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

Abstract: An electronic device (1) comprises a control element (6) for receiving user input, and the control element (6) comprises at least a first input means (6b), a second input means (6c) and a protective cover (2) with a specified place for the control element (6). The first input means (6b) is essentially plane-shaped and the second input means (6c) is essentially ring-shaped; the control element (6) has a first input mode and a second input mode; in the first input mode, the control element (6) is arranged to receive input in the form of navigation information; and in the second input mode, the control element (6) is arranged to receive input in the form of alphanumeric information. The device (1) is arranged to be controlled by means of information received by the control element (6).

Abstract: A pointing device includes an elastic plate is provided with a perforation or notch through which a pin can be inserted. Terminal electrodes are formed, and then strain resistant elements are formed in the state in which the pin is inserted through the perforation or notch. Thus, variations in the positional relationship between the terminal electrodes and the strain resistant elements are eliminated. A base plate may be provided with a perforation or notch which can receive the pin. The pin is inserted through the notch of the elastic plate. The elastic plate is mounted on the base plate using the pin as a guide. The elastic plate may be made of yttrium-stabilized zirconia.

Abstract: Method and apparatus using bending wave vibration to calculate information relating to a contact on a contact sensitive device. The contact sensitive device has a member capable of supporting bending waves, and a device attached to the member measures bending wave propagation in the member to determine a measured bending wave signal. The measured bending wave signal is processed to calculate information relating to the contact. The contact sensitive device may comprise a transparent touch sensitive plate mounted in front of a display device. A stylus (e.g., pen) may be used for writing text or other matter on the touch-sensitive plate. The plate may also be an acoustic device. Three transducers are mounted on the plate. At least two of the transducers are sensing transducers and are thus sensitive to and monitor bending wave vibration in the plate.

Abstract: Control arrangement for a cursor (140) on a screen or a display for a computer (130), comprising a hand unit (10) with two sensing elements (20, 30) adapted to be applied on two of the fingers of the user, suitably along the thumb and forefinger, where the intersecting point (80) between the sensing elements controls the position of the cursor. The sensing elements are connected to a processing unit for the determination of the intersecting point between the threads when they are situated next to each other and for the control of the position of the cursor according to this intersecting point.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for controlling the position of an indicator in a user interface using a menu is disclosed. By the method, when a menu having items selected and adjusted by an indicator is displayed, and the position and a size of the menu are changed, the indicator follows the changed menu. Thus, an interface can be easily realized.

Abstract: Bioacoustic sensors and wireless technologies are used for the control of electronic devices, such as a wireless telephones, pagers, music/media players or personal, laptops and personal digital assistant devices (PDA). Such control is implemented with certain systems, methods and apparatus which include bioacoustic sensors, a processor coupled to the bioacoustic sensors, and a transmitter coupled to the processor. The present invention is operative to detect particular hand and/or finger gestures, and to transmit control signals corresponding to the gestures for operative control of an electronic device.

Abstract: An input apparatus having a scrolling function includes a cursor key and a hot key. The cursor key is configured to selectively control a cursor movement on a screen and scroll data displayed on the screen. When the hot key is at a first status, in response to action of a user, the cursor key scrolls data displayed on the screen. When the hot key is at a second status, in response to action of the user, the cursor key controls the cursor movement on the screen. Methods for selectively providing a scrolling function on the input apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A key input device in which an input key is oscillated with respect to an opposing surface facing a bottom portion thereof and in which depression of the opposing surface with the input key at a normal operating point situated above a contact portion of a board causes the input key to tilt in a normal oscillating direction to effect input at the contact portion. Either the bottom portion of the input key or the opposing surface is equipped with guide protrusions arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line extending along the normal oscillating direction of the input key. Depression of the opposing surface with the input key at an erroneous operating point deviated from the normal operating point results in the guide protrusions guiding the input key to tilt in the normal oscillating direction while abutting either the bottom portion of the input key or the opposing surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed an energy recovering circuit with boosting voltage-up and an energy efficient method using the same that are capable of boosting the voltage factor of an energy recovered from the panel to rapidly re-appl it to the panel, to thereby reduce the charging time of a panel capacitor and improve its energy recovery efficiency. An energy recovering circuit according to the present invention includes a voltage boosting circuit for boosting a voltage factor of an energy recovered from a panel and supplying the boosted energy to the panel. An energy efficient method according to the present invention includes steps of recovering an energy from a panel to a closed loop; and a controlling the closed loop in order to supplying the energy with its voltage factor boosted to the panel.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus, an inputting-operation device includes a touch panel actuated by a push button of a switch jointed to a laterally-movable strip. As the single switch moved laterally, the push button presses down the touch panel for the panel to output a first signal. The first signal makes a pointer shifts to a corresponding position on a display for selecting an item. The selected item is then actuated by a second signal produced by the switch pressing down the touch panel. This operation allows the pointer to shift to the selected item and allows the selected item to be actuated in a continuous sequence by a finger of an operator holding but not departing from a particular portion of the inputting-operation device.

