WO1992014231A1

WO1992014231A1 - Wireless input device with selectable channel settings

Info

Publication number: WO1992014231A1
Application number: PCT/US1992/000864
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert A. Stillman, Jr.; Dan Erlin; Glen W. Gibson
Original assignee: Forte Communications, Inc.
Priority date: 1991-02-04
Filing date: 1992-01-31
Publication date: 1992-08-20
Also published as: AU1422292A

Abstract

A trackball device (10) is disclosed herein which outputs an infrared signal (12) and which is settable by the user to transmit a particular one of a plurality of channel codes within the infrared signal along with any control information. A compatible receiver (11) is also settable by the user to recognize the particular channel code outputted by the trackball (10) device. If the received code is recognized by the receiver (11), the receiver processes any additional control information contained in the transmitted infrared signal (12) so as to control a computer or other controllable device coupled to an output of the receiver.

Description

WIRELESS INPUT DEVICE WITH SELECTABLE CHANNEL SETTINGS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to wireless input devices and, in particular, to a wireless input device for use in controlling a personal computer or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wireless mice for controlling personal computers or other types of controllable apparatus are well known. One such mouse communicates with a compatible remote receiver via radio frequencies (RF) or an infrared beam. In these types of wireless mice, a mouse of a particular model which communicates with an associated compatible receiver may also freely communicate with other identical receivers coupled to other personal computers or the like. In other words, a conventional wireless mouse of a particular model is interchangeable with other mice of the same model. This is advantageous for the manufacturer, since the manufacturer can pair up any mouse of a certain model with any compatible model receiver. This may also be advantageous for the user, since only a single wireless mouse may be used to communicate with a number of different personal computers, each connected to a separate compatible receiver.

However, in some cases it may not be desirable for the output signal of a single mouse to control two or more personal computers, each connected to a separate receiver. For example, if two receivers are proximate to each other and the output radiation of the mouse is simultaneously received by both receivers, both personal computers will be controlled even if the user's intent is to only control a single computer. Further, it may be desirable that a particular computer only be controlled by an authorized user with a certain model mouse. With conventional wireless mice, there is no means provided by the mouse to prevent unauthorized personnel from controlling the computer with a similar model mouse.

Thus, a need arises for a wireless input device which can be made selectively compatible with only a particular single receiver.

It is known to provide a wireless mouse which communicates with a receiver via RF and, wherein, to avoid interference with other RF signals, the carrier frequency of the mouse is selectable by the user. A significant drawback of this type of wireless mouse is that the device's RF transmitter inherently generates a wide beam of RF energy which may unintentionally affect other receivers in the same room, or in a separate room, which are also tuned to receive the carrier frequency outputted by the mouse. Further, an unauthorized person can easily intentionally or unintentionally tune an RF type mouse of the same model to communicate with any compatible receiver set to receive a particular frequency due to the limited selection of carrier frequencies available. Thus, these tunable RF type mice offer little security against unauthorized control of an associated computer. Still further, it is well known that, to generate the required RF energy, a relatively large amount of energy is drawn from the batteries contained within the wireless mouse, and the hardware necessary to generate and receive such RF energy is generally more expensive than hardware require to generate and receive an equivalent range infrared signal. Thus, as seen, the existing RF type wireless mice have numerous drawbacks.

Additionally, a mouse must be moved across the surface of a table or a pad in order to rotate a ball within the mouse. This may be inconvenient for a user if sufficient table space is not available or if the user would rather sit or stand away from a table when controlling a computer by remote control.

Thus, what is needed is a wireless input device which does not require a table or pad to operate, which can be selectable by the user to control a particular computer or controllable device, and which does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An input device is disclosed herein which outputs an infrared signal and which is settable by the user to transmit a particular one of a plurality of channel codes within the infrared signal along with any control information. A compatible receiver is also settable by the user to only recognize the particular channel code outputted by the input device. If the received code is recognized by the receiver, the receiver processes any additional control information contained in the transmitted infrared signal so as to control a computer or other controllable device coupled to an output of the receiver. Numerous advantages are provided by encoding a channel setting in the infrared signal itself. One such advantage is that extremely simple circuitry may be used to transmit and receive an infrared signal and to encode and decode the channel setting. Another advantage is the ability to set a relatively complex security code by means of a DIP switch, or other suitable switch, which would render it extremely difficult for an unauthorized user to control any system connected to a receiver set to recognize only the selected security code. Thus, an inexpensive wireless input device, such as a mouse or a trackball, having selectable channel settings may be used in environments where receivers may be proximate to one another or where only authorized control of a computer is desired. Numerous other applications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure. Further, if the wireless input device is in the form of a trackball, the user may operate the computer by remote control without requiring a table or a pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wireless input device and a receiver in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a channel selection switch located on a back surface of the input device. Fig. 3 shows a sample packet of digital information outputted by the device of Fig. 1 which contains a channel code.

