Abstract: A graphical user interface in which object thumbnails are rendered in a three-dimensional environment and which exploits spatial memory. The objects may be moved, continuously, with a two-dimensional input device. Pop-up title bars may be rendered over active objects. Intelligent help may be provided to the user, as visual indicators, based on proximity clustering or based on matching algorithms. The simulated location of the object thumbnails in a direction orthogonal to the surface is based on function, such as a linear, polynomial, or exponential function for example, of one or more object properties, such as number of mouse clicks since selected, age, size, etc.

Abstract: A computer input device and computer system are provided that determine if the input device is at an edge of a pattern on a working surface based on an image of the working surface captured by the input device. An audio control message is generated based on the input device being positioned on the edge of the pattern and the audio control message is used to cause a speaker to generate an audio signal.

Abstract: A method and computer input device are provided for controlling a displayed object. Using the method and computer input device, an indication of the amount of rotation and translation of the computer input device is received. A decision is then made as to whether to use the amount of rotation of the computer input device to control a displayed object based on the amount of translation of the computer input device.

Abstract: A computer input device and computer system are provided that determine if the input device is at an edge of a pattern on a working surface based on an image of the working surface captured by the input device. An audio control message is generated based on the input device being positioned on the edge of the pattern and the audio control message is used to cause a speaker to generate an audio signal.

Abstract: A computer input device and computer system are provided that determine a height of the computer input device over a surface. Based on the height, an audio signal generator generates an audio driver signal. The audio driver signal is applied to an audio signal generate that generates an audio signal based on the audio driver signal.

Abstract: In an input device, a camera captures images of a surface. Using the images, the input device determines its orientation. Data representing the orientation of the input device and data representing the captured image are communicated from the input device to a host computing device.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a camera for capturing an image of a pattern on a surface. A processor in the computer input device determines equations for lines from the image of the pattern, applies the line equations to a transform to form transformed line equations, and uses the transformed line equations to determine the height of the computer input device above the surface.

Abstract: A graphical user interface in which object thumbnails are rendered in a three-dimensional environment and which exploits spatial memory. The objects may be moved, continuously, with a two-dimensional input device. Pop-up title bars may be rendered over active objects. Intelligent help may be provided to the user, as visual indicators, based on proximity clustering or based on matching algorithms. The simulated location of the object thumbnails in a direction orthogonal to the surface is based on function, such as a linear, polynomial, or exponential function for example, of one or more object properties, such as number of mouse clicks since selected, age, size, etc.

Abstract: A pad for a computer input device includes a top surface over which the input device is slid and a bottom surface, opposite the top surface, for contacting a support surface. The bottom surface having a raised pivot portion allowing movement of the pad about the pivot portion.

Abstract: A mouse is provided that uses a camera as its input sensor. A real-time vision algorithm determines the six degree-of-freedom mouse posture, consisting of 2D motion, tilt in the forward/back and left/right axes, rotation of the mouse about its vertical axis, and some limited height sensing. Thus, a familiar 2D device can be extended for three-dimensional manipulation, while remaining suitable for standard 2D Graphical User Interface tasks. The invention includes techniques for mouse functionality, 3D manipulation, navigating large 2D spaces, and using the camera for lightweight scanning tasks.

Abstract: A method and a computer-readable medium are provided for generating an interface in a personal computer system. The method includes is playing a primary view of a three-dimensional environment from the egocentric perspective of a virtual person in the environment. A glancing function is then performed, which provides animated movement of the virtual person's head to reveal a three-dimensional tool space that is normally hidden from view. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional tool space moves with or is linked to the virtual person's body so that it travels through the environment with the virtual person's body. In other embodiments, the tool space is associated with an object in the three-dimensional environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a balloon in a manner which allows access to the interior of the balloon for the purpose of introducing articles such as toys and permitting decoration of the interior of the balloon. The invention uses a vacuum chamber to expand the balloon and a novel holding means for securing the mouth of the balloon exterior of the chamber so that the neck of the balloon may be knotted and sealed prior to the balloon being removed from the vacuum chamber.