Abstract: The disclosure relates to technology for haptic stimulation. A haptic interface device comprises an array comprising haptic stimulation elements configured to generate a stimulation pattern. The haptic interface device comprises a controller configured to continually propagate the stimulation pattern on a user's skin, including repeatedly eliminate a portion of a first end of the stimulation pattern and replace the eliminated portion with a new portion at a second end of the stimulation pattern.

Abstract: A method for electromagnetic interference control, an electronic device, and a storage medium are provided. The method is for an electronic device. The electronic device includes a display screen and an under-screen fingerprint assembly arranged under a preset region of the display screen. The method includes the following. Detect electromagnetic interference between the under-screen fingerprint assembly and the display screen in response to detecting that the under-screen fingerprint assembly is activated, where the preset region of the display screen is in a lighted state. Frequency-hopping is performed for a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) of the display screen in response to the detected electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: The system manages a keyboard displayed on a touchscreen to address non-responsive regions of the touchscreen. The system monitors usage behavior of the displayed keyboard on the touchscreen. The system determines the non-responsive region of the touchscreen based on the usage behavior. For example, the non-responsive region may result from damage caused by dropping. The system modifies the displayed keyboard to avoid the non-responsive region of the touchscreen. For example, the system may change the location, size, orientation, and/or layout of the keyboard, or keyboard characters thereof, to avoid the non-responsive region.

Abstract: A method in which a sensor controller is connected to a sensor having an electrode group provided together with a display panel configured to operate in during a variable refresh cycle among a plurality of refresh cycles, and an active stylus performs bidirectional communication with the sensor controller. According to the method, the sensor controller acquires a present refresh cycle among the plurality of refresh cycles of the display panel, generates an uplink signal, which serves as a reference for synchronization corresponding to the acquired present refresh cycle, and transmits the uplink signal to the active stylus, which is not detected as yet or is detected already, at the present refresh cycle.

Abstract: An anti-theft device having an inductive charging coil for wirelessly powering an article of merchandise. A retention member is configured to be attached to the merchandise. A pedestal configured to removably support the retention member. Complementary contacts on the retention member and the pedestal are configured to provide electrical power from the pedestal to the inductive charging coil, when the retention member is at rest on the pedestal. The retention member has an optical transmitter configured to communicate optical signals to an optical sensor. When the article of merchandise requests power increase, the optical transmitter emits a corresponding optical signal, which causes a control unit to increase an output voltage of a power supply supplying power to the electrical contacts of the pedestal. In this manner, an optical communication channel is used to increase the power wirelessly provided from the inductive charging coil to the merchandise.

Abstract: An electronic writing device is provided. The electronic writing device includes a tip configured to enable writing on a physical surface. The electronic writing device also includes an electronic chip housed in a body of the electronic writing device and coupled to the tip. The electronic chip includes an accelerometer configured to record an acceleration data of the electronic writing device when writing on the physical surface. The electronic chip also includes a gyrometer configured to generate a rotation data corresponding to rotation of the electronic writing device. The electronic writing device further includes a communication module operatively coupled to the electronic chip. The communication module is configured to send data received from the electronic chip to an external processing medium.

Abstract: A method is provided for using an active stylus and a sensor controller that engage in two-way communication with each other. The sensor controller sends a beacon signal BS indicating reference time of a frame F. After detecting the beacon signal BS, the active stylus sends, included in a response signal to the beacon signal BS, a hash value CP_Hash associated with capability information indicating the type of one or more pieces of interactive data DF that can be obtained by the active stylus. The active stylus periodically sends data signals DF1,DF2, and so on, which include at least part of the one or more pieces of interactive data DF and which are configured in a format determined based on the one or more pieces of interactive data DF.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a pen input device film includes: a first step of, while keeping a tip of a pen in contact with a surface of the pen input device film, moving the pen input device film relative to the pen along the surface of the pen input device film, and while the pen input device film is being moved relative to the pen, when the pen vibrates at a predetermined vibration frequency, obtaining measurement data that indicates at least one of an amplitude and an acceleration of the pen; and a second step of comparing the measurement data obtained in the first step with reference data.