Fig. 4a illustrates one embodiment of a transmitter circuit, including a channel selection switch, which may be incorporated in the input device of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4b illustrates one embodiment of a circuit which may convert rotation of a trackball into pulsed electrical signals.

Fig. 4c illustrates one embodiment of a power supply circuit which may be used to supply power to the circuitry of Figs. 4a and 4b.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an infrared receiver and channel selection switch which may be incorporated in the receiver of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the general operation of the input device and receiver of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a wireless trackball 10 and receiver 11 in accordance with the invention. Trackball 10 contains infrared transmission circuitry which outputs modulated infrared radiation 12 containing information in digital form. The particular information contained in infrared radiation 12 is determined by either manual rotation of ball 14 or actuating push-button switches 16-23. Ball 14 may be rotated within its socket to remotely control the position of a cursor on computer screen 24 controlled by computer 26.

Depression of switches 16-23 may, if desired, control circuitry within trackball 10 to transmit a preselected packet of information via infrared radiation 12 for controlling computer 26 to carry out simple or complex functions, such as ENTER, STORE, and other commonly used functions. Infrared radiation 12 is received by receiver 11 through window 28. Receiver 11 contains a photosensitive element to convert infrared radiation 12 into electrical signals to be further processed by receiver 11.

The specific information contained within modulated infrared radiation 12 and the circuitry for transmitting and processing this information is described in greater detail in subsequent figures.

In order to overcome the various drawbacks of prior art wireless input devices and to achieve various advantages over the prior art, receiver 11 and trackball 10 are equipped with a channel selecting means, such as selectable switch 30, mounted on the front panel of receiver 11. Trackball 10 has a similar type of selectable switch 34 located on its underside, seen with respect to Fig. 2, which when set to the same channel setting as receiver switch 30 would enable trackball 10 to communicate with receiver 11 so as to control computer 26. The channel selecting means may comprise two or more switches, such as switches 34 and 36 in Fig. 2, so that the combination of settings on the switches may represent one of a high number of selectable channels. Such a channel selecting means may be used to select a channel code which is not easily selected by experimentation by one who is not authorized to communicate with computer 26. Receiver 11 would have channel selecting means similar to that incorporated in trackball 10. Such a channel selecting means may also be a non-rotable switch, such as a DIP type switch.

In a preferred embodiment, the channel selected by switch 34 causes a unique digital code to be transmitted by trackball 10 within a bit stream such as that shown in Fig. 3. In the preferred embodiment, asynchronous transmission utilizing start and stop bits is used, including horizontal error correction correlation (e.g. , parity bits) . Numerous other transmission schemes will be apparent to those of skill in the art which may be used to transmit the bit stream of Fig. 3 via an infrared beam. Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a packet of information to be transmitted containing a fixed number of bits—in this example, 22 bits. Bits 03-06 (4 bits) uniquely convey one of 16 channel settings selected using 16-position rotable switch 34. The information remaining in the packet contains the information necessary to control computer 26 in the desired manner. The packet also contains parity bits and other appropriate information to ensure the reliable transmission of information.

In one embodiment, receiver 11, upon receiving the entire 22 bit packet, first reviews the information, including parity bits, to ensure the information has been accurately transmitted. Well known error correction coding may also be used. Receiver 11 then reviews channel code bits 03-06 to determine whether these bits conform to the channel setting of switch 30 mounted on receiver 11. If bits 03-06 correctly match the channel setting of switch 30, the control information contained in the packet is further processed by receiver 11 to be compatible with the particular input/output protocol of computer 26 and supplied to the suitable input ports of computer 26 to appropriately control computer 26. Protocols for controlling personal computers are well known in the art. Examples of such protocols are a Microsoft protocol, a Mouse Systems protocol, and a Native protocol.

