Abstract: A user control input system for a host with a display. A controller establishes a communication link with the host and includes a first motion sensor. At least a second motion sensor is also in communication with the host. First user movement induces the first motion sensor to generate a first signal that is communicated to the host such that the host induces movement of a cursor on the display to move with respect to control objects at a first resolution. Second user movement induces the second motion sensor to generate a signal that is communicated to the host such that the host processing unit induces movement of the cursor at a second coarser resolution. The cursor can include first and second indicia such that the second indicium is moved proportional to the second motion at a finer resolution than movement of the first indicia.

Abstract: Computer input devices are described herein for use in manipulating digital images on a display apparatus.

Abstract: An operation member and an electronic device capable of maintaining operability while enhancing cushioning properties provided in the outer surface of an operation member are provided. An operation stick has a cushion portion and a base portion on which the cushion portion is placed. The base portion is supported to be movable. The base portion has a frame portion surrounding the outer periphery of the cushion portion. The base portion and the frame portion are formed of a material having a higher rigidity than that of the material of the cushion portion.

Abstract: A control actuator apparatus is presented having an actuator assembly providing three linear motion degrees of freedom relative to a base and three rotational degrees of freedom, and one or more additional actuators providing at least one additional degree of freedom, including a base structure, an XYZ stage, and an upper actuation assembly with a wrist angle stage, a forearm angle stage, and a digit angle stage providing relative positioning signals or values to facilitate machine control capabilities with a high number of degrees of freedom (high DoF).

Abstract: A support body holding a touch pad is mounted on a hollow support body of a base member, a space is formed in the base member and extends from its inside to an inside of the hollow support body, a shaft is provided vertically to an operation knob and extends from a back surface of a top surface portion, the touch pad has a through hole through which the shaft is inserted into the space, a rotation detection portion detecting rotating movement of an operation body and a pressing detection portion detecting reciprocating movement of the operation body are provided, and, in the space, the shaft is linked to a rotating movement portion making rotation detection movement for the rotation detection portion with rotating movement of the operation body and a pressing movement portion making pressing detection movement for the pressing detection portion with reciprocating movement of the operation body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving first input from a first quick-point controller in a keypad that comprises a plurality of keys; receiving second input from a second quick-point controller in the keypad; and rendering a multi-touch gesture on a display associated with the keypad based on the first and second input.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for affecting diagonal movement of a cursor 171 on a display screen 322 of a handheld communication device 300. The method includes sensing movement at an auxiliary user input 328 of the handheld communication device 300 indicative of a user's desire to affect diagonal movement of the cursor 171 on the display screen 322 of the handheld communication device 300. X-direction signals and Y-direction signals are produced based on the sensed movement at the auxiliary user input 328. During that time while necessary signals are being collected and processed, the cursor 171 is held steady on the display screen 322 until a predetermined criterion is met for discriminating whether the user has indicated x-direction cursor movement, y-direction cursor movement or diagonal cursor movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pointing device and a method for processing signals from such a pointing device, said device comprising a base and an actuator movable with respect to the base, and a detector, said detector adapted for providing at least first and second positional signals indicating a position of the actuator with respect to the base along corresponding first and second axes, wherein said signal processing method comprises the steps of converting the at least two positional signals into a polar coordinate signal comprising a magnitude signal, and thresholding the magnitude signal of the polar coordinate signal to provide a thresholded magnitude signal. In an embodiment the method further comprising the step of applying a conversion curve to the thresholded magnitude signal to produce a velocity magnitude signal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a direction indicating device for generating a 2D direction indicating signal, which includes a base board, a first rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, including a first sliding slot, a second rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, overlapping the first rectangular conductive plane, and including a second sliding slot, a positioning axle perpendicular to the base board, passing through a space corresponding to overlap portions of the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot, for moving the first conductive plane along a first direction, and moving the second conductive plane along a second direction, and a control signal generating module for outputting the 2D direction indicating signal according to electric information of the first conductive plane and the second conductive plane.

Abstract: A haptic peripheral comprising a housing, a user input element, a position sensor coupled to the user input element, and an actuator located within the housing and coupled to the user input element. The position sensor is configured to detect a position of the user input element and is configured to send the position to a processor. The actuator is configured to receive a haptic effect drive signal from the processor and is configured to output a force in response to the haptic effect drive signal from the processor. The force is transmitted to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect. The haptic peripheral may include a mechanical amplification system coupled to the actuator and configured to increase the force output by the actuator. In such an embodiment, the increased force is transmitted from the mechanical amplification system to the user input element as a kinesthetic haptic effect.

