementation marketed under the name of GyroMouse, a cordless mouse can be used with a mouse pad, or it may be held in hand and used as a pointing device. The mouse uses rechargeable batteries, and needs to be placed in a special charging cradle for recharging.
• With users who purchased a wireless rechargeable mouse with a charging cradle, forgetting to place the mouse in the cradle when leaving the office in the evening becomes a frequent event. When left outside the charging cradle, the mouse completely discharges overnight. Thus, the following morning the mouse has to be recharged before it can be used. Because placing the mouse in the charging cradle renders it inoperable as a pointing device, the mouse is useless while being recharged. Therefore, recharging, which typically takes several hours, renders the mouse useless during a significant portion of the following day. This nuisance leads many users to discontinue the use of the cordless mouse.
• The charging problem disappears in the case of a mouse powered by primary cells, or by removable secondary cells. The frequent effort and expense necessitated by the need to replace the cells, however, do not make the use of replaceable cells a viable solution for many people.
• Several attempts have been made to improve on the state of the art of wireless mice. For example, electrical power for a wireless mouse can be generated from the rotational motion of the ball of the mouse when the mouse slides across a surface.
• In accordance with another attempt to improve on the art, an RF transmitter and a primary antenna are built into a mouse pad. The wireless mouse includes a secondary antenna for receiving the RF energy radiated by the primary antenna of the mouse pad. The RF energy thus received is converted into electrical energy for operating the wireless mouse. The host computer supplies the energy for the RF transmitter of the mouse pad.
• Information relevant to attempts to improve on the art of wireless mice can also be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 20020118173; in Japanese Patent Application No. JP 10283079; and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,445,379, issued to Liu et al. Although detailed analyses of the attempts described above are beyond the scope of the present document, each suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: [0013] Where the electrical energy for the operation of a mouse is derived from the mechanical movement of the mouse, it appears that excessive physical effort would be required to move the mouse in order to generate sufficient electrical power. Among other disadvantages, this approach is not at all applicable to optical devices, which are rapidly replacing the old ball-based mouse in popularity, and which have no ball to drive the generator that charges the battery.
• As regards the method for coupling RF energy from a mouse pad to a wireless mouse, two speculative observations can be made. First, the efficiency of this method is quite low, because only a small portion of the radiated RF energy will be captured and used by the wireless mouse. Thus, the power drain from the host computer would be relatively high. Second, the deliberate radiation of RF energy might create unacceptable electromagnetic interference and, perhaps, alarm some health-conscious consumers.
• A need thus exists for a pointing device with reduced power consumption characteristics during periods of nonuse. A further need exists for a pointing device that self-charges during the periods of its use as well as the periods of nonuse. Still another need exists for a pointing device that can be operated while being charged, or that can be operated without the need for a charged cell, and that overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed to apparatus that satisfies these needs. The invention herein disclosed is a pointing device, such as a computer mouse, a trackball, a computer pen, or a joystick. The mouse has a movement detector for generating signals in response to the manipulations of the pointing device, e.g., movements of a mouse or rotation of a trackball, and a controller that receives the signals from the movement detector and prepares the signals for transmission to a host computer. The computer can respond, for example, by moving its cursor in accordance with the movements of the mouse. The controller hands over the signals to a wireless transmitter, for example, an RF or an infrared transmitter. The pointing device can also have a switching block with one or more switches operated by buttons. The controller is connected to the switching block to sense the state of the switches, and generates clicking signals corresponding to the changes in the states of the switches. The controller then hands the clicking signals to the transmitter. The transmitter sends the signals prepared by the controller from the signals generated by the movement detector and the clicking signals to the host computer through the mouse's antenna or an optical transmitter.
• A primary, rechargeable, or fuel energy cell powers the mouse. In addition, power for the operation of the mouse can be self-generated. One technique for self-generating the power is by using a photovoltaic element disposed either on the outer shell of the mouse, or under the shell. In the latter case, the shell is transparent so that the photovoltaic element can generate electrical energy.
