Abstract: A remote control apparatus for communicating with a target device includes: a sensing portion for sensing points of user contact with the apparatus, user gestures, and an acceleration value of the apparatus; a transmitting device for sending signals representative of user commands to the target device; a controller; and a memory including instructions for configuring the controller to perform a self-orientation process based upon at least one of the acceleration value and the points of user contact to determine a forward direction of a plane of operation for defining the user gestures. An axis of the determined plane of operation substantially intersects the apparatus at any angle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a controller configured to: detect whether a displayed object is an icon; detect whether a cursor is located inside an area surrounding the displayed object, when the displayed object is the icon; move the cursor to a first location within the displayed object, when the cursor is located inside the area; and hold the cursor still after the cursor is moved to the first location, wherein the cursor is held still for a waiting time period.

Abstract: A method for executing a user command based on spatial movement of a user input device and an image apparatus having the same are provided. According to the method for executing a user command, a user command which is determined based on the spatial movement of the user input device is executed. Accordingly, a method for inputting a user command becomes more diverse and convenient to use, and a more compact user input device may be provided.

Abstract: A mouse wheel device includes a mouse wheel assembly including at least two scroll wheels, at least two wheel shafts and a track, and a mounting bracket. Each scroll wheel has a through hole axially penetrating through a center thereof. The outer side surface of the scroll wheel defines a plurality of meshing grooves. Each of the scroll wheels is axially mounted to the middle of one of the wheel shafts via the through hole. The track is sheathed on the outer side surfaces of the scroll wheels with the scroll wheels being apart arranged side-by-side. The inner surface of the track protrudes inward to form a plurality of meshing ribs engaged with the meshing grooves to drive the scroll wheels and the wheel shafts to rotate in the same direction. The mouse wheel assembly is pivoted to the mounting bracket through two ends of each wheel shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring the operation of an image device to an external apparatus includes an image device, the image device transmitting an image to a liquid crystal display (LCD) via a signal transmission; a central processing unit (CPU), the CPU being built in the image device and installed with a software driver program, the software driver program enabling the CPU to magnify and display the image on the LCD via the signal transmission; and a keyboard, the keyboard being connected with the CPU for controlling the software driver program installed in the CPU, the cursor of the keyboard being displayed at a relative position of the image, the keyboard being adapted for direct operating on the image corresponding to the operation of the image device. The present invention is convenient in use, quick and easy for operation, and convenient for portability.

Abstract: A pointing or input device is generally cylindrical or puck-shaped, and has various sensors for sensing 2D, 3D, and high degree of freedom motion for more natural user interaction.

Abstract: A force sensing input device (such as a force sensing mouse) includes at least one force sensor and at least one top portion movably connected to at least one bottom portion. When a force is applied to the top portion, the top portion exerts pressure on the force sensor. The force sensor obtains force data based upon the pressure. The amount of force applied to the top portion, within a range of force amounts, is determined from at least the force data. In this way, a broader range of inputs may be receivable from the force sensing input device as compared to input devices that merely detect whether or not a button or similar element has been pushed.

Abstract: A touch mouse including a pressure sensing region, a touch sensing region, and a control unit is disclosed. The pressure sensing region is disposed at a first side and a second side of the touch mouse, and the touch sensing region covers at least the pressure sensing region at the first side. The first side is opposite to the second side. When the user clicks the pressure sensing region, it generates a pressure sensing signal. When the user clicks the touch sensing region, it generates a touch sensing signal. When the pressure sensing signal and the touch sensing signal are generated, the control unit outputs a first clicking signal representing that the first side is clicked. When the pressure sensing signal is generated but the touch sensing signal is not, the control unit outputs a second clicking signal representing that the second side is clicked.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indexing device. A first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a control unit are primarily disposed in the indexing device. The control unit couples to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. The control unit receives a first move detection signal outputted by the first sensing unit, and receives a second move detection signal from the second sensing unit. The variance of the first move detection signal and/or the second move detection signal is referred to compute a cursor control signal. Further, the first sensing unit or the second sensing unit is slidably disposed in the device's casing. This movable sensing unit allows the cursor control correlated to the moving indexing device more accurate, more stable and/or faster responsive to the user's operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting a host system from information-security risks posed by a URD, the method including the steps of: operationally connecting the URD to the host system; communicating, between the URD and the host system, via a network protocol, through a firewall residing in the host system; and configuring said firewall to provide security measures related to the URD. Preferably, the firewall is a software firewall or a hardware firewall. A method for protecting a host system from information-security risks posed by a URD, the method including the steps of: operationally connecting the URD to the host system; communicating, between the URD and the host system, via a network protocol, through a firewall residing in the host system; and configuring said firewall to restrict access of at least one application to the URD. Preferably, the firewall is a software firewall or a hardware firewall.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mouse structure with click force adjustable function, which comprises a shell, a circuit board module, and at least one adjustable mechanism. The adjustable mechanism is setting inside the shell, and comprises a supporting body, an adjustable plate and an adjustable component. The adjustable mechanism is adjusted via the adjustable component, so that the place the free-end of the adjustable plate touching the key portion is changed, and the force the adjustable plate clicking the switch module is accordingly changed, which provides function that the user can adjust the click force finely to a suitable one.

Abstract: A computer mouse is provided with a curved cover, an operating zone formed on an outer surface of the cover, and a capacitive trigger layer formed on an inner surface of the cover, the capacitive trigger layer including first and second sensors arranged in matrix, the first sensors arranged perpendicular to the second sensors, and the sensors corresponding to the operating zone so that a touch of the operating zone changes capacitances of the sensors to generate a touch signal; a PCB disposed on the base and including a controller for processing and transmitting the touch signal, and a photo-sensing assembly for sensing reflected light, generating a signal representing the reflected light, and processing the reflected light signal; and a base complementarily, detachably secured to the cover, and a light guide for directing and converging light disposed on the base.

Abstract: Method and system for providing intuitive user interaction for sharing among multiple devices is provided, where a remote device without intuitive user interaction is connected to a local device configured with intuitive user interaction; a thumbnail control scheme in which display images of remote device screen are rendered in local device's screen and intuitive method to allow user to quickly interact with remote side application is provided; generic remote control scheme in which local device is acting as an external user interaction peripheral device of remote device is provided; and a region enhancement mode is provided by having areas pre-defined in the remote device, and having the pre-defined areas' respective layouts resized, reconfigured and mirrored in the local device, while the touch events that have occurred in the mapped areas in the local device are remapped and sent to an application that is rendered in the remote device.

Abstract: A game controller is disclosed.

