Abstract: A system includes an electronic pen, functionally integrated with a personal computer for the acquisition and processing of signals associated with signatures, which can be network connected together with other personal computers. Each personal computer has connected as peripherals an electronic pen that includes two groups of inertial accelerometers that capture kinetic data and data about contact microvibrations with the writing support. The electronic pen also includes one self-referential optical navigation sensor that captures a series of data pairs, as momentary movements necessary in the reconstruction of the trajectory of the electronic pen and which, together with the kinetic data captured by the set of inertial accelerometers, represents personal computer input data for sensorial fusion processing and for creating the conditions to extract the information from the sensorial and psychomotric representation of a user's perspective.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photo sensor, a method of forming the photo sensor, and a related optical touch device. The photo sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first silicon-rich dielectric layer and a second silicon-rich dielectric layer. The first silicon-rich dielectric layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode for sensing infrared rays, and the second silicon-rich dielectric layer is disposed between the first silicon-rich dielectric layer and the second electrode for sensing visible light beams. The multi-layer structure including the first silicon-rich dielectric layer and the second silicon-rich dielectric layer enables the single photo sensor to effectively detect both infrared rays and visible light beams. Moreover, the single photo sensor is easily integrated into an optical touch device to form optical touch panel integrated on glass.

Abstract: A graphics application for simulating natural media drawing and painting may model a tablet stylus as if it were a virtual projector, and as if a 2D brush tip image were projected on a virtual canvas. The application may compute a texture projection based on the values of configurable parameters of the application and/or 6DOF data collected from the tablet stylus and/or the tablet. This texture projection (i.e., the mark resulting from deformation of the 2D brush tip image due to the stylus pose) may be used as a 2D stamp to create a mark on the virtual canvas in response to contact between the stylus and tablet. This may create a more natural mapping between tablet stylus poses and the resulting marks for artists accustomed to the behavior of pencils, felt tip pens, airbrushes, or another natural media, compared to those employed in previous digital painting applications.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a stylus with a dynamically switch tip shield is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated stylus housing having an end, a conductive tip disposed at least partially inside the stylus housing and extending from the end, a force sensor coupled to the conductive tip and configured to detect contact between the conductive tip and an object, a tip shield coupled with the stylus housing and extending from the end, and a switch coupled to the tip shield and the conductive tip.

Abstract: A touch-control writing tool wherein the pipe body of the touch-control writing tool has a long through hole and an opening on one end thereof. A rotating element is pivotally provided on the end of the opening of the pipe body. The writing head of a rod body goes through and protrudes from the rotating element. The rotating element drives the rod body to perform an axial displacement in the long through hole via the transmission component in the long through hole, thereby adjusting the length of the writing head outside the rotating element.

Abstract: A pen tool for use with a machine vision interactive input system comprises an elongate body and a tip arrangement at one end of the body, an end surface of the body at least partially about the tip arrangement carrying light reflective material that is visible to at least one imaging assembly of the interactive input system when the pen tool is angled.

Abstract: Techniques are addressed for providing young children with an art experience in which opportunities to misuse art supplies, such as crayons, markers and the like are substantially reduced. To such ends, an art supply system is provided in which selectively enabled art supplies are automatically enabled so that they are useable only within a compliant usage zone, such as within a predetermined distance of an acceptable work surface.

Abstract: A graphics application for simulating natural media drawing and painting may model a tablet stylus as if it were a virtual airbrush tool that sprays paint on a virtual canvas (tablet). The application may compute a conical shape of the paint spray, a target area in which to create an airbrush mark, and a target distribution of the paint to be deposited within the target area based on values of configurable parameters of the application and on 6DOF data collected from the tablet stylus and the tablet. The target distribution shape may be based on a hardness parameter. The virtual airbrush tool may create the mark using texture projection or by emitting multiple individual paint particles, which may have random sizes and velocity directions. In a hybrid mode, a granularity parameter may control the relative contributions of texture projection and particle emission in creating a given airbrush mark.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for providing tactile feedback in association with contact to a touchscreen display of a mobile device. One embodiment of the method includes receiving a touch input to a touchscreen display area provided by a user of the mobile device. The touch input selects a predetermined region within the touchscreen display area. Incident to the touch input of the predetermined region, a mechanical indicator on the rear of the mobile device is physically manipulated to provide an indication to the user that the predetermined region was selected by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of a touch pull-in gesture are described. In various embodiments, a touch input is detected that starts at an edge of a touch-screen and progresses as an expanding contact region from the edge of the touch-screen toward approximately a center region of the touch-screen while the touch input remains in contact with the touch-screen. The expanding contact region is determined as a touch pull-in gesture to initiate a display of a user interface component.

