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: Provided are tactile guides which may be reversibly adhered to the screen of a touchscreen device, allowing the user to know the position of displayed controls. In some embodiments, directional information is also provided by the tactile guide such that a user may detect by sense of touch up-down and/or lateral orientation of displayed controls such as slider bars or joysticks. This allows the user to quickly engage displayed controls without looking at their fingertip. The tactile guides of the invention may advantageously be configured for any software application. The tactile guides of the invention take myriad forms, including static cling films, buttons, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment of a hand integrated mouse or operations platform remotely operates one or more computer applications while worn on the user's hand and the hand is also free to do other things such as keyboarding, driving, and flying.

Abstract: A terminal device is provided with a first casing, configured to accommodate the display part of the terminal device; a second casing, configured to accommodate the computation part and the heat dissipation part of the terminal device; a first shaft, provided on one side of the second casing, configured to be connected to the first casing and the second casing, with the first casing being able to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis of the first shaft; and a touch sensing unit, connected to the first shaft and configured to detect touch inputs from the user, wherein the touch sensing unit is provided between the first casing and the second casing and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the first shaft.

Abstract: An input apparatus that moves an instruction sign displayed on a display device to any position, the display device being connected to an information processing apparatus, including: an operation portion that includes a magnet, and operates the movement of the instruction sign; a restoration portion that is composed of an elastic member, supports the operation portion, and restores the operation portion to a reference position when the operation portion has inclined; magnetic members that are arranged at maximum displacement positions of the operation portion where an attractive force of the magnet exceeds the restoring force of the restoration portion; a detection portion that detects an inclined direction and an inclined angle of the operation portion; and an output portion that outputs the inclined direction and the inclined angle detected by the detection portion to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A handheld device comprising a first portion and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion. The handheld device is movable between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. A non-flush navigation button is coupled to one of the first and the second portion wherein the non-flush navigation button is disposed in a position that is accessible for manipulation in both the opened and the closed configurations.

Abstract: Control device (computer mouse) for moving a visual pointer on a display constituting part of a user interface for computer equipment. The control device is designed to be used hand held free of support from any surface, as the movement of the pointer in two dimensions takes place by means of a guide pin, a so-called joy-stick. The guide pin preferably has a double function so that it may also be used for scrolling the display. The control device may include an attachment for the user's hand or wrist, and may be integrated with a telephone receiver or with a remote control for a television set or the like.

Abstract: A joystick controller in two-dimensional and one-dimensional versions. The 2-D version employs a unitary sensor surface structure having eight surface-mounted or deposited strain gauges configured as two full bridges or four surface-mounted or deposited strain gauges configured as two half bridges, one for the X direction and one for the Y direction. This unique strain gauge layout design permits a new level of mechanical simplicity not heretofore available in joystick controllers. There are essentially no moving parts to wear out. An elongated post or lever is, in the preferred embodiment, mechanically coupled to the sensor surface structure by a pair of co-axial robust coil springs to provide a psychologically appealing physical motion of the lever during activation of the joystick controller. In the 1-D version, a rotatable cam element is positioned between parallel elongated leaf springs. The cam element is positioned at one end of the springs.

Abstract: To provide an input apparatus, a control apparatus, a control system, and a control method that are capable of restricting a movement of a pointer on a screen by a user operation even while the input apparatus is moving. In a state where a movement button is not pressed by a user, an MPU of an input apparatus is not outputting a movement command or is outputting a movement command with a displacement amount set to 0. In other words, even when the user holds the input apparatus and moves it, a pointer does not move on a screen. As a result, a movement of the pointer unintended by the user can be restricted. When the movement button is pressed, that is, when a first operation signal is input via a first switch, the MPU starts outputting the movement command. By receiving the movement command, an MPU of a control apparatus controls display of the pointer so as to start the movement of the pointer that corresponds to the movement command.

Abstract: A computing system translates a world space position of a hand of a human target to a screen space cursor position of a user interface. When the cursor overlaps a button in the user interface, the computing system actuates the button in response to a movement of the hand in world space that changes the cursor position by a depth threshold along a z-axis regardless of an initial z-axis position of the cursor. When the button includes an activation lock, the computing system unlocks the activation lock, prior to button actuation, if the cursor path satisfies unlocking criteria.

Abstract: This invention discloses a haptic interface system that uses Lorentz forces to provide magnetic levitation for a handle which can be manipulated by a person, typically a computer user.

