Abstract: A finger-mounted input device with an integrated accelerometer that functions as a computer input device capable of transmitting manipulation signals controlled by a touch pad, track ball, or joystick and switching signals controlled by buttons. It can be used in place of a mouse input device when used with a computer or as a supplementary input device in conjunction with a mouse. It can also substitute for hands free controls, remote controls, and other electronic input accessories to extend the versatility of these other electronic tools. The device frees up the user from having to reach and manipulate a detached mouse or similar input device in order to enter commands into a computer or other electronic device.

Abstract: Touchpad devices emulating button functionality (“click pad” devices) that simultaneously emulates multiple functionalities are described herein. In addition, embodiments provide for click pad emulation of both TrackPoint and touchpad functionality. According to embodiments, a click pad device emulating multiple functionalities may enable or disable certain functionalities based on user interaction with the click pad device. For example, a click pad device emulating both TrackPoint and touchpad functionality may enable TrackPoint functionality and disable touchpad functionality if user gestures on the click pad device indicate that the user is interacting with the click pad as a TrackPoint device.

Abstract: An input device including an operation portion to be operated by an external force, a signal generating portion that generates a signal according to a movement of the operation portion, and a tactile sense stimulus mechanism that applies a tactile sense stimulus to an object that applies the external force is provided. The tactile sense stimulus mechanism includes magnetic field generating portions, and a tactile sense stimulus member that is secured to a magnetic field generating portion.

Abstract: An input device is equipped with a cursor pointing unit including a mechanical control stick and an optical sensor. The optical sensor is mounted on the mechanical control stick and has a contact surface for sensing object motion thereon. A cursor signal is generated when the mechanical control stick is inclined by an exerted pressure. When the mechanical control stick is not inclined, a position frame of the object on the contact surface is retrieved as a reference frame. A real-time position frame of the object is retrieved when the object remains on the contact surface. A speed of the object is calculated according to the reference frame and the real-time position frame. When the speed does not exceed a threshold, a cursor position move is generated according to the speed; and when the speed exceeds the threshold, a switch signal is generated to initiate a gesture controlling mode.

Abstract: A custom grip assembly that includes an attachment member for connection to a joystick assembly. The attachment assembly is made from deformable material that when originally gripped by a user deforms to the custom shape of the user's grip. The deformable material then remains in that shape and hardens to present a permanent grip assembly for the user.

Abstract: An interactive touch screen and method of manipulating an image on an interactive touch screen. The device includes a user interface screen, an interactive image in the user interface screen, at least one pressure sensor positioned adjacent a periphery of the user interface screen, and a pressure sensitive widget responsive to pressure in a direction of said at least one pressure sensor for manipulating the image in a direction of applied pressure. The method includes providing at least one pressure sensor adjacent a periphery of the interactive touch screen, providing a widget in the interactive touch screen without obscuring the image, applying directional pressure to the widget for activating at least one sensor and without sliding the widget in the interactive touch screen, and moving the image in a direction of applied pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for text input is provided. The method includes the steps of dividing the letters of a keyboard into a plurality of zones, each zone including one or more letters and designating a jumper key associated with each of the plurality of zones from the letters in each zone. A user indication of a selected jumper key is received, and all of the keys in the zone associated with the selected jumper key are then selected.

Abstract: A variable operation sensation input device includes: an operation member slidable along a plane including first and second directions perpendicular to each other; a first driving member including a first engagement portion driven by sliding movement of the operation member in the first direction; a second driving member including a second engagement portion driven by sliding movement of the operation member in the second direction; a first motor connected to the first driving member via a first power transmission section; a second motor connected to the second driving member via a second power transmission section; a first detection section detecting a movement state of the operation member in the first direction; a second detection section detecting a movement state of the operation member in the second direction; and a control section controlling a driving of the motors on the basis of outputs of the first and second detection sections.

Abstract: Enhanced camera-based input, in which a detection region surrounding a user is defined in an image of the user within a scene, and a position of an object (such as a hand) within the detection region is detected. Additionally, a control (such as a key of a virtual keyboard) in a user interface is interacted with based on the detected position of the object.

Abstract: An external support system and method for a mobile device are disclosed. The external support system can include, but is not limited to, processing support for computational intensive tasks such as graphics processing, additional memory for data storage and communications support (e.g., 4G LTE) to augment the mobile device capabilities.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a Joystick apparatus comprising a housing for anchoring the Joystick to; a stem having an actuator connected to a first end, the stem having a second end terminating at a working tip, the stem having an intermediate portion adapted to interface with a pivot point supported by the housing; a flexible disc having a peripheral rim and a central portion, the peripheral rim being supported by the housing, the central portion being connected to the stem about the stem's pivot point; and a sensor located proximate to the working tip and being adapted to detect the motion of the working tip. A novel aspect of the invention is in the use of a flexible disc acting simultaneously as a joint and a spring, thereby simplifying construction of the Joystick.

