Abstract: There is provided an input device capable of detecting a motion of a hand of a user (102) and suitable to perform input of digital data with. The input device (100) can be gripped by a hand of the user (102) and serves to input information to a given apparatus. The input device (100) includes: manipulation portions (112a to 112e) which can be bent by manipulation of the user (102); bend sensors (114a to 114e) for detecting bend amounts of the manipulation portions (112a to 112e); vibrators (120) for generating vibrations to be transmitted to the user (102); and a processor (118). The processor (118) generates vibration in the vibrator according to the information on the bend amounts of the manipulation portions (112a to 112e) detected by the bend sensors (114a to 114e).

Abstract: A computer game input device for interfacing with a computing device is provided. The input device includes a central body, and a circuit configured for detecting interaction from the input device and for communicating with a computing device. The input device also includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the central body. The plurality of protrusions are configured for movement relative to the central body, and the input device is to be held by a user's hand as opposed to being worn on the user's hand like a glove. The circuit is configured for transmitting signals to the computing device to cause interfacing with one or more features of a program executed on the computing device, based on the detected movements of the protrusions.

Abstract: In one embodiment an input device is provided. The input device includes a central body. A response and communications system is included in the input device. The response and communication system enables communication between the input device and a computing device. At least one protrusion extending from the central body are included. The central body and the at least one protrusion are configured to capture a user's hand movements. The input device is configured to be held by the user. An input detection program, a computing system, computer program instructions and a method for communicating commands to a computer system from an external input device are provided.

Abstract: There is provided an input device capable of detecting a motion of a hand of a user (102) and suitable to perform input of digital data with. The input device (100) can be gripped by a hand of the user (102) and serves to input information to a given apparatus. The input device (100) includes: manipulation portions (112a to 112e) which can be bent by manipulation of the user (102); bend sensors (114a to 114e) for detecting bend amounts of the manipulation portions (112a to 112e); vibrators (120) for generating vibrations to be transmitted to the user (102); and a processor (118). The processor (118) generates vibration in the vibrator according to the information on the bend amounts of the manipulation portions (112a to 112e) detected by the bend sensors (114a to 114e).

Abstract: A material simulation device is described, capable of simulating emissive and non-emissive colored surfaces, both textured and smooth. The material properties being simulated may be controlled electronically, and may be altered rapidly making smooth animation of surface properties possible. A controller receives data from spectral light sensors, processes the data, and modulates the output of one or more display elements to control the amount of light emitted at a surface of the device. The sum of light from the display elements and light from the environment reflected from the surface of the device matches the amount of light reflected from a real surface with the material properties being simulated.

Abstract: Favorable visual appearance and ease of operation are required in the user interface of digital home appliances using a television screen. An array of function icons including multiple function icons representing respective playing functions and an array of content icons including multiple content icons representing items of contents that can be played are displayed practically at the center of an on-screen menu such that the arrays intersect. A moving image icon, which is a function icon displayed in an area of intersection in which the array of function icons and the array of content icons intersect, is highlighted by a color different from that of the other function icons and by an enlarged view. An icon in focus immediately below the moving image icon is also displayed in an expanded view. If an external appliance is connected via a network, contents in the external appliance are also displayed in the array of content icons.

Abstract: A device capable of obtaining information about objects both in contact with a surface and near to, but not in contact with, a surface of the device. The information may include position relative to the surface, pressure when in contact with the surface, shape of the object or objects, and many other properties. Certain embodiments make use of optical waveguides comprising a photoluminescent material which responds to first electromagnetic radiation of a first spectrum propagated through the system by emitting second electromagnetic radiation of a second spectrum. The distribution of the first electromagnetic radiation is altered by pressure on the surface or by the presence of objects near the surface of the device. The distribution of the second electromagnetic radiation is measured using photosensors and processed to determine desired information.

Abstract: Favorable visual appearance and ease of operation are required in the user interface of digital home appliances using a television screen. An array of function icons including multiple function icons representing respective playing functions and an array of content icons including multiple content icons representing items of contents that can be played are displayed practically at the center of an on-screen menu such that the arrays intersect. A moving image icon, which is a function icon displayed in an area of intersection in which the array of function icons and the array of content icons intersect, is highlighted by a color different from that of the other function icons and by an enlarged view. An icon in focus immediately below the moving image icon is also displayed in an expanded view. If an external appliance is connected via a network, contents in the external appliance are also displayed in the array of content icons.

Abstract: In one embodiment an input device is provided. The input device includes a central body. A response and communications system is included in the input device. The response and communication system enables communication between the input device and a computing device. At least one protrusion extending from the central body are included. The central body and the at least one protrusion are configured to capture a user's hand movements. The input device is configured to be held by the user. An input detection program, a computing system, computer program instructions and a method for communicating commands to a computer system from an external input device are provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment an input device is provided. The input device includes a central body. A response and communications system is included in the input device. The response and communication system enables communication between the input device and a computing device. At least one protrusion extending from the central body are included. The central body and the at least one protrusion are configured to capture a user's hand movements. The input device is configured to be held by the user. An input detection program, a computing system, computer program instructions and a method for communicating commands to a computer system from an external input device are provided.