Abstract: An information processing system comprises a plurality of information objects. The system has an input device through which a user can select a particular information object to be processed. An information object has an object representation to allow selection of the information object by the user. The user selects a particular information object on the basis of attributes of the corresponding object representation. In the processing system according to the invention, the object representation has a tactual attribute representative of that object representation and the input device is operative to provide the user with a tactile stimulation on the basis of this tactual attribute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a terminal for providing a common virtual environment to a plurality of users, for example a game environment. According to the method, each user is provided with an actuator allowing for receiving mechanical input from the user as well as for outputting mechanical feedback to the user. The user controls with the mechanical input a position of a corresponding user object (102) with respect to the virtual environment, and receives tactual cues as originating from tactual environment objects (130, 132, 134) and from distant user objects (104) that are present in the virtual environment. According to the invention, the user can position at least one of the tactual environment objects (130, 132, 134) by appropriate positioning actions.

Abstract: The invention, relates to a method for enabling a user to input messages into a data prossing system. To each message a respective target zone (202) in a virtual workspace (200) is allocated. A tactual representation of the virtual workspace is generated by applying forces to a member of an input device which has a housing with respect to which the member is user-manipulatable. Manipulations of the member are converted to locations of a control object in the virtual workspace (200). On the basis of the tactual representation the user can navigate through the virtual workspace. A message is selected for input in response to a movement of the control object to a corresponding one of the respective target zones (202). The target zones (202) are arranged in the virtual workspace (200) around a central zero zone (204) being a preferred zone of the control object, such that the target zones (202) have substantially no tangential overlap among one another with respect to the zero zone (204).

Abstract: The user interacts with a virtual workspace through guiding a cursor across a display screen for visual representation of the workspace. A user-interface provides a tactile response which is user-programmable and enables specifying tactile fields at particular locations in the virtual workspace. The user navigates through the virtual workspace by guiding the cursor while experiencing the tactile response fields programmed in advance.

Abstract: A trackball enables entering 3D coordinates into a data processing system through both rotation of the ball and vertical translation of the ball relative to its casing. Software controlled tactile feedback means provides 3D tactile cues to the user when manipulating the ball. The trackball enhances interactivity in a multi-media enviroment.

Abstract: The movement of a manual input device in an information processing system determines the movement of a cursor across the system's display. The display visualizes a virtual space, e.g., in a multi-media environment. Certain stationary or moving areas on the display represent target areas serving as possible destinations for the cursor. In order to create a catching effect on the cursor, the system requires more user movement to leave than to enter the target region, thus enhancing target acquisition performance of the user.