Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating at least one vehicle control element and a vehicle terminal is disclosed, the at least one vehicle control element being adapted to control a functionality of a vehicle implement or tool, the vehicle terminal incorporating a terminal display, the terminal display being adapted to alter the functionality of the vehicle implement or tool associated with the vehicle control element, the terminal display also indicating the functionality associated with the vehicle control element, wherein the vehicle control element incorporates a vehicle control display element, the vehicle control display element indicating whether the functionality of the vehicle control element has been altered. This enables a driver when looking at the vehicle control element easily to see from the vehicle control display element whether the functionality of the vehicle control element has been altered.

Abstract: A method for interactive event broadcasting includes receiving a video stream depicting an interactive event. Data representing one or more interactive event controls is received, the interactive event controls being manipulable by a viewer of the interactive event to provide input to the interactive event. The video stream depicting the interactive event and the one or more interactive event controls are displayed as components of a user interface, the video stream and the interactive event controls having a first spatial relationship. Based on detecting a change in state of the interactive event, the first spatial relationship between the video stream and the one or more interactive event controls is changed to a second spatial relationship.

Abstract: A program, a game control method, and an information processing apparatus, which are capable of improving operability of a game. A program causing an information processing apparatus to execute a step of causing an object arranged on a field object in a virtual space in which a coordinate system having a first axis and a second axis is set to be displayed on a screen in which a coordinate system having a third axis and a fourth axis is set, a step of detecting first and second positions on the screen while the first user operation is being detected, and a moving step of moving the object according to a first user operation.

Abstract: A communication terminal for communicative connection to at least one other communication terminal via a network includes a receiving part configured to receive stroke data transmitted from the other communication terminal, an obtaining part configured to obtain name information that is associated with a transmission source of the stroke data under management by a management system on the network, and a display control part configured to perform control that displays an image based on the stroke data and an image based on the obtained name information in association with each other.

Abstract: A haptic device includes a drum configured to rotate about an axis, a cord wound around the drum, a user-actuatable lever operatively coupled to the drum and configured to receive a user-actuation force, a position sensor configured to determine a rotational position of the drum, and an actuator operatively coupled to the cord. The actuator may be configured to apply a tension to the cord that further applies friction to brake the drum to cause the user-actuatable lever to provide a user-perceived resistance that opposes the user-actuation force. The user-perceived resistance may vary as a function of the rotational position of the drum.

Abstract: A user-input device includes a user-actuatable trigger configured to pivot about a trigger axis, a rack gear interfacing with the user-actuatable trigger, a force-feedback motor including a drive gear interfacing with the rack gear, and a posture sensor configured to determine a posture of the user-actuatable trigger about the trigger axis. The force-feedback motor is configured to drive the rack gear based on a force-feedback signal.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of artificially synthesized, mussel-inspired polydopamine nanoparticles were inkjet printed on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. Narrow line patterns (4 ?m in width) of polydopamine resulted due to evaporatively driven transport (coffee ring effect). The printed patterns were metallized via a site-selective Cu electroless plating process at a controlled temperature (30° C.) for varied bath times. The lowest electrical resistivity value of the plated Cu lines was about 6 times greater than the bulk resistivity of Cu. This process presents an industrially viable way to fabricate Cu conductive fine patterns for flexible electronics at low temperature, and low cost.

Abstract: Based on a user operation on an operation unit, an operation target is controlled in a virtual space, and it is determined whether or not the operation target is in a predetermined situation in the virtual space. Then, a vibration signal for vibrating a vibration unit is generated in accordance with the state of the operation target in the virtual space, and the vibration signal is generated by associating a plurality of types of vibrations with a plurality of states of the operation target. When it is determined that the operation target is in the predetermined situation, the vibration signal is generated so that regarding a first type of vibration among the plurality of types of vibrations, the vibration is weaker than in a case where it is not determined that the operation target is in the predetermined situation, or the vibration disappears.

