Abstract: A method, apparatus, and signal-bearing medium that selects an object displayed on a display screen when a cursor controlled by a pointing device pauses at the object for a time period longer than a dwell-time threshold. The dwell-time threshold is adjusted based on the density of the objects displayed on the screen. Thus, when the density of displayed objects is higher, the dwell-time threshold is longer and the user must hold the cursor at the desired object for a longer time in order to select the object. Similarly, when the density of displayed objects is lower, the dwell-time threshold is lower, and the user must hold the cursor at the desired object for a shorter time in order to select the object.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a digital processing system, comprising a housing, a scrolling detector, a cursor positioning detector, and a transmitter. The housing has a wall having an outer scrolling surface over which a finger of a person's hand is movable in a scrolling movement. The scrolling detector is located within the housing. The scrolling detector detects the scrolling movement remotely through the wall and generates a scrolling signal. The cursor positioning detector is secured to the housing and is actuable by the hand to generate a position signal. The transmitter transmits the scrolling signal and the position signal to the digital processing system.

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 hand-held or palm mobile mouse is contained in a mini hand-held shaped housing to be held in the palm of a user with a sphere arranged on the top easily and naturally reached by the user's thumb. The thumb of the user can rotate the sphere, which contains a magnetic core inside, to cause a corresponding cursor movement on a computer screen through a magnetically activated rolling movement detection unit or units and press down on the sphere to carry out click function commands or menu functions pointed to by the cursor on the screen. Alternatively, the magnetic core may be omitted by supporting the sphere on four free rolling roller units, two of which are used to implement the rolling movement detection function. There may also be key-buttons on the area where the user's fingers rest to implement click function by a user's fingers. There may also be a wheel/click button for cursor extension movement and click command functions.

Abstract: An operating device for influencing medical image information items displayed at a display surface with a movable operating element has a motion acquisition system for quantitatively determining adjustment motions of the operating element, with the representation of the image information items displayed at the display surface being influenced solely by motions of the operating element.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for facilitating positioning of a cursor on a display device are provided. For example, an input device is provided which includes a shifter configured to electrically communicate with a computer. The shifter is configured to enable functional information, provided by a mouse-type input device, to provide selected functionality of the cursor. The shifter provides a shift-disable mode and a shift-enable mode so that, while in the shift-disable mode, the shifter enables the mouse-type input device to influence movement of the cursor on the display device. For instance, a movement of the mouse-type input device in a first direction and a first distance results in the cursor moving the first direction and a corresponding second distance.

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. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: A coordinate input device has a keyboard; a rotary dial annular in shape and mounted in substantially the same plane as the keyboard, the rotary dial being rotatable within the plane; and a rotation detector for detecting the amount and direction of rotation of the rotary dial, and wherein: the rotary dial is disposed below the keyboard.

Abstract: A method and system for selectively controlling mouse movement speed during movement within a particular web page or display window based upon a user's prior experience within that web page or various physical parameters associated with the size and content of the web page. A user's previous experience of the relative size, number and location of selectable icons or selectable graphical areas within the display are determined and utilized to automatically alter the speed of mouse pointer movement. Prior experience with web pages having similar content can also be utilized to automatically set the speed of the mouse pointer.

