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.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the detection of a vibrotactile stimulus. Such method may include the steps of temporarily altering the threshold of vibrational detection prior to the onset of a vibrotactile stimulus. This allows the vibrotactile system to achieve improved detection of the intended vibrotactile alert or communication stimulus without necessarily increasing the vibratory displacement amplitude of the stimulus. A corresponding enhanced vibrotactile transducer device is able to produce, over a wide frequency range, or at multiple frequencies, a vibrational stimulus against the body of a user.

Abstract: A sound effect generation device for generating a sound effect corresponding to a physical interaction between objects in a virtual space in which a plurality of virtual objects coexists, includes interaction detection means for detecting an object on which the physical interaction occurs in the virtual space, mechanical quantity calculation means for calculating mechanical quantity acting on the object in accordance with the interaction using a mechanical model for determining, based on physics, behavior between the objects on which the physical interaction acts, and sound effect generation means for generating the sound effect caused in the object by the interaction using the calculated mechanical quantity.

Abstract: A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and graphical object positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a query gesture and actuating, in response to the query gesture, an actuator to provide tactile feedback including information associated with the query gesture. The query gesture may be detected on a touch-sensitive display of a portable electronic device.

Abstract: Aspects of a user interface that provides visual feedback in response to user input. For example, boundary effects are presented to provide visual cues to a user to indicate that a boundary in a movable user interface element (e.g., the end of a scrollable list) has been reached. As another example, parallax effects are presented in which multiple parallel or substantially parallel layers in a multi-layer user interface move at different rates, in response to user input. As another example, simulated inertia motion of UI elements is used to provide a more natural feel for touch input. Various combinations of features are described. For example, simulated inertia motion can be used in combination with parallax effects, boundary effects, or other types of visual feedback.

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: Methods and systems for textures and other spatial sensations for a relative haptic interface device are described. One embodiment includes a method comprising the steps of receiving a signal from a sensor, the sensor signal associated with a change in a position of a haptic feedback device, transmitting sensor data to a host processor, the sensor data associated with the sensor signal, receiving force information from the host processor, the force information comprising a texture sensation having at least one parameter describing at least one force to be output based at least in part on an interaction of a graphical object with a texture field, the force information further comprising at least one characteristic of the texture sensation, parsing the force information, storing the at least one characteristic, and determining when to output the at least one force based at least in part on the interaction.

Abstract: Directional haptic feedback for a haptic feedback interface device. A haptic feedback interface device, in communication with a host computer, includes a housing physically contacted by a user operating the interface device, and a plurality of actuators producing inertial forces when the actuators are driven by control signals. Each of the actuators includes a rotatable eccentric mass positioned offset on a rotating shaft of the actuator, where the actuators are rotated simultaneously such that centrifugal forces from the rotation of masses combine to output the inertial forces substantially only along a single axis having a desired direction approximately in a plane of rotation of the masses.

Abstract: A manual pointing device for a computer system, the device having at least one key that can be actuated manually by a user, and a click-event detection module coupled to the key for detecting actuation thereof. The click-event detection module is provided with an inertial sensor for detecting mechanical stresses generated by actuation of the key.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display section with a touch screen, and the touch screen is adapted to display at least one graphical user interface object and detect a touch position on the touch screen. The apparatus has a haptic feedback generating unit attached to the touch screen and is adapted to generating haptic feedback. A pressure sensing unit is attached to the touch screen and adapted to detect pressure applied to the touch screen. A controller section is adapted to control and drive the display section. The graphical user interface object displayed on the touch screen has a plurality of logical states. The controller section determines a current logical state of the graphical user interface object and a form of the haptic feedback to be generated depending on the detected touch position.

