Abstract: Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use PC input devices such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse”, which is a combination of the “WASD” keys of the keyboard and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, to further expand on game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to the non-ergonomic positioning of the shortcut keys, players often suffer from wrist discomfort after PC game playing sessions due to increased strain placed on their wrists when using the shortcut keys frequently. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for switching processes selectable by keys on human interface devices.

Abstract: Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use human interface devices (HIDs) such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse” which is a combination of the “WASD” keyboard keys and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, for expansion on existing game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to close positioning of the “WINDOWS” key with the modifier keys on the keyboards, the “WINDOWS” menu might be activated accidentally during normal PC game play especially when players frequently access the shortcut keys. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for deactivating keys selectable on human interface devices.

Abstract: Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use PC input devices such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse”, which is a combination of the “WASD” keys of the keyboard and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, to further expand on game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to the non-ergonomic positioning of the shortcut keys, players often suffer from wrist discomfort after PC game playing sessions due to increased strain placed on their wrists when using the shortcut keys frequently. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for switching processes selectable by keys on human interface devices.

Abstract: Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use PC input devices such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse”, which is a combination of the “WASD” keys of the keyboard and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, to further expand on game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to the non-ergonomic positioning of the shortcut keys, players often suffer from wrist discomfort after PC game playing sessions due to increased strain placed on their wrists when using the shortcut keys frequently. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for switching processes selectable by keys on human interface devices.

Abstract: Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use human interface devices (HIDs) such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse” which is a combination of the “WASD” keyboard keys and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, for expansion on existing game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to close positioning of the “WINDOWS” key with the modifier keys on the keyboards, the “WINDOWS” menu might be activated accidentally during normal PC game play especially when players frequently access the shortcut keys. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for deactivating keys selectable on human interface devices.

Abstract: Pointing devices such as computer mouse are commonly used for making selections on computer screens. However, prolong or frequent use of such pointing devices might result in users suffering from repetitive stress disorder. Further, due to the widespread use of personal computers (PC), this problem is made more even pronounced. In addition, users increasingly require additional buttons to be provided on the computer mouse for purposes such as PC gaming. Although device manufacturers have started building more buttons on existing computer mice, the buttons are typically not ergonomically positioned. An embodiment of the invention describes an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons.

Abstract: Pointing devices such as computer mouse are commonly used for making selections on computer screens. However, prolong or frequent use of such pointing devices might result in users suffering from repetitive stress disorder. Further, due to the widespread use of personal computers (PC), this problem is made more even pronounced. In addition, users increasingly require additional buttons to be provided on the computer mouse for purposes such as PC gaming. Although device manufacturers have started building more buttons on existing computer mice, the buttons are typically not ergonomically positioned. An embodiment of the invention describes an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons.

Abstract: Substantially elevated movement sensitivity of a mouse enables improved control and finer manipulation of an object, for example a pointer, displayed on a display device. However, the elevated movement sensitivity also results in unintended movement of the mouse, generated when a button of the mouse is operated, being translated into displacement of the pointer on the display device. An embodiment of the invention describes a method for transducing movement occurring during an interval into signals in response to the button being operated. The signals are for use in manipulating the object. The method is further for comparing properties of the displacement with pre-defined reference properties to determined whether the movement is intended or unintended. The signals are subsequently terminated to impede manipulation of the object when the movement is determined to be unintended to thereby correct the unintended movement.

Abstract: An improved user input device is disclosed having ergonomically-configurable features to custom fit individual users. The arms of the gamepad may be extended from the body of the gamepad, and may be rotated. This may be at user determined angles, or may be set to a predetermined limit. The rotation may be on one or more axes depending on the specific implementation. Similarly, the thumb grooves may be extensible and/or rotatable. Further customization may be provided by modular user input systems.

Abstract: A device connectable to a computer is disclosed. The device comprises a selector defining a pathway and a plurality of positions along the pathway, the selector having a terminal displaceable along the pathway and positionable at one of the plurality of positions, the pathway being substantially straight, each of the plurality of positions having a process associated therewith. The device further comprises a sensor being operable for generating instruction signals. More specifically, the instruction signals are communicable to the computing device for executing thereon the process associated with one of the plurality of positions along the pathway whereat the terminal is positioned.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing improved 3D sound experience to a user. The sound generation layer is customizable to allow the user and/or application provider to modify the internal rules the sound generation layer uses to render sounds, to amplify sounds that fall below a pre-set or user-set volume level, and to specifically amplify/soften certain sounds (such as game specific sounds like gunfire or footsteps), or specific frequencies of sounds. A graphical user interface can communicates with the sound generation layer to handle any or all the above, so that a lay user can easily adjust these settings without having to understand the underlying algorithms.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for programming a user input device such as a computer mouse or computer keyboard. The user input device features memory for storing programming information associated with various user inputs, such as buttons or keys. The user may define macros, shortcuts, programs and other functions associated with any or all of user profiles so that the user may switch between various programmed data sets with ease.