Abstract: An electronic equipment which provides an easier-to-use interface for the changing of the settings of various parameters on an LCD panel or the screen of a computer by the pushing by a user of a simple ON/OFF switch or holding it down, includes a switch connected to a pressure-sensitive unit, a processing circuit that performs processing depending on an output value of the switch, and a display unit that displays the results of processing of the processing circuit. The processing circuit changes the settings of parameters of electronic equipment in increments depending on the output value of the switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operator's communication unit (1) comprising a mouse (4) and an annunciator (3) that interacts electrically therewith, and a cable arrangement (2) for connection to the input (5.1′) of an operator's communication unit for a computer. The structure of the inventive device is simple and it is easy to handle by virtue of the fact that the mouse (4) is connected via a single mouse cable (2.1) and the annunciator (3) is connected via a single annunciator cable (2.2) to a common connection element (2.9′), whereby the mouse cable (2.1) and the annunciator cable (2.2) can be joined together either directly or via an additional connection element (2.5) or an additional transition cable (2.9) and a connection element to the input (5.1′) to the operator's communication unit for a computer (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for navigating through a content or document in a display, wherein as the rate of such navigation increases, the scale of the document decreases. Thus, more of the document is viewable in the display. One method involves receiving an input, such as a user input on an input device which may include a joystick, a mouse, a trackball, or other pointing device. The input is mapped to either a speed of navigation through a content space or scale of the content space while being navigated. The other of speed or scale to which the output was not mapped is determined according to the relationship that scale multiplied by speed equals a constant value. The content space is subsequently navigated based on the speed or scale mapped from the input and the scale or speed is determined.

Abstract: A method and system uses an acceleration curve to enhance data navigation. In a preferred embodiment, the scrolling algorithm of an input device with a rotational member accelerates a resultant scroll amount in direct relation to a rotational speed of the rotational member. The acceleration curve may be implemented in a look-up table in the mouse driver. Different acceleration curves may be used based upon whether a user is scrolling up or scrolling down. In a further embodiment, acceleration is temporarily inhibited upon the occurrence of a change in the direction of rotation of the rotational member.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A computer display system which displays an image and a magnified portion of the image. The magnified portion of the image is selected un,der control of a pointing device connected to the computer. A method is described for changing the characteristics of the magnified portion. A configuration utility which creates the magnified portion of the display includes a menu of display properties for the magnified portion. The properties are selected from the display menu, and each refresh of the area within the magnified portion of the image is refreshed with the selected properties. In a text/browser application, the background color, text color, text style and size may be selected differently than the remaining portion of the image displayed on the computer display.

Abstract: A dual-function keyboard with two operational modes, a typing mode and a pointing mode. In the typing mode, each visible key functions as in a standard keyboard. In the pointing mode, all the keys function as pointer controllers. The keyboard also employs a novel “one-hot-encoding” circuitry that simplifies the wiring while allowing digital detection of any number of keys that are simultaneously depressed. The keyboard may be made of flexible materials and may be rolled-up or folded for easy transportation.

Abstract: A cursor mechanism with an encoder function having a key member, an encoder input transmission member, a plurality of cursor input pressing members and a universal joint. The key member has an encoder rod extending from a center of a bottom thereof and a plurality of cursor rods extending downward from the bottom of the key member surrounding the encoder rod annularly. The transmission member has one end engaged with an encoder and another end connected to a free end of the encoder rod through the universal joint. The key member may be turned to trigger the encoder through the encoder rod and the transmission shaft for generating a respective encoding input signal. On the other hand, the key member may be eccentrically pressed to trigger the micro switch for generating a respective cursor input signal.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: A digital pen that has a writing tip includes an ultrasonic (US) transducer on a pen body that generates frames of US pulses toward a receiver base in response to an infrared (IR) synchronizing signal from the base. The first pulse of a frame is adjusted by a modulo of the US period &tgr; when the time of arrival (TOA) of the first pulse varies from an expected TOA by more than one-half &tgr;. The TOAs of successive ith pulses in the frame, which are one wavelength apart from each other, are adjusted forward in time by subtracting from each pulse TOA (i−1)&tgr;, and then several of the adjusted pulse TOAs in a single frame are averaged together to determine a frame TOA. The frame TOAs from plural receivers on the base are then triangulated to determine a pen position for that frame, with the pen positions being input to a handwriting recognition module.

