The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Sep. 22, 1998

Filed:

Aug. 15, 1996
Applicant:
Inventors:

Steven E Barraza, Santa Clara, CA (US);

William R Knapp, Menlo Park, CA (US);

Scott Summit, Portola Valley, CA (US);

Assignee:
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H03K / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
341176 ; 341173 ; 340573 ; 200 / ; 348164 ;
Abstract

A handheld control device, such as an air mouse, for remotely operating a controlled device, such as a TV, computer (PC), VCR or digital satellite system is provided with a microprocessor. In order to conserve battery power, the microprocessor may be switched from a high power awake state in which the air mouse functions are performed, and a low power sleep state. Power is conserved through the use of conductive outer surfaces that form a switch that controls the awake/sleep state of the microprocessor. The holding of the remote control device in the hand of a user with a finger on a conductive control button awakens the microprocessor. Conversely, the microprocessor enters the sleep state once the user hand is removed from its operating position on the remote control device.


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