Abstract: Methods and systems for digital control utilizing oversampling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a portable device are provided. The method includes a method for controlling a portable device, the method including finding at least one object to be tracked in view of a camera, differentiating motion of the at least one object from changes in camera input other than the at least one object in the camera's view, tracking the motion of the at least one object, and executing a function according to the tracked motion.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to a support surface (e.g., a mousepad) for imparting a tactile feedback (e.g., haptics) to a human-machine interactive (HMI) device (e.g., a mouse) supported thereon. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An optical joystick uses a plate to provide the suspension of the cover. The plate is mounted by the ends of radially outer spring arms, so that the desired deflection is taken up by the spring arms and not a central plate member. The spring arms can be straight or curved, but they are generally arranged around the outer periphery of the central plate member, so that the central plate member is centrally and evenly supported.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.

Abstract: A system, method, and graphical user interface for playing games and/or executing applications on a tablet-based client. One embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI) for playing a video game on a tablet-based client device comprises: a virtual controller rendered on a display of the tablet computer, the virtual controller substantially mimicking the control provided by a thumb stick of a physical game controller and providing omnidirectional, free-form movement in a synchronous direction in which a user moves a finger on the display of the tablet-based client.

Abstract: An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required.

Abstract: A multi-part apparatus and a data transmission method thereof are provided. The method is adapted to a multi-part apparatus having a master apparatus and a separable slave apparatus. The master apparatus and the slave apparatus are attached to each other through magnetism, and each of them has a wireless transmission module and a plurality of pins disposed on a side. In this method, a variation of the magnetism is detected, so as to determine a relative position between the master apparatus and the slave apparatus. When the master apparatus and the slave apparatus are attached to each other with a shift, a wireless connection set up by the wireless transmission modules is used for data transmission; and when the master apparatus and the slave apparatus are connected to each other with the sides thereof, both the wireless connection and the pins are used for data transmission.

Abstract: A system and methods for visualizing information on a generally large scale. Certain embodiments include display elements that include a minimized border margin, 2D/3D dual functionality, and ultra-high resolution. The display elements may be positioned relative to an infrastructure element configured to permit generating a wide variety of display geometries.

Abstract: A controller device transmits operation data to an information processing device. The controller device wirelessly communicates with the information processing device. The controller device includes an operation unit, a generating unit, and a communication unit. The operation unit includes at least a gyrosensor, an acceleration sensor, a direction input unit, and a touch panel. The generating unit generates operation data based on data obtained from the operation unit. The communication unit wirelessly transmits the operation data to the information processing device for each iteration of a predetermined cycle.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a position acquisition unit for obtaining a display position of an input area in a display area, and a display control unit for controlling, based on the display position of the input area, in the display area a display position of an input operation area in which a character to be displayed in the input area is input. The display control unit displays the input area near the display position of the input area, and makes the input operation area follow the movement of the input area when the display position of the input area is moved.

Abstract: An automotive instrument cluster human machine interface (HMI) has a display screen and an input. The display screen displays a polyhedral with each face of the polyhedron having unique information. The input is operable to rotate the polyhedron such that a new face is displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A video game controller for a video game and a receptor assembly may include a controller core unit including a housing formed with a top, bottom and opposite sides, at least the top having a plurality of control buttons thereon; and a base portion provided with a first connector; a receptor having a shape substantially similar to a component appearing in the video game. The receptor may be a gun-shaped sub-unit with a barrel portion and a gripper portion with an open slot adapted to receive the core unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pointing stick device circuit which is using fewer components. The circuit is using current sources instead of voltage sources. This will be more convenient to integrate the circuit and largely reduce the cost. Also, using this circuit and the relative process, the requirement of high quality and low tolerance of some critical components is reduced. The performance of the device is improved.

Abstract: Some implementations provide techniques and arrangements to receive image information. A plurality of reference fields of a user-manipulated device may be identified. Each reference field of the plurality of reference fields may include reference elements. The plurality of reference fields may be identified based on colors of the reference elements, shapes of the reference elements, and/or a pattern of the reference elements. Some implementations may generate position information based on the plurality of reference fields. The position information may identify a position of the user-manipulated device relative to the video camera. Some implementations may provide the position information to an application.

