Abstract: Present invention provides a pointing device with a resolution-setting hotkey and a setting method thereof. The pointing device comprises a resolution-setting hotkey, a microprocessor and an optical sensor. The present pointing device has a default x-axis resolution and a default y-axis resolution and they are of the same value. By pressing the hotkey, a resolution-adjusting signal is generated to make the x-axis resolution is different from the y-axis resolution.

Abstract: An image displaying device includes a display unit which displays a cursor and at least one button; an input unit for moving the cursor and for selecting the button; and a controller for controlling the display unit and the input unit. The input unit is provided with an operating part operated by an operator, at least one position sensor which detects an operation state of the operating part, and at least one actuator which applies a specific external force to the operating part. When a display screen of the display unit is switched, the controller drives the actuator to move the cursor to a default position set in the switched display screen. In that case, the moving rate of the cursor is set lower than a moving rate of the cursor for pulling the cursor towards the center of the button.

Abstract: A coordinate detection device is provided, which device includes an input unit which has a surface thereof to which a coordinate value is input by an input means, a calculation unit which calculates a difference between previous and current coordinate values input by the input unit, and a setting unit which sets, in the calculation unit, a coordinate value input last before the input means is detached from the surface of said input unit as the previous coordinate value to a coordinate value input first after the input means is detached from the surface of the input unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that increases a user's control over character animation. Time-dependent signals are accepted from a user input device. The input is processed in real-time such that the user's input can be used to directly control the animation of an animated character. For example, the animation of a three-dimensional rendered character swinging a golf club in a golf game can be changed in mid-swing according to the user's operation of an input device. In general the system accepts user continuous and real-time user input. The user is given improved control and visual feedback on the movement being animated. One embodiment of the invention includes an analog input module, a control state machine module and an animation state machine module. The analog input module is configured to receive user analog input (e.g., from an analog joystick) related to animated character display and to normalize the user analog input to create a normalized user analog input.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for detecting and representing movements. The device includes a position sensor for detecting the current position of a reference point of the device, a data processor for processing the position data detected by the position sensor and a projector for projecting on a surface an image projection of the detected and processed position data. The data processor takes into account a modification in the current position of the reference point such that the projection image on the surface remains substantially stable concerning location and position.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus disclosed has excellent operability, being capable of zooming, scrolling, moving a cursor, selecting an icon and others with one small operation unit. This portable electronic apparatus includes a display unit, the operation unit and a controller. The display unit displays information received or stored. The one operation unit is used for operations including moving of a pointer displayed on the display unit, the zooming and the scrolling of the information displayed on the display unit, the moving of the cursor and the selection of the icon. The controller executes the operations in response to operation of the operation unit.

Abstract: A force-applying input device includes a mechanical section including a tilting lever; an operation section mounted to an end of the tilting lever; first and second actuators which apply a force to the operation section through the tilting lever; first and second position sensors which detect operation amount and direction of the tilting lever; and a control section which generates first and second drive signals of the first and second actuators by receiving first and second position signals output from the respective first and second position sensors. Based on the first and second position signals output from the position sensors, the control section computes the first and second drive signals of the first and second actuators in accordance with operation amount and direction of the operation section, and outputs first and second drive powers of the respective first and second actuators from first and second drive circuits.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for drawing graphics, such as to display a user interface on a display of a mobile device. A graphics stack is used to store pre-computed coordinate values to improve performance for drawing graphics, such as to display a user interface on a display of a mobile device.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a movable cursor control device is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. One exemplary cursor control device comprises a housing, an electromagnetic emitting device coupled to the housing, and an electromagnetic detector coupled to the housing. The electromagnetic detector detects reflections of signals emitted from the electromagnetic emitting device and determines when the housing has been lifted from a surface. In another aspect of the invention, an exemplary method is provided for controlling a cursor on a display screen of a digital processing system. The exemplary method includes holding the cursor relative to an object on the display screen using a cursor control device activated by a user, detecting that the user no longer activates the cursor control device, and detecting that the user has lifted the cursor control device from a surface when the cursor control device is no longer activated by the user.

Abstract: A game performing method realizable of finer and easier operational input with a joy stick. The game performing method for an apparatus comprising an input section having an operating handle capable of inputting an inclination of a desired angle in a desired direction, has: controlling a virtual handle of a player character according to operation inputted through the operating handle; detecting an inclined direction and an inclined angle of the operating handle; and changing a handle angle of the virtual handle in a direction according to change in the inclined direction when the change in the inclined direction is detected by detecting the inclined direction and the inclined angle of the operating handle.

