Abstract: Moving a pointer in a graphical user interface environment is provided. An input comprising an initial delta value determined by a device driver is received from the device driver. The initial delta value is located in a data structure. A new delta value associated with the initial delta value is selected from the data structure. A new position of a pointer in the graphical user interface environment is calculated based on the new delta value. The new position of the pointer is sent to the graphical user interface environment for rendering.

Abstract: A pointing device that can be operated to move an operational object on a display screen in any direction comprises a control unit for changing an operation mode of the pointing device according to contents displayed on the display screen and, further, a mobile telephone comprises such a pointing device.

Abstract: A hand operated pointing device for use with a computer includes a movable housing, a source of non-coherent light illuminating a work surface and circuitry in the movable housing using arrays of data related to light reflected by the illuminated work surface to produce values by processing portions of a first array with portions of a second array. One of the values may be identified to represent movement of the housing relative to the work surface. The light may illuminate surface irregularities at an angle of incidence low enough to produce suitable arrays of data for processing from highlights and shadows of the illuminated surface irregularities. The circuitry may produce additional values by processing another selected portion of the first array with portions of a third array or may select a fourth array for processing with the third array. Predictions may be derived from the values.

Abstract: A pointing device includes an operation body that operates a cursor moving on a display screen, a detection unit that detects an operating force applied to the operation body, a cursor control unit that generates cursor movement data according to the operating force, a communication control unit that outputs the cursor movement data to the outside, and a central control unit that controls the operation of the units. The cursor control unit includes a cursor-speed determining unit and a recording unit. The cursor-speed determining unit determines cursor moving speed in an X-Y plane direction by a predetermined reference function from an operating force in an X-Y plane direction and an operating force in a perpendicular z axis direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane direction that are detected by the detection unit. The recording unit stores the reference function.

Abstract: A roller device including a roller wheel configured to control scrolling of a graphical object along a first axis if the roller wheel is rotated by a user; a first sensor adjacent to a first side of the roller wheel; and a second sensor adjacent to a second side of the roller wheel; wherein the first and second sensors are configured to control a scrolling rate of the graphical object along a second axis.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a base surface. The pointing device includes a moveable puck confined to move over the base surface within a puck field of motion. The pointing device includes a position detector for identifying a position of the puck. The pointing device includes a first light source for providing visible light through the puck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resizable wireless pointing device with a storable receiver. The body housing comprises at least one inner compartment which is located next to the back of a wheel and used for storage of the wireless receiver. A sliding cover, located on the top of the body housing, which slides back and forth along the longitude axis of the housing and subsequently alters the size of the wireless pointing device. A shutter, which rolls up following the sliding of the cover, closes seamlessly the gap area between the body housing and the cover, and integrates into the surface of the wireless pointing device.

Abstract: A dual-positioning controller includes a two positioning controllers for controlling movement of an indicium, such as a cursor, on a display of an electronic device. A coarse controller controls coarse movement of the indicium relative to content displayed on the display. A fine controller controls fine movement of the indicium relative to the content on the display.

Abstract: In a mobile phone remotely operating an information device, a communication unit receives information displayed on the information device. A display device displays a part of the information. A plurality of operation buttons respectively inputs an operation signal. A display control unit divides a screen of the display device into a plurality of cells, discriminately displays each of the plurality of cells on the screen, and displays a cursor on the screen. The cursor overlaps the part of the information on the screen. An operation control unit moves the cursor on one of the cells on the screen in response to the operation signal.

