Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-directional input device. The device includes: an upper case, defining an opening part in a center of a top part; a first operating member, protruding from the opening part and including a flange; a first sliding member, defining a first opening; an elastic piece, arranged on an outer periphery of the first sliding member and configured to push the first sliding member back to an origin position; a second and third sliding members sliding in X and Y directions, respectively; a first and second movable contacts provided on the second the third sliding members, respectively; a circuit board, including a first and second fixed contacts; a push member including a flat part in contact with the flange and a boss; a coil spring, pushing the push member upward; a first support, configured to hold the push member at an upper limit position; and a lower case.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an H-bridge driver for haptics and camera voice coil motor applications are described. A device may generate a control signal for an application executing on the device such as a camera application, a gaming application, or any application receiving a user input or outputting feedback to the user. The device may generate the control signal using a voice coil motor driver of a camera component of the device. The device may drive a haptics motor based on the generated control signal and generate a haptic response based on driving the haptics motor. The device may, as a result, output the generated haptic response. Additionally or alternatively, the device may drive a voice coil motor based on the generated control signal and may control a camera component of the device based on driving the voice coil motor or the haptics motor, or both.

Abstract: The application relates to an operating device for operating an implement with at least one attachment, comprising at least one manual control unit and at least one controller/regulator, wherein the controller/regulator is equipped to actuate the attachment on the basis of a single control movement of the manual control unit, which is detectable by means of a single detection means provided on the manual control unit, for carrying out a linear movement.

Abstract: A servo driver includes: a driver, a pulse conversion module and a pulse interface. The pulse conversion module is connected between the pulse interface and the driver, and the pulse conversion module converts the type of a pulse control signal received by the pulse interface from an upper computer or a PLC and then outputs same to the driver. The type of the pulse control signal includes at least one of a clockwise and counter-clockwise pulse control type, a pulse plus direction control type and an AB-phase input control type. In an embodiment, the pulse conversion module is used to convert the type of the pulse control signal from the upper computer or the PLC, so that the driver can be compatible with an upper computer or a PLC having a different control signal type.

Abstract: A vibrating apparatus which can provide a favorable vibratory sense to the operator who operates electronic equipment. The vibrating apparatus includes an equipment holding unit that holds electronic equipment, at least one gripped portion projecting from the equipment holding unit and gripped by an operator, and at least one vibrating unit that vibrates based on a sound signal acquired from the electronic equipment and vibrates the at least one gripped portion.

Abstract: In a multi-directional input device, an upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is provided at a lower end of an operation shaft projecting downward of a lower arm, a receiving portion for the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is provided in a case, the receiving portion has a receiving surface configured with a spherical surface having a radius of curvature identical to a radius of curvature of a spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion, the receiving surface against which the spherical zone of the upward convex spherical trapezoidal portion is pressed downward by a compression coil spring, and the operation shaft is supported to be rotatable around the center of curvature of the receiving surface.

Abstract: The inventive game controller has a base portion and an upper portion. The base portion and the upper portion are constructed and arranged so that the base portion is stationary relative to the upper portion; and when the upper portion is moved parallel to the base portion, the game controller translates the relative motion of the upper portion to the base portion into programmable keystrokes or analog movements, which in turn correspond to movements with the game; the upper portion moving forward relative to the base portion translates to forward movement in the game; the upper portion moving backwards relative to the base portion translates to backwards movement in the game; the upper portion moving left or twisting left relative to the base portion translates to spinning; left or strafing left in the game; the upper portion moving right or twisting right relative to the base portion translates to right spinning or right strafing in the game.

Abstract: A method for customizing a probe grip of an ultrasound probe for a user is presented. The method includes printing the probe grip in a three-dimensional shape of the probe grip based on grip data corresponding to the user. Further, the method includes installing the printed probe grip on the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: The optical position detection device includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates a target object with light, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the target object. The light receiving unit includes a segmented photodiode in which a light receiving surface is two-dimensionally segmented into a plurality of light receiving regions, the segmented photodiode outputting a current corresponding to the intensity of light received by each of the light receiving regions; a light receiving lens that condenses the reflected light from the target object and forms an image of the target object on the light receiving surface of the segmented photodiode; and an arithmetic unit that detects a position of the target object in a two-dimensional direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the light receiving lens, based on the output currents corresponding to the respective light receiving regions of the segmented photodiode.