Abstract: An optical navigation device, such as an optical navigation joystick or mouse, includes an internal redirector which may be separate or formed from material of a touch surface of the optical device. The redirector is disposed at an angle with respect to a plane of the touch surface, operative to reflect light which would otherwise strike the touch surface at a low angle and be internally reflected. The light may be reflected in a direction away from a light sensor of the device, reducing sensed internally reflected light, or may be reflected into the touch surface at a higher angle, potentially increasing a quantity of good signal. The redirector may also include portions which block light directly emitted from a light emitter, or reflected off other surfaces of the navigation device.

Abstract: Simulation system for a control center of a complex system such as an aircraft (23) made up of one or more control panels (11) with a set of control devices (31, 33, 35, 37, 39) for components of said complex system, comprising a suitable computer system for the simulation of the operation of said control panels (11) by using virtual panels (11?) which include simulated control devices (31?, 33?, 35?, 37?, 39?), implemented in screens (10) which are connected to the components controlled by said control panels (11), or to a simulating device for said connections, so that the signals or variables corresponding to the controlled components are assigned to their corresponding simulated control devices (31?, 33?, 35?, 37?, 39?) in the virtual panels (11?). The invention also refers to a computer-implemented method for the generation of the graphic interface (21) said virtual panels (11?).

Abstract: A method and device for determining a single touch or multiple touches is disclosed. A touch related sensing information with a single zero-crossing is used for determining a pair of values, and the locations of a pair of centroids are calculated depending on the pair of values. The distance between the locations of the pair of centroids can be used to determine whether the number of touches is one or more.

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 knob or joystick apparatus detects gesture based actions of a user's fingers and/or hand. A user grasps the knob or joystick and moves the knob or joystick in either rotational direction, e.g., clockwise or counter clockwise, moves the knob or joystick horizontally/vertically or any combination thereof, and/or presses or pulls the knob or joystick in or out. Capacitive sensors are used in combination with a digital device, e.g., microcontroller, for detecting, decoding and interpreting therefrom various gesturing movements. A user may grasp a knob and either moves his/her fingers in a rotational, horizontal/vertical, and/or in/out movement(s) along an axis of the knob. During the motion(s) of the user's fingers, portions of an outer covering of the knob are deflected inwards toward capacitive sensors, wherein the movement(s) of the deflected portion(s) of the outer covering are detected, decoded and interpretations are made therefrom of various gesturing movements.

Abstract: In combination with an electronic device including a touchscreen with a first user interaction surface and a second surface, a joystick apparatus includes a joystick with a handle portion and a cooperating base portion with an upstanding sleeve. The handle portion includes a skirt portion for operably engaging the sleeve to thereby secure a first magnetic member therebetween. An attachment member is positioned on the second surface of the touchscreen and includes a second magnetic member for engaging the first magnetic member. The base portion of the joystick includes a conductive member for contacting the first user interaction surface of the touchscreen.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator apparatus for an electronic device having a touch sensing surface, includes a mechanical actuator having a base for accommodating a first magnetic member, an attachment member having a second magnetic member for engaging the first magnetic member, wherein the attachment member includes a surface configured to mount directly over and engage the touch sensing surface. The mechanical actuator further includes a conductive member for contacting the touch sensing surface, and a non-conductive member for spacing the actuator a distance from the touch sensing surface. The mechanical actuator can be a joystick, knob, directional pad, slider, or the like input device.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for providing both translational and rotational input to a computer, to manipulate graphical objects. In one embodiment, a pointing stick is cantilevered to a base. One or more translational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate translational signals in response to lateral forces applied to the pointing stick. One or more rotational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate rotational signals in response to rotational forces applied to the pointing stick. The rotational sensor may sense torque, such as with a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect rotational strain on a fixed pointing stick. The rotational sensor may alternatively sense rotational displacement, such as with a potentiometer configured to detect rotation of a rotatable sleeve about a fixed shaft.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in its various embodiments, relates to improved multi-axis input devices such as joysticks, and associated multi-axis optical displacement measurement means. Certain embodiments of the input devices may comprise elements movable with respect to each other in at least, e.g., three degrees of freedom and comprise ionically conductive elements that are utilized to generate a position signal in, e.g., at least three, or at least six degrees of freedom. Various ergonomic configurations of six axis joystick embodiments which may be facilitated by the compact design of the transducer means are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the input device technology may provide feedback (e.g., relative to force applied to an item whose position is controlled by an operator) to the operator. Means for dynamically adjusting coordinate transformations for construction machinery control are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pointing device (10, 50, 70, 90) is provided for use on an interactive surface (21). The pointing device (10, 50, 70, 90) comprises a grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91) and a shapeable part (12, 52, 72, 92). The grip portion can be manipulated into different positions by a user. The shapeable part (12, 52, 72, 92) has a contact surface for making contact with the interactive surface (21). The grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91) is coupled to the shapeable part (12, 52, 72, 92) in such a way that the manipulation of the grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91) causes a footprint (30, 60, 80, 100) of the contact surface on the interactive surface (21) to take a shape corresponding to the respective different positions of the grip portion (11, 51, 71, 91).

