Abstract: In some implementations, a computer-implemented method of displaying alert information with a mobile communication device includes displaying device status indicators to a user of a mobile device in a status area; receiving information from an application to display an alert in the status area; displaying in the status area a first level of information for the alert and a user-selectable control; and displaying, in response to a selection of the user-selectable control, a second level of information for the alert that provides greater detail than the first level of information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer force feedback over a computer network. A network force feedback system includes a network, a first computer coupled to the network, and a second computer coupled to the network. The first and second computers each include a visual display and a force feedback interface device. Each computer provides a force feedback signal to its force feedback device based on information received from the other, remote computer and in some cases also based on input from the local force feedback device. Positional information of each force feedback device and/or feel sensation information can be transmitted between the computers over the network. A graphical environment can be displayed to enhance the interaction between users. The present invention therefore permits two computer users to interact using force feedback provided over a network on a peer-to-peer basis.

Abstract: A game is provided on one or more portable computing device in which a virtual object travels through views of the game displayed on the interfaces of the one or more portable computing devices. Haptic effects corresponding to the travel of the virtual object through the views are provided on the individual portable computing devices. The haptic effects may be determined based on one or more parameters of the travel of the virtual object, one or more parameters of objects and/or features with which the virtual object interacts, and/or other parameters. The haptic effects may include haptic effects to be provided on portable computing devices that are not currently displaying the virtual object corresponding to the haptic effects.

Abstract: A system that can accept inputs from one or more users and that can give haptic feedback to one or more users. The system can utilize network communication of data, various complimentary types of end effectors, various complimentary methods for force generation, and various attachments and accessories.

Abstract: A haptic feedback controller of the present invention includes: a pointing position detecting sensor which is arranged along a fingertip pointing path and detects a pointing position of a fingertip when a pointing operation is performed along the fingertip pointing path; a haptic feedback imparting device which has a piezoelectric element arranged along the fingertip pointing path and generates vibrations depending on a high frequency voltage when the voltage is applied thereto and an elastic body which is fixed to the piezoelectric element, and imparts predetermined haptic feedback to the fingertip due to vibrations generated by the piezoelectric element; and a piezoelectric element control device which controls the piezoelectric element based on feedback information outputted from controlled equipment.

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: The present disclosure describes various techniques that may be implemented to execute and/or interpret manipulation gestures performed by a user on a multipoint touch input interface of a computing device. An example method includes receiving a multipoint touch gesture at a multipoint touch input interface of a computing device, wherein the multipoint touch gesture comprises a gesture that is performed with multiple touches on the multipoint touch input interface, and resolving the multipoint touch gesture into a command. The example method further includes determining at least one physical simulation effect to associate with the resolved multipoint touch gesture, and rendering a unified feedback output action in a graphical user interface of the computing device by executing the command, wherein the unified feedback output action includes at least a graphical output action incorporated with the at least one physical simulation effect in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus inputs a coordinate value of a position designated on a screen which displays one or a plurality of objects, compares an input locus expressed by the input coordinate value string with a second locus, which is defined in advance as a locus used to give the instruction to execute a process for an object, and determines whether the input locus is a first locus or the second locus. When it is determined that the input locus is the first locus, the apparatus selects an object from the one or plurality of objects based on the display positions of the input locus and the object on the screen. When it is determined that the input locus is the second locus, the apparatus executes a process designated by the input locus with respect to the selected object.

Abstract: A device, medium, and method are provided for enabling a user to control a mobile communications device that includes a vibration component. One embodiment of the method includes presenting an object on a touchscreen display of the mobile communications device; enabling the object to be moveable on the touchscreen by way of a touch interaction; in real time, continuously varying an output of the vibration component to cause a vibrational response of the mobile communications device, such that movement of the object in a first direction causes a first continuous vibrational output, and movement of the object in a second direction causes a second continuous vibrational output.

Abstract: A system and method for a touch display system. The a touch display system includes: a flat touch display assembly including a matrix of flat Braille pixels, wherein each flat Braille pixel is operable to be placed in one of two states. A heating source is selectively connected to each flat Braille pixel. A cooling source selectively connected to each flat Braille pixel. The flat Braille pixels are configured to represent images to touch by selective heating and cooling thereof. In one embodiment, the above described display can be used in combination with software that automatically converts text to Braille which is displayed using the flat touch display assembly.