Abstract: A reconfigurable user input device for use with an electronic video apparatus, such as a video game console, educational console or computer suitable for use by both left and right handed users. The multifunction user device further includes a base housing, a first input device and a second input device separated by a rotatable arm member mounted upon the base housing. A rotation mechanism is affixed between the rotatable arm member and the base housing permitting the arm member to rotate about a center axis to, in turn, permit the first input device and second input device to be respectively located alternatively to the left side or the right side of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a device and a method for providing a haptic motion feedback to user interacting with a simulated three-dimensional (“3D”) environment. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a belt assembly, coupled to the base. The belt assembly includes a housing having an opening and a belt adapted to rotate within the housing for conveying a motion of an object moving in the simulated 3D environment. To indicate a horizontal component of object's motion, in one embodiment, the base is rotated, thus causing the belt assembly to rotate around its central axis. To indicate a vertical component of the object's motion, in one embodiment, the belt assembly is tilted. Optionally, the belt may include a plurality of protrusions and/or indentations on its surface for indicating to the user distances covered by the object within the simulated 3D environment.

Abstract: A audio/video experience comprises two or more viewing screens of at least one front-located screen in front and at least one of either an above, ceiling screen located above and/or one bottom screen located below or slightly forward of the viewer. Side, wall-mounted screens located on at least one side of the viewer can be provided. The images projected on each screen are visually integrated with that of the front-located screen to provide fully immersive, realistic yet virtual viewing. The above, ceiling-mounted screen provides an overhead view of what would be projected above a viewer (coordinated to the front screen images) while the bottom screen provides a downward view of images visually coordinated to the images projected and viewable on the front screen. The bottom screen can be a stage. Alternatively, the various screens can be screen sections of a single video monitor.

Abstract: A force feedback interface and method including an actuator in a non-primary axis or degree of freedom. The force feedback interface device is connected to a host computer that implements a host application program or graphical environment. The interface device includes a user manipulatable object, a sensor for detecting movement of the user object, and an actuator to apply output forces to the user object. The actuator outputs a force sensation on the user object in non-primary axis or degree of freedom. Force sensations such as a jolt, vibration, a constant force, and a texture force can be output on the user object with the actuator. The force sensations can be output in a direction perpendicular to a planar degree of freedom, radial to spherical degree of freedom, and/or along a lengthwise axis of the user object.

Abstract: A handheld device having a main body and at least one button integral with the main body for causing generation of electrical signals. A pair of thumb controllers may be integral with the main body and positioned so that a user holding the device may tactilely engage each of the thumb controllers. A pair of sensing means may be operatively connected with the thumb controllers to generate an electrical signal in response to the user's tactile engagement with the thumb controllers. The signals may be resolved by a processor to determine an alphanumeric character to be generated. The signals may also be resolved with a signal generate by movement of the button to determine a state change to be generated in a video game so a user may interact with the video game. An electrical signal indicative of the video game state change may be generated and transmitted to a processing device executing the video game.

Abstract: An input device for an electronic device is disclosed comprising a source of light (2) emitting a light beam in a first direction, a reflecting member (4) for reflecting said light beam, means for allowing tilting of the reflecting member (4) around at least one axis transverse to said first direction, at least one detector (6, 7, 8, 9) detecting the reflected light beam and outputting an electric signal corresponding to light intensity of the detected light beam in a second direction, in which the light beam is reflected, and an electronic circuit deriving a position signal from the at least one electric signal. Said means for allowing tilting of the reflecting member (4) comprise a first bearing (12) having at least one convex surface and at least one concave surface cooperating with each other in a sliding relationship thus enabling said tilting of said reflecting member (4).

Abstract: A control device having an elongated shaft, a C-shaped magnet, and an anti-rotation pin. The magnet and the anti-rotation pin are encapsulated in a spherical member. The C-shaped magnet has opposing ends defining an open slot along the C-shaped main body. The anti-rotation pin extends through the slot and connects to the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.

Abstract: A screen display apparatus includes an operation information reception unit that receives operation information regarding an inclination direction and an inclination angle of a joystick from the joystick, and a screen controller that performs a scroll process for scrolling a screen and a zoom process for zooming based on the operation information. The screen controller scrolls the screen according to the inclination direction and the inclination angle of the joystick, and continues a zoom-out process for zooming-out of the screen based on a detection of the inclination angle that is greater than a predetermined angle for a predetermined period until detecting the inclination angle of the joystick to be equal to or smaller than the predetermined angle or until zooming out to a predetermined minimum zoom rate.

