Patent Publication Number: US-2006007151-A1

Title: Computer Apparatus with added functionality

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/577,593 entitled “COMPUTER APPARATUS WITH ADDED FUNCTIONALITY,” filed Jun. 8, 2004; The contents of all the above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to computer peripherals such as a computer mouse or keyboard, and more particularly, to incorporating additional devices or functionality within such computer peripherals.  
     BACKGROUND  
      The computer mouse has become an essential component of desktop computing since graphical user interface was popularized in the 1980s with the introduction of the Apple Macintosh.  
      In the succeeding 20 years, the computer mouse has undergone a series of innovations including the addition of a right- and left-click button, a mousewheel, an optical sensor, a track ball sensor, a laser sensor, and wireless communication to the host PC.  
      To fit comfortably into the hand, a mouse requires an ergonomic shape which is one factor that has kept its size relatively stable. However, the internal electronics of the mouse follows a trend to become miniaturized with many circuits integrated within a single chip, perhaps in an attempt by manufacturers to reduce costs as well as size. Computer peripherals are often distributed as stand alone products, and the cost of manufacturing and distribution to retailers is a significant portion of the retail cost.  
      There is room within a typical mouse enclosure, as well as the enclosures of other peripheral devices, for more added functionality. With so many stand alone devices connected to a host PC, there is a need to combine devices within a single device or apparatus for reasons of economy, practicality, and convenience. Thus, it is an objective of the present Invention to combine one or more additional devices within a mouse apparatus, or a related computer peripheral such as a keyboard, to obtain additional functionality and convenience for the user without the need to carry multiple stand alone products that add clutter and bulk.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The mouse apparatus of the present invention may be used by travelers who desire convenience and may also be given out in hotels, restaurants, parks, bars, and other public hotspots to allow patrons to access a wireless network.  
      The present invention provides an optical computer mouse with an embedded wireless adapter connected to its host PC by a USB connector. A USB hub or hub/bridge is also embedded within the mouse enclosure to allow the wireless adapter to share the single USB connection to the host PC.  
      A Trackpoint device or a Trackball may be incorporated into the mouse enclosure to function as a cursor-pointing device and/or a window scroll-control device. The trackball device serves as the mouse&#39;s motion sensor and is used for cursor-pointing function.  
      The computer mouse may be configured as a wired or wireless device. In a wired configuration, any wireless communications adapter may serve to add wireless capability to the host PC or a network device. In a wireless configuration, the wireless communications adapter serves to enable the devices embedded within the mouse enclosure to communicate with and support the host PC or a network device.  
      RAM memory and/or a flash memory card reader may also be incorporated into either the base USB connector unit or the mouse enclosure. There is no need to install a separate wireless network adapter to the host PC. The wireless or Wi-Fi adapter is built-in into the mouse apparatus.  
      The computer mouse apparatus also discloses how multiple devices, commonly purchased by computer users, may share a common mouse enclosure thus reducing manufacturing, packaging, and distribution costs relative to individually packaged USB or PC Card devices.  
      In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computer mouse may serve as a network mouse attached to a host PC or computer device via a USB connection or similar cable connection, and a multiple port USB hub device may be embedded within the mouse enclosure and serves to network the embedded devices to the host PC. The computer mouse may be configured to function as a wired or wireless network mouse. The mouse can have a network connection that can access or provide input to a number of target devices connected to the network, not just the host PC.  
      In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a computer mouse may also contain one or more of the following devices, which may be integrated or removable from the mouse enclosure: a USB or network hub, a connector , a module, a modem, a sensor, an on/off switch, a temperature sensor, a USB on-the-go bridge controller device, an encryption chip or hardware, a digital signal processing device, a modem circuitry, a display device, a digital camera, a web cam, CPU and the like. Such devices may function individually and/or in combination with the other devices, sensors, and electronics to add to or enhance the function of the computer mouse apparatus. The additional components may share one or more wired or wireless paths to a host PC and to other devices, or to a network.  
      In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a CPU and its associated chipsets or a system-on-a-chip device may be utilized within the computer mouse apparatus. Such a CPU or system chip may serve to manage computer processing tasks within the mouse enclosure rather than relying solely on the host PC&#39;s processing power. Such a mouse apparatus may run a proprietary OS, a Palm OS 3, 4 or 5, Pocket PC, SmartPhone, PalmSource, Symbian, Java, Microsoft, and Linux operating systems or any desktop O/S such as Windows XP. A built-in CPU or system chip would enable the mouse electronics and the remaining embedded devices to function as a small self-contained computer.  
      In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the mouse apparatus may incorporate USB host capability that may store data to or retrieve data from the memory card utilizing the computer mouse&#39;s built-in wireless communications module.  
      The computer mouse apparatus of the present invention is environmentally friendly as it reduces the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution costs of multiple discrete devices manufactured or sold as separate discrete devices.  
      Also disclosed, are software controls for mapping the mouse velocity to a cursor velocity and for controlling the function and settings of the Trackpoint device. Further disclosed is a method for assigning the mouse&#39;s data output to a variety of devices connected to a wired or wireless network.  
      The foregoing summary of the present invention is not intended to describe every implementation of the present invention. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, which proceeds with references to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus incorporating a Trackpoint™ device.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint sensor in an alternative location to that shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint sensor and a mouse scroll wheel.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of a cordless computer mouse apparatus with a mouse scroll wheel and a Trackpoint device in an alternative arrangement to that of  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with two Trackpoint devices, a button, and a flash memory reader slot.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint sensor and a built-in wireless communication adapter module with an internal antenna.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of a computer mouse apparatus with a mouse scroll wheel control, a USB plug, a USB jack, and a built in Wi-Fi adapter module with its associated external antenna.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint device and an associated base unit having an integrated wireless communications adapter module and an internal antenna.  
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a wired computer mouse apparatus with an embedded Trackpoint device and an in-line electronics housing and connection unit which incorporates an integrated wireless network adapter module and an external antenna.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint sensor and an internal group of peripheral devices which include a mini hard drive, a wireless adapter module, flash (RAM or ROM) memory, and a flash memory card reader.  
       FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Touchpad cursor-pointing and/or scrolling device, and internal peripherals which include a mini hard drive, flash memory, and a flash memory card reader.  
       FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a 5-way navigation button.  
       FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of the representative system architecture for the computer mouse apparatus depicted in FIGS.  8  to  15 , and FIGS.  17  to  25 .  
       FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint sensor, a display, a flash memory card slot or SIM card reader, and a digital camera or webcam.  
       FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackball cursor-pointing and window scrolling device, a display, a SIM card reader or flash memory card reader, and a digital camera or webcam.  
       FIG. 19  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 17  with an integrated speaker or microphone element, a network connector, and a hinged display enclosure.  
       FIG. 20  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint cursor-pointing and window scrolling sensor, a display, a flash memory card slot, a digital camera, a number keypad or keyboard, and an optional recharging unit.  
       FIG. 21  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus as depicted in  FIG. 20 , showing a representation of a printed circuit board, a flash memory card slot, and a hinged display assembly.  
       FIG. 22  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a mouse scroll wheel device, a display, a flash memory card slot, and a digital camera.  
       FIG. 23  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a 5-way navigation button, a display, a flash memory slot, a digital camera, and a numerical keypad or keyboard.  
       FIG. 24  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Trackpoint sensor, a display, a flash memory card slot, a digital camera, a biometric fingerprint scanner, and an ID card or SIM card slot.  
       FIG. 25  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus with a Touchpad cursor-pointing and/or window scrolling device, a display, a flash memory card slot, a webcam camera, and a group of keys which are representative of function keys, a numerical keypad, or a keyboard.  
       FIG. 26  is a block diagram of a simplified USB hub integrated in the computer mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 27  shows a simplified block diagram of an 802.11 networking chipset; the host interface implements functions that allow the chipset to interface with a host system such as a computer.  
       FIG. 28  shows a system block diagram of a wireless computer mouse apparatus with an integrated USB OTG bridge controller and USB hub chip, mouse electronics, a wireless communications adapter, and several embedded devices.  
       FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of a USB-based PC headset apparatus with added device functionality.  
       FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of a wired keyboard apparatus with added device functionality.  
       FIG. 31  shows a representative display of a Properties Settings dialog box suitable for the mouse apparatus depicted in FIGS.  8  to  15  and FIGS.  17  to  25 .  
       FIG. 32  illustrates a perspective view of a computer mouse apparatus, its enclosure door in an open position to show a mouse cavity with an integrated USB jack; a USB connector that is fixedly attached to a USB plug is also shown beside the mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of a computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 32 , with the USB module connected into the USB jack via its associated USB plug.  
       FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of a computer mouse apparatus, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 32-33 , its enclosure cover in an open position to show two module jacks of different sizes; associated module plugs that are fixedly attached to their respective modules are also shown beside the mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus with an integrated PCMCIA slot; a PCMCIA module that is fixedly attached to a PCMCIA connector is also shown beside the mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 35 , with the PCMCIA module connected into the PCMCIA slot via the PCMCIA connector.  
       FIG. 37  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus with an integrated USB jack, and a spring-loaded cover; a USB module that is fixedly attached to a USB plug is also shown beside the mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 38  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 37 , with the USB module connected into USB jack via the USB plug.  
       FIG. 39  shows a computer mouse apparatus incorporating a gas sensor unit and its associated electronics.  
       FIG. 40  shows a computer mouse apparatus incorporating a dual cursor pointing device.  
       FIG. 41  shows a computer mouse apparatus on the top of a companion solar panel or array of solar cells disposed within a mousepad.  
       FIG. 42  shows a computer mouse apparatus powered by solar energy.  
       FIG. 43  shows a computer mouse apparatus with an integrated optical drive disposed within the mouse enclosure, and accessible through the enclosure cover.  
       FIGS. 44   a - 44   b  are simplified partial cross sectional views of a computer mouse apparatus taken along lines  44 - 44  of  FIG. 1  showing a molded pressure absorbing spring which functions to reduce the stress on a miniature switch caused by clicking of the mouse button by a user.  
       FIGS. 45   a - 45   b  illustrate a fixedly attached pressure absorbing leaf spring, a variation of the spring design as shown in  FIGS. 44   a - 44   b.    
       FIGS. 46   a - 46   b  illustrate a pressure absorbing compression spring, a variation of the spring designs as shown in  FIGS. 44   a - 45   b.    
       FIG. 47  shows a cursor velocity tabpage, which is used to control the relationship between the velocity of the mouse movement and the velocity of the displayed cursor associated with the mouse movement.  
       FIG. 48  shows a simple flowchart process to control cursor velocity.  
       FIGS. 49-50  show in detail the operation of the two-dimensional graph of  FIG. 47 .  
       FIG. 51  shows a computer apparatus architecture typically associated with the mouse apparatus of  FIGS. 17-25  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 52  shows one use of a mouse apparatus with added functionality in a PABX branch exchange telephone system located within an office environment.  
       FIGS. 53   a  and  53   b  show a partial view of a network mouse apparatus assigned to input data to a specific device.  
       FIG. 54  illustrates a typical operating environment for a network mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 55  shows a Trackpoint settings tabpage associated with a Trackpoint device if present on a mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 56  illustrates a sensor function tabpage.  
       FIG. 57  illustrates a top view of a cantilevered printed circuit board (PCB), a variation of the pressure absorbing spring designs as shown in  FIGS. 44   a - 46   b.    
       FIG. 58  is a cross sectional view of the mouse apparatus as shown in  FIG. 57  and a variation of the cross sectional views of  FIGS. 44   a - 46   b.    
       FIGS. 59   a - 59   b  show back views of a mouse apparatus with a built-in charger unit and a retractable wall plug at its bottom side.  
       FIG. 60  shows a mouse apparatus architecture when the additional device is in a RAID system of mini hard drives. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
      The present invention discloses a computer mouse apparatus with an integrated Trackpoint™ device or a similar device which functions both as a cursor-pointing device or a scroll control device. The Trackpoint device may control both cursor and scroll movements in four directions: left, right, up, and down. As a scroll control device, the Trackpoint device may replace the mouse wheel mechanism common to computer mouse devices. As a cursor-pointing device, the Trackpoint device may function in conjunction with the optical motion sensor typically located at the bottom of computer mouse devices or it may replace the function of the optical motion sensor. The Trackpoint device used in the present invention may function similarly to any generic Trackpoint device available and not necessarily the Trackpoint device manufactured and used by IBM in its computers.  
