Abstract: In some embodiments, a haptic device comprises first and second multi-dimensional spatial haptic devices. The first spatial haptic device includes a handle to represent a location of one object in a virtual document or space. The second spatial haptic device includes a handle to represent a location of another object in the same virtual document or space. The first and the second handles are spatially registered with respect to each other. In some embodiments, a third spatial haptic device includes a handle to represent a location of yet another object in a virtual document or space.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a haptic device comprises first and second multi-dimensional spatial haptic devices. The first spatial haptic device includes a handle to represent a location of one object in a virtual document or space. The second spatial haptic device includes a handle to represent a location of another object in the same virtual document or space. The first and the second handles are spatially registered with respect to each other. In some embodiments, a third spatial haptic device includes a handle to represent a location of yet another object in a virtual document or space.

Abstract: A fast and economical system and methods directed to low-fidelity fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) objects using 3D printing. The invention facilitates rapid prototyping by providing a wireframe structure in the form of the underlying design structure of a 3D model, which may be useful for a variety of reasons including to provide a prototype preview that may be used for design validation of a 3D model.

Abstract: A fast and economical system and methods directed to low-fidelity fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) objects using 3D printing. The invention facilitates rapid prototyping by providing a wireframe structure in the form of the underlying design structure of a 3D model, which may be useful for a variety of reasons including to provide a prototype preview that may be used for design validation of a 3D model.

Abstract: Architecture for providing feedback to a viewer and/or contributor on fashion and other personal appearance decisions that the contributor desires. The contributor uploads self images for viewing and rating (or voting) by viewers who choose provide an opinion on different fashion and/or cosmetic looks of the contributor. The contributor takes images show the contributor presented with a number (e.g., two) of different fashion choices. The snapshots can then be processed for upload to a website or other accessible location by one or more viewers. The viewers can cast a vote for one of the images by selecting the desired image, in response to which the viewer and/or contributor will be presented with overall statistics for that set of images as to how other viewers voted, as well as a next set of photos depicting the user in a different fashion and/or cosmetic choice. This process can continue until terminated.

Abstract: User interfaces or input devices are provided with both touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitive) and mechanical hardware input portions. Mechanical switches are overlaid with a touch sensitive pad, providing improved versatility of input. An application programming interface (API) enables different modes of input operation for the mechanical and touch sensitive input portions, whereby various combinations and/or permutations of touch sensitive input portions and/or mechanical input portions are enabled or disabled to provide optimal input characteristics for a set of tasks at hand. Visual or audio indicators may be utilized to reveal the mode of operation to the user. The touch sensitive pad may be a capacitive touchpad, a touch sensitive display screen, a conveyor belt or a push pad. Up to 9 mechanical switches may be placed underneath the touch sensitive input portions.

Abstract: Techniques and technologies are provided which can allow for touch input with a touch screen device. In response to an attempt to select a target displayed on a screen, a callout can be rendered in a non-occluded area of the screen. The callout includes a representation of the area of the screen that is occluded by a selection entity when the attempt to select the target is made.

Abstract: The present starburst target expansion technique connects targets to peripheral screen space to produce reasonably sized tiles for all targets including those that are located inside of a cluster. The resulting layout is characterized by lines escaping from the cluster center. By providing targets located inside a cluster with access to empty screen space, the present starburst target expansion technique is able to assign screen space to targets that remain small if expanded using the traditional Voronoi approach. If used on a device with limited input accuracy, such as a pen-based tablet or a touch screen-based kiosk system, target expansion via the starburst target expansion technique can lead to substantial performance improvements.

Abstract: Two or more display units with different resolutions are combined such that the geometry of images displayed across the multiple display units is preserved and the image appears to be substantially continuous to a viewer of the image. Compatibility of the sizes of image elements on different display units is achieved by using display unit-specific scaling to compensate for the different pixel sizes on the individual display units.

Abstract: A user interface method and system for performing sensemaking tasks using visual information objects. The present invention provides techniques for the system to perform operations for creating, rearranging visual information objects, reallocating display space and scaling user input automatically so that users need not interrupt their creative activities. Such operations are intuitive and non-intrusive. Certain of the behavior results of the operations are specified in contracts associated with each visual information object.