• Another technique for self-generating the power is by converting the mechanical (kinetic) energy of motion into electric power. In this embodiment, the flying wheel (similar to one used in automatic self-winding watches) is connected to a generator that converts kinetic energy into electrical power used to recharge the cell in the pointing device.
• Another technique for self-generating the power is by inducing a variable magnetic field by driving a primary coil in the mouse's pad. The primary coil can be driven by an AC source external to the pad, or the pad can include an oscillator and a driver for generating the AC driving current from a DC source. The mouse includes a secondary coil inductively coupled to the primary coil, so that the time-varying magnetic field generated by the primary coil induces an AC potential at the terminals of the secondary coil. The AC potential of the secondary coil is rectified, filtered, and regulated to provide a source of self-generated power for the mouse.
• In some embodiments, the cell is a secondary cell recharged by the self-generated power. A power controller handles the task of charging the cell. In addition, the power controller handles the tasks of receiving the self-generated power and the power available from the cell, and distributing the power to the active components of the mouse. The active components can include, for example, the controller, the transmitter, and the movement detector.
• Moreover, some embodiments of the pointing device can be put into an OFF or a low power state. Here, a particular pointing devices includes an activity detector for determining when the pointing device is being used, for example, touched or moved, and a state controller for causing the mouse to enter into active and low power (or OFF) states. When the pointing device is not used for a predetermined period of time, the state controller's timer expires, and the state controller causes the pointing device to become inactive (turn itself OFF) or enter into a low power state. When the activity detector senses that the mouse is being used, it causes the pointing device to enter into the active state, and restarts the timer. Each indication of activity restarts the timer.
• These and other features and aspects of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wireless mouse with a photovoltaic cell, in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless mouse with a photovoltaic cell, in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 3 illustrates a mouse pad capable of inductively powering a mouse, in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mouse with an inductively coupled power source, in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of the mouse ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of the mouse pad ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 7 illustrates a mouse pad with embedded permanent magnets for inducing electrical energy in a mouse in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram of a mouse with a kinetic energy converter, in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of a mouse with an energy conservation mode capability, in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 10 illustrates portions of a activity detector for indicating movements of a mouse in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mouse with a microswitch-based activity detector, in accordance with the present invention; and
• FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic diagram of a mouse with a photovoltaic element, an activity detector, and a state control mechanism, in accordance with the present invention.
BEST MODE
• Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In addition, the words “wireless” and “cordless” are used interchangeably, unless the difference is noted or made otherwise clear from the context.
• Referring more particularly to the drawings,FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate awireless mouse embodiment100 in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 1 is a perspective view of themouse100, andFIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of themouse100.Outer shell110 of themouse100 includes openings to accommodateactivation buttons120A,120B, and120C. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of theshell110 is covered by one or morephotovoltaic elements130 that generate electricity from the energy of the light incident upon them. More generally, all or any part of the surfaces of theshell110 and of thebuttons120A,120B, and120C can be covered by theelements130. Moreover, theelements130 can be positioned under theshell130, if theshell130 is transparent to some part of the electromagnetic spectrum from which theelements130 can generate electrical energy.
• The major functional blocks of themouse100 appear inFIG. 2.Movement detector140 detects movements of themouse100 and converts the detected movements into electrical signals. Similarly, the button switchesassembly150 detects actuations, i.e., clicking, of the buttons120 and converts them into electrical signals.Main controller160 receives the signals generated by themovement detector140 and the button switchesassembly150, encodes the received signals, and prepares them for transmission to the host computer (not shown in the Figures). Then, the main controller hands the encoded signals to the transmitter (or transceiver) block170 for transmission throughantenna180.