      The present invention also discloses how multiple devices may share a common mouse enclosure, which may drastically reduce manufacturing, packaging, and distribution costs relative to individually packaged USB or PC card (PCMCIA slot) devices such as flash memory sticks, GPS receivers, mini hard drives, Wi-Fi adapters, and network hubs. Such use of a mouse enclosure saves on the overall costs since multiple separate devices commonly purchased by computer users can be integrated or built-in, that is, in the mouse enclosure. With the present invention, there is no need to install a separate wireless network adapter PCI card or PCMCIA card or standalone USB wireless adapter to the host PC. The wireless or Wi-Fi adapter is built-in into the computer mouse or keyboard.  
      In the present invention, USB-based devices can have embedded or removable memory in the keyboard or mouse to store, backup, update, and synchronize data files. For example, a RAM in the mouse with USB or wireless connection may be adapted as a convenient backup device to store data files. A flash memory reader or flash memory incorporated within a mouse may have 32-1024 Megs of memory for back-up and data portability. This approach enables the user to take a wireless adapter and mouse with a laptop to access additional devices without a lot of tangled cords or the inconvenience of attaching separate devices one at a time. Generally, connection to all devices will be thru a common USB cable.  
      The computer mouse apparatus may be used by travelers who desire convenience and may also be made available in hotels, restaurants, parks, bars, and other public hotspots to allow patrons to access a wireless network.  
      The preferred embodiment of the present invention is an optical computer mouse with an embedded wireless adapter and with the computer mouse connected to its host PC by a USB connector. A USB hub or hub/bridge is also embedded within the mouse enclosure to allow the wireless adapter to share a single USB connection to the host PC. A Trackpoint device may be incorporated into the mouse enclosure to function as a cursor-pointing device and/or a window scroll control device. RAM memory and/or a flash memory card reader may also be incorporated into the mouse enclosure or the USB connector. The computer mouse apparatus, as a wireless device, incorporates the wireless adapter, memory, and memory card reader in either the base USB connector unit or the mouse enclosure.  
      It should be understood that the preferred embodiment of the present invention and the additional functionality as described and shown in the drawings may also be incorporated within a Keyboard Apparatus, a PC Speaker Apparatus, a PC Headset Apparatus, and similar devices. For example, the gas sensor of  FIG. 39  may be similarly integrated into a Keyboard Apparatus, as may be the solar panel as depicted in  FIG. 42 , the PMCIA slot of  FIGS. 35-36 , the flash drive as shown in  FIGS. 37-38 , the modules associated with  FIGS. 32-34 , the device assignments control of  FIG. 53 , the various architecture embodiments as shown in FIGS.  16 ,  26 - 28 ,  51 , the Wi-Fi adapter as shown in  FIGS. 8-9 , and the like.  
      Although most of the figure drawings of the present invention display additional functionality related to a computer mouse apparatus, such additional functionality may be similarly integrated into a Keyboard Apparatus, and other similar computer devices, as previously mentioned.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of a PC compatible computer mouse apparatus  100  with an integrated Trackpoint device  102 . The Trackpoint device  102 , with its associated hardware and software components, functions as a cursor-pointing device or a window scrolling device.  
      Also shown are a left-click button  104 , a right-click button  106 , a wired connection  108  to a host PC, PDA, Tablet PC, or mouse-enabled device. The buttons  104 , 106  and Trackpoint device  102  are all embedded within the mouse enclosure  101 .  
      The Trackpoint device  102  consists of a finger pad visible on the surface of the mouse enclosure  101 , and four (4) strain gauges embedded within the mouse apparatus  100 , which serve as directional pressure sensitive sensors similar in function to the IBM Trackpoint device typically found on the keyboards of IBM branded laptop computers.  
      Movement of the cursor-pointer on the display screen is controlled by the amount of pressure the user applies to the non-slip Trackpoint finger pad in any direction parallel to the mouse enclosure  101 . The speed at which the cursor-pointer moves, or the window contents scroll, corresponds to the pressure applied by the user to the finger pad. Pointing, selecting, and dragging with the Trackpoint sensor are part of a single process that can be performed without the user moving his or her fingers away from the Trackpoint finger pad.  
      The Trackpoint device  102  may function as a cursor-pointing device to complement the cursor-pointing function of the optical motion sensor  103  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) located at the bottom of the mouse enclosure  101 . The Trackpoint device  102  may also function as a window scrolling control device similar to the function of a mouse wheel in a conventional PC mouse. The Trackpoint device&#39;s function is chosen by adjusting the mouse configuration settings. A button located on the mouse enclosure  101  may also toggle between the Trackpoint device&#39;s two functions.  
      The smooth functioning of the Trackpoint device  102  is supported by a software control algorithm so users can move the cursor, select icons or texts, and scroll software contents within a window in a quick, accurate, and comfortable manner.  
      The Trackpoint device  102  and its associated circuitry and software may be configured as a cursor-pointing device or as a window content scroll control device. The Trackpoint device  102  may be based on any sensor capable of sensing force or pressure applied by the user (typically using fingertip pressure) in the four directions (left, right, up, and down) representative of movement on the display screen. The Trackpoint device  102  may also enable the use of buttons, left-clicks, right-clicks, and double-clicks of the types used in window-based graphical user interfaces.  
      The Trackpoint device  102  may also incorporate control software and/or additional sensors to control the display cursor movement or the window scroll direction of a 3D display and its associated graphical user interface.  
       FIG. 2  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  110  with a Trackpoint sensor  112  in location alternative to that shown in  FIG. 1 . The alternative location of Trackpoint device  112  permits the index fingertip of a right-handed user to easily reach the sensor. Another Trackpoint device alternative location  113  is also shown at middle of left-click button  114  and right-click button  116 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  114 , a right-click button  116 , a wired connection  118  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-enabled device. The buttons  114 ,  116  and Trackpoint device  112  are all embedded within the mouse enclosure  111 .  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
      Electronic components for the Trackpoint device  102  and the remaining mouse electronics are located on a printed circuit board (PCB)  105  within mouse enclosure  101 . Also shown is a bottom motion sensor area  103  typically associated with an optical or mechanical mouse.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the computer mouse  100  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . It shows Trackpoint device  102 , a left-click button  104 , a right-click button  106 , and a wired connection  108  to a host PC, PDA, or a related computer device. The buttons  104 , 106  and Trackpoint device  102  are embedded within the mouse enclosure  101 .  
       FIG. 5  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse  120  with a Trackpoint sensor  122  and a mouse scroll wheel  127 . Also shown are a left-click button  124 , a right-click button  126 , a wired connection  128  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-enabled device. The buttons  124 , 126  and Trackpoint sensor  122  are embedded within a mouse enclosure  121 .  
      The Trackpoint device  122  and the mouse scroll wheel  127  may be programmed to serve different functions. For example, the left Trackpoint sensor  122  may be programmed to scroll the contents of the active window left, right, up, and down. The mouse scroll wheel  127  may be programmed for a program application specific tasks such as rotating an image in Adobe Photoshop or zooming in or zooming out of an object in a CAD/CAM program.  
       FIG. 6  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of a cordless computer mouse  130  with a mouse scroll wheel  137  and a Trackpoint device  132  in an arrangement alternative to that of.  FIG. 5 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  134  and a right-click button  136 . The buttons  134 ,  136  and Trackpoint device  132  are all embedded within a mouse enclosure  131 .  
      The mouse electronics includes a wireless connection to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-enabled device via a wireless communications technology. Such a technology may be proprietary or an industry standard such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMax, or an optical IR infrared port.  
       FIG. 7  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of a cordless computer mouse apparatus  140  with two Trackpoint devices  142 , 143 , a function button  145 , and a flash memory card reader slot  147 . The memory card is inserted into the card slot  147  and rests within the memory card housing  148  until it is removed by the user.  
      Also shown are a left-click button  144  and a right-click button  146 . The buttons  144 ,  146  and Trackpoint devices  142 , 143  are all embedded within the mouse electronics housing  141 . The two Trackpoint devices  142 ,  143  may be programmed to serve different functions. For example, the left Trackpoint device  142  may be programmed to scroll the contents of the active window left, right, up, and down. The right Trackpoint device  143  may be programmed for a program application specific tasks such as selecting a range of cells in Microsoft Excel, selecting a range of text in a Microsoft Word document, or moving the object nearest the cursor left, right, up, or down.  
      Removable digital memory products include memory card products such as Secure Digital (SD), mini SD, multimedia cards (MMC), compact flash and other flash memory products. Removable memory devices are typically utilized in digital cameras, mobile phones, music players and other consumer electronics that use the removable memory cards to store and transport data. Memory cards come in postage-stamp and matchbook sizes and currently use flash memory. However, other memory technologies such as magnetic random access memory (MRAM) are in development. MRAM will be able to store a substantial amount of data, consume little energy, and operate faster than conventional flash memory. The computer mouse apparatus of the present invention anticipates the use of this type of memory technology. Also becoming increasing popularly as a mass storage media for devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, and USB sticks, are non-volatile flash memories. The most advanced nonvolatile flash memory devices available today can permanently store one or two bits of information per memory cell without a supply voltage. Such memories have a feature size of around 90 nanometers, and shrinking this feature size using typical techniques to half that size has posed many problems because of nanoscale physical effects. The largest flash memory chips currently available exceed 1 GB and as costs drop, such devices may be incorporated into more electronic devices.  
       FIG. 8  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse  150  incorporating a Trackpoint sensor  152  and a built-in Wireless communications adapter module  155  with an internal antenna  153 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  154 , a right-click button  156 , a wired connection  158  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-enabled device. The buttons  154 , 156  and Trackpoint device  152  are all embedded within a mouse enclosure  151 .  
      A module, as the term is used in the foregoing, refers to electronics circuitry designed to perform a specific function. Hence, a Wi-Fi module refers to electronics circuitry designed to transmit and receive a Wi-Fi signal and to communicate the processed input and output data to a secondary device or application on the host PC. Its electronics circuitry may require EMI shielding to prevent signals from the wireless adapter&#39;s internal or external antenna from disrupting the electronics of other devices within the mouse enclosure.  
      The wireless communications adapter module  155  enables the host PC to support and communicate in one or more wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMax, 2G, 2.5G, 3G, GSM, TDMA, CDMA, PCS, GPRS, WAP, GPS, mesh networks, satellite radio &amp; video, AM, FM, FRS, RFID, ZigBee, optical IR, and the like. The signals may be received from the cellular network or from nearby Wi-Fi, Wi Max, or Bluetooth hotspots.  
      Typically, the wireless adapter  155  includes support for Wi-Fi connectivity. Wi-Fi is also known as 802.11 in the IEEE standards and comes in a number of evolved variants such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and the like. The range of the Wi-Fi signal is typically 75-300 feet. Handheld devices and other computers with wireless networking capability can access the host PC via the Wi-Fi adapter  155  embedded within the computer mouse apparatus  150 . Intel manufactures chips that integrate the growing number of wireless technologies including Bluetooth, WiMax, and Wi-Fi, and permit detailed graphics on small devices.  
      A wireless adapter is used to establish a wireless network with other PCs and peripheral devices using at least one wireless standard. In order for the wireless communications module  155  to function as the wireless adapter for a host PC with no existing wireless communications ability, a wired connection  158  from the wireless adapter embedded in computer mouse apparatus  150  to the host PC or device is needed. This wired connection  158  may be based on any suitably supported connector type and data transfer standard. The various embodiments of a computer mouse with an integrated wireless adapter module will typically connect to its host PC via a single USB connector  175  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). Any suitable connector style or data bus standard may be used such as USB 2.0/1.1, FireWire 400/800/1394a/1394b, serial, and parallel connectors.  
      USB 2.0 and FireWire 800 are both backward compatible. Hence, if the computer mouse apparatus  150  is attached to a system with only USB 1.1 or legacy FireWire 400/1394a ports, the embedded devices will still be able to function at the fastest possible speed available.  
      A button or switch can be incorporated within the mouse enclosure  151  which functions to toggle the wireless connection to an enabled or disabled state for added convenience and security. A multi-colored LED may also be incorporated within the mouse enclosure  151  which serves to indicate status information or whether or not wireless data is incoming or outgoing or both (green, red, or yellow LED indicator light respectively) via the built-in wireless adapter  155 .  
       FIG. 9  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of a computer mouse apparatus  160  with a mouse scroll wheel control  162 , a USB plug  165 , a USB jack or port  167 , and a built-in wireless communications adapter module (not shown) with its associated external antenna  163 . An external antenna  163  may be more suitable to wireless environments where antenna orientation, size, and obstruction are important considerations. The external antenna  163  may be pivoted to help aim in the right direction.  