Abstract: An ejector for stylus includes a housing, an ejecting module and an operating member. The housing defines a retaining slot for retaining the stylus. The ejecting module includes a pushing member and an elastic member retained in the retaining slot. The pushing member defines a latching slot. The operating member includes an elastic arm and a latching arm extending from the elastic arm. The latching arm includes a latch opposite to the elastic arm. The latch is latched in the latching slot to fix the pushing member in the retaining slot and compressing the elastic member. The latch is detached from the latching slot and the compressed elastic member is released to drive the pushing member to push the stylus out of the retaining slot, when an external force is applied to curve the elastic arm.

Abstract: A touch input system including a stylus and a display device is provided. The stylus includes a battery module, a touch portion, a transducer module and a RF transmitting module. When a contact pressure is acted on the touch portion, the touch portion is electrically connected to the battery module by the contact pressure and emits a light signal. The display region receives and reacts to the light signal, and the contact pressure is transformed into an electrical signal by the transducer module. The RF transmitting module is electrically connected to the transducer module and transmitting the electrical signal. The display device includes a display region and a RF receiving module.

Abstract: Reducing energy usage by a monitor includes a map manager between a monitor interface and a processor that divides a display area of a monitor into areas and stores display information in a staging area. The map manager distinguishes an active window selected by a user from the remainder inactive, unselected areas of a display, and further determines a used subset of areas within the active window distinguished from the remainder unused areas as a function of a user preference. Accordingly, the map manager drives the monitor at each of the used area active window areas with the processor display information stored in the staging area at a normal luminance specified by the processor display information, and at each of the remainder unused, inactive and unselected areas of the total display area at a reduced luminance lower than the specified normal luminance.

Abstract: A display device having at least a display circuit for displaying an image, and a light receiving sensor for detecting a light disposed is provided. When a light receiving circuit region including the light receiving sensor is made a dark portion, and a region other than the light receiving circuit region is made a light portion, the display circuit and the light receiving sensor are disposed so that a spatial frequency of a repetitive pattern of the light portions and the dark portions becomes equal to or higher than 10 cpd.

Abstract: Control rings are mounted on a stylus body. A controller within the stylus body generates a control signal dependent upon the control rings. The control signal is transmitted to a host electronic device where information contained in the control signal is used to control properties of a drawing tool in a computer drawing application.

Abstract: The aggregation of multiple inputs in a touch-sensitive input device is disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises receiving multiple inputs related to a virtual object, aggregating the inputs into an aggregated output, and providing the aggregated output to an application that controls the virtual object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a map of an airport. The map of the airport is displayed on a display device. A movement of a number of fingers with respect to a number of aeronautical objects on the map of the airport is detected. Information generated by an operation based on the number of aeronautical objects on the map of the airport is displayed in response to detecting the movement of the number of fingers with respect to the number of aeronautical objects on the map of the airport.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a touch sensor comprising a touch-sensitive area, and a touch-sensor controller coupled to the touch sensor. The touch-sensor controller is operable when executed to: select one or more regions associated with a stylus within the touch-sensitive area, and scan one or more electrodes within each region.

Abstract: A method of estimating multiple touch positions on a touch sensor array, based on centroids calculated in the vicinity of a local maxima determined for the touch sensor array.

Abstract: A stylus for a portable electronic device includes a main body, a nib, and a lens. The main body defines a chamber in an end, the nib and the lens are connected to the other end of the main body. A space if formed between the nib and the lens. An extending direction of the nib intersects with an extending direction of the lens to form an angle, and the angle is in a range from 0°-90°.