Abstract: A digital image display device comprising: a display screen; a processor; a network connection for receiving digital media assets provided by a plurality of individuals; an image memory; a user interface for receiving input from a user of the digital image display device; and a program memory. The program memory stores instructions to execute the steps of: receiving a digital media asset; displaying the received digital media asset on the display screen; determining the individual who provided the displayed digital media asset; selecting a set of classified feedback message choices responsive to the determined individual; displaying the selected set of feedback message choices, receiving input from the user to select a particular feedback message choice; and providing an indication of the selected feedback message to the individual who provided the displayed digital media asset.

Abstract: A user interface of an electronic content rendering device implements gravity-based link assist to enhance user experience when browsing linked content. As a user moves a pointer along a trajectory across various links and objects, gravitational fields surrounding the links and objects provide a pulling effect that draws the pointer toward these fields. Responsive to pointer deceleration being detected when the pointer resides within a gravitational field, the link assist repositions the pointer to a center of the link or object relative to the trajectory of the pointer within the field.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for visually scrolling through a stack of items displayed on a device by tilting the device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes determining a neutral reference point for a device, and receiving input indicating a tilting motion from the neutral reference point encountered by the device. The method also includes determining an angular displacement value of the device and a bias factor based on the tilting motion. The angular displacement value is indicative of an angular displacement of the device based on the tilting motion. The method also includes visually scrolling through the stack of items based on the angular displacement value and the bias factor. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.

Abstract: A unique monitoring system and method is provided that involves monitoring user activity in order to facilitate managing and optimizing the utilization of various system resources. In particular, the system can monitor user activity, detect when users need assistance with their specific activities, and identify at least one other user that can assist them. Assistance can be in the form of answering questions, providing guidance to the user as the user completes the activity, or completing the activity such as in the case of taking on an assigned activity. In addition, the system can aggregate activity data across users and/or devices. As a result, problems with activity templates or activities themselves can be more readily identified, user performance can be readily compared, and users can communicate and exchange information regarding similar activity experiences. Furthermore, synchronicity and time-sensitive scheduling of activities between users can be facilitated and improved overall.

Abstract: A product configurator is based on a constraint network having a plurality of nodes. The product configurator, when it receives a user choice, determines which nodes in the constraint network are affected by the user choice. For each affected node, the product configurator stores the prior domain state of the node and associates the stored prior domain state with the user choice. Therefore, the nodes can be restored to their prior state if the user choice is later removed for any reason.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates replicating a telepresence session with a real world physical meeting. A telepresence session can be initiated within a communication framework that includes two or more virtually represented users that communicate therein. A trigger component can monitor the telepresence session in real time to identify a participant interaction with an object, wherein the object is at least one of a real world physical object or a virtually represented object within the telepresence session. A feedback component can implement a force feedback to at least one participant within the telepresence session based upon the identified participant interaction with the object, wherein the force feedback is employed via a device associated with at least one participant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device, and software program for providing entertainment by way of an interactive device. The device receives environmental data by way of at least one of a plurality of sensors, optionally stores that data in a datastore, determines the presence of an event by comparing that data to previously received and stored data, and performs a conspicuous act in response to the detection of an event. In addition to performing a conspicuous act, the device can send a transmission by way of a transmission device, thereby communicating with another device or a remote network. The device auto-initiates at least one conspicuous action and modifies behavior based on responses thereto. Because multiple inputs are received, the present invention can assign priorities to the inputs, executing resulting processes in their order of priority.

