WO2012177370A1

WO2012177370A1 - Wireless input device

Info

Publication number: WO2012177370A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/040211
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joshua Michael Osborn NEWTH; Timothy John PRACHAR; Gerald Thomas RYLE; Joel Mark ZWIER
Original assignee: Polyvision Corp
Current assignee: Polyvision Corp
Priority date: 2011-06-20
Filing date: 2012-05-31
Publication date: 2012-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 2013-12-20

Abstract

A wireless input device having a body and a cap assembly is provided. The body includes a first transceiver. The cap assembly is mateably and removably attached to the body and includes a second transceiver, a physical data interface and flash memory. The flash memory includes machine readable code defining a driver for the input device and the body and cap assembly communicate via the first and second transceivers. Pairing the body and cap assembly is accomplished by placing the cap assembly on the body, with no additional user participation or intervention required.

Description

WIRELESS INPUT DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an interactive display system generally, and more particularly to an interactive display system including a wireless input device having a body and a cap assembly with a physical data interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) connector.

[0002] Systems for inputting electronic records of handwritten information into an interactive whiteboard application are widely used. These input systems include a writing base, a drawing device such as a wireless input device which is intended to be held in a user's hand, and a processing device. The wireless input device is moved across the writing base such as an electronic whiteboard for inputting handwritten information. U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2009/0309854 A1 to Hildebrandt et al. describes the use of such a wireless input device with an interactive display system.

[0003] Wireless input devices used to digitally record handwritten information are known, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,180,509 to Fermgard et al. ; 7,239,306 to Fahraeus et al. ; 7,385,595 to Bryborn et al. ; and 7,671 ,850 to Fermgard, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2009/0309854 A1 to Hildebrandt et al. Before the input device and the processing device can communicate, they must first be paired. Pairing is a process during which the input and processing devices exchange electronic identification information to establish a communication link. One method of wireless communication between the input and processing devices uses short-range radio frequencies (RF) in accordance with the BLUETOOTH standard. However, pairing of the input and processing devices using the BLUETOOTH standard require, at a minimum, a user to initiate and confirm the pairing process. This process can be cumbersome when switching between input or processing devices as when switching between users. This is particularly true when the interactive display system is being used in a collaborative environment with interactive technology.

[0004] Thus, a wireless input device which provides convenience and flexibility in collaborative environment with interactive technology is desired. Also, a device that requires minimal intervention by the user to allow functionality would be desirable. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, a wireless input device includes a body having an RF transceiver and a cap assembly mateably and removably attached to the body, the cap assembly having an RF transceiver, a physical data interface, and memory with machine readable code for the input device, wherein the body and cap assembly communicate via the two RF transceivers.

[0006] In another embodiment of the present invention, a wireless input device includes a body having an RF transceiver and a cap assembly mateably and removably attached to the body, the cap assembly having an RF transceiver, a physical data interface, and flash memory with machine readable code defining a driver for the input device, wherein the machine readable code includes a routine to identify a software version and interrogate via a computer network for a software update, downloading any available update and updating the flash memory without user intervention.

[0007] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a wireless input device includes a body having a first RF transceiver and a cap assembly mateably and removably attached to the body, the cap assembly including a second RF transceiver, a physical data interface, and flash memory with machine readable code defining a driver for the input device, wherein the body and the cap assembly communicate via the first and second RF transceivers, wherein the body or the cap assembly further include a unique identifier, and wherein when the cap assembly is mateably attached to the body, the unique identifier is provided to the other of the body or the cap assembly to pair the body and cap assembly.

[0008] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an interactive display system configuration includes a media hub, a projecting device operably connected to the media hub, two or more processing devices selectively connected to the media hub, a switch operably connected to the processing devices, and an input device. The input device includes a cap assembly with a USB plug and a plurality of bodies. The cap assembly is capable of pairing with one of the plurality of bodies. The USB plug of the cap assembly is inserted into a USB port of the switch. The plurality of bodies integrates with the switch via the cap assembly to allow the bodies to switch between the two or more processing devices without having to move the cap assembly. Alternatively, the switch can be operably connected to the media hub.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cap assembly includes a rechargeable energy storage device that charges via the physical data interface when connected to a computing device. The body also includes an energy storage device that provides power to the body during normal use. When the cap assembly is attached to the body, the cap assembly energy storage device recharges the body energy storage device via an electrical connection between the cap assembly and body.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, an interactive display system configuration includes a plurality of processing devices having a USB port, a projecting device and an input device. One of the plurality of processing devices is a primary processing device and the remaining processing devices are secondary processing devices. The projecting device is operably connected to the primary processing device. The input device includes a body capable of paring with a plurality of cap assemblies having a USB plug. The cap assembly having a USB plug inserted into the primary processing device USB port operates in an active mode and the remaining cap assemblies having USB plugs inserted into secondary processing devices operate in a passive mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing and other items and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated more fully from the following figures, where like reference characters designate like features in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive display system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a wireless input device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the wireless input device of FIG. 2 including a body and cap assembly;