Abstract: A push-push type stylus eject mechanism includes a rail disposed on a substrate, a hook disposed on the substrate, a slide device sliding relative to the substrate, an elastic device connecting the slide device and the hook, and a guide arm having an end pivoted on the slide device and another end having a pin. The slide device could couple to a stylus. The slide device has a pressing element. The rail has a first positioning point and a second positioning point. The pin is moved between the first positioning point and the second positioning point when the stylus is pushed, and the guide arm is pressed by the pressing element to prevent the pin releasing from the rail.

Abstract: A handwriting input device includes a housing and a nib selectively exposed from a bottom side of the housing or hidden in the housing. The device further includes a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, and a microcontroller. The pressure sensor generates pressure signals when the nib is depressed. The motion sensor senses movement of the device. The microcontroller records the sensed movement upon receiving the pressure signals, and processes the recorded movement to obtain track signals of handwritten information when the duration of not receiving the pressure signals exceeds a predetermined time interval. The track signals of handwritten information are then transmitted to an external electronic device communicating with the device to become handwriting shown on a display of the external electronic device.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors for receiving arrival light detect the change ranges of light amount distributions generated upon the pointing operation of a pointer on a coordinate input region. Coordinate values corresponding to the change ranges are calculated on the basis of the number of change ranges in the respective sensors and the number of pen-down signals obtained from the pointer.

Abstract: A touch input system including a stylus and a display device is provided. The stylus includes a battery module, a touch portion, a transducer module and a RF transmitting module. When a contact pressure is acted on the touch portion, the touch portion is electrically connected to the battery module by the contact pressure and emits a light signal. The display region receives and reacts to the light signal, and the contact pressure is transformed into an electrical signal by the transducer module. The RF transmitting module is electrically connected to the transducer module and transmitting the electrical signal. The display device includes a display region and a RF receiving module.

Abstract: A stylus for a portable electronic device includes a main body, a nib, and a lens member. A through hole runs through two ends of the main body. The nib and the lens member are rotatably connected to the main body.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for automatically providing a haptic stylus based interface for enhanced user interaction with touch screen devices are disclosed. The stylus communicates with the touch screen device to report stylus operating information from onboard sensors, and to receive application program instructions defining feedback and friction forces to be applied by onboard actuators. The applied feedback and friction forces may be independently controlled. Friction forces are provided via a rolling contact ball gripping mechanism that mimics varying physical engagement between the contact ball and a touch screen display surface by controlling the relative rotational freedom of the contact ball. Embodiments of the invention enable a haptic stylus to mimic three-dimensional interactions for gaming, object manipulation and sculpting, and non-contact proximity-based stylus operation scenarios.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pen, an electromagnetic signal transmission method and an electromagnetic signal processing method, a processing device and a processing apparatus comprises: a reference inductance and a reference capacitor, connected with each other in parallel in a housing of the electromagnetic pen and configured to transmit an electromagnetic signal in a handwritten frequency; a control capacitor, connected with the reference capacitor in parallel and controlled by a control switch connected in series so as to transmit an electromagnetic signal in a control frequency. The processing device comprises: a receiving identification module, configured to receive the electromagnetic signal transmitted by the electromagnetic pen and identify a frequency of the electromagnetic signal; a handwritten input module, configured to input a handwritten symbol when the identified frequency is within a range of the handwritten frequency; and a control input module, configured to input a control signal.

Abstract: This document discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufactures, related to position sensors and uses therefor. Various patterns of drive electrodes and sense electrodes that can be used to in a panel for a position sensor are shown and described. In various examples, the drive electrodes and sense electrodes can be arranged in a grid-like matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides an input cueing system and method that allows the user to manually draw an image, input text, interface and gesture on an input surface, which is then brought into a computer such that the visual output from the computer is combined in an overlapping manner with the visual imagery of the user's hands, and then shown on a display. Located above the drawing surface is an image capturing device that captures live video images of the user's hands or other objects placed on the drawing surface. One or more reflectors and/or image repeating devices are disposed of between the input surface and the image capturing device to effectively reduce the height and/or focal length so that the visual image is properly aligned and oriented to provide a real ‘live’ view of the users hands and/or action on the display. In one embodiment, the system is used with a desktop computer and a display.

Abstract: A method includes, at an electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface: concurrently displaying a first text entry area and an unsplit keyboard on the display; detecting a gesture on the touch-sensitive surface; and, in response to detecting the gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, replacing the unsplit keyboard with an integrated input area. The integrated input area includes a left portion with a left side of a split keyboard, a right portion with a right side of the split keyboard, and a center portion in between the left portion and the right portion.