• Theantenna180 can be an RF antenna; it can also be any other radiator for use with thetransmitter170. For example, the antenna can be an optical, infrared or ultrasound radiator.
• Power for the operation of themouse100 comes from power control and chargingcircuit190,cell200, andphotovoltaic element130. Thecell200 is the main energy storage component of themouse100. It may be a rechargeable cell, recharged by thecircuit190 from the electrical energy generated by thephotovoltaic element130. A second, supplemental source of external energy for recharging thecell200 may also be built into the mouse. This second source, which is not illustrated, can be a charging cradle interface.
• Thecell200 can also be a primary, non-rechargeable cell. In this case, the electrical energy generated by thephotovoltaic element130 serves to supply additional power to the mouse and extend the life of thecell200 by reducing the load thereon.
• Thecircuit190 controls the charging of thecell200 and the distribution of the electrical power to other functional blocks of themouse100.
• Thephotovoltaic element130 is a device capable of generating electricity from visible light, or from any other part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is available for this purpose, e.g., from infrared radiation.
• In the illustrated embodiment, themotion detector140 is implemented as an arrangement of a ball and orthogonal rollers, with an encoding mechanism. Themotion detector140 can also be selected from a broad array of other movement sensing technologies, such as electrooptical or purely optical sensors, that are known to a person skilled in the art of designing pointing devices.
• The button switchesassembly150 holds miniature switches or other pressure sensors.
• Theblock170 is a transmitter implementing the functions of the wireless link that enables themouse100 to communicate with the host computer. Optionally, theblock170 is a transceiver providing a capability for bi-directional communications between themouse100 and the host computer. The receiving function of theblock170 can be used, for example, to enable the host computer to direct thecontrol block160 and thecircuit190 to customize the mouse operations (e.g., change the sensitivity to movement, change the velocity of a cursor or rewire the buttons120 for right- or left-handed operator), to initiate self-testing, to perform cell maintenance (deep discharge) procedures, or to report the status of thecell200 to the host computer. Theblock170 can be implemented, for example, as an RF, optical, infrared, or ultrasound transmitter or transceiver.
• In themouse100, themain controller160 is a state machine, however implemented. In one embodiment, themain controller160 is a low-power CMOS microcontroller under program control.
• Note that the delineations between functional blocks shown inFIG. 2 (and in other block diagrams of this document) are there for convenience and ease of description only. In many possible implementations of the pointing devices described herein, the distinctions between the blocks blur, and several blocks can be built on the same hardware platform. For example, the microcontroller of themain controller160 can be used to perform many or all of the functions of the power controller and chargingcircuit190. As another example, the hardware functions of themain controller160 and thetransmitter block170 can be combined on the same integrated circuit. Also note that some blocks can represent or include software processes.
• Another embodiment of a pointing device in accordance with the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 3 through 6.FIG. 3 illustrates amouse300 in perspective, with cutouts to show portions of internal structure;FIG. 4 shows in perspective aspecial mouse pad400 for powering themouse300;FIGS. 5 and 6 are simplified schematic diagrams of themouse300 and thepad400. In this embodiment, the electrical power for operation of themouse300 is inductively coupled into themouse300 from themouse pad400.
• Themouse pad400 has abase410. A primaryinductive coil420 is embedded into thebase410. In this embodiment, thebase410 is made from a flexible material, with the top surface of the base being adapted for sliding themouse300 thereon. The bottom surface of thebase410 is more textured, so as to increase the friction between themouse pad400 and the surface upon which themouse pad400 rests. A primaryinductive coil420 is molded into thebase410.
• Direct current electrical power is coupled to thepad400 through aconnector430 from acord450. Thecord450 may plug into a power supply connector of the host computer (not illustrated), or to an independent power supply (also not illustrated).
• Electronic module440 converts the received power to alternating current and drives the primaryinductive coil420 with the alternating current. Themodule440 includes anoscillator circuit440A and adriver circuit440B. These two circuits can be readily combined into a single unit.
• The precise frequency of theoscillator440A is not critical, because inductive coupling can take place over a very broad range of frequencies. One consideration in choosing the appropriate frequency is minimization of radiation loses. Frequencies between about 30 Hz and about 100 kHz have been found to work well for the instant purpose.
• Alternating current can also be used to power themouse pad400. In this case, themodule400 can be either dispensed with entirely, or it can be simplified. In one embodiment, a transformer plugged into a conventional alternating current (AC) outlet powers themouse pad400.
