Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A system and method for the generation of cryptographic keys for authentication and secure communications. The invention is an improvement over other existing authentication and encryption methods because it is not susceptible to hackers who have access to previous login sessions since authentication data is unique to each session, it is not susceptible to hackers using brute force attacks to determine underlying algorithms due to the complexity of the method and the extensive ability to customize the underlying data, and it allows for a key length as large as the message and unique to each login session which is what Claude Shannon showed to achieve the so-called perfect secrecy. The disclosed invention is also an improvement over existing authentication and encryption methods because it allows for multiple valid responses in each login session.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display screen to display a graphical representation of a mathematical relationship and to enable a user to enter a one-dimensional touch gesture thereon for performing a one-dimensional adjustment function for the displayed graphical representation. A display adjustment module interprets the one-dimensional touch gesture and performs the one-dimensional adjustment function. The display adjustment module performs a one-dimensional zoom adjustment function in response to one of a one-dimensional pinch touch gesture and a one-dimensional spread touch gesture. The one-dimensional zoom adjustment function increases or reduces a displayed range of values in a first dimension while maintaining unchanged a displayed range of values in a second dimension of the displayed graphical representation.

Abstract: A cursor control system and method are provided. The method may include receiving a first input from a cursor control device that places a cursor in an engaged state. The method may further include receiving an indication to switch from a gross cursor control mode to an engaged cursor control mode while the cursor is in the engaged state. The method may also include, in response to receiving the indication to switch from the gross cursor control mode to the engaged cursor control mode, switching from the gross cursor control mode to the engaged cursor control mode and locking the cursor in the engaged state such that the cursor maintains the engaged state even after the first input from the cursor control device has terminated. The method may additionally include, in response to receiving a second input, performing an operation on a screen object the engaged cursor control mode.

Abstract: A joystick includes a first structural component, a second structural component, a light emitter, an optical sensor and a processor. The second structural component is assembled with the first structural component to form a chamber. The light emitter is disposed inside the chamber for illuminating one surface of the second structural component. The optical sensor is disposed inside the chamber for capturing the illuminated surface of the second structural component. The processor is electrically connected to the optical sensor and adapted to analyze an intensity distribution of the illuminated surface for determining if the joystick is obliquely pressed or laterally shifted in a relative manner.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a keyboard module, a silicone film, a light-emitting module, and a touch module. The keyboard module has a plurality of buttons and a point stick. The silicone film has a virtual touch region. The light-emitting module is configured below the silicone film and corresponds to the virtual touch region. The light-emitting module includes a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit. The touch module is configured below the silicone film and corresponds to the virtual touch region. The touch module includes a control chip and a sensing layer. The point stick, the first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the sensing layer are electrically connected to the control chip, respectively.

Abstract: A mobile phone may include a housing defining at least a portion of a back exterior surface of the mobile phone, a display stack at least partially within the housing, the display stack defining an active region configured to produce a graphical output, and a transparent cover positioned over the display stack. The transparent cover may define a first portion covering the active region of the display stack, a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a hole in the second portion and extending through the transparent cover. The mobile phone may also include a button element positioned in the hole of the transparent cover, a force-sensing system configured to detect an input applied to the button element, a circuit board coupled to the force-sensing system, and a shim positioned below the first portion of the transparent cover and having same thickness that as the circuit board.

Abstract: A method of controlling a portable electronic device that has a touch-sensitive display includes displaying information on the touch-sensitive display, detecting a gesture on the touch-sensitive display, scrolling through the information in a first scrolling mode when the gesture is associated with a first area of the touch-sensitive display, and scrolling through the information in a second scrolling mode when the gesture is associated with a second area of the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting items using a longest increasing subsequence are disclosed. Item sorting may be performed by selecting excluded items, which correspond to a longest increasing subsequence, from among items in an item list, selecting update items by excluding the excluded items from the items, and performing update for the update items. It is possible to more efficiently use a system by selecting items to be updated from among various items in an item list and updating them to reduce the system workload for updating the items.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted information device that does not create a cause of an erroneous operation is provided. In a vehicle-mounted information device capable of editing objects 11 to 18 displayed on a touch panel 121, an edit mode of displaying a mark 20 (20a) indicating a direction in which the object 11 is movable is provided, and by a touch operation onto the mark 20 (20a), the selected object 11 and an object 12 of interest which is located in the direction indicated by the mark 20 (20a) are interchanged.

