Abstract: An information processing apparatus which enables a pointer to move a long distance on a screen at a time is provided. The present invention comprises an operation means equipped with a plurality of keys, a display means which displays a pointer for indicating a position on a screen, and a control means which divides at least part of the screen of the display means into a plurality of areas corresponding to plurality of keys, and when either key among plurality of keys is selected in order to move the pointer, moves the pointer to the area corresponding to the selected key and makes a display means perform a display highlighting the pointer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a touch input interface for information, computing and control devices. In accordance with an embodiment, the systems and methods described herein, in a high level conceptual embodiment, can be used to provide interface devices and methods that naturally and organically present a preview of the action that will take place, if and only if the element (or elements) of the interface that is (are) currently indicated, is (are) definitely commanded by further confirmation. Otherwise the state of the device will be maintained, and the display will be restored to its previous state if no such action is taken, and/or if the indication is removed or changed. In most embodiments, the feedback is to be presented in a natural way that does not distract, such as in the line of sight.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing data being displayed on at least one monitor screen based on monitoring user's attention in relation to the monitor screen. In one embodiment, upon detecting that the user's attention is leaving at least a portion of a screen, the system may alert the user of such an event. Alternatively, the system could alert the user upon detecting a triggering condition while the user's attention is away from the at least a portion of the screen. The step of alerting the user may include modifying at least a portion of a display on a monitor not being viewed by the user. Additionally, the system may initiate preparation of a report including any data not being viewed by a user during the time period when the user is not viewing a portion of the monitor.

Abstract: Provided are a command input device, a mobile information device, and a command input method which can easily be operated by a user even when the input unit in the device is small. A first and a second detection modules arranged on a device which is brought into contact with a user body detect vibration caused by a tapping operation on the user body and transmitted via the user body. The position of the tapping operation on the user body is identified according to analysis data obtained by analyzing the vibration relations detected by the first and the second detection modules such as a known correspondence between a time difference between the detection timings and the position of the tapping operation on the user body. Since the user body can be used as a space for inputting a command, it is possible to secure a sufficient input space.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing to carry a wireless transceiver, a display, a keyboard, and a processor cooperating with the wireless transceiver to perform at least one wireless communication function. The processor also cooperates with the display and the keyboard to permit selection of a keyboard mode from among a plurality of different keyboard modes, at least one of the keyboard modes having multiple different letters selectable from a given key. The processor generates a respective different cursor on the display based upon the selected keyboard mode.

Abstract: A keypad assembly for a portable radiotelephone and a method for controlling the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes: a printed circuit board having a plurality of metal domes; a keypad rubber disposed on the printed circuit board and having bosses formed integratedly on the positions corresponding to the respective metal domes; a sensing means disposed on the keypad rubber; and a key button part disposed on the sensing means, such that a touch screen function using the sensing means or a key button function electrically contacting the metal domes is selectively used according to the mode of the radiotelephone.

Abstract: Emoticon message composition is supported in a portable terminal. An edit window in the form of a lattice is displayed for message composition. During special character input selection, a list window including a plurality of special characters is displayed in the edit window. The list window is arranged such that a plurality of lines are shown in the edit window. The special characters displayed in the list window are arranged in a sequence of being stored in a queue that includes one of a special character queue for a message recipient or a basic special character queue.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for providing both translational and rotational input to a computer, to manipulate graphical objects. In one embodiment, a pointing stick is cantilevered to a base. One or more translational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate translational signals in response to lateral forces applied to the pointing stick. One or more rotational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate rotational signals in response to rotational forces applied to the pointing stick. The rotational sensor may sense torque, such as with a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect rotational strain on a fixed pointing stick. The rotational sensor may alternatively sense rotational displacement, such as with a potentiometer configured to detect rotation of a rotatable sleeve about a fixed shaft.