Abstract: A haptic feedback input device includes an operating member having an annular circumferential surface, capable of rotating in a circumferential direction and moving radially, a motor that applies a torque to the operating member, a detecting unit that detects radial movement of the operating member, and housings that have an opening through which a part of the circumferential surface of the operating member is exposed. The operating member and the motor are connected via meshing gears that reduces a rotational speed of a rotating shaft of the motor to transmit an increased torque to the operating member. A common bracket supports the operating member and the motor.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and method provide an input apparatus having a number of input members, at least a portion of the input members being movable among an unactuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position in order to provide input. The improved method of enabling input into the handheld electronic device includes detecting a first input from a first input member, responsive to the first input, performing a first navigational function, such as a scrolling operation, at a first speed, detecting a second input form the first input member and, responsive to the second input, performing the first navigational function at a second speed, the second speed being different (e.g., greater) than the first speed. The input apparatus may include a substantially sealable, resilient membrane with the input members being disposed on the resilient membrane in order to provide an improved, ruggedized input apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system by which a user of a device may input data. The system provides a method for users to become familiar with standardized entry of data and interacting with a user interface. By restricting the keys used in the system to those universally found on typical mobile phones, users can more rapidly adapt to interacting with various function.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display memory for storing an image of a first area forming a portion of an entire image; a display section including a display screen having a display area usable for displaying at least a partial image of the first area; a case for exposing the display screen; a scroll unit operable to move a display screen area appearing on the display screen over the image in accordance with a movement of the case; and a controller operable to provide a virtual memory area for storing an image of a second area having a size greater than the size of the first area in the image when the scroll unit moves the display screen area beyond the first area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interactive presentation system which allows a presenter to perform a presentation while having various interactions directly with presentation material images in real time through a gesture or/and voice. The interactive presentation system comprises: an active infrared camera; a command recognition system connected to the active infrared camera; and an image synthesis system connected to the active infrared camera and the command recognition system. The presentation system may further comprises a stereo camera set for properly synthesizing a presenter in a 3D image and a 3D motion system. By this configuration, it is possible to embody an interactive presentation system in which a command through a presenter's gesture or voice is processed in real time and the image of the presenter is synthesized in a presentation material screen in real time, and accordingly the audiovisual effect is maximized.

Abstract: A user interface for a mobile device includes an input sensor having one degree of freedom operable by the user to generate a sensor signal, a screen having a two-dimensional surface showing a graphical user interface object, a processor coupled to the sensor and to the screen to actuate the graphical user interface object along the two actuated axis, and a sensor adapter software module executed by the processor to adapt the sensor signal to actuate the graphical user interface object along both actuated axis. The adapter software module selectively drives the sensor signal to actuate the graphical user interface object along the first actuated axis, to actuate the graphical user interface object along the second actuated axis, and to change actuated axis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes a handheld device having a pixelated sensor, an optical filter for passing a predetermined frequency band of radiation to the sensor and a transmitter, an electronic equipment having a display, and at least two spaced-apart markers, where each of which are positioned proximate to the display. The markers provide radiation at the frequency band passed by the optical filter. The handheld device includes a processor coupled to receive image data of the markers from the sensor for computing coordinate data from the image data. The coordinate data requires less data than the image data. The processor is coupled to the transmitter to transmit the coordinate data to the electronic equipment. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Provided are a pointing apparatus and method. The apparatus, which inputs a pointing signal to a portable computer, includes an accelerometer outputting an acceleration signal in response to motion of the finger; and a signal processing unit sensing micro-collisions generated when the finger comes into contact with a predetermined contact surface and a rising signal generated when the finger is detached from the contact surface using the acceleration signal, sensing pointing motion of the finger lasting between the generation of the micro-collisions and the generation of the rising signal, and outputting the pointing signal.

Abstract: An improved mouse scroll device installs a scroll sensing plate integrally coupled and neatly aligned with the main body of a mouse for providing an appropriate position to operate the mouse easily, and the scroll sensing plate is coupled to a microprocessor. After the neatly arranged scroll sensing plate is touched or slid back and forth by fingers or the scroll sensing plate is clicked for several times, a signal is transmitted from the microprocessor to a computer system through a universal serial bus (USB) port or a radio set to control the scroll page function on a screen of a display device or the middle button function to facilitate the operation and provides a protrusion-free artistic look effect as well as reducing the number of components and lowering the cost.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a user to input characters using a directional pad of a computing device. The directional pad is configured to generate directional inputs. The invention creates mappings for the directional inputs where each of the mappings associates at least one of the directional inputs with at least one of the characters. The user may activate one of the mappings by selecting one of the directional inputs. While the mapping is activated, the user may input a character by selecting a directional input associated with that character.

