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: A stylus comprises a stylus barrel, a connecting element and a stylus body. The stylus barrel has a receptacle defined therethrough. The connecting element is fixed to one end of the stylus barrel. The stylus body is retractably and slidably coupled to the stylus barrel. The stylus body is configured to be optionally supported by the connecting element in an extended state or locked to the opposite end of the stylus barrel in a retracted state with the stylus body received within the receptacle of the stylus barrel.

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 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 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: A data processing system, e.g., a remote control device, has a pressure-sensitive touch screen arranged over a display monitor. The monitor provides a visual indication depending on a magnitude of a pressure registered by the touch screen. The indication is rendered as centered on the touch area and has an attribute that depends on the pressure exerted.

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: An input coordinate point is obtained from a pointing device, and either one of first and second controls is selected in accordance with an operation performed by a user. When the first control is selected, a movement vector is calculated based on the input coordinate point and a predetermined coordinate point, and a display area of a virtual space, which is displayed on a display device, is moved. Alternatively, when the first control is selected, the movement vector is calculated based on the input coordinate point and predetermined coordinate point, and an object is moved within the virtual space. When the second control is selected, the object is moved to a position in the virtual space, the position corresponding to the input coordinate point. Then, the display device is caused to display the virtual space within the display area.

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 data transfer device comprising: a body; a tip coupled to the body, wherein the tip has a dielectric constant value suitable for interacting with a capacitive touch screen of a separate device; a control unit mounted to the body; and an electronic switch mounted to the body and operatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the switch is disposed to connect the tip to a ground source when the switch is in a closed configuration and to break the connection between the tip and the ground source when the switch is in an open configuration.

Abstract: Dynamic resistance control of a stylus is described. In implementations, a stylus includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user. A roller ball is captured in a socket of the housing to provide rolling movement of the roller ball across a surface of a computing device and to provide one or more inputs to the computing device. A resistance adjustment module is also disposed within the housing to dynamically adjust resistance applied to the rolling movement of the roller ball.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a touch panel provided overlapped on a display screen, a touch pen allowing switching of degree of smoothness of a pen tip portion in a plurality of levels and a controller causing, when the tip end of the touch pen touches the touch panel, a prescribed object image to be displayed on a position corresponding to the touched position. The controller includes a display manner selecting unit for selecting a manner of displaying the object image in accordance with the degree of smoothness of the tip end portion of the touch pen, and a display controller for displaying the object in the display manner selected by the display manner selecting unit at the position corresponding to the touched position.

Abstract: A system and method for providing feedback to a user making a gesture for switching between at least two types of user interactions used to operate a digitizer system, the method comprising recognizing the gesture to switch between the types of user interactions, switching the type of user interaction used to operate the digitizer system, and providing feedback to the user indicating recognition of the gesture.

Abstract: An electromagnetic stylus includes a body, a core and an induction coil. The body includes a first shell and a second shell telescopically sleeved on the first shell. The core is received in and has a nib end extending out of the first shell. The induction coil is sleeved on one end of the core and is received in the first shell. The first shell is made of material without electromagnetic wave shielding capability. The second shell is made of material with electromagnetic wave shielding capability. The second shell is configured to slide along the first shell between two positions, to shield or not to shield part of the induction coil.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive stylus, comprises a movable tip that recedes within a housing of the stylus in response to user applied contact pressure, wherein a displacement of the tip along an axis on which it recedes is a function of the applied contact pressure, and an optical sensor enclosed within the housing for optically sensing the displacement of the tip and for providing output in response to the sensing.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology teaches using a tilt-sensitive virtual marking implement to render an impression on an electronic presentation device. Further, a bearing measurement and a tilt measurement of the virtual marking implement are made with respect to the surface. The tilt and bearing are then used to vary geometry of an impression profile associated with the physical marking implement as well as an intensity of the rendering. A user may actively vary the impression profile while he or she produces strokes of the virtual marking implement across the surface without changing the physical marking implement selection or switching to a different virtual marking implement. When creating a rendering on a virtual canvas using the virtual marking implement and the surface, a user may wish to vary an orientation of the virtual marking implement so that a corresponding impression profile mimics an impression of a selected physical marking implement.

Abstract: A hand-writing input device includes a penholder, a writing head and an infrared light source. The penholder includes a writing end and an opposite top end. The writing head is arranged on the writing end. The writing head is capable of leaving color distinguishable traces on an object. The infrared light source is positioned on the writing end of the penholder adjacent to the writing head. The present invention also relates to a hand-writing input system using the hand-writing input device.

Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a cursor on a display device, the system comprising: a substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on or in a surface thereof; a sensing device comprising: an image sensor for optically imaging the position-coding pattern; and a processor configured for: generating absolute motion data by determining a plurality of absolute positions of the sensing device relative to the surface using the imaged position-coding pattern; generating orientation data indicative of an orientation of the sensing device relative to the substrate; and using the orientation data to translate the absolute motion data into relative motion data, said relative motion data being indicative of relative motion of the sensing device from the perspective of a user; and communication means for communicating the relative motion data to a computer system; and the computer system configured for: receiving said relative motion data from the sensing device; interpreting said relative motion data as curso

Abstract: A stylus device is adapted for use with a capacitive touch panel, and includes a main body having a handle portion, and a transparent touch portion connected to the handle portion, adapted to be placed on the capacitive touch panel and having a flat touch surface. A transparent conductive membrane is formed on the touch portion and the handle portion, and covers the touch surface of the touch portion so that the transparent conductive membrane connects electrically a user's hand when the handle portion of the main body is held by the user's hand.

Abstract: A stylus including a pressure sensitive membrane deployed as a pressure sensor therein. The pressure sensitive membrane is deformed upon the application of pressure to the stylus tip. The deformation changes an electrical property of the pressure sensitive membrane, said property being measured and used as an analog for pressure applied by a user to a surface via the stylus.

Abstract: A touchpad assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The touchpad assembly may include a touchpad frame operative to be placed within an opening in an electronic device frame. The touchpad assembly may include a support plate for supporting a touchpad, and a bracket for receiving a pick button. The support plate and bracket may be manufactured into a same component to increase the rigidity of the touchpad assembly. The pick button may include a varying height to prevent the pick button from deflecting and to make the pick button travel for providing a selection instruction uniform. The pick button may be coupled to the frame using any suitable approach, including using springs connected the ends of the pick button to the frame. The frame may also include pads to muffle the sound of the pick button when it returns to its initial position after having been pressed.

Abstract: A passive stylus for capacitive sensors comprises a tip and a shaft. The tip is configured to couple electrically with a capacitive sensing device and to couple physically and electrically with the stylus shaft. The tip comprises a contact surface, a support region, and a flexible region. The contact surface is configured to contact a device surface associated with the capacitive sensing device. The flexible region is disposed between the contact surface and the support region. The flexible region comprises a hardness gradient. The support region is configured to provide structural support to the flexible region.

Abstract: A digital pen of the kind having means to sense and create a digital record of the use made of the pen and a memory in which the digitised record is stored also includes a reader for communication with memory tags by inductive coupling. The means to sense and create a digital record of the use made of the pen may include a camera. Preferably the reader for communication with memory tags is located at the opposite end of the pen from a nib for convention writing, and the pen includes a battery power supply.

Abstract: A retention member holds a tip of a pen received in an inner space of a unit body through an opening. A narrowed path member is placed within the inner space at a position between a large-diameter member of the pen and the opening, when the retention member holds the pen. The large-diameter member expands outward from the outer peripheral surface of the pen by a predetermined amount. The narrowed path member contacts the large-diameter member when the pen is released from the retention member, and creates enough interference to prevent the pen from falling out of the unit body, but otherwise allows the pen to be drawn out of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new electromagnetic pen without a battery, and particularly relates to a new electromagnetic pen without a battery, which has two coils inside. An oscillator circuit and a resonance circuit are formed in the new electromagnetic pen respectively by the two coils. The oscillator circuit is formed for emitting electromagnetic signals to a tablet, and the resonance circuit is formed for receiving the electromagnetic energy emitted from the tablet. Therefore, unlike the conventional electromagnetic pen without a battery, which only receive the electromagnetic energy and emit the electromagnetic signals in a short period, the new electromagnetic pen of this invention can receive the electromagnetic energy emitted from the tablet continuously, so the oscillator circuit can emit the electromagnetic signals to the tablet continuously.