Abstract: Operating a pointing device in a low power manner by receiving first tracking information from a first tracking device, de-activating the first tracking device when the accuracy of the first tracking information is determined to be inadequate, activating a second tracking device in order to acquire second tracking information when the first tracking device is deactivated, wherein the first tracking device is substantially lower power device that the second tracking device.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver controlled by a screen remote controller and a space remote controller and controlling method, the method including according to an embodiment displaying a screen remote controller, partitioning a portion of a whole screen of the broadcast receiver into at least two control regions, displaying a pointer to enable a first pointing signal outputted from the space remote controller to indicate one control region of the screen remote controller, receiving a second pointing signal from the space remote controller, and executing a function corresponding to the one control region indicated by the pointer.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method for a remote control to input characters to a display device includes: in response to a character input request sent by a remote control, displaying an input box and a soft keyboard, where the soft keyboard includes a plurality of preset single characters or strings, and each string at most includes four characters; in response to a position movement instruction sent by a button on the remote control, moving a cursor to a target character, where buttons on the remote control include arrow buttons and an Ok button; and in response to an input confirmation instruction sent by a button on the remote control, inputting the target character to the input box.

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: An input device and a mobile terminal having the input device are provided. The input device includes a key button with a transparent material having an internal space, an illumination sensor located in an internal space of the key button to sense ambient illumination of the key button, a light-emitting portion located at one side of the illumination sensor to output a light signal to the outside of the key button for detecting a touch applied to the key button, and an input signal generation unit configured to generate a touch input signal according to the light signal being input to a light-receiving portion of the illumination sensor.

Abstract: A character input apparatus and method in a terminal are provided, in which a touch screen displays a first key set and a second key set. The first key set includes first letter keys with all consonants and a second letter key with symbols indicating Tone Marks (Tms) and positions of predetermined vowels, for inputting all vowels and Tms. The second key set includes the predetermined vowels or Tms. Upon selection of a symbol by the second letter key, the controller controls the touch screen to display the second key set and receives at least one letter by the first key set and the second key set.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device is provided with a display and a unique edge to edge qwerty keypad. The specially arranged qwerty keypad has special side keys and intermediate keys which cooperate with the housing to provide a waterproof casing (case) and sealing system to seal and protect the keys, backlighting, flexes, domes and printed circuit board (PCB) from water.

Abstract: For modifying touchpad function, a control module employs interim controls in an interim state for a touchpad in response to detecting use of a pointer embedded in a keyboard in a touchpad state. The control module further employs pointing controls in a pointing state in response to satisfying pointing criteria in the interim state. The control module also employs touchpad controls in a touchpad state in response to satisfying touchpad criteria in the pointing state.

Abstract: An information handling system is disclosed including a display, a base coupled to the display and a keypad with a plurality of keys disposed on the base. The system further includes a touchpad located proximate the keypad and a point stick located substantially between at least two of the plurality of keys, wherein the point stick is configured to be a scroll control device. A method for manipulating information on a display of an information handling system is further disclosed herein. The method includes moving a cursor on the display using a touchpad proximate a keypad on the information handling system and scrolling the information on the display in a direction corresponding with the direction of pressure applied to a top portion of a point stick located substantially between at least two keys of the keypad.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a housing and a keypad assembly configured within the housing. The keypad assembly includes one or more groups of keys configured for movable positioning between a first orientation in which a top surface of an individual key is exposed to a user, and a second orientation in which the top surface of the key pivotally retracts into the housing so as to expose an edge surface of the key.

Abstract: In a method of switching a locked state of an electronic device with a user-verifying function, a biologic feature data from a user is captured while receiving an input from the user for an operation when the electronic device is in a locked state. Whether the biologic feature data conforms to a reference biologic feature data is then determined. If it is determined that the biologic feature data conforms to the reference biologic feature data, the electronic device is switched from the locked state into a non-locked state and directly controls the electronic device to perform the operation according to the input when the biologic feature data is determined conforming to the reference biologic feature data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media, for utilizing device motions to manipulate a display screen feature. One or more motion data that indicate a motion of a device are referenced. Upon referencing motion data, manipulations to apply to a display screen feature are identified. Thereafter, the display screen feature is manipulated in accordance with the one or more manipulations identified.