Abstract: An input control system is operative to set functions of four switches of a switch input section, thereby resolving the problem of intricate operation, particularly the screen scroll operation, which has been encountered by the conventional input scheme based on an input pad and click keys.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a data processing device is described in which an audio system and a light system is embedded within a cursor control device such as a directional pad. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cursor control device for performing one or more defined cursor control functions; an audio system embedded within the cursor control device, the audio system configured to generate audio signals responsive to audio signals received and/or generated by the data processing device; and a light source embedded within the cursor control device, the light sources configured to generate light from the cursor control device responsive to control signals generated by the data processing device.

Abstract: Provides control movement of a display area to an image displayed outside a display screen by means of a touch operation using a touch panel in such a general-purpose environment as a desk-top screen of an operating system. In an example embodiment, a data processing apparatus employs a touch panel unit as an input unit. The data processing apparatus includes an operation event detector for detecting an operation preset, to be distinguished from other normal inputs to the panel touch unit; a cursor movement information generator for generating movement information used to move a cursor positioned at the periphery of a display screen to the outside thereof; a cursor movement controller for moving the position of the cursor on a display image according to the generated movement information; and a virtual screen controller for scrolling an item displayed on the display screen according to a cursor movement.

Abstract: In a method for entering a character sequence consisting of one or more characters into an electronic device including keys for entering keystrokes by a user as well a display panel for presenting information to the user, wherein a group of characters is presented on the display panel in the form of a matrix composed of rows and columns, at least one specific character is pointed by a cursor which is movable through the matrix, and the character sequence is constructed by pointing out consecutive characters one by one by the cursor, and the character is entered by a keystroke. In order to enter a specific character from the character sequence, the cursor moves automatically in a first direction through a specific row or column, thereby sequentially pointing out the characters in the specific row or column; the automatically moving cursor can be moved towards the column or row, respectively, of the specific character by one or more first and/or second keystrokes.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal with a one-keyed data input device is disclosed. The one-keyed data input device includes a recess portion formed on the top surface of a main body of the terminal and a center key positioned in the recess portion. The center key is arranged to be movable in the uppermost or lowermost direction or in the leftmost or rightmost direction from the center of the recess portion and movable in the radial direction from the center.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprising a user input device capable of adopting at least three pre-determined positions, each of which enables an associated function to be actuated, a processor for receiving inputs from the user input device and altering the operating state of the portable electronic device accordingly, wherein the user input device is operable in at least a menu-navigational mode and a text-editing mode, at least one of the pre-determined positions of the user input device being associated with both a menu-navigational function and a text-editing function.

Abstract: A computer program product for a computer system includes code that directs a processor to display a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object on a display, wherein the two-dimensional representation comprises a plurality of two-dimensional regions, wherein the three-dimensional object is associated with a plurality of components in a component hierarchy, and wherein each two-dimensional region is associated with at least one component from the plurality of components, code that directs the processor to receive a selection of a two-dimensional region from the user on the display, code that directs the processor to determine a component from the plurality of components associated with the two-dimensional region, code that directs the processor to receive a value for an animation variable associated with the component, and code that directs the processor to set the animation variable associated with the component to the value, wherein the codes reside on a tangible media.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an apparatus body, a lid member, a supporting mechanism, an operation section and a control section. The apparatus body has a playback section. The lid member has a display section provided on one face thereof. A signal from the playback section is supplied to the display section. The supporting mechanism is provided between the apparatus body and the lid member. The supporting mechanism supports the lid member on the apparatus body for pivotal motion between a first position wherein the lid member covers an upper face of the apparatus body and a second position wherein the lid member uncovers the upper face of the apparatus body and also for pivotal motion around an axis parallel to the plane of the lid member at the second position. The operation section is provided on the apparatus body. The control section is provided on the apparatus body.

Abstract: A computer or video game device for generating hand manipulated data. The device consists of one or more sensors that are mounted on the human hand. The sensors are conveniently located for easy access and manipulation by opposing fingers on the same hand that the sensors are mounted on. This arrangement overcomes the limitations of a tabletop computer mouse by not requiring a planar surface, and by not requiring the user to hold onto the device. Additionally the sensors are located in such a way that they do not impede standard office procedures such as using a computer keyboard, writing with a pen, holding a phone, etcetera. The device can also be quickly and easily attached or removed by the user. Various embodiments of the invention include “wired”, “wireless”, multiple finger, universal right or left-hand, universal finger or thumb application, and universal side or top mounted sensors. Existing technologies and manufacturing techniques are utilized to minimize cost.

