Abstract: The system includes a computer-readable memory having a data structure configured to store information about a time-based event for a patient having reduced cognitive abilities, and optionally also electronic data reflecting the patient's cognitive ability. A networked computer system coupled to the computer-readable memory provides an information communicating interface to the patient. The computer system is programmed to monitor context information relevant to the patient and to dynamically adjust the presentation of the stored information based on the context, and optionally also based upon the patient's cognitive ability.

Abstract: A plurality of augmented batteries each have internal communication circuitry and current monitoring circuitry allowing them to communicate current usage signatures with one another. Based on analysis of those respective signatures each augmented battery determines if it is “paired” with other batteries, by virtue of being installed in the same device. The augmented batteries use knowledge of pairing to control how they collectively behave to provide augmented functionality, such as alerting the user regarding the charge level within the batteries.

Abstract: The augmented battery includes an internal motion sensor, charge condition monitor, annunciator and optional wireless communicator. When the augmented battery is installed in a device, it provides augmented capabilities not present in the device when using conventional batteries. The augmented capabilities include responding to implicit commands from the user (by simply lifting the device containing the augmented battery) and explicit commands (such as intentional motion or tapping gestures) by providing audible or vibrational response indicating the charge conditions of the cell within the battery. Wireless communication allows the augmented battery to interact with external devices, such as battery health monitor display devices and also with the device into which the battery is installed, giving the device new augmented functionality.

Abstract: A handheld controller which includes at least two disparate sensors, such as a motion sensor and a touchpad sensor. A processor deployed in either handheld controller or separate product implements a hybrid pointing and selection method that uses data from the first sensor to adjust the sensitivity to stimulus of the second sensor, and vice versa. The respective sensor data are thus tempered and combined to generate a cursor control signal that includes a large scale control component to control size and movement of a rough pointer region, and a fine scale control component to control position of a precise pointer within the rough pointer region.

Abstract: The handheld controller controls a graphic cursor on a display. A motion sensor responds to user movement of a first type producing motion data. A touchpad responds to user movement of a second type more precise than the first type producing second sensor data. A processor calculates a hybrid cursor movement signal having a large scale movement component corresponding to movement of the first type and a fine scale movement component corresponding to movement of the second type, the hybrid cursor movement signal being for moving the graphic cursor. A processor calculates the large scale movement component based on a first sensitivity parameter representing sensitivity of the motion sensor determined by associating the touchpad data with the motion data, and the fine scale movement component based on a second sensitivity parameter representing sensitivity of the touchpad determined by associating the motion data with the touchpad data.

Abstract: A language model back-off system can be used with a user interface employing one or more language models to constrain navigation of selectable user interface input components. A user input interpretation module receives user input and interprets the user input to determine if a selection is made of one or more user interface input components. If a selection is not made, the user input interpretation module determines whether conditions are met for backing off one or more language models employed to constrain navigation of the user interface input components. If the conditions are met, a language model back-off module backs off the one or more language models.

Abstract: A method and system for differentiating between intended user input and inadvertent or incidental contact with a touchpad is herein disclosed. When a user engages the touchpad, sensors on the touchpad are activated and generate touch sensor signals. Based on the pattern of engaged sensors, a hand pattern can be determined. From the hand pattern, a hand model may be retrieved. The hand model may indicate passive zones and active zones. Contact in the active zones may be considered intentional, while contact in the passive zones may be considered unintended or incidental. Moreover, a global shift may be calculated, and input from the active zones may be compensated for the global shift. The input from the active zones can then be used to control a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A remote control unit selectively transmits a control signal for remotely controlling an electronic device. The unit defines an imaginary cut plane that substantially bisects the unit. The unit includes a plurality of input features collectively disposed symmetrically with respect to the imaginary cut plane. The input features include a first and second input feature. The first and second input features are disposed on opposite sides of the cut plane. Furthermore, the unit includes a sensor that detects a first and second holding position of the unit. The first holding position and the second holding position are substantially opposite to each other. Moreover, the unit includes a controller that associates the control signal with the first input feature when the sensor detects the first holding position, and the controller associates the control signal with the second input feature when the sensor detects the second holding position.

Abstract: The pointer management technology establishes a protocol and method for dual pointer management in both absolute input mode and relative input mode. The method defines a set of properties/constraints for contextual dynamic remapping between input sensor coordinates and target screen coordinates. The remapping of the left pointer (respectively the right pointer) depends on the position of the right pointer (respectively the left pointer) in the target screen space. This inter-dependence enables a more flexible and more powerful interaction as it exploits the contextual layout to re-estimate the remapping transformations at each instant.

Abstract: A handheld controller which includes at least two disparate sensors, such as a motion sensor and a touchpad sensor. A processor deployed in either handheld controller or separate product implements a hybrid pointing and selection method that uses data from the first sensor to adjust the sensitivity to stimulus of the second sensor, and vice versa. The respective sensor data are thus tempered and combined to generate a cursor control signal that includes a large scale control component to control size and movement of a rough pointer region, and a fine scale control component to control position of a precise pointer within the rough pointer region.