Abstract: Input devices such as computer mice are commonly used for interacting with personal computers (PCs). Increasingly, wireless computer mice are becoming popular with users due to their ability to provide cordless accessibility for interaction with the PCs. The wireless computer mice are usually powered using batteries and uses radio frequencies (RF) for transmitting the users' input to the PCs. The wireless computer mice usually have a fixed transmission power, thus resulting in a fixed transmission range. Notably, the battery life and transmission range of the wireless mice share an inversely proportional relationship. Hence, a long battery life cannot be obtained without decreasing the transmission range and vice versa. However, existing wireless computer mice typically do not have provisions for making such adjustments. An embodiment of the invention describes an apparatus and a method for managing power usage of wireless input devices.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for adjusting the depth of view in an optical sensor of a pointing device (see FIG. 4). The method and system of the invention allow a user to select a depth of views from multiple depths of view. The user may select the depth of view using an appropriate graphical user interface. The depth of view may also be selected by the pointing device with no user input. In either case, the depth of view of the optical sensor may be adjusted to more accurately account for different levels of contrast in the micro-texture of the user's work surface.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the invention, an apparatus and method for device lighting is disclosed. The apparatus and method comprises a key operable for communicating with a computing device. The apparatus further comprises a light emitting device for lighting the key and a selector operable for selecting between a plurality of lighting schemes. More specifically, each of the plurality of lighting schemes defines at least one of color, intensity and duration of the lighting of the key.

Abstract: A device having a unique identification or an identifier for uniquely identifying the device. The unique identification can be a series of alphanumeric characters, a series of numeric characters or letters of the alphabet. The device further comprises a storage module for storing the unique identification. The device also comprises a controller for establishing communication with a computing system over a network when the device is coupled to the network. The device has an address on the network, also known as a network address, when coupled thereto. The network address and the unique identification are transmittable by the controller to the computing system upon communication being established with computing system. The controller comprises a processor and a network access module for facilitating coupling of the device to the network. The device is able to receive data from the computing system, the data storable in the storage module.

Abstract: A computer keyboard is disclosed to remediate the phantom key or ghosting problem. Diodes are added to the PCB or contact-receptive membrane to eliminate reverse current, which is responsible for phantom key strikes. These one-way diodes increase the number of possible concurrent combinations that a microcontroller with limited inputs can support.

Abstract: Personal computer (PC) and online gaming are gaining popularity around the world. Typically players use human interface devices (HIDs) such as keyboards and mice for playing PC games. Many of the modern PC games use a control scheme commonly known as the “WASD/Mouse” which is a combination of the “WASD” keyboard keys and the mouse as means for interacting with the PC games. Additionally, for expansion on existing game control functions, modifier keys are used in conjunction with other keyboard keys to serve as shortcut keys for activating such game control functions. However, due to close positioning of the “WINDOWS” key with the modifier keys on the keyboards, the “WINDOWS” menu might be activated accidentally during normal PC game play especially when players frequently access the shortcut keys. An embodiment of the invention describes a system and method for deactivating keys selectable on human interface devices.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the invention, an apparatus and method for device lighting is disclosed. The apparatus and method comprises a key operable for communicating with a computing device. The apparatus further comprises a light emitting device for lighting the key and a selector operable for selecting between a plurality of lighting schemes. More specifically, each of the plurality of lighting schemes defines at least one of colour, intensity and duration of the lighting of the key.

Abstract: Pointing devices such as computer mouse are commonly used for making selections on computer screens. However, prolong or frequent use of such pointing devices might result in users suffering from repetitive stress disorder. Further, due to the widespread use of personal computers (PC), this problem is made more even pronounced. In addition, users increasingly require additional buttons to be provided on the computer mouse for purposes such as PC gaming. Although device manufacturers have started building more buttons on existing computer mice, the buttons are typically not ergonomically positioned. An embodiment of the invention describes an ergonomic input device with multi-programmable buttons.