Abstract: A cursor control system suitable for interactive use with an application program, and in response to specific conditions associated with the application program, the cursor control system provides tactile feedback that can be felt by the user. In particular, when the cursor or pointer indicates a selectable component of the Graphical User Interface (GUI), the cursor control system will provide tactile feedback to the user. In addition, when a valid selection is made on the GUI, the cursor control system will also provide tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: A device for generating conditioned electrical signals in response to forces applied to the device. The device includes a shaft attached to a substrate. Several strain sensitive resistors are mounted on the substrate around the shaft for generating an electrical signal representative of a magnitude and direction of force applied to the shaft by a user. Several apertures are in the substrate, each aperture is located between a pair of strain sensitive resistors. The apertures concentrate the stress on the resistors. A signal conditioning device is mounted to the substrate and is electrically connected to the resistors for conditioning the electrical signal. The signal conditioning device receives the electrical signal in an analog form and provides a conditioned signal as an output in a digital form. The device is mounted to a keyboard base. An alternative embodiment is shown using a cavity instead of apertures in the substrate.

Abstract: A pointing device for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on a display screen. Specifically, there is a pointing stick that both directs a cursor and acts as the activation button for selecting items on the display screen by tapping on the pointing stick instead of clicking on a mouse button. Additionally, there is a pointing stick that is both ESD (electrostatic discharge) and seffernick force insensitive.

Abstract: Input peripheral for a computer with automatic switching between 3D and 2D operating modes, and its interaction process with a display screen. A casing (10) containing a tracking type electromagnetic sensor (16) is fitted with a contactor (22) on one face (12) designed to be placed on a flat support. The contactor (22) makes the device automatically change from a 3D operating mode to a 2D operating mode when it is placed on a flat support, and vice versa when it is lifted off this support.

Abstract: A method for positioning a cursor (20) on a display (16) includes receiving a store signal from a user input arrangement associated with a computer system (10). In response to the store signal, a set of display location data is stored in a display location memory array. The set of display location data defines the position of the cursor (20) at the time of the store signal. The user may then move the cursor (20) to any other position on the display (16). In response to a jump signal produced by the user, the stored set of display location data is read from the display location memory array and the cursor (20) is immediately repositioned from its current position to the location defined by the stored set of display location data.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the one-handed input of coordinates of multi-axis coordinate systems and alphanumeric characters and control commands, the device being operable with one hand. The forearm does not participate in the movements and rests on a support. The device comprises a plurality of elongated keys having sensor surfaces which, when depressed, detect and evaluate the position of a fingertip as a coordinate. The device comprises a housing which detects and evaluates the ulnar pivot movement of the hand as a horizontal coordinate and the pronation of the hand and a translation in the direction of the arm as control signals. The device combines the input functions of a mouse and a keyboard.

Abstract: The input device of the present invention includes: a base having a slide surface; a movable body slidable on the slide surface; a light-emitting element for emitting light; a reflective portion which is provided for the movable body and has a reflective surface for reflecting the light emitted by the light-emitting element; and a plurality of light-receiving elements for receiving the light reflected by the reflective portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides virtual keyboard which can be used at the same number of operations as on a conventional keyboard and can allow a natural input operation at a minimized load. The virtual keyboard comprises a liquid crystal display for displaying thereon a keyboard having special keys and general keys, a transparent pressure-sensitive panel superimposed on the display and a computing portion that, when a special key and a general key on a pressure-sensitive panel are pushed at a time, detects the coordinate of a middle point between the two pushed positions from outputs of the pressure-sensitive panel, calculates a general key position from the special key point and the middle point and outputs a code corresponding to that position.

Abstract: An input device for a computer detects movement of an object, such as a finger, within a selected field of space, and across the boundaries of the selected space. The input device is used to input commands into a computer, such as to control movement of a cursor over a display device or to mark certain portions of information displayed on the computer monitor. Directional transducers receive reflections of transmitted energy from an object in the field, and provide signals to an interpreter which maps the signals to control movement of the cursor or other device on the computer monitor. The input device includes an interpreter for detecting movements within the selected input space. Certain or selected detected movements within or through the input space are interpreted as input commands for controlling aspects of the computer.