Abstract: An input device includes an operating member, a restoring force generating part for automatically returning the operating member to a stationary position, a detector for detecting an operation state of the operating member, an actuator for applying an external force to the operating member and a controller for controlling the actuator. The operating member is displaceable in directions along a XY plane including an X axis and a Y axis and rotatable about a Z axis. The actuator includes a first magnet, a second magnet and an electromagnet having a core and a coil. One of the electromagnet and the first and second magnets is integrated with the operating member. At least in a stationary condition, the first magnet and the second magnet are located on opposite sides of an axis of rotation of the operating member, and are opposed to end surfaces of the core across predetermined clearances, respectively.

Abstract: An operation member and an electronic device capable of maintaining operability while enhancing cushioning properties provided in the outer surface of an operation member are provided. An operation stick has a cushion portion and a base portion on which the cushion portion is placed. The base portion is supported to be movable. The base portion has a frame portion surrounding the outer periphery of the cushion portion. The base portion and the frame portion are formed of a material having a higher rigidity than that of the material of the cushion portion.

Abstract: A game controller is disclosed.

Abstract: An input device includes a base, a handle and a motion sensor. The handle is configured to be gripped by a hand of a user and moved relative to the base. The motion sensor is fitted in an interior of the handle and is configured to translate a movement of the handle by the user into one or more electrical signals.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided. The pointing device is configured to output a movement instruction signal for moving a cursor on a display in an instructed direction and includes: a pointing stick; a cursor movement including a +X sensor, ?X sensor, +Y sensor and ?Y sensor configured to sense a cursor movement instruction signal for instructing the cursor to move in +X direction, ?X direction, +Y direction and ?Y direction, respectively, according to an operation to the pointing stick; and a stick Z direction operation detector configured to determine that an instruction signal according to an operation to the pointing stick is different from the cursor movement instruction signals when each of outputs from the +X sensor, ?X sensor, +Y and ?Y sensor is changed by a corresponding predetermined first threshold value or greater within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A gyroscope-based device uses a probability model to assign probability of the device being in an intended static state to each received sample of gyroscope data. A new drift error compensation offset and new hand jitter factor are computed for each sample of gyroscope data based on the assigned probability. In this manner, the magnitude of the hand jitter factor varies with the probability of the device being in an intended static state.

Abstract: An information selecting apparatus includes a CPU and a controller capable of performing a direction input. An arbitrary item is selected from a plurality of items by a direction input by means of an analog joystick, for example. When it is determined that a predetermined series of direction input operations is performed, at least one item out of selection items is switched to another item.

Abstract: A method for use in obtaining input data from an object includes capturing a live image of the object with an image capture device, receiving information related to a tilt angle of the object from one or more sensors other than the image capture device, using the information related to a tilt angle of the object to obtain at least one rotated reference image of the object, comparing the live image of the object with the rotated reference image of the object, and generating an indication in response to the live image matching the rotated reference image. An apparatus and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention may include a body comprising a user interface, wherein the user interface is operable to be configured for a first interactive media device and a second interactive media device. The one or more embodiments may further include memory operable to store a plurality of user interface configurations, wherein a first user interface configuration corresponds to the first interactive media device and the second interactive media device, and wherein the memory is further operable to store a software application state. The one or more embodiments may additionally include a communication interface operable to communicatively couple with the first interactive media device and the second interactive media device, wherein the communication interface is operable to send user inputs from the user interface to the first interactive media device and the second interactive media device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lift device including a base frame; a main frame comprising a fixing member longitudinally formed in an up and down direction, coupled to the base frame, and a movable member movably provided in an up and down direction; a bed unit connected to the movable member, positioned in front of the main frame; a operation unit having an end connected to the movable member or the bed unit and the other end extended forwardly, with a ring-shaped operation control part provided in the other end thereof to put a user's finger thereon; and a driving unit to move the movable member upwardly based on input of the operation control part, wherein the operation control part comprises an upper input means positioned in an inner top surface thereof to upwardly move the movable member based on an input signal and a lower input means position in an inner bottom surface thereof to downwardly move the movable member based on an input signal.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a device includes a surface and an actuator mechanism operably associated with the surface. The actuator mechanism is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user responsive to an electrical signal. In at least some embodiments, the actuator mechanism comprises a pair of spaced-apart substrates each of which supports a conductive layer of material. A dielectric material and an adjacent air gap may be interposed between the substrates. Drive circuitry is operably connected to the spaced-apart substrates and is configured to drive the conductive layers of material with an electrical signal. This signal may be responsive to sensing a touch input on the surface or other appropriate event.