      Also shown are a left-click button  164 , a right-click button  166 , a wired connection  168  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-enabled device. The buttons  164 , 166 , antenna  163 , and Trackpoint device  162  are all embedded within a mouse enclosure  161 .  
      Turning now to  FIG. 10 .  
       FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The electronics of the mouse and the wireless communications adapter module  155  may be on a common PCB board  179  or on separate printed circuit boards.  
      If the Trackpoint device  152  is not enabled to control the position of the cursor on the host PC&#39;s display, then a separate motion sensor  177  is needed to serve the cursor-pointing function of the mouse. Typically, such cursor-pointing motion sensor  177  on a PC mouse are based on optical sensors or mechanical sensors to detect the motion of the mouse.  
      In the computer mouse apparatus of the present invention, it is expected that both a dedicated cursor-pointing motion sensor  177  and a Trackpoint device  152  that may be configured (through hardware jumpers or miniature switches or software preference settings) to serve the same function in a complementary dual use manner are present. Furthermore, the Trackpoint device  152  and/or the separate motion sensor  177  may be assigned the window scroll function which permits the contents of the active window within a windows-style operating system to be moved to the left, right, up, or down.  
      The Trackpoint device  152  and/or the separate motion sensor  177 , may also be assigned a zoom control function which permits the contents of the active window to be zoomed in or out or magnified more or less. The flexibility of assigning specific functions to the Trackpoint pressure sensor  152 , and the mouse motion sensor  177  gives the computer mouse apparatus  150  of the present invention added functionality. For example, either or both sensors may be assigned the task of rotating or moving an object in a CAD/CAM or 3D application, moving an active window or icon in a windows style operating system within the displayed area, and other tasks often accomplished via a drag-and-drop operation, a select operation, a cursor move, a mouse scroll wheel operation, or a scroll bar or slider operation.  
      The use of optical sensor, typically located at the bottom of a conventional mouse, may reduce mechanical components and, thus, improve the mouse&#39;s performance and reliability. A cordless mouse using RF technology has been used to reduce the intermittent failures generally associated with the wear and tear on corded or wired mouse. On the remaining surfaces, however, the buttons and wheel are still mechanical. Optical sensors and strain gauges may be used to reduce the mechanical components. Optical- or LED-based switches may be used to replace mechanical contact style switches commonly used on a computer mouse. Where the conventional mechanical mouse is used, the switch can be mounted on a flexible circuit board or one with cut sections to reduce the amount of pressure that may be applied to such buttons, thus, improving their time to failure or intermittent operation.  
      A control algorithm may be designed such that when a pressure is sensed at or above the threshold pressure, the switch will not move the mouse cursor until a period of time to allow the mechanical motion of the mouse to not affect the cursor placement and its associated double click. The mouse may also sense the mechanical double click from the user but it will substitute a conditioned signal in lieu of the mechanical signal of the user.  
       FIG. 11  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus  182  with a Trackpoint device  152  and a companion wired base unit  180  with an embedded wireless communications adapter module and its internal antenna  181 . The base unit  180  is connected to the host PC via a suitable connector such as a USB connector  185 .  
      A connect button  188  on the base unit  180  serves to reset wireless communications to the wireless mouse  182 . LED indicators  183 , 184  show status information and reception and transmission of wireless data. Extra serial bus ports such as USB 2.0 port  186 , and FireWire port  187  permit other devices such as flash Memory devices to be connected to the host PC via the base unit  180  and its built-in USB hub/bridge.  
      The shared USB wired connection  158  permits a Wi-Fi, 3G, GSM, or Bluetooth, wireless adapter to be embedded within the mouse enclosure  151  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ) rather than being installed in the host PC or connected externally to the host PC as a separate device. For the wireless computer mouse apparatus  182 , the wireless adapter can be built-in into the mouse&#39;s companion base unit  180 .  
      The wireless computer mouse apparatus  182  communicates to the wired base unit  180  using a wireless standard. The wired base unit  180  includes an embedded Wi-Fi adapter and antenna  181  and a USB hub connected to the host PC via a USB connector  185 . The wireless computer mouse apparatus  182 , thus, may use the same Wi-Fi standard signals to communicate mouse data to the base unit  180 .  
      The wireless computer mouse apparatus  182  communicates motion sensor, button, and Trackpoint pressure data to the wireless adapter  181  using a suitable wireless signal (such as a Wi-Fi standard signal). The wireless computer mouse apparatus  182  may also communicate to the base unit  180  using a proprietary wireless signal. If a separate wireless standard is used for communicating the wireless data  189  from the wireless computer mouse apparatus  182  to the base unit  180 , the wireless adapter  181  need not receive nor transmit the mouse specific data; rather, separate communications circuitry associated only with the mouse data component are used.  
       FIG. 12  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in.  FIG. 11 .  
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a wired computer mouse apparatus  190  with an embedded Trackpoint device and an in-line electronics and connection unit  191 , which incorporates an integrated wireless network adapter module and its external antenna  193 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 12 , the computer mouse apparatus  190  is attached to the in-line electronics and connection unit  191 . The wireless network adapter is built-in into the in-line connection unit  191  and is used to establish communications using a wireless network to PCs and peripheral devices. The wireless adapter and the mouse data share a single common point of connection to the host PC. A USB connector  194  is the preferred connection means to the host PC. The external antenna  193  may be rotated  195  essentially along the connection unit  191  for better signal strength or for convenient storage.  
       FIG. 13  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 13  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  200  with a Trackpoint sensor  202  and an internal group of peripheral devices which include a mini hard drive  205 , a wireless communications (for example, Wi-Fi standard) adapter module  203 , flash (e.g. RAM, ROM) memory  209 , and a flash memory card reader  207 . The various embedded peripheral devices  203 ,  205 ,  207 ,  209  may be plug and play devices or the driver software may be stored on the embedded or removable memory within the mouse enclosure.  
      Also shown are a left-click button  204 , a right-click button  206 , a wired connection  208  to a host PC, laptop notebook, PDA, Tablet PC, or SmartPhone. The buttons  204 ,  206  and Trackpoint device  202  are all embedded on the mouse enclosure  201 . A PC card slot or PCMCIA slot may also be incorporated into the mouse enclosure  201 , thus, allowing any device which functions in a PCMCIA slot to be conveniently attached to the host PC.  
      The mini hard drive was introduced by IBM in the mid-1990s. Recently, the small HD devices have been further popularized by Apple Computer as used in its ipod and ipod Mini portable music players. The mini hard drives from companies like Cornice, Hitachi, Toshiba and others hold lesser data than standard hard drives. Typical capacities range from 1.5 GB to 4 GB. They are also smaller, measuring 1-2 inches across. In the second quarter of 2005, Hitachi introduced a 2.5-centimeter wide hard drive found inside some portable music devices and which can hold up to 6 GB or 6 billion bytes of data. The company appraises that a device of the same size will be able to store 60 GB using perpendicular recording. IBM has shown off a working prototype of a ultra-high density storage technology dubbed “Millipede” that could cram in the equivalent of 25 DVDs in a space no larger than a postage stamp. As with most memory devices, mini hard drive capacity is expected to increase over time. Such mini hard drives may be adapted to store data files over a USB and wireless connection.  
       FIG. 14  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 13 .  
       FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  210  with a TouchPad™ cursor-pointing and/or scrolling device  212  or a similar device, and internal peripherals which include a mini hard drive  215 , flash memory  219 , and a flash memory card reader module  217 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  214  and a right-click button  216 . The buttons  214 ,  216  and Touchpad cursor-pointing and/or scrolling device  212  are all embedded within the mouse enclosure  211 . The Touchpad device used in the present invention may function similarly to any generic Touchpad device available and not necessarily the Touchpad device manufactured By Synaptics.  
      The computer mouse apparatus  210  and its peripheral devices may communicate to the host PC, PDA, or computer device using a wired or wireless connection. Data from the mouse and the embedded peripheral devices to a single wired or wireless connection may be multiplex or may be received and transmitted according to a suitable network standard specification. When a mouse is being used in a multiplex transmission, the mouse functions may be given priority or additional resource time to increase its performance.  
       FIG. 15  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  220  with a 5-Way navigation button  222 . Also shown is a group of internal peripheral devices housed within the mouse enclosure  221  which includes a mini hard drive  225 , flash memory  228 , and a flash memory card reader module  227 . There are also a left-click button  224  and a right-click button  226  embedded on the mouse enclosure  221 . The computer mouse apparatus  220  and its peripheral devices may communicate to the host PC, PDA, or computer device using a wired or wireless connection.  
      The 5-way navigation button  222  may be used to scroll the contents of an active window, navigate menu items on a display, or serve as a cursor-pointing device. Such 4- or 5-way navigation buttons are also utilized on mobile phones, digital cameras &amp; camcorders, and PDA devices such as a HP iPAQ Pocket PC h4350 Series. The navigation button also scrolls through lists, positions the cursor, accesses shortcuts, opens applications such as browsers, email, Instant Messenger, and lists network devices.  
      The 5-way navigation button  222  contains a center button  223  which functions as a select or enter key. The center button  223  may also be assigned a specific function. A range of functions may also be programmed into the buttons  224 ,  226 ,  222 ,  223  in a context-sensitive manner according to the program application the mouse actions are associated with.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of a representative system architecture for the computer mouse apparatuses and their associated peripheral devices as depicted in FIGS.  8  to  15 , and FIGS.  17  to  25 .  
      Embedded within the mouse enclosure are electronics which serve the operational requirements of each embedded device such as the built-in memory (for example, flash RAM, ROM, and/or a mini hard drive)  233 , the external memory card or SIM card reader  234 , the computer mouse and its sensor electronics  236 , and the wireless communications adapter (for example, a Wi-Fi, WiMax, 3G, GSM, GPRS, and/or Bluetooth adapter module) which serves to enable the host PC to communicate with other wireless devices and computers.  
      If the computer mouse is attached to a host PC or computer device via a USB connection or similar cable connection  238 , a multiple port USB network hub module  232  is embedded within the mouse enclosure and serves to network the embedded devices to the host PC. The electronics and configuration of the hub/bridge device and/or the embedded peripheral devices may require modification to work optimally through the network hub/bridge module  232 . Typically, standalone mouse and scanners need to be connected directly to one of the host PC&#39;s USB ports and will fail to operate if connected through a hub.  
      Thus, for a USB or serial connector mouse, the wireless adapter module  235  serves to provide the host PC with the capability to communicate with other wireless devices and other computers within the wireless network. The wireless adapter  235  is connected to the host PC via the internal network hub module  232 . Settings for the mouse electronics and other embedded peripheral devices are adjusted through the host PC operating system and display device.  
      The operations of the wireless adapter module  235  and USB hub module  232  are different if the mouse is wirelessly connected to the host PC and no cable connection is present. If the computer mouse and the other embedded devices connect to the host PC or computer device using a wireless connection (for example, using a Wi-Fi, WiMax, Bluetooth, and/or a 3G standard), it is implied that some wireless capability already exists at the host PC to receive data from and to transmit data to the wireless mouse. Thus, the wireless adapter module  235  does not serve to give the host PC its basic wireless capabilities, but rather may enhance it by giving the host PC wireless capability at a different frequency band or with a different technology standard.  
      The primary function of the wireless adapter  235 , in the case of a wireless mouse, is to enable the computer mouse data and the embedded peripheral device data to communicate wirelessly with the host PC or with other electronic devices within one or more established wireless networks.  
      The primary function of the USB network hub module  232 , in the case of a wireless mouse, is to enable the computer mouse data and the embedded peripheral device data to communicate through the embedded wireless adapter module  235  with the host PC or other electronic devices within one or more established wireless networks. An On-The-Go USB bridge controller chip is used to give USB connectivity to embedded devices without the need for a USB connection to a host PC.  
      The USB On-the-Go chip such as Philips ISP1361, ISP1261, and ISP1262 enables portable devices to transfer data directly to another peripheral device without first having to connect to a PC. The USB On-the-Go spec, released in December 2001, is an addendum to the broadly implemented USB 2.0 standard. The supplemental spec allows direct connectivity between mobile handsets or portable consumer appliances without the aid of a host PC. Those conforming to the USB On-the-Go spec can dynamically set up a master-slave relationship between devices.  