Abstract: Multifunction key switch in which a multifunction key 6 is fitted into a hole 4 formed in a front case 3 so as to be able to pivotally move in a thicknesswise direction of the front case 3, as well as to enter a plurality of different operation instructions. A hole 8 is formed so as to penetrate through the multifunction key actuation section 6 in the thicknesswise direction of the front case 3. An execution key actuation section 7 is fitted into the hole 8 and determines the operation instruction entered by way of the multifunction key actuation section 6 when being pressed in the thicknesswise direction of the front case 3.

Abstract: The input device which includes a reflection type optical sensor having light emitting means and light receiving means; an operation section disposed facing the optical sensor, the operation section being tilted when a load is applied thereto; and output means for detecting a tilt status of the operation section based on signals from the light receiving means and outputting detected results to a computer body as positional information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a connecting device which is intended to replace a keypad of a hand-held electronic device, such as e.g. a mobile telephone or a remote control device. A connecting disc (1) forming part of the device is tiltable about its center in different directions from a neutral position in order to bring electrical contact means (6, 10, 11) together for the purpose of generating electrical information signals. On one of its sides the connecting disc (1) is provided with alternating crests (4) and dales (5) departing radially from the center of the disc (1). A contact field (6) is provided on each crest (4). A printed circuit card (7) cooperating with the connecting disc (1) is formed with alternating crests (8) and dales (9). Each dale (9) is in this case provided with at least one pair of contacts (10, 11).

Abstract: A capacitive trackpoint device employs three capacitive sensors rather than four to increase sensitivity while reducing power consumption. Use of capacitive rather than resistive sensors provides a more sensitive and consistent signal with respect to pressure and a greater dynamic range than can be obtained from a resistive or strain gauge sensor, while use of larger area capacitive sensors for a given total area reduces the power requirements for reading the sensors both by having fewer capacitive sensors to read and by reducing the oscillating frequency. Because a more sensitive sensor is utilized, sampling of the signal may be made for a shorter time during periods of inactivity. The overall reduction in power consumption is particularly important for battery operated, hand-held input devices. Use of three sensors rather than four allows sampling of only two in a power-saving mode during periods of inactivity.

Abstract: An ergonomic pointing device comprises an orb controller coupled to a resilient return member which is supported on a substrate to move relative to an upper substrate surface of the substrate. The substrate surface has conductive lines and resistive coatings formed thereon or embedded therein. The return member has a conductive surface which is biased with a voltage and is spaced from the substrate surface at rest. When a user applies an external force to the orb controller to move the return member toward the substrate, the conductive surface makes electrical contact with the substrate surface and generates a digital signal. The conductive surface is convex to provide rolling contact with the substrate surface to change the contact location. The orb controller has a curved control surface which is contacted by a digit of a human hand to manipulate movement of the conductive surface relative to the substrate surface. The orb controller has a substantially smaller height than a joystick.

Abstract: A pointing stick for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen. Specifically, there is a pointing stick that both directs a cursor and acts as the activation button for selecting items on the display screen by tapping on the pointing stick instead of clicking on a mouse button. Uniquely, the device is made of a shaft (12) having a longitudinal length oriented along a first axis (39) and having a top surface that is perpendicular to the first axis, there is a vertical force sensor (59, or 71), mounted on the top surface of the shaft, for sensing a vertical oriented force applied to the shaft along the first axis. Cap (24), has a cavity (81) with a top surface (79) therein, where the top surface of the shaft is positioned within the cavity and spaced from and juxtaposed to the top surface of the cavity. In one embodiment the vertical sensor includes first and second electrically conductive pads that are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is electronic equipment including a housing and a joystick unit. The housing accommodates an electronic circuit. The joystick unit is provided on the housing and electrically connected to the electronic circuit. The joystick unit includes a base member and a joystick displaceably provided to the base member for inputting coordinates (e.g., two-dimensional coordinates) according to a relative positional relation to the base member. The base member is supported rotatably between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the base member and the joystick respectively face the inside and the outside of the housing, whereas in the second condition, the base member and the joystick respectively face the outside and the inside of the housing. In the case of using the joystick, the first condition is intended to be selected, whereas in the case of not using the joystick, the second condition is intended to be selected.