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the wireless input device of FIG. 2 showing a partially transparent view of the inside of the body and cap assembly; [0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration integrating interactive technology with the wireless input device of FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration integrating interactive technology with the wireless input device of FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third configuration integrating interactive technology with the wireless input device of FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth configuration integrating interactive technology with the wireless input device of FIG. 2; and

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth configuration integrating interactive technology with the wireless input device of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described below are simply exemplary embodiments of the invented concepts. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. Also, components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0022] The following description relates to a wireless input device used in connection with an interactive display system, such as an electronic whiteboard system. Uses of the wireless input device, however, are not limited to electronic whiteboard systems. Rather, embodiments of the invention can include wireless input devices for various interactive display systems and other objects.

[0023] An exemplary interactive display system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0309854 A1 to Hildebrandt et al., which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , an interactive display system 10 includes an input device 12 for electronically recording handwritten information. The interactive display system 10 also includes a writing base 14 such as a whiteboard, a processing device 16, and optionally, a projecting device 18. The writing base 14 is operatively connected to the processing device 16. The processing device 16 can be an integrated component of the writing base 14, or an external component such as a laptop computer. The processing device 16 communicates with service-providing units, suitably via a computer network, for example the Internet or an intranet.

[0024] The projecting device 18, such as a conventional projector, can project one or more display images onto the writing base 14. For example, the projecting device 18 can project a graphical user interface or handwritten markings created through use of the input device 12. The projecting device 18 can be in communication with the processing device 16 using a wired or wireless connection, or by other means through which two devices can communicate. Like the processing device 16, the projecting device 18 may be integrated into the writing base 14. Alternatively, the projecting device 18 can be excluded if the writing base 14 is internally capable of displaying markings and other objects on its surface. For example, the writing base 14 can be a liquid crystal display.

[0025] The input device 12 communicates with the processing device 16 using a wired or wireless connection and transmits a signal to the processing device that operations are to be performed on the writing base 14 as indicated by the input device. The input device 12 can be activated by a mechanism, such as a switch or button, or by bringing the input device in proximity to a surface 20 of the writing base 14. While activated, placement or movement of the input device 12 in contact with, or proximity to, the writing base surface 20 can transmit its coordinates on the writing base surface to the processing device 16. Accordingly, the interactive display system 10 can cause an operation to be performed on the writing base surface 20 at the coordinates of the input device 12. For example, markings 22 can be generated in the path of the input device 12, or the input device can direct a cursor across the writing base surface 20.

[0026] When a user moves the input device 12 across the writing base 14, the movements are recorded as a plurality of digital strokes which are stored locally in the input device. In an exemplary embodiment, the digital strokes are subsequently transmitted to the processing device 16 via a wireless connection. To permit this recording, the writing base 14 is provided with a position-coding pattern. The position- coding pattern enables the input device 12 to sense its position on or near the writing base surface 20 by viewing or otherwise sensing a local portion of the pattern. Methods for decoding pattern-coding patterns are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,710,408 to Ericson; 7,385,595 to Bryborn et al. ; 7,248,250 to Pettersson et al; 7,145,556 to Pettersson; and 6,929,183 to Pettersson, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0027] The basic features of a wireless input device are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0309854 A1 to Hildebrandt et al. and U.S. Patent No. 7,180,509 to Fermgard et al., which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in an exemplary embodiment, the input device 12 resembles a pen and includes a casing or body 24, a writing implement 26 for showing the written information, and a cap assembly 28. The cap assembly 28 mateably engages a top end 30 of the body 24 and includes a clip 32. The body 24 includes a sensor 34 for recording images, an image processor unit 36 for processing the recorded images and for converting these into a sequence of positions that describe the plurality of digital strokes of the input device 12, an internal memory unit 38 for storing the information recorded by the image processor unit, a transceiver 40 for communicating the recorded information, and an energy storage device 42.