Abstract: The invention related to an input device and an input method as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used, in particular, to very precisely change parameters in data processing programs or electric devices in conjunction with a graphic user interface (GUI). It is therefore proposed to employ an input device with a rotary controller for controlling programs via a graphic user interface of a data processing system, wherein the input device is configured to generate a signal string when the rotary controller is actuated, which causes an operating system of the data processing system to change the values of the data used for positioning a cursor on the graphic user interface so that the cursor is moved on the graphic user interface on a substantially linear curve, when the cursor is visualized according to the data used for positioning.

Abstract: A user input device includes a base that has a top surface. Flexibly attached to the base is a joystick. Character indicia are displayed on the base, and each indicium corresponds to a unique joystick position or motion sequence. The user input device has a processor and non-volatile memory that stores machine-readable instructions, that when executed by the processor, transmit a code associated with the unique joystick position or motion sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer implemented method of interrogating volumetric data, the method including the steps of: defining a reference surface relative to the volumetric data; providing an interrogation window lying in a movable interrogation plane intersecting the reference surface and the interrogation window intersecting the volumetric data, said interrogation plane having a pole lying in it about which pole said interrogation plane is rotatable, wherein movement of the interrogation plane provides a corresponding movement of the interrogation window; for each movement of the interrogation plane, determining the point of intersection of said pole and said reference surface, determining the relative angle of rotation of said interrogation plane about said pole and determining the angle of inclination of said pole to said reference surface; and on the basis of said determinations, providing a sectional image through the volumetric data corresponding to the position of the interrogation window within the volume

Abstract: Mechanically tuned radios and related methods are disclosed that utilize ratiometric time measurements to detect settings for mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The radio systems and methods disclosed make a first time measurement associated with a mechanically adjusted circuit, make a second time measurement associated with the mechanically adjusted circuit, determine a setting for the mechanical adjustment mechanism based upon a ratio associated with the first and second time measurements, and utilize the setting to select a tuning frequency for signals received by the radio. More generally, ratiometric time measurements can be used to determine a setting for a mechanical adjustment mechanism for a mechanically adjusted circuit, and this setting can be used to at least part control a desired operational feature of a device.

Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.

Abstract: An input device configured to control a communicatively coupled remote processor is disclosed. The input device includes a band that is configured to at least partially encircle a digit of a hand. A connection member suspends a platform above an exterior surface of the band. The platform is configured to be manipulated by a second digit of the hand. A processor is configured to determine event data based on the manipulation of the platform. The event data is transmitted via a radio frequency (RF) transmitter in a control signal to the communicatively coupled remote processor.

Abstract: A keyboard includes allotment keys to which the functions of operation buttons of a game controller are assigned, a pointing stick, and an Fn key. When the pointing stick is operated with the Fn key being operated, the keyboard outputs an operation signal of an analog stick of the game controller. When an allotment key is operated with the Fn key being operated, the keyboard outputs an operation signal of an operation button of the game controller.

Abstract: The optical pointing device of the present invention comprises a base and an actuator movable connected to the base, wherein the actuator comprises a reflective portion on a side facing the base, and wherein the base comprises a light source for emitting light towards the reflective portion of the actuator, a detector comprising one of more detection units for detecting at least a part of the light reflected by the reflective portion of the actuator, and a transparent element arranged between the actuator and at least one of the light source and the detection units, for providing a closed transparent housing for the light source and/or the detection units.

Abstract: An input device includes an operating unit that a user grasps and operates in a three-dimensional free space in order to remotely operate an information processing device; and a transmitting unit to transmit a signal for a first gesture in the free space of the operating unit to set a mode, and a signal for a second gesture in the free space of the operating unit which differs from the first gesture to execute processing in the mode set based on the first gesture.

Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.

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 operatore. Means for dynamically adjusting coordinate transformations for construction machinery control are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in accurately sensing a user manipulandum of a force feedback device. A force feedback device, coupled to a host computer, includes an actuator for outputting forces on a manipulandum and a sensor for detecting a position of the manipulandum. In one feature, a raw sensor value representing manipulandum position is adjusted based on compliance between sensor and manipulandum, where the adjustment can be based on a compliance constant and an output force. In another feature, a range of motion of the manipulandum is dynamically calibrated from startup. One boundary value of an assigned initial range is set equal to a received sensor value if the sensor value is outside the initial range, and the other boundary value is adjusted to maintain the size of the initial range unless the other boundary value has already been sensed outside the initial range.

Abstract: A video game controller for a video game and a receptor assembly may include a controller core unit including a housing formed with a top, bottom and opposite sides, at least the top having a plurality of control buttons thereon; and a base portion provided with a first connector; a receptor having a shape substantially similar to a component appearing in the video game. The receptor may be a gun-shaped sub-unit with a barrel portion and a gripper portion with an open slot adapted to receive the core unit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.