Abstract: A structure is provided for a user-manipulable input device, such as an in-keyboard, joystick-type device, for allowing a user to provide input to a computer graphical user interface (GUI). The structure includes a user-manipulable, articulating member, and a plurality of stationary, electrically conductive sensors. The articulating member also has an electrically conductive member. The physical disposition of the articulating member and the sensors provides narrow gaps, across which are measurable capacitances. As the user manipulates the articulating member, the capacitances change in value. Circuitry produces signals related to the capacitances, and the signals are processed, according to a transfer function, to generate GUI input signals. The sensors are preferably sensing electrodes, incorporated into a circuit board. The articulating member is preferably a cone-shaped member, having a conductive surface which faces the sensors.

Abstract: A structure is provided for a user-manipulable input device, such as an in-keyboard, joystick-type device, for allowing a user to provide input to a computer graphical user interface (GUI). The structure includes a user-manipulable, articulating member, and a plurality of stationary, electrically conductive sensors. The articulating member also has an electrically conductive member. The physical disposition of the articulating member and the sensors provides narrow gaps, across which are measurable capacitances. As the user manipulates the articulating member, the capacitances change in value. Circuitry produces signals related to the capacitances, and the signals are processed, according to a transfer function, to generate GU I input signals. The sensors are preferably sensing electrodes, incorporated into a circuit board. The articulating member is preferably a cone-shaped member, having a conductive surface which faces the sensors.

Abstract: A portable computer system enables locating the mouse pointer precisely on the monitor screen. The computer system includes a pointing device such as a touch pad mounted at top surface of the main body with two mouse buttons. A button is provided at left sides of the touch pad. This button is similar to the mouse button and used when fine adjustment of the mouse pointer is needed. The operation of the fine adjustment mode performed in the computer are as follows: determining whether a fine adjustment mode selection key is pressed; zooming in a predetermined screen area including current location of the pointer based on the corresponding video driver and operating system; locating the pointer at the desired position within the zoom in screen; checking if the fine adjustment mode has canceled; and restoring the zoom in screen to original picture if the fine adjustment mode is canceled. The cancellation of the fine adjustment mode is performed by detecting the signal fed from one of the mouse buttons.

Abstract: A cursor controller for use with a computer uses a single moving slider actuated by a handle for indicating X and Y movement by mounting a pair of planar screens each having parallel lines at right angles to each other. Two light sources and associated detectors are respectively arranged on either side of the respective pair of screens so that light pulses resulting from movement of the slider indicate the amount of movement to control the cursor on a computer screen. Each associated detector may be formed by a side-by-side pair of light detectors with intermediate fixed screens having displaced lines to provide a quadrature sine wave output. In effect the pair of screens float between the sources and the detectors to eliminate unnecessary wiring and create a simple robust device.

Abstract: A character input apparatus determines a state of an input character string to control the functions performed by operation of any of a plurality of cursor moving keys. The last entered character is displayed in the last position of a six character display and is displayed as flashing, negative or positive indicating an undetermined state, tentatively determined state or determined state of the character string. In a determined state, operation of a cursor moving key results in corresponding movement of the cursor. In the undetermined state, successive operation of the rightward key results in extraction and display of successive candidate characters previously selected and stored by an association with the character in the sixth display position. In the tentatively determined state, successive operation of the upward key results in successive extraction and display of successive kanji characters previously selected and stored by association with tentative determined kana character or characters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method emulates mouse pointer functions utilizing a keyboard having an additional special function key. When the special function key is depressed, designated keys on the keyboard are interpreted as "mouse keys" which may be used to direct a pointer on a computer screen in a manner similar to a conventional mouse pointer. In one embodiment, the keys used as cursor movement keys during normal operation are designated as "mouse keys" which effect the movement of the pointer on the screen when the special function key is depressed. In addition, other keys may be used as left and right mouse buttons and as mouse lock keys. In one embodiment, the pointer speed is gradually increased when the user continuously holds any of the cursor movement keys down for a preselected interval.