Abstract: Context-based user behavior data is collected from a search mechanism. This data includes, for a given query, user feedback (implicit and explicit) on the query and context information on the query. A predictive pattern is applied to the context-based user behavior data in order to produce predicted user satisfaction data. Data mining techniques may be used to create and improve one or more predictive patterns. Predicted user satisfaction data can be used to monitor or improve search mechanism performance, via a display reporting the performance or identification of any queries with a shared characteristic and sub-par user satisfaction. A dynamically-improving search mechanism uses the predicted user satisfaction data to improve the performance of the search mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing documents are provided herein. A plurality of documents and user input are received via a computing device. The user input includes hard coding of a subset of the plurality of documents, based on an identified subject or category. Instructions stored in memory are executed by a processor to generate an initial control set, analyze the initial control set to determine at least one seed set parameter, automatically code a first portion of the plurality of documents based on the initial control set and the seed set parameter associated with the identified subject or category, analyze the first portion of the plurality of documents by applying an adaptive identification cycle, and retrieve a second portion of the plurality of documents based on a result of the application of the adaptive identification cycle test on the first portion of the plurality of documents.

Abstract: A plurality of elements is identified by a user for input to the computing system by at least one of sequential and simultaneous selection of elements presented on a display of a computing system. Based on the elements thus identified, which may include at least one operator and at least one operand, the computing system recognizes a function to be performed by the computing system and causes a visual indication to be presented on the display. The computing system thus may present a visual indication showing a connection between, for example, the operator and an operand, or an operand and a functional area of the display associated with the function to be performed as a result of the elements identified. The visual indication thus confirms to the user the elements that the user has identified, and the resulting function that will be initiated.

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 for entering data into a computing device includes a graphical user interface that presents hierarchically organized information in a menu structure of at least two hierarchy levels, including a topmost hierarchy level and at least one further hierarchy level. The apparatus also includes at least two haptic keys, each having more than one state of activation. Each of the haptic keys is assigned to a particular hierarchy level. A first haptic key is assigned to the topmost hierarchy level. A menu on the topmost hierarchy level is directly accessible using the first haptic key. A menu on a hierarchy level higher than one that is currently presented on the graphical user interface is directly accessible using a haptic key assigned to the menu on the higher level, when a hierarchy level of the currently presented menu is one of the at least one further hierarchy level.

Abstract: A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a multi-user interactive display system including a display having a touch-sensitive display surface. A position is detected of each contact site at which the display surface experiences external physical contact. Each contact site's position history is utilized to compute velocity data for the respective contact site. At least one of the following is utilized to identify occurrence of one or more user gestures from a predetermined set of user gestures: the position history, the velocity data. Each user gesture corresponds to at least one predetermined action for updating imagery presented by the display as a whole. Action is commenced corresponding to the identified gesture. Responsive to a user gesture terminating with a nonzero velocity across the display surface, action is corresponding to the gesture is continued so as to simulate inertia imparted by said gesture.

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: A design interface tool for designing force sensations for use with a host computer and force feedback interface device. A force feedback device is connected to a host computer that displays the interface tool. Input from a user is received in the interface to select a type of force sensation to be commanded by a host computer and output by a force feedback interface device. Input, such as parameters, is then received from the user which designs and defines physical characteristics of the selected force sensation. A graphical representation of the characterized force sensation is displayed on the host computer which provides a visual demonstration of a feel of the characterized force sensation so that the user can view an effect of parameters on said force sensation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing tactile sensations. For one embodiment a first frequency at which to output a tactile sensation is received. A second frequency higher than the first frequency is determined. The second frequency is based on a frequency at which an inertial actuator outputs a second tactile sensation. A waveform having the first frequency and a waveform having the second frequency is combined to produce a signal configured to cause a composite tactile sensation at the second frequency, the composite tactile sensation conveying the first frequency.

Abstract: Intelligent resource state memory recall techniques, and associated apparatus and methods, are disclosed. States of one or more video switcher resources in a resource state memory may be recalled to the same or different resources, depending on resource availability at the time of memory recall. A memory recall need not affect an on air signal. The memory may be recalled to recreate a desired program output, as defined in the memory, on a preview output of the video switcher, which leaves a current program output of the video switcher undisturbed when the memory is recalled.