Abstract: A character input method and device based on an arrow key are provided. The method of the present invention includes: querying a letter database according to triggering of a arrow key and obtaining a letter set corresponding to the arrow key; arranging the letter set corresponding to the arrow key according to a predetermined rule, and partially or fully spreading and then displaying the letter set in a display region; displaying a selection cursor at a default position in the display region, where the selection cursor is used for identifying a currently selected letter; and inputting the letter identified by the selection cursor into a character input region according to a predetermined selection rule. Embodiments of the present invention are mainly applied to a character input process based on an arrow key.

Abstract: A landing surface is in physical communication with a face of an optical sensor. The landing surface extends at least 0.5 millimeters (mm) beyond a side of the optical sensor. A sensor orifice provides optical sensing by the optical sensor through the landing surface.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, medical apparatus with software-based cursor control and graphical user interface hotspot selection. This can be used, by way of non-limiting example, as part of a graphical user interface by which doctors, nurses, patient care technicians, other health care providers, and/or patients can enter data into enter data and/or to control the apparatus and/or associated medical equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for modeling and deploying decision services. One computer-implemented method includes displaying a graphical user interface not including a cursor on a display device. An interaction with a first key of a keyboard is received, the first key being associated with display of the cursor. Based on receiving the interaction with the first key, the cursor is displayed with the graphical user interface on the display device. In response to displaying the cursor with the graphical user interface on the display device, non-mouse cursor control inputs of a user are tracked. The cursor is moved on the display device based on the tracked non-mouse cursor control inputs of the user.

Abstract: Touchpad devices emulating button functionality (“click pad” devices) that simultaneously emulates multiple functionalities are described herein. In addition, embodiments provide for click pad emulation of both TrackPoint and touchpad functionality. According to embodiments, a click pad device emulating multiple functionalities may enable or disable certain functionalities based on user interaction with the click pad device. For example, a click pad device emulating both TrackPoint and touchpad functionality may enable TrackPoint functionality and disable touchpad functionality if user gestures on the click pad device indicate that the user is interacting with the click pad as a TrackPoint device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first acceptance unit, a second acceptance unit and a coordinate determination unit. The first acceptance unit accepts first inclinations or first accelerations of a portable information processing apparatus having a display screen in a first state. The second acceptance unit accepts second inclinations or second accelerations of the information processing apparatus in a second state. The coordinate determination unit determines coordinates of a mark for pointing to a position on the display screen in the second state based on the first inclinations accepted by the first acceptance unit and the second inclinations accepted by the second acceptance unit or based on the first accelerations accepted by the first acceptance unit and the second accelerations accepted by the second acceptance unit.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus is disclosed for input of information in an electronic device having a display, the apparatus comprising a graphic processor for displaying a plurality of objects on the display representative of the information to be input, each object of the plurality of objects arranged around the perimeter of a portion of the screen area of the display; a control interface for a user to control movement of a cursor generated in the display by the graphic processor and responsive to the control interface for scrolling through the plurality of objects and selection of an object for input of information.

Abstract: Enhanced camera-based input, in which a detection region surrounding a user is defined in an image of the user within a scene, and a position of an object (such as a hand) within the detection region is detected. Additionally, a control (such as a key of a virtual keyboard) in a user interface is interacted with based on the detected position of the object.

Abstract: An electronic device having an input control application is disclosed. The input control application is used for enabling the electronic device to execute the following actions: obtaining a member group comprising members lined up orderly and a member as a selection member; pressing a key to generate a first signal for excluding members after the selection member, then determining if only one member left in the member group, if “No”, determining the member of the member group in the middle as the new selection member, if “Yes”, executing the input operation; pressing another key to generate a second signal for excluding the members before the current selection member, then determining if only one last member in the current member group, if No”, determining the member of the member group in the middle as the new selection member, if “Yes”, executing the input operation.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for moving a graphical selector. In one example, a method includes activating, by a computing device, a graphical key that is displayed with a presence-sensitive interface of the computing device. Upon activation of the graphical key, the method also includes receiving gesture input corresponding to a directional gesture using the presence-sensitive interface of the computing device and moving a graphical selector displayed with the presence-sensitive interface from a first graphical location to a second graphical location by at least one selected increment based on a property of the gesture input.