Abstract: A method for applying a graphic effect in an electronic device. The method includes identifying a stroke constituting a character based on an input sensed through a display of the electronic device, displaying the identified stroke through the display, identifying a language corresponding to the identified stroke, and identifying a variation value for a graphic effect of the displayed stroke based on a complexity of the identified language.

Abstract: An acoustic touch apparatus is provided that includes a substrate capable of propagating surface acoustic waves, such as Rayleigh-type or Love-type waves. The substrate has a front surface, a back surface, and a curved connecting surface formed between the front surface and the back surface. The apparatus also includes at least one acoustic wave transducer and at least one reflective array, the acoustic wave transducer and the reflective array behind the back surface of the substrate. The acoustic wave transducer is capable of transmitting or receiving surface acoustic waves to or from the reflective array. The reflective array is capable of acoustically coupling the surface acoustic waves to propagate from the back surface and across the front surface via the curved connecting surface. Various types of acoustic touch apparatus with edge sensitive touch functions can be provided, according to specific embodiments.

Abstract: A method is provided for communication between a host processor and an active stylus via a sensor controller, wherein the sensor controller is coupled to a sensor configured to interact with the active stylus. The method includes generally three steps. First, the host processor transmits a command received from an application operating on the host processor. Second, the sensor controller receives the command from the host processor and forwards the command to the active stylus. Third, the active stylus, in response to the command, operates on the command and transmits a command response to the sensor controller.

Abstract: Allocation of slots to different styluses is flexibly changed in units of the slot that is shorter than a frame. A stylus bi-directionally transmits and receives signals to and from a sensor controller connected to a sensor via capacitive coupling. The stylus includes a memory that temporarily stores a value of a local ID. The stylus includes a controller that determines whether or not a detected uplink signal includes the value of the local ID stored in the memory every time the uplink signal transmitted by the sensor controller is detected. The controller, in response to determining the detected uplink signal includes the value of the local ID stored in the memory, generates a downlink signal that is based on an operation state and transmits the downlink signal to the sensor controller.

Abstract: A touch sensing system and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The touch sensing system includes a touch screen integrated display panel provided with a plurality of touch sensors and a plurality of pixels, a timing controller time-dividing one display frame into a plurality of touch periods and a plurality of display periods, a microcontroller unit dividing a sensing mode of the plurality of touch sensors into a full scan mode and a local scan mode, and a touch integrated circuit (IC) sensing a finger touch input of the touch sensors through the touch periods in the full scan mode and time-division sensing a finger touch input and a pen touch input of the touch sensors through the touch periods in the local scan mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes a stylus tip capable of communicating wirelessly with another device through a touch sensor of the other device. The stylus tip includes one or more surface areas, one or more substrates disposed along one or more of the surface areas of the stylus tip, and a plurality of electrodes disposed on or in the one or more substrates.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that relate to pairing styluses to an interactive display. One example provides a stylus comprising a processor and memory holding instructions executable by the processor. The instructions are executable by the processor to, before sending a pairing request to a display, receive a broadcast packet indicating an occupancy of a set of stylus communication slots of the display, determine that at least one stylus communication slot is available based on the broadcast packet, and responsive to determining that the at least one stylus communication slot is available, selectively send the pairing request to occupy a stylus communication slot based on a pairing request history.

Abstract: A method is provided to interface an active stylus with a sensor controller, wherein the sensor controller is coupled to a sensor configured to receive input from the active stylus. In the method the sensor controller caches stylus capability information of the active stylus. The stylus capability information includes setting information for inking used by an application program executed to display input from the active stylus on the sensor. The active stylus generates a hash value of the stylus capability information and transmits the hash value to the sensor controller when the active stylus enters a sensing zone of the sensor controller.

Abstract: A system and method supporting signature verification. An input signature from a contact point of a stylus at a touch-sensitive surface is received. At least one sensor detects a first set of characteristics of the input signature that represents how the stylus is used when a present security level is a first level, and a second set of characteristics is determined when a present security level is a second security level. The second set of characteristics is a subset of the first set with fewer characteristics than the first set. One of the first set of characteristics or the second set of characteristics is transmitted to a characteristic receiving device to permit the input signature to be authenticated as a function, at least in part, of the first set or the second set of characteristics.