Abstract: A joystick biased to return its stick to a neutral position and with compensation of the force applied by the biasing. The joystick has a stick that is moveable in relation to a base at least in rotation around two axes and biasing element mounted between said base and a movable element acting on said stick, tending to return said stick to a neutral position. The joystick further comprises compensator, mounted between the base and the movable element, and applying on the latter a force to compensate at least partially the force applied by the biasing, at least when said stick is located in the vicinity of said neutral position.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems relate to telepresence at mobile devices. Aspects comprise dynamic configuration of video provided from a server that intermediates between a mobile device and a telepresence system during a telepresence session. The server receives high definition video from the telepresence system and transcodes into a format that can indicated by the mobile device. The mobile device can dynamically update the format in response to real-time battery life and network interface status. A progressive reduction in bandwidth and power consumptive activities can be implemented. The device can implement face detection and face centering, front/back mobile device camera switching, and automatic contrast control and other video quality controls in an outgoing video stream.

Abstract: A pointing device and method include a pad occupying a region, a raised border at a perimeter of the region and an object slidably movable on the pad for contacting the border. A detecting device is configured to detect a physical contact by the object at any position on the border wherein contact with the border generates a signal indicating a contact position on the border.

Abstract: An input apparatus, a control apparatus, a control system, a control method, and a handheld apparatus with which a user can easily control a movement and stop of a pointer displayed on a screen are provided. An input apparatus includes a sensor unit for detecting a movement of a casing and a button. An MPU outputs a determination code when a press of the button is released within a first time period. On the other hand, when the button is pressed and held for a time period equal to or longer than a first time period, a movement command is output from after an elapse of the first time period. Accordingly, the button is provided with a function corresponding to a determination input button and a function corresponding to an input button for controlling a movement and stop of a pointer, for example. As a result, a user can easily control the movement and stop of the pointer without mixing up an input operation for moving and stopping the pointer with other input operations.

Abstract: A joystick (1) comprising a substantially stationary part (4) and a movable part (3) adapted to be manipulated by an operator. The joystick further comprises a sensor device adapted to detect a position of the movable part (3) relatively to the substantially stationary part (4), the sensor device comprising a magnet arrangement comprising one or more magnets (9) and defining a predetermined magnetic field, and a magnetic detector being adapted to detect a magnetic flux and to generate a corresponding output. The magnet arrangement or the magnetic detector is arranged on the substantially stationary part (4), while the magnetic detector or the magnet arrangement is arranged on the movable part (3). Thereby relative movements between the parts (3, 4) result in relative movements between the magnet arrangement and the magnetic detector.

Abstract: An interface is provided for a device having a touch screen such as a smart phone or tablet computer that extends the touch screen input to areas outside the touch screen area. The interface has a housing which attaches to the device. One or more input controls are mounted on the housing. The controls can be joysticks, buttons, touch pads, levers, triggers, keyboards, etc. Conductive pads are connected to the housing and and capacitively interact with the touch screen. The interface contains circuitry that transmits an electrical or capacitive signal from the user's manipulation of the controls to the conductive pads in order to activate selected areas of the touch screen. The housing may be made in multiple pieces to connect to different sides of the touch screen device.

Abstract: An interface device providing haptic feedback to a user is in communication with a host computer. The device includes a housing, at least one sensor for detecting user input, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a grounded flexure suspension coupled to an inertial mass which moves when the actuator assembly is energized to cause inertial sensations. The inertial mass includes a pole piece surrounding a magnet, and a grounded coil between magnet and pole piece causes the motion of the inertial mass when current is flowed therethrough. Another embodiment provides directional haptic feedback to a user and includes at least two actuator assemblies oriented such that the inertial masses oscillate substantially orthogonally, and can be controlled to output the inertial sensations approximately along a single axis having a desired orientation.

Abstract: A two-dimensional operation section includes a stick-shaped rocking shaft having an end having an operation knob. The operation knob is operated within a predetermined two-dimensional operation surface determined as an operation range such that a rocking axis of the rocking shaft tilts from a predetermined neutral angular position to a direction corresponding to an instructed position. A one-dimensional operation section has an operation surface exposed in a main surface of the operation knob, the main surface being an end surface of the rocking shaft. The one-dimensional operation section can be operated in a predetermined one-dimensional operation direction determined within the two-dimensional operation surface relative to the operation surface.

Abstract: A device disclosed herein reduces inadvertent activation of buttons mounted on edges of an electronic device. The button moves around an axis of rotation proximate to, and parallel with, the adjacent edge of the device. Thus, inadvertent pressure on an edge of the button adjacent to the edge of the device will not inadvertently activate the button. Additionally, the presence of the axis of rotation proximate to the edge maintains a desired reveal.