Abstract: A hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit. Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

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: The invention relates to a filing appliance, a system for information management, a method in a computer system, a computer program and a memory medium. The filing appliance includes a holder for holding a plurality of sheets, with at least one input field, which is provided with a position-coding pattern and is adapted to be filled in using a drawing device, which while using the position-coding pattern records positions in the input field in order to record information entered in the input field, and an initiation icon provided with a position-coding pattern, a marking of the initiation icon using the drawing device being adapted to initiate an operation in a computer system communicating with the drawing device, in which operation an information object is created, which is identifiable at least by information entered in the input field.

Abstract: A digital system for evaluating foot and ankle radiographs having the advantage of providing accurate measurement information based on selected landmarks on the radiograph. The system includes a computing device, a coordinate generating digitizing device operatively connected to the computing device for generating coordinate data for the selected landmarks on the radiograph, and software for converting the coordinate data into descriptive measurement information. The present invention also includes a new method of analyzing foot and ankle radiographs that includes selecting a medical condition for evaluation, selecting a radiograph of the patient for the medical condition, determining landmarks to be located on the radiograph for evaluation of the medical condition, digitizing points in the landmark as coordinate data, and converting coordinate data into clinical measurement information.

Abstract: A method of controlling an animation character with a controller that includes determining a position of the controller and determining a current state of the animation character. A history of positions of the controller is determined and compared with a set of history patterns based upon the current state of the animation character. An animation sequence is initiated based upon any matched history patterns.

Abstract: An input device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a body made up of a cover and a base, a cable receiver, and a cable coupled to the cable receiver. The input device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the input device and a second portion of the cable wrapped around the cable receiver. The input device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the input device less than the first length.

Abstract: Correction of coordinates input by a user through an input device is effected using coordinate correction parameters. To calculate the coordinate correction parameters, a plurality of reference points are displayed on the input device. Coordinate input is designated by a user, and if the coordinate is determined to correspond to a reference point, then the coordinate input is retained. The process is repeated until a coordinate is kept for each reference point, wherein only remaining reference point(s) for which a corresponding coordinate has not yet been retained are displayed. Once coordinates have been input for the reference points, a correspondence between coordinate input and a reference point is determined, and corresponding coordinates are kept for each reference point. Using correction parameters calculated based on the kept coordinates, it is possible to correct device characteristics of the input device such as position aberration, even if such characteristics are non-linear.

Abstract: A glove-type data input device and a sensing method thereof. In the data input device shaped into a glove, a sensor unit senses the change of a glove shape or a position change, and the resulting pressure at at least one contact surface, and outputs a predetermined sensing signal according to the sensing. An analyzer determines input data by analyzing the sensing signal. An output port outputs the determination result to an external terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that increases a user's control over character animation. Time-dependent signals are accepted from a user input device. The input is processed in real-time such that the user's input can be used to directly control the animation of an animated character. For example, the animation of a three-dimensional rendered character swinging a golf club in a golf game can be changed in mid-swing according to the user's operation of an input device. In general the system accepts user continuous and real-time user input. The user is given improved control and visual feedback on the movement being animated. One embodiment of the invention includes an analog input module, a control state machine module and an animation state machine module. The analog input module is configured to receive user analog input (e.g., from an analog joystick) related to animated character display and to normalize the user analog input to create a normalized user analog input.

Abstract: A controller is provided with an artificial retina chip. The artificial retina chip is connected to a display unit via a game machine body. Before starting the game, the artificial retina chip is instructed to recognize an image of frame of the display unit to store such image as the reference image. After starting the game, the controller is moved to recognize the image of frame of the display unit in order to detect the designated position by comparing the coordinate position data after the movement and the coordinate position data of the reference image.

Abstract: An operation unit is provided with an operation body operated by hand, a first detection unit for detecting the inclination operation of the operation body, and a second detection unit for detecting the pushing-down operation of the operation body. Any of 26 alphabetical characters “A, B, C, . . . , X, Y, and Z” is selected corresponding to the inclination direction of the operation body. The displayed character is changed successively by rotating the operation body in X-Y coordinate plane. The selected character is finalized by pushing down the operation unit in Z-direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inputting graphical information into a computer system. The graphical information may arise when a drawing device is moved relative to a base having a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor in the drawing device. The computer system may record position information arising from a first area of the base as graphical input while recording position information arising from a second area of the base as the selection of a property associated with the graphical input. Such a property may be a visual property, such as line type, line thickness, and color.

Abstract: A hand-held user unit (1), which can be part of a network-based information management system, allows for the writing down and recording of handwritten information. The user unit (1) has a memory for storing the recorded information. The memory comprises a first memory part (M1) located in the user unit and a second memory part (M2) located in an external data storage device, which memory parts are connected in such a way that, from the point of view of a user, they form a coherent memory unit. Methods for memory management in such a user unit are also described.

