Abstract: A haptic interface device produces a haptic display in response to a user's interaction with an environment with which the haptic interface device is associated. The invention enables the resolution of the haptic display produced by the haptic interface device to be changed by the user. In particular, the invention can be implemented so that the haptic display resolution can be changed (readily) as the user interacts with the environment using the haptic interface device. Thus, the invention can enable a user to interact with a particular environment at different levels of detail (i.e., different resolutions) and, in particular, can enable the user to immediately change from interacting with the environment at one level of detail to interacting with the environment at a different level of detail.

Abstract: One embodiment of the writing instrument described herein comprises a pen-like device containing three accelerometers and three gyroscopes. Data from these sensors are processed via an Euler transform. Prior to using the writing instrument, the user holds the writing instrument in multiple predefined positions and sensor readings are taken. The sensor readings are mapped to the corresponding predefined positions. In addition, the sensor readings are compared to expected sensor readings to compensate for environmental variations such as altitude or temperature as well as for the possible tilt of a writing surface. The sensor readings are interpolated to map sensor readings other than those at the predefined positions to other writing instrument positions. When the user writes with the writing instrument, sensor outputs are used to track the writing instrument to define strokes made by the user.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing a first screen pointer and a second screen pointer in a viewable screen area, where the first screen pointer moves in response to user activity. A determination is made as to whether the first screen pointer moves within a predetermined distance of the second screen pointer. If the first screen pointer moves within the predetermined distance of the second screen pointer, at least one of the first screen pointer and the second screen pointer is altered to prevent the second screen pointer from obstructing the first screen pointer.

Abstract: A method and arrangements for transmitting, receiving and displaying graphic images. The graphic images include dynamic icons (dynacons), i.e. graphic subpictures comprising two or more motion phases. By alternately displaying said motion phases, an attractive motion is created. They enhance the appearance of graphic images considerably. This is especially useful in the transmission of an electronic television program guide, e.g. to indicate the type of television programs to come.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a display device and a method of driving the same, more particular, the present invention provides a display device comprising display media each of which has a dispersion medium and a large number of electrophoretic particles dispersed in the dispersion medium, the electrophoretic particles being driven by applying an electric field to each of the display media, to thereby perform a desired display operation; wherein the electrophoretic particles comprise small-sized two-color ball electrophoretic particles each of which is composed of a pair of hemispherical portions different from each other in terms of color or reflectance and charging characteristic; and the dispersion medium comprises a colorless/transparent dispersion medium. With this configuration, it is possible to realize the display of clear white and true black, enhance the contrast ratio, realize high speed display switching, and perform multi-color display.

Abstract: A writing instrument that also functions as a computer peripheral. The writing instrument has the general configuration of a ball-point pen. The pen includes a ball for ink writing that is operatively associated with internal sensors that precisely detect the distance and direction of ball movement and relay that directional and distance data to a microprocessor which records a series of vectors similar to a computer mouse. The pen also includes interchangeable memory cartridge for the storage of the data and a wireless computer connect, for example infrared, that can communicate generated or stored data to an associated computer. The pen also includes an external LED data display, a speaker/microphone and an ink reservoir.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for controlling information to be displayed in an optical display installation in a program-controlled apparatus, in particular in a telecommunication apparatus. Display priority levels are allocated to the information to be displayed, so that information with higher priority levels are displayed with higher priority in relation to information with a lower priority level. The priority level of displayed information can be changed. The information with different priority levels comprise a concurrent information subset. The priority of currently displayed information preferably is lowered by at least two priority levels.

Abstract: A system and method for use in retail stores for selecting, previewing, and purchasing music or other products is provided. The graphical information system provides a user with the ability to locate products through an interface that combines the use of mechanical wheels with a touch screen whereby rotation of the mechanical wheels, or thumbwheels, appears on screen to rotate a series of mechanical type drums. The system provides a user with the functionality and entertainment value of a kiosk coupled with a powerful method of selecting products from a large catalog using thumbwheels in conjunction with a hierarchical graphical user interface tailored for the specific retail environment.

Abstract: A plasma display device and a method of driving a plasma display which are capable of performing suitable display control in response to the signal format of an input signal are provided. Either a television signal or a graphic signal is inputted as the input signal. A signal format identification circuit identifies whether the signal format of the input signal is the television signal or the graphic signal. A mode-by-mode control signal generating portion determines the driving sequence of a driving circuit in response to the identified signal format to perform the driving control of the driving circuit. Then, a display panel is driven in response to the signal format of the input signal to display an image.

Abstract: A more-natural-looking video is reproduced and a video data having a desired color tone is formed by preserving the tone of a video as an original in color conversion at a desired ratio. To this end, a criterion color register stores color information (hue, chroma and density) for determining whether input pixel data is eligible for conversion, a target color register stores color information indicative of a target color, and a preservation degree register stores a preservation degree that determines the degree of preservation in color conversion. A color determination section determines whether the input pixel data is eligible for conversion, and the determination result is output to a color converter section. The color converter section performs color conversion to eligible pixel data according to the information stored in the criterion color register, target color register and preservation degree register, with the result of the color conversion being output.