Abstract: Techniques involving control of interaction with an application launcher are described. In one or more implementations, interaction with a plurality of representations of applications or content in an application launcher is controlled by a computing device. The plurality of representations are selectable to navigate to a user interface corresponding with a respective said application or content. The controlling includes detection of which of a plurality of types of interaction are used by a user in relation to the application launcher. Responsive to the detection that a gesture type of interaction is used, a manage mode is entered in which customization or commands of the representations is initiated using gestures that are not usable to initiate the customization or commands outside the manage mode.

Abstract: A touched display item from among a plurality of display items is dragged by a touch operation, and in a case where an amount of movement of the touch operation is less than a predetermined distance in a second direction, a plurality of items located between an original position of the touched display item and a current position of the touched display item are moved, and in a case where the amount of movement of the touch operation is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance in the second direction, in a case where the touch operation ends, the touched display item is inserted where the touch operation ended and a display item located at the position where the touched display item is inserted is moved to the original position of the touched display item.

Abstract: An accessory has a main body that includes a case that defines an external appearance of the main body, a main switch located within the case and configured to be pushed downward, and an elastic operation portion that is located vertically above the main switch and extends radially outward toward an inner surface of the case, the elastic operation portion being configured to elastically deform downward to thereby push the main switch. The elastic operation portion includes a middle part located vertically above the main switch, a first bent part extending radially outward from a first end of the middle part, the first bent part having a first curvature that is convex downward, and a second bent part extending radially outward from a second end of the middle part opposite the first end, the second bent part having a second curvature that is convex downward.

Abstract: An image display device includes a display configured to display a plurality of items and a cursor indicating a location of an input; input receiving circuitry configured to receive an input for moving the cursor; and a controller configured to control the cursor to move in accordance with the received input, to control items adjacent to the cursor to be set as candidate items if the cursor stops moving, and to control guidelines to be displayed on the candidate items, wherein in response to an input of a direction key while the focus is displayed on the first candidate item, and wherein the controller is further configured to control the focus to move to a second candidate item among the candidate items corresponding to the input of the direction key if the input of the direction key corresponds to a short press and to control the cursor to move in a direction corresponding to the input of the direction key if the input of the direction key corresponds to a long press.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an operation display unit, a display range registration unit, an icon registration unit, and a display control unit. In the operation display unit, an icon for selecting an image forming apparatus operation is displayed. In the display range registration unit, information on a display range of the icons displayed on the operation display unit is registered. In the icon registration unit, information on a display position of the icon on the operation display unit is registered. In the display control unit, a movement button for moving the icon based on the information on the display range which is registered in the display range registration unit is displayed when the icon is selected. In the display control unit, the information on the display position which is registered in the icon registration unit is updated when the movement button is pressed.

Abstract: A system for managing visual interface content encompassing primary visual interface content and adjunct visual interface content includes a processing unit, a primary display apparatus, a memory, and a set of display-enabled user input apparatuses.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for analyzing and determining properties of virtual environments rendered on a display. The disclosed embodiments include, for example, a method for rendering a virtual environment, the method comprising operations performed with one or more processors. The operations of the method may include generating a plurality of object layers, the object layers representing permissible height values. The method may also include populating the environment with a plurality of objects, wherein each object is associated with a height value corresponding to one of the object layers. The method may also include determining whether any two objects form an occluded pair. The method may also include calculating a cast shadow index for each occluded pair reflecting a magnitude of a height differential between occluding object and the occluded object. The method may also include rendering the virtual environment in accordance with the calculated cast shadow indices.