Abstract: Electronic computer systems are described. In particular embodiments, the electronic systems include a first electronic device having a first display and first computing resources and a second electronic device having a second display and second computing resources. The electronic systems also include a coupling element that is configured to mechanically couple and provide a communication path between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. In a coupled configuration, the first computing resources are available for use by the second electronic device via the communication path such that the first display is operable as a primary display capable of presenting visual content in accordance with the first and second computing resources, and the second display is operable as a secondary display that is capable of providing data for operation of the coupled configuration.

Abstract: A device and method for an operator controlled element with haptic feedback dependent on the detection direction are provided. The device includes a base; an actuating part movably supported on the base; an electrical actuator which is attached to the base and acts on the actuating part in order to drive in a moving manner the actuating part in an excitation direction by means of an electrical excitation signal for generating a haptic feedback; a means for detecting an actuation of the actuating part in two detection directions which in each case include a different angular amount with the excitation direction; an evaluation unit, which is configured, if an actuation in one of the two detection directions is detected, to drive the actuator with a specific electrical excitation signal, depending on the result relating to in which of the two detection directions the actuation was carried out.

Abstract: A front cover assembly includes a frame, a cover glass, and a waterproof glue. The frame has a receiving cavity. The cover glass is partially received in the frame. The cover glass has a lateral face facing the frame. The cover glass has a step portion located at the lateral face. A first gap is defined between a first face of the step portion of the cover glass and a first wall of the frame, and a second gap is defined between a second face of the step portion of the cover glass and a second wall of the frame. A waterproof glue fills the first and second gaps. The first and second faces of the step portion from an obtuse angle therebetween, which faces the first and second walls of the frame. The present disclosure also relates to a terminal.

Abstract: A touch panel, an electronic device, and a driving method thereof are provided. The touch panel includes: a substrate and a tactile feedback layer, a touch detection circuit and a plurality of driving electrodes located on the substrate. The tactile feedback layer is configured to adjust hardness thereof under control of the driving electrode, the touch detection circuit is configured to provide a plurality of touch detection points, each of the touch detection points corresponding to at least one of the driving electrodes.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system employs a surgical instrument (20), a robot (40) for navigating the surgical instrument (20) relative to an anatomical region (10) within a coordinate system (42) of the robot (40), and a robot controller (43) for defining a remote center of motion for a spherical rotation of the surgical instrument (20) within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) based on a physical location within the coordinate system (42) of the robot (40) of a port (12) into the anatomical region (10). The definition of the remote center of rotation is used by the robot controller (43) to command the robot (40) to align the remote center of motion of the surgical instrument (20) with the port (12) into the anatomical region (10) for spherically rotating the surgical instrument (20) relative to the port (12) into the anatomical region (10).

Abstract: An example of a game controller is removably attachable to a main unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to execute game processes. The game controller includes: an operation section; and a controller-side slide member configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in the slide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member from the first end. The controller-side slide member includes: a fixed portion that protrudes from a surface of the game controller and is fixed to the surface; and a pivoting portion that is connected to the fixed portion and is configured to pivot relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A system is provided that modifies a haptic effect experienced at a user input element. The system sends a haptic instruction and a haptic effect definition to a peripheral device. The system further receives user input data including a position of the user input element, or a force applied to the user input element. The system further modifies the haptic effect definition based on the received user input data. The system further sends a new haptic instruction and the modified haptic effect definition to the peripheral device. The system further causes a haptic output device to modify a haptic effect based on the modified haptic effect definition at the user input element of the peripheral device in response to the new haptic instruction.

Abstract: An information handling system interacts with a totem through a touchscreen display, such as with movement of the totem or pressured applied on the totem. A totem holder manages totem position on the touchscreen display to maintain the totem in a desired location, such as to prevent sliding of the totem in the event of motion of the touchscreen display from a horizontal to a more vertical orientation.