Abstract: A robotic system including at least two acoustic sensors, spaced apart, for receiving respective versions of a respective continuous ultrasonic waveform emitted by each of one or more positional elements, each of the respective continuous ultrasonic waveforms comprising a respective modulated carrier and an electromagnetic sensor for receiving a respective electromagnetic signal emitted by a respective electromagnetic emitter of a same respective one of the positional elements, and a computing device. The respective electromagnetic signal is emitted in coordination with the respective ultrasonic waveform emitted by the same positional element. The computing device decodes the versions of the ultrasonic waveform and the electromagnetic signal to measure time delays between the versions of the respective ultrasonic waveform and the respective electromagnetic signal, converts the time delays to distances, and triangulates the distances to determine positions of the positional elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are a position information input system capable of coupling a signal generating device and a signal receiving device to each other. Firstly, a coupling unit is formed at a signal receiving device. Under such configuration, a signal generating device and the signal receiving device can be coupled to each other once the signal generating device is coupled to the coupling unit. This can enhance portability and a storage characteristic of the position information input system. Secondly, a contact power switch is installed in the coupling unit. Under such configuration, if a user separates the signal generating device from the signal receiving device for input of position information, the contact power switch is automatically turned on. As a result, the signal receiving device is automatically turned on. On the contrary, if a user, who has completed the input of position information, couples the signal generating device to the signal receiving device, the contact power switch is automatically turned off.

Abstract: A position detection system for use in association with computing applications, the system comprising: a positional element for attaining a position and comprising a first emitter for emitting a substantially continuous ultrasonic waveform decodable to fix said position, and a detector arrangement for detecting said waveform in a manner permitting fixing of said position and outputting said waveform for computation, in a manner retentive of said position fixing ability.

Abstract: An interactive whiteboard system and a whiteboard writing instrument thereof are provided. The interactive whiteboard system comprises a whiteboard, a whiteboard writing instrument, a detection device and a projection device. The whiteboard writing instrument comprises a housing and an internal element that has a writing terminal. The writing terminal receives a pressure from the whiteboard when a user holds the whiteboard writing instrument to write contents on the whiteboard. The housing presents a pattern, which experiences a variation according to the pressure so that the detection device detects the variation of the pattern to get information corresponding to the contents. The projection device projects an image corresponding to the contents onto the whiteboard according to the information.

Abstract: A stylus, configured for interactive use with a surface such as but not limited to a display, includes a stylus housing that supports a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to selectively effect at least two different non-passive location modalities wherein each of the non-passive location modalities imparts location-determination information. The plurality of non-passive location modalities can be selectively used in combination with one another or in a singular fashion as desired.

Abstract: A position detector includes a tablet and a position indicator, which includes a coil and configured to continuously transmit a coil-based signal to the tablet as a position signal and to intermittently transmit the coil-based signal to the tablet as a non-positional signal. The tablet is configured to detect a position on its surface pointed to by the position indicator by detecting the continuously-transmitted coil-based signal, and to determine non-positional information regarding the position indicator (e.g., pen pressure, pen ID, etc.) by detecting the intermittently-transmitted coil-based signal.

Abstract: A touch typing emulator to be placed on any flat surface is made from as few as two acoustic sensors connected by a wire that determines the separation between the sensors and is connected by a USB cable to a computer. The emulator receives two waves from each finger tap on the surface, a higher velocity wave and a lesser velocity wave. By affixing the sensors to a surface, the sensors, in connection with software in a computer receiving the USB connection, determines the location of the tapping of a users fingers on the surface and uses that information to emulate a typewriter keyboard.

Abstract: An image input-output device includes a pixel which displays an image and reads an image. The pixel includes a photodetector element, a color layer, and a display element. The color layer is provided over the photodetector element and the display element is provided over the color layer, so that the distance between the photodetector element and the color layer is reduced. Accordingly, light is likely to enter the predetermined photodetector element through the predetermined color layer, and thus, even a color object can be read correctly.