Abstract: Image display apparatus and image display method which realize smooth scroll-display of image data and enlargement/reduction display, and attain cost reduction by reducing the capacity of local memory for temporarily storing image data. In the image display apparatus, compressed image data is stored in an image memory 52, and partial image data of the compressed image data within a display range of monitor screen 56 and its peripheral compressed image data are transferred to a local image memory 59. in the local image memory 59, the partial image data and the peripheral image data are expanded and stored. Further, compressed image data further surrounding these data is stored. Then, compressed image data in a designated scroll direction is expanded by an image expansion unit 60.

Abstract: A product for electronic transmission of handwritten information, a user unit for recording and sending the information, and a computer program for controlling a user unit are disclosed. The product may include at least one writing area for the handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. A position-coding pattern in the form of a plurality of symbols may be reproduced in the writing area, an arbitrary position area of a predetermined size of the position-coding pattern unambiguously defining a position on the product. The address area may include an address-coding pattern with a plurality of symbols, an arbitrary address portion of a predetermined size of the address-coding pattern unambiguously defining part of the address.

Abstract: A serial data cursor for extracting content from an analog waveform representing a serial digital data stream has a horizontal length equal to a “word-time” as determined by parameters of a protocol for the serial digital data stream and a clock recovered from the serial digital data stream. The serial data cursor delimits a portion of the analog waveform, which is then decoded into human readable form, such as binary, octal, hexadecimal, alpha-numeric or the like. A trigger may be generated from a specific parameter of the protocol, such as a frame start, so that the serial data cursor initially highlights a first data word of a frame of the serial digital data stream. Alternatively the decoded portion of the analog waveform may be compared to the specific parameter, and the serial data cursor incremented by a “bit-time” until the specific parameter is found in the serial digital data stream.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable keyboard, and more particularly, to a foldable keyboard adapted for a point stick and/or at least one hot key. Two or more keypad portions are hingably connected by a connection board on which a point stick or at least one hot key is disposed. When the keyboard is in a deployed configuration, the keypad portions slide along the keyboard plane to combine with the point stick or the hot keys so that a complete keyboard is formed. The connection board of the present invention may further include a circuit board to be electrically connected with each key and the point stick or the hot keys in order to receive and decode the signals from each key and the point stick or the hot keys.

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

Abstract: A three-dimensional input apparatus provides the operation with at least six degrees of freedom. The apparatus comprises a grip for instructing the three-dimensional position, supporting points arranged at least seven locations surrounding the grip, strings connected between the grip and the supporting point, rotary encoders for measuring the length of the strings, and the string tension controlling means for controlling the tension of the string on the basis of the measured result of the rotary encoders. In the apparatus, at least seven supporting points and at least seven strings are used, which gives the six degrees of freedom.

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

Abstract: An input device, which is capable of changing the appearance of a display, includes a body made up of a cover and a base, a cable receiver, and a cable coupled to the cable receiver. The input device has a first mode with a first portion of the cable having a first length external to the input device and a second portion of the cable wrapped around the cable receiver. The input device also has a second mode with the first portion of the cable having a second length external to the input device less than the first length.

Abstract: A computer input device that comfortably supports the hand of the user while the thumb and fingers are associated with buttons, a trackball, and a scrolling wheel carried on the device. The overall configuration of the device and the arrangement of these actuators permits the user to easily and effectively operate all of the actuators while the hand and arm of the user are in a comfortable position. The device includes a housing having thumb-side and finger-side surfaces. The trackball extends from the thumb-side surface. The finger-side surface includes four input buttons and the scrolling wheel. The thumb-side surface is fairly steep and almost at right angles to the finger-side surface. This helps enable the motion of the thumb to fall along its natural axis of flexion/extension. The thumb-side surface extends above the top of the ball to provide a stop when the thumb is moved inwardly off the ball.

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

Abstract: A device for operating a mouse-operated computer program includes a base having an upwardly projecting handle firmly secured thereto. The handle may also be linked to the base for fixing in any desired position relative to the base. The handle includes an operating means on top of the handle and/or one of the sides of the handle, and/or on the actual base in order to provide signals which can control the position of the mouse pointer on a computer screen. Rolling balls or similar sliding means are provided on the underside of the base.

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

Abstract: A pointing device incorporates a force feedback mechanism driven by an actuator to convey physical sensations to the user. A position sensing apparatus is provided for monitoring the position of the user manipulable object in the pointing device. The sensing apparatus employs sensors that are directly or essentially directly connected to the user manipulable object to reduce backlash and are mounted in a way to eliminate off-axis loading on the sensors. The reduction of backlash produces more accurate position measurements, while the elimination of off-axis loading protects the sensors from damage to the internal mechanisms thereof. A computer controller processes the data from the sensors, and controls the actuator to produce feedback forces to the user manipulable object via the force feedback mechanism. The force feedback mechanism includes a gear reduction system that utilizes an annular reduction gear portion for force transmission from the force feedback actuator to the user manipulable object.

