Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a haptic motion feedback mechanism. One embodiment of an apparatus for communicating motion in a virtual space includes a base and a feedback mechanism coupled to the base, the feedback mechanism using forced air to convey motion in the virtual space. In another embodiment, a method for communicating motion in a virtual space using a feedback mechanism includes receiving a signal indicative of user motion from a computing device on which the virtual space is running and forcing air through the feedback mechanism in order to convey the user motion.

Abstract: The invention provides an input apparatus An input apparatus according to the present invention includes: an operating member, operable to move in at least X and ?X directions from a neutral position; first and second magnets, being arranged with spacing along an X and ?X direction and having opposite magnetic polarities to each other, wherein when the operating member moves in either one of the two directions, the first and second magnets moves in the same direction as the operating member; and a first magnetic sensor, provided at a position displaced from a middle point between the two magnets when the operating member is located in the neutral position, the position being equidistant from the two magnets. When the operating member moves in one of the two directions, the first magnetic sensor outputs a signal in accordance with the magnetic polarity of one of the first and second magnets.

Abstract: An input device for controlling an object includes a joystick and a modal switch. A user may use the modal switch to select a subset of degrees of freedom of the object. The joystick may then be used to control a change over time of the selected subset, where the change over time is functionally depend on both a motion of the joystick and a state of the selected subset. A method for controlling an object via the input device is also provided. The method includes receiving inputs indicating a selection by the modal switch of a subset of degrees of freedom of the object, and a motion of the joystick. A configuration of the selected subset is then caused to be changed based on the motion of the joystick and a state of the selected subset.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mini joystick including a handle which can be moved in relation to a body, in rotation along at least two axes of rotation. According to the invention, such a mini-joystick includes a Hall effect movement detection set including at least one first element interdependent in rotation with said handle and at least one second element fixed in relation to said body, said elements belonging to the group including the sensors and the magnets, delivering at least one item of information regarding the position of said handle, and detection means for detecting at least one push applied onto an upper part of said handle, able to deliver at least one item of control information when a push is applied, whatever the position of said handle in relation to said body.

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 multi input control window in one-to-one correspondence with an external information device can be programmed and activated in the mobile communication terminal in diverse ways through a multi input mode application unit, depending on the type of a multi-input operation. Also, a first input signal with respect to a touch screen, a second input signal with respect to an acceleration sensor, and a third input signal based on the location of a mobile communication terminal that moves in the X, Y and Z axes measured by a gyroscope sensor are wirelessly transmitted from the mobile communication terminal to the external information device. A fourth input signal for the voice-to-text conversion can be transmitted wirelessly. During a multi-input operation in the external information device, an event signal for outputting a vibration or speaker sound is sent as an output signal to the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptable input/output device. One embodiment of a hardware device for facilitating an interaction between a computing system and a user, the hardware device includes an adaptable surface for supporting the interaction, where the adaptable surface is dynamically deformable under a control of the computing system, and one or more sensors, in communication with the computing system, for detecting a physical presence that is not in direct contact with the adaptable surface. The computing system is configured to cause a deformation of the adaptable surface in response to the physical presence.

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 electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays, on the display, a first visual indicator that corresponds to a virtual touch. The device receives a first input from an adaptive input device. In response to receiving the first input from the adaptive input device, the device displays a first menu on the display. The first menu includes a virtual touches selection icon. In response to detecting selection of the virtual touches selection icon, a menu of virtual multitouch contacts is displayed.

Abstract: A computer input device configured to accept a user's hand palm down is disclosed. A handle is affixed on top of a stick, which in turn is secured to a base, where the user moves the handle with the user's palm to move the stick relative to the base in a plurality of axes. The handle includes a plurality of buttons that can be activated by the user's digits. The computer input device has a low overall profile with a low center of gravity and a relatively small footprint and is preferably used in conjunction either with another computer input device of a similar configuration or a computer mouse-style input device.

