Abstract: A distributed tangible user interface comprises compact, self-powered, tangible user interface manipulative devices having sensing, display, and wireless communication capabilities, along with one or more associated digital content or other interactive software management applications. The manipulative devices display visual representations of digital content or program controls and can be physically manipulated as a group by a user for interaction with the digital information or software application. A controller on each manipulative device receives and processes data from a movement sensor, initiating behavior on the manipulative and/or forwarding the results to a management application that uses the information to manage the digital content, software application, and/or the manipulative devices.

Abstract: A mobile and autonomous base station facilitating wireless electronic games embodying one or more tangible user interface manipulable devices (cubes) is comprised of at least one wireless communication device, a power source, an output device, a memory, and controller/processor. The base station is operable to receive from, and transmit data to plurality of manipulable devices including motion, proximity and arrangement information. In addition the base station includes the ability to sense the proximity and orientation of nearby manipulable devices.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for a software configuration for use with distributed tangible user interfaces, in which the software is manipulated via a set of individual actions on individual objects, and in which such individual actions across one or more objects may be combined, simultaneously and/or over time, resulting in compound actions that manipulate the software. These actions and compound actions may be interpreted and acted upon by the software differently depending on its design, configuration, and internal state.

Abstract: A distributed tangible user interface comprises compact, self-powered, tangible user interface manipulative devices having sensing, display, and wireless communication capabilities, along with one or more associated digital content or other interactive software management applications. The manipulative devices display visual representations of digital content or program controls and can be physically manipulated as a group by a user for interaction with the digital information or software application. A controller on each manipulative device receives and processes data from a movement sensor, initiating behavior on the manipulative and/or forwarding the results to a management application that uses the information to manage the digital content, software application, and/or the manipulative devices.