Abstract: A transcription module having a mounting unit, acoustical receivers and an EM detector is disclosed. The mounting unit is adapted for positioning the transcription module over a work surface. First and second acoustical receivers are attached to the mounting unit. Each acoustical receiver includes a microphone positioned over a corresponding location on the work surface. Each microphone views the work surface at the corresponding location and is configured to receive acoustical signals from an input device operating over the work surface at another location. The EM detector detects an EM signal that is synchronized with the acoustical signals.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes an ultrasound locator transmitter acoustically coupled with an ultrasound-conducting layer of a display surface and configured to broadcast a detection ultrasound wave across at least a portion the ultrasound-conducting layer. An ultrasound receiver is acoustically coupled with the ultrasound-conducting layer and configured to receive a portion of the detection ultrasound wave scattered from a touch by the human appendage to a location on the display surface. A steered-beam ultrasound transmitter is acoustically coupled with the ultrasound-conducting layer and configured to deliver a focused ultrasound wave to the touch location. The focused ultrasound wave has a power density producing a stress pattern directly perceivable or discernible by the human appendage at the touch location. A stimulation controller is configured to initiate a delivery of the focused ultrasound wave to the touch location by the steered-beam ultrasound transmitter.

Abstract: Techniques are addressed for providing young children with an art experience in which opportunities to misuse art supplies, such as crayons, markers and the like are substantially reduced. To such ends, an art supply system is provided in which selectively enabled art supplies are automatically enabled so that they are useable only within a compliant usage zone, such as within a predetermined distance of an acceptable work surface.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for providing tactile feedback in association with contact to a touchscreen display of a mobile device. One embodiment of the method includes receiving a touch input to a touchscreen display area provided by a user of the mobile device. The touch input selects a predetermined region within the touchscreen display area. Incident to the touch input of the predetermined region, a mechanical indicator on the rear of the mobile device is physically manipulated to provide an indication to the user that the predetermined region was selected by the user.

Abstract: A handwriting input device includes a housing and a nib selectively exposed from a bottom side of the housing or hidden in the housing. The device further includes a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, and a microcontroller. The pressure sensor generates pressure signals when the nib is depressed. The motion sensor senses movement of the device. The microcontroller records the sensed movement upon receiving the pressure signals, and processes the recorded movement to obtain track signals of handwritten information when the duration of not receiving the pressure signals exceeds a predetermined time interval. The track signals of handwritten information are then transmitted to an external electronic device communicating with the device to become handwriting shown on a display of the external electronic device.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes an ultrasound transmitter acoustically coupled to an ultrasound-conducting layer of a display surface and configured to deliver a down-modulated ultrasound wave to a first delineated area of at least two delineated areas of the display surface. The down-modulated ultrasound wave when delivered having a power density producing a stress pattern directly perceivable or discernible by a human appendage touching the first delineated area. The system includes a controller configured to initiate a delivery of the down-modulated ultrasound wave to the first delineated area by the ultrasound transmitter in response to an indication of a detected touch by the human appendage to at least a portion of the first delineated area.

Abstract: An acoustical receiver for detecting an acoustical signal characterized by a wavelength and a pen transcription system utilizing the same are disclosed. The receiver includes a detector that generates an electrical signal in response to acoustical signals in a predetermined frequency range including that wavelength, a housing surrounding the detector, and a receiving horn. The housing has a housing aperture having a maximum dimension less than the acoustical signal wavelength. The receiving horn has a first opening that is adjacent to the housing aperture and a second aperture having a dimension that is greater than the acoustical signal wavelength.

Abstract: A computing system comprises a processor and internal peripheral devices, and a system bus connecting the internal peripheral devices to the processor. One of the internal peripheral devices is an ultrasonic digitizer that digitizes ultrasonic signals from at least two associated microphones into a digitized audio signal carrying a corresponding location and outputs the digitized audio as a signal on the system bus.