The various remaining bits in the packet of Fig. 3 will now be described. Bit 01 signals a beginning of an 8-bit octet of information, which enables asynchronous transmission of the bits which follow. Bit 02 indicates the start of a first octet of a packet of information. Bits 03-06 convey channel selection information previously discussed. Bits 07 and 08 define the packet data type so that the receiver will know the type of information contained in the data bits 13-20. Bit 09 contains a parity bit, which is dependent upon the states of bits 02- 08 and provides some indication as to whether the bits were accurately received. Bit 10 contains a stop octet bit necessary for asynchronous transmission. Bit 11 contains a start octet bit similar to bit 01. Bit 12 indicates a second octet or continuation of the packet is being transmitted. Bits 13-20 are data bits providing the control information for computer 26. Bit 21 contains a parity bit for the second octet of information. And, bit 22 contains a stop octet bit necessary for asynchronous transmission. As will be apparent, the format and content of the information transmitted by trackball 10 may take any suitable form depending upon the particular requirements and the hardware used to implement trackball 10 and receiver 11. Further details of the circuitry incorporated in trackball 10 and receiver 11 is shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the infrared transmitter circuitry housed within trackball 10.

In Fig. 4a, microprocessor 40 is programmed so as to receive and process input signals from switches 42

(corresponding to switches 16-23 in Fig. 1) , trackball X-Y movement circuitry (connected to lines 44) , and channel selecting switch 46, and to receive and process other, more generic, input signals, such as reset and clock signals. In the preferred embodiment, microprocessor 40 is a model 8051PLCC microprocessor available from Advanced Micro Devices and other manufacturers. Preferably, microprocessor 40 contains program memory so as not to require an external ROM. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to program microprocessor 40 given the below functional description of the circuitry of Fig. 4 to carry out the desired functions.

Each of switches 42 is connected to a designated port P1.0-P1.7 of microprocessor 40. Microprocessor 40 may be programmed to output a set of signals on data output line 50 in response to the actuation of any of switches 42. These signals on data line 50 may then cause trackball 10 to output control signals for causing computer 26 to carry out simple or complex commands. Such commands may be for selecting a specific menu, opening or closing files, or the like. The more easily accessible switches 42, corresponding to switches 21, 22, and 23 in Fig. 1, may control more simple and more frequently used commands, such as an ENTER command or a drag cursor command. One of ordinary skill in these art will know what data is needed to be generated by trackball 10 and received by computer 26 in order for computer 26 to carry out various commands. Other control signals outputted by microprocessor 40 on data line 50 may correspond to the movement of ball 14 of Fig. 1 as it is rotated in its socket. In the preferred embodiment, pulsed signals are generated by the rotation of ball 14 with respect to its socket, wherein these pulsed signals are generated using conventional optical encoder disks which are frictionally coupled to ball 14 so as to rotate along with ball 14. Such an optical encoder disk mechanism may be similar to those described in U.S. Patents Re.32,632; 4,562,347; 4,538,476; 4,404,865; 4,939,508; 4,933,670; 4,505,165; 4,493,992; all incorporated herein by reference.

Such optical encoder disks are arranged at approximately 90° relative to one another for indicating X and Y coordinate movement of ball 14. Two light emitting diodes (LEDs) , such as LEDs 54 and 55 in Fig. 4b, are located on one side of an encoder disk, while corresponding photodetectors, such as photodetectors 56 and 57 in Fig. 4b, are located on the other side of the disk. As an aperture of the rotating encoder disk allows light to impinge upon a photodetector, a pulse is generated by the photodetector. The positions of LEDs 54 and 55 with respect to each other enable microprocessor 40 to determine in which direction the encoder disk is rotating by detecting which LED is blocked first by an opaque portion of the rotating encoder disk. In Fig. 4b, the signal generated by photodetector 56 is designated as an X+ signal, while the signal generated by photodetector 57 is designated as an X- signal. Also in Fig. 4b, the signal generated by the coaction of LED 60 and photodetector 61 is designated as a Y+ signal, while the signal generated by the coaction of LED 62 and photodetector 63 is designated as a Y- signal.

