Remote control with multiple pointing devices in different planes

摘要

A remote control device includes first and second pointing devices, wherein each pointing device is provided in a different plane, for the provision of flexible and ergonomic user commands. The first pointing device may be provided on an upper surface of a remote control housing (in a first plane) while the second pointing device may be provided on a lower surface of the remote control housing (in a second plane). In this configuration, a user's thumb may engage the first pointing device which the user's finger engages the second pointing device. Combinations of thumb and finger movement are detected through the pointing devices and interpreted to generate remote control signals.

主权项

1. A remote control for combination input using two fingers, the remote control comprising:
a first optical navigation device having a first optical sensor and a first mechanical sensor, wherein the first optical sensor operates to generate, in response to one of the two fingers, a first proximity signal and the first mechanical sensor operates to generate, in response to the one of the two fingers, a first actuation signal; a second optical navigation device having a second optical sensor and a second mechanical sensor, wherein the second optical sensor operates to generate, in response to another of the two fingers, a second proximity signal and the second mechanical sensor operates to generate, in response to the another of the two fingers, a second actuation signal; and a transmitter operable to transmit a combination of the first proximity signal, the first actuation signal, the second proximity signal, and the second actuation signal.