Abstract: An operation input apparatus configured to receive a force from an operator, including: a board 10 including a placement surface on which coils 21˜24 are placed, the coils being arranged in a circumferential direction of a circle formed by connecting points apart from a reference point by the same distance; a key 30 that is provided in a side where the force is input with respect to the board 10; and a return spring 51˜54 elastically supporting the key 30, wherein the key 30 includes an opposed surface opposed to the placement surface and an operation surface configured to receive an application of the force, and causes an inductance of at least one of the coils 21˜24 to change with an approach of the opposed surface to the placement surface due to the application of the force on the operation surface.

Abstract: The disclosure addresses a force sensor that is scalable in size and adaptable to a variety of form factors, including those suitable for use in an input device for a computer or other processing system, and in some cases including those of the configuration normally referred to as a computer mouse. The force sensor will include at least two structural members that are cooperatively attached one another as to be displaced from one another in response to a force acting upon one of the structural members. In some examples, the engagement between the two structural members will be specifically configured to allow such displacement in response to forces acting laterally on the force sensor. The force sensor will also include one or more sensing mechanisms to provide a measurement of the sensed deflection.

Abstract: A surgical robot and a surgical robot control method ensure a stable change of an operation mode. The surgical robot includes a master device having an input unit, a slave device having at least one robotic surgical instrument that is remotely controlled by the master device, and a controller that performs a mode change process to gradually vary the strength of a feedback signal fed back from the slave device to the input unit for a predetermined time when a signal for a change of an operation mode is input via the input unit.

Abstract: A broadcast control apparatus for visual data includes a touch screen (32, 34) display panel operable to receive and display visual data simultaneously in real time from a plurality of visual sources. It also includes a touch screen graphical panel for the retrieval of control functions from a control function register. The visual data from at least one of the visual sources is selectable for use by finger pressure on the associated portion of the touch screen (32, 34) display panel and the selected data is modifiable in accordance with the retrieved control function.

Abstract: A surgical system performs a surgical procedure on a patient with manipulators and an endoscope. The surgical system has a display unit for simultaneously displaying a plurality of items of information including an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope, and a wireless image processor for transmitting information to the display unit and processing the plurality of items of information to be displayed by the display unit. The information about the endoscopic image is transmitted from the endoscope to the wireless image processor through a link including at least a portion based on wireless communications.

Abstract: A machine supports multiple selectable operating modes for operator input devices. An operator input device and associated input sensor convert physical operator actions into operator input control signals. A force feedback device, associated with the operator input device, exerts a resistive force based upon force feedback signals issued by the programmed controller. A machine subsystem includes an actuator configured to change an operational state of the machine according to machine control commands issued by the programmed controller based upon the operator input control signals. An operator input device configuration unit receives directions for specifying an operator input device configuration definition. The operator input device configuration definition specifies a mapping between the operator input control signals and the machine control commands.

Abstract: A master-slave system using a 4-degree of freedom (DOF) parallel mechanism includes: a master device having a 4-DOF parallel mechanism which generates 1-DOF translation and 3-DOF rotation by the manipulation of a user; a slave device having a 4-DOF parallel mechanism which generates 1-DOF translation and 3-DOF rotation according to the movement of the master device; and a controller for receiving a behavior signal generated by the master device and outputting a driving signal to the slave device so that the slave device moves according to the movement of the master device. The master-slave system may be utilized as a remote needling robot with excellent manipulation and precision.

Abstract: Described herein is a three-dimensional scanning system that features a camera integrated with a user-guided haptic interface device. The system allows an operator, through the sense of touch, to intuitively and interactively identify optimum locations for obtaining images or scans of an object. The system then assembles these scans to produce a virtual three-dimensional representation of the object with a high degree of accuracy and with a minimum of data artifacts.