Abstract: A position indicator is provided. The position indicator includes an external case, and a core having an indicating unit projecting outside of the case. The core is movably supported by the case. The core has a central axis extending along a lengthwise direction thereof. A guiding unit includes an inclined plane provided on one of the case and the core. An engaging unit is provided on the other one of the case and the core. The engaging unit is slidably engaged with the inclined plane such that the guiding unit guides movement of the core when external force is applied to the indicating unit of the core in a lateral direction with respect to the central axis of the core. A pressure detector is operably associated with the core for detecting pressure applied to the indicating unit based on the movement of the core with respect to the case via the guiding unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of transferring data from a drawing device, which while utilizing a position-coding pattern, printed on a physical page, digitally records handwritten information, to an application in a computer system. The drawing device transfers recorded data to a memory in the computer system. A registering unit in the system determines from a page from which the recorded data originates and activates, on the basis thereof, one or more applications which are registered as “subscribers” to data from this page. When an application is activated and thus informed of the existence of new data relevant to the application, the application fetches this data. The fetching of data can be made on the basis of the contents of a page description which defines the layout of the physical page.

Abstract: The present invention relates to displaying information on a touch screen of an electronic device. The present invention includes displaying information on a touch screen, sensing at least two points on the touch screen being touched, resizing the information displayed according to a distance between the at least two touched points, and displaying the resized information on the touch screen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to further facilitate detection not only of a position on a position detector pointed to by a pointing member, but also of information other than the position information such as pen pressure applied to the pointing member, in a position detection apparatus of the electrostatic coupling type. In one embodiment, a pointing member includes a first electrode substantially in the form of a rod, a substantially cylindrical second electrode disposed in such a manner as to surround the first electrode, and a transmission signal production section for producing a signal of a first frequency f1 and another signal of a second frequency f2 different from the first frequency f1 and controlling a phase difference between the signals in response to pressure applied to the pointing member.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing a position relative to a surface. The surface has printed therein or thereon coded data including at least one data portion, and visible information, at least some of the coded data being coincident with the visible information. The sensing device includes a sensor for sensing at least one data portion when placed in an operative position relative to the at least one region and generating indicating data using the sensed data portion. The indicating data is indicative of a position of the data portion relative to the surface and an orientation of the sensing device relative to the data portion. The indicating data is then communicated to a computer system to allow the position of the sensing device relative to the surface to be determined.

Abstract: A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a housing for a load bearing member for receiving an input force to be sensed and associated circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the load bearing member and, a compressible reservoir containing dilatant fluid mounted between the housing and the coupling restricts the input force to the load bearing member caused by shock loading to the coupling. This protects the force sensor from damage by sharp impact loads such as dropping the stylus on its nib.

Abstract: Motion of a writing instrument is tracked from sensors located in the vicinity. The signals generated from the sensors are processed and used in a wide variety of ways.

Abstract: A computer tablet includes a wireless receiver, and a pen is configured to be manipulated by a person to ride against the computer tablet and thereby provide input to the computer tablet. The pen includes a wireless transmitter. A processor associated with the computer tablet outputs an alarm when a signal from the transmitter of the pen is not sensed by the computer tablet within a time period.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive stylus, comprises a movable tip that recedes within a housing of the stylus in response to user applied contact pressure, wherein a displacement of the tip along an axis on which it recedes is a function of the applied contact pressure, and an optical sensor enclosed within the housing for optically sensing the displacement of the tip and for providing output in response to the sensing.

Abstract: An electronic pen comprises a retractable cartridge having a nib, a force-actuable device that is actuated by a nib force transmitted axially through the cartridge from the nib, a retraction for retracting the cartridge, a button for actuating the retraction mechanism, and a decoupling mechanism for biasing the button away from coupled engagement with the retraction mechanism and thereby the force-actuable device.

Abstract: A pen-type computer includes a pen barrel, a sensor, a primary processor, and a storage device. The pen barrel has a writing tip. The sensor is disposed in the pen barrel, sensing movement of the writing tip and generating a tracking signal corresponding to the movement of the writing tip. The primary processor is disposed in the pen barrel, encoding the tracking signal into data and storing the data in the storage device.

Abstract: A base station (e.g., a central device including a transducer assembly of one or more orthogonal transducers) transmits a magnetic field at a known power level and direction. The magnetic field signal includes data information transmitted from the base station to a movable remote station. The remote station includes a transducer assembly of one or multiple transducer coils to receive the magnetic field generated by the base station. Location and orientation of the remote station (with respect to the base station) are determined based on the magnitude, amplitude, and/or phase of magnetic field signals received on each of the remote station's transducers. The remote station may transmit the location and orientation information (e.g., raw measured data or converted data) to the base station using the same coils as used by the remote station to receive the magnetic field generated by the base station.