      The power supply  237  provides a suitable voltage and current for the mouse electronics and the other peripheral electronic devices placed within the mouse enclosure. Power to the electronics may be from batteries housed within the mouse enclosure or may be supplied from the USB connector (or an equivalent connector) and its associated cable  238 . If the batteries are rechargeable, they may be recharged by an AC/DC recharger unit or from the powered USB connection cable.  
      If the computer mouse apparatus  230  is cordless, the power supply  237  will typically include batteries housed within the mouse enclosure. In addition, power may be supplied by an AC/DC power adapter attached to a wall receptacle.  
      The multi-function mouse apparatus of the present invention incorporates USB host capability, for example, by utilizing an OTG bridge controller chip.  
      The OTG chip is incorporated in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 28 . The 4 Port USB Hub/Bridge  232  in  FIG. 16  and the USB Hub/Bridge  351  in  FIG. 28  are equivalent. Normally, the USB Hub chip and the USB OTG chip (which acts as the USB bridge) are separate pieces of hardware (e.g. the Motorola USB Hub chip and the Philips USB OTG chip). However, they are shown in the drawings as a single block  232 ,  351  as the two functions (hub and bridge) may be integrated into a single piece of hardware and thus, there is no need to add a block for the USB OTG chip.  
      Note that the USB OTG chip (if packaged separately from the USB hub chip) only adds “bridging” capabilities to the mouse. Without the USB OTG chip, the mouse will still function as a USB hub and as a Wi-Fi access point. With the USB OTG chip, the mouse can function as a “bridge”—allowing two USB peripherals to communicate and transfer data without the need for a host computer.  
      Each computer mouse variation shown in  FIGS. 1-15  and  FIGS. 17-25  may contain one or more of the following devices: a mini hard drive, embedded or removable memory, flash memory, RAM, ROM, or MRAM, a wireless communications adapter suited for operation on one or more wireless standards, a USB or network hub, a USB on-the-go bridge controller device, an encryption chip or hardware, digital signal processing devices, audio/video components and processing circuitry, modem circuitry, and one or more CPU processors and supporting chipsets. Such devices may function individually and/or in combination with the remaining embedded devices, sensors, and electronics to add to or enhance the function of the computer mouse apparatus.  
      An encryption chip can be embedded within the mouse enclosure to decrypt and encrypt data files, store and manage such files on external or internal memory, and permit access to a network such as the Internet via proprietary and secure protocols which may be protected by software passwords, hardware, and biometric devices.  
      Other devices that may be embedded within the computer mouse apparatus include various connectors such as a RS-232 Port, an on/off switch, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor such as a CO, CO2 sensor, a smoke detector, a heat detector, a pulse monitor, a barometer, an equipment Status or Parameter status display, a blood pressure monitor, a network remote control, a microphone, a speaker, a telephone modem, a cable modem, a DSL modem, an IR remote control, a telephone keypad and headset connector, an RFID tag reader, a bar code reader, a printer port, a calculator, a timer, a mobile phone, an SMS/MMS text device, a pager, a clock, a TV monitor, a battery, a battery recharger, a voice-recognition chip, an MP3 player, a digital audio recorder, an AM/FM/SW radio, and a built in 916 MHz Transceiver. A further optional peripheral devices that may be embedded within the mouse apparatus comprise a solid state compass, atomic clock, super accurate clock, Wi-Fi module, PABX indicator, pager, mobile phone SIM, SMS device, projector, and smoke detector.  
      Turning now to FIGS.  17  to  25 .  
      The computer mouse electronics and additional mouse-embedded devices (for example, the built-in memory, mini hard drives, and the wireless communications adapter depicted in  FIGS. 13-16 ) are typically connected to and seen by the host PC as a number of distinct peripheral devices. These devices are connected to the host PC using a USB cable connection or an equivalent wired or wireless network connection. The computer mouse&#39;s embedded peripheral devices support the function of the host PC by serving as distinct peripheral devices with distinct purposes such as a computer mouse, an external memory storage device, an external hard drive, and an external wireless adapter module.  
      It should be understood that a CPU processor and its associated chipsets or a system-on-a-chip device may be utilized within the computer mouse apparatus. Such CPU processor or system chip may serve to manage computer processing tasks within the mouse enclosure rather than relying solely on the host PC&#39;s processing power. Thus, a mouse apparatus may run a proprietary OS, a Palm OS 3, 4 or 5, Pocket PC, SmartPhone, PalmSource, Symbian, Java, Microsoft, and Linux operating systems or any desktop O/S such as Windows XP.  
      In practical terms, a built-in CPU processor or system chip would enable the mouse electronics and the remaining embedded devices (for example, a mini hard drive, memory, input/output support and connectors, USB network hub or USB OTG bridge controller chip, wireless communications adapter, and the like) to function as a small self-contained computer. Such device may store and run software applications, function as a distinct unit similar to a PDA, mobile phone, MP3 player, serve as a network device providing input or output support for other devices in a network, and still provide cursor-pointing and windows scroll control for an externally connected PC, PDA, or related computer device.  
      Similarly, the devices depicted in  FIGS. 17-25  may be configured to function as a wired or wireless network mouse (as shown in  FIGS. 53-54 ). The mouse or keyboard can have a network connection and can therefore access or provide input to a number of target devices connected to the network, not just the host PC. The mouse cursor will appear on whichever target device/display the mouse controls have been assigned to.  
      A network mouse is capable of transmitting input signals to and receiving output signals from a range of network addressable (for example, Internet Protocol devices) devices within a wired or wireless network. The selection of the network device which the mouse actions may have immediate effect upon may be selected via a menu list displayed on the built-in integrated display  245  or on the monitor display associated with the host PC or network selected device. A button (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) on the network mouse enclosure  241  may toggle the mouse&#39;s target device between a default device such as the host PC and a second device (for example, a Server PC).  
      A wireless network mouse with an integrated display may use a number of wireless standards such as Bluetooth for short range networking and WiMax for wide-area networking. The display screen may, for example, display a list of target devices to which the mouse may interact within one or more wired or wireless networks. The user may select which target device in the displayed list the mouse will interact with and the buttons and display on the mouse are used to change the target to other devices on the list.  
      Conventional USB peripherals require a “host-peripheral” configuration wherein a computer acts as the host and USB peripherals act as passive devices. With the advent of the USB On-The-Go (OTG) specification, products that have been traditionally peripherals only (e.g. digital cameras, digital audio players, mobile phones, etc.) now have the capability to act as host to other USB peripherals. This means that devices compliant with the USB OTG specification can act as a “communication bridge” between two USB devices, without the need for a host computer. USB OTG capabilities can be added to current USB compliant products by adding a controller chip, such as Philips&#39; ISP1261 and ISP1262 bridge controller chips, which can either be integrated on the circuit board, or designed as an external “dongle”.  
      Most computers, laptops, and late model PDAs have a built-in USB host capability. The multi-function computer mouse apparatuses of  FIGS. 8-15  and  17 - 25  may incorporate USB host capability. Such capability can be provided, for example, by utilizing an OTG bridge controller chip. With USB host capability built-in into a computer mouse  200  (as in  FIG. 13 ), a flash memory card attached to a USB port or card reader  207  may store data to or retrieve data from the memory card utilizing the computer mouse&#39;s built-in wireless communications module  203 .  
      Turning now to  FIG. 17 .  
       FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  240  with a Trackpoint sensor  242 , a small display  245 , a flash memory card slot or SIM card reader  247 , and a digital camera or webcam  249 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  244 , a right-click button  246 , a hinged display enclosure  243 , and a wired connection  248  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-compatible device. The buttons  244 ,  246  and Trackpoint device  242  are all embedded on the mouse enclosure  241 .  
      The preferred display is a small black &amp; white or color display of the type found on mobile phones and digital cameras. The display may also be an LCD or LED multi-segment display of the type found on calculators. The display technology may be of any commercial type including OLED and e-lnk technology. The display  245  may also be a dual screen display, a transflective display, or incorporated with touch screen capability. Small 1.8 inch LCD screens are available from such companies as Samsung.  
      Where privacy is a concern, 3M has a screen technology that prevents the display contents from being seen from the side, thus, protecting data from the prying eyes of strangers. The 3M privacy screens may be installed over the mouse display  245  or built-in into the display itself.  
      A mouse with a display and webcam or a stand alone network mouse may also play a role in the intelligent home and home networks of today to control a number of devices from one convenient place. For example, computer mouse apparatus  240  may screen visitors at the front door and permit entry at the touch of a mouse button. The computer mouse apparatus  240  may also select home entertainment options from items and menus displayed on home TV monitors or on the mouse&#39;s own embedded display  245 .  
      The display  245  may be used in association with the digital camera/webcam  249  on the mouse  240  to initiate or receive video conference calls. A built- in microphone and speaker  263  on mouse  240  as shown in  FIG. 19  (or the use of a PC/VOIP headset connector on the PC or mouse) enables audible communication.  
      The computer mouse apparatus  240  may display email and inter-office communication, images, and reminders, and may also serve as a pager and alert device. Such activities may be present on the mouse display  245  and interacted with even when the host PC or its monitor display are turned off.  
      The computer mouse apparatus  240 , with the embedded Trackpoint device  242 , may be configured as a wired or wireless device. In a wired configuration, the power may be supplied via the wired connection  248  or internal batteries. In a wireless configuration, the power may be supplied via an AC/DC adapter or by internal batteries. In a wired configuration, any wireless communications adapter may serve to add wireless capability to the host PC or a network device. In a wireless configuration, the wireless communications adapter serves to use this capability to enable the devices embedded within the mouse enclosure  241  such as the mouse electronics and the built-in memory storage devices to communicate with and support the host PC or a network device.  
      The computer mouse apparatus  240  may also contain any one or more of the following embedded devices: RAM memory, ROM memory, a mini hard drive, a wireless communications adapter, a network hub or bridge, a CPU and its associated circuitry, and a power supply. The embedded devices may function as peripheral devices connected via a USB or network connection to a host PC and under the control of a host PC. With the addition of a built-in CPU and its associated circuitry within the mouse enclosure  241 , the embedded devices and CPU may be integrated into an autonomous computing device with wired or wireless connectivity to other computing devices on a network.  
       FIG. 18  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 17 .  
       FIG. 18  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  250  with a Trackball cursor-pointing and/or window scrolling device  252 , a display  255 , a SIM card reader or flash memory card reader  257 , a digital camera or webcam  259 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  254 , a right-click button  256 , a hinged display enclosure  253 , and a wired connection  258  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-compatible device. The buttons  254 ,  256  and Trackball device  252  are all embedded on the top of mouse enclosure  251 .  
      When a Trackball device  252  is used in a mouse  250 , the Trackball device  252  serves as the mouse&#39;s motion sensor and therefore, is used for the mouse&#39;s cursor-pointing function. When a Trackball device  252  is used, the mouse  250  position is typically held stationary as there is no motion sensor at the bottom of the mouse. However, with the added functionality present in the computer mouse  250 , a bottom-mounted motion sensor may be used for the cursor-pointing function to complement the cursor-pointing function of the Trackball device  252 . This variation enables the Trackball device  252  to be used in other ways such as a scroll control device to move the contents of an active window, or as a menu selection device to select an item from a list displayed on the computer mouse display  255 .  
      The computer mouse  250  with the embedded Trackball device  252  may be configured as a wired or wireless device. In a wired configuration, the power may be supplied via the wired connection  258  or internal batteries. In a wireless configuration, the power may be supplied via an AC/DC adapter or by internal batteries. In a wired configuration, any wireless communications adapter may add wireless capability to the host PC or a network device. In a wireless configuration, the wireless communications adapter uses this wireless capability to enable the devices embedded within the mouse enclosure  251 , such as the mouse electronics and the built-in memory storage devices, to communicate with and support the host PC or a network device.  
      The computer mouse  250  may also contain any one or more of the following embedded devices: RAM memory, ROM memory, a mini hard drive, a wireless communications adapter, a network hub or bridge, a CPU and its associated circuitry, and a power supply. The embedded devices may function as peripheral devices connected via a USB or network connection to a host PC and under the control of a host PC. With the addition of a built-in CPU and its associated circuitry within the mouse enclosure  251 , the embedded devices and CPU may be integrated into an autonomous computing device with wired or wireless connectivity to other computing devices on a network.  
       FIG. 19  illustrates a side view of computer mouse apparatus  240  as depicted in  FIG. 17  showing an integrated speaker and/or microphone element  263 , a network connector  260 , a printed circuit board for the mouse apparatus electronics  262 , and a cursor-pointing motion sensor area  261 .  