Abstract: A haptic interface unit may include an application in the operating system of a device in communication with a driver layer. A plurality of sensors and actuators may be in communication with the driver layer. The driver layer analyzes information from the sensors to generate an output signal based on an interaction model stored in the driver layer. The application updates the interaction model in the driver layer.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an input device may be provided. The input device may include: a housing with a lower portion and an upper portion; a depressible button provided in the upper portion; a first magnetic component coupled to the depressible button and configured to move at least substantially along an axis when the depressible button is depressed; a second magnetic component coupled to the lower portion at least substantially at the axis, wherein at least one of the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component includes an electromagnet; an interface configured to receive control information from a computing device external to the input device; and a control circuit configured to control the electromagnet based on the control information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of are disclosed for providing visual feedback to a subject during magnetic resonance imaging, where the visual feedback is associated with input provided by the subject to a magnetic resonance compatible touch panel. A video camera is employed to record video images of the interaction between the subject and the touch panel, and the video images are processed to generate a real-time video signal including a rendering of the input provided to the touch panel and the interaction between the subject's hands and the touch panel. The real-time video signal is provided to the subject as visual feedback, and is displayed within a time duration that is sufficiently fast to avoid the detection of the visual feedback as an error signal with the subject's brain in relation to the sense of proprioception. A measurement of the force applied to the touch panel by the subject may be recorded and employed when rendering the real-time video.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an input device that replicates mechanical actuation of a rotatable input mechanism in such a way that the haptic output provided by the input device is controllable.

Abstract: A game joystick switch assembly, includes a base, defining positioning holes; a joystick base movably mounted on the base; a joystick located on the joystick base; a first coupled member defining a slit aperture; a second coupled member arranged in an orthogonal direction relative to the first coupled member, and defining an elongated groove; a housing, defining a first through opening, positioning columns formed on the housing; a first electronic component; a second electronic component; and a metal fixing bracket including a main body, a second through opening in accordance with the first through opening for the joystick to stick out, four pins and side pins, and a containing space; wherein the housing and the base are received in the containing space, the housing and the base are positioned and combined by the positioning columns and the positioning holes.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described herein that are configured to be embodied as a configurable microplanner. In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises accessing a document plan containing one or more messages. The method of this embodiment may also include generating a text specification containing one or more phrase specifications that correspond to the one or more messages in the document plan. The method of this embodiment may also include applying a set of lexicalization rules to each of the one or more messages to populate the one or more phrase specifications. In some example embodiments, the set of lexicalization rules are specified using a microplanning rule specification language that is configured to hide linguistic complexities from a user. In some example embodiments, genre parameters may also be used to specify constraints that provide default behaviors for the realization process.

Abstract: Systems and methods long-range interactions for virtual reality are disclosed. One disclosed system includes: a handheld interface device; a sensor configured to detect movement of the handheld interface device and transmit a sensor signal associated with the movement; a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to: determine a haptic signal based in part on the sensor signal; and control, based on the haptic signal, an electromagnetic source remote from the handheld interface device to output a magnetic field to apply a force to magnetic material in the handheld interface device to output a haptic effect to a user of the handheld interface device.

Abstract: An operating device includes a planar operating element that includes at least one large surface and that is operable by an operator with the aid of an input element, and the operating device includes a mounting that enables a stroke movement of the operating element perpendicular to the large surface and that sets the operating element into a rotation in parallel to its large surface during the stroke movement.

Abstract: Provided is an example system in which a player character provided in a virtual space is caused to perform a motion including a first state and a second state, by a user operating a left controller and a right controller. When the player character is in the first state, the left controller vibrates more strongly than the right controller. When the player character is in the second state, the right controller vibrates more strongly than the left controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control interface (1) with haptic feedback, in particular for a motor vehicle, intended to take account of an action of a user by providing him with haptic feedback, comprising a magneto-rheological fluid module (5), the said module (5) comprising: a rotary element (7) rotating about an axis (Z) of the module (5), said rotary element (7) being in contact with the magneto-rheological fluid and intended to be coupled with a gripping element (3), and a unit (9) for applying a magnetic field to the magneto-rheological fluid and configured so as to modify the intensity of said magnetic field.