Abstract: A projector includes a projection unit adapted to display an image based on image data supplied from a PC or an image processing unit as an image supply section, a position detection unit adapted to detect an operation by a pointing body, a coordinate conversion section or an output section adapted to output the pointed position to the image supply section in the case in which the operation is detected by the position detection unit, and an operation determination section adapted to restrict the output of the pointed position in the case in which the operation detected by the position detection unit is an operation satisfying a condition set in advance.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial methods for electronically recording a taxi route on a display unit are disclosed. In one method, a tax route entry window (“TREW”) such as a taxi clearance entry window is used to present in smaller windows surfaces and next intersecting surfaces from which a pilot sequentially selects surfaces based upon surfaces stated in a taxi clearance. In another method, the TREW is comprised of an airport-specific keyboard or a traditional keyboard with visually-variable, interactive buttons, where an activation or deactivation of each button is dependent upon surfaces specified in the taxi clearance and potential intersecting surface. In another method, selections are made on the TREW and surfaces corresponding to the selections are highlighted in an image presenting a map of surfaces. Additionally, the image presenting a map of surfaces may be panned and zoom to the size of the highlighted surface.

Abstract: A method for managing a context-dependent display bar, including identifying a graphical object currently displayed by a graphics software application operated by a user, identifying a current edit mode in which the user is working, wherein the edit mode indicates whether or not the user has selected the identified graphical object for editing, identifying a tool for editing graphical objects currently activated by the user, determining a current context in which the user is working, the context depending upon the identified graphical object, the identified edit mode, and the identified tool, identifying at least one control associated with the current context, wherein different contexts generally have at least one different control associated therewith, and displaying the at least one control associated with the current context within a display bar of the graphics software application, each time that the current context changes.

Abstract: Example embodiments described herein can include a display portion including a display; and a keyboard portion including a plurality of keys. One of the plurality of keys is a multi-function key configured to register a character on the display, and the multi-function key is configured to control movement of a cursor in multiple directions on the display. In yet other embodiments, the multi-function key is a space bar having a surface area substantially larger than other keys of the plurality of keys. The multi-function key can be rectangular shaped and sufficiently large to receive simultaneous contacts associated with each thumb of a user when the user types on the keyboard portion.

Abstract: A two-finger selection method is implemented on a touchscreen of an electronic device. One embodiment involves sensing the touch positions of two fingers on the touchscreen. In response to sensing the two simultaneous touch positions, a selection graphic is displayed and dynamically positioned on the touchscreen as a function of the two touch positions. A specific graphical object, such as a command button having an associated function, is selected in response to a separate selection input received while the selection graphic is positioned on the specific graphical object.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates graphical object creation in an electronic design automation (EDA) application. During operation, the system uses a cursor to obtain a sequence of points from a user for creating a graphical object in a layout. Next, the system detects a loop in the graphical object based at least on the sequence of points and a current position of the cursor. Finally, the system modifies the sequence of points to remove the loop from the graphical object.

Abstract: A method of communicating between first and second communication terminals includes: exchanging data between the first and second communication terminals, the second communication terminal being located within a predetermined range relative to the first communication terminal; and notifying, at the first communication terminal, a user of the first communication terminal of an exchange of data after waiting for a predetermined time period from exchange of data.

Abstract: A method for operating a menu of a multimedia disk is provided. The method includes first selecting an item in the menu as a focus point and using a cursor controller for moving a cursor in the menu. An input event issued by the cursor controller is then translated into an input event of a key on a keyboard based on a relative position between the cursor and the focus point, so as to shift or select a target title. Consequently, a user can operate the menu of the multimedia disk in a computer system by using the cursor controller, and the convenience of operating the menu can be improved.

Abstract: A force-feedback plane slide input device includes: a base body having a housing space formed in a rectangular shape; a slider configured to move within the housing space along a plane including a first direction and a second direction which are orthogonal to each other; an operation member integrally provided with the slider; a first actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the first direction; a second actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the second direction; and a force-feedback unit configured to feed back a sense of force to an operator. The slider includes a first slider member and second slider member. A length of an edge in the first direction of the housing space is substantially the same as a width in the first direction of the second slider member.