The pulsed outputs of photodetectors 56, 57, 61, and 63 are amplified and inverted by inverters 66, and the outputs of inverters 66 are applied to the appropriate inputs of microprocessor 40. Microprocessor 40 converts the various generated X and Y pulses into signals on data line 50 for transmission by trackball 10 to receiver 11. Such signals may be for controlling a cursor on screen 24 of the computer 26, or for any other control function. In order to insert a code in the bit stream on data line 50 which indicates an output channel selected by the user, microprocessor 40 is programmed to read the states of the four output terminals of channel selector switch 46, having sixteen positions, and insert a code corresponding to these states in the bit stream on data line 50. Thus, a different four bit code would be generated by switch 46 and microprocessor 40 for each of the sixteen possible channels, and this four bit code would be effectively included in bits 03-06 of the bit stream of Fig. 3.

In one embodiment, channel selector switch 46 is a model ROTSW rotary switch available from Alps Electric Corp.

If a greater number of possible channels is desired for use as a security code or for other reasons, switch 46 may be substituted by a switch or combination of switches having a larger number of possible channel selection positions (greater than four bits) . The channel setting would then be encoded into the appropriate number of bits in the bit stream illustrated in Fig. 3.

The serial data outputted on line 50 from microprocessor 40 is applied to an appropriate input of a conventional programmable logic array (PLA) device 70 shown in Fig. 4a. In the preferred embodiment, PLA 70 is a 16V8 programmable logic array by Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. PLA 70 has applied to its input terminals a variety of signals, wherein PLA 70 is programmed to combine the input signals in a particular manner and provide output signals on lines 72.

The particular signal on output line 74 of PLA 70 contains the information to be transmitted by trackball 10. Output line 74 is applied to the infrared LED drive circuitry 78, shown in Fig. 4a, to control LEDs 80 and 81 to output a modulated infrared signal corresponding to the signal on output line 74.

In the preferred embodiment, channel and control data on line 50 is modulated within PLA 70 by the output of oscillator 84 in Fig. 4a. The frequency of oscillator 84 is controlled by the value of capacitor 86 to be about 40kHz. In the preferred embodiment, oscillator 84 is a model 4060 oscillator manufactured by Motorola, Inc. Logic gate 88, shown in Fig. 4a, detects the actuation of any of switches 42 and applies an output signal to PLA 70. As a power saving feature, PLA 70 detects the output of logic gate 88 and provides a wake up signal on line 90 to the various other circuits to cause these other circuits to power up. Similarly, the X+ and Y+ signals from the ball 14 movement encoder circuitry of Fig. 4b are also applied to an input of PLA 70 to indicate movement of ball 14. If movement of ball 14 is detected, PLA 70 applies the wake up signal on line 90. An ENRESET signal is generated by microprocessor 40 and applied to an input of PLA 70 after an appropriate time as a power down signal to conserve battery energy after a period of non- use.

Debouncing circuitry 92 is shown connected to the outputs of switches 42 to prevent multiple signals being generated by a single actuation of switches 42. Clock generating circuit 94 provides clock signals to the clock input ports of microprocessor 40.

Power-up reset circuitry 96 contains components which generate a delayed reset signal on line 97 to reset microprocessor 40 after the power supply voltage generated by voltage supply 100 in Fig. 4c has had time to stabilize. Reset line 97 is applied to an input of PLA 70 which, in turn, provides a RESET OUT signal on line 98 to reset microprocessor 40.

Voltage supply 100 in Fig. 4c, including 5 volt power regulator 102, converts battery 104 voltage into +5 volts to supply power to all circuitry requiring 5 volts. A control (CLT) signal is generated by microprocessor 40 to power up regulator 102 or place regulator 102 in a sleep mode to save battery energy. In the preferred embodiment, regulator 102 is a model MAX 655 by Maxim Corp.

To prevent unintentional transmissions by trackball 10, microprocessor outputs an oscillator reset signal on line 106 to disable oscillator 84 until data is to be transmitted. This reset signal on line 106 is also applied to an input of PLA 70 to prevent any stray signals being unintentionally outputted on output line 74.