Abstract: The pointing device of the present invention has a case fixed to a mounting substrate. A sliding-type operating body and moving bodies for moving linearly in X-Y directions in the case as the operating body is slid are provided. Respective side portions of the moving bodies project sideways from the case and lower faces of respective projecting portions face a surface of the mounting substrate. By bringing contacts mounted to the lower faces of the respective projecting portions into contact with a resistor circuit formed on the surface of the mounting substrate, volume portions are formed at two orthogonal side portions. The two orthogonal side portions overhang sideways like eaves and springs for origin returning and are disposed between respective overhanging portions and the respective projecting portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a keyboard controlled and activated windowing system pointing device that is typically implemented on a portable data terminal. The pointing device will typically be activated and deactivated by engaging an activation key on the portable data terminal. This allows for multifunctional keys to exist on the keyboard and for the cursor (i.e. the pointer) to be displayed and removed from the display upon activation. Additionally, the pointing device provides for scrolling of the foreground windowed application when the cursor encounters an edge of display. This allows users to access data in oversized windowed applications that do not fit the size limitations of portable data processing displays.

Abstract: A wireless apparatus includes a transmitter and a receiver wherein each of the transmitter and the receiver includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) having a frequency synthesizer for generating a plurality of signals with identifications. The plurality of signals are combined to form spread spectrum modulated signals prior to transmitting from the transmitter. Correspondingly, the received signals in the receiver are converted into the original signals by the frequency synthesizer. With this, it is impossible for an unauthorized party to copy such signals, thereby providing a safe wireless communication environment to the user.

Abstract: A cursor image on a display is altered in size as a function of the speed (or distance) the cursor is moved across the display to aid a user in locating the cursor on the display. The cursor image may also be altered to further indicate the direction of movement. In one embodiment, the cursor image may grow in size with increasing speed of cursor image movement. In other embodiments, the cursor image may also be additionally altered in form and/or color, flash, or otherwise to thereby visibly indicate its location on the display.

Abstract: An incremental controller for generating a supplemental positioning signal for use in a display system which includes a graphical positioning device is disclosed. The controller includes an input device, for inputting desired supplemental positioning information. A code generator generates a supplemental positioning signal in response to the supplemental positioning information. A switch is connected to receive the positioning signal and the supplemental positioning signal. The switch outputs either the positioning or supplemental positioning signals in response to receiving a control signal. A controller is connected to the switch for generating the control signal.

Abstract: A gel cushion that can be attached to an existing cursor pointing device (control stick) on a computer or keyboard, or be integrally formed with the cap during manufacture. The gel cushion is flexible enough to prevent tissue damage to the user's fingers due to repetitive motions over an extended period of use, yet firm enough to transmit the desired pressure to the control stick. The gel cushion designed to be used on an existing control stick can be applied with an adhesive to a cap, or with a frictional fit directly to the control stick. The gel cushion is designed to be easily installed and replaced when worn.

Abstract: A three-dimensional coordinate input device includes an operation portion, a ferrite magnet provided within the operation portion, two pairs of Hall-effect elements provided on a substrate. One pair of the Hall-effect elements is used for detecting an X coordinate and the other pair of the Hall-effect elements is used for detecting a Y coordinate. When inclined and vertically moved by hand, the operation portion can be displaced in three-dimension. When the operation portion is inclined in any direction, an XY coordinate value can be obtained based on its inclination and inputted into a computer to be displayed on a coordinate space. By using a mean of output voltages of the Hall-effect elements, a Z coordinate value can be obtained and displayed on the coordinate space.

Abstract: A method interfacing of a display and a pointing device employing regions of the display, sub-regions and objects with induced motion effects which alter the observed motion on the display of the content related to the pointing device are claimed. Induced motion effects include use of induced motion rules. The display may present one or more views of a 2-D, 3-D, 4-D or higher dimensional virtual space with regions, sub-regions and objects reflecting that dimensionality.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provide which control events associated with an element of a user interface by determining a characteristic(s) of pointer movement of a pointing device and adjusting a condition(s) for triggering an event associated with the element based on the determined characteristic of pointer movement. The triggering of the event is controlled utilizing the adjusted condition. By determining characteristics of pointer movement, a user's intent may be inferred from that pointer movement and, based on the inferred intent, the conditions for triggering of events may be adjusted consistent with such inferred intent.