[0028] The sensor 34 records images and allows the input device 12 to detect its position based on the pattern of the writing base surface 20. A suitable sensor 34 includes, but is not limited to, a camera unit or other image-capturing device. Also, the sensor 34 can include an optical sensor, such as that conventionally used in an optical mouse, having light-emitting diodes and photodiodes or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera to detect movement relative to the surface 20 of the writing base 14.

[0029] The image processor unit 36 is responsible for the various functions of the input device 12. In particular, the image processor unit 36 can calculate the location of the input device 12 from data obtained by the sensor 34 to determine the position of the input device in the position-coding pattern of the writing base 14. The image processor unit 36 can also execute instructions for the input device 12. The image processor unit 36 can advantageously be implemented using a commercially available micro-processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) or another programmable logic device such as an field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or alternatively an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), as discrete analog and digital components, or a combination of the above.

[0030] The internal memory unit 38 includes different types of memories such as a working memory (e.g., RAM, ROM) and a program code and persistent storage memory (e.g., flash memory). Associated programs such as memory-containing software are stored in the internal memory unit 38 and executed by the image processor unit 36 to carry out the functions of the input device 12.

[0031] The body 24 also includes a combined transmitter and receiver (transceiver) 40 for transfer of information to or from the processing device 16, such as a laptop computer, via the cap assembly 28. The transceiver 40 is advantageously adapted for wireless short-range radio communication in accordance with a mouse standard interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 40 uses a proprietary communication protocol. Alternatively, the transceiver 40 can be adapted for short- range radio communication in accordance with the BLUETOOTH standard at 2.4 GHz on the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency band, for infrared communication, such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA), or for any other available standard for short-range communication between a handheld device and a remote device.

[0032] The energy storage device 42 in the body 24 is advantageously a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery 42 can be accessed through a covered opening 44 in the body 24. As discussed in further detail below, the body battery 42 is recharged by connecting the body battery to a rechargeable energy storage device 46 in the cap assembly 28 via a connector 48.

[0033] In addition, the body 24 can include buttons by which the user can control the functions of the input device 12 and can cause an operation to be performed on the writing base surface 20 at the coordinates of the input device. For example, the body 24 can include a side thumb button 50, which when pushed will bring up a menu of applicable alternative actions, functioning similar to a right button switch on a computer mouse. Using the buttons, the input device 12 can operate as a computer mouse with the capability to scroll, to select items using a left click function, and to bring up a menu of alternative actions applicable to that item using a right click function. [0034] The cap assembly 28 includes a physical data interface 52 at a first end 54, an opening for inserting a top end 30 of the body 24 at an opposite second end 56, the rechargeable energy storage device 46, and an electrical contact 58 for communicating with and providing power to the body 24. The physical data interface 52 can be any interface capable of physically connecting to a processing device 16. Examples of a suitable physical data interface 52 include, but are not limited to, USB and FIREWIRE. Where the physical data interface 52 is a USB, the physical data interface 52 includes a plug 60 and a flash memory 62 having a driver and installation software for operating the input device 12. When not in use, the USB plug 60 is protected by a retractable cover 64 or a separate cover (not shown). The rechargeable energy storage device 46 charges when the USB plug 60 is inserted into the processing device 16, such as a laptop computer, or into a USB hub. When the cap assembly 28 is placed on the body 24, the electrical contact 58 engages the body connector 48, whereby the rechargeable energy storage device 46 recharges the body rechargeable battery 42. Alternatively, the combined cap assembly 28 and body 24 can be inserted into the processing device 16 USB port to recharge energy storage devices 42 and 46.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, information transfer between the body 24 and processing device 16 takes place via the cap assembly 28. Advantageously, the cap assembly 28 is provided with a second transceiver 66 corresponding to the body transceiver 40, for transferring information between the body 24 and the cap assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, the cap assembly 28 communicates with the body 24 over a wireless interface and uses a proprietary communication protocol. Each cap assembly 28 possesses a different radio frequency range. Similar to the body transceiver 40, the second transceiver 66 is advantageously adapted for wireless short- range radio communication in accordance with a non-BLUETOOTH wireless mouse interface. However, the transceiver 66 alternatively can be adapted for short-range radio communication in accordance with the BLUETOOTH standard, for infrared communication, such as IrDA, or basically for any other available standard for short- range communication between a handheld device and a remote device.