Abstract: User interface control using a keyboard is described. In an embodiment, a user interface displayed on a display device is controlled using a computer connected to a keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of alphanumeric keys that can be used for text entry. The computer receives data comprising a sequence of key-presses from the keyboard, and generates for each key-press a physical location on the keyboard. The relative physical locations of the key-presses are compared to calculate a movement path over the keyboard. The movement path describes the path of a user's digit over the keyboard. The movement path is mapped to a sequence of coordinates in the user interface, and the movement of an object displayed in the user interface is controlled in accordance with the sequence of coordinates.

Abstract: A data inputting system includes a communication device and user-activated control or input device, both coupled to a processor. Data and a focus indicator are displayed or otherwise communicated to a user through the communication device. The position of the focus indicator relative to the displayed data indicates a changeable portion of the displayed data. Changes to the displayed data are made by activating the input device, which may include one or more sets of up and down scroll keys. Each set of scroll keys may be used to change different portions of the displayed data. The processor automatically adjusts the position of the focus indicator based on predetermined criteria, thereby allowing changes to different portions of the displayed data. An associated method is disclosed wherein the focus indicator's position is adjusted after a predetermined time has elapsed from which the input device is deactivated.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing apparatus may include a fingerprint sensor system and a control system capable of receiving fingerprint sensor data from the fingerprint sensor system. The control system may be capable of determining fingerprint sensor data blocks for at least a portion of the fingerprint sensor data and of calculating statistical variance values for fingerprint sensor data corresponding to each of the fingerprint sensor data blocks. The control system may be capable of determining, based at least in part the statistical variance values, whether an object is positioned proximate a portion of the fingerprint sensor system.

Abstract: A display control device for a remote control device is disclosed. The display control device is configured to have connection with a display device and a remote control device spaced apart from each other. The display device is configured to display an operation screen having multiple icons for accepting an operation directed to a control target apparatus. When display is switched from a first operation screen to a second operation screen having a different icon arrangement, the display control means shifts an icon selection state from one icon selected on the first operation screen to an initial selection icon pre-set on the second operation screen and causes the display device to display a visual effect indicative of a direction from position of the selected one icon to position of the initial selection icon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting user initiated movement by an input element handled by a user is disclosed. The method may include performing a calibration procedure that is initiated by the user via a physical movement performed by the user. The method may also include positioning at least one sensor to dynamically adjust a size of an effective workspace range capable of detecting the user's movement of the input element.

Abstract: A locating device is for locating a pointing device. The pointing device is configured to capture a plurality of images, to measure an angular rate of the pointing device, and to generate and output current coordinate data associated with an orientation of the pointing device when at least one of the images contains infrared light from a light source module. The locating device is configured to receive the current coordinate data and the angular rate from the pointing device, to generate a cursor signal based on one of the current coordinate data and the angular rate, and to transmit the cursor signal to a computing device, which is configured to move a cursor on a display unit, according to the cursor signal.

Abstract: Example embodiments described herein can include a display portion including a display; and a keyboard portion including a plurality of keys. One of the plurality of keys is a multi-function key configured to register a character on the display, and the multi-function key is configured to control movement of a cursor in multiple directions on the display. In yet other embodiments, the multi-function key is a space bar having a surface area substantially larger than other keys of the plurality of keys. The multi-function key can be rectangular shaped and sufficiently large to receive simultaneous contacts associated with each thumb of a user when the user types on the keyboard portion.