Abstract: Embodiments include an article of manufacture, apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, an article of manufacture method is provided that includes a writing portion that accepts at least one hand-formed mark. The article of manufacture also includes a tag portion displaying at least two machine-distinguishable tags, each machine-distinguishable tag of the at least two machine-distinguishable tags being unique and keyed to a data recipient.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device having a touch-sensitive display includes determining a first value representative of force applied by an actuator to a touch-sensitive input device of an electronic device, controlling the actuator to modulate the force on the touch-sensitive input device for providing tactile feedback, determining a second value representative of force applied by the actuator to the touch-sensitive input device, and adjusting control of the actuator to adjust a subsequent force applied by the actuator based on a difference between the first value and the second value.

Abstract: A mobile computing device includes a housing portion defining a front face and a substantial planar back face that is opposed to and directed away from the front face. The device also includes a touch screen input mechanism arranged on the front face and a plurality of tactile guides on the back face. Program code is stored and executable on the device so that, when the code is executed, it identifies a contact input area on the touch screen, where a user can make selections on the touch screen, as being aligned with one of the plurality of tactile structures.

Abstract: A transaction terminal (10) having a touch screen (20) disposed in a recess (30) in the terminal housing (12) includes an adaptor (25) for facilitating use of the touch screen by persons that are vision-impaired, hearing-impaired or dexterity-challenged. The adaptor (25) is selectively positionable in operative engagement with the touch screen (20). The adaptor (25) includes an insert (50) and a keypad (60, 160, 260). The insert (50) is supported on terminal housing (12) with deck (52) disposed over and in spaced relationship to the touch screen. The deck (52) has at least one discrete opening therethrough. The keypad includes at least one key juxtaposed relative to said least one discrete opening in said deck of the insert. Upon depression of the key, contact is made with a selected portion of the touch screen (20).

Abstract: A touch panel includes a substrate, a shield conductor formed on a surface of the substrate, an insulation film formed on the shield conductor, a plurality of first electrodes formed on the insulation film, which extend in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes formed on the insulation film, which extend in the second direction. Each of the plurality of first electrodes includes a first portion formed on the surface of the substrate and a second portion formed in a separated manner from the second electrode on the insulation film, the first portion being connected to the second portion via a contact hole formed in the insulation film. The shield conductor has a plurality of opening portions which include first opening portions in which the first portions are formed and second opening portions in which the first portions are not formed.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a casing whereinside an accommodating space is formed, a signal terminal disposed on a lateral wall of the accommodating space, a stylus accommodated inside the accommodating space of the casing in a movable manner, a push-pop mechanism disposed inside the accommodating space of the casing for fixing the stylus at a corresponding position according to depth of the accommodating space whereinto the stylus enters, and a connector for inserting into the accommodating space of the casing so as to electrically connect with the signal terminal to transmit a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a touch on a first touch-sensitive display, applying force by an actuator on a touch-sensitive display to simulate depression of a switch, and storing a first indicator of depression simulation for the first touch.

Abstract: A position-detecting device detects a position pointed to by a position-pointing instrument and includes an operation panel detecting the position pointed to by the position-pointing instrument; and a manipulation-detecting unit located at at least one of the interior and the exterior of the operation panel, and detecting a manipulation by a second instrument other than the position-pointing instrument, or detecting a manipulation by both the position-pointing instrument and the second instrument.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pen with electromagnetic and ink writing functions is disclosed. The electromagnetic pen includes at least one pen tube assembly, a core mechanism, a pen tip, a ferrite core, a core holder, an elastic conductor and a circuit board. The pen tip and the core are configured in the pen tube assembly and are controlled by the core mechanism.

Abstract: A position pointer is provided, which includes a housing having an opening, a rod disposed in the housing such that one end thereof projects from the opening, and a variable capacitor having a capacitance value which varies in response to pressure applied thereto through the rod. The capacitor includes a dielectric member having a first face portion opposite a second face portion, a first electrode section disposed on the first face portion of the dielectric member, a conductive member facing the second face portion of the dielectric member and forming a second electrode section when brought into contact with the second face portion of the dielectric member, and an elastic member coupled with the conductive member and adapted for biasing the conductive member away from the second face portion. A contact area between the conductive member and the second face portion varies depending on the pressure applied through the rod.