Abstract: A new mobile electronic device, referred to as a soap, may be used to control electronic devices, external or internal to the soap, in an intuitive, convenient, and comfortable manner. For example, a soap may serve as an alternative to input devices such as a mouse. A soap device may include a core, and a hull that at least partially encloses the core. The core includes a tracking component capable of tracking movement relative to the hull. The soap input device also includes a transmission component configured to transmit a signal from the tracking component to a computing device, where it may control the position of a pointer and the use of a selector on a monitor. The hull may be soft and flexible, the core may be freely rotatable about at least one axis. The core has a shape such that tangentially applied pressure rotates the core relative to the hull. A user may therefore control an electronic device, simply by rolling and manipulating the soap.

Abstract: A user interface method and system for performing sensemaking tasks using visual information objects. The present invention provides techniques for the system to perform operations for creating, rearranging visual information objects, reallocating display space and scaling user input automatically so that users need not interrupt their creative activities. Such operations are intuitive and non-intrusive. Certain of the behavior results of the operations are specified in contracts associated with each visual information object.

Abstract: A system and process for creating an apparently higher resolution image on a display exhibiting a lower resolution is presented. The basic idea is to make multiple decimated versions of an image at different offsets in a smooth path (all of which will contain different bits of detail), and then animate through the resulting decimated images (i.e., show them in rapid succession). The viewer sees what looks like a higher-resolution image moving in a smooth path. The viewer sees this since the human eye is capable of integrating details over the continuous motion. Thus, images such as text enjoy an enhanced legibility.

Abstract: Architecture for providing feedback to a viewer and/or contributor on fashion and other personal appearance decisions that the contributor desires. The contributor uploads self images for viewing and rating (or voting) by viewers who choose provide an opinion on different fashion and/or cosmetic looks of the contributor. The contributor takes images show the contributor presented with a number (e.g., two) of different fashion choices. The snapshots can then be processed for upload to a website or other accessible location by one or more viewers. The viewers can cast a vote for one of the images by selecting the desired image, in response to which the viewer and/or contributor will be presented with overall statistics for that set of images as to how other viewers voted, as well as a next set of photos depicting the user in a different fashion and/or cosmetic choice. This process can continue until terminated.

Abstract: A method of using two or more display units with different resolutions which have been combined such that the geometry of images displayed across the multiple display units is preserved and the image appears to be substantially continuous to a viewer of the image. Compatibility of the sizes of image elements on different display units is achieved by using display unit-specific scaling to compensate for the different pixel sizes on the individual display units.

Abstract: A system utilizing two or more display units with different resolutions are combined such that the geometry of images displayed across the multiple display units is preserved and the image appears to be substantially continuous to a viewer of the image. Compatibility of the sizes of image elements on different display units is achieved by using display unit-specific scaling to compensate for the different pixel sizes on the individual display units.

Abstract: A “Panoramic Viewfinder” provides an intuitive interactive viewfinder display which operates on a digital camera display screen. This interactive viewfinder provides real-time assistance in capturing images for constructing panoramic image mosaics. The Panoramic Viewfinder “brushes” a panorama from images captured in any order, while providing visual feedback to the user for ensuring that desired scene elements will appear in the final panorama. This visual feedback presents real-time stitched previews of the panorama while capturing images.

Abstract: Techniques and technologies are provided which can allow for touch input with a touch screen device. In response to an attempt to select a target displayed on a screen, a callout can be rendered in a non-occluded area of the screen. The callout includes a representation of the area of the screen that is occluded by a selection entity when the attempt to select the target is made.

Abstract: A method of using two or more display units with different resolutions which have been combined such that the geometry of images displayed across the multiple display units is preserved and the image appears to be substantially continuous to a viewer of the image. Compatibility of the sizes of image elements on different display units is achieved by using display unit-specific scaling to compensate for the different pixel sizes on the individual display units.

Abstract: A unique system and method is provided that facilitates pixel-accurate targeting with respect to multi-touch sensitive displays when selecting or viewing content with a cursor. In particular, the system and method can track dual inputs from a primary finger and a secondary finger, for example. The primary finger can control movement of the cursor while the secondary finger can adjust a control-display ratio of the screen. As a result, cursor steering and selection of an assistance mode can be performed at about the same time or concurrently. In addition, the system and method can stabilize a cursor position at a top middle point of a user's finger in order to mitigate clicking errors when making a selection.