Abstract: Movement of a graphical hand is constrained when the physical hand controlling the graphical hand does not have a similar physical constraint. An analysis of a revolute-joint-link-spring model in which an uncompressed/unextended spring position represents the corresponding measured joint angle or link position is used. Linear springs, non-linear springs, or the like may be employed to obtain the desired result of allowing a graphical joint or link to deviate from what the corresponding measured joint or link provides. If a graphical hand configuration causes a portion of the hand to penetrate a simulated graphical solid object, a mathematical determination is used to compute modified joint and link positions such that the graphical hand part will no longer penetrate the solid object. Such a constraint technique may include solving a spring model such that the various joint and link springs compress or extend to produce modified joint and link positions.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for providing human interaction with a computer, including human control of three dimensional input devices, force feedback, and force input.

Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus and a method of operating a data processing apparatus are disclosed. The data processing apparatus comprises a memory for storing target location data representative of the location of a target, a position determining component configured to generate a position signal representative of a position of the data processing apparatus, and an orientation determining component configured to generate an orientation signal representative of an orientation of the data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus also comprises a haptic transducer configured to provide haptic feedback to a user of the data processing apparatus and a processor configured to process the target location data, position signal and orientation signal in order to generate a transducer control signal that is configured to actuate the haptic transducer to provide directional haptic feedback to a user relative to the target location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, businesses and organizations may each be associated with a distinct haptic logo and include their haptic logos in various messages sent to the handheld communication devices of their customers. In another embodiment, haptically-enabled avatars can be used in a chat session between users of handheld communication devices.

Abstract: Methods are presented for authoring geometrical databases which incorporate touch or haptic feedback. In particular, a database of geometrical elements incorporates attributes necessary to support haptic interactions such as stiffness, hardness, friction, and so forth. Users may instantiate objects designed through CAD/CAM environments or attach haptic or touch attributes to subcomponents such as surfaces or solid sub-objects. The resulting haptic/visual databases or world-describing models can then be viewed and touched using a haptic browser or other appropriate user interface.

Abstract: A feedback system for visual content is described that allows individual users to obtain feedback regarding selected visual content. The feedback system includes a content navigation enhancer that provides useful navigation and feedback features to a feedback-providing user. When the selected visual content includes a plurality of screens of visual content, the content navigation enhancer may associate an identifier with each of the screens, where each identifier provides a link to its respective screen. The content navigation enhancer may ensure that all of the identifiers are displayed on a user interface, regardless of which screen of visual content is simultaneously displayed on the user interface. Thus, the feedback-providing user has access to all of the screens, regardless of which screen is currently being displayed. Accordingly, the feedback-providing user may select a desired screen to submit corresponding feedback, and may understand a flow or order of the screens of visual content.

Abstract: A haptic display includes at least one haptic device that can give tactile feedback instead of visible feedback. Each of the haptic devices converts a signal from a signal producing unit into force or tactile pattern. The haptic device does not require a large mass, so that it can be provided on almost any portion or part within the body of a mobile apparatus. For example, the haptic device can be embedded under a touch panel display that constitutes both input and output device. By providing the haptic devices under respective menu/function button areas displayed on the touch panel display, it is possible to stimulate the specific button in response to the user-input-operation, thereby directly providing the tactile feedback to the user's finger touching the corresponding button.

Abstract: A method of communicating physical human interactions over a communications network can include detecting physical movement of a user, generating data specifying the physical movement, and determining at least one action indicated by the data. The method further can include transmitting the action over a communications network to a receiving system and simulating the action in the receiving system.

Abstract: A method of compensating for network latency in haptics transmission in which the position of a haptic effector is controlled by signals received from a network. The method comprises storing a series of locations of the haptic effector, determining from the series using Fourier Transformation or other means frequencies having a growing amplitude and creating a filter function to eliminate the growing frequencies from output signals directing the force and direction of the haptic effector.

Abstract: A system and method for providing live-interaction between a user and a call center representative regarding an advertisement of interest. The method is operable as program steps running on a stored program computer having networking capabilities. The system comprises a live-interaction routing module, an ad request module, an ad content rendering module, a live-interaction module, and an ad lead interface module. The user generates a live-interaction request which the system routes to an available call center representative. The communication request information causes an ad publishing service to provide advertising content to be delivered to the user's browser, and a communications link to be established between the user and representative. The system further allows the representative to provide additional ad related content to the user during the communication session.