Abstract: A method for reading a position of a wiper on a potentiometer, comprising the steps of (A) charging a capacitor connected to a wiper terminal of the potentiometer, (B) discharging the capacitor through a particular terminal of the potentiometer, (C) measuring a first time taken to discharge the capacitor from a first voltage to a second voltage, (D) recharging the capacitor, (E) discharging the capacitor through another particular terminal of the potentiometer, (F) measuring a second time taken to discharge the capacitor from the first voltage to the second voltage, (G) reading the position of the wiper by calculating a ratio of the times measured in steps (C) and (F).

Abstract: In some applications, particularly home and public uses, computers are used concurrently by right and left-handed persons. An ambidextrous computer mouse includes a selector permitting the user to conveniently switch the computer functions activated by the respective mouse buttons for right or left-handed use.

Abstract: A mouse (20) comprises first (24) and second (28) projections on the bottom surface of the mouse housing. The second projections (28) only come into contact with the mouse mat on application of pressure by the user, so as to assist in holding the mouse still, for example during double clicking operations.

Abstract: A portable personal computer including a housing sized to be held in a single hand during use of the computer, allowing the free hand to input data. The housing at least in part supports a general image display, and a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A touchpad and supporting logic that provides absolute or relative positioning of a graphics cursor on a display. Absolute positioning is preferably invoked by touching the touchpad in a designated region. Relative positioning is preferably implemented by continual movement across a touchpad relative to a reference location. A method of achieving absolute and relative positioning is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users to with graphical user interfaces of computing devices are disclosed. A rotational user action supplied by a user via a user input device can provide accelerated scrolling. The accelerated nature of the scrolling enables users to scroll or traverse a lengthy data set (e.g., list of items) faster and with greater ease. The amount of acceleration provided can be performed in successive stages, and/or performed based on the speed of the rotational user action. In one embodiment, the rotational user action is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. The resulting acceleration effect causes the linear action to be enhanced such that a lengthy data set is able to be rapidly traversed.

Abstract: A pager having capability for reception of transmitted information or data; the pager including a housing, a general image display in the housing, a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A global positioning system device having capability for reception of global positioning system information or data; the device including a hand-held housing, a general image display in the housing, a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: An electronic book having a general image display and including a pressure-sensitive variable-conductance sensor for creating a varying analog value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to the analog sensor. Multiple analog sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the analog sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the analog sensor. Circuitry within a housing is connected to the analog sensor for reading the varying analog value from the analog sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A cordinate input device is provided in which z-coordinate of an image object and a command to scroll the image can be inputted, a positive manipulation feeling can be obtained when changing scrolling speed (the amount of scrolling) of an image, and an accurate scrolling adjustment is enabled. The coordinate input device includes a casing, an (x, y) coordinate information input unit 6, push-button switches 7 and 8 for inputting the (x, y) coordinate information detected by the (x, y) coordinate information input unit 6, and an input manipulation unit for inputting z-coordinate information and image scrolling information in addition to the (x, y) coordinate information. The input manipulation unit includes a jog/shuttle switch 9 having a jog dial and a shuttle dial coaxially disposed.

Abstract: A hand-held remote controller for controlling a parent device from a distance, the remote controller including a housing, a general image display in the housing, a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A computer monitor including a housing; a general image display in the housing; the housing having a depressible surface of a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A mouse provides multiple cursor control input devices. A first input device is a tracking ball. The second input device may be a tracking ball, a finger pad, or a joy stick, among other input devices. The second input device provides a secondary control of cursor movement that is combined with the input of the first input device to provide full cursor control. In one embodiment, the second input is scaled by a scaling factor and then combined with the first input. In another embodiment, both the first input and the second input are scaled before they are combined. In another mouse, a single input is provided that is scaled by one of a plurality of scaling factors. The scaling factor may be altered to another one of the plurality of scaling factors via mouse input, for example a button input.