Abstract: An Applications Programming Interface (API) provides coordinate and movement information of an object within a sensory field. The API can provide touchless APT methods for identifying a position, a displacement, a velocity, an acceleration, and a length of time an object is within a sensory field. The API can include an event listener for receiving at least one sensory event, and an event handler for processing sensory events. A GUI can implement the API to provide touchless navigation and control.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing including a base, a touch-sensitive input assembly coupled to the housing and spaced from and moveable relative to the base to generate sound, an accelerometer housed within the housing, an actuating arrangement comprising a piezoelectric actuator between the base and the touch-sensitive input surface and arranged to receive a driving signal and move the touch-sensitive input surface relative to the base, and functional components in the housing comprising a memory and a processor operably coupled to the memory, the touch-sensitive input assembly, the actuating arrangement, and the accelerometer to execute a program stored in the memory to determine an orientation of the electronic device and adjust the driving signal to the actuating arrangement based on the orientation of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing a hazard associated with an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes a haptic input/output device coupled to a computer with haptic modeling software and a display device. A virtual object and a virtual passageway are displayed on the display device. The virtual passageway includes a haptic layer along a surface thereof. Force applied by a user to the haptic input/output device causes a cursor on the display device to move the virtual object into the virtual passageway. An interaction of the virtual object with the haptic layer generates a virtual contact force which may be determined by the user sensing a corresponding tactile feedback force generated by the haptic input/output device and/or by the computer processor. The magnitude of the virtual contact force may be used to assess a hazard associated with the virtual object.

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: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a haptic actuator operatively associated with a pedal assembly of the vehicle, a human-machine interface (HMI) for enabling the driver to select between a plurality of fuel savings settings, and a controller coupled to a data interface in the vehicle and the HMI interface for causing the haptic actuator to provide feedback to the driver when an aspect of vehicle operation crosses at least one of a plurality of speed and acceleration thresholds responsive to the HMI setting. Additionally, a coaching method provides haptic-based feedback that will not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. This method of closed-loop feedback provides a timely signal to the driver in a way that will encourage a change in driver style over time, such as backing off the accelerator pedal to accelerate at a lower rate and braking earlier with less intensity.

Abstract: A manual pointing device for a computer system, the device having at least one key that can be actuated manually by a user, a click-event detection module coupled to the key to detect actuation thereof on first, second, and third detection axes via an inertial sensing circuit elastically coupled to a casing with a board, the inertial-sensor circuit structured to be carried on the board so as to oscillate and to rotate about the second detection axis.

Abstract: A hybrid haptic feedback system in which a host computer and haptic feedback device share processing loads to various degrees in the output of haptic sensations, and features for efficient output of haptic sensations in such a system. A haptic feedback interface device in communication with a host computer includes a device microcontroller outputting force values to the actuator to control output forces. In various embodiments, the microcontroller can determine force values for one type of force effect while receiving force values computed by the host computer for a different type of force effect. For example, the microcontroller can determine closed loop effect values and receive computed open loop effect values from the host; or the microcontroller can determine high frequency open loop effect values and receive low frequency open loop effect values from the host. Various features allow the host to efficiently stream computed force values to the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assessing a hazard associated with an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes a haptic input/output device coupled to a computer with haptic modeling software and a display device. A virtual object and a virtual passageway are displayed on the display device. The virtual passageway includes a haptic layer along a surface thereof. Force applied by a user to the haptic input/output device causes a cursor on the display device to move the virtual object into the virtual passageway. An interaction of the virtual object with the haptic layer generates a virtual contact force which may be determined by the user sensing a corresponding tactile feedback force generated by the haptic input/output device and/or by the computer processor. The magnitude of the virtual contact force may be used to assess a hazard associated with the virtual object.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to computer-generated imagery (CGI) and computer-aided animation. More specifically, this disclosure relates to techniques for preserving the shape of simulated and dynamic objects for use in CGI and computer-aided animation.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for collecting software development feedback. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting a user feedback message associated with a software object. The software object may define a portion of an application user interface. The method may also include categorizing the user feedback message according to a feedback categorization criterion. Additionally, the method may include displaying the user feedback message in a display arranged by a category identified by the categorization criterion.

Abstract: An input device, especially for a motor vehicle, has a display, a touch screen arranged above the display and an operating surface, an actuator for moving the touch screen in at least one direction, and a control unit for visually representing changeable operating information and operating elements on the display for detecting a position of a touching of the operating surface and for the haptic feedback by controlling the actuator, wherein a file or a data set is stored in the control unit or in a memory assigned to the control unit, the file or data set comprising graphical information for representing at least operating information or at least one operating element and also control information for a haptic feedback assigned to the operating information or to the operating element.

Abstract: An approach is provided for binding user interface elements and granular reflective processing. An information management infrastructure determines to detect an event, from a first device, for specifying one or more user interface elements for transfer to a second device. The information management infrastructure further identifies one or more processes bound to the user interface elements. The information management infrastructure also determines at least one of a user context, an execution context within the user context, and one or more other execution contexts for the processes, wherein the one or more other execution contexts are from at least one of the user context and one or more other user contexts. The information management infrastructure further causes, at least in part, serialization of at least one of the user context, the execution context, and the one or more other execution contexts.