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

Abstract: A human-machine interface includes a user interface, a gimbal assembly, a gimbal interface rod, a force sensor mount, and a spacer. The gimbal assembly is coupled to the user interface. The gimbal interface rod is coupled to and extends from the gimbal assembly. The force sensor mount is coupled to the user interface and to the gimbal assembly, is configured to have a plurality of force sensors coupled thereto, and surrounds a portion of the gimbal interface rod and is spaced apart therefrom to define a circumferential gap. The spacer is disposed between and engages the portion of the gimbal interface rod and the force sensor mount, and is configured to maintain the circumferential gap between the force sensor mount and the gimbal interface rod until a predetermined user input force is supplied to the user interface whereupon the force sensor mount engages the gimbal interface rod.

Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.

Abstract: Interface (101) for converting human control input gestures to telematic control signals. The interface includes a plurality of articulating arms (107a, 107b, 108a, 108b, and 109a, 109b) each mounted at a base end (113, 115, 117) to an interface base and coupled at an opposing end to a housing (106). The articulating arms are operable to permit linear translational movement of the housing in three orthogonal directions. At least one sensor (116) of a first kind is provided for measuring the linear translational movement. A pivot member (201) is disposed in the housing and is arranged to pivot about a single pivot point. A grip (102) is provided and is attached to the pivot member so that a user upon grasping the grip can cause the pivot to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: A solid-state touch sensing system integrated into a control element for a device or equipment. The control element may have complex surface geometry. The system is capable of determining real-time parameters indicative of the character of user contact with the control element, and generating control signals for controlling the device or equipment or providing information or warnings to a user of the equipment.

Abstract: A glove puppet manipulating system comprises a control module for generating control signals base on movements of human hand and a robot electrically connecting the control module installed inside a glove puppet. The robot has a body manipulating apparatus disposed on a foundation to manipulate the body of the glove puppet to rotate, a pair of hand manipulating apparatuses disposed on the body manipulating apparatus to manipulate the hands of the glove puppet to swivel, and a head manipulating apparatus interposed between the hand manipulating apparatuses on the body manipulating apparatus to manipulate the head of the glove puppet to nod.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for a control assembly including: a first film that is in-molded that includes decorative graphics, a front surface and a rear surface; and a second film molded to the rear surface of the first film having a printed circuit that includes sensors, control circuits and interconnects and a front and rear surface; and an internal connector.

Abstract: A position control device for suppressing occurrence of stick-slip during a feed operation performed in a very low speed region is provided. Adders add an output obtained by multiplying actual speed deviation by a proportional gain, an integral component of actual speed deviation obtained by inputting actual speed deviation to an integral compensator, an output obtained by multiplying motor speed deviation by a proportional gain, and an integral component of the motor speed deviation obtained by inputting motor speed deviation to an integral compensator. The result is output as a torque feedback command. Each integral compensator has a coefficient changer capable of changing a coefficient from 0 to 1 to adjust integral gains in accordance with a speed feedforward command or a speed command. Large integral gain increases the response speed of switching from static to kinetic friction torque in a very low speed region thereby suppressing occurrence of stick-slip.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling rotational movement of a turret of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a first communication port that is adapted to receive input signals from a first input device for controlling rotation of the turret. A second communication port is adapted to receive input signals from a second input device for controlling rotation of the turret. A controller generates control signals for operational control of the vehicle turret in response to receipt of an input signal from at least one of the first and second input devices.

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: 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: A method of calibrating a vision based robotic system. The method includes engaging a calibration pin with a robotic tool and moving the calibration pin to a calibration block that includes at least one set of optical sensors having an optical transmitter to transmit an optical beam and an optical receiver to receive the optical beam. Further, the transmitted optical beam includes a center point. The method further includes: moving the calibration pin to the center point of the transmitted optical beam; determining a calibration pin center position relative to the robotic tool; and commanding a machine vision assembly having a camera to capture an image of a plurality of camera reading points of the calibration block and to determine a camera center position.