Abstract: A secure system for user authentication comprised of an authentication interface having a character dial and alignment markers is provided. A passcode input module receives user commands to move the character dial with respect to the alignment markers and to record a configuration of the characters with respect to the alignment markers, thereby creating alignment configuration data. A passcode generation module receives at least one of said alignment configuration data from passcode input module and generates a plurality of passcode hypotheses. An authentication module receives the passcode hypotheses and compares the passcode hypotheses with the passcodes of registered users stored in a data store. The passcode hypotheses are updated after each new alignment configuration data entered by the user. The authentication module authenticates a user upon finding a passcode hypothesis matching a stored passcode.

Abstract: A remote control unit selectively transmits a control signal for remotely controlling an electronic device. The unit defines an imaginary cut plane that substantially bisects the unit. The unit includes a plurality of input features collectively disposed symmetrically with respect to the imaginary cut plane. The input features include a first and second input feature. The first and second input features are disposed on opposite sides of the cut plane. Furthermore, the unit includes a sensor that detects a first and second holding position of the unit. The first holding position and the second holding position are substantially opposite to each other. Moreover, the unit includes a controller that associates the control signal with the first input feature when the sensor detects the first holding position, and the controller associates the control signal with the second input feature when the sensor detects the second holding position.

Abstract: The pointer management technology establishes a protocol and method for dual pointer management in both absolute input mode and relative input mode. The method defines a set of properties/constraints for contextual dynamic remapping between input sensor coordinates and target screen coordinates. The remapping of the left pointer (respectively the right pointer) depends on the position of the right pointer (respectively the left pointer) in the target screen space. This inter-dependence enables a more flexible and more powerful interaction as it exploits the contextual layout to re-estimate the remapping transformations at each instant.

Abstract: The pointer management technology establishes a protocol and method for dual pointer management in both absolute input mode and relative input mode. The method defines a set of properties/constraints for contextual dynamic remapping between input sensor coordinates and target screen coordinates. The remapping of the left pointer (respectively the right pointer) depends on the position of the right pointer (respectively the left pointer) in the target screen space. This inter-dependence enables a more flexible and more powerful interaction as it exploits the contextual layout to re-estimate the remapping transformations at each instant.

Abstract: A language model back-off system can be used with a user interface employing one or more language models to constrain navigation of selectable user interface input components. A user input interpretation module receives user input and interprets the user input to determine if a selection is made of one or more user interface input components. If a selection is not made, the user input interpretation module determines whether conditions are met for backing off one or more language models employed to constrain navigation of the user interface input components. If the conditions are met, a language model back-off module backs off the one or more language models.

Abstract: Accordingly, a virtual keypad system for inputting text is provided. A virtual keypad system includes a remote controller having at least one touchpad incorporated therein and divided into a plurality of touch zones. A display device is in data communication with the remote controller and is operable to display a user interface including a keypad, where each key of the keypad is mapped to a touch zone of the touchpad. A prediction module, in response to an operator pressing a given touch zone to select a particular character, performs one or more key prediction methods to predict one or more next plausible keys. A key mapping module remaps the touch zones of the touchpad to the keys of the keypad based on the one or more next plausible keys.

Abstract: Sensors around the periphery of the remote control unit detect contact with the user's hand. A trained model-based pattern classification system analyzes the periphery sensor data and makes a probabilistic prediction of the user's hand size. The hand size is then used to control a mapping system that defines how gestures by the user's thumb upon a touchpad of the remote control unit are mapped to the control region upon a separate display screen.

Abstract: The handheld case of the remote control unit includes at least one touchpad, and other sensors, such as acceleration sensors, case perimeter sensors, pressure sensors, RF signal sensors. These sensors provide a rich array of sensory inputs that are classified by a pattern recognizer to generate control commands for both the consumer electronic equipment and the remote control unit itself. A power management system to conserve unit battery power is also responsive to the pattern recognizer to allow intelligent power management control. The control system uses the display of the consumer electronic equipment to provide instructions to the user, and the behavior of the remote control system uses what is displayed on the display as context information for pattern recognition.

Abstract: The hand held case of the remote control unit includes at least one touchpad, and other sensors, such as acceleration sensors, case perimeter sensors, pressure sensors, RF signal sensors. These sensors provide a rich array of sensory inputs that are classified by a pattern recognizer to generate control commands for both the consumer electronic equipment and the remote control unit itself. A power management system to conserve unit battery power is also responsive to the pattern recognizer to allow intelligent power management control. The control system uses the display of the consumer electronic equipment to provide instructions to the user, and the behavior of the remote control system uses what is displayed on the display as context information for pattern recognition.

Abstract: A language model back-off system can be used with a user interface employing one or more language models to constrain navigation of selectable user interface input components. A user input interpretation module receives user input and interprets the user input to determine if a selection is made of one or more user interface input components. If a selection is not made, the user input interpretation module determines whether conditions are met for backing off one or more language models employed to constrain navigation of the user interface input components. If the conditions are met, a language model back-off module backs off the one or more language models.