[0036] Either the body 24 or the cap assembly 28 possesses a unique identifier. Before communication between the cap assembly 28 and the body 24 can occur, they must first be paired. Pairing is a process during which the cap assembly 28 and body 24 exchange electronic identification information to establish a communication link. In the exemplary embodiment, pairing is much easier than current methods and is accomplished by placing the cap assembly 28 over the top end 30 of the body 24 being used. With the exception of combining the cap assembly 28 and body 24, no user participation or intervention is required, unlike current methods of pairing a wireless input device 12 and a processing device 16 using wireless BLUETOOTH communication, which at a minimum requires the user to confirm the pairing process. Also, as described further below, in the exemplary embodiment a single cap assembly 28 may be used with multiple bodies 24.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, once a cap assembly 28 and body 24 are paired, the cap assembly is removed from the body, which activates the wireless input device 12. Then, the USB plug 60 in the cap assembly 28 is inserted into a USB port. The USB plug 60 may be connected to a personal computer such as a laptop 16 having a USB port. Alternatively, the USB plug 60 may be connected to a USB hub or USB switch 68 which is directly or indirectly connected to a computer 16. Once the USB plug 60 is inserted, the flash memory 62 driver and installation software are automatically launched by the processing device 16. The flash memory 62 includes machine readable code defining a driver for the input device 12. The machine readable code includes a routine for identifying a version of the operating software, interrogating via a computer network such as the Internet for a software update, downloading the update if available, and writing the update to the USB connector 52. Unlike current methods of updating software, in the exemplary embodiment the steps of checking for and downloading a current version of the software do not require any prompting or input from the user.

[0038] With the USB plug 60 inserted into a USB port of the processing device 16, data is transferred back and forth between the processing device and the cap assembly 28. Using the wireless input device 12 with the writing base 14, the body 24 identifies the position of the writing implement 26 on the writing base surface 20 using the position- coding pattern discussed above. The body 24 converts the sequence of positions that describes the plurality of digital strokes of the input device 12 and communicates the recorded information to the cap assembly 28 to indicate the writing implement's 26 position. The recorded information is then transferred to the processing device 16. Driver software loaded onto the processing device 16 converts the recorded information to a position. This process is repeated constantly.

[0039] When finished using the input device 12, the USB plug 60 is removed from the processing device 16 and the cap assembly 28 is placed on the body 24. If there were any software updates written to the flash memory 62 during start up, when the cap assembly 28 is placed on the body 24, the USB connector 52 flashes the body internal memory unit 38.

[0040] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate exemplary interactive display systems 10 implementing the input device 12. The exemplary interactive display system configurations illustrated in FIGS. 5-9 all include one cap assembly 28 (Cap 1 ) associated with multiple bodies 24, (i.e., Body 1 , Body 2, and Body 3). To pair Cap 1 with one of the bodies 24 such as Body 1 , Cap 1 is placed over the top end 30 of Body 1 . To switch the body from Body 1 to Body 2, Cap 1 is positioned on Body 2, which pairs Cap 1 with Body 2. Likewise, to switch the body from Body 1 or Body 2 to Body 3, Cap 1 is positioned on Body 3, which pairs Cap 1 with Body 3. In each configuration, after pairing Cap 1 with Body 1 , the USB plug 60 of Cap 1 is inserted into a USB port on the processing device 16, namely a laptop (i.e., Laptop 1 , Laptop 2 and Laptop 3), or is inserted into a USB switch 68. Using short-range radio communication in accordance with a non- BLUETOOTH wireless mouse interface, the body 24 transmits its coordinates on the writing base surface 20 to the laptop via Cap 1 .

[0041] A first configuration for transmission of recorded movement of the wireless input device 12 to the processing device 16 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In the first interactive display system configuration, a processing device 1 6, namely Laptop 1 , is connected to a conventional projector 70. The projector 70 projects one or more display images onto the writing base (not shown). The USB plug 60 of Cap 1 is inserted into a USB port on Laptop 1 . As noted above, Cap 1 is associated with multiple bodies Body 1 , Body 2, and Body 3.