Abstract: A cursor control method, and an apparatus and a memory medium which stores a program related thereto controls a position of a cursor displayed on a screen based on an input from a pointing device. The cursor control method includes the steps of detecting a present position of the cursor based on the input from the pointing device, and (b) controlling a moving quantity of the cursor on the screen based on the input from the pointing device depending on mask information which indicates a specific region on the screen and the present position of the cursor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for obtaining precision data acquisition via hand writing/drawing without requiring the use of a transducer pad, the screen of a monitor, or a scanner. As such, writing/drawing can be applied to almost all kinds of material surfaces, including books, fabrics, labels, etc., with or without showing an ink mark. Graphic and text images can all be effectively processed. Data acquisition function is accomplished by continuously monitoring the orientation of a magnet ball installed at the tip of a magnetomechanical ball-pen device whose outlook resembles a regular pen. When powered by a battery with self data-storage capability, the disclosed method and device allow for a new class of instrumentations that data acquisition function is carried out at the same time whenever hand writing/drawing is applied in the normal manner.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking one or more wireless input devices includes a receiver to receive wireless signals from the input devices and a tracking circuit to detect movements of the wireless input devices. The input devices may be either infrared (IR) or radio-frequency (RF) input devices.

Abstract: A hand-held web browser for establishing contact with a computer network, the browser including a housing, a general image display in the housing, a proportional sensor for creating a varying value according to varying depression applied by a finger of a human user to a depressible surface of the sensor. Multiple proportional sensors are sometimes utilized. In one preferred embodiment the proportional sensor(s) include resilient dome cap(s) for providing tactile feedback to the finger depressing the depressible surface. Circuitry within the housing is connected to the sensor for reading the varying value from the sensor and causing representative varying of the imagery shown by the display.

Abstract: A method for moving a pointing cursor wherein the pointing cursor moving toward a target to be processed is temporarily halted when it enters an area of the target to be processed, and it is made to move beyond the area to be processed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Abstract: An improved structure wireless mouse device comprised of a base board connected to a host computer and a mouse device, wherein no physical signal cable is present between the mouse device and the base board. The mouse device and the base board are equipped with internal circuitry that enables electric power from the host computer to be conveyed to the transmit/receive antenna of the base board and after reception by the mouse device, the electrical energy is supplied to its internal circuit. The two-dimension signal generated as the mouse device is moved on the base board is received by the transmit/receive antenna of the base board and transferred to the host computer to thereby enable control of the host system.

Abstract: A method interfacing of a display and a pointing device employing regions of the display, sub-regions and objects with induced motion effects which alter the observed motion on the display of the content related to the pointing device are claimed. Induced motion effects include use of induced motion rules. The display may present one or more views of a 2-D, 3-D, 4-D or higher dimensional virtual space with regions, sub-regions and objects reflecting that dimensionality.

Abstract: The device comfortably supports the hand of the user while the thumb and fingers are associated with keys, a trackball, and a scrolling wheel carried on the device. The overall configuration of the device and the arrangement of these actuators permits the user to operate all of the functions provided by the actuators while the forearm is in a neutral posture zone between pronation and supination of the forearm, and the wrist and fingers are minimally extended and comfortably flexed, respectively.

Abstract: A touchpad pointing device dynamically adjusts cursor control gain characteristics based on the x-y coordinates at which the finger first touches the touchpad for a given cursor control task. In this manner, cursor control gain such as simple cursor tracking rate or cursor acceleration profile may be optimized for each control task without changing settings. The x-y coordinates are preferably grouped into easily identifiable zones on the touchpad surface. Accordingly, a wide range of control gain is available, including very high cursor track rates where long distance cursor excursions are desired, and very low cursor tracking for tasks requiring fine cursor positioning. As a further aspect of the invention, the touchpad also allows control of other operational features such as tapping, tapping sensitivity, and button functionality, thus providing a touchpad that is highly customizable.