Abstract: The remote control device contains two keypads, of which the second keypad is able to be slid into a housing or extracted from it. A sensor detects the sliding position of the second keypad and generates an output signal, that assigns differing control signals to preset keys of the first keypad depending on the sliding position of the second keypad. Additionally the remote control device has two transmission devices with differing directions of emission, with always only one transmission device being activated and in fact depending on the output signal of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus perform pressure detection in a mobile terminal. method determines a squeezing pressure of the mobile terminal. The method determines whether a user squeezes the mobile terminal using the squeezing pressure determined and a value of a proximity sensor. The method transitions the mobile terminal to a wakeup state in response to determining that the user squeezed the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described that includes providing a watch defining a body and a watch face on a surface of the body, the body having one or more sensors arranged to sense user inputs in an area adjacent to the body. The method further comprises sensing a motion of an object in the area adjacent to, but not touching, the body using the one or more sensors and changing a display of a pointing element on a graphical user interface on the watch in coordination with the sensed motion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus through which a user inputs characters using a rotatable search wheel. The image forming apparatus includes a display unit to display a character set in order to input characters, a search wheel, which is able to rotate, to search for characters to be input from the displayed character set while being rotated, an input button to select the characters searched by the search wheel and to input the selected characters, and a control unit to display on the display unit characters selected from the displayed character set according to a rotation direction of the search wheel. Therefore, it is possible to input characters more conveniently and rapidly.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a position acquisition unit for obtaining a display position of an input area in a display area, and a display control unit for controlling, based on the display position of the input area, in the display area a display position of an input operation area in which a character to be displayed in the input area is input. The display control unit displays the input area near the display position of the input area, and makes the input operation area follow the movement of the input area when the display position of the input area is moved.

Abstract: An automotive instrument cluster human machine interface (HMI) has a display screen and an input. The display screen displays a polyhedral with each face of the polyhedron having unique information. The input is operable to rotate the polyhedron such that a new face is displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: The invention related to an input device and an input method as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used, in particular, to very precisely change parameters in data processing programs or electric devices in conjunction with a graphic user interface (GUI). It is therefore proposed to employ an input device with a rotary controller for controlling programs via a graphic user interface of a data processing system, wherein the input device is configured to generate a signal string when the rotary controller is actuated, which causes an operating system of the data processing system to change the values of the data used for positioning a cursor on the graphic user interface so that the cursor is moved on the graphic user interface on a substantially linear curve, when the cursor is visualized according to the data used for positioning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating between different focus points displayed on an electronic device, comprising, for each of said different focus points, maintaining a list of any adjacent ones of said focus points to which focus can move in each direction responsive to a navigation event in said direction, for each said list having only one adjacent focus point moving focus to said one adjacent focus point responsive to said navigation event, and for each said list having more than one adjacent focus point accessing a memory setting and moving focus to a predetermined one of said adjacent focus points responsive to said navigation event in accordance with said memory setting.

Abstract: A gesture-based user interface comprises a wearable portable device storing a gesture profile for each of a plurality of different applications on the wearable portable device to define different gestures for the different applications, wherein each of the gesture profiles includes at least one gesture and a predetermined function associated with the at least one gesture; and a profile web service, wherein the portable device is in communication with the profile web service and is configured to download from the profile web service to the wearable portable device a customizable gesture profile for a particular one of the applications, wherein the customized gesture profile modifies at least one of the different gestures, the customized gesture profile comprising personal preferences of the user regarding the modified gesture, including physical attributes of the user.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes ring-shaped resistance element layer 18, first conductive layer 22 and second conductive layer 23 shaping in arcs corresponding to resistance element layer 18, and knob 14 having ring-shaped protruded section 14D. Resistance element layer 18 has at least a pair of electrodes and is formed on flexible insulating substrate 16. Protruded section 14D brings resistance element layer 18 into contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23 when the knob is tilted. When a given voltage is applied to the electrodes and the knob is tilted, resistance element layer 18 comes in contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23, so that an output signal of a high resolution concerning a tilt angle can be obtained. The output signal is supplied to a microprocessor and calculated, then an angle or a direction is detected and recognized.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device 100 is provided with a display 128 and a unique edge to edge qwerty keypad 134. The specially arranged qwerty keypad has special side keys 144 and intermediate keys 146 which cooperate with the housing 106 to provide a waterproof casing (case) 190 and sealing system 192 to seal and protect the keys, backlighting 160, flexes 162, domes 170 and printed circuit board (PCB) 184 from water.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device configured to send and receive text messages. The device is hand cradleable with a body configured to be held in one hand by an operator during text entry. A display is located on a front face of the body and upon which information is displayed to the operator during text entry. A key field is also located on the front face of the body and that includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and menu control keys. A microprocessor is provided that receives operator commands from the keys and the trackball navigation tool and which affects corresponding changes to the display based on user input. The key field is arranged such that the keys in lateral exterior key columns are associated with an application function.

