Patent ID: 7002550

Claim:
A data input device, comprising: a first detection means for detecting object proximity to a first position on the device, the first detection means including a first source means for emitting electromagnetic energy and a first receptor means for generating an output in response to electromagnetic energy; a second detection means for detecting object proximity to a second position on the device, the second detection means including a second source means for emitting electromagnetic energy and a second receptor means for generating an output in response to electromagnetic energy; and control means for selectively activating the first and the second source means, sampling outputs of the first and the second receptor means, storing indicators for sampled outputs, comparing sets of indicators stored during intervals when the first and the second source means are deactivated with sets of indicators stored during intervals when the first and second source means are activated, and recognizing an object-near condition only if the comparisons of sets stored while the first and second source means are deactivated with sets stored while the first and second source means are activated identify triggering levels of difference between the compared sets.