Abstract: Embodiments of peripheral pointing devices and methods for manufacturing the same are generally described herein. In at least one embodiment, a peripheral device comprises a housing, one or more buttons at a first side of the housing, a displacement tracker at a second side of the housing, a keypad comprising keys at the second side of the housing; and a keypress restrictor coupled to the housing. Other examples, embodiments, and related methods are further described below.

Abstract: A keypad structure comprises a plurality of dome switches. Each of the plurality of dome switches provides a first tactile feedback to a user when pressed. At least one vibratory element is electrically connected to the dome switches to actuate when one of the plurality of dome switches is pressed. The at least one vibratory element provides a second tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a circuit module with a circuit board, and a plug connector with a supporting base, several terminals, and an outer shell. The terminals are disposed at the supporting base, and connected to the circuit board. The outer shell surrounds the supporting base, and has two parallel horizontal plates. Two extending plates are extended from a front surface of one of the horizontal plates. A slot is formed among that horizontal plate and the two extending plates. Via these arrangements, the out shell of the plug connector has the slot, so that the deformation of the outer shell is more easily caused. Thus, even if the assembly tolerance between the plug connector and the socket connector is deviated, the force for plugging or unplugging the plug connector would not be too abnormal. That is because the outer shell can be easily deformed to compensate for the deviation.

Abstract: A stylus is used in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a navigation key. The stylus includes a barrel, a tip portion; and a connecting assembly. The tip portion can be detachably attached to an end of the barrel. The connecting assembly includes a main post and four resisting arms, and connects to the other end of the barrel, and the resisting arms are rotatably seated on the tip portion. When the stylus is used as a joystick, the resisting arms are rotated about 90° to form a cross shape, the tip portion is attached to the main post, and the resisting arms latch to the navigation key. The present disclosure further discloses an electronic device using the stylus.

Abstract: An input device with a hollow portion therein at a neutral position includes a return member capable of self-returning to the neutral position upon deformation, a magnetic member movable in three mutually-orthogonal axial directions accompanied with the deformation of the return member, and a plurality of magnetic sensors individually detecting the position of the magnetic member in the three axial directions with respect to the neutral position. The three-dimensional operation of the magnetic member may be easily detected by a simplified structure and the magnetic member is located with high accuracy.

Abstract: An operating device comprises a transmitter arrangement (1) and a receiver arrangement (2), which may be moved longitudinally, transversally and vertically with relation to the transmitter arrangement (1) and by means of which different signals can be generated depending on the position of the transmitter arrangement (1). According to the invention, said operating device may be provided with additional functionality with a construction of the minimum technical complexity, wherein the transmitter arrangement (1) may be rotated in relation to the receiver arrangement (2) and is designed such that, at differing rotational angles, signals corresponding to the given rotational angle may be generated in the receiver device (2).

Abstract: A magnetic thumbstick device including a manual actuator assembly, a restorative element, a base assembly, one or more magnets, and one or more magnetic sensors is disclosed. The magnetic sensor is positioned to measure magnetic fields generated by movement of the magnet, which may be disposed in the manual actuator assembly, and sensed by the magnetic sensor, which may be disposed in the base assembly. These magnetic field signals may then be provided to a processing element where they may be used to determine position and/or motion of the magnet in relation to the magnetic sensor. The processing element may further generate output signals or commands usable by an electronic computing system such as personal computer, cellular phone, video game console, or other device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a drive signal for a motor-driven mechanical system whose frequency distribution has zero (or near zero) energy at the expected resonant frequency of the mechanical system. The drive signal may be provided as a pair of steps sufficient to activate movement of the mechanical system and then park the mechanical system at a destination position. The steps are spaced in time so as to have substantially zero energy at an expected resonant frequency fR of the mechanical system. The drive signal may be filtered to broaden a zero-energy notch at the expected resonant frequency fR.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes (i) an operation device having an operation knob, and (ii) a display control device having a display section. The operation device has a drive section which gives force to the operation knob. When the display section displays a display window to enable a scroll display in which several selection buttons are circulated, the display control device acquires a reactive force map. The map specifies that a vibration is applied to the operation knob when the cursor is located on the selection button at the tail end of the series of the selection buttons in the display window. The display control device then instructs the drive section to apply the vibration to the operation knob based on the acquired reactive force map.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device provided with haptic technology for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: Techniques for using a motion sensitive device as a controller are disclosed. A motion controller as an input/control device is used to control an existing electronic device (a.k.a., controlled device) previously configured for taking inputs from a pre-defined controlling device. The signals from the input device are in a different form from the pre-defined controlling device. According to one aspect of the present invention, the controlled device was designed to respond to signals from a pre-defined controlling device (e.g., a touch-screen device). The inputs from the motion controller are converted into touch-screen like signals that are then sent to the controlled device or programs being executed in the controlled device to cause the behavior of the controlled device to change or respond thereto, without reconfiguration of the applications running on the controlled device.