      Also shown are a Trackpoint device  242 , a display  245 , a flash memory card reader or a SIM card reader  247 , a digital camera or webcam  249 , a left-click button  244 , and a wired connection  248  to a host PC, PDA, or computer-related device.  
      The display  245  is housed within a hinged display enclosure  243  which is attached to the mouse enclosure  241 . The hinged display enclosure  243  is normally positioned in a horizontal manner  138 , but may be rotated  139  or lifted to a somewhat vertical position to reduce overhead glare and improve the quality of the display  245  image and the webcam  249  image capture.  
      The built-in network connector  260  enables the computer mouse apparatus  240  to access other devices on a network and receive output data from such devices which may be displayed and interacted with on the mouse&#39;s built-in display  245 . The computer mouse apparatus  240  may also interact with such network devices by sending control signals to such devices directly via the network connector  260 .  
      The network connector  260  may be any suitable network connector such as an Ethernet-style connector or a USB connector. Additional input and output connectors may be present, for example, an IEEE 1394 FireWire or i.LINK connector, an S-Video input/output connector, a digital component video connector, a microphone input and/or a PC headset connector, and a optical audio/video input or output connector.  
      A built-in microphone and/or speaker  263  enables the computer mouse apparatus  240  to serve as a VOIP-enabled device to conduct or participate in audio and/or video teleconference calls and to communicate with colleagues without the use of a stand alone telephone. The microphone  263  may be disabled in instances where the user chooses to only monitor a conference call or in-house communication. Set-up and participation of such teleconference calls may be facilitated by software installed on the host PC or the computer mouse apparatus  240 . The Trackpoint device  242 , display  245 , and webcam camera  249  may facilitate the set-up and configuration process and provide video images to all the video teleconference participants.  
      The computer mouse apparatus  240  may be interfaced to audio and video conferencing services and avail of Internet Protocol for company-level collaboration. It may also be used with IP or non-IP end points to connect to real time inter-office or extra-office audio, video, Instant Messenger, VOIP, and webcam conferences.  
       FIG. 20  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 17 .  
       FIG. 20  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  270  with a Trackpoint cursor-pointing and window scrolling device  272 , a display  275 , a flash memory card slot  277 , a digital camera or webcam  279 , a hinged display enclosure  273 , and a number keypad or keyboard  267 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  274 , a right-click button  276 , a wired connection  278  to a host PC, PDA, or computer-related device, an optional AC/DC power supply or recharging unit  265 , and an optional wired USB connector  264  attached to the mouse enclosure  271 .  
      The computer mouse apparatus  270  can communicate to a PDA or mobile phone through a wired connection or a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, WiMax, or Bluetooth using short range radio waves.  
      A typical key  266  on the mouse&#39;s embedded numeric keypad or keyboard  267  is of a size and shape similar to that found on mobile phones and embedded PDA keyboards. Numbers, letters, and symbols may be printed on each keyboard key  266 .  
      A projector may also be mounted on computer mouse apparatus  270  which could be a dual or single LED projector on a thin panel or dual thin panel or projected on a wall. The projector lens may be located in front of the screen mounted adjacent the keyboard or on the keyboard itself. Ostar, the latest high-performance LED from Osram, is 50 times brighter than comparable predecessor models, small in size at 3 cm.×1 cm., has a high brightness of 120 lumens (lm), thus, it is ideally suited for use in mini projectors. The LED itself takes up only a fraction of the device&#39;s surface area, generating an extremely bright and uniform light for its size.  
       FIG. 21  illustrates a side view of the computer mouse apparatus  270  depicted in  FIG. 20  showing a representation of an electronic printed circuit board  268 , a flash memory card slot  277 , an upright hinged display enclosure  273 , and a motion sensor area  269  at the bottom of the mouse enclosure  271 . Also shown are a left-click button  274 , a Trackpoint device  272 , and an optional wired connection  278  from a host PC, USB connection, or a computer-related device.  
      The hinged display enclosure  273  is rotated upright  133  to permit the user to view the display  275  properly and in order for the webcam  279  (as shown in  FIG. 20 ) and keyboard  267  to be used. The hinged display enclosure  273  is folded closed  135  when the computer mouse apparatus  270  is stored or operated without the need for its display  275  or keyboard unit  267 .  
       FIG. 22  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 17 .  
       FIG. 22  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  280  with a mouse scroll wheel  282 , a display  285 , a memory card slot  287 , and a digital camera or webcam  289 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  284 , a right-click button  286 , a hinged display enclosure  283 , and a wired connection  288  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-compatible device. The buttons  284 ,  286  and the mouse scroll wheel  282  are all embedded within the mouse enclosure  281 .  
       FIG. 23  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 20 .  
       FIG. 23  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  290  with a 5-way navigation button  292 , display  295 , a flash memory card slot  297 , a digital camera or webcam  299 , and a numerical keypad or keyboard  321 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  294 , a right-click button  296 , a hinged display enclosure  293 , and a wired connection  298  to a host PC, Pocket PC, or mouse-compatible device. The buttons  294 ,  296 , the 5-way navigation button  292 , and each keyboard key  320  are all embedded within the mouse enclosure  291 .  
       FIG. 24  is a variation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 20 .  
       FIG. 24  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  300  with a Trackpoint sensor  302 , a touch screen display  305 , a memory card slot  307 , a video camera  309 , a biometric fingerprint scanner  322 , and an ID chip or SIM card reader slot  323 . Also shown are a left-click button  304 , a right-click button  306 , a hinged display enclosure  303 , and a wired connection  308  to a host PC, Pocket PC, or mouse-compatible device which is embedded within the mouse enclosure  301 .  
      The biometric fingerprint scanner  322  may be used to authenticate a user&#39;s identification to allow access to confidential information, encrypted or password-protected data files or applications stored on the host PC or on the computer mouse apparatus  300 . A start scan button  326  and “pass”, “fail” status indicator lights  324 ,  325  enable the biometric fingerprint scanner  322  to function without the use of a GUI dialog box on the host PC or the display  305 . It should be understood that other biometric scanning devices may be embedded within the mouse enclosure  301  in lieu of the representative biometric fingerprint scanner  322  shown.  
      The fingerprint scanner  322  embedded within the mouse enclosure  301  may also be placed on the surface of the mouse enclosure  301  to allow frequent verification of the person&#39;s fingerprint ID or similar biometrics. For example, the fingerprint scanner  322  may be positioned near the thumb, index, or middle finger resting location on the mouse enclosure  301  so files requiring such a biometric authentication may be opened conveniently in one step.  
       FIG. 25  is avariation of the computer mouse apparatus as illustrated in  FIG. 20 .  
       FIG. 25  illustrates a top view of a computer mouse apparatus  310  with a Touchpad cursor-pointing and/or window scrolling device  312 , a display  315 , a flash memory card slot  317 , a webcam camera  319 , and a group of keys  327  which serve as function keys, a numerical keypad, or a keyboard  328 .  
      Also shown are a left-click button  314 , a right-click button  316 , a hinged display enclosure  313 , and a wired connection  318  to a host PC, PDA, or mouse-compatible device. The buttons  314 ,  316  and Touchpad device  312  are all embedded on the mouse enclosure  311 . The Touchpad  312  may also be used to input Graffiti-style characters which may be displayed on the built-in display screen  315 .  
      A computer mouse apparatus with an embedded or removable memory device (RAM, ROM, MRAM), a memory card reader, or a mini hard drive may be connected directly to a printer to print a file, for example, a text file or PDF file, or data from the embedded or removable memory of the computer mouse apparatus. Such a connection may be wired, for example, with a USB cable, or wireless through a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IR connection, and the like. Where an application is necessary to facilitate the printing function, the application may be accessed on the network, host PC, or available from the memory of the computer mouse apparatus.  
      It should be understood that the following devices are packaged within a common mouse housing or enclosure: keyboard, the display, the hard drive, other memory (such as RAM, ROM, MRAM, and/or its equivalents), a memory card reader, the power source, the CPU and its associated chipsets and circuitry, the Wi-Fi module, the GPS receiver module, the modem module, the network connection and its associated circuitry, the RFID tag reader, the 3G module and/or any wireless or wired electronics designed to provide data bus connectivity according to any proprietary or industry standard communication specification or protocols. Such embedded devices may function in an integrated manner with features that complement and add value to the functioning of the other embedded devices within the computer mouse apparatus.  
      A GPS module refers to electronics circuitry designed to receive a GPS signal and communicate the processed output data to a secondary device or application within the mouse enclosure or the host PC. A GPS receiver module may be embedded within the mouse enclosure and used by a user to locate its position on a map and search for nearby companies and services.  
      It should also be understood that any one or more of the embedded devices may function independently of the other devices packaged within the mouse enclosure. For example, in  FIG. 20 , the integrated keyboard  267  within the mouse enclosure  271  may be an independently functioning keyboard device with its own input and output data stream provided by the USB bus port. It need not be associated with the embedded display  275  and hence, may function independently of such a display. In such a case, the two devices share only a common enclosure and network connection to the host PC and the host PC treats each device as a separate peripheral device without regard to their proximity.  
      The computer mouse apparatus is environmentally friendly as it reduces the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution costs of multiple discrete devices manufactured or sold as separate discrete devices.  
       FIG. 26  is a block diagram of a simplified USB Hub  330  integrated into the computer mouse apparatus.  
      A USB hub  330  is essentially a “wiring concentrator” that makes possible the multiple device attachments characteristic of USB technology. USB hubs are typically implemented as a single physical chip, such as the Motorola MC141555.  
      A USB hub  330  consists of two core components: the hub controller  333  and the hub repeater  335 . The hub controller  333  incorporates circuitry for controlling the communication between the host system (i.e. the computer) and USB peripherals or other USB hubs. The hub controller  333  also implements the serial interface engine which manages the serialization of data packets to and from the upstream port  331  and the downstream ports  339 ,  340 ,  341 .  
      The hub repeater implements a “data switch” or “data bus” that manages the flow of data packets to and from the upstream port  331  and the downstream ports  339 ,  340 ,  341 . The hub repeater typically also implements support for reset, suspend, and resume signaling.  
      Port interfaces  332 ,  336 ,  337 , and  338  implement circuitry for interfacing with USB peripherals, USB hubs, or the host system. The power supply and regulator circuits  334  supply the chip electronics with power.  
       FIG. 27  shows a simplified block diagram of an 802.11 networking chipset  344 . The host interface  346  implements functions that allow the chipset to interface with a host system  345  such as a computer. The host interface  346  typically uses USB, PCI, or PCMCIA technology to interface with the host system  345 .  
      The OFDM/DSSS/MAC controller  347  is typically packaged as a single physical chip and implements the core functions of the various 802.11 versions such as  802 . 11 g networking standard. These functions are Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signal processing, and Media Access Control (MAC). In addition, encryption and Quality of Service (QoS) functions may also be implemented on the same controller chip  347  (or on a separate chip).  
      The radio transceiver  348  implements circuitry required for RF and other analog functions. It typically incorporates the signal amplifier, oscillator, RF filters, and frequency synthesizer.  
      The antenna  349  may be a directional or omni-directional Wi-Fi antenna. The antenna  349  may also be packaged as a chip antenna. An omni-directional antenna transmits a wireless signal across a 360-degree range, while a directional antenna increases the signal strength and range in a focused direction. The mouse apparatus may typically have an omni-directional antenna.  
       FIG. 28  shows a block diagram of a computer mouse apparatus  350  with an integrated USB OTG bridge controller and USB hub chip  351 , mouse electronics  354 , a wireless communications adapter  353 , a portable power supply system  358 , and several embedded devices such as a mini hard drive  355 , integrated flash memory  356 , and a flash memory card reader  357 . The wireless communications adapter  353  also includes a suitable antenna(s) to transmit and receive the RF signals.  
      The computer mouse apparatus of the present invention incorporates USB host capability if necessary, for example, by utilizing an OTG bridge controller chip. A USB OTG bridge controller chip or chipset typically consists of the following: 
      (1) 1) Port interfaces, which implement circuitry for interfacing with USB peripherals. Typically, two USB peripherals will be “bridged” together by the chipset through the port interfaces. The two USB peripherals will be logically connected in a “master-slave” configuration.     (2) 2) The USB host component, which implements circuitry that allows one of the two USB peripherals to act as host. This function has traditionally been performed by a computer, because the USB host circuitry is integrated into the computer&#39;s motherboard.     (3) 3) The USB OTG controller, which contains circuitry that implements the USB OTG specifications. Typically this component contains a protocol engine which facilitates (through data translation) the exchange of data between the USB peripherals that are “bridged” together, memory for buffering data during read/write operations, as well as circuitry that allows the chip to also function as a USB peripheral.    