Abstract: A pointing device for a computer includes a magnetic field source, a magnetic field sensor, and a flexible member that connects the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. When a user accelerates the pointing device the position of magnetic field source with respect to the magnetic field sensor changes and this positional change is measured by the magnetic field sensor, which outputs corresponding electrical signals. The pointing device further includes a processor that receives the electrical signals output by the magnetic field sensor, generates a corresponding standard location signal of the pointing device, and outputs the location signal to a computer via a transmission system.

Abstract: A swapping utility enables directional commands from a graphic user interface and/or keyboard to be utilized to swap data items associated with lists, tables or other series of data items. Upon receipt of both a directional command, e.g. up, down, left, or right, and a swap command, the utility uses the current position of the cursor or a selected entity to identify a first data item to be swapped and the relative direction thereto to identify a second, adjacent data item to be swapped. If both identified data items are of the same data type, their respective contents are exchanged within the ordered list or table without the need to cut and paste the content. In alternative embodiments, multiple adjacent data items may be swapped, or, in an embodiment which utilizes multiple selection icons, single or multiple nonadjacent entities may be directly swapped.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device including a display section for displaying a video signal, comprising: an OSD generating section adapted to generate a menu matrix having a plurality of menu icons arranged in a plurality of rows and columns forming a matrix shape to display the generated menu matrix on the display section, the plurality of menu icons being adapted to adjust the display state of the display section; a key inputting section adapted to allow a user to select any desired one of the plurality of menu icons; and a control section adapted to control a pointer so that the pointer is positioned at a menu icon in the central region of the menu matrix upon the initial display of the menu matrix, the pointer indicating a menu icon selected through the key inputting section, and the control section adapted to vary the display state of the display section according to an input signal from the key inputting section.

Abstract: Information elements such as alphanumeric characters are input into a small computing device having little or no keyboard by operating with a predetermined number of strokes on a multi-directional input key, such as a joystick, input button or pointing button. Each direction of movement of the input key provides a input choice for a user allowing the user to make a sequence of choices through a hierarchy of selectable information elements. The sequence of strokes in the predetermined number of strokes is detected to identify the information element selected. A display provides information to the user indicating the information elements or characters available and the pattern of strokes to select a particular character. In some implementations of the invention the entire key stroke pattern is displayed. In other implementations of the invention, the display provides guidance before each stroke to indicate the key stroke choices available to select subsets of the information elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a tactile feedback to a user of a computer cursor control device such as a pointing stick is provided. A pzt material is first mounted to a semi-rigid material such as by bonding the pzt material to a metal substrate. When an ac signal is applied to this assembly it vibrates. By coupling this mechanical vibration to the pointing stick, the user can sense the feedback. This can be used, for example, to provide a tactile feedback when the user depresses the pointing stick to cause a “mouse click.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (12) is operative to conduct transactions in response to HTML documents and TCP/IP messages exchanged with a local computer system (14) through an intranet (16), as well as in response to messages exchanged with foreign servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 96) in a wide area network (18). The banking machine includes a computer (34) having an HTML document handling portion (76, 80, 82). The HTML document handling portion is operative to communicate through a proxy server (88), with a home HTTP server (90) in the intranet or the foreign servers in the wide area network. The computer flurther includes a device application portion (84) which interfaces with the HTML document handling portion and dispatches messages to operate devices (36) in the automated banking machine. The devices include a sheet dispenser mechanism (42) which dispenses currency as well as other transaction devices.

Abstract: A pointing device including a base part, an operating part supported on the base part in a rockable manner about a fulcrum, a magnet carried on the operating part, a magneto-electro transducer carried on the base part, and an elastic member arranged between the base part and the operating part to elastically push the operating part toward an initial balanced position on the base part. The elastic member is formed as a plate spring provided with a first section engageable with the base part and a second section engageable with the operating part. The second section is integrally joined to the first section and located to extend around the fulcrum. The first section of the plate spring extends annularly around the fulcrum and is fixedly supported on the base part, and the second section extends arcuately along the first section to exert a spring action.

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

Abstract: An enhanced computer peripheral input device is provided. In one embodiment, the enhanced computer peripheral input device comprises a pointing device operable to be communicatively coupled to a computer device. In one embodiment, the pointing device includes at least one control activator, wherein manipulation of the at least one control activator results in the generation and transmission of at least one control signal to at least one electronic device. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one control signal influences the operation of the at least one electronic device. Preferably, the manner in which operation is influenced does not include enabling a user to interact with a graphical user interface being provided at least in part via said computer device, if said computer device is included in said at least one electronic device.

