Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, an input device for use with a computer comprises an input device housing; at least one input member disposed on the input device housing; and an auxiliary display connected to the input device housing, the auxiliary display being configured to display information received from the computer including images provided by the computer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, a keyboard for use with a computer comprises a plurality of keys which include a plurality of programmable function keys each being programmable to have multiple shift states to provide different macro functions among the multiple shift states to be inputted to the computer; a plurality of macro shift buttons which represent the multiple shift states and which are configured to be pressed to toggle among the multiple shift states for the plurality of programmable function keys; and a macro record button configured to start and stop macro recording of the macro functions of the programmable function keys.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, a keyboard for use with a computer comprises a plurality of keys which include a plurality of programmable function keys each being programmable to have multiple shift states to provide different macro functions among the multiple shift states to be inputted to the computer; a plurality of macro shift buttons which represent the multiple shift states and which are configured to be pressed to toggle among the multiple shift states for the plurality of programmable function keys; and a macro record button configured to start and stop macro recording of the macro functions of the programmable function keys.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide programmable keys in a keyboard that provide the user with added functionalities and versatility to enhance the usage of the computer for game play or the like. In one embodiment, an input device for use with a computer comprises an input device housing; at least one input member disposed on the input device housing; and an auxiliary display connected to the input device housing, the auxiliary display being configured to display information received from the computer including images provided by the computer.

Abstract: A roller is provided in an input device such as a joystick to perform functions that compliment its operation. Upon detecting rotational movement of the roller in a first direction by a preset angle, a first signal is generated for activating a first logical button. Upon detecting rotational movement of the roller in a second direction by a preset angle, a second signal is generated for activating a second logical button. Roller rotation by multiples of the preset angle represents a series of button presses. The button press may be assigned a function such as selecting an item from a menu or adjusting attributes of objects or data displayed on a computer screen, such as the selection or firing of weapons or adjustment of shield balance in a video game application.

Abstract: A low-cost method and system for processing force feedback effects generated at a host for playback at a physical interaction device by moving much of the force feedback effect processing from the device back to the host, and performing this in a manner that does not adversely affect latency effects or the load on the host processor. This is achieved by a novel combination of software and hardware techniques. In particular, the device hardware uses a low-cost microcontroller with limited processing capabilities, minimal memory and a low speed USB interface. The small memory also alleviates the need for buffer assignments and memory management.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gear based transmission apparatus that are configured to reduce or eliminate the backlash effects. In one embodiment, a transmission apparatus comprises a follower gear, a first drive gear set coupled with the follower gear to drive the follower gear, and a second drive gear set coupled with the follower gear to drive the follower gear. The first drive gear set includes at least one gear, and the second drive gear set includes at least one gear. A controller is coupled with the first drive gear set and the second drive gear set.