Patent ID: 6269449
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: G06F,Y02D

Abstract:
A hand-held data entry apparatus, responsive to the physical presence of a user of the apparatus, comprising:a processing unit which operates under control of an operating system;a power consumption circuit connected to said processing unit;means for effecting operation of said apparatus under a plurality of activity modes of operation including:a second power consumption mode wherein the power consumed by said apparatus supports active operation of said apparatus;a first power consumption mode, which decreases the power consumption of said apparatus from that consumed in said second mode;a third power consumption mode which decreases the power consumption of said apparatus from that consumed in said first mode;an activity monitor for monitoring the activity of said apparatus and for generating a plurality of control signals where each of said control signals indicates a different activity mode of said apparatus;power control means coupled to said activity monitor for receiving said control signals and in response to said control signals selecting and operating under one of said plurality of modes of operation;means for detecting the physical presence of a user within an actuation area of said apparatus;means for generating a first signal responsive to said detection; andmeans responsive to said first signal for causing said power control means to select a mode of operation for said apparatus independently of said control signals generated by said activity monitor, wherein said selected mode of operation results in an increase in power consumption of said apparatus.