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

Abstract: A system and method for navigating between hyperlinks and frames on a Web page within a Web browser in a client system in communication with one or more server systems. A plurality of hyperlinks and frames are displayed on a display of a user device via the Web browser, with each hyperlink and frame representing information about their location stored in one of the server systems. A user input entered from a remote input device is received by the client system. Based on the user input, a determination is made of which one of the hyperlinks or frames is to be marked as the active frame or link, and that hyperlink or frame is then marked. An indicator is then displayed on the display device indicating to the user that the selected hyperlink or frame has been made active.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a serial port configured to interface with a separate host, one serial interface engine (SIE) connected to the serial port, and at least a first interface unit and a second interface unit connected to the one serial interface engine. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a virtual hub comprising a firmware unit configured to emulate a hub having multiple ports. In an alternative embodiment, the first interface unit is a keyboard interface, and the second interface unit is a flash media drive interface. In another alternative embodiment, is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) peripheral and the serial port is a Universal Serial Bus port. In another alternative embodiment, apparatus is housed within a keyboard.

Abstract: A key input device is provided for inputting digits/letters/characters/symbols by a keypad and a character input method for the key input device. In the key input device, a mode key is pressed to select one of a plurality of key matrixes for a corresponding mode, which is displayed on a display. A first directional key is used for inter-cell movement in the displayed key matrix and a second directional key is used to select an intended digit/letter/character/symbol within a cell. In the character input method, a mode with a unique key matrix is set by pressing a mode key. An intended cell is moved to within the key matrix by pressing a first directional key. An intended digit/letter/character/symbol is selected in the cell by pressing a second directional key. The selected digit/letter/character/symbol is displayed on a display.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case and a screen attached to the case. The screen indicates a cursor position. The electronic device further has an input device mounted to the case. The input device includes a curved surface for detecting an object disposed on the curved surface using a light path that transfers an image of the object to an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the movement of the object across the curved surface and in response, the input device manipulates the cursor position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a button apparatus for an electrical device having a circuit board with M switch devices wherein M is a positive integer number. The button apparatus includes a body and a pillar. The body has M protrusions respectively corresponding to the M switch devices for selectively actuating the M switch devices. The pillar has a first end and a second end. The second end has a projection used as a pivot. The first end presses against a central part of the body. When the body is pushed downward, the body presses upon the first end and the projection touches against the circuit board for controlling one of the M protrusions to selectively actuate one corresponding switch device.

Abstract: In an inputting apparatus which is manipulated with a finger placed on a manipulating section included in the inputting apparatus, the manipulating section is configured to stimulate the tactile sense of the finger used in the manipulating, enabling to confirm the inputting.

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: The present invention provides a systems, methods, and products for enhanced user navigation to compliment (but not necessarily replace) a computer keyboard and mouse by providing a robust navigation interface. The present invention may comprise: a minimally necessary group of commands; combining the functionality a set of at least two command calls into a single logical button; for a single button, prioritizing a set of command calls from first to last and then calling each until one is accepted; logically remapping commands to buttons for a navigational device coupled to a physically rotate-able display device; and mapping a substitute command to a logical button for when the button is engaged in a predetermined manner other than the primary manner in which the logical button is engaged (e.g., double-clicking, flicking, press-and-hold, etc.) so that a substitute command can in fact be issued, among others.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a pushbutton for selecting an item displayed on the display screen. The pushbutton includes an imaging surface against which a portion of the tip of a human digit may be placed. A light source illuminates that portion of the tip of the digit that is placed against the 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 generates digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer generates a first set of movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The first set of movement data is indicative of motion of the tip of the digit across the imaging surface.

Abstract: A foot switch, interface and associated software, the foot switch having a plurality of switch positions and which permits the operator to duplicate the equivalent series of keyboard entries for the operation of computer functions by means of foot manipulation utilizing the foot switch.

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: To provide an input device including a deformable electrical insulating sensor base, an operation end connected to the center portion of the sensor base, a first resistive layer provided on one surface of the sensor base, a second resistive layer provided on a surface opposite to the one surface of the sensor base, and a detecting circuit in which a force is exerted on the operation end in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction to deform the sensor base, and changes of resistance values of the first resistive layer and the second resistive layer by the deformation of the sensor base are electrically detected, wherein the force exerted on the operation end in the horizontal direction is detected by the first resistive layer, and the force exerted on the operation end in the vertical direction is detected by the first resistive layer and the second resistive layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for position-locking a cursor on a display device are provided. A preferred input device includes a position-locking device configured to electrically communicate with a computer. The position-locking device incorporates a lock-enable switch which, when activated, locks a position of the cursor on the display device of the computer while enabling functional information, provided by the mouse-type input device of the computer, to provide selected functionality of the cursor. Additionally, when disabled, the position-locking device unlocks the position of the cursor so that the cursor is movable about the display area in response to the movement information provided by the mouse-type device.