Abstract: User input devices, such as gaming controllers, are provided herein. In one example, a user input device includes a control stick mechanism configured to receive user manipulation in one or more axes. The user input device includes control circuitry configured to process movement data representative of the user manipulation to derive a mechanical center of the control stick mechanism from at least a sequence of qualified resting points associated with the control stick mechanism. The control circuitry is configured to at least re-center the movement data according to the mechanical center to establish calibrated movement data, and present the calibrated movement data for use in controlling one or more user interface elements with the control stick mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for a user input device, such as a game controller. The user input device includes a finger depressible trigger button, a trigger travel path adjustment assembly that resides in an internal cavity of a housing of the user input device, and a finger switch configured to be switched between a plurality of selectable positions in real-time (e.g., during game play). A first selectable position of the finger switch enables the trigger button to be depressed a first distance. A second selectable position of the finger switch enables the trigger button to be depressed a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: Some disclosed methods involve controlling an ultrasonic sensor system to transmit ultrasonic waves and receiving signals from the ultrasonic sensor system corresponding to ultrasonic waves reflected from a finger positioned on a platen. The methods may involve obtaining fingerprint image data corresponding to the signals and determining a change in a force of at least a portion of the finger on the platen corresponding to the signals.

Abstract: A system and method according to various embodiments can include a programmable current sink circuit that comprises a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC is programmable to set an adjustable magnitude of current sink so that a proper amount of current is jointly sunk from a plurality of inputs to generate a total sink current. With the adjustable current sink, redundant inputs, such as dual modular redundancy or triple modular redundancy, or simplex inputs can jointly sink the proper amount of current.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to adjusting sensitivity of a control stick. In one example, a method comprises: receiving a dead zone inflection point defining a boundary of a dead zone region and a playspace region within a normalized two-dimensional movement space, receiving a sensitivity inflection point within the playspace region of the normalized two-dimensional movement space, transforming the sensitivity inflection point to a transformed sensitivity inflection point using a sensitivity scaling function that comprises the dead zone inflection point, receiving position data representing a current position of the control stick, and transforming the current position to a transformed position using a mapping function comprising the dead zone inflection point and the transformed sensitivity inflection point.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods of providing haptic feedback based on media content and one or more external parameters used to customize the haptic feedback. The system may modify or otherwise alter haptic feedback that is determined using the media content alone. In other words, the system may use both the media content and the external parameters to determine haptic feedback that should be output to the user or others. The external parameters may include, for example, sensor information, customization information, and/or other external parameters that may be used to customize the haptic feedback.

Abstract: Disclosed examples include optical and capacitive position detection systems and user interface control apparatus to detect relative positions of a stationary first structure and a movable second structure. The optical system includes pairs of optical source and sensor devices spaced along a first direction on the first structure and a reflector extending along the first direction on the second structure to selectively reflect light from one of the optical sources to the corresponding optical sensor of a given pair when the reflector is proximate the given pair. The capacitive sensing system includes capacitor plate structures on the first structure and a conductive structure on the second structure to move along the first direction to selectively modify a capacitance of a given group of two or more of the plate structures.

Abstract: A manipulation apparatus includes an image display device for displaying an image containing a command portion, an operation unit manually operable by a user, a pointer display unit for displaying a pointer at a position corresponding to an operation state of an operation unit on the image displayed on the image display unit, a vibration application unit for applying vibration to the operation unit, and a direction determination unit for, based on a positional relationship between the command portion and the pointer or based on contents of the command corresponding to the command portion, determining a direction of a force that is first applied to the operation unit as the vibration by the vibration application unit when the pointer is displayed on the command portion.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for an electronic device to control the application of friction to a rotary input control with a shaft. In one example, the apparatus may include a spring bar member having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface positioned adjacent to the shaft; and a movable tension member positioned to engage the second surface of the spring bar; wherein as the tension member engages the spring bar, the spring bar engages the shaft and applies a frictional force to the shaft. In this manner, the apparatus can controllably apply a friction force of a desired amount to the rotary input control.