Receiver 11 in Fig. l includes circuitry shown in Fig. 5. Receiver 11 is controlled by microprocessor 110 which, in the preferred embodiment, is a model 8051PLCC identical to microprocessor 40 in Fig. 4a. Microprocessor 110 has selected input terminals coupled to the output of channel selector switch 112. In the preferred embodiment, switch 112 is identical to switch 46 in Fig. 4a. The 4-bit output of switch 112, defining the channel setting of switch 112, is read by microprocessor 110 and compared to the channel code bits of the bit stream transmitted by trackball 10. If the channel codes match, microprocessor 110 then further processes the received data so as to convert the control data into a format which is understood by computer 26. This control data is then supplied to computer 26 via a standard RS232 type connector coupled to header 113 in Fig. 5.

In Fig. 5, infrared photosensor 114, such as a model GP1U521 photosensor from Sharp, Inc., receives the infrared signal 12 from trackball 10 through window 28 in Fig. 1. The output of photosensor 114 is applied to the appropriate input ports of microprocessor 110 so that microprocessor 110 can process the incoming signal.

Voltage level circuitry 116, shown in Fig. 5, comprises a voltage ladder network which causes signals received from computer 26 to be of a proper voltage level. Circuitry 116 rectifies three voltage signals received from computer 26 via header 113 so as to provide a positive DC voltage and a negative DC voltage. Voltage regulator 118 receives the positive DC voltage from circuitry 116 and generates the required +5 voltage levels to power the circuitry in Fig. 5. In a preferred embodiment, regulator 118 is a model 78L05 by National Semiconductor Corp.

The positive and negative voltages provided by circuitry 116 are also applied to terminals of transmitter 120 to enable transmitter 120 to output signals to computer 26 which are of the proper voltage levels.

Serial output data is provided by microprocessor 110 to transmitter 120, which may be a 14C88 type RS232 transmitter by National Semiconductor Corp. The output of transmitter 120 is applied to the appropriate pin of header 113. The required output format and signal levels of the signals provided to computer 26 via header 113 are standardized and are well known to those skill in the art. Such a standard may be a Microsoft protocol. Computer 26 would be programmed to accept such a Microsoft protocol outputted by receiver 11 via a microdiskette or other such programming means.

Received data from computer 26 via header 113 is applied to the input of receiver 122, which may be a 14C89 type RS232 receiver by National Semiconductor Corp. An inverted output of receiver 122 is applied to the appropriate input port of microprocessor 110.

LED 124, connected between a voltage supply and an appropriate port of microprocessor 110, provides acknowledgment to the user that an input signal from trackball 10 has been received and is being transmitted to computer 26.

Additional circuitry may be included as needed for noise immunity on the various power lines. Microprocessor 40 and 110 may be programmed by one or ordinary skill in the art to carry out the desired functions. This type of program may be a modified version of programs used in prior art mice and associated receivers. The flow chart of Fig. 6. illustrates the various processes carried out by trackball 10 and receiver 11.

In step 1 of the flow chart of Fig. 8, the circuitry of trackball 10 detects movement of ball 14 or activation of any of switches 42 in Fig. 4a and powers up the required transmitter circuitry.

In step 2, microprocessor 40 reads channel selection data from switch 46 of Fig. 4a, processes either X-Y control data or control data associated with the actuation of switches 42, and generates a raw serial data stream on data line 50 containing channel selection data and control data.

In step 3, this raw serial data is modulated by oscillator 84 and applied to the infrared output circuitry 78 of trackball 10.

In step 4, the data from the transmitted infrared signal is received and processed by receiver 11 and is temporarily stored while the data is reviewed for accuracy by, for example, checking parity bits.

In step 5, the transmitted channel selection data is compared with the receiver channel selection data to determine if the channel selector on receiver 11 is set to the same channel as the channel selector on trackball 10. In step 6, if there is a match between the channel selection data, the transmitted data is further processed and is forwarded to computer 26. If the channel selection data does not match, the received data is ignored and not applied to computer 26.

In the preferred embodiment, both receiver and transmitter programs are programmed into microprocessor 40 and 110 for simplicity, and a single input bit into either transmitter microprocessor 40 or receiver microprocessor 110 is set to access either the transmitter or the receiver program.