Abstract: An input device includes a substrate, a key top, a magnet, magnetic sensors, and electromagnetic converters. The substrate includes first and second surfaces. The key top is arranged on a first surface side, slides from a reference position in directions parallel to the substrate, and moves in a perpendicular direction. The magnet is fixed on a substrate side, and moves together with the key top. The magnetic sensors are fixed on the second surface, are respectively arranged apart in different directions parallel to the substrate, and detect a position of the magnet. The electromagnetic converters are fixed on the second surface, are respectively arranged apart in different directions parallel to the substrate, are arranged at positions different from the magnetic sensors, and generate magnetic force in a direction in which the magnet is away from the substrate in the perpendicular direction, in accordance with a supply of electrical power.

Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.

Abstract: A stereoscopic cursor method comprising: generating a virtual plane based on a variable cursor scene depth of a stereoscopic cursor for a stereoscopic user interface, the stereoscopic user interface comprising plural stereoscopic buttons, wherein the virtual plane is positioned between a viewer and the plural stereoscopic buttons; and causing the stereoscopic cursor to move along the virtual plane responsive to viewer input, the movement occurring smoothly and gradually adjacent to the plural stereoscopic buttons and varying in depth as the stereoscopic cursor progresses along the virtual plane from one of the plural stereoscopic buttons to another, the generating and causing performed by a processor in a computing device.

Abstract: A digital processor having a key input unit and a key input method are disclosed. The key unit includes: a base that is fixed at the central position of the key unit; a slider that horizontally moves in parallel to the horizontal plane of the base by the user's operation; a frame that supports the slider so as to horizontally move; and a restoration unit that gives a resistive force against the horizontal movement of the slider and restores the horizontally-moved slider to an original position. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of keys by increasing the number of information to be input by the use of a single key.

Abstract: A pointer control method and device applicable to a computer system with a keyboard are provided. The keyboard includes control keys and non-control keys arranged in a matrix and each has an X coordinate and a Y coordinates. In the method, after a first key event that more than two non-control keys are pressed simultaneously is detected, a first coordinate is calculated, in which the first coordinate includes an average value of X coordinates and an average value of Y coordinates. A second key event that one non-control key is pressed is then detected, and a second coordinate is calculated, in which the second coordinate includes an X coordinate and a Y coordinate. Finally, a vector defined by the first and second coordinate is calculated, and a moving direction and a moving speed of the pointer are controlled according to the vector.

Abstract: A user input panel dynamically expands to accommodate user input, such as handwritten or keyboard input. Expansion may occur in one or two out of four possible directions, depending upon the language to be written or typed. For example, when writing English words, the input panel may expand to the right as the user writes and then downward when the input panel has fully expanded rightward.

Abstract: A wireless output unit of a remote controller 2 having a touch pad 23 or a touch panel wirelessly outputs a coordinate value associated with a continuous contact input for the touch pad 23 to a television 1. A reception unit of the television 1 wirelessly receives the coordinate value associated with the continuous contact input output from the wireless output unit. A display processing unit displays on a display unit 14 a pointer 3 moving on the basis of the coordinate value received by the reception unit. An output unit outputs, when the continuous contact input is finished, acceptance information indicating that an input for an object T displayed on the display unit 14 is accepted at a final coordinate value for the pointer 3 displayed on the display unit 14.

Abstract: A touch-control module for recognizing gesture inputs by a position sensitive device to an electronic device is disclosed. The touch-control module includes an input connected to the position sensitive device for receiving at least one sensing signal generated by the position sensitive device when one or more objects touch a surface thereof; a touch state unit for detecting the sensing signal and determining a touch state of the object(s), such as approaching to or lifting off the position sensitive device; a position and multi-gesture processing unit for analyzing the sensing signal to determine a touch position of the object(s) on the position sensitive device, and tracking the touch state and touch position to determine a corresponding motion factor; and an output connected to the electronic device for outputting the touch state and touch position as well as information corresponding to a motion factor whenever the motion factor is determined.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control device and an electronic device. The remote control device includes an input element, a wireless transmitter to transmit an absolute coordinate signal and a motion signal and a control unit electrically connected to the input element and the wireless transmitter. The electronic device includes a wireless receiver and a display screen. The wireless receiver receives the absolute coordinate signal and the motion signal, and displays the absolute coordinate signal at the display screen via a cursor. When the electronic device does not receive the motion signal, the absolute coordinate signal is not operated on an application program of the electronic device. When the electronic device receives the motion signal, the absolute coordinate signal is operated on the application program.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining a deflection of a moveable conductive plate that is moved over a capacitive sensing device. The method may include moving the moveable conductive plate over sensor elements of the capacitive sensing device, and determining the deflection of the moveable conductive plate. In determining the deflection, a deflection magnitude and a deflection direction may be determined by calculating a vector of x- and y-directions or a vector of a radius and an angle.