Abstract: A display device having features which enhance the contrast of displayed images includes a pixel structure that defines an active pixel area and an inactive pixel area. The display device may be an emissive device such as an OLED or electroluminescent device, a transmissive device such as a liquid crystal light-valve device or a reflective device, such as a Bistable, Reflective Cholesteric (BRC) liquid crystal device. The ratio of the active pixel area to the total pixel area is less than 50 percent. The display device includes a transparent cover plate having a black matrix formed on the viewer side of the cover plate. The display device may be a tiled display in which case the black matrix is formed on an integrator plate to which the individual tiles are bound to form the complete display device. For reflective or emissive display materials, the display device includes an electronics section including a circuit board which provides driving signals for the pixels of the display device.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a software routine executable by an image display system that controls at least one video timing signal (for example, the pixel clock signal) supplied to a display subsystem. More specifically, the software routine, adjusts the video timing signal in response to detection that the system is switching between power modes. The software routine preferably updates the video timing signal such that the system conserves power in response to detection that the system is switching from AC-powered operation to limited DC-powered operation.

Abstract: A light emitting display device having a plurality of light emitting elements connected to intersecting points of a plurality of anode lines and cathode lines arranged in a matrix. Either one of the anode lines and the cathode lines are used as scanning lines, and the others are used as driving lines. While one of the scanning lines is scanned during a scanning period, a driving source is synchronously connected to one of the driving lines so that a light emitting element connected to an intersecting point of the one scanning line and the one driving line is caused to emit light. Immediately after the scanning period of the one scanning line is started, a first driving source is connected to the one driving line, and subsequently, in exchange for the first driving source, a second driving source is connected to the one driving line.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a finger operating apparatus by which operations of a robot apparatus can be easily carried out comfortably, wherein the finger operating joystick includes a joystick shaft 11 rotatably attached to the signal reaction generator 2; a roughly cylindrical body 12 attached onto the upper part of the joystick shaft; a tongue-shaped thumb flexing instruction portion 13, which rotatably attached to the side of the cylinder body; a rectangular projection forefinger flexing instruction portion 14, which attached at the front upper part of the cylindrical body so as to freely advance and retreat; and a rectangular projection middle finger flexing instruction portion 15, attached at the front lower part of the cylindrical body so as to freely advance and retreat; and wherein the signal reaction generator includes the first, second and third detectors which detect movements of the first, second and third wires in line with rotation of the thumb flexing instruction portion, advance and retreat

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a peripheral input device including a body, the body further including an input mechanism; an electrical cord operably connected to the body through which input from the input mechanism can be transmitted; and a spool biased to rotate and retract the electrical cord; and an anchor for the electrical cord.

Abstract: A variable color complementary display device includes a plurality of display areas arranged in a pattern for selectively exhibiting a plurality of display units. Each display area includes a plurality of pairs of light emitting diodes for emitting, when forwardly biased, light signals of respective primary colors and a device for combining the light signals in the display area to obtain a light signal of a composite color. Each pair includes a first light emitting diode and a second light emitting diode, both of the same color, connected in an anti-parallel fashion such that their polarities are opposite. A device is provided for selectively forwardly biasing the first light emitting diodes, for illuminating certain of the display areas in a display color. The second light emitting diodes in the remaining display areas are automatically illuminated in a complementary color.

Abstract: A display mechanism is described having the capability of showing two or more colors using one or more flexible membranes that electrostatically switch positions between stationary electrodes of different geometry and color. Each flexible colored membrane is multi-layered and comprised of at least one conductive layer and one dielectric layer. Each membrane or stack of membranes with the adjacent electrodes serves as a single chromatophore, the color of which is altered electrically. A first colored electrode is substantially flat and parallel to a base substrate containing control circuitry. Each of a plurality of second electrodes is of a substantially rounded geometry, around which membranes wrap as determined by electronic signal. Display color is produced as electric forces separate surfaces of common color. The display is non-luminous, consumes very little power and is easily visible under normal to very bright ambient illumination. Integrated electronics provide power, signal and connectivity.

Abstract: Control of display power management by a host computer connected by a standard cable to a display monitor can be avoided by simply detecting user inactivity within a monitor or signaling such to the monitor with any one of the DPMS signals to the monitor, such as the video signal, i.e., the video intelligence signal occurring between horizontal synchronization pulses. In the absence of the video signal, the monitor commences timing of several display power management states without further reference to the DPMS signaling signals, except to monitor whether the video signal returns to normal. In the absence of a return to normal on the video signal, the display monitor transitions from a normal state to a standby state, thence to a suspend state, and finally to an off state. If user activity is again detected, a transition from any of these display power management states to normal is made.

Abstract: A remote control for controlling a home entertainment device having a display screen provided with a movable object includes a touch pad. The touch pad is operable with the display screen such that the display screen is mapped to the touch pad area. The touch pad generates a signal in response to an operator touching the touch pad. The signal is indicative of the location of the touch on the touch pad. A controller is operable with the touch pad for receiving a signal from the touch pad in response to an operator touching the touch pad. In response to an operator touching the touch pad the controller moves the movable object on the display screen to the location on the display screen corresponding to the location of the touch on the touch pad. The touch pad also generates a gesture signal in response to a gesture performed on the touch pad. The gesture signal is indicative of the gesture performed on the touch pad. Each gesture performed on the touch pad corresponds to a control function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display device for displaying video frame signals transmitted from a computer. When the display device receives the video frame signals, it detects the number of horizontal scanning lines first, and then compares the number with a sampling reference table to obtain a target sampling number. If the number of pixel clocks generated by a phase locked loop does not match the target sampling number, the display device will adjust the frequency of the phase locked loop until the number of pixel clocks matches the target sampling number so that the display device can display video pictures correctly.