Abstract: A multi-range location tracking system for tracking a location of one or more objects, such as people, pets, or things, has one or more GPS-enabled accessory devices, with each accessory device being coupled to a corresponding one of the objects and being configured to generate location data of the corresponding object. The location tracking system also has a wireless link and one or more base units configured to communicate location data directly with the one or more accessory devices through the wireless link.

Abstract: A human interface and input system is implemented on an input accelerator device to remotely operate hand-held host electronic devices such as cellular phones, PDA's, pocket PC's, and smart phone's. The input accelerator device can control some or all functions of the host device to eliminate the need to directly interface with the host device. The input accelerator device may be configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of a human user's opposing thumb and fingers by including, on one surface, one or more software configurable input elements manipulatable by the user's thumb(s) or finger, and, on another surface, one or more software configurable selection elements manipulatable by a user's finger(s). The input accelerator device can be a hybrid device combining a wireless headset with the device control features.

Abstract: A human interface configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of a human user's opposing thumb and fingers by including, on one surface, one or more software configurable input elements manipulatable by a user's thumb(s) or a stylus, and, on another surface, one or more software configurable selection elements manipulatable by a user's finger(s). A selection element may be a pressure sensor pad configurable to represent delineated active areas that are mapped to one or more input functions. Shape changing media may be provided to permit a user to tactilely discriminate between delineated active areas. Tactile feedback may be provided to a user through palpable detents, vibratory or force producing units. Inputting data may include mapping each selection element to a shift function, mapping each input element to text functions, and using the selection elements to shift between text functions associated with an input element to input a desired text function.

Abstract: A human interface configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of a human user's opposing thumb and fingers by including, on one surface, one or more software configurable input elements manipulatable by a user's thumb(s) or a stylus, and, on another surface, one or more software configurable selection elements manipulatable by a user's finger(s). A selection element may be a pressure sensor pad configurable to represent delineated active areas that are mapped to one or more input functions. Shape changing media may be provided to permit a user to tactilely discriminate between delineated active areas. Tactile feedback may be provided to a user through palpable detents, vibratory or force producing units. Inputting data may include mapping each selection element to a shift function, mapping each input element to text functions, and using the selection elements to shift between text functions associated with an input element to input a desired text function.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a mobile host device is disclosed. An accessory device for interfacing with and customizing a mobile host device includes a communication channel designed to establish a bi-directional communication link between the accessory device and the host device. The accessory device also includes a processor communicatively coupled to the communication channel. The processor is designed to execute a plurality of applications. In addition, the accessory device includes an input assembly communicatively coupled to the processor. The input assembly is designed to minimize a total number of input elements included in the input assembly. Further, at least a first input element being selectively mapped to one or more input functions of the host device based on a user selection.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting data to and from a hand-held host device are disclosed. An accessory device for interfacing with a host device includes a communication channel designed to establish a bidirectional data link between the accessory device and the host device. The accessory device also includes a storage unit communicatively coupled to the communication channel. The storage unit is designed to store various data. In addition, at least a first data is selectively transmitted from the stored data of the accessory device to the host device through the established bidirectional data link.

Abstract: A human interface and input system is implemented on an input accelerator device to remotely operate hand-held host electronic devices such as cellular phones, PDA's, pocket PC's, and smart phone's. The input accelerator device can control some or all functions of the host device to eliminate the need to directly interface with the host device. The input accelerator device may be configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of a human user's opposing thumb and fingers by including, on one surface, one or more software configurable input elements manipulatable by the user's thumb(s) or finger, and, on another surface, one or more software configurable selection elements manipulatable by a user's finger(s). The input accelerator device can be a hybrid device combining a wireless headset with the device control features.

Abstract: A technique for re-mapping the input elements disposed on a hand-held electronic device to an executable function that is different than the pre-loaded or pre-assigned function(s) provided in software applications may include receiving configuration settings for a software application or a class of software applications, including at least one physical input element, such as a key, rotary dial, or a button, associated with at least one function, such as a shifting or index function or insertion of a specific character; modifying a mapping function, such as a keyboard device driver, a device layout or a translation layer, based on the configuration settings; and executing the function associated with the physical input element upon an activation, e.g., a press or actuation, of the physical input element during operation of the software application.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a hand-held electronic device during use of the device may include a grip configured to be held by a human hand and a connection mechanism to couple the grip to the hand-held electronic device. The stabilizer may also include a locking mechanism coupled to the connection mechanism. The locking mechanism may be operable to lock the extension arm in place. The stabilizer may be configured to be in an ergonomic position so that a user's thumb or one or more fingers is not required to hold the device, but instead is biomechanically or kinematically suited to freely access a plurality of input elements on one or more surfaces of the hand-held electronic device.

Abstract: A human interface configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of a human user's opposing thumb and fingers by including, on one surface, one or more software configurable input elements manipulatable by a user's thumb(s) or a stylus, and, on another surface, one or more software configurable selection elements manipulatable by a user's finger(s). A selection element may be a pressure sensor pad configurable to represent delineated active areas that are mapped to one or more input functions. Shape changing media may be provided to permit a user to tactilely discriminate between delineated active areas. Tactile feedback may be provided to a user through palpable detents, vibratory or force producing units. Inputting data may include mapping each selection element to a shift function, mapping each input element to text functions, and using the selection elements to shift between text functions associated with an input element to input a desired text function.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: Interactive simulation including force feedback. The system includes a computer game display unit programmed with simulation rules. A control unit is connected to the computer and provides information and control signals to the computer to interact with the stored simulation rules and to receive information and control signals from the computer. A movable structure for movement in at least two degrees-of-freedom by an operator is interconnected to the control unit by means of actuators. A programmable unit processes signals and information from the computer to generate signals to drive the actuators so as to apply forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the operator. The applied forces are based on internal programming within the programmable unit, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: A system for providing haptic information to a human operator. The system utilizes display devices that dynamically convey touch sensations to the human operator, thereby creating various tactile sensations such as texture and slippage. The system can combine multiple display devices as needed in order to create a specified sense.

Abstract: An input device for an interactive computer simulation or game is disclosed which includes a structure having at least two degrees-of-freedom which is moveable by a digit of a user to transmit input signal to a computer. At least one actuator connected to the moveable structure receives inputs from a computer and applies forces in the at least two degrees-of-freedom to the movable structure and thereby to the digit of the user. The actuator may include an electric motor and any of a variety of force transmission schemes including direct, cable, gear or belt drives. The applied forces are typically based on internal programming within the computer, events occurring in the simulation and movements of and forces applied to the movable structure by the operator.

Abstract: A system is described for sensing the relative angular orientation of two relatively movable joint segments of a living body joined together at a joint. The system comprises at least two links coupled together about a pivot axis so that the links are pivotable relative to one another about the axis so as to define a variable mechanical angle between the links about the axis. The two links are secured respectively to the joint segments so that the links pivot about the pivot axis when the joint segments pivot about said joint. A Hall effect sensor is used to accurate sense the mechanical angle. The mechanical angle sensed by the sensor is then correlated with the actual angle made by the joint segments. The arrangement is used with each finger and thumb joint of the hand to provide data representative of finger and thumb orientations of a hand.