      Regardless of whether the computer mouse  350  is wired or wireless, the USB OTG chip interfaces directly to the USB Hub chip  351  and it is shown in  FIG. 28  as a single block  351 . The USB OTG chip utilizes the USB Hub chip because the hub chip controls the USB port interfaces on the mouse. USB peripherals that need to be “bridged” together must connect though the ports. The USB OTG chip may have its own dedicated USB ports that could remove the need to connect the USB OTG chip to a separate USB Hub chip.  
      It should be understood that other peripheral devices may also incorporate embedded devices which add utility beyond the basic device functionality. For example, RAM memory or a mini hard drive may be incorporated within a VOIP headset, a keyboard, a USB compatible mobile phone, a Wi-Fi or wireless communications adapter, a PC speaker system, a graphics tablet, an external display, a DSL modem, a cable modem, and the like. Data from the embedded or removable memory component of such devices may be transferred to and from the host PC, PDA, or related computer device via a wireless connection such as a Wi-Fi connection or via a wired connection such as a USB connection.  
       FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective view of a USB-based PC headset apparatus  360  with added functionality. It shows a wireless communications adapter and antenna  369 , built-in flash memory  368 , voice recognition circuitry  366  for application control and biometric authentication, a noise cancellation microphone  362 , and headphone earpieces  342 . The PC headset apparatus  360  plugs directly into the USB port of a host computer or device.  
      Also shown are in-line volume, power and mute controls  361 , a USB connector  365 , an in-line electronics enclosure  364  which contains a digital signal processor and circuitry  343  to digitize the analogue audio signal and send it through the USB bus to a VOIP application, a mini hard drive  367  which may serve as a digital call recorder or provide music on hold, and a flash memory card slot  363 .  
       FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of a wired keyboard apparatus  370  with added functionality and its internal electronics circuitry. It shows an embedded wireless communications adapter  383  and associated antenna(s)  371 , built-in flash memory  375 , microphone &amp; voice recognition circuitry  374  for application control and biometric authentication, keyboard electronics  384 , a mini hard drive  372 , and a USB hub and bridge controller chip  373 .  
      Also shown are a wired connection to a host device  382 , a flash memory card slot  381 , an external USB or FireWire port  380 , status and power LEDs  378 ,  379 , a back-up power source  376 , and a voltage regulator  377 .  
      Thus we have seen from  FIG. 29  and  FIG. 30  that headsets and keyboards may also benefit from the additions of embedded devices which enhance the basic device and wireless capability to their host systems.  
       FIG. 31  shows a representation of a Properties Settings dialog box  390  suitable for the mouse apparatus depicted in FIGS.  8  to  15  and FIGS.  17  to  25 . Each functional device embedded within the mouse apparatus  350 , as shown in  FIG. 28 , may be controlled from a single tabbed dialog box  390 .  
      The mouse tab  391  contains a control and settings area  397  for the mouse electronics and software similar to that found in a computer mouse in the control panel area of a typical Windows operating system. Additional tabs shown include tabs associated with the wireless adapter function  392 , the mini hard drive device  393 , a GPS chipset  394 , power management  395 , and general user settings  396 .  
      Changes to any device settings are effected using the apply button  400 . Also shown are a cancel button  399 , an OK button  398 , a help button  402 , a dialog box title bar  401 , and a dialog box close button  403 .  
      It should be understood that upcoming technological advances may affect or may cause to replace the embedded devices of the computer mouse apparatus with future day equivalent devices, standards, and connection means, which may be similarly embedded and utilized within the mouse apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a computer mouse apparatus  410 , its enclosure cover  412  in an open position showing a mouse cavity  415  with an integrated USB jack  414 , and with USB module  406  removed and shown beside computer mouse apparatus  410 .  
      In  FIG. 32 , the removable USB module  406  is shown fixedly attached to USB plug  408 , and removed from the mouse cavity  415  as the bottom surface  411  of mouse cavity  415  is shown bare. A cavity is formed by the walls of the bottom surface  411  and the bottom of enclosure cover  412  when closed. Mouse cavity  415  can receive various types of modules such as USB module  406  and any USB-based device of a suitable form may be housed in mouse cavity  415 , for examples: flash memory drive, Wi-Fi adapter module, GPS module, USB-connected mini hard drive, gas sensor, temperature sensor, vibration sensor, accelerometer, humidity sensor, gas and smoke sensor, keypad, touchpad, speaker, camera, network card, display, light meter, magnetic sensor, fingerprint reader, web cam, light sensor, altimeter, custom module, scientific module, USB hub, indicator module, and the like.  
      The various types of modules, such as USB module  406 , may be fixedly attached to a USB plug  408 , which in turn is slidably received by USB jack  414  as shown in  FIG. 33 . The modules rest on bottom surface  411  when inserted. The various module types may be manufactured in such a form that the enclosure cover  412  can be sufficiently closed and secured to the securing hook  416 . A hook mechanism may be used to secure enclosure cover  412  against bottom surface  411  in the closed position. Enclosure cover  412  protects USB module  406  and can be secured by pulling down enclosure cover  412  via enclosure hinge  418  and fastened by securing hook  416 . A release mechanism (not shown) is provided for manually releasing enclosure cover  412 .  
       FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of a computer mouse apparatus  410 , as shown in  FIG. 32 , but with USB module  406  connected into USB jack  414  via its associated USB plug  408 .  
      In keeping with the present invention, USB module  406  may be integrated or built-in in the mouse cavity  415  or it could be separated from the computer mouse apparatus  410 . USB module  406  rests on the bottom surface  411  as USB plug  408  (partly shown) is locked into its associated USB jack  414 . Inserting a USB module  406  permits a convenient storage and allows ready access for back-ups or to store data files. For example, a flash USB module may have sufficient memory for back-up and data portability. Generally, connection to the host PC is via a common USB cable or it could be wireless, as previously described. The removable modules may have internal power supply or it may be powered externally via a USB connector.  
       FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of a computer mouse apparatus  420 , similar to that shown in  FIGS. 32-33 , its enclosure cover  421  in an open position showing module jack A  423  and module jack B  425 , which are of different sizes; associated module A plug  427  and module B plug  429 , which are fixedly attached to respective module A  422  and module B  424 , are also shown beside computer mouse apparatus  420 .  
       FIG. 34  is differentiated from  FIGS. 32-33  in that two module jacks are built-in to the mouse cavity  426 . The two module jacks slidably receive respective module A plug  427  and module B plug  429 . Mouse cavity  426  may contain one or more module jacks and which can slidably receive various forms of connectors and modules, such as module A  422  and module B  424 . Typically, such modules may be memory modules of various standards such as: Secure Digital (SD), mini SD, Multimedia cards (MMC), Compact Flash, Sony memory stick, and other memory module products. These removable memory modules, which are inserted singularly, are typically utilized to store and transport data in digital cameras, cell phones, music players and other consumer electronics. The modules may also be specialized modules of the type associated and enumerated in  FIGS. 32-33 . Enclosure cover  421  protects the modules in a closed position as the cover is secured and released via securing hook  428 .  
      Computer mouse apparatus  420  may contain suitable interface electronics to allow the modules and connectors to share information and content access to the host PC.  
       FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus  430  with an integrated PCMCIA slot  432 , and a PCMCIA module  434  that is fixedly attached to a PCMCIA connector  435 , removed and shown beside wireless computer mouse apparatus  430 .  
      PCMCIA slot  432 , as depicted in  FIG. 35 , may be made of sufficient height and size, and may be positioned in a way to suitably and slidably receive PCMCIA connector  435 , and the fixedly attached PCMCIA module  434 , from the back or rear position as shown in  FIG. 36  or alternatively, from the side position alternate location of PMCIA slot  433 . A suitable connector may be located within the slot cavity (not shown) which connects to the PC card slot.  
      PCMCIA modules perform a variety of functions and are readily available, for examples: USB 2.0 adapters, Wi-Fi adapters, 3G adapters, memory drives, flash memory sticks, GPS receivers, mini hard drives, network hubs, modems, Ethernet, and the like.  
       FIG. 36  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus  430  as shown in  FIG. 35 , but with PCMCIA module  434  connected into the PCMCIA slot  432  via PCMCIA connector  435 .  
      An associated internal PCMCIA jack (not shown) slidably receives PCMCIA connector  435  (shown in  FIG. 35 ) as PCMCIA module  434  is inserted into PCMCIA slot  432 . PCMCIA module  434  is fixedly attached to PCMCIA connector  435 .  
      Wireless computer mouse apparatus  430  may also be connected to the host PC via a USB cable. If it&#39;s wired, the power supply is via the USB connector. The PCMCIA module  434  has suitable interface electronics to communicate to the host PC such as Wi-Fi or W-USB (wireless USB) connection provided that communication capability is built-in into the mouse apparatus and its associated base, and a suitable portable power supply are available.  
       FIG. 37  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus  440  with an integrated USB jack  442 , the latter protected by a spring-loaded cover  444 ; shown also is a USB module  446  that is fixedly attached to a USB plug  447 , removed from and shown beside wireless computer mouse apparatus  440 .  
      The slot formed by USB jack  442  is protected by a visible spring-loaded cover  444  to prevent entry of foreign bodies such as dust and pests, for example, when USB module  446  is removed from wireless computer mouse apparatus  440  as shown in  FIG. 37 . The tensioning of the spring-loaded cover  444  is accomplished by a metallic or plastic spring or by a magnet. The door may contain a compressed or stretched spring pressing one part against the other so that it is able to retract into the mouse apparatus when a module is inserted and slidably received via a USB jack.  
       FIG. 38  illustrates a perspective view of a wireless computer mouse apparatus  440  as shown in  FIG. 37 , but with USB module  446  connected into USB jack  442 .  
      USB plug  447 , which is fixedly attached to USB module  446 , is inserted into and slidably received by USB jack  442 , in such a fashion that spring-loaded cover  444  is moved out of the way and hinged internally. The size and height of USB jack  442  and spring-loaded cover  444  may be made to match a specific type of module; alternatively, they may be made to accommodate a variety of module sizes.  
      The wireless computer mouse apparatus  440  may communicate with the host PC via an integrated USB wireless adapter such that there is no need to install a separate wireless network in the host PC. USB module  446  and other USB-based devices may have an embedded or removable memory in the mouse apparatus to store, back-up, update, and synchronize data files.  
       FIG. 39  shows a mouse apparatus  450  incorporating a gas sensor unit  452  and its associated electronics.  
      Ventilation holes  454  permit airflow  453  to the gas sensor unit  452 . A low vibration fan may be incorporated within the mouse enclosure to assist airflow and ventilation through the mouse apparatus  450 . The ventilation holes  454  are so designed as to prevent the entry of insects or other pests into the unit. Gas sensor  452  may detect specific gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), CO2, methane, and the like. Such a mouse apparatus may find use in an industrial environment to prevent possible suffocation risk from inadvertently inhaling odorless, colorless, and flammable gases. Incorporation of gas sensor  452  within a mouse apparatus permits the user to be protected from site to site without the need for a stand alone gas detector unit. The functioning of the mouse, for example, the optical sensor, mousewheel, and buttons are unaffected by the operation of the gas sensor.  
      It should be understood that a smoke alarm or heat sensor with their associated electronics may also be embedded within a mouse apparatus. Such safety sensors and their associated electronics may obtain their power directly through the host PC USB cable connection or ideally, through a rechargable battery with sufficient capacity to operate for several weeks without a recharge occurring.  
       FIG. 40  shows a mouse apparatus  455  incorporating a dual cursor pointing device.  
      A Trackpoint device  456  is disposed between the right-click and left click buttons of the mouse apparatus. An optical sensor  458  (shown in hidden outline) is disposed on the bottom surface of the mouse apparatus  455 . A mousewheel  457  is located on the left side of the mouse and operated with the thumb for scrolling purposes. A push button may be incorporated within the mousewheel  457  as is the convention. The mousewheel  457  may function similarly to the wheel mouse typically found in a Logitech mouse.  