Abstract: In some implementations, a computer-implemented method of displaying alert information with a mobile communication device includes displaying device status indicators to a user of a mobile device in a status area; receiving information from an application to display an alert in the status area; displaying in the status area a first level of information for the alert and a user-selectable control; and displaying, in response to a selection of the user-selectable control, a second level of information for the alert that provides greater detail than the first level of information.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for enabling a user to control a mobile communications device that includes a vibration component. One embodiment of the method includes presenting an object on a touchscreen display of the mobile communications device; enabling the object to be moveable on the touchscreen by way of a touch interaction; in real time, continuously varying an intensity of an output of the vibration component to cause a vibrational response of the mobile communications device, such that movement of the object in a first direction causes a first continuous vibrational output, and movement of the object in a second direction causes a second continuous vibrational output.

Abstract: A method is provided for simulating interaction between a tool and an object. The method involves: providing a tool model for simulating the tool in a simulated environment; providing a mesh for simulating the object in the simulated environment, the mesh comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of first force functions between pairs of nodes, each first force function being a function of a distance between its corresponding pair of nodes; and deforming the mesh in response to interaction between the tool model and the mesh in the simulated environment. Deforming the mesh may involve: displacing one or more initially displaced nodes; and displacing one or more level-one-connected nodes, displacement of each level-one-connected node dependent on at least one first force function between the level-one-connected node and a corresponding one of the one or more initially displaced nodes.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the input force supplied to a user interface by a user is provided. A passive feedback mechanism is coupled to the user interface, and a change in position of the passive feedback mechanism is sensed. The input force supplied by the user to the user interface is then calculated from the sensed change in position.

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 mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. The method includes displaying at least one object, which is divided into a plurality of haptic regions, on a touch screen; receiving a touch signal for any one of the haptic regions of the object; and outputting a control signal for controlling a haptic module to generate a haptic effect. Therefore, it is possible for a user to easily determine which of the haptic regions of the object has been touched with the sense of touch.

Abstract: A user interface display for software has a user satisfaction portion displayed on each page. The user satisfaction portion includes a user selectable element which allows a user to provide a user satisfaction score (or level) with a single mouse click. In response to receiving the user satisfaction level, the context of the software which the user is using is recorded, and the user satisfaction level is correlated to that context. The captured data can be provided to application designers and developers directly or via computed metrics.

Abstract: System and method for a rotary control in a device that comprises a knob, a shaft supporting the knob and coupled to rotate therewith a base supporting the shaft. A sensor, operationally coupled to the base, is configured to detect an aspect of manipulation of the knob, which may include information relating to position, velocity, acceleration, torque, rate of rotation, time of rotation, or a combination thereof. A mechanical haptic assembly is operationally coupled between the base and the shaft to provide mechanical based haptic effects in response to movement of the knob with respect to the base. A programmable electronic-based actuator is operationally coupled to the knob and provides electronic-based haptic force feedback to the knob.

Abstract: Methods and systems for resizing a display area of a display device are disclosed. An example method may include receiving an on-screen pinch gesture associated with a first location and a second location, the second location being different from the first location on a multi-touch input device. The method may also include for each of a plurality of predefined content areas: adjusting a respective size of each predefined content area based on the on-screen pinch gesture, determining a respective amount of the content to display in the predefined content area based on the respective adjusted size of the predefined content area, and displaying the respective adjusted amount of content within the respective predefined content area associated with the adjusted size on the multi-touch input device.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus is disclosed. The navigation apparatus includes a remote control device having a manipulation member and a force generator. The manipulation member is movable in response to user's manipulation and enables the user to point to a position on a display screen of the display device remotely. The force generator applies a force to the manipulation member against the manipulation of the manipulation member. The navigation apparatus sets content of the force based on an arrangement of an item image on the display screen, so that the force causes the pointed position to be attracted toward a fixed item image when the pointed position is located around the fixed item image, while the first force does not cause the pointed position to be attracted toward an on-map item image, which is superimposed on a map image.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product implement dynamic authority for a user to perform tasks on a resource. A user selected task on a resource is identified and analyzed to determine whether the task changes a state of the resource. When determined that the task changes a state of the resource, then a relationship of the resource to related resources is analyzed. Access to tasks on the resource is dynamically determined for the user based upon the identified relationship of the resource to related resources. Based on the analysis performed, access is denied or a summary of side effects with confirmation is presented.

Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects on a rotary knob includes an electrical coil and a core. A first level of voltage is applied to the coil to enable a first surface interface having a first coefficient of friction and to generate a first haptic effect by varying the voltage. A second level of voltage is applied to the coil to enable a second surface interface having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction and to generate a second haptic effect by varying the voltage.

Abstract: A remote operation apparatus in a vehicle has a display unit, an operation unit, a speed sensor, a brake sensor, a steer angle sensor, a side G sensor, and a control unit. The operation unit is capable of remotely controlling the display contents of the display unit. The operation of the operation unit is allowed when the vehicle is determined, by the control unit, to be stably traveling, and the operation of the operation unit is restricted when the vehicle is determined to be traveling un-stably, based on information on the travel condition of the vehicle from those sensors. The remote operation apparatus having the above-described operation scheme facilitates a stable travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems combining user interface features with force feedback techniques in clinical applications. Certain embodiments provide a user interface providing clinical software tools and information access for a picture archiving and communication system. The user interface includes a plurality of regions displayed to represent selectable functionality for an associated plurality of clinical software tools and information. The user interface also includes a cursor movable by a user to select one of the plurality of regions. The user interface further includes a processor configured to determine a location and pattern of movement of the cursor and provide force feedback to the user based on the location and pattern of movement of the cursor to provide a non-visual indication to the user of the location and pattern of movement of the cursor.

Abstract: A technique for generating a web site in accordance with received data entry by: presenting a prompt for data entry; receiving a data entry in response to the prompt; presenting at least one additional prompt for data entry that is determined at least in part based upon the received data entry; receiving an additional data entry in response to each of the at least one additional prompts; determining at least one characteristic of at least one web site dimension of the web site based on the data entry; generating a multi-dimensional description of the web site based on the determined characteristics; retrieving web site data according to the generated multi-dimensional description of the web site; and generating the web site based upon the generated multi-dimensional description of the web site and the retrieved web site data.

Abstract: Graphical user representations, such as emoticons or avatars, used to convey mood and emotion, can be dynamically modified and manipulated, e.g. by squeezing, rotating, distorting, colouring, etc. This enables a user to customize or tailor an existing emoticon to better reflect the user's current mood or emotion. For example, a user may insert a smiley face emoticon into a text message and then manipulate or distort the face or a component of the face (e.g. the smile) to broaden the smile into a grin, or twist the smile into an ironic smile, etc. This enables the user to personalize the emoticon rather than having to select the most appropriate emoticon from a palette of predefined emoticons. Another aspect is device hardware (e.g. dedicated or shared user interface elements or specific touchscreen gestures) for recognizing the squeezes or other gestures that are meant to modify or manipulate the emoticon.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device which comprises means for generating an audio signal based on sound data, the audio signal configured to produce sound from an audio producing device; means for generating a haptic command based on the sound data, the haptic command configured to cause a haptic feedback device to output a haptic sensation, the haptic sensation being associated with at least one characteristic of the sound data; and means for receiving a navigation command from a user experiencing the haptic sensation via the haptic feedback device, the navigation command associated with the sound data and based, at least in part, on the haptic sensation.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device has a touch sensitive display which comprises a number of elongated tactile structures that are haptically detectable by a user. Various routines executable on the handheld electronic device can cause visual elements to be output in various predetermined arrangements with respect to the arrangement of the tactile structures in order to facilitate input.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing peer-to-peer force feedback over a computer network. A network force feedback system includes a network, a first computer coupled to the network, and a second computer coupled to the network. The first and second computers each include a visual display and a force feedback interface device. Each computer provides a force feedback signal to its force feedback device based on information received from the other, remote computer and in some cases also based on input from the local force feedback device. Positional information of each force feedback device and/or feel sensation information can be transmitted between the computers over the network. A graphical environment can be displayed to enhance the interaction between users. The present invention therefore permits two computer users to interact using force feedback provided over a network on a peer-to-peer basis.

Abstract: A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.