Abstract: A peripheral input device having a retractable cord operably coupling the device to a computer system is disclosed. A reel assembly disposed within the body of the peripheral input device allows the cord to be alternately extended and retracted as desired by the user. The reel assembly may include a stop mechanism for limiting tension on the cord while the device is being manipulated by the user.

Abstract: In general, a plurality of embodiments include an animated "target" icon and/or cursor for guiding a user to take a desired action. In particular, the user is guided to click on the target icon, thereby to initiate the completion of the installation of factory installed software. In one embodiment, the target icon resembles a locked padlock and the mouse cursor resembles a key, thus implying a connection therebetween. When the user places the key-shaped mouse cursor over the padlock-shaped target icon and clicks on the target icon, the appearance of the padlock-shaped icon changes to reflect its now "unlocked" state and completion of the factory-installed software installation process is initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of motions of a pointed object upon a digitizing surface such as a touchpad is disclosed. The motions will be detected and converted to digital codes representing the absolute coordinates of the pointed objects upon the touchpad. The absolute coordinates will be translated into a stroke signal to interpret a single tap, a double tap, and a tap and drag of the pointed object on the touchpad. Further, multiple sets of absolute coordinates will be translated into a relative motion code that will contain the speed and direction of the pointed object as it is moved across the touchpad. The absolute coordinates will be interpreted by an autocursor controller to determine if the pointed object has transited between a workzone and an edgezone of the touchpad. If the pointed object is in the edgezone, a predefined relative motion code will be transmitted as an autocursor code.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer control devices and, more particularly, to devices for controlling the position of a cursor on a computer display. The invention permits improved technology for cursor control devices. Certain embodiments of devices according to the present invention offer an edge detection system that uniquely identifies the maximum and minimum edges for use in a cursor control device, utilizing improved grating plates. Certain embodiments offer more reliable switch cycle detection in a cursor control device.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer by means of a pointer comprises providing counters for memorizing coordinate displacements of the pointer index; choosing one of two modes, the REGISTER OR MEMORY (R/M) mode or the ACTIVE OR PLAY (A/P) mode; when in the R/M mode, moving the pointer index from a selected base point to a reference position corresponding to a computer operation, and memorizing the resulting pointer index displacements; and when the pointer in the A/P mode, bringing the pointer index to the base point, applying to it the memorized displacements, thus moving it from the base point to the reference position, and carrying out the operation corresponding to this latter. A computer apparatus comprises, in addition to the conventional elements of a pointer operated computer, counters for registering differential displacements and means for retrieving from the counters the registered differential displacements and applying them to a base position of the pointer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for enabling a user to make a seamless transition between using a primary pointing device and a secondary pointing device on a computer to interact with the computer. The apparatus comprises a first microcontroller and a second microcontroller, wherein the first and second microcontrollers are electrically connected to each other. A primary pointing device input is connected to the first microcontroller, and a secondary pointing device input is connected to the second microcontroller. A system microcontroller is electrically connected to the first microcontroller. The first and second microcontrollers share a first and second switch. Computer software instructions operative by the first microcontroller determine which of the primary pointing device and the secondary pointing device is in use. If the primary pointing device is in use, then the first microcontroller process the switch actions (i.e., the data from the primary pointing device input element).

