Abstract: A hardware input device is disclosed in which at least two modes of manual user input can be provided within the same surface area of the device, including actuating or pressing multiple keys or buttons etc. as well as touch and/or gesturing by the user. A disclosed embodiment has actuated keys/buttons with associated sensors for detecting actuation; a second set of sensors for detecting proximity e.g. of a user's extremities is co-located on the input device. In one embodiment, infrared sensors for proximity detection are integrated with the traditional plastic keys/buttons of a computer keyboard or other personal electronics device. In some embodiments, the elevation of actuated input elements can be controlled by a processor, so that the physical configuration of keys/buttons available to the user can be dynamically reconfigured under program control. Methods are disclosed for using the input device to facilitate a heads-up style of interaction.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to support adaptive interaction with legacy software applications, without a need for rewriting those applications. The methods are for use with an interactive electronic system including a processor, a display, and an input device with user-manipulated controls. When the legacy application is executed, a supplemental software program, such as a plugin, is also executed and is utilized in order to identify currently relevant interactive features of the legacy application during execution. Functionality is dynamically assigned to the various user-manipulated controls based on the identified features. In one embodiment, detection of objects (particularly the user's hands) proximate to the input controls is also employed in determining the assignment of functionality and/or in displaying a visual representation to the user of the available interactive choices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptable input/output device. One embodiment of a hardware device for facilitating an interaction between a computing system and a user includes: an interaction surface for supporting the interaction, a single actuator capable of driving a first region of the interaction surface, and a first selective clamping mechanism capable of restricting movement of one or more second regions of the interaction surface that partly intersect the first region, wherein a displacement of one or more desired portions of the interaction surface is dynamically controllable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptable input/output device. One embodiment of a hardware device for facilitating an interaction between a computing system and a user, the hardware device includes an adaptable surface for supporting the interaction, where the adaptable surface is dynamically deformable under a control of the computing system, and one or more sensors, in communication with the computing system, for detecting a physical presence that is not in direct contact with the adaptable surface. The computing system is configured to cause a deformation of the adaptable surface in response to the physical presence.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of cross-domain access control in which a client node (250) sends a request (250) for a resource to a resource server (260). In response, a local proxy server (270) automatically obtains a ticket having a revocation status (275) and forwards the ticket (275) to an authorization server (280) that communicates with the resource server (260) regarding access.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of cross-domain access control in which a client node (250) sends a request (250) for a resource to a resource server (260). In response, a local proxy server (270) automatically obtains a ticket having a revocation status (275) and forwards the ticket (275) to an authorization server (280) that communicates with the resource server (260) regarding access.