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for providing secure user authentication including presenting a displayed representation of a three dimensional object having multiple selection areas, wherein respective selection areas are represented on at least two faces of the object and a symbol is depicted in each of the multiple selection areas; receiving a sequence of user inputs including a plurality of user selections of respective selection areas of the object indicating selection of the respective symbol and at least one user input indicating a movement of the object between the two faces so that user selection of selection areas on each of the two faces is accomplished; utilizing a processor to compare the sequence of user inputs to a predetermined authentication sequence stored in memory; and responsive to a positive comparison of the predetermined authentication sequence, providing user authentication.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that detects, at a touch panel formed on or integrally with a display, an object touching or approaching the touch panel; determines a change in an angle that the object forms with the touch panel based on an output of the touch panel; and controls content displayed on the display based on the determined change in angle between the object and the touch panel.

Abstract: A system is provided that controls a haptic effect experienced at a peripheral device. The system receives a haptic effect definition including haptic data. The system further receives spatialization data including: a distance of the haptic effect; a direction of the haptic effect; or a flow of the haptic effect. The system further includes modifying the haptic effect definition based on the received spatialization data. The system further includes sending a haptic instruction and the modified haptic effect definition to the peripheral device. The system further includes causing one or more haptic output devices to produce one or more haptic effects based on the modified haptic effect definition at the peripheral device in response to the haptic instruction.

Abstract: A data collection system controller that includes a housing such as a cover. The housing includes a user facing section and a support facing section defining a hole. The controller also includes a first input device adjacent the user facing section and a second input device. The second input device includes a knob comprising a third input device and a rotatable shaft extending through the hole and partially disposed within the knob. In one embodiment, the second input device is an XYZ joystick with a button. In one embodiment, the joystick and the first input device are angled relative to each other on either side of an elbow joint. In part, the invention relates to a method of controlling the display of image data obtained with respect to a blood vessel.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a housing having a pistol grip portion. A display is coupled to the housing such that the display is viewable by a user of the mobile device when the pistol grip portion is held in a hand of the user. A trigger-like control switch is located on the pistol grip portion of the mobile device. A pointing device is located on the trigger-like control switch such that the pointing device is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the pistol grip portion is held in the hand of the user. The pointing device controls at least one function of the mobile device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling a movable object such as a UAV. A baseline change between a controlling object and a controllable object can be determined with centimeter or sub-centimeter accuracy based on satnav measurements from the controlling object and the controllable object. The baseline change can be mapped to a state change for the controllable object. Control commands can be generated for effecting the state change for the controllable object.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system and a method for providing haptic feedback to a user by controlling an area of a surface of a haptic assembly in touch (directly or indirectly) with a user. The haptic assembly can be actuated such that a surface area of the haptic assembly in contact with a user can be adjusted. An area of the haptic assembly in contact with a user can be changed by modifying a shape of the haptic assembly. Hence, by changing the shape of the haptic assembly, a user touching a virtual object in a virtual space with a particular rigidity can be emulated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and techniques for compensating for insertion of an instrument into a working channel of another instrument in a surgical system. According to one embodiment, a method of compensation includes: detecting insertion of an insertable instrument into a working channel of a flexible instrument; detecting, based on a data signal from at least one sensor, a position change of a distal portion of the flexible instrument from an initial position: generating a control signal based on the detected position change; and adjusting a tensioning of a pull wire based on the control signal to return the distal portion to the initial position.

