Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a pointing device with multiple degrees of freedom in various embodiments is provided. In an embodiment, a pointing device is provided. The pointing device includes a chassis and at least one center push button mounted on the chassis. The pointing device further includes a communications interface for coupling with a system. The pointing device also includes a signal interface between the first center push button and the communications interface, the signal interface carrying signals from the first center push button to the communications interface.

Abstract: A multidimensional input device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multidimensional mouse comprises three sensors and a chassis. Each sensor is suitable for finger operation and capable of generating two control signals which represent motion in two degrees of freedom. The three sensors are coupled to the chassis which is suitable for a user to grasp with one hand. Thus, a user can generate six control input signals representing motion in six degrees of freedom with one hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple coordinate controller device having a three-dimensional body with a first surface portion and a second surface portion where the second surface portion is not coplanar with the first surface. A first transducer with a first sensing surface is coupled to the first surface portion of the body and capable of detecting both positions and a range of pressure forces at positions on the first sensing surface. The first transducer is further capable of providing a first range of z coordinates at a detected x,y coordinate in response to the range of pressure forces on said first sensing surface. A second transducer having a second sensing surface is coupled to the second surface portion of the body and capable of detecting both positions and a range of pressure forces at the positions on the second sensing surface.

Abstract: A family of controllers incorporate multiple force/touch sensitive input elements to provide intuitive input in up to six degrees of freedom, including position and rotation, in either a Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. Six dimensions of input can be generated without requiring movement of the controller, which provides a controller suitable for controlling cursors and display objects in an interactive computer system and for equipment such as heavy cranes and fork lift trucks. Positional information is obtained either by use of a "pushing" or "dragging" metaphor. Rotational information is provided by either a "pushing," "twisting," or "gesture" metaphor. In certain embodiments, the same sensor is used for both positional and rotational inputs, and the two are differentiated by the magnitude of the force applied to the sensor.

Abstract: A family of controllers incorporate multiple force/touch sensitive input elements to provide intuitive input in up to six degrees of freedom, including position and rotation, in either a Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. Six dimensions of input can be generated without requiring movement of the controller, which provides a controller suitable for controlling cursors and display objects in an interactive computer system and for equipment such as heavy cranes and fork lift trucks. Position information is obtained either by use of a "pushing" or "dragging" metaphor. Rotational information is provided by either a "pushing," "twisting," or "gesture" metaphor. In certain embodiments, the same sensor is used for both position and rotational inputs, and the two are differentiated by the magnitude of the force applied to the sensor.

Abstract: An interactive graphics system includes a touch-sensitive controller having a number of semi-transparent light-diffusing panels imaged by a rear mounted imaging device such as a video camera. The imaging device is arranged to detect the shadows of objects, such as fingers, touching any of the panels. The camera can simultaneously to detect multiple touch points on the panels resulting from the touch of multiple fingers, which facilitates the detection of input gestures. The panel and the position on the panel touched can be determined by the position of the shadow on the video image. As the imaging device is only required to detect the existence of shadows on the panels, only a two-dimensional image must be processed. However, since the imaging device can image multiple panels simultaneously, a multi-dimensional input signal can be provided. Further, as this image is of high contrast, only light/dark areas must be differentiated for greatly simplified image processing.

Abstract: A family of controllers incorporate multiple force/touch sensitive input elements to provide intuitive input in up to six degrees of freedom, including position and rotation, in either a Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system. Six dimensions of input can be generated without requiring movement of the controller, which provides a controller suitable for controlling cursors and display objects in an interactive computer system and for equipment such as heavy cranes and fork lift trucks. Positional information is obtained either by use of a "pushing" or "dragging" metaphor. Rotational information is provided by either a "pushing," "twisting," or "gesture" metaphor. In certain embodiments, the same sensor is used for both positional and rotational inputs, and the two are differentiated by the magnitude of the force applied to the sensor.