Abstract: A coordinate input apparatus includes light sources, a reflecting member, light receiving members, a signal analyzing mechanism, and a coordinate determining mechanism. Each light source is fixed around a perimeter of a predefined input region at a fixing position different from others and is configured to emit light extending in a deltaic form centered at the fixing position and approximately in parallel to the input region. The reflecting member is fixed around the perimeter of the input region and is configured to recursively reflect the light so that the light returns towards the light sources. The light receiving members are fixed around the perimeter of the input region and are configured to receive the light recursively reflected from the reflecting member and to convert the light into an electric signal. The signal analyzing mechanism analyzes the electric signal to detect a position of an obstacle when the obstacle is placed in the input region and blocks the light.

Abstract: A pointing device comprises a substrate with an electrically conductive surface (36) and a resilient return member (12). The return member resiliently supports a resistive surface (20) to contact the electrically conductive surface (36) in a pressed mode when a force (23) is applied to push and deform the return member against the electrically conductive surface. The return member (12) is made of a resistive rubber material. The resistive surface (20) has a voltage variance and is curved to be rocked on the electrically conductive surface (36) in the pressed mode. The voltage variance is detected on the electrically conductive (20) surface and a variable signal is generated and processed. In a specific embodiment, a dome switch is disposed between the resistive surface and the electrically conductive surface to provide a drag function.

Abstract: A camera-based system implements a calibration procedure for determining, for a given system user, calibration information that characterizes the manner in which the user points within the system. The system directs the user to point separately at each point in a set of two or more points at different positions on a display. The system then detects, for each of the points pointed to by the user, a location of a pointing finger of the user in an image generated by each camera in a set of cameras of the system, such that for each of the points the location of the pointing finger and the corresponding point on the display specify a line. The lines associated with the points are then used to compute a reference point or other pointing direction calibration information for the user. The calibration information for the user may be stored with user-identifying information in a database of the system, and is utilized in subsequent pointing direction determinations for that user.

Abstract: This invention provides joystick interfaces and methods of providing position information of a joystick.

Abstract: An electronic mouse controlled substantially by finger movement. The translation of the mouse can be controlled by the index finger placed over a primary selection button. Means for facilitating translation of the mouse are provided for in the primary selection button. Means for facilitating translation include, but are not limited to, concave depressions, protrusions and surface texture with a high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An electronic whiteboard system using an electronic whiteboard having a foam sensor for measuring the input data drawn onto the whiteboard writing surface. The electronic whiteboard system includes a communications interface that allows the electronic whiteboard to serve as a network appliance. In particular, the electronic whiteboard's interface includes at least a network interface capable of communicating the measured input data, and also audio data in some embodiments, directly via a network to a server or to a networked computer, in response to a request to access a stored electronic whiteboard meeting. In some embodiments, the server stores the input data associated with an electronic whiteboard meeting and in other embodiments the electronic whiteboard has sufficient memory to store the input data of a meeting.

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

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product for manipulating an edge in an image. The method includes selecting a portion of the image in response to user manipulation of a brush having two or more regions, the portion including an edge; orienting the brush so that a first region lies on a first side of the edge and a second region lies on a second side of the edge; performing a first effect in the portion of the image covered by the first region; and performing a second effect in the portion of the image covered by the second region. The edge can be an edge of a mask. The image can include a mask channel defining the mask, and the method can include performing the first and second effects on the mask channel. The first side of the extraction mask edge is of greater opacity than the second side of the extraction mask edge, and the method includes increasing the opacity of the mask in the first region and decreasing the opacity of the mask in the second region.

Abstract: A system for position and orientation determination of a point in space employs, in a preferred embodiment, three scanning laser beams that rotate at a high rate of speed within a prescribed space. At least two of the beams are polarized and a sensor with two or three detectors is located within the prescribed space. In each embodiment, at least one of the detectors has an unobscured, clear view of all of the scanning light beams at all times and at least another of the sensors is partially obscured. In the preferred embodiments, at least one sensor is polarized as well. Computer means is provided to facilitate calculation of position and orientation of a point within the prescribed space.

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: An electronic mouse controlled substantially by finger movement. The translation of the mouse can be controlled by the index finger placed over a primary selection button. A device for facilitating translation of the mouse are provided for in the primary selection button. The device for facilitating translation include, but are not limited to, concave depressions, protrusions and surface texture with a high coefficient of friction.