Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring of positions or movements of two objects relative to one another with a force and/or moment sensor and a conversion spring element, with the force and/or moment sensor being elastically connected with one of the objects at least via the conversion spring element. A force and/or moment sensor with the measuring apparatus. A joystick with the measuring apparatus or the force and/or moment sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ergonomic device (100) for manual input of control signals in a computer environment. The device (100) is adapted for connection in communication with a computer processing unit, and comprises: a base (10) for supporting the device on an operating surface; a control panel (20) provided on the base (10), including a manipulation member (21) mounted on and upstanding from the base (10) for manual manipulation by a user, the manipulation member (21) being movable relative to the base (10) to generate corresponding input control signals within the computer environment; and a palm rest (40) provided on the base (10) for supporting the palm of the user's hand during use of the device (100). The control panel (20) further includes a group of user input buttons (22, 23, 24), each of which can be actuated to generate an associated input control signal, wherein at least one of said buttons (22, 23, 24) is programmable.

Abstract: A 3D input device (102) is used to generate control data (108) for electronic or electrical devices, and has: an actuation part (104), which is designed so that it can be manipulated indirectly or directly by at least one finger or hand of the user, a base plate (106), with respect to which the actuation part (104) is mounted so that it can be moved, the relative movement between the actuation part (104) and the base plate (106) being evaluated in order to generate the control data, and a display device with a touch screen (107), the touch screen (107) being integrated into the upper side of the base plate (106). Alternatively, the touch screen (107) may be integrated into the upper side of the actuation part (104). The touch screen (107) of the display device is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (118) of the actuation part (104).

Abstract: Systems, and related methods, for graphical visualization and real-time motion control of virtual or real objects for the purpose of generating or influencing image or tone sequences in real time by interactive control commands of a user.

Abstract: A position and/or movement sensor for measuring a position or movement of a first object relative to a second object comprises a measuring device including a first member coupled to the first object; a second member coupled to the second object; and one or more first spring elements coupled between the first and second members; one or more stop members for limiting movement of the first member relative to the second member in at least one linear direction and/or about at least one pivot axis; and one or more second spring elements coupled between the first member and the first object. A spring constant of the second spring elements is greater than a spring constant of the first spring elements in at least one linear direction or about at least one pivot axis.

Abstract: An optoelectronic arrangement for the detection of relative movements or relative positions of two objects, which comprises at least three light emitting means as optoelectronic elements, with the light emitting means being arranged on a closed, imaginary first surface which is plane or convex in each site in such a manner that their respective emission means face towards a first inner space which is defined by the first surface. Further, a force and/or moment sensor provided with this arrangement with a first board and a second board, with the first board and the second board being elastically connected with each other and movable relative to one another. Finally, a personal computer keyboard which is provided with such a force and/or moment sensor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic arrangement for the detection of relative movements or relative positions of two objects, which comprises at least two position sensitive detectors, with each position sensitive detector being illuminated by a light emitting means in order to form a measuring cell, and a light emitting means illuminates two detectors each in order to form two measuring cells with a common light emitting means. Further, a force and/or moment sensor provided with this arrangement with a first board and a second board, with the first board and the second board being elastically connected with each other and movable relative to one another. Finally, a personal computer keyboard which is provided with such a force and/or moment sensor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic arrangement for the detection of relative movements or relative positions of two objects, which comprises at least three light emitting means as optoelectronic elements, with the light emitting means being arranged on a closed, imaginary first surface which is plane or convex in each site in such a manner that their respective emission means face towards a first inner space which is defined by the first surface. Further, a force and/or moment sensor provided with this arrangement with a first board and a second board, with the first board and the second board being elastically connected with each other and movable relative to one another. Finally, a personal computer keyboard which is provided with such a force and/or moment sensor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic arrangement for the detection of relative movements or relative positions of two objects, with the arrangement comprising at least four optoelectronic elements, characterised in that the optoelectronic elements are arranged in at least one first plane and in a second plane different from the first one in such a manner that at least three optoelectronic elements are arranged in the first plane and at least one optoelectronic element is arranged in the second plane. Further, a force and/or moment sensor provided with this arrangement with a first board and a second board, with the first board and the second board being elastically connected with each other and movable relative to one another. Finally, a personal computer keyboard which is provided with such a force and/or moment sensor.