Abstract: A detection section that detects a key-tapping speed and key-tapping intensity is provided to detect a user's impatience level. An input device detects the key-tapping intensity and key-tapping speed. The input device compares the detection value of the key-tapping speed and an average key-tapping speed. When the detection value exceeds a stored normal key-tapping speed, the input device then compares the detection value of the key-tapping intensity and a reference pressure value. When the detection value exceeds a stored normal key-tapping intensity, information to be output for a user is changed over. In this case, displayed characters are enlarged and emphasized to a maximum extent. On the other hand, in the case where a detection value does not exceed the normal key-tapping speed and the detection value exceeds the normal key-tapping intensity, displayed characters are only slightly enlarged.

Abstract: A display unit includes a touch point locus detector that detects a locus of a touch point on the touch panel, and a suspended touch detector that detects that the touch is suspended when the touch point remains at rest at one spot for at least a predetermined time period while the locus is detected. The display unit also includes a graphics identifying section that identifies a graphics indicated by the locus when the suspended touch is detected, and a graphics display section that displays the locus on a display screen, erases the displayed locus after the graphics identification is finished, and displays a graphics obtained through the identification on the display screen.

Abstract: A computer assisted/implemented method for developing a classifier for classifying communications includes roughly four stages, where these stages are designed to be iterative: (1) a stage defining where and how to harvest messages (i.e., from Internet message boards, ews groups and the like), which also defines an expected domain of application for the lassifier; (2) a guided question/answering stage for the computerized tool to elicit the user's criteria for determining whether a message is relevant or irrelevant; (3) a labeling stage where the user examines carefully-selected messages and provides feedback about whether or not it is relevant and sometimes also what elements of the criteria were used to make the decision; and (4) a performance evaluation stage where parameters of the classifier training are optimized, the best classifier is produced, and known performance bounds are calculated.

Abstract: An action transmission system, terminal apparatus, action transmission method, and action transmission program are provided. The present invention provides an action transmission system including a first terminal apparatus for detecting a physical variation applied by a first user and a second terminal apparatus for outputting information to a second user as the physical variation. The first terminal apparatus transmits, to the second terminal apparatus, variation information indicative of a variation in physical quantity and intensity information subjectively set by the first user for the physical quantity by use of the physical variation applied by the first user. The second terminal apparatus receives the variation information and the intensity information from the first terminal apparatus, amplifies the received variation information by an amplification factor subjectively set by the second user to the intensity information, and outputs the amplified variation information as a physical variation.

Abstract: A design interface tool for designing force sensations for use with a host computer and haptic feedback interface device. A haptic feedback device communicates with a host computer that displays the interface tool. The user selects and characterizes force sensations using the interface tool, and a graphical representation of the characterized force sensation is displayed. The characterized force sensation is output to a user manipulatable object of the force feedback device so that the user can feel the designed force sensation The user can include multiple force sensations in a compound force sensation, where the compound sensation is graphically displayed to indicate the relative start times and duration of each of the force sensations. The user can also associate a sound with the force sensation, such that the sound is output in conjunction with the output of the force sensation.

Abstract: A pair of through-holes 41a and 41b having the same shape are formed and aligned in a flexible board 4 on which a wiring pattern 42 is formed. A piezoelectric actuator 3 made of a piezoelectric bi-morph device is inserted into the first through-hole 41a and then into the second through-hole 41b from the opposite surface side. As a result, both the ends in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator 3 contact the same surface of the flexible board 4. The flexible board 4 is disposed so that it contacts a touch sensor portion except for a part of the flexible board 4. Thus, a high performance force sense feedback function caused by the panel that deforms corresponding to an input operation can be accomplished at low cost.

Abstract: Tactile communication methods, systems and devices for wireless touch communication which include an array of electromechanical transducers each independently capable of producing a vibration for communicating qualitative and quantitative tactile cues to a user, at least one electromagnetic field sensor coupled with at least one of the array of transducers for monitoring a change in an electromagnetic field of the array of electromechanical transducers and producing an output signals when a change is detected, wherein a change in a position of a transducer contactor produces the change in the electromagnetic field and a vibrotactile waistbelt for housing the array of electromechanical transducers and sensors, wherein the vibrotactile waistbelt is worn by a user to receive and send wireless touch communication respectively from and to a remotely located controller.