Abstract: A computerized system for keyboard control of a pointing device of a computer. The computer has a computer keyboard, a controller and a basic input/output system (BIOS). The keyboard has a plurality of keys for entry of one or more predetermined sequences of one or more keystrokes by a user of the computer, each sequence corresponding to a control instruction of the pointing device. The controller detects entry of the sequences by the user on the keyboard, and furthermore processes signals received from the pointing device. The BIOS is operatively coupled to the controller, and in response to the controller detecting a predetermined sequence of keystrokes entered by the user on the keyboard operating sends the controller a corresponding instruction as to whether the controller should listen to or ignore signals received from the pointing device. Alternatively, the functionality of the BIOS as to the pointing device is incorporated within the keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard with a two-dimensional actuator for generating direction signals which can be used to move a cursor shown on a screen to a target position. The keyboard comprises an encoding circuit, a plurality of text keys connected to the encoding circuit each for generating a corresponding text signal, four direction keys connected to the encoding circuit each for generating a corresponding direction signal, and a two-dimensional actuator connected to the encoding circuit which can be actuated at least toward four predefined directions which are the same as the four predefined directions of the four direction keys. When the actuator is actuated toward any of the four predefined directions, the encoding circuit will generate the direction signals which are the same as the direction signals generated by the corresponding direction key.

Abstract: A feedback means is provided in conjunction with a cursor control mechanism for a two- or three-dimensional graphic user interface. Feedback levels are determined by tonal variation (grey scale or color component) at the pixel (P) currently indicated by the cursor. Suitably, the levels are set by generating differentials across a patch of pixels (A) surrounding the indicated pixel, with differential generation in mutually perpendicular directions (X and Y) providing for independent feedback in two or three directions. The technique enables interface features such as window boundaries (36) or textured patches to be identified to the user without specially authored software being required for those features to trigger feedback when indicated.

Abstract: An input apparatus capable of controlling a plurality of electronic devices including a set-top box includes comprises: a first operation key part having a plurality of operation keys; a second operation key part having a plurality of operation keys; a control key part having at least one control key; a control unit for generating operation information for a first electronic device when any operation key of the first operation key part is operated, the control unit further generating operation information for the first electronic device when, with no control key of the control key part operated, any operation key of the second operation key part is operated, the control unit further generating operation information for a second electronic device when, with any control key of the control key part operated, any operation key of the second operation key part is operated; and a transmission unit for transmitting the operation information generated by the control unit.

Abstract: A user interface for a computer system display in which a random bounce mode is entered after a period of inactivity by the user. A timer is started at the cessation of user input. Once the timer has reached a predetermined threshold, e.g., one to five minutes, a random bounce mode is entered in which a cursor is continuously moved in the user interface. The system exits the random bounce mode once user input to the computer system is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a cursor finely on a screen moves the cursor in an application program such as a CAD that requires high accuracy. The apparatus includes a mouse button formed at a predetermined portion of a mouse for selecting data; fine movement buttons formed to predetermined portions around the mouse button for moving a mouse cursor upward, downward, left and right by a preset value; and a fine movement interval regulator formed to a predetermined place of the mouse button for providing a fine movement signal per preset time while a user presses the fine movement button.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for enabling a programmer to create an application program with an object-oriented notebook control is described. Platform independent, object-oriented notebook and notebookPage classes comprised of a plurality of methods and variables are detailed from which a notebook control object is constructed and manipulated to represent the paradigm of a notebook. The notebook control object receives data from mouse and keyboard events and organizes it into a dual dimensional vector including folders and pages. An improved method of mouse selection of components is depicted. An improved method of drawing involving offscreen graphic images is summarized.

Abstract: A pointing device for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen. Specifically, there is a pointing stick assembly using resistive material strain gages mounted on the sides of a shaft or stick for sensing when the stick is experiencing stresses and strains therein because of an applied force to the stick. The pointing stick has a stick supporting collar securely attached to a substrate. The collar extends from the substrate to approximately around the location of the strain gages. The collar may have a beveled surface located between opposing surfaces of the collar and shaft.