Abstract: A position-detecting device detects a position pointed to by a position-pointing instrument and includes an operation panel detecting the position pointed to by the position-pointing instrument; and a manipulation-detecting unit located at at least one of the interior and the exterior of the operation panel, and detecting a manipulation by a second instrument other than the position-pointing instrument, or detecting a manipulation by both the position-pointing instrument and the second instrument.

Abstract: There are provided with a detection sensor 110 for detecting an approach and a contact of a living body or a material body in a predetermined detection region, a control means which outputs a drive signal in a case when an approach is detected by a detection sensor and which performs an input process for accepting an input of a predetermined function in a case when a contact is detected on a predetermined condition, and an actuator 120 being vibrated temporarily by the drive signal outputted by the control means. By doing like this, in a case when, for example, a finger, a pen or the like is approached to the detection region of the sensor while the equipment is held in a hand, the equipment vibrates temporarily by detecting the approach in the sensor 110 and the vibration transmits to the hand holding the equipment such that it becomes possible to comprehend that an input will be carried out by touching the position.

Abstract: A buffered stylus includes a barrel that has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a staff that extends through the barrel. A front end portion of the staff has a part that extends outwardly of the first end of the barrel, and further has a rear end. A staff body portion is connected to the rear end of the front end portion, and has an elastically deformable segment capable of being extended and contracted in a longitudinal direction so as to absorb shock force. A rear end portion of the staff is connected to a rear end of the staff body portion, and is secured to the second end of the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for motion tracking, including a hand-held device including at least one accelerometer providing an acceleration indicating output and computation circuitry adapted to employ the acceleration indicating output for generating tracking output indication.

Abstract: A capacitive touch sensing structure includes: a substrate; a plurality of first electrode groups arranged from a first position towards a second position in a first direction, wherein each of the first electrode groups includes a plurality of first electrodes extended from a third position towards a fourth position in a second direction; a plurality of first conducting wires each having a plurality of contacts respectively coupled to the first electrodes of each of the first electrode groups; a plurality of second electrode groups arranged from the first position towards the second position in the first direction, wherein each of the second electrode groups includes a plurality of second electrodes extended from the fourth position towards the third position in the second direction and respectively staggering with the first electrode groups; and a plurality of second conducting wires each having a plurality of contacts respectively coupled to the electrodes of each of the second electrode groups.

Abstract: A bistable display device comprises a substrate, a display film, a display circuit, an electromagnetic sensing layer, a shielding layer and a protection layer. The substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface. The display film is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate. The display circuit is formed on the upper surface of the substrate. The electromagnetic sensing layer is formed on the lower surface of the substrate. The shielding layer is disposed under the electromagnetic sensing layer. The protecting layer is disposed under the shielding layer.

Abstract: A method, handheld electronic device and computer program product for inputting calendar information using a graphical user interface (GUI) of a calendar application are provided. The GUI is displayed on a display screen of the handheld electronic device which comprises a navigational input device for receiving navigational input in a first and a second direction.

Abstract: A touch-sensor device is described. The touch sensor-device includes a panel having an array of capacitive sensors arranged to function, in a first direction, as a projected capacitance slider. The array of capacitive sensors is further arranged to function, in a second direction, as a set of independent surface capacitance sensors. A controller is coupled with the panel by an electrical component.

Abstract: The use of pressure-sensitive selection tools in a graphical user interface is disclosed in which the amount of pressure during a selection operation may modify selection behavior. Upon receiving a selection input, the pressure applied is determined and the selection behavior modified. In some embodiments, the number of objects selected is increased when more pressure is applied and decreased when less pressure is applied.

Abstract: A portable computer arranged to rest comfortably in the hand has a small display screen. Accelerometers capable of detecting movement of the pen with respect to gravity provide input to a microcontroller which selects a response from a number of viewing modes. The pen may be held in either hand and the output message to the screen will be oriented according to the location of the pen. Full personal digital assistance functionality may be incorporated in a relatively small plastics casing and functions, such as calendar, contracts the like may be incorporated.