Abstract: A position detection system for use in association with computing applications, the system comprising: a positional element for attaining a position and comprising a first emitter for emitting a substantially continuous ultrasonic waveform decodable to fix said position, and a detector arrangement for detecting said waveform in a manner permitting fixing of said position and outputting said waveform for computation, in a manner retentive of said position fixing ability.

Abstract: A pen transcription system and method for locating a moveable signal source are disclosed. The transcription system includes a base having a planar base surface, first and second acoustical sensors that detect an acoustical signal emitted by a moveable signal source, the acoustical sensors being mounted on the base and separated from one another. The difference in time of detection between an EM signal and the acoustical signals is measured to determine the position of the moveable source. The acoustical sensors include a housing surrounding a detector. The housing has an aperture having a width that is less than the wavelength of said acoustical signal divided by 6.28 and a height that is substantially equal to an integer multiple of a wavelength of an interfering acoustical signal.

Abstract: A touchpad assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The touchpad assembly may include a touchpad frame operative to be placed within an opening in an electronic device frame. The touchpad assembly may include a support plate for supporting a touchpad, and a bracket for receiving a pick button. The support plate and bracket may be manufactured into a same component to increase the rigidity of the touchpad assembly. The pick button may include a varying height to prevent the pick button from deflecting and to make the pick button travel for providing a selection instruction uniform. The pick button may be coupled to the frame using any suitable approach, including using springs connected the ends of the pick button to the frame. The frame may also include pads to muffle the sound of the pick button when it returns to its initial position after having been pressed.

Abstract: A touch panel capable of decreasing concavity and convexity generated on the surface and a display unit including the same are provided. The touch panel includes: a first spacer layer on both side faces of a first wiring layer provided on a first transparent substrate; and a second wiring layer on both side faces of a second wiring layer provided on a second transparent substrate. The touch panel also includes a flexible printed circuit board in a gap between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and in a region including at least part of a region not provided with the adhesion layer in the region opposed to the first wiring layer, the second wiring layer, the first spacer layer, and the second spacer layer.

Abstract: A stream of raw acoustic data can be received at a client device. The client device can frame the stream of raw acoustic data at particular intervals with alignment information to create framed acoustic data, and buffer the framed acoustic data while waiting for a data request from a host device. In response to receiving the data request, the client device can provide the framed acoustic data to the host device.

Abstract: Touch sensor methods, devices and systems are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention pertains to a method comprising monitoring a finger movement along a touch sensing surface based on position data of a finger touching the touch sensing surface, where the position data is obtained by locating a position of a force applied by the finger in a coordinate of the touch sensing surface. In addition, the method comprises generating direction data associated with the finger movement if the finger movement travels for more than a threshold distance. Furthermore, the method comprises determining a finger gesture which corresponds to the finger movement using a lookup table having multiple preconfigured finger gestures based on the direction data.

Abstract: A method for using a touch display system comprises defining local distortion zones within regions of a touchscreen. Each of the local distortion zones has an associated calibration touch point and a target. Coordinates of a user touch point are distorted within a first local distortion zone based on a location of the user touch point within the first local distortion zone.

Abstract: A pen transcription system and method for using the same are disclosed. The pen transcription system includes a receiver having first and second acoustical sensors mounted on a planar base and separated from one another, an EM detector, and a controller. The first and second acoustical sensors detect an acoustical signal emitted by a moveable signal source. The EM detector detects an EM signal that is synchronized with the acoustical signal. The controller measures the difference in time of detection between the EM signal and the acoustical signals detected by the first and second acoustical sensors. The acoustical sensors include a detector and a housing surrounding the detector, the housing having an aperture defined by an axis. The acoustical sensor has a reception function that is symmetrical about the axis and the axis is substantially perpendicular to the base surface.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a computer-implemented method of identifying and annotating an image from an electronic medical record displayed on a touch screen, which includes displaying the image on the touch screen; identifying medical issues shown in the image; annotating the image with at least one symbol correlated to predetermined information using a navigational device; and prioritizing the medical issues using the navigational device. The prioritizing step may include color-coding at least one of the symbol and the image using the navigational device. Further, the navigational device may include a pressure detecting mechanism which determines at least one of a priority of the image and a speed of images displayed on the touch screen, based on an amount of pressure exerted by a user on the touch screen. The navigational device includes security features to ensure authorized use, including biometric authentication of identification.