Abstract: A digital pen having a body, a sensor to provide an electronic representation of the pen's position on a writing surface, a memory to store data gathered by the sensor and a memory lock whereby unauthorised access to the data may be restricted.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pen/stylus apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, among others, a pen/stylus apparatus comprises a chamber configured to receive a pen, a holding element having a shaft, the holding element configured to retain the pen in a partially-ejected position, a button having a retainer, the retainer configured to retain the shaft when the pen is completely-inserted in the chamber, and a biasing element adjacent to the holding element, the biasing element configured to eject the holding element to a position corresponding to the partially-ejected position of the pen when the retainer is released from the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a force-feedback apparatus which includes a stylus that is equipped with an electromagnetic device or a freely rotating ball. The stylus is functionally coupled to a controller which is capable of exerting a magnetic field to the electromagnetic device or to the rotating ball, which results in a force being created between the stylus and a surface. This invention also relates to a method of using a force-feedback stylus including moving a force-feedback stylus over a surface, controlling a force-feedback device via a controller coupled to the force-feedback stylus and applying a force to the force-feedback stylus via the force-feedback device, the force being determined for at least features on the surface.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the size of an area to be deleted in a pen-based computing system is provided. An electronic pen may include an eraser end. The eraser end may be used to contact the display surface of a computer system. Application of pressure to the display through the eraser end of the electronic pen may result in the deletion of the text indicated by the position of the electronic pen. As additional pressure is applied, the size of the area to be deleted increases. The invention provided may be used with both pixel type and stroke type erasing systems and provides an efficient and accurate method of deleting electronic ink.

Abstract: A position indicator is provided. The position indicator includes an external case, and a core having an indicating unit projecting outside of the case. The core is movably supported by the case. The core has a central axis extending along a lengthwise direction thereof. A guiding unit includes an inclined plane provided on one of the case and the core. An engaging unit is provided on the other one of the case and the core. The engaging unit is slidably engaged with the inclined plane such that the guiding unit guides movement of the core when external force is applied to the indicating unit of the core in a lateral direction with respect to the central axis of the core. A pressure detector is operably associated with the core for detecting pressure applied to the indicating unit based on the movement of the core with respect to the case via the guiding unit.

Abstract: A driving apparatus of a touch panel includes a touch panel for generating a coordinate signal according to a position of a contact point, at least two interface integrated circuits connected to the touch panel, a computer system driving the touch panel and connected to any one of the at least two interface integrated circuits, a sensor for automatically detecting the interface integrated circuit connected to the computer system, and a controller for converting the coordinate signal in accordance with the interface integrated circuit detected at the sensor and transmitting the converted coordinate signal to the computer system.

Abstract: Various electronic pen devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved ultrasound transducer (i.e. transmitter or receiver) is provided. In one embodiment an electronic pen with an improved ‘pen up/pen down’ detector is provided In one embodiment, an electronic pen with an improved structure for transmitting infrared light is provided. In one embodiment, an improved electronic pen that may be operated in pen mode or mouse mode is provided.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly provides a two layer capacitive trackpad sensor in which an EMI ground grid is interposed among the sensor's capacitive elements on each of its layers. The EMI grid on each of the two layers is electrically coupled via, typically, vias. The described arrangement of sensor elements (capacitor plates) and EMI ground grid traces may be incorporated into a PCB having additional layers (e.g., a four, six or eight layer PCB). If used in this manner, additional vias are provided on the PCB which permit electrical coupling between these “additional layers” and which are electrically isolated from, and shielded by, the EMI ground grid.

Abstract: An electronic pen has a force sensor whose electrical resistance varies in accordance with the amount of force applied to the pen stem of the pen. The force sensor is a modular unit with an electrode and a closure, which are mutually arranged in an essentially electrically insulated initial position. The closure, which conveniently is cantilevered on the electrode, is adapted to receive axial forces from the pen stem and thereby to be urged to an activated position in electrical contact with the electrode. The closure is also arranged, on relaxation of the axial forces, to automatically spring from the activated position back to the initial position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable capacity condenser having fewer components. A variable capacity condenser according to the present invention comprises a dielectric substance, two electrodes, and a flexible electrode. The dielectric substance has two end faces. The two electrodes are disposed on one end face of the dielectric substance. The flexible electrode faces the other end face of the dielectric substance. The flexible electrode is pressible by a pressing member to vary a distance between at least a portion of the flexible electrode and the other end face of the dielectric substance.

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.

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.

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.