Abstract: A first storage unit is a storage area for storing original images. Inputted to an input unit is an operation instruction from a user. An obtaining identifying unit identifies an optimal original image pair. An obtaining processing unit accesses the first storage unit to obtain the optimal original image pair. A converting unit converts scales of respective images included in the optimal original image pair into a designated scale to generate intermediate images. A corresponding point matching unit makes the corresponding areas of the intermediate images coincide. A combining unit combines the intermediate images using a predetermined ratio to generate a target image. The resultant target image is outputted from an output unit to a monitor.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided which facilitates the assembly, achieves downsizing and has a long life. Magnetic sensors 21 are placed symmetrically two by two along an X axis and Y axis on a printed circuit board 24. A switch 28 is placed on a silicone resin 23 side surface of the printed circuit board 24 to provide a switch function achieved by depressing a magnet cover 25 toward the magnet 22. The pointing device, a device for outputting coordinate values of an input point, can not only output the coordinate values, but also make a decision by the switch function. A silicone resin 23 is easy to deform caused by an external force, and returns its initial state without the applied external force as soon as the external force is removed.

Abstract: A method of signal processing for a sensitive signal generated from a pointing device, which comprises the steps of acquiring an accelerating signal; forming a filtering signal by a first filtering process to filter the accelerating signal; and processing a second filtering process to form a processed signal. By means of the aforesaid method, an inertia pointing device is disclosed in the present invention, which is capable of processing an accelerating signal generated from the movement of the pointing device operated by the user, and transmitting the processed signal to an electrical device. The electrical device is capable of generating a corresponding displacement for moving a cursor on the display or action for controlling an object according to the processed signal.

Abstract: A portable terminal displays data received from the exterior or internally generated on its screen in an upright direction. The portable terminal includes a video processor, a display with the screen, a sensor, and a controller. The video processor converts data into a displayable format according to characteristics and size of the screen so the data can be displayed on the screen. The data displayed on the screen is converted according to the characteristics and size of the screen. The sensor has a sensing device for sensing rotation of the screen, and generates a sensing signal according to a rotating direction of the screen. The controller determines a rotating direction of the screen according to the sensing signal, and controls the video processor to convert a format of the data in an opposite direction of the determined rotating direction in order to display the data in an upright direction.

Abstract: An image displaying device includes a display unit which displays a cursor and at least one button; an input unit for moving the cursor and for selecting the button; and a controller for controlling the display unit and the input unit. The input unit is provided with an operating part operated by an operator, at least one position sensor which detects an operation state of the operating part, and at least one actuator which applies a specific external force to the operating part. When a display screen of the display unit is switched, the controller drives the actuator to move the cursor to a default position set in the switched display screen. In that case, the moving rate of the cursor is set lower than a moving rate of the cursor for pulling the cursor towards the center of the button.

Abstract: An input device may be used with the information processing apparatus and the like, and provides an improved ease of operation in moving the cursor on the display screen. The input device includes a set of cursor keys 1 that, when activated, cause the cursor to move on a display section 8, a cursor key activation detect means 2, a rotary operation device 3, a rotary operation device activation detect means 4, and a cursor movement information generator means 5 that responds to the detect results from the cursor key activation detect means 2 and from the rotary operation device activation detect means 4, and provides respective output signals that cause the cursor to move as indicated by the received detect results, depending upon whether only the cursor keys are activated or both the cursor keys and the rotary operation device are activated. Using the input device allows the operator to cause the cursor to move around and across the display screen, quickly and/or with any speed specified by the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides haptic sensations for a haptic feedback device and especially for a rotational device such as a knob. Force effects such as a hill force effect and barrier force effect allow easier selection of menu items, menus, values, or other options by the user. Force models are also described to allow greater selection functionality, such as a scrolling list with detents and rate control borders, a jog shuttle, a push-turn model, a double-push model, and a cast control model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates navigating smoothly and gracefully through any type of content viewable on portable devices such as cell-phones, PDAs, and/or any other hybrids thereof. In addition, such navigation can be performed while preserving perspective and context with respect to a larger amount of content. Pointing devices can also be used to navigate through content—the amount or detail of the content being dependant on the speed of the pointing device. Additionally, a semi-transparent overview of content can be overlaid a zoomed-in portion of content to provide perspective to the zoomed in portion. Content shown in the semi-transparent overview can depend on the location of the pointing device with respect to the content.