Abstract: An ergonomic control instrument for an operator's hand is provided to be disposable on a platform and communicate with a processor. The instrument includes a base for mounting to the platform, a pistol-grip handle disposed on the base to tilt from perpendicular to the platform, a head unit disposed on the handle, a deck within the head unit connecting to the handle, and a plurality of input devices disposed on at least one of the head unit and the handle, each device of the plurality for receiving a command from the operator's hand. Also, an ergonomic control station for an operator is provided, with the station including a platform in front of the operator, a first hand-held instrument mountable to the platform, a second hand-held instrument mountable to the platform, and a processor having a plurality of connections to the first and second pluralities of input devices.

Abstract: An information handling system is disclosed including a display, a base coupled to the display and a keypad with a plurality of keys disposed on the base. The system further includes a touchpad located proximate the keypad and a point stick located substantially between at least two of the plurality of keys, wherein the point stick is configured to be a scroll control device. A method for manipulating information on a display of an information handling system is further disclosed herein. The method includes moving a cursor on the display using a touchpad proximate a keypad on the information handling system and scrolling the information on the display in a direction corresponding with the direction of pressure applied to a top portion of a point stick located substantially between at least two keys of the keypad.

Abstract: An object is to appropriately transmit operation data from a controller device to an information processing device. The controller device is capable of wirelessly communicating with the information processing device. The controller device includes a generating unit, a communication unit, and a display unit. The generating unit generates operation data based on an operation performed on the controller device. The communication unit receives one image's worth of image data from the information processing device with a first frequency, the image data generated in the information processing device through a process performed based on the operation data, and transmits the operation data to the information processing device with a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. The display unit displays an image based on the image data.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a housing and a keypad assembly configured within the housing. The keypad assembly includes one or more groups of keys configured for movable positioning between a first orientation in which a top surface of an individual key is exposed to a user, and a second orientation in which the top surface of the key pivotally retracts into the housing so as to expose an edge surface of the key.

Abstract: An active user interface system includes a gimbal assembly that is configured as a dual-input/single-output differential mechanism. The differential mechanism implements a speed reduction from the inputs of the differential mechanism to the output of the differential mechanism. Speed reduction enables the maximum drive torque that is supplied to the user interface about one rotational axis to be greater than the maximum drive torque that is supplied to the user interface about another, perpendicular axis.

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: Some implementations may receive image information from a video camera and receive supplemental positioning information from a sensor of a user-manipulated device. The supplemental positioning information may be used to compensate for blind spots in the image information received from the video camera. Position information based at least in part on the image information and the supplemental positioning information may be generated. The position information may express a position and/or orientation of the user-manipulated device relative to the video camera. An application may be controlled using the generated position information.

Abstract: An example input device or the like includes: an input member; a sensing member for sensing a direction of an input operation conducted against the input member; a disposition member on which the sensing member is disposed; and a data processor capable of processing sense data sensed based on the sensing member and outputting output data of a predetermined output direction. The sensing member is disposed on the disposition member such that the direction sensible by the sensing member is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle with respect to the predetermined output direction, and the data processor is configured to execute an arithmetic process of rotational conversion to rotate the sense data in a direction opposite of a rotation direction of the predetermined rotation angle to output of the result of the arithmetic process as output data.

Abstract: An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.