Abstract: A user control input system for a host with a display. A controller establishes a communication link with the host and includes a first motion sensor. At least a second motion sensor is also in communication with the host. First user movement induces the first motion sensor to generate a first signal that is communicated to the host such that the host induces movement of a cursor on the display to move with respect to control objects at a first resolution. Second user movement induces the second motion sensor to generate a signal that is communicated to the host such that the host processing unit induces movement of the cursor at a second coarser resolution. The cursor can include first and second indicia such that the second indicium is moved proportional to the second motion at a finer resolution than movement of the first indicia.

Abstract: Motion information is obtained which is information about a motion applied to an input device housing itself including a pointing device of a plurality of input mean. Next, based on the motion information, a movement amount of the input device housing is calculated. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the movement amount satisfies predetermined conditions. When the predetermined conditions are satisfied, a position is designated based on an output from the pointing device.

Abstract: A computer input method is disclosed which comprises detecting key press by a keyboard having a plurality of permanent keys for entering commands and characters into the computer, a surface area of the plurality of permanent keys having a designated region, detecting touch on the surface area of the plurality of permanent keys, entering into a cursor positioning mode when only one first touch on the surface of the plurality of permanent keys being detected while the key touched by the first touch not being pressed and the first touch being located outside the designated region, entering into a scroll-and-zoom mode when only one second touch on the surface of the plurality of permanent keys being detected while the key touched by the second touch not being pressed and the second touch being located inside the designated region and in a move, and entering into a keyboard mode when two or more simultaneously touched locations on the surface area of the plurality of permanent keys being detected.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for affecting diagonal movement of a cursor 171 on a display screen 322 of a handheld communication device 300. The method includes sensing movement at an auxiliary user input 328 of the handheld communication device 300 indicative of a user's desire to affect diagonal movement of the cursor 171 on the display screen 322 of the handheld communication device 300. X-direction signals and Y-direction signals are produced based on the sensed movement at the auxiliary user input 328. During that time while necessary signals are being collected and processed, the cursor 171 is held steady on the display screen 322 until a predetermined criterion is met for discriminating whether the user has indicated x-direction cursor movement, y-direction cursor movement or diagonal cursor movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pointing device and a method for processing signals from such a pointing device, said device comprising a base and an actuator movable with respect to the base, and a detector, said detector adapted for providing at least first and second positional signals indicating a position of the actuator with respect to the base along corresponding first and second axes, wherein said signal processing method comprises the steps of converting the at least two positional signals into a polar coordinate signal comprising a magnitude signal, and thresholding the magnitude signal of the polar coordinate signal to provide a thresholded magnitude signal. In an embodiment the method further comprising the step of applying a conversion curve to the thresholded magnitude signal to produce a velocity magnitude signal.

Abstract: A character input method and apparatus in an electronic terminal are provided. The character input method includes displaying a virtual keypad having at least one key area to which a plurality of characters are associated, displaying a plurality of areas when a touch is detected on the at least one key area, detecting whether the touch includes a drag and inputting, after the drag is detected, a character mapped to an area corresponding to a point where the drag is released.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying a user interface on a display device, the user interface displaying a content item, in response to receiving input, displaying a user interface control panel including a user interface control, the user interface control configured to enable modifying one or more attributes of the content item, and in response to detecting a first selection of the user interface control, displaying a portion of the user interface control panel and hiding a portion of the user interface control panel, the displayed portion of the user interface control panel including the user interface control.