• Turning now to themouse300, most of its functional blocks are similar to the like-numbered blocks of themouse100 discussed above. Here, however, the power controller and chargingcircuit190 receives the electrical power from a secondaryinductive coil310 andpower conditioner320.
• When themouse300 is placed on thepad400, the low frequency magnetic fields produced by the primaryinductive coil420 induce electromotive force in thesecondary coil310. Thepower conditioner320 rectifies, filters, and regulates the AC power at the output terminals of thesecondary coil310, and sends the conditioned direct current (DC) power to thecircuit190. In one arrangement, thepower conditioner320 includes a 4-diode bridge for rectifying the AC power of thecoil320, a T- or Pi-shaped combination of capacitors and inductors for filtering the rectified power, and an IC regulator for producing stable, regulated DC power.
• The remaining blocks of themouse300 function substantially in the same way as in themouse100.
• Note that thecell200 need not be included within the mouse, particularly where the secondaryinductive coil310 supplies continuous power.
• As is known in physics, electromotive force will be induced in thecoil310 when thecoil310 is moved through a stationary magnetic field. Thus, in yet another embodiment of a mouse-pad combination in accordance with the present invention, the pad contains embedded magnets, for example, magnetic strips, magnetic wires, or otherwise shaped magnetic elements.FIG. 7 illustrates such apad500 withmagnetic strips510. In themouse pad500, themagnetic strips510 are substantially parallel and evenly spaced. Thus, movement of themouse300 over thepad500 generates electrical power for the operation of themouse300, even in the absence of the primaryinductive coil420 and its driving circuits.
• In still another embodiment of a pointing device in accordance with the present invention, electrical power is generated from kinetic energy of the device's motion. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, apointing device550 has agenerator560 driven by akinetic energy converter570. The kinetic energy converter can be a mechanism similar to those used in self-winding watches.
• For example, a self-winding mechanism can include a balance weight connected to the generator's shaft, so that pivotal movements of the balance weight rotate the shaft and cause the generator to generate electrical energy. The connection of the balance weight to the generator's shaft can be direct or indirect, i.e., through couplings, rocker members, and/or gears. Thus, acceleration of the pointing device having a component in a plane defined by the generator's shaft causes rotation of the shaft and generation of electrical energy for use in the pointing device. An interested reader can find various examples of self-winding mechanisms in U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,172 to Takahashi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,306,025 to Kocher et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,981,055 to Froidevaux and Bandi; U.S. Pat. No. 2,867,971 to Bertsch et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,661,591 to Thiebaude.
• Thegenerator560 and thekinetic energy converter570 can also be integrated in one mechanism. In one embodiment, a magnet/balance weight is held inside or in proximity of a coil by one or more springs, so that the magnet is moveable with respect to the coil. The coil is attached to the body of the pointing device. Thus, acceleration of the pointing device causes movement of the magnet with respect to the coil, thereby generating a potential difference at the coil's terminals. The terminals can be coupled to a rectifier and a power conditioner.
• In another aspect, a pointing device in accordance with the present invention has the capability to put itself in an “OFF” or sleep mode after the pointing device has not being used for some predefined period of time. This technique conserves the energy of the device's cell, and it may be employed either alone or in conjunction with the self-powering features, such as those that were discussed above, i.e., a photovoltaic element, inductive coupling from the mouse pad, or a combination of a kinetic energy converter and a generator. Of course, this power conservation technique can also be employed in conjunction with other self-powering schemes, including the generation of electric power from the rotational motion of the ball of the pointing device, or capture and conversion of the RF power transmitted by a mouse pad.
• FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram of acordless mouse600 with an energy conservation mode capability. As can be seen fromFIG. 9, two blocks have been added.Numeral610 designates an activity detector; it produces a signal indicating that the mouse is in use. In one embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 10, anactivity detector610A is similar to the integrated generator/kinetic energy converter described above. Theactivity detector610A has amagnet701 suspended moveably on aspring702, within a fixedcoil703. When themouse600 is accelerated, the inertia of the magnet causes relative movement of themagnet701 with respect to thecoil703, thereby generating electromotive force and a potential difference betweenterminals704 of thecoil703. The potential difference serves as the signal indicating that the mouse is in use. In another embodiment,mouse800 ofFIG. 11, anactivity detector610B is a microswitch with a spring-loaded push button protruding slightly under the bottom of themouse800. The spring loading of the push button is such that the switch is in a first state when themouse600 alone rests on a pad; when additional weight is added to themouse800, for example, by placing a hand upon it, the switch changes its state. Empirical results indicate that spring loading of about 0.2 to about 3 ounces should work well for many people. In other words, the spring loading can be set so an addition of a weight between about 0.2 and about 3 ounces triggers the activity detector61 OB.
• Numeral620 designates a state control mechanism that receives the signal generated by theactivity detector610 and, in turn, generates signals to themain controller160 and, optionally, to thecircuit190, causing themouse600 to activate. At the same time, thestate control mechanism620 starts a preset internal timer. After the internal timer expires, thestate control mechanism620 either deactivates the mouse, i.e., turns it off, or puts it in a low power consumption state. The timer is restarted with receipt of each signal from theactivity detector610. Thus, if the mouse is in continuous use, the timer never expires.
• The inventor herein believes that the appropriate setting for the timer is somewhere between about five seconds and about thirty minutes. In use, the setting from about two to about ten minutes provides a good compromise between cell energy conservation and user convenience.
• The timer can be a simple one-shot, such as the ubiquitous555 IC. The timer can also be implemented as an oscillator-counter combination. Other timer implementations will doubtless occur to those skilled in the art of electronic design.
• Several methods are known for putting an electronic device into a low power consumption state. Initially, note that the power to many components can be turned off completely. For example, in an optical pointing device, themovement detector140 is typically a rather power-hungry element. Thus, it can be turned off when it is not needed.
• Additionally, thetransmitter block170 can also consume substantial power, and turning it off during periods of inactivity also makes sense. As regards themain controller160, if it is based on a microcontroller, it can be put in a sleep mode or state, instead of being turned off. An interrupt generated by thestate control mechanism620 would then awaken themain controller160 when the signal from theactivity detector610 indicates resumption of the mouse's use. Indeed, two timers are employed in one embodiment of the state control mechanism620: a first timer, with a relatively short time constant, and a second timer, with a longer time constant. The expiration of the first timer causes the microcontroller to switch to a sleep mode; the expiration of the second timer causes the mouse to be shut down completely. In practice, the time constant of the second timer can be advantageously set to be about three to about fifty times the value of the time constant of the first timer.
• As was briefly discussed above, the energy conservation scheme of themouse600 can be combined with the internal power generation schemes of, for example, themice100 or300.FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless mouse with thephotovoltaic element130, theactivity detector610, and thestate control mechanism620.
• All of the constituent blocks shown inFIG. 12 have been discussed above.
• It should be noted, however, that part or all of the power control and chargingcircuit190 now stays on during periods of inactivity, to allow the current generated by thephotovoltaic element130 to recharge thecell200 during such periods.
• This document describes the inventive input and pointing devices and some of their features in considerable detail for illustration purposes only. Neither the specific embodiments of the invention as a whole, nor those of its features limit the general principles underlying the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to mice, but includes trackballs, pens, joysticks, keyboards, and other pointing devices. The invention is also not limited to computer uses, but extends to all applications, particularly those involving special purpose data processing equipment. The specific features described herein may be used in some embodiments, but not in others, without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth. Various physical arrangements of components, various movement detectors, and various cells, including primary, secondary, and fuel, also fall within the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the nature of the link connecting a pointing device to its host need not limit the invention.
• Many additional modifications are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in some instances some features of the invention will be employed in the absence of a corresponding use of other features. The illustrative examples therefore do not define the metes and bounds of the invention, which function has been reserved for the following claims and their equivalents.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
• The invention is useful and has applicability, inter alia, as a pointing device in the field of computing machinery.