Abstract: A rotary actuator with a magnetically produced tactile sense is provided, in particular for a motor vehicle. The rotary actuator includes two plane-parallel permanent magnets, with the first magnet being arranged in a fixed position in a housing of the rotary actuator, and in which case the second magnet can be rotated with respect to the first magnet by a handle of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: Controlling movement of movable arms on motion shafts of a measurement machine is disclosed. Each motion shaft of the measurement machine are divided into different motion ranges. The movable arms move in different motion ranges at different speeds. Motion direction of the movable arms is associated with an operation direction of a joystick.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer code product for a data processing system provide feedback to an operator of a vehicle indicating the appropriateness of an attempted actuation of a vehicle control. A current operating state of the vehicle is first identified. Responsive to identifying the current operating state, preferred control actions corresponding to the current operating state are identified. Responsive to receiving a notification of an attempted actuation of the vehicle control, the attempted actuation is compared to the preferred control actions. If the attempted actuation is one of the preferred control actions, an indicator is illuminated with a first color. If the attempted actuation is not one of the preferred control actions, the indicator is illuminated with a second color.

Abstract: Input/steering mechanisms and aircraft control systems are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, an input/steering mechanism is provided for use with an aircraft control system. The input/steering mechanism includes a yoke that includes a hub, an alphanumeric keyboard, and a first grip surface. The alphanumeric keyboard is disposed on a face of the hub and is adapted to receive a manual input from a user and to transmit an output signal to the aircraft control system in response to the manual input. The first grip surface is formed on an outer periphery of the hub and is contoured to correspond with one or more fingers of the user, the first grip surface is formed such that a thumb of the user is positioned to rest in proximity to at least a portion of the alphanumeric keyboard when the one or more fingers grip the first grip surface.

Abstract: An operator controllable machine is retrofitted to be operator controlled or to be automatically controlled. An electrical joystick output is provided by a manually actuated joystick control, including a joystick, to a machine control in the manually controlled machine. An interface is added between the joystick control and the machine control to permit an external source, such as a GPS receiver or a laser receiver, to apply an electrical automatic control output to the machine control, as well. The interface includes a number of optical isolation circuits and a microprocessor. The isolated microprocessor output is supplied to the machine control, which produces valve control signals to control the hydraulic valves of the machine. The application of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders of the machine is then controlled by either the joystick control output or the automatic control output.

Abstract: A device and a method, in particular for labeling containers, in particular bottles, having a corresponding conveyor device, several equipment units, in particular labeling units, and a controller as well as a control console for controlling certain unit functions. To ensure reliable operation of the device, the control console is arranged to be variable in position and at least one position detector is provided, whereby the controller enables or blocks certain functions in a safety-oriented manner as a function of the position of the control console.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled using a pointing device coupled to two rotatable hand wheels. The pointing device tracks movement of the two hand wheels and communicates the movement to a control system which controls a moveable element.

Abstract: A microscope control unit which is composed of a bracket-shaped support frame having a support area, a pillar standing vertically erect on the support area, and a support arm, which emanates from the upper end of the pillar and is aligned parallel to the support area.

Abstract: Described is a system used in defining and producing a live television broadcast. The system includes one or more control panels, a workstation, a router, and devices. The control panels may be hard control panels or soft control panels. The control panel includes programmable buttons having a display determined in accordance with a show definition. Display and control of a portion of the control panel buttons may vary in response to another control or button selection. Primary and backup communication connections are used to control the live show production.

Abstract: An operation device for a vehicle is provided that enables switching over of a plurality of operation menu display screens and switching over of a plurality of function display screens for in-vehicle equipment displayed on a monitor by tilting of an operating knob (30) in eight directions, pivoting of the operating knob (30) around its axis, and operation of a main switch (31) and a sub switch (32) provided on the operating knob (30). In this process, since the operating knob (30) is not pivoted around its axis without limit but it is restricted so that pivoting is possible only in a predetermined angle range, it is not necessary to change the grip on the operating knob (30) when pivoting the operating knob (30), the burden on the wrist is lessened, and the operability is improved. Moreover, since the main switch (31) and the sub switch (32) are provided on the operating knob (20), they can be operated without detaching the hand from the operating knob (30), thus further improving the operability.

Abstract: A method for controlling a controlled device with a device wearable on a portion of a body is disclosed. The method includes detecting relative movement between the wearable device and the portion of the body; and generating an indication of the relative movement for use in controlling the controlled device. A method for controlling a controlled device with a device wearable on a portion of a body is also disclosed. The method includes receiving a message indicating a relative movement between the wearable device and the portion of the body; and generating an action to control the controlled device based on a command associated with the relative movement. Apparatuses for performing the methods are disclosed herein as well.