Abstract: An input device samples movement data in relation to movements of the input device and stores the movement data and associations between the movement data and the movements of the input device in a sample database. The input device determines a simulating input function of the input device according to a present movement of the input device according to associations between the movement data and movements of the input device. The input device transmits information of the present movement to a target platform. The target platform transforms the received information of the present movement to a corresponding operation command, and outputs the corresponding operation on a screen of the target platform by executing the corresponding operation command.

Abstract: A multiplexed audio cable joystick includes plural keys, a key scanner, a frame format encoder, a transmission modulator, and a DAC. The key scanner is connected to the keys for scanning states of the keys to output pressed key information, The frame format encoder is connected to the key scanner for generating a frame transmission data according to the pressed key information. The transmission modulator is connected to the frame format encoder for performing a carrier modulation on the frame transmission data to generate a modulated transmission data. The DAC is connected to the transmission modulator for converting the modulated transmission data into an analog audio data. The transmission modulator has the same frequency band as an audio signal spectrum, and the frequency band has plural sub-bands, such that the transmission modulator modulates the frame transmission data into one of the sub-bands for transmitting data in multiplexing.

Abstract: An optical joystick is connected to a vibratory transducer such as a piezoelectric transducer, where the vibratory transducer produces vibration which may be perceived upon a surface of the optical joystick. The vibration is perceived primarily at the surface of the optical joystick, and not upon a case of the computing device, and is distinguishable from other vibrations which may be induced in the computing device. Vibrations are created to indicate scrolled items in a list, selected items, or navigation within certain displayed zones.

Abstract: A compact game controller incorporates an efficient and compact force feedback mechanism. Forces are generated at one of the controls of the controller in reaction to an action in a video game. The type of controller that can be held with two hands is limited in terms of size and internal space and in wireless versions is limited in terms of battery power. Efficient power consumption in the controller enables considerable usage time between battery replacement or recharging in wireless versions. The force feedback mechanism incorporates a double reduction gear system with a unique geometry which enables usage of a compact and energy efficient motor. The efficient force feedback mechanism and assembly can therefore be packaged within a compact ergonomic controller.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in a case that two or more players play a game in turn, when a game as to a certain player is ended, the CPU selects a player for a next game out of registered already-selected players who have already been selected to participate in the game or not-yet-selected players who have not yet been selected to participate in the game according to an instruction by the player. If the not-yet-selected player is selected as a player for the next game, the player is registered as an already-selected player.

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: The present invention provides a method of calibrating a position offset of a cursor on a screen such that, when a pointing device has already been moved to a position beyond the screen boundary, virtual coordinates of the pointing device are calculated and recorded to track the physical positions of the pointing device efficiently, and then the position offset between the pointing device and the cursor on the screen is compensated and corrected, so as for the user to greatly reduce the hassle of manually operating the pointing device for controlling cursor movement and thereby operate the cursor on the screen at will.

Abstract: Control of multiple functions of an electronic device is provided by using a single control element (102) including a switch body (312) adjustable between multiple switch positions, a primary actuator (302) with lateral (302b) and distal surface (302a) portions extending from the switch body and configured for adjusting the switch body between the switch positions, and a pressure sensor (314) operable via an activation force at the lateral surfaces of the primary actuator. A first function can be controlled responsive to motion of the primary actuator during an activation of the pressure sensor. Additionally, a second function can be controlled responsive to the motion of the primary actuator of the control element exclusive of the activation of the pressure sensor. Further, a third function can be controlled in responsive to activation of the pressure sensor for at least a first period of time exclusive of motion of the primary actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a character input device. The character input device includes a base. An input unit is provided on the base and independently performs first directional input in which the input unit moves from a reference location to one of first direction indication locations arranged radially around the reference location and spaced apart from one another, and second directional input in which one of second direction indication locations arranged radially on the input unit and spaced apart from one another is selected. A first detection unit detects movement of the input unit. A second detection unit detects second directional input. A control unit extracts a first character assigned to a first direction indication location at which movement of the input unit is detected, or a second character assigned to a second direction indication location at which second directional input is detected.

Abstract: An input processing device comprises a display screen and a pointing device for inputting corresponding 2-dimensional coordinates on the display screen. A 3-dimensional space is displayed on the display screen and the 2-dimensional coordinates inputted from the pointing device are detected. Next, shift amounts, per unit of time, of the detected 2-dimensional coordinates are calculated based on a predetermined calculation start condition. And the calculated shift amounts are converted to 3-dimensional coordinate shift amounts in the 3-dimensional space.