      It should be understood, that the Trackpoint device  456  may be assigned a separate function from the optical sensor  458 . For example, the Trackpoint device may be configured through the Control Panel within Windows XP to scroll the contents of a window. The use of both the Trackpoint device  456  and the optical sensor  458  as cursor pointing devices would enable the user to move the cursor great distances without lifting the mouse off the surface of the table or desk. The mouse apparatus  455  may be connected to the host PC via a wired or wireless connector. If the mouse apparatus is wired, it will typically receive power through the wired connection as is the convention.  
       FIG. 41  shows a computer mouse apparatus  462  on the top of a companion solar panel or array of solar cells  461  disposed within a mousepad  460 .  
      The computer mouse apparatus  462  may be a generic mouse or one specifically designed for low power use with the solar panel mousepad  460 . The larger solar panel area of the mousepad  460  may provide a higher power output for continuous mouse operation than the computer mouse apparatus  470  shown in  FIG. 42 .  
      A clear transparent or translucent polycarbonate material may be used to expose the solar cells  461  to solar energy. The top enclosure material may be finely patterned to permit the mouse sensor to detect mouse movement even when the sensor is an optical sensor. Such a pattern may include a criss-cross arrangement of fine frosted lines or dots incorporated within the top polycarbonate material.  
      The solar energy mousepad  460  may be available in a range of functionalities. In its most basic form, the mousepad  460  contains a solar panel  461  with the necessary electronic components to serve as a power supply or battery recharger (not shown). Such a power supply or battery recharger may function to recharge other devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, and the like through a suitable connector jack or cable adapter. It is expected that the mouse will receive power from the solar panel mousepad  460  through its USB connector plug  463  which is plugged into the USB jack  464  on the side or rear of the mousepad. A specific battery charger connector may also be used to recharge the mouse batteries.  
      The mousepad may communicate through a wireless-USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or similar wireless connection  467  to the host PC. A wireless-USB (UWB), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or similar wireless dongle  466  is connected to the host PC&#39;s mouse connector or USB connector to facilitate signal transfer from the mouse to the host PC with its wireless receiver chip  468 . Laptops or future PCs and wireless devices may have a built-in support for wireless-USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi and thus, may not require the use of a separate USB dongle  466 .  
      The mousepad may also include electronics to serve as an external USB hub with its associated downstream USB connection ports (not shown). Similarly, for wireless networks, such as mesh networks, the solar panel mousepad and its associated circuitry  465  may serve as a connection point or relay point to extend the range of wireless devices and networks.  
       FIG. 42  shows a mouse apparatus  470  powered by solar energy.  
      Disposed within the mouse enclosure, and accessible to solar energy through a translucent or transparent enclosure cover  472 , is a solar panel or array of solar cells  473 . The enclosure material  472  may be of a clear polycarbonate material to permit adequate access to solar radiation. The solar panel material may be of a rigid structure or a flexible structure. The solar cells  473  may be used to supplement the power needs of the mouse device and its additional components. For example, the solar cells may be used to recharge internal batteries for wired or wireless mouse operation. A booster circuit, DC to DC converter, and/or voltage regulators may be used to stabilize the voltage and operate the mouse electronics at a suitable voltage in a variety of lighting conditions.  
      The solar cells for the solar cell mouse apparatus  470  of  FIG. 42  and the solar cell mousepad  460  of  FIG. 41  may be made of a flexible material such as H-AS solar film panel or of the more rigid but common Polymorphous silicon.  
       FIG. 43  shows a mouse apparatus  480  with an integrated optical drive  482  disposed within the mouse enclosure, and accessible through the enclosure cover  484 .  
      The optical drive  482  typically reads data from a mini CD-ROM disc  485 . It should be understood that optical drive  482  may also write data to a smaller version of CD-R, CD-RW, and various DVD disc formats. Push button  483  is pressed to release enclosure cover  484  to permit easy insertion and removal of the optical disc  485 . The enclosure cover  484  is spring loaded and damped to gently lift it to an open position.  
      The optical drive  480  may be connected to a host PC or similar electronic device through a shared USB cable connection facilitated by the hub architecture of  FIG. 16  or  FIG. 28 . The mouse and the optical drive electronics receive their power through the USB powered connection.  
      A smaller 1- or 2-inch form factor disc  485  is used with the optical device. The technology may be based on CD-ROM or DVD disc including the newer standards such as HD-DVD, Blu-Ray Disc, or Iomega&#39;s AO-DVD . The functionality supported allows such smaller discs to be used for data storage, video games, music, movie recording and playback, or as a boot device or for installing software programs. Optional Buttons (not shown) located internal or external of the mouse apparatus may permit the user to stop, start the device, and allow the device to play, rewind, and fast forward through presentations, music, or movie content..  
      Turning now to  FIGS. 44   a  to  46   b.    
      It is not uncommon for a mouse apparatus and a keyboard apparatus to occasionally fail or become intermittent as a result of frequent and intense use of their associated mouse buttons and keyboard keys. This may result in putting too much stress on the miniature switch mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB) because of the continuous and heavy clicking and thus, may eventually damage the said switch. Accordingly, to prevent or minimize such an occurrence,  FIGS. 44   a  to  44   b,    57 - 58  incorporates several shock absorbing means to reduce and dampen stress on the miniature switch.  
       FIGS. 44   a - 44   b  are simplified partial cross sectional views of a computer mouse apparatus taken along lines  44 - 44  of  FIG. 1  showing a molded pressure absorbing spring  496 , which functions to reduce the stress on a miniature switch  490  caused, for example, by frequent heavy clicking of a user.  
      In  FIG. 44   a  the hand and the finger  498  of the user are shown in a disengaged position. Molded pressure absorbing spring  496  is integrated into the bottom of mouse button  104  (such as a left-click button) and rested on a miniature push button switch or microswitch  490 . Also shown are printed circuit board (PCB)  492  where the switch  490  is mounted, and portion of mouse enclosure  101 .  
       FIG. 44   b  shows a hand and finger  498  in an engaged position as the tip of finger  498  presses on mouse button  104 , as indicated by finger pressure direction arrow  494 . The stress caused by the continuous pressing down of mouse button  104  is borne by the molded pressure absorbing spring  496 . However, there is still enough force transmitted to the spring  496  such that to actuate miniature push button switch  490 .  
       FIGS. 45   a - 45   b  illustrate a fixedly pressure absorbing leaf spring  502 , a variation of the spring design as shown in  FIGS. 44   a - 44   b.    
       FIG. 45   a  shows a hand and finger  498  of the user in a disengaged position. The fixedly attached pressure absorbing leaf spring  502  is fixedly attached to the bottom of mouse button  500  as it rests on miniature push button switch  490 . The spring  502  may be of different material from the mouse button  500  as it could be metallic or plastic and ultrasonically welded. Just as in  FIGS. 44   a - 44   b,  the fixedly attached pressure absorbing spring  502  also functions to reduce the stress caused, for example, by frequent heavy clicking of a user.  
       FIG. 45   b  shows a hand and finger  498  in an engaged position as the tip of finger  498  presses on mouse button  104 , as indicated by finger pressure direction arrow  494 . As the leaf spring  502  bears the stress caused by a continuous pressing down of mouse button  500 , the leaf spring  502  still transmits enough force to actuate the switch  490 .  
       FIGS. 46   a - 46   b  illustrate a pressure absorbing compression spring  503 , a further variation of the spring designs as shown in  FIGS. 44   a - 45   b.    
      The hand and finger  498  of the user are shown in a disengaged position in  FIG. 46   a  with a pressure absorbing compression spring  503  in a rested position. The spring  503  may also utilize a traditional spring that may be compressed or stretched pressing one part against another to take in stress when finger  498  pushes down mouse button  504 .  
       FIG. 46   b  shows a hand and finger  498  in an engaged position as the tip of finger  498  pushes down on mouse button  504  and flattens the compression spring  503 , as indicated by finger pressure direction arrow  494 . The stress caused by the continuous pressing down of mouse button  504  is borne by the compressed spring  503 . However, there is still enough force transmitted to the spring  503  such that to actuate miniature push button switch  490 .  
      It should be understood that the various spring designs illustrated in  FIGS. 44   a - 46   b  can limit or reduce the amount of force applied to switch  490  and printed circuit board (PCB)  492  when the mouse button is pushed down continuously but the various spring designs can still apply enough force to easily actuate the switch  490 .  
       FIG. 47  shows a cursor velocity tabpage  520 , which is used to control the relationship between the velocity of the mouse movement and the velocity of the displayed cursor associated with the mouse movement.  
      Shown in tab page  520  is a two-dimensional graph  524  which maps the mouse&#39;s physical velocity (shown on the X axis  540  of  FIGS. 49-50 ) to the displayed cursor velocity (shown on the Y axis  541  of  FIGS. 49-50 ). The function of the graph and its control points is explained in more detail in  FIGS. 49-50 .  
      A mouse gestures settings button  526  is also indicated. Specific mouse gestures may be used to enable the display cursor if the mouse has been inactive for some time. Examples of mouse gestures include circular clockwise or counter-clockwise movements, zigzag movements, and sideways movements. This is helpful in environments where there is vibration or accidental movements of the mouse, and the user does not wish this accidental movements to move the display cursor.  
      The two-dimensional velocity graph is shown when radio button  521  is selected. If radio button  522  is selected, a more conventional one-dimensional slider velocity control appears (not shown). Any change to the settings of the cursor velocity tabpage  520  is effected by pressing the option buttons  528 .  
       FIG. 48  shows a simple flowchart process to control cursor velocity.  
      With each movement of the mouse, the optical, laser, or mechanical sensor that are associated with the mouse, measure the displacement of the motion sensor and make this data available to the host or target device. The software under the control of the host or target device interprets the mouse displacement, for example, the motion&#39;s velocity and direction  530 , and prepares to map this information to the display cursor  532  according to the settings of the cursor velocity tabpage. The mouse displacement data is then displayed as a cursor movement with a specific direction and an adjusted cursor velocity  534 .  
       FIGS. 49-50  show in detail the operation of the two-dimensional graph  524  of  FIG. 47 . The graph  524  permits the user to adjust how the speed of the physical mouse maps to the speed of the mouse cursor on the display device. A line or curve  542  is shown on the graph  524  as are curve control points  547 ,  548 ,  549 , each of which may be held and dragged up or down as indicated by direction arrows  545 ,  546 ,  551 ,  552  to change the shape of the curve  542  to  544 ,  543 ,  553 , or  554  respectively. The function of the curve control points  547 ,  548 ,  549  are similar to the function of the curve control points in the Duotone Curve dialog box available in Adobe Photoshop CS.  
      The default straight line shape shown in  FIG. 49  is consistent with the speed control function of a mouse available using the control panel in Windows XP. Two alternative curve shapes  553 ,  554 , are shown in  FIG. 50 . In the top curve  553 , a slow mouse speed results in exaggerated cursor speed movements in the same direction. Further increases in mouse speed results in a diminishing cursor speed response. In the bottom curve  554 , slow mouse speed results in slower cursor speed movements in the same direction. Further increasing mouse speed results in more exaggerated cursor speed response. Thus the user can customize cursor speed response as a function of various mouse speeds.  
      The curve  542  shape may be constrained to prevent a negative slope in the curve  542  as this may confuse some users of the velocity control graph  524 . Similarly, the left most point  547  of the curve  542  should not cross the Y axis  541  (the relative cursor velocity axis). Otherwise, it would imply the cursor should move when the mouse is stationary and there is no mouse velocity.  
      The left most point  547  may however, be placed on the X axis  540  (the relative mouse velocity axis) to imply that there is a certain threshold velocity necessary with the mouse in order for the display cursor to respond to the mouse movement. Although the controls in FIGS.  47 ,  49 - 50  are shown for a 2D mouse speed adjustment, it should be understood, that the same graph technique may be used to control mouse speed to display cursor velocity in a 3D environment. Similarly, although the control is directed towards cursor velocity, it will be available when a 2D or 3D object is moved in a program or game. Such a cursor velocity control may also be adapted for use with a Trackpoint™ device, a Trackball™ device, or a Touchpad™ device.  