Abstract: A user-friendly technique is described for assisting users to compose original documents, such as essays, research papers, literary papers, historical papers, memoranda, and the like. Interactive software provides document-specific active assistance with creating, researching, writing, editing, and finalizing documents. Such assistance may take the form of providing document specific guides, automatically generating and inserting content, and/or checking for document specific errors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data processing system enabling a user to view or edit a document. When the user scrolls the document over a relatively large distance within a short time period, the system automatically adjusts the zoom factor so as to provide the user with a better overview during scrolling. When the user has finished scrolling, the zoom factor may be reinstated to its initial value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling vibrotactile sensations for haptic feedback devices. An actuator in a haptic feedback device includes a rotatable eccentric mass, and information is received at the haptic feedback device causing a drive signal. The drive signal controls the actuator to oscillate the mass in two directions about an axis of rotation of the actuator such that the oscillation of the mass induces a vibration in the haptic feedback device. The magnitude and frequency of the vibration can be independently controlled by adjusting a magnitude and a frequency, respectively, of the drive signal. The vibrations can also be provided in a bi-directional mode or uni-directional mode to provide the most efficient magnitude of the vibrotactile sensations. The haptic feedback device can be, for example, a gamepad controller receiving commands from a host computer providing a graphical environment.

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: Methods and systems for providing dynamic emoticons during chat sessions across game consoles are disclosed. A dynamic emoticon may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory components. Each component may have an associated intensity level, e.g., based on a pressure with which a user of the game console presses a controller button or actuates a control input. The emoticon's auditory component may include or identify a sound effects filter or a known audio file; the emoticon's visual component may include or identify a visual effects filter or a known video or graphic file; the emoticon's haptic component may cause vibration of or force feedback on the controller. Emoticons may be sent from one voice chat participant's game console to another voice chat participant's game console across a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A control system including: a device operable to enable a user to provide directional control of a virtual object by positioning a representation of the device within a virtual space and operable to provide force feedback to the user; a display apparatus for presenting to a user the virtual space including the virtual object and the representation of the device; and a controller, responsive to the relative positions of the virtual object and the representation of the device in the virtual space, for controlling motion of the virtual object through the virtual space and the force feedback provided to the user.

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: The invention provides techniques for wrapping a two-dimensional texture conformally onto a surface of a three dimensional virtual object within an arbitrarily-shaped, user-defined region. The techniques provide minimum distortion and allow interactive manipulation of the mapped texture. The techniques feature an energy minimization scheme in which distances between points on the surface of the three-dimensional virtual object serve as set lengths for springs connecting points of a planar mesh. The planar mesh is adjusted to minimize spring energy, and then used to define a patch upon which a two-dimensional texture is superimposed. Points on the surface of the virtual object are then mapped to corresponding points of the texture. The invention also features a haptic/graphical user interface element that allows a user to interactively and intuitively adjust texture mapped within the arbitrary, user-defined region.

Abstract: A mobile device includes at least one application and a user-controllable pivoting input switch. This application has a number of selectable items. This switch has a number of operational modes. Several of these operational modes direct the operation of the application to determine a current item according to an order.

Abstract: An information input/output device includes: a position input unit configured to designate a position by a user in a prescribed operation area Sd in real space; a designated position measurement unit configured to measure a designated position “rd” in the operation area Sd, which is designated by the user in the position input unit; an operation area offset amount determination unit configured to determine an offset amount “?rv0” of an origin position “rv0” of an operation area Sv in virtual space based on the measured position “rd” in the operation area Sd; and a designated position determination unit configured to determine a designated position “rv” in virtual space which corresponds to the position in real space designated by the user through the position input unit based on the measured position “rd” in the operation area Sd, the origin position “rv0” of the operation area Sv in virtual space and the determined offset amount “?rv0”.