Abstract: A joystick adapter is provided for mounting over the depressible buttons of a directional keypad on a video game controller. The adapter includes a joystick having a knob and a separable base. The knob is configured for manual manipulation, while the underside of the base is configured to contact and be supported by the depressible buttons of the keypad. The knob and base are pressfit together so that the individual components can be removed and replaced. The adapter further includes a clip having a shell that is supportable on the controller body. The shell defines an opening to receive the joystick therethrough with the knob above the shell and the base between the shell and the keypad. The adapter further includes an elastic T-shaped band that surrounds the bottom and sidewalls of the controller body. The band includes three arms with resilient openings in each of the arms. The openings are adapted to engage a corresponding tab projecting from the shell of the joystick adapter clip.

Abstract: A remote control system with a pointing device which can control the computer itself also by the pointing device as well as by the key input device.The remote controller comprising a key input device, a pointing device, a first controller which is provided for encoding a key code (KC) signal to a remote control signal, a second controller provided for encoding a pointer control (PC) signal to a remote control signal, an output device outputs the remote control (RC) signal, and said receiver comprising a receive device for receiving the RC signal, a third controller outputs a control signal for controlling a computer a fourth controller outputs a coordinate signal for moving a pointer on a computer display, a first decoder decodes the RC signal to the KC signal and outputs the KC signal to the third controller, and a second decoder decodes said RC signal to the PC signal and outputs the PC signal to the fourth controller and also the third controller.

Abstract: An operation inputting apparatus is disclosed by which, even if a load detection output remains after an operation of a stick type operation member is stopped by an operator, a load detection output which coincides with stopping of the operation of the stick type operation member can be obtained. A pressure detection sensor detects a load force applied to the stick type operation member upon operation of the stick type operation member, and a comparison circuit compares a load detection value obtained from the pressure detection sensor with a preset load value. A timer circuit adjusts a count value in response to a result of the comparison and detects the count value equal to zero to produce a zero detection output. A judgment level production section sets two judgment levels for presence or absence of an output in response to the zero detection output.

Abstract: A data entry system (100, 100') has an ergonomic base (102, 102') including upper surface controls (104, 104') which generate a first set of electrical signals, and side surface controls (106, 106') which generate a second set of electrical signals when operated independently. A third set of electrical signals are generated when the side surface controls (106, 106') are operated in combination with the upper surface controls (104, 104'). Data entry system (100, 100') further includes mode selection controls (108) for establishing the first, second and third sets of electrical signals as device control signals responsive to a first mode being selected and respective sets of alphanumeric and keyboard control signals responsive to a second mode being selected.

Abstract: A signal processing system for a strain-gauge pointing device has a reduced parts count and permits the use of relatively inexpensive low-tolerance components. The system can process signals from two or three or more strain gauges, permitting additional inputs by users without a linear increase in the number of signal processing components. The system employs an RC network to develop an offset for the signal to be provided to an analog-to-digital converter. The system performs each measurement twice, once with a particular excitation polarity and again with the opposite excitation polarity, which permits correction for drift and temperature instability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small sized, inexpensive input unit which enables easy operation of computers, etc., even for people who have handicaps such as in the hands and/or fingers. The input unit consists of an input mode management part which manages input modes in correspondence with plural display-figures of the cursor; and when a button input detection part detects a turning ON or OFF of a button pressing signal produced by a button input unit, either changing the input modes by an input mode switching part or executing a cursor shift process according to the present input mode (ex. movement of cursor) by an input processing part is carried out depending on whether each time length of the button pressing signal is longer or shorter than the predetermined time length.