      The following discussions are intended to provide a brief, general description of the computer apparatus architecture. Accordingly,  
       FIG. 51  shows a computer apparatus architecture typically associated with the mouse apparatus of  FIGS. 17-25  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
      The mouse apparatus architecture, permits the mouse to act as a network device in any wired or wireless network or USB connections. The computer mouse apparatus of  FIG. 51  includes a processor  562  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the mouse apparatus; this processor  562  is typically a low power consumption processor, or a system-on-a-chip design. The mouse apparatus stores different kinds of data such as audio, media, documents, and the like in a mini hard drive  564 , cache  566 , or RAM  572 . The mini hard drive  564  is, typically, a small storage disk fitting within the form factor of a mouse apparatus. The mini hard drive  564  typically provides a data storage capability for the mouse apparatus and a back-up storage for other devices. However, since the access time to the mini hard drive  564  is relatively slow, the mouse apparatus may also include cache memory  566 . The relative access time to the cache  566  is substantially shorter than for the mini hard drive  564 . However, the cache  566  does not have the large storage capacity of the mini hard drive  564 . Furthermore, the mini hard drive  564 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  566 . The power consumption is particularly important when the mouse apparatus is a stand alone mouse that is powered by a battery (not shown). The mouse apparatus also includes random-access memory (RAM)  572 , and read-only memory (ROM)  570 . The ROM  570  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  572  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  566 .  
      The mouse apparatus also includes a number of user input device(s)  568  such as a mousewheel, keypad, left-click and right-click buttons, touchpad input, Trackpoint device, and the like that allows a user to interact with the mouse apparatus.  
      Still further, the mouse apparatus includes a display  571  (for example an LCD display) that can be controlled by the processor  562  to display the output and information to the user. A system bus  578  facilitates data transfer between at least mini hard drive  564 , cache  566 , processor  562 , and CODEC  569 . The mouse apparatus also includes a serial bus interface  573  that couples to a data link  576  (for example, a USB connection). The data link  576  allows the mouse apparatus to couple to a host device and the mouse apparatus will be submissive to that host device and if the mouse apparatus detects that there are no host devices nearby the mouse apparatus may serve as the host device itself. The audio CODEC  569  produces analog output signals for a speaker  567 . The speaker  567  can be a speaker internal or external to the mouse apparatus.  
       FIG. 52  shows one use of a mouse apparatus with added functionality.  
      A PABX branch exchange telephone system  580  is shown in an office environment setting. Incoming calls are routed to an extension telephone unit  581  through a wired connection  582 . However, if the recipient of the call is not present in their office (or does not wish to be disturbed), a message waiting indicator  586  or voicemail waiting indicator may be shown on the mouse apparatus  584 . Messages can be transmitted to the mouse using a wired or wireless connection  583 . The mouse apparatus may have additional buttons and lamps  588  to cancel or scroll through call data or to reset the indicator display.  
      With the added functionality and processing capability of the mouse, keyboard, and PC headset apparatus depicted herein, it is desirable to network or assign the apparatus output to a specific device through a wired or wireless connection. Accordingly,  
       FIGS. 53   a  and  53   b  show a partial view of a network mouse apparatus  590  assigned to input data to a specific device.  
      The network mouse apparatus  590  may be connected to a network device, a host PC, or a peripheral device using a suitable wired connector or wireless communications standard such as Wi-Fi. The network mouse apparatus  590  includes a power supply, a right-click button and left click button  595 , a mousewheel  594  with its associated button (located beneath the mousewheel and not shown), an optical sensor (not shown) located at the bottom on the network mouse apparatus  590  for providing mouse displacement information, and an LCD display  592  or low power display accessible to the user with a form factor suitable for use on a mouse apparatus. Electronics circuitry to support the mouse function and electronics and software to permit the network mouse apparatus  590  to interface with suitably configured network devices such as PCs and servers are self-contained within the mouse enclosure.  
      In  FIG. 53   a,  the network mouse apparatus  590  is assigned to PC 1  as indicated in display  592  by direction arrow  596 . To change the target device for the mouse&#39;s displacement data, the user accesses the change target function of the network mouse (not shown) and using the mousewheel  594 , scrolls down to the next target device, for example, PC 2  as indicated in  FIG. 53   b  by direction arrow  597 . To change the target device, the user has only to enter the new device on the mouse using a left-click on button  595 . After the target device for the network mouse is changed from PC 1  to PC 2 , the mouse movement or displacement data from the network mouse apparatus moves the cursor display associated with PC 2 , not PC 1 .  
      It should be understood, that a network keyboard apparatus may also be assigned to input data to a specific device either on a network or through a direct connection. Similarly, both the network mouse apparatus and the network keyboard apparatus may be assigned to a single target device simultaneously for convenient, fast access.  
      The display  592  of the network mouse apparatus  590  may show a list of target devices accessible or assignable to the network mouse&#39;s data output including its displacement data output. As detailed in  FIG. 53 , the mouse display  592  enables the network mouse apparatus to access key functions within a target device such as to move the cursor associated with the target device, or to control various functions on the device through the interface or GUI menu displayed.  
       FIG. 54  illustrates a typical operating environment for a network mouse apparatus  601 ,  602 .  
      Network mouse apparatus  601  is a wireless device, such as a wireless-USB device, while network mouse apparatus  602  has a wired connection to a network or a second device. Other devices on the representative network  600  include PC  603 , server PC  604 , printer  608 , laptop PC  607 , optical or magnetic storage device  606 , and a TV or LCD display  605 .  
      A network mouse apparatus may connect to different devices directly, or via a network connection. Such connections may be enabled through a variety of wired or wireless standards and protocols such as USB, Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wireless-USB, and the like.  
      Administrative permissions may be required to enable a device to accept input or displacement data from the network mouse apparatus  601 ,  602 , either through a direct connection or through a network connection, be it wired or wireless. Such administrative access settings, permissions, and security restrictions or firewalls are typically on the target device side but may also be implemented on the network mouse apparatus. For example, the mouse may have the ability to exercise administrative control over one or more devices on a wired or wireless network. The network mouse apparatus and the target device to which it directs its displacement data will have the necessary software, hardware, and drivers to communicate and exchange data in a seamless but secure environment once configured.  
       FIG. 55  shows a Trackpoint settings tabpage  610  associated with a Trackpoint device if present on a mouse apparatus, for example, mouse apparatus  455  of  FIG. 40 .  
      The Trackpoint device possesses properties and characteristics that are different from the optical sensor typically located at the bottom of the mouse apparatus  455  of  FIG. 40 . Thus, both the optical sensor and the Trackpoint device need to be calibrated separately and with respect to each other. For example, the pressure exerted by the index finger on the Trackpoint device may make the display cursor skew in a direction different from that of the optical sensor. Control  611  permits the user to rotate the Trackpoint device cursor direction relative to the optical sensor so that both sensors move the displayed cursor in a similar intended direction for a specific user.  
      Similarly, there are Trackpoint pressure sensitivity controls  627 ,  628  for the left-right and up-down pressure, respectively, exerted on the Trackpoint device by the index finger of the user. A threshold pressure level may be set with control  629  which will not move the display cursor if the pressure is below such a threshold. This control  629  is especially useful if the user rests his or her finger on the trackpoint device during normal mouse operation.  
      The Trackpoint device controls may also be effected graphically using the circular graphical control  612 . For example, control  615  will rotate the direction of the displayed cursor travel when pressure is applied to the Trackpoint device. The square control point is held and dragged with a cursor similar to the circular control points shown in  FIGS. 49-50 . The user should notice the changes to their cursor characteristics in essentially real time. Changes to any settings are effected by pressing button  609 .  
      Similarly, square control points  613  adjust the direction angle of pressure exerted on the Trackpoint device that results in a left-right scroll operation. Square control points  614  adjust the direction angle of pressure exerted on the Trackpoint device that results in a up-down scroll operation. As square control points  613 ,  614  are held and dragged, the angle shown graphically by the dotted pattern  618  expands or contracts for the respective square control point. The empty space  616 , if present, will result in a no scroll action if pressure is exerting on the Trackpoint device in such a direction.  
      It should be noted that a generic strain gauge with its associated control algorithm may be used in lieu of the Trackpoint device and similar generic substitutions may be made in relation to the Touchpad device and other branded and trademarked devices.  
       FIG. 56  illustrates a sensor function tabpage  620 .  
      The sensor function tabpage  620  assigns the function of each of the dual sensors on the mouse apparatus. For example, the bottom optical sensor, when displaced, may function to scroll a window&#39;s contents or as a cursor pointing device. Such setting are made with radio buttons  621 . Checkboxes  622 ,  625  permit the scroll bar movement to be limited to the up-down or left-right direction if desired. A threshold level sensitivity control  623  may be used to limit cursor movement if vibration is present such as in an industrial setting or when traveling. The top pressure sensor or Trackpoint™ device, for example, as depicted in  FIG. 40 , may be used as an additional cursor pointing device, a scroll bar control or both depending on whether the bottom cursor is detecting movement or a stationary mouse. Such setting are made with radio buttons  624 . Changes to any settings are effected by pressing buttons  626 .  
       FIG. 57  illustrates a top view of a cantilevered printed circuit board (PCB)  508  which serves as a pressure absorbing means, a variation of the pressure absorbing spring designs as shown in  FIGS. 44   a - 46   b.    
      The cantilevered printed circuit board (PCB)  508  is partly mounted to the bottom of mouse enclosure  505  with two cut-out portion  507  to separate the two mouse buttons. Also shown are two copper wire conductor  506 , each one composed of two wires or conductors that serve as contact points. The wires are somewhat curved to reduce stress and cracking the wire when the printed circuit board (PCB)  508  is bent as a result of pushing down mouse button  509 .  
       FIG. 58  is a cross sectional view of the mouse apparatus shown in  FIG. 57  and a variation of the cross sectional views of  FIGS. 44   a - 46   b.    
      In  FIG. 58 , a hand and finger  498  are shown in a disengaged position as mouse button  509  rests on miniature push button switch or microswitch  490 . The cantilevered printed circuit board (PCB)  508  flexes when pressure is applied on mouse button  509 , for example, during continuous clicking by a user. The flexing action of the cantilevered PCB  508  reduces the amount of stress exerted to the switch  490  as the cantilevered PCB  508  moves down to its PCB flex position  512  as indicated by flexing direction arrow  510 . As the cantilevered PCB  508  reduces the force applied to the switch  490 , there is still enough force applied to easily actuate switch  490 .  
       FIGS. 59   a  and  59   b  show bottom views of a mouse apparatus  650  with a built-in charger unit and a retractable wall plug  654  at its bottom.  
      The wall plug  654  is housed in a wall plug cavity  652  located at the bottom of the mouse unit near the mouse displacement sensor  658  (typically an optical sensor). The wall plug&#39;s metallic prongs  656  are normally recessed within the mouse enclosure  650  and wall plug cavity  652  and do not touch the surface on which the mouse operates. When the unit requires charging, an indicator light (not shown) on the top surface of the mouse apparatus may indicate a low power condition. The mouse apparatus is charged by rotating the wall plug  654  essentially 90 degrees outward and pushing the wall plug&#39;s metallic prongs  656  into a power receptacle. Once fully charged, the mouse apparatus may be removed from the power receptacle and the wall plug retracted to its original stored position. An indicator lamp may indicate a fully charged condition. It should be understood that the mouse apparatus and its internal rechargeable batteries may be charged over a range of voltages, for example, from 110-220 volts, and may also be used to operate some of the devices on the mouse apparatus with relatively higher power consumption.  
       FIG. 60  shows a mouse apparatus architecture when the additional device is in a RAID system of mini hard drives.  
      A redundant array of independent (or inexpensive) disks (RAID) system components include at least two hard drives  666 ,  668  within the mouse apparatus enclosure  660 . The hard drives  666 ,  668  are typically mini hard drives with performance suitable for use within a RAID system for faster read/write times or mirroring of data to both hard drives. The hard drives  666 ,  668  are connected to the controller chip  664  which interfaces with the serial interface  662  to connect ultimately with the target device or host PC. The mouse architecture (not shown) also interfaces with the serial interface to share a common path to the target device or host PC.  
      It should be understood that with the rapid developments of wireless device technology, each device may have an independent wireless path or channel to the target device or host. In this arrangement, the bandwidth need not have to be shared among all the devices. For example, the mouse specific data may be communicated via a USB cable which also supplies power to all devices within the mouse enclosure  660 . However, the RAID data may be received and transmitted wirelessly using a wireless adapter (not shown) integrated within the enclosure.  
      When multiple devices are networked or share a common wired or wireless bus connection, the mouse specific functions, within the mouse apparatus, may be given priority or additional bandwidth when the mouse is being used to increase its performance. When a mouse is used on a desktop PC, it is often connected directly to a USB port rather than through a hub to improve performance.  
      As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms and variations without departing from the essential characteristics and true spirit thereof. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the following claims.