Abstract: A computer system having a computer and a keyboard is provided. The keyboard includes a plurality of first letter keys and respective second letter keys. Each of the first and second letter keys is associated with a respective letter. The computer system is arranged: (i) upon activation of one of the first letter keys to register the selection of the corresponding letter; and (ii) upon activation of one of the second letter keys to present to a user a predefined list of one or more words. The words of each list are associated with the corresponding letter. The computer system is further arranged to register a selection by the user of one of the presented words.

Abstract: Control of multiple functions of an electronic device is provided by using a single control element (102) including a switch body (312) adjustable between multiple switch positions, a primary actuator (302) with lateral (302b) and distal surface (302a) portions extending from the switch body and configured for adjusting the switch body between the switch positions, and a pressure sensor (314) operable via an activation force at the lateral surfaces of the primary actuator. A first function can be controlled responsive to motion of the primary actuator during an activation of the pressure sensor. Additionally, a second function can be controlled responsive to the motion of the primary actuator of the control element exclusive of the activation of the pressure sensor. Further, a third function can be controlled in responsive to activation of the pressure sensor for at least a first period of time exclusive of motion of the primary actuator.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for inputting a three-dimensional (3D) location. The method determines whether a control signal for moving a pointer existing at a point in a two-dimensional (2D) coordinate plane is a 3D movement signal for moving the pointer into a 3D space; and based on a result of the determination, the method selectively moves the pointer to a point in the 3D space existing in a direction perpendicular to the 2D coordinate plane, according to the control signal.

Abstract: A circuit board testing system and a circuit board testing system for testing a circuit board of keys. The circuit board testing system includes a computer and a test frame. The circuit board is placed on the test frame. The computer includes a script database with plural pin test scripts, a script generation program and a test program. The test program is used for searching a pin test script corresponding to the circuit board from the script database, and testing the circuit board according to the pin test script. If the pin test script is not searched from the script database by the test program, the script generation program is activated to create the pin test script.

Abstract: One embodiment of a hand integrated mouse or operations platform remotely operates one or more computer applications while worn on the user's hand and the hand is also free to do other things such as keyboarding, driving, and flying.

Abstract: An input processing device comprises a display screen and a pointing device for inputting corresponding 2-dimensional coordinates on the display screen. A 3-dimensional space is displayed on the display screen and the 2-dimensional coordinates inputted from the pointing device are detected. Next, shift amounts, per unit of time, of the detected 2-dimensional coordinates are calculated based on a predetermined calculation start condition. And the calculated shift amounts are converted to 3-dimensional coordinate shift amounts in the 3-dimensional space.

Abstract: A system for indexing displayed elements that is useful for accessing and understanding new or difficult materials, in which a user highlights unknown words or characters or other displayed elements encountered while viewing displayed materials. In a language learning application, the system displays the meaning of a word in context; and the user may include the word in a personal vocabulary to build a database of words and phrases. In a Japanese language application, one or more Japanese language books are read on an electronic display. Readings (‘yomi’) for all words are readily viewable for any selected word or phrase, as well as an English reference to the selected word or phrase. Extensive notes are provided for difficult phrases and words not normally found in a dictionary. A unique indexing scheme allows word-by-word access to any of several external multi-media references.