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.

Abstract: A test device is provided. The test device comprises a motion-sensing joystick and a pliable, substantially impermeable membrane coupled to the test device such that the joystick is sealed from at least one environmental contaminant.

Abstract: The present invention relates a coordinate input device to input a variety of job commands, diagrams or characters, and to store or output the input data. More particularly, the present invention provides an input device for recognizing hybrid coordinates and a method of operating the device. The input device uses an absolute coordinate recognition method and a relative coordinate recognition method in a combined fashion as a coordinate recognition method for inputting the track of the characters or diagrams. By doing so, input coordinates are converted into absolute coordinates, and the tracks of handwritten characters and diagrams are stored as the converted absolute coordinates such that the tracks are displayed on a display of the input device or on a monitor of an information terminal connected to the input device.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable compliance joysticks with mechanical and software customization, and with an integrated control capability, and a method of systematically determining the best mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in the joysticks to offer an individual with substantial upper extremity motor impairments a personal fit and maximum function. The joysticks may include components for varying the compliance and dampening of the joystick shaft. The method may include providing the user access to operate the joysticks, operatively connecting the joysticks to a driving simulator, displaying an icon on the driving simulator, controlling movement of the icon by the joysticks, evaluating performance of the user based upon the user's ability to control movement of the icon, and modifying hardware settings and software algorithms for the joysticks based upon the evaluation.

Abstract: An input control apparatus and an interactive system using the same are disclosed. The input control apparatus comprises: a switch unit, for selecting an input mode for the input control apparatus selected from the group consisting of a mouse mode, a joystick mode, a keyboard mode and the combination thereof; an interface unit, for generating an input signal according to the input mode selected by the switch unit; a remote control unit, for generating and thus transmitting a control signal according to the input mode and the input signal. By transmitting the control signals of two aforesaid input control apparatuses to an electronic device, such as a computer, an interactive gaming device or an interactive multimedia device, two such input control apparatuses can be integrated as a handheld apparatus with a left-hand unit and a right-hand unit for meeting the control requirements of a comparatively more complicated game executing on the electronic device.

Abstract: An aircraft control input apparatus is configured to accept and provide to the aircraft control inputs from a user regarding the magnitude and direction of the aircraft's thrust vector. The present invention enables a user to continually provide control inputs to an aircraft in which both the magnitude and the direction of thrust vary. A rotational throttle interface is configured to alter its orientation within the aircraft based on the directional component of the aircraft's thrust vector. The rotational throttle interface enables the user to provide continual control inputs to command both the directional component of the thrust as well as the magnitude component. Accordingly the user can provide inputs regarding direction and magnitude throughout the operating envelope of the aircraft's thrust vector while maintaining continuous physical contact with the throttle.

Abstract: A device includes a mouse portion having multiple buttons and a base. The device further includes a joystick portion having a joystick extending to the base of the mouse portion and an upper surface movably mounted adjacent the base of the mouse portion such that relative movement between the base and upper surface results in movement of the joystick.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure sensitive switch including: a cover; a slide portion that is stored in the cover and is slidable by being pressed in a horizontal direction; a pressing unit including a pressure portion that has an inner side face brought into contact with the slide portion and can be moved by being pressed by the slide potion; a sheet resistive body that has an upper face brought into contact with the pressing unit; and a conductive plate that is disposed on the lower side of the sheet resistive body with a predetermined gap arranged therebetween. The slide portion is slidable within a horizontal plane, and the pressing portion presses the sheet resistive body by sliding the slide portion, and a resistance value between the sheet resistive body and the conductive plate changes in accordance with a change in a slide operation force for sliding the slide portion.