Abstract: A cursor controller with a handle which moves in X, Y directions has the handle cantilevered on a upper platform which slides on an intermediate platform in an X direction with the axis of the handle intersecting the effective center of X guide means. And then the intermediate platform slides on a Y guide on a lower fixed platform, all of the foregoing being captured by a top cover. The top cover has a slot through which the handle, which is cantilevered on a bracket fixed to the end of the top platform, extends. The controller can be mounted directly on a keyboard or with a specially shaped enclosure to be operated by one hand.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a relative manipulated variable input device which is capable of controlling the cursor movement in correspondence to the direction and amount of tilt of a control button and controlling the speed of the cursor movement in accordance with the force applied to the control button as well. Output data is generated using relative position data calculated from the difference between a pressed position and a reference position and a contact resistance value r.sub.p. The output data, which represents the direction and amount of tilt of the control button, is output in accordance with the force applied to the control button. The relative position data represents the direction and amount of tilt of the control button and the output data is produced based on the relative data. Hence, the cursor movement can be controlled by the direction and amount of tilt of the control button, and by changing the force exerted on the control button to change the contact resistance value r.sub.

Abstract: A notebook computer is provided with a collapsible keyboard structure in which, in response to closing of the computer housing lid, a shifting mechanism retracts the keys to a storage/transport orientation in which the overall thickness of the keyboard structure is reduced by an amount essentially equal to the stroke distance of the keys. When the lid is subsequently opened, the shifting mechanism extends the keys outwardly to their extended operating positions. Incorporated into the collapsible keyboard structure is a cursor position control pointing stick device that, via the shifting mechanism, is automatically retracted to a collapsed orientation in response to a corresponding collapsing of the keys, and automatically extended back to a use orientation in response to a corresponding return of the keys to their extended use orientations.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a computer display cursor includes an arena having a predefined optical grid. A puck handle is configured to move a puck on the optical grid and to reflect optical signals to the grid regarding the position of the puck on optical grid. The optical grid defines the resolution of the puck movements and positions that can be ascertained. Gratings formed by undulations in transparent walls provide an optical puck position signal in response to the puck position. A processor is coupled to the optical grid and is configured to receive the puck position signal and to generate a cursor position signal. To generate the cursor position signal, the processor may perform a conversion function based on predetermined criteria. The processor transmits the cursor position signal to a computer having a predefined display size, which displays the cursor at a respective position.

Abstract: A coordinate input device comprises a column-shaped body erected on a base, a plurality of sensors produced in a film form, a flexible cable for leading out sensor signals from the sensors, and a transparent heat-shrinkable tube. In this coordinate input device the sensors are affixed with a thermosetting resin on the side surfaces of the column-shaped body; and the tube is put on the sensors and then heated for shrinking, thereby pressing to affix the sensors on the side surfaces of the column-shaped body with the thermosetting resin and also covering the surfaces of the sensors. Then the cap is mounted on the top of the column-shaped body and the tube is fitted in a recess section inside the cap.

Abstract: A universal computer control device for controlling an image on an image display device has a group of basic control signal input means for manipulating a displayed image and for relating the displayed image to the control device and optional control signals for controlling microhandlers and for simulating operation of various different devices such as aircraft, cars, bikes and sport equipment.

Abstract: A compact pointing device of a novel constitution featuring high operability. A disk-like operation unit 4 is disposed on the PC substrate 8 via an annular resilient stopper 7. Magnets 11, 12, 13 and 14 are arranged on the lower surface of the operation unit 4 along the circumference thereof maintaining an angle of 90 degrees. Hall elements 15, 16, 17 and 18 are arranged on the upper surface of the PC substrate 8 opposed to the magnets 11, 12, 13 and 14. A processing circuit is mounted on the PC substrate 8 to convert the changes in the output voltages of the Hall elements 15, 16, 17 and 18 into moving amounts of the cursor in the predetermined directions.

Abstract: A document processing method of an electronic typewriter or a word processor, in which a cursor can be moved in an area of input data. A predetermined editing mode such as block shift mode or block copy mode is discriminated. The cursor movement to the outside of the input data area is permitted on the basis of the result of the discrimination. A space code, a return code, or the like is inserted at the cursor movement position.