Abstract: A trainer for training a human to use a physical robot in a physical environment, the physical robot being controlled in the physical environment by an operator control unit, the trainer comprising an input device; a visual display; a computer connected to the input device and the visual display; and computer software disposed in the computer for creating a virtual robot and a virtual environment on the visual display, the virtual robot and the virtual environment being simulations of the physical robot and the physical environment wherein interaction between the virtual robot and the virtual environment simulates interaction between the physical robot and the physical environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling machines includes generating, on a display device associated with a remote control console, a first image associated with a position of the machine at a first time period. A virtual position of the machine is estimated based at least on the first position and at least one operating parameter associated with the machine. A virtual image of the machine relative to the first image is generated on the display device, the virtual image of the machine corresponding to the estimated virtual position of the machine.

Abstract: The use of magnetic field sensing to perform sophisticated command control and data input into a portable device is disclosed. A magnetic field sensor is embedded or fixedly attached to a portable device to measure changes in the magnetic field strength and/or direction accompanying movement, motion or tilt of the device in one-, two- or three-dimensions when the portable device is used to air-write or make gestures.

Abstract: A control system for controlling one or more actuators in a machine in response to installation of a tool to the machine detects the installation of a tool to the machine and prompts a user of the machine to configure the operation of the controller with respect to at least one of the one or more actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote controller for an aircraft model, which includes a body, a mode selection switch, and a signal acquisition unit. The body is adapted to be held in a first direction and a second direction. The mode selection switch may be configured to issue a mode selection signal. The signal acquisition unit acquires the manipulation signals manipulated by the first joystick and the second joystick in the remote controller, and processes the manipulation signals according to the mode selection signal, so as to enable the remote controller to operate respectively in the first manipulation mode and the second manipulation mode. The remote controller of the present invention merely switches the electric signals for switching between the manipulation modes without modifying the mechanical structure, thereby simplifying the switching operations.

Abstract: An electric drive system comprising several electric drives, each of which comprises an electric motor, and a control system which is arranged to control said several electric drives and comprises a first outer controller and a first speed controller. A signal supplied to the input of the first speed controller is generated by using the output signal of said first outer controller, and the first speed controller is arranged to generate an output torque signal at its output. The control system further comprises a torque controller per each electric drive, which torque controller is arranged to control the torque of the corresponding electric motor. A signal supplied to the input of each torque controller is generated by using the output torque signal of the first speed controller.

Abstract: Controlling movement of movable arms on motion shafts of a measurement machine is disclosed. Each motion shaft of the measurement machine are divided into different motion ranges. The movable arms move in different motion ranges at different speeds. Motion direction of the movable arms is associated with an operation direction of a joystick.

Abstract: A manual pulse generator (1) attached to the control panel of a machine tool made up of: a spindle mechanism for holding a tool; a workpiece mounting mechanism; a feed mechanism for moving the spindle mechanism relative to the workpiece mounting mechanism along three orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis paths, a control device for controlling the feed mechanism, a control panel having control keys and a keyboard for inputting various types of data to the control device, and a display for displaying on a screen control state resulting from the control device. The manual pulse generator (1) is provided with a control section (11) for inputting a pulse signal to the control device, and a light-emitting diode (15) for illumination, which is provided on an upper surface thereof to emit light upwardly, and which lights only when a pulse signal can be input to the control device.

Abstract: The methods and devices of a multi-functional operating interface for a care-taking machine. The multi-functional operating interface of the care-taking machine includes: muscle stretch sensor, multiplexer amplifying wave filter, analog-to-digital signal converter, image processing unit, and muscle pattern database and control bus. Aided by the present muscle template training method and potential image data collecting and processing method, it can become an interface that offers the user of a care-taking machine instantaneous and unlimited controllability of the machine, enabling such people, either sick or handicapped, to enjoy more convenience and better life.

Abstract: A directional input device with a light directing shaft that avoids wear and tear caused by physical contact between a shaft and a sensor surface. A directional input device according to the present teachings includes a light emitter and a shaft having a surface that reflects light from the light emitter. A directional input device according to the present teachings further includes a set of light sensing elements that are positioned to detect a position of the shaft by sensing light reflected from the shaft.