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 system for use in playing a video game, the system acting to measure the movement, motion, acceleration, orientation, and/or position of transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback. A bidirectional communication link to a processing system supporting the video game provides functional movement assessment.

Abstract: There is provided an operation device that can be stably operated without taking up a lot of space when tilted by a user during the operation. The operation device includes: a support part (12) formed to be pressable against a supporting object in a state in which the user is holding the operation device; a pressing detection part (13) for detecting a state in which the support part (12) is pressed against the supporting object; and a tilt detection part for detecting a tilt of the operation device. The user changes the tilt of the operation device in a state in which the support part (12) is pressed against the supporting object to thereby implement the operation with respect to a connection apparatus.

Abstract: A pointing and control device for a computer system, the device having a body that can be maneuvered by a user; and an inertial sensor fixed to the body for supplying first signals correlated to the orientation of the body with respect to a gravitational field acting on the inertial sensor. The device moreover includes a magnetometer fixed to the body for supplying second signals correlated to the orientation of the body with respect to the Earth's magnetic field acting on the magnetometer and processing modules for determining an orientation of the body in an absolute reference system, fixed with respect to the Earth's magnetic field and gravitational field on the basis of the first signals and second signals.

Abstract: A communication system comprises means defining a communication region, such as a touch-pad (151), having associated therewith a plurality of symbols (155) or the like and being responsive to a user-controlled pointing device whereby a desired symbol or the like can be selected by movement of the pointing device in a predetermined direction within the region (151).

Abstract: A technique which easily removes the motion element of a game controller which is attributed to the vibrating motion of a vibrator from the output data of an acceleration sensor or reduces the element is provided. In a game device, a wireless communication module receives an acceleration sensor output data, which has been analog-to-digital converted, in a game controller. A sensor output correction unit corrects the received acceleration sensor output data and provides the corrected acceleration sensor output data to the application processor. In the sensor output correction unit, a masking processing unit performs the masking process on the acceleration sensor output data within the predetermined range of masking. The masking processing unit corrects the acceleration sensor output data within the range of masking including zero acceleration to have zero acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for misalignment compensation in optical joysticks is described. The optical joystick includes a light source, a plurality of photodetectors, and circuitry for controlling operation of the optical joystick. In some embodiments, each of the photodetectors may partitioned into a plurality of photodetector elements and select photodetector elements are configured to be individually activated in order to cause an electrical shifting of the selected photodetector elements to achieve a different operational alignment position of optical components of the optical joystick. In some embodiments, the light source may be similarly be calibrated by individually activating portions of a light-source array to cause an electrical shift. Various other embodiments and methods of operation are also described.

Abstract: A computer controller configured to meet the environmental and physical requirements that are encountered in gaming or by military personnel. The controller provides a display, cursor movement control devices and a plurality of switches, joysticks and the like for responding to display-generated functions such as icons for selecting programs. This embodiment is hard wired to the remaining components of a full computer system. Such components would normally be contained in the same housing or be carried by a user in a backpack or mounted on waistbelts or other body-supported wearables. In another embodiment, an attachable version of the controller is used to transform an existing portable computer such as a tablet or the like. The controller is configured to be attached to the portable computer to provide trigger switches, joysticks, push buttons and the like for a more rugged or gaming configuration.

Abstract: Techniques for selecting a portion of a 3D virtual environment are disclosed, where the portion of the 3D virtual environment may be one or more objects in the 3D virtual environment or one of scenes in the 3D virtual environment. A motion sensitive device (controller) is used. The controller generates sensor data sufficient to derive position and orientation of the controller in six degrees of freedom. In one embodiment, when selecting the portion of the 3D virtual environment, the controller generates a ray to an interaction of a display screen provided to display the 3D virtual environment, wherein the ray is further projected into the 3D virtual environment by a ray tracing technique as if the user had a real laser pointer that crosses from the physical world into the 3D virtual environment being displayed. Further a user is optionally to use a secondary input device to select one or more points or objects in a 3D space to control a distance along the ray being used.

Abstract: A light-transmissive substrate includes an arrangement of penetrations extending from one surface of the substrate toward another surface of the substrate. The penetrations are configured to attenuate or inhibit transmission of light through the substrate from one side of the arrangement of penetrations to the other side of the arrangement of penetrations.

