Abstract: A control panel may include a control surface and a plurality of user control areas at fixed locations along the control surface, a sealing layer extending continuously over the user control areas, wherein the sealing layer includes at least one topographical feature associated with at least one of the user control areas, and a pressure-sensitive capacitive touch layer provided at the at least one user control area, the a pressure-sensitive capacitive touch layer configured to detect a touch associated with an amount of pressure applied to the control surface at the at least one user control area and invoke a user control function associated with the at least one user control area responsive to the touch only if the amount of pressure exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: A control panel may include a control surface and a plurality of user control areas at fixed locations along the control surface, a sealing layer extending continuously over the user control areas, wherein the sealing layer includes at least one topographical feature associated with at least one of the user control areas, and a pressure-sensitive capacitive touch layer provided at the at least one user control area, the a pressure-sensitive capacitive touch layer configured to detect a touch associated with an amount of pressure applied to the control surface at the at least one user control area and invoke a user control function associated with the at least one user control area responsive to the touch only if the amount of pressure exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: A convertible game controller that can be configured for use on a person's lap or on a table top is disclosed. The convertible game controller includes a lap rest designed to support a game controller on a person's lap. The lap rest is also designed to be attached to a table clamp so that the game controller can be secured to a table top. A latch and hooks are provided on the table clamp and lap rest that allow the lap rest to be attached to the table clamp.

Abstract: Peripheral devices having one or more pedals are provided, wherein the peripheral devices are slip resistant with respect to a surface, such as a floor, upon which the peripheral devices are placed or positioned. A user of such peripheral devices can use a heel against the floor surface through the peripheral device to anchor the peripheral device and can use the heel to correct the position of the peripheral device if it slips by applying a counterforce. The peripheral device(s) include multiple springs per pedal and associated software for accommodating a non-linear force response for a more realistic user experience.

Abstract: A convertible game controller that can be configured for use on a person's lap or on a table top is disclosed. The convertible game controller includes a lap rest designed to support a game controller on a person's lap. The lap rest is also designed to be attached to a table clamp so that the game controller can be secured to a table top. A latch and hooks are provided on the table clamp and lap rest that allow the lap rest to be attached to the table clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method embodying the invention include utilizing a device with a limited number of interrogation devices to accomplish a large number of measurements on a target tissue (50). An instrument embodying the invention includes a plurality of detection devices (54) that are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a tissue contacting face of the instrument. The face of the instrument is located adjacent the target tissue (50), and a plurality of tissue characteristic measurement are simultaneously conducted. The detection devices (54) are moved to a new position, preferably without moving the tissue contacting face, and a second plurality of tissue characteristic measurements are simultaneously conducted. By conducting a series of measurements cycles in this manner, the ultimate resolution of the device is increased, while still obtaining a given resolution, which reduces potential cross-talk errors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method embodying the invention including utilizing a device with a limited number of interrogation devices to accomplish a large number of measurements on a target tissue. An instrument embodying the invention includes a plurality of detection devices that are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a tissue contacting face of the instrument. The face of the instrument is located adjacent the target tissue, and a plurality of tissue characteristic measurement are simultaneously conducted. The detection devices are moved to a new position, preferably without moving the tissue contacting face, and a second plurality of tissue characteristic measurements are simultaneously conducted. By conducting a series of measurement cycles in this manner, the ultimate resolution of the device is increased, while still obtaining a given resolution, which reduces potential cross-talk errors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method embodying the invention include utilizing a device with a limited number of interrogation devices to accomplish a large number of measurements on a target tissue (50). An instrument embodying the invention includes a plurality of detection devices (54) that are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a tissue contacting face of the instrument. The face of the instrument is located adjacent the target tissue (50), and a plurality of tissue characteristic measurement are simultaneously conducted. The detection devices (54) are moved to a new position, preferably without moving the tissue contacting face, and a second plurality of tissue characteristic measurements are simultaneously conducted. By conducting a series of measurements cycles in this manner, the ultimate resolution of the device is increased, while still obtaining a given resolution, which reduces potential cross-talk errors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method embodying the invention include utilizing a device with a limited number of interrogation devices to accomplish a large number of measurements on a target tissue (50). An instrument embodying the invention includes a plurality of detection devices (54) that are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a tissue contacting face of the instrument. The face of the instrument is located adjacent the target tissue (50), and a plurality of tissue characteristic measurement are simultaneously conducted. The detection devices (54) are moved to a new position, preferably without moving the tissue contacting face, and a second plurality of tissue characteristic measurements are simultaneously conducted. By conducting a series of measurements cycles in this manner, the ultimate resolution of the device is increased, while still obtaining a given resolution, which reduces potential cross-talk errors.

Abstract: A combined infection shield and calibration or reference target for use with a measuring instrument includes a removable calibration/reference layer. The removable calibration/reference layer has predetermined optical characteristics that can be utilized to calibrate or reference the instrument. When the calibration/reference layer is removed from the remaining portions of the device, the portion of the calibration/reference layer having the predetermined optical characteristics is irrevocably altered such that the calibration/reference layer cannot be reused. The combined infection shield and target may be attached to a shield holder, which in turn is attached to an instrument. Alternatively, the infection shield and target may be attached directly to an instrument. The target may include a calibration/reference layer having a reduced strength portion which causes the target to tear or separate in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A combined infection shield and calibration or reference target for use with a measuring instrument includes a removable calibration/reference layer. The removable calibration/reference layer has predetermined optical characteristics that can be utilized to calibrate or reference the instrument. The calibration/reference layer may have predetermined reflectance or scattering properties, a predetermined transmissivity to light, or it may have predetermined fluorescence properties. When the calibration/reference layer is removed from the remaining portions of the device, the portion of the calibration/reference layer having the predetermined optical characteristics is irrevocably altered such that the calibration/reference layer cannot be reused. The combined infection shield and target may be attached to a shield holder, which in turn is attached to an instrument. Alternatively, the infection shield and target may be attached directly to an instrument.

Abstract: A combined infection shield and calibration or reference target for use with a measuring instrument includes a removable calibration/reference layer. The removable calibration/reference layer has predetermined optical characteristics that can be utilized to calibrate or reference the instrument. When the calibration/reference layer is removed from the remaining portions of the device, the portion of the calibration/reference layer having the predetermined optical characteristics is irrevocably altered such that the calibration/reference layer cannot be reused. The combined infection shield and target may be attached to a shield holder, which in turn is attached to an instrument. Alternatively, the infection shield and target may be attached directly to an instrument. The target may include a calibration/reference layer having a reduced strength portion which causes the target to tear or separate in a predetermined manner.