[0042] A second exemplary configuration is illustrated in FIG. 6. In this configuration, the interactive display system 10 includes two or more laptops 16 (i.e., Laptop 1 , Laptop 2 and Laptop 3), a projector 70, a cap assembly Cap 1 associated with multiple bodies Body 1 , Body 2, and Body 3. Laptop 1 is connected to the projector 70 and the projector projects one or more display images onto the writing base (not shown). The USB plug 60 of Cap 1 is inserted into a USB port on Laptop 1 , Laptop 2 or Laptop 3. In this second configuration, control of the display system 10 can be transferred from one laptop to another. For example, to transfer control from Laptop 1 to Laptop 2, the connection between Laptop 1 and the projector 70 is removed and then a connection between Laptop 2 and the projector is reestablished. Also, Cap 1 is removed from Laptop 1 and connected to Laptop 2.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, in a third exemplary configuration, multiple laptops Laptop 1 , Laptop 2 and Laptop 3 are connected to a media hub 72. The media hub 72 is connected to the projector 70 and the projector projects one or more display images onto the writing base (not shown). Control of the display system 10 is transferred between laptops using multiple personal user control keys (PUCKs) 74 to connect and disconnect a laptop 16 from the media hub 72. The Cap 1 USB plug 60 is inserted into the USB port of the laptop which is or will be connected to the media hub 72 and in control. As with the first and second configurations, Body 1 , Body 2, and Body 3 are associated with Cap 1 .

[0044] A fourth exemplary configuration is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this fourth configuration, multiple laptops Laptop 1 , Laptop 2 and Laptop 3 are connected to the media hub 72. The media hub 72 is connected to the projector 70 and the projector projects one or more display images onto the writing base (not shown). Control of the display system 10 is transferred between laptops using PUCKs 74 to connect and disconnect a laptop 16 from the media hub 72. The laptops 16 are separately connected to a USB switch 68. The Cap 1 USB plug 60 is inserted into the USB switch 68 which is used to indicate which laptop 16 is connected to Cap 1 . Again, Body 1 , Body 2, and Body 3 are associated with Cap 1 .

[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, in a fifth exemplary configuration, multiple laptops Laptop 1 , Laptop 2 and Laptop 3 and a USB switch 68 are connected to a media hub 72. The media hub 72 is connected to the projector 70 and the projector projects one or more display images onto the writing base (not shown). Control of the display system 10 is transferred between laptops 16 using PUCKs 74 to connect and disconnect a laptop from the media hub 72. Cap 1 is associated with Body 1 , Body 2, and Body 3. The Cap 1 USB plug 60 is inserted into the USB switch 68 which is used to indicate which laptop 16 is connected to Cap 1. Because the USB switch 68 is connected to the media hub 72 and not the laptops 16, transferring the connection between a first laptop 16, such as Laptop 1 , and Cap 1 to a different laptop, such as Laptop 2, is also accomplished using the PUCKs 74.

[0046] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a body 24 can pair with multiple cap assemblies 28. Once paired, the USB plugs 60 of the multiple cap assemblies 28 are inserted into separate processing devices 16. Similar to embodiments using a single cap assembly 28 with multiple bodies 24, once a USB plug 60 of a cap assembly is inserted into a processing device 16, the flash memory 62 driver and installation software are automatically launched by the processing device. However, in this embodiment the operating software additionally prompts the user to indicate whether the cap assembly 28 will operate in a passive or active projection mode. If an active projection mode is chosen, the wireless input device 12 functions as described above in the other embodiments. If a passive mode is chosen, the processing device 16 will only present and record information received from the input device 12 as the body 24 moves across the writing base 14. Command information, such as closing or opening a window while in the active projection mode, is ignored by the processing device 16 when in the passive mode. Thus, the processing device 16 of each user may have different windows or icons available; if all units were in an active projection mode, the command from the input device 12 would have different results on each processing device. This alternative embodiment is especially useful in a classroom setting where an instructor is writing notes on the writing base 14 to supplement the lecture. In this scenario, the instructor's cap assembly 28 would operate in an active projection mode and the students' cap assemblies would operate in a passive mode. The students would be able to capture the instructor's writing on the writing base 14 and record the lecture notes on their processing devices 16.

Claims

1 . A wireless input device comprising:

a body including a first transceiver; and

a cap assembly mateably and removably attached to the body, the cap assembly comprising:

a second transceiver;

a physical data interface; and

memory including machine readable code for the input device;

wherein the body and the cap assembly communicate via the first and second transceivers.