Abstract: An input device having a manipulation member is disclosed. The input device has an absolute input mode and a relative input. In the absolute input mode, the input device determines a coordinate of a pointed point on a window of a display unit based on a coordinate of the manipulation member. In the relative input mode, the input device determines the pointed point on the window in a relative manner based on a two-dimensional displacement of the manipulation member with respect to a reference position, which is set when an input mode is switched into the relative input mode. When the manipulation member receives a load that causes the manipulation member to move beyond a predetermined range, the input device generates and applies a force corresponding to the load to the manipulation member.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus mountable on a vehicle includes an operation input device operable to point a position in a predetermined operation area, a lighting device for illuminating the operation input device, and a controller for controlling a brightness of the lighting device. The remote control apparatus has a self-diagnostic mode for diagnosing a fault in the operation input device. The controller controls the brightness of the lighting device such that the lighting device produces a illumination pattern corresponding to the position pointed by the operation input device, when the self-diagnostic mode is set.

Abstract: A multijoint manipulator apparatus includes a tubular-member, linear-motion-transmission-members, a drive-unit, a position-detector, a tension-detector, an operation-unit, and a movement-degree-calculation-unit. The linear-members are inserted in the tubular-member, one end and the other end of each of the linear-members being fixed to the vicinity of a joint of the tubular-member and the drive-unit, respectively. The drive-unit moves the linear-members. The position-detector and the tension-detector detect positions and tension of the linear-members, respectively. A desired position/posture of a point of interest is input to the operation-unit. The calculation-unit calculates a current position/posture of the point, a weighting factor serving to give priority to and move the linear-members the tension of which is relatively low among the linear-members, and movement degrees of the linear-members to move the point to the desired position/posture, and causes the drive-unit to pull the linear-members.

Abstract: One embodiment of a hand integrated mouse platform remotely operates one or more computer applications while worn on the user's hand and the hand is also free to do other things such as keyboarding, driving, and flying.

Abstract: An operation feeling giving input device includes an operation member that is displaced to an arbitrary operational position according to the operation of an operator, actuators that change the operational position of the operation member separately from the operation of the operator by applying an operational force to the operation member, operational position detecting means that detects the operational position of the operation member, storage means that stores information about display areas of buttons displayed on a predetermined display screen, and control means.

Abstract: A method executes software including a view hierarchy with a plurality of views which displays one or more views of the view hierarchy. The method executes software elements associated with a particular view, wherein each particular view includes event recognizers. Each event recognizer has an event definition based on sub-events, and an event handler that specifies an action for a target, and is configured to send the action to the target in response to an event recognition. The method detects a sequence of sub-events, and identifies one of the views of the view hierarchy as a hit view that establishes which views in the hierarchy are actively involved views. The method delivers a respective sub-event to event recognizers for each actively involved view, wherein each event recognizer for actively involved views in the view hierarchy processes the respective sub-event prior to processing a next sub-event in the sequence of sub-events.

Abstract: A system for controlling a remote vehicle, the system comprising: a hand-held controller having a plurality of buttons; a display including a graphical user interface having soft buttons; and a processor in communication with the hand-held controller and the display. Buttons of the hand-held controller are mapped to soft buttons of the graphical user interface to allow actuation of soft buttons of the graphical user interface, and the hand-held controller is capable of switching between two or more button function modes, wherein each button function mode assigns different functions to one or more of the buttons of the hand-held controller.

Abstract: An input device to control elements of graphical user interfaces has at least one input element with multiple buttons (keys), and at least one rotatable input element that is actuated at least along one essentially horizontal axis, and at least one elevation (18) that extends essentially perpendicular to a primary extension plane of the input device. The elevation is provided with at least one additional input element and the additional input element is rotatable around an essentially vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: denote, as a base character string, a received character string entered using a user interface of an electronic device; and iteratively perform the actions of: determining one or more extension character strings associated with the base character string such that each of the one or more extension character strings at least comprises the denoted base character string and one or more respective additional characters, or is semantically related to the denoted base character string; providing one or more said extension character strings for selection; enabling selection of a particular determined extension character string; and denoting the selected particular extension character string as the base character string for the subsequent iteration level;

Abstract: Provided is an intelligent multi-axial intuitive joystick suitable for use by both left-handers and right-handers and applicable to machine tools, measuring equipment, cars, and so on, which require moving instructions. The joystick features at most four-axis output control, multiple output modes to select from, a dead-band setting function, axial angle shift detection, origin calibration, feedback from axial force application, Z- and C-axis intuitive operation, working status display, and system surveillance.