Claims (38)

1. A human interface device (HID), comprising:

(a) a human activity detector;

(b) a wireless communication link for communicating a signal corresponding to at least one human activity to a receiver; and

(c) a wireless powering device for supplying power to power at least the wireless communication device.

2. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the powering device comprises a photocell and a fuel cell.

3. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the powering device comprises a flywheel and a generator.

4. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the powering device comprises an inductive coil adapted for converting varying magnetic fields into electric current.

5. The HID according toclaim 1, further comprising an activity detector, wherein the HID has a low power consumption state wherein the wireless communication link is in a low power mode and a high power consumption state wherein the wireless communication link is in a high power mode, the power consumption state of the HID being dependent on a signal received from the activity detector.

6. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the human activity detector comprises a position detector.

7. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the human activity detector comprises a motion detector.

8. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the human activity detector comprises a detector for the state of a switch.

9. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the human activity detector comprises a timer.

10. The HID according toclaim 9, wherein an expiration of the timer leads to a reduction in power consumption of the HID.

11. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the wireless communication link is bidirectional, adapted for receiving information.

12. The HID according toclaim 11, wherein the HID receives at least one command through the wireless communication link.

13. The HID according toclaim 12, wherein the at least one command comprises a request for a status of the HID.

14. The HID according toclaim 11, wherein the information comprises a set of parameters for operation of the activity detector.

15. The HID according toclaim 11, wherein the information comprises a set of parameters for operation of the power generating device.

16. The HID according toclaim 1, further comprising a microcontroller.

17. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the wireless communication link comprises a radio frequency transmitter and an antenna, further comprising a microcontroller, the microcontroller and the radio frequency transmitter being integrated.

18. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the wireless communication link comprises a modulated magnetic field communication device and an inductive antenna.

19. The HID according toclaim 18, further comprising a microcontroller, wherein the magnetic field communication device and the microcontroller are integrated.

20. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the HID comprises a computer mouse, further comprising a mouse pad, wherein the mouse pad is electrically connected to a computer, the mouse pad comprising an inductive coil for transferring power to the powering device.

21. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the HID comprises a computer mouse, further comprising a mouse pad, wherein the mouse pad is electrically connected to a source of line power, the mouse pad comprising an inductive coil for transferring power to the powering device.

22. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the HID comprises a computer mouse, further comprising a mouse pad, the mouse pad comprising an oscillator and an inductive coil producing magnetic waves derived from the oscillator, for transferring power to the powering device.

23. The HID according toclaim 1, further comprising a mouse pad having a set of spatially varying permanent magnetic fields, wherein the powering device comprises an inductive coil for receiving power derived from a movement of the inductive coil with respect to the permanent magnetic fields.

24. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the powering device comprises a self-winding mechanism, a kinetic energy converter, and a generator.

25. The HID according toclaim 1, wherein the powering device comprises an inertial mass and a spring.

26. The HID according toclaim 1, further comprising a timer, wherein the HID has three power consumption states, a first state, wherein the HID is fully operational to detect user activity, a second state wherein the HID enters a sleep mode, and a third state wherein the HID is shut down, the power consumption state being dependent on a timer and a user activity.

27. A method for operating a human interface device (HID), comprising:

(a) detecting a human activity;

(b) wirelessly communicating a signal corresponding to at least human activity to a receiver; and

(c) wirelessly supplying power to power at least the wirelessly communication.

28. The method according toclaim 27, wherein said wirelessly supplying power comprises providing a power supply device, comprising a photocell and a fuel cell.

29. The method according toclaim 27, wherein said wirelessly supplying power comprises providing a power supply device, comprising a flywheel and a generator.

30. The method according toclaim 27, wherein said wirelessly supplying power comprises providing a power supply device, comprising an inductive coil adapted for converting varying magnetic fields into electric current.

31. The method according toclaim 27, further comprising detecting an initiation activity, the initiating activity causing the HID to transition from a low power consumption state wherein the wirelessly communicating is inactive and a high power consumption state wherein the wirelessly communicating is active in a high power mode.

32. The method according toclaim 27, further comprising timing a period after a most recent initiation activity, and entering a low power state after expiration of a timing period.

33. The method according toclaim 27, wherein the wirelessly communicating is bidirectional, further comprising the steps of transmitting a signal representing a human activity and receiving information from a remote system.

34. The method according toclaim 33, wherein the information comprises a request for transmission of a status of the HID.

35. The method according toclaim 33, wherein the information comprises a set of parameters for operation of the activity detector.

36. The method according toclaim 33, wherein the information comprises a set of parameters for operation of the power generating device.

37. The method according toclaim 27, wherein the wirelessly supplying power step comprises moving a magnetic mass linked to a spring with respect to an inductive coil.

38. The method according toclaim 27, wherein the HID has three power consumption states, a first state, wherein the HID is fully operational to detect user activity, a second state wherein the HID enters a sleep mode, and a third state wherein the HID is shut down, the power consumption state being dependent on time lapse since a prior user activity.

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