Abstract: A cursor control display and management system for a flight deck of an aircraft for enabling one of a plurality of multi-function displays to be selected and used without the need to physically select controls from a separate panel. The system includes a pair of cursor control devices (CCDs) each having a cursor movement mechanism, a menu select switch, a function select switch and, depending on the specific embodiment, a group of display selector switches. The display selector switches are used to select the CCD cursor to specific displays for use from each CCD. Once a specific display has been selected, the CCD's cursor can be placed over a function on the selected display and the function select switch pressed to select a specific function. A standard or unique pop-up menu or control panel can be displayed on the selected display by pressing the menu select switch on the CCD.

Abstract: To provide an optical pointing device capable of being provided as a device of short stature, being used integrally with an apparatus having a limited stature and a limited space, reducing cost and improving reliability. A pointing board has an X axis line pattern and a Y axis line pattern which are orthogonal to each other. When the pointing device is moved on a support base provided on a control circuit board, lights from an X and Y axis light emitting devices crosses the X and Y axis line patterns and are reflected. The reflected light is detected as an optical pulses by an X and Y axis photo-detectors. Coordinate information according to a movement direction and a movement quantity is converted into an electrical signal, and a cursor is moved on a display screen of the computer.

Abstract: An image-capturing device includes an external monitor which has a touch panel mounted on an image display screen having a backlight, and which has an openable/closeable and rotatable mechanism; an electronic viewfinder which is smaller than the external monitor and which has an eyepiece section; and a display device for displaying a pointer which moves within the screen of the electronic viewfinder in accordance with an operation of the touch panel and for displaying an operation area for inputting an instruction of various operations which are associated with taking a photograph by specifying and selecting the operation area by the pointer. When an image is recorded or replayed by using the electronic viewfinder, the pointer is moved by operating the touch panel in order to select a desired operation area, thereby inputting an instruction of various operations.

Abstract: A joystick 3 includes a circuit board 1, a thin film circuit 2 arranged on the circuit board 1, a joystick 3 on the thin film circuit 2, and a spacer 4 arranged between the thin film circuit 2 and the circuit board 1. By the joystick 3, the thin film circuit 2 is in contact with the circuit board 1 so that resistor are connected in parallel so as to reduce the resistance to control the direction and speed of the cursor precisely. As the rod 37 is pushed by an outer force, the pit 36 on the movable body 34 presses one of the joint points 12 and 22. Then, the joint points 12 and 22 will transfer a signal of the resistor, and thus, the movement of the control cursor can be controlled.

Abstract: A graphing calculator (10) or other computer based teaching tool that displays inequalities on a display screen. In contrast to prior art devices, the present invention provides displays of inequalities that are mathematically correct and consistent with non-electronic display of inequalities such as textbooks and black board representations to reinforce traditional teaching methods and help the student or user to readily see and understand the mathematical concepts involved. The display methods of the present invention are particularly useful for small, low-resolution displays that are typical of handheld computers and calculators.

Abstract: There is provided a handy terminal including (a) a body, (b) a central processing unit housed in the body, (c) a display screen equipped at a surface of the body, displaying therein data instructed by the central processing unit, (d) a display controller controlling an operation of the display screen in accordance with a display control signal transmitted from the central processing unit, and (e) an inclination detector detecting a direction in which the body is inclined and an inclination angle by which the body is inclined, and transmitting an inclination-indicating signal indicative of the thus detected inclination direction and angle of the body to the central processing unit. The central processing unit transmits a display control signal indicative of the detected inclination direction and angle of the body to the display controller, which scrolls the data displayed in the display screen in accordance with the received display control signal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a low profile input device for moving a cursor, scrolling a page, or selecting a function on a display of a handheld device. In an embodiment of the invention, a planar joystick (402,940) for use moving a cursor on the display of a handheld device comprises a movable sliding button having a first magnet M1 embedded therein. The button is slid by a user's finger over a second magnet M2, an action that distorts the magnetic flux 418 which is detected by a plurality of magnetic flux sensors 420. The direction and magnitude of the cursor movement on the display correspond to the change in flux caused by the movement of the sliding button.