Abstract: A method for providing secure user authentication including presenting a displayed representation of a three dimensional object having multiple selection areas, wherein respective selection areas are represented on at least two faces of the object and a symbol is depicted in each of the multiple selection areas; receiving a sequence of user inputs including a plurality of user selections of respective selection areas of the object indicating selection of the respective symbol and at least one user input indicating a movement of the object between the two faces so that user selection of selection areas on each of the two faces is accomplished; utilizing a processor to compare the sequence of user inputs to a predetermined authentication sequence stored in memory; and responsive to a positive comparison of the predetermined authentication sequence, providing user authentication.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of artificially synthesized, mussel-inspired polyopamine nanoparticles were inkjet printed on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. Narrow line patterns (4 ?m in width) of polydopamine resulted due to evaporatively driven transport (coffee ring effect). The printed patterns were metallized via a site-selective Cu electroless plating process at a controlled temperature (30° C.) for varied bath times. The lowest electrical resistivity value of the plated Cu lines was about 6 times greater than the bulk resistivity of Cu. This process presents an industrially viable way to fabricate Cu conductive fine patterns for flexible electronics at low temperature, and low cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling power and/or current consumption for multiple haptic output devices are provided. Various features of the haptic output device may be described within a data structure. In response to a haptic instruction, a power budget for the haptic output device may be determined in accordance with its operational characteristics. A drive signal may then be applied to the haptic output device to produce the haptic effect in accordance with the calculated power budget. The calculated power budget may be configured to limit the current or power drawn by the haptic output device.

Abstract: A foot-operated touchpad system and an operation method thereof are provided. The foot-operated touchpad system includes a touch-sensitive device and a foot-wearable pattern pad. The foot-wearable pattern pad includes a backing layer. The backing layer includes pattern areas that are positioned such that: when a human foot is placed on the backing layer, the pattern areas correspond to a fore part and a heel part of the human foot. A pattern is on one pattern area and patterns on different pattern areas are distinguishable from each other. Each pattern is rotation-sensitive. The pattern includes a number of stylus-type dots that are capable of interacting with the touch-sensitive device.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) maneuvering device generates 3D data by irradiating a variably tinted two dimensional (2D) reference surface. The tri-stimuli color index data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB) is a reliable and high definition source of such tinting. By mathematical conversion, the color index data on the 2D surface is mapped into 3D positional data, i.e. (x, y, z) to be used by a computer, a 3D rendering device or an electronic or electromechanical device such as a 3D printer. The 3D maneuvering device has high sensitivity, high resolution, and immunity from the noise caused by human vibrations. A rotational motion vector is derived by comparing the relative motion vectors derived from a pattern recognition process of surface features on the same reference plane with the positional data derived using the color index data. Thus, a single gestural movement of the operator's hand provides both the translational and rotational motion data simultaneously.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a case, and a movable body that is restrained from rotating relative to the case, disposed so as to face the case, and mounted on the case so as to be movable in directions with a predetermined neutral position as a base point. The multidirectional input device further includes a first position detector that outputs a first signal in response to a position of the movable body, and a cam part formed on one of a surface, facing the case, of the movable body, and a surface, facing the movable body, of the case. The multidirectional input device further includes a restraint member having a tip which is in elastic contact with the cam part to urge the movable body to the neutral position, and a second position detector that outputs a second signal in response to a position of the restraint member.

Abstract: An interlocking system for a joystick in a catheter procedure system includes a joystick configured to generate a first voltage output signal based on a linear activation of the joystick and a second voltage output signal based on a rotational activation of the joystick. A joystick cover is disposed over the joystick and includes an upper portion having an electrode plating on an inner surface of the upper portion and a lower portion having an inner surface. A capacitive touch detection circuit is coupled to the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and is mounted on the inner surface of the lower portion of the joystick cover. The capacitive touch detection circuit is configured to detect a proximal change in capacitance in the electrode plating of the upper portion of the joystick cover and to generate a touch output signal to indicate whether a change in capacitance has been detected.