Abstract: A retention member holds a tip of a pen received in an inner space of a unit body through an opening. A narrowed path member is placed within the inner space at a position between a large-diameter member of the pen and the opening, when the retention member holds the pen. The large-diameter member expands outward from the outer peripheral surface of the pen by a predetermined amount. The narrowed path member contacts the large-diameter member when the pen is released from the retention member, and creates enough interference to prevent the pen from falling out of the unit body, but otherwise allows the pen to be drawn out of the opening.

Abstract: A transcription module having a mounting unit, acoustical receivers and an EM detector is disclosed. The mounting unit is adapted for positioning the transcription module over a work surface. First and second acoustical receivers are attached to the mounting unit. Each acoustical receiver includes a microphone positioned over a corresponding location on the work surface. Each microphone views the work surface at the corresponding location and is configured to receive acoustical signals from an input device operating over the work surface at another location. The EM detector detects an EM signal that is synchronized with the acoustical signals.

Abstract: A pen transcription system and method for using the same are disclosed. The pen transcription system includes a receiver having first and second acoustical sensors mounted on a planar base and separated from one another, an EM detector, and a controller. The first and second acoustical sensors detect an acoustical signal at a first wavelength emitted by a moveable signal source. The EM detector detects an EM signal that is synchronized with the acoustical signal. The controller measures the difference in time of detection between the EM signal and the acoustical signals detected by the first and second acoustical sensors. The acoustical sensors include a detector and a housing surrounding the detector, the housing having an aperture having a maximum dimension that is less than the first wavelength divided by 6.28.

Abstract: A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a housing for a load bearing member for receiving an input force to be sensed and associated circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the load bearing member and, a compressible reservoir containing dilatant fluid mounted between the housing and the coupling restricts the input force to the load bearing member caused by shock loading to the coupling. This protects the force sensor from damage by sharp impact loads such as dropping the stylus on its nib.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus, as well as a computer recording medium for handwriting input. The invention is implemented by capturing images including raw strokes with a digital camera and receiving writing sounds with a microphone, when a user writes on a writing surface with a stylus having a special mark (such as special color point or light point), said images and sounds are time-stamped; extracting images of raw stroke by comparing the captured images with the special mark on the stylus; and retrieving “effective strokes” from the raw strokes by utilizing the received writing sounds. Moreover, the invention discloses a low cost, wireless method and apparatus for handwriting input which enables an user to write on a paper without a touch sensor provided for a computer system (such as Notebook and PDA etc.) equipped with an embedded digital camera.

Abstract: A position detection system comprising positional element and positioning device, wherein the positional element transmits a continuously modulated acoustic waveform and a synchronization signal that is a sequence of at least two synchronization packets, each bearing timing data for the continuously modulated acoustic waveform. Additionally, the synchronization signal uses time hopping to support concurrent positioning of a plurality of positional elements.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an electronic pen that is able to prevent the reflection of an ultrasonic wave. An electronic pen according to the present invention has: a housing having a longitudinal axis and a write side tip along the longitudinal axis; at least an ultrasonic wave transmitter, the ultrasonic wave transmitter being arranged near the write side tip of the housing; and a controller for detecting a sensor orientation and for controlling transmission of the ultrasonic wave. The sensor orientation is an index that shows a rotational orientation of the housing about the longitudinal axis, the rotational orientation being directed at an ultrasonic wave sensor for receiving the ultrasonic wave that is transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitter. The controller selectively activates a part of the ultrasonic wave transmitter such that the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the orientation which is directed to the sensor orientation.

Abstract: Various electronic pen devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved ultrasound transducer (i.e. transmitter or receiver) is provided. In one embodiment an electronic pen with an improved ‘pen up/pen down’ detector is provided In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved structure for transmitting infrared light is provided. In one embodiment, an improved electronic pen that may be operated in pen mode or mouse mode is provided.