Trackball 10 contains mechanism and circuitry which can easily be modify to configure trackball 10 as a mouse. Thus, a wireless trackball has been disclosed which does not require the device to be moved along a surface, in contrast to a wireless mouse. Thus, the user is free to stand or sit back while operating a remote computer, and even conveniently operate multiple remote computers. Further, an improved wireless mouse or trackball input device and receiver have been disclosed, wherein channel selection data is encoded in the output signal of the mouse or trackball device and compared with receiver channel selection data.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broadest aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A wireless trackball device comprising: a transmitter having one or more input terminals for receiving electrical signals and having an putput for outputting an infrared signal based upon said electrical signals; a controller means for receiving and processing signals generated pursuant to a user manually rotating a ball protruding through a top surface of said trackball device, said ball sufficiently protruding through said top surface when said top surface is facing away from a center of gravity so as to be easily rotated by said user's thumb or one or more fingers, an output of said controller means being coupled to one or more of said input terminals of said transmitter; and a first channel selection means coupled to one or more of said input terminals of said transmitter, wherein a channel setting of said first channel selection means is encoded into a data stream outputted by said transmitter for being decoded by a receiver.

2. The input device of Claim 1 wherein said data stream includes said channel setting in conjunction with other information signals generated by said trackball device.

3. The input device of Claim 2 wherein said other information signals are those generated for controlling a computer connected to a receiver for receiving an infrared signal outputted by said transmitter.

4. A wireless input device incorporating a first channel selection means, wherein a channel setting of said first channel selection means is encoded into a data stream outputted by said wireless input device for being decoded by a receiver.

5. The input device of Claim 4 wherein said data stream outputted by said input device is in a form of a modulated infrared signal.

6. The input device of Claim 5 wherein said data stream includes said channel setting in conjunction with other information signals generated by said input device.

7. The input device of Claim 6 wherein said other information signals are those generated for controlling a computer connected to a receiver for receiving said infrared signal.

8. The input device of Claim 7 wherein said input device contains a trackball means to enable a user to control information within said data stream.

9. The input device of Claim 7 wherein said input device contains a mouse to enable a user to control information within said data stream.

10. A receiver containing a channel selection means which identifies a receiver channel code, wherein said receiver compares said receiver channel code to a transmitted channel code to determine whether said receiver channel code is identical to said transmitted channel code.

11. The receiver of Claim 10 wherein said receiver blocks transmitted data containing said transmitted channel code from controlling an external device if said receiver channel code and said transmitted channel code do not match and applies data signals to an external device to control said external device if said receiver channel code and said transmitted channel code match.

12. The receiver of Claim 11 wherein said transmitted data is transmitted in the form of an infrared signal.

13. The input device of Claim 12 wherein said external device is a computer.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 25 June 1992 (25.06.92); original claims 1,4 and 10 amended; other claims unchanged (3 pages)]

1. A wireless trackball device comprising: a transmitter having one or more input terminals for application of electrical signals thereto and having an output for outputting an infrared signal based upon said electrical signals; a controller means for receiving and processing signals generated pursuant to a user manually rotating a ball protruding through a top surface of said trackball device, said ball sufficiently protruding through said top surface when said top surface is facing away from a center of gravity so as to be easily rotated by said user's thumb or one or more fingers, an output of said controller means being coupled to one or more of said input terminals of said transmitter; and a first channel selection means coupled to one or more of said input terminals of said transmitter, wherein a channel setting of said first channel selection means is encoded into a data stream and transmitted via said infrared signal outputted by said transmitter for being decoded by a receiver.

3. The input device of Claim 2 wherein said other information signals are those generated for controlling a computer connected to a receiver for receiving an infrared signal outputted by said transmitter. 4. A wireless input device incorporating a first channel selection means, wherein one of a plurality of channel settings of said first channel selection means is encoded into a data stream and transmitted via a radiation signal outputted by said wireless input device for being decoded by a receiver.

10. A receiver containing a channel selection means which identifies a receiver channel code, wherein said receiver compares said receiver channel code to a transmitted channel code encoded into a data stream which has been transmitted via a radiation signal and received by said receiver to determine whether said receiver channel code is identical to said transmitted channel code. 11. The receiver of Claim 10 wherein said receiver blocks transmitted data containing said transmitted channel code from controlling an external device if said receiver channel code and said transmitted channel code do not match and applies data signals to an external device to control said external device if said receiver channel code and said transmitted channel code match.

13. The input device of Claim 12 wherein said external device is a computer.