Abstract: Systems and methods incorporating an embedded sensor in a control stick to detect the presence of an object, such as a thumb. A presence detect signal may be generated by the additional sensor and auto calibration logic then may automatically remove bias from the control stick in real time when the presence detect signal indicates the control stick is not under the influence of a force external to the controller, and therefore at its neutral mechanical position. In further embodiments, embedded sensors are arrayed across an exterior surface of a control stick as a secondary control stick-based positional input device. In such embodiments, tactile or proximity sensor technology may be applied to either improve precision of first positional information generated by the control stick or to control a coordinate space separate from that controlled by first position information provided by the control stick.

Abstract: A joystick controller is disclosed for controlling speed of a boom lift platform, the controller having motors or the like that provide tactile feedback that is intuitively interpreted and adjusted by the user of the joystick speed control, the joystick being neutrally-biased to effect a null velocity when the joystick is positioned in a neutral position, but the tactile feedback forcing the joystick away from neutral to a degree that represents the platform's actual speed.

Abstract: A haptic arm comprising: a user connection element; a reference; a first linkage connecting the user connection element to the reference, where the first linkage provides at least six independent degrees of freedom, and contains an intermediate link, three force sensors, three angle sensors; a second linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference; a third linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference a fourth linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference; the second, third, and fourth linkages each containing an independent actuator and position sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media, for utilizing device motions to manipulate a display screen feature. One or more motion data that indicate a motion of a device are referenced. Upon referencing motion data, manipulations to apply to a display screen feature are identified. Thereafter, the display screen feature is manipulated in accordance with the one or more manipulations identified.

Abstract: A single integrated circuit for operating both a capacitive proximity sensor device and a resistive pointing stick comprises sensor circuitry to drive a first varying voltage signal onto a transmitter electrode of the capacitive proximity sensor device. The sensor circuitry is also configured to drive a second varying voltage signal onto a voltage divider of the pointing stick and a third varying voltage signal onto the voltage divider of the pointing stick. The sensor circuitry is configured to receive a first resulting signal from a receiver electrode of the proximity sensor device and receive a second resulting signal from the pointing stick. The single integrated circuit includes determining circuitry configured to determine positional information for input received in a sensing region of the proximity sensor device based on the first resulting signal; and to determine force information received as input to the pointing stick based on the second resulting signal.

Abstract: A hand-activated controller including a base and a circuit board attached to the base is provided. The circuit board has an aperture extending therethrough, and first, second, third, and fourth switches disposed thereon proximate to the aperture. The controller further includes a shaft having a tubular portion and a plate portion. The plate portion is disposed proximate to the first, second, third and fourth switches. The controller further includes a ball-shaped member that is coupled to the tubular portion of the shaft, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines if the first, second, third and fourth switches transition from a first operational state to a second operational state indicating that the ball-shaped member and the shaft have been pushed downwardly toward the base, and to generate a first command signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A method is described that includes receiving, from a first device, input used to select a first object in a computer-generated environment. The first device has at least two degrees of freedom with which to control the selection of the first object. The method also includes removing, in response to the selection of the first object, at least two degrees of freedom previously available to a second device used to manipulating a second object in the computer-generated environment. The removed degrees of freedom correspond to the at least two degrees of freedom of the first device and specify an orientation of the second object relative to the selected first object. Additionally, the method includes receiving, from the second device, input including movements within the reduced degrees of freedom used to manipulate a position of the second object while maintaining the specified orientation relative to the selected first object.

Abstract: A handheld computer interface includes an enclosure, a mass coupled to the enclosure, and an actuator coupled to the mass to change a position of the mass relative to the enclosure. When the actuator receives a signal indicating a change in the center of mass of the interface, it changes the position of the mass.

Abstract: A keyboard joystick comprises a base having key actuating areas associated with the underside of the base. A control stick is mounted to the base to enable a user to actuate the arrow keys of a computer keyboard in conjunction with an associated computer game, for example.

Abstract: A movable operation unit is movable on a two-dimensional operation surface of a main body. The two-dimensional operation surface is defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis perpendicular to each other. A Y-axis movable portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The Y-axis movable portion is movable in the Y-axis direction when rotating around the rotation axis. The rotation axis extends in the X-axis direction relative to the main body. The Y-axis movable portion includes a sliding rail portion on which the movable operation unit is slidable in the X-axis direction. The movable operation unit is operable to slide in the X axial direction and move in the Y axial direction accompanied with rotation of the Y-axis movable portion around the rotation axis to performs a parallel shift in the two dimensional direction while regularly and constantly maintaining a posture of the movable operation unit.