Abstract: An in-vehicle equipment control device includes a force sense imparting type input device mounted on a steering of a vehicle, for remotely operating an in-vehicle equipment mounted on the vehicle according to a predetermined operation route while imparting a force sense, a storage unit for storing an operation route data to conduct an input operation of the force sense imparting type input device with a predetermined operation route, and a control unit for conducting an arithmetic process to transform the predetermined operation route of the force sense imparting type input device based on a rotation angle detection signal which is output in accordance with the rotation of the steering of the vehicle and the operation route data stored in the storage unit, to impart the force sense to the force sense imparting type input device based on a result of the arithmetic process.

Abstract: A drive signal for a motor-driven mechanical system has zero (or near zero) energy at an expected resonant frequency of the mechanical system. The drive signal may be provided in a series of steps according to a selected row of Pascal's triangle, wherein the number of steps equals the number of entries from the selected row of Pascal's triangle, each step has a step size corresponding to a respective entry of the selected row of Pascal's triangle, and the steps are spaced from each other according to a time constant determined by an expected resonant frequency of the mechanical system.

Abstract: A user interface system includes a data receiving device and a portable data device having a memory. The portable data device may include a wireless interface configured to transmit data stored in the memory. A user may interface with the data receiving device by physically manipulating the portable data device.

Abstract: It is claimed the method of arrangement of a touchpad, a joystick and a visual display in an electronic device and devices for realization of the method. A touchpad or a part of it or a joystick is made so as to move along electronic device body. A touchpad or a part of it has a fully or partially convex shape. A touchpad or part of it and a joystick or part of it are arranged on different sides of a body of an electronic device comprising a touchpad and a joystick. A touchpad or part of it, a joystick or part of it and a fully or partially touch screen display are arranged on different sides of a body of electronic device comprising a touchpad, a visual display and a joystick. A fully or partially touch screen display is arranged on different sides of a body of electronic device.

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: An electronic device includes a base, a touch screen display, a shape memory alloy and operational components. The touch screen display is connected to the base and moveable relative to the base and includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device and connected to a controller for determining a touch event to the touch-sensitive input surface. The shape memory alloy is disposed between the base and the display device and is configured to change shape in response to conduction of an electric current to cause movement of the display device relative to the base. The operational components include a processor between the base and the touch screen display. The processor is operatively connected to the controller, the display device and the shape memory alloy for causing conduction of current through the shape memory alloy in response to the touch event, resulting in movement of the display relative to the base.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a body and a trace-detecting module coupled to the body. The body has a micro control unit (MCU), and the trace-detecting module has at least a light pervious area, and a trace-detecting unit. The trace-detecting unit further has at least a light source and a sensor. The sensor senses a reflected light beam caused by movement of a user's digit movement on the light pervious area at a velocity which can be sensed by the sensor. If the velocity exceeds a threshold stored in the MCU, the MCU executes automatically scrolling.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a physical joystick input device for use with tablet computers that utilize touch screen technology to receive user input through virtual user input graphical elements. The physical joystick comprises a base that attaches to the touch screen surface through a suction cup and provides conductivity between the user and touch screen surface through conductive felt attached to a support ring of the joystick. The joystick can be configured to be placed over a virtual D-pad or other interface portion of a tablet to transmit physical user input of directional commands to the virtual touch-screen input interface.

