Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: A 3D input device (102) is used to generate control data (108) for electronic or electrical devices, and has: an actuation part (104), which is designed so that it can be manipulated indirectly or directly by at least one finger or hand of the user, a base plate (106), with respect to which the actuation part (104) is mounted so that it can be moved, the relative movement between the actuation part (104) and the base plate (106) being evaluated in order to generate the control data, and a display device with a touch screen (107), the touch screen (107) being integrated into the upper side of the base plate (106). Alternatively, the touch screen (107) may be integrated into the upper side of the actuation part (104). The touch screen (107) of the display device is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (118) of the actuation part (104).

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), various software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2′) to be controlled can be triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values.

Abstract: A 3D input device (102) is used to generate control data (108) for electronic or electrical devices, and has:

Abstract: In a desktop manager program, it is possible to expand the graphical user interface (3) of conventional monitors and PCs by freely positioning the displayed sector of the user interface by means of a 3D input device (1, 1′) in such a way that the user can consequently determine himself the visible part of a user interface (3) of a monitor (6) and of a PC (4). Said visible part, a type of virtual window (2), can be selected with an input device (1, 1′) having at least three degrees of freedom. In this connection, two degrees of freedom serve to navigate a virtual window (2) on the user interface (3). A further degree of freedom is used to adjust an enlargement/reduction factor in regard to the objects on the user interface (3) inside the virtual window (2). It is consequently possible to define the virtual window only as a part of the entire display area of the display screen (6).