Abstract: A device allows easy and unencumbered interaction between a person and a computer display system using the person's (or another object's) movement and position as input to the computer. In some configurations, the display can be projected around the user so that that the person's actions are displayed around them. The video camera and projector operate on different wavelengths so that they do not interfere with each other. Uses for such a device include, but are not limited to, interactive lighting effects for people at clubs or events, interactive advertising displays, etc. Computer-generated characters and virtual objects can be made to react to the movements of passers-by, generate interactive ambient lighting for social spaces such as restaurants, lobbies and parks, video game systems and create interactive information spaces and art installations. Patterned illumination and brightness and gradient processing can be used to improve the ability to detect an object against a background of video images.

Abstract: A method for controlling cursor speed from a pointing device is performed by first subdividing a displayed image with a user-controllable into a number of areas. The cursor location is defined by cursor location information, for example the X-Y position of the cursor on the display. The displayed image is analyzed to determine a respective window density for each of displayed image areas, where the window density indicates the number of visible elements in the area. When a direction of cursor movement input is received, a cursor speed is selected in accordance with the respective window density of the area in the direction of cursor movement.

Abstract: A method of setting up a pointing device on a portable terminal according to the present invention has a first step for moving a user icon on a display unit of the portable terminal by the pointing device to follow a target icon, and a second step for acquiring parameters associated with the pointing device based on user icon movement information generated by the first step.

Abstract: A force-applying input device includes a mechanical section including a tilting lever; an operation section mounted to an end of the tilting lever; first and second actuators which apply a force to the operation section through the tilting lever; first and second position sensors which detect operation amount and direction of the tilting lever; and a control section which generates first and second drive signals of the first and second actuators by receiving first and second position signals output from the respective first and second position sensors. Based on the first and second position signals output from the position sensors, the control section computes the first and second drive signals of the first and second actuators in accordance with operation amount and direction of the operation section, and outputs first and second drive powers of the respective first and second actuators from first and second drive circuits.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a movable cursor control device is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. One exemplary cursor control device comprises a housing, an electromagnetic emitting device coupled to the housing, and an electromagnetic detector coupled to the housing. The electromagnetic detector detects reflections of signals emitted from the electromagnetic emitting device and determines when the housing has been lifted from a surface. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. The exemplary method includes holding the cursor relative to an object on the display screen using a cursor control device activated by a user, detecting that the user no longer activates the cursor control device, and detecting that the user has lifted the cursor control device from a surface when the cursor control device is no longer activated by the user.

Abstract: A data processing system having a display; a cursor control connected to the display for displacement of a cursor represented on the display; and a user-interface coupled to the cursor control for user-manipulation of the cursor via the cursor control. The cursor control is operative to displace the cursor at a relatively low speed relative to the display during a predetermined time interval upon activation of the user-interface and to displace the cursor at a relatively high speed after the predetermined time interval has elapsed. The speeds may be at fixed respective values, v1 and v2. Alternatively, v1 and v2 may be the upper bounds of speed ranges, the cursor speed being continuously variable through the user-interface.

Abstract: A pointing device capable of generating a fixed control signal regardless of operated directions and preventing the generation of a control signal owing to malfunctions, and an electronic apparatus capable of moving a controlled object on a display screen in any direction at a velocity corresponding to an operated amount of an operating section. An original point is defined as a point where a slid distance of a slide key is 0. The maximum slid distance and the minimum slid distance are defined as max_max and min_max, respectively, when moving the slide key until it reaches the rim of an opening section. When the slide key is located within a circular area whose center is the original point and whose radius is n/N of max_max (n and N are arbitrary positive integers, and n<N), a calculating section determines the strength of a control signal as 0.