2. The wireless input device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second transceivers comprise a proprietary communication protocol.

3. The wireless input device of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a button which when pushed, functions as a right button switch on a computer mouse.

4. The wireless input device of claim 1 , wherein the physical data interface comprises a USB connector.

5. The wireless input device of claim 4, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a cover movably positioned to enclose or expose the USB connector.

6. A wireless input device comprising:

a body including a first transceiver and a first energy storage device; and

a second transceiver;

a second energy storage device;

a physical data interface; and

memory including machine readable code for the input device; wherein the body and the cap assembly communicate via the first and second transceivers; and

wherein the second energy storage device recharges the first energy storage device when the cap assembly is placed on a top end of the body.

7. The wireless input device of claim 6, wherein the physical data interface comprises a USB connector.

8. The wireless input device of claim 7, wherein the body further comprises a connector and the cap assembly further comprises an electrical contact, and wherein the second energy storage device recharges the first energy storage device when the electric contact engages the connector.

9. A wireless input device comprising:

a body; and

a physical data interface; and

flash memory including machine readable code defining a driver for the input device;

wherein the machine readable code includes a routine to identify a software version and interrogate via a computer network for a software update, downloading any available update and updating the flash memory.

10. The wireless input device of claim 9, wherein the physical data interface comprises a USB connector.

1 1 . The wireless input device of claim 9, wherein the body further comprises memory containing software, and wherein when the cap assembly is mateably attached to the body, the body identifies a software version contained in the memory containing software, and if the cap assembly software version and the body software version are different, then the cap assembly updates the software version of the body.

12. The wireless input device of claim 9, wherein the body further comprises a button which when pushed, functions as a right button switch on a computer mouse.

13. The wireless input device of claim 10, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a cover movably positioned to enclose or expose the USB connector.

14. A wireless input device comprising:

a body including a first transceiver; and

a second transceiver;

a physical data interface; and

wherein the body and the cap assembly communicate via the first and second transceivers;

wherein the body or the cap assembly further include a unique identifier; and wherein when the cap assembly is mateably attached to the body, the unique identifier is provided to the other of the body or the cap assembly to pair the body and cap assembly.

15. The wireless input device of claim 14, wherein the physical data interface comprises a USB connector.

16. The wireless input device of claim 14, wherein the first and second transceivers comprise a proprietary communication protocol.

17. The wireless input device of claim 14, wherein the body further comprises a button which when pushed, functions as a right button switch on a computer mouse.

18. The wireless input device of claim 15, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a cover movably positioned to enclose or expose the USB connector.

19. The wireless input device of claim 15, wherein the body is one of a plurality of bodies capable of pairing with the cap assembly.

20. An interactive display system configuration comprising:

a projecting device operably connected to a media hub;

two or more processing devices selectively connected to the media hub;

a switch operably connected to the two or more processing devices, the switch having at least one USB port; and

an input device including a cap assembly having a USB plug inserted into a USB port, the cap assembly capable of pairing with one of a plurality of bodies; and

wherein the plurality of bodies integrate with the switch via the cap assembly to allow the plurality of bodies to switch between the two or more processing devices without having to move the cap assembly.

21 . An interactive display system configuration comprising:

a projecting device operably connected to a media hub;

two or more processing devices selectively connected to the media hub;

a USB switch operably connected to the media hub, the USB switch having at least one USB port; and

an input device including a cap assembly having a USB plug, wherein the USB plug is inserted into a USB port and the cap assembly is capable of pairing with one of a plurality of bodies;

wherein the plurality of bodies integrate with the USB switch via the cap assembly to allow the plurality of bodies to switch between the two or more processing devices without having to move the cap assembly.

22. An interactive display system configuration comprising:

a plurality of processing devices, each having a USB port, wherein one of the plurality of processing devices is a primary processing device and the remaining processing devices are secondary processing devices;

a projecting device operably connected to the primary processing device;

an input device including a body capable of pairing with one of a plurality of cap assemblies, each cap assembly having a USB plug, wherein each cap assembly USB plug is inserted into a USB port; and

wherein the cap assembly having a USB plug inserted into the primary processing device USB port operates in an active mode and the remaining cap assemblies having USB plugs inserted into secondary processing devices operate in a passive mode.