Abstract: An interface device and method providing haptic sensations to a user. A user physically contacts a housing of the interface device, and a sensor device detects the manipulation of the interface device by the user. An actuator assembly includes an actuator that provides output forces to the user as haptic sensations. In one embodiment, the actuator outputs a rotary force, and a flexure coupled to the actuator moves an inertial mass and/or a contact member. The flexure can be a unitary member that includes flex joints allowing a portion of the flexure to be linearly moved. The flexure can converts rotary force output by the actuator to linear motion, where the linear motion causes a force that is transmitted to the user. In another embodiment, the actuator outputs a force, and a mechanism coupling the actuator to the device housing uses the force to move the actuator with respect to the device housing.

Abstract: A joystick assembly that provides enhanced operator control and stability during rough operation by being primarily rotatable about a vertical axis of a clockspring. The joystick assembly also includes a palm support that is associated with the clockspring via a clamp in the lower housing of the palm support. Further, the joystick assembly has an interface device that includes at least one input device that is conveniently actuated by an operator's thumb.

Abstract: A computer mouse with an integral attached mouse pad is herein disclosed. The top portion of the mouse moves conventionally while the base is equipped with sliding X-Y access plates having a protruding analog stick. The bottom surface of the base plate comprises a non-slip material. The top portion has both left and right mouse buttons as found on a conventional mouse. In use, the top portion of the device slides in relation to the base generating higher resolution computer cursor movements. This device is ideal for use on desktops with crowded spaces or for with notebook computers.

Abstract: A method for operating an optical pointing device involves capturing a plurality of arrays of data, representing light reflected from a surface to a two-dimensional array of photo detectors, processing at least some of the plurality of arrays of data to estimate movement of the surface during each of a plurality of measurement cycles, and sending a series of estimated movement update signals to a computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved multi-axis joysticks and associated multi-axis optical displacement measurement means. The joystick 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. Means for dynamically adjusting coordinate transformations for construction machinery control are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of controlling a consumer product includes the step of connecting an input device to the consumer product. Also, an input event of the input device is translated into at least one key code, where the key code is recognized by a middleware of the consumer product. Furthermore, the at least one key code is transmitted to the consumer product. In addition, the at least one key code is executed by an application program of the middleware so as to control the consumer product.

Abstract: A locking input may be received. In response to the received locking input, a first input device may be configured to navigate a first cursor only within a first display. Then an unlocking input may be received. In response to the received unlocking input, the first input device may be reconfigured to navigate the first cursor both within the first display and within a second display.

Abstract: The invention provides mechanical devices to enhance the input process for touch screen devices. Fader tracks with or without fader caps, rotary and fixed knobs, and joysticks may be removably adhered to a touch screen and used to emulate their respective functions, using software interpretation of the touch detections provoked by the devices to carry out the emulations. The devices are inexpensive and simple, and the touch screen and associated software provide the function and feel of electromechanical controllers that are far more expensive and difficult to connect and maintain. The devices may be provided as components on a crack-and-peel sheet. For fixed knobs, the software application accepts initial inputs and determines the location on the touch screen, and also interprets the geometry of the input strokes as commands for selected controller emulations, such as joystick, fader, knob, or mouse.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the movement of a cursor relative to an image displayed in a video screen display by way of an operating element that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, while being moveable is at least two additional degrees of freedom transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof from an initial position. The cursor can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions, and, in the case of an additional rotation of the operating element, during the transverse movement of the cursor, the cursor can be moved in a direction diagonal thereto.

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 apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, transmit a signal from the first device to the wireless device to cause the wireless device to display information related to the vehicle, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based at least in part on the determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.

Abstract: A joystick type switch device is provided that includes an operating shaft having an operating knob provided at one end, and a case supporting the operating shaft so that the operating shaft can move between a return position and a pushed-in position and tilt from a neutral position around a tilt center, it being possible to detect pushing of the operating shaft into the pushed-in position and tilting of the operating shaft from the neutral position into eight directions, wherein the operating shaft (16) has a magnet mounted at the other end, and a portion, facing the magnet, of a base plate (22) mounted on the case has at least three Hall elements (43A to 43D) fixed thereto at equal intervals around the axis of the operating shaft (16) in the neutral position. This enables excellent durability to be obtained and the number of components to be reduced.