Abstract: Biometric sensors such as electromyographic sensors 21A and 21B sense muscle flexing. The resultant signals are sensed 11 and utilized to establish 13 a corresponding angle of movement and to establish 15 magnitude of movement for an on-screen display indicator such as an on-screen cursor 61. In one embodiment, the electromyographic sensor signals are shifted and scaled 31. Wireless transmissions can be utilized to increase portability of the sensor interface.

Abstract: An operating device is connected to an image processing apparatus that generates image data to be displayed on a display according to a program. The operating device supplies a signal for providing variation to the image data to be generated by the image processing apparatus. A joystick includes a lever and a disc interlocked therewith so that the rotation of the disc is detected by a photo-interrupter. The pulse from the photo-interrupter is counted by a counter, which counter is reset depending upon a reset signal. The reset signal is supplied to the counter when three of buttons are simultaneously depressed, or when a power supply is turned on, or otherwise from a CPU of the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A user interface for a mobile device includes an input sensor having one degree of freedom operable by the user to generate a sensor signal, a screen having a two-dimensional surface showing a graphical user interface object, a processor coupled to the sensor and to the screen to actuate the graphical user interface object along the two actuated axis, and a sensor adapter software module executed by the processor to adapt the sensor signal to actuate the graphical user interface object along both actuated axis. The adapter software module selectively drives the sensor signal to actuate the graphical user interface object along the first actuated axis, to actuate the graphical user interface object along the second actuated axis, and to change actuated axis.

Abstract: An optical trackball device of the present invention includes a ball as an operating member, using a material that partially transmits light, and this ball is rotatably supported by a support member. Light emitted from a light emitter disposed beneath the ball is reflected on this ball. A detector detects the reflected light to identify rotation of the ball. Since the light from the light emitter is partially transmitted through the ball, the ball can be illuminated without providing an additional component. Accordingly, a location of the ball is easily recognizable even in a dark place.

Abstract: A computer based browsing computer program product, system and method arranges a set of information hosted on a computer into a book or a set of books, where each book includes a subset of the set of information, labels each book with a respective portion of the subset of the set of information, and selects a book from the set of books. Selecting the book from the set of books includes steps of displaying the respective portions of the books as a book document image that includes pages which correspond to the respective portions of the books, generating a command for moving through the pages, displaying an animated image of the pages of the book document being at least one of flipped, scrolled, slid and flashed images, and selecting the book when a selected one of the pages containing a selection portion of the book is earlier displayed.

Abstract: A method and system for manipulating content displayed on a display screen is disclosed. A data processing device has two attached user input controls, such as touch pads, joysticks, and the like. One of the controls may be used for panning (i.e. scrolling up and down and/or left and right) content on the display screen, while the other control may simultaneously be used for zooming in and zooming out of content as it is displayed on the display screen. The zoom and pan increment levels may be smooth or stepped, depending on a user preference, to aid in navigation of the content displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: An apparatus is described comprising: a data processing device having a memory for storing program code and data and a processor for processing the program code and data, and a display for displaying graphical images and text; a control wheel rotatably and communicatively engaged with the data processing device, the control wheel causing a graphic element on the display to move in a first direction by a first predefined amount when rotated in a first direction and causing the graphic element to move in a second direction by the first predefined amount when rotated in a second direction; a first input button communicatively coupled to the data processing device and positioned directly adjacent to the control wheel in first direction; and a second input button communicatively coupled to the data processing device and positioned directly adjacent to the control wheel in the second direction, wherein the first input button, when selected, causes the graphic element to move in the first direction by a second prede

Abstract: A pivoting unit pivots a video camera at a pivoting speed. The video camera includes a zoom mechanism and a zoom amount signal generation circuit for generating a zoom amount signal. A pivoting speed command signal generating circuit responsive to an operation generates a pivoting speed command signal and a speed controlling circuit controls the pivoting speed in accordance with the zoom amount signal and the pivoting speed command signal. Controlling is made such that the pivoting speed is relatively decreased from the pivoting speed command signal when the zoom amount signal indicates a telephoto side and is relatively increased from the pivoting speed command signal when the zoom signal indicates a wide-angle. A joystick generating the pivoting speed command signal includes two coil springs for generating a reaction force which is made stronger when the operation angle of thereof exceeds a reference. The pivoting speed is also accelerated when the operation angle exceeds the reference.

Abstract: A computer input device includes a base, a movable member that is displaceable relative to the base, and a sensor that is operably coupled to the movable member. The sensor provides an output signal to circuitry indicative of position of the movable member relative to the base. The circuitry defines movements of the movable member relative to the base as within an absolute motion region and a relative motion region.

Abstract: The movement of an object due to the continuous pushing of a simple ON/OFF switch is made an easier-to-use interface for users by a method of moving an object displayed on a screen of a TV monitor of a computer having a controller which has a pressure-sensitive unit. In the method, the pushing by a user on the controller is sensed by the pressure-sensitive unit, a pressure-sensing output signal is determined depending on the pushing pressure, and the object is moved within the screen of the TV monitor depending on the magnitude of the pressure-sensing output signal of the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. An optical motion sensor generates digital images from the reflected images at a first frame rate. The motion sensor is configured to generate movement data based on the digital images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus. The motion sensor is configured to modify the first frame rate to one of a plurality of alternate frame rates based on a current relative velocity between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

Abstract: An input key which is assigned a plurality of information items to be inputted, of the present invention, includes a key top which can incline relative to a support plate for supporting the input key; a key top supported portion provided on an opposite surface in the key top to the support plate and arranged to be pushed together with the key top; a key top supporting portion provided on the support plate, and arranged to come into contact with the key top supported portion during a push on the key top and to support the key top supported portion so as to permit the key top to incline in a state of the contact with the key top supported portion; at least one inclination detector provided in a direction assigned one of the information items to be inputted, on an opposite surface in the support plate to the key top or on the opposite surface in the key top to the support plate; push detecting means for detecting a push on the input key; and inclination direction detecting means for detecting an inclination dire

Abstract: A remote control, operating an on-screen set-top box (STB) menu, has a force sensitive resistor (FSR) for coarse or free navigation and a keypad, placed around the FSR, for fine navigation. A user gets feedback by a highlighted item or an on-screen cursor when operating the FSR and by the highlighted item for close-by navigation. Pushing down on the FSR, which also doubles as an OK- or select-key, results in the selection of highlighted option.

Abstract: An input device that transmits, to a host device having a display displaying a pointer, information relating to the pointer and includes a sensor detecting contact information, and further includes an area extracting part and a control part. The area extracting part extracts a contact area of the sensor and a finger based on the contact information detected by the sensor. The control part controls the pointer based on the contact area extracted by the area extracting part.

Abstract: An inputting device, an electronic instrument using this inputting device, and an inputting method thereof, in which displacement of an operating section in the direction slanting for the X or the Y direction is detected and the movement of a moving object such as a cursor on a display can be controlled easily and precisely, are provided. The operating section is displaced about in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction for a plane being almost parallel to the surface of a cabinet. In case that orthogonal coordinates having the X axis and the Y axis are set on the plane being almost parallel to the surface of the cabinet, horizontal direction sensors detect the displacement of the operating section in the direction slanting for the X or Y direction, in addition to in the X or Y direction. The cursor moves on the display based on the displacement of the operating section about in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A signal processor for a joystick which includes a joystick input device (11) which varies a joystick voltage input value Vi according to an operating amount of a joystick (10) from a neutral position (11), an input circuit (13) which outputs the average value of the joystick voltage input value Vi read at every sampling time over a predetermined number of past occasions as a joystick voltage computation value Vic, a computation circuit (14) which computes an output computation value Voc set according to the joystick voltage computation value Vic, and operation start detecting circuit which detects an operation start when the joystick (10) is pushed over from the neutral position. The computation circuit (14) increases the output computation value Voc to an effective maximum value when operation starts. In this way, over-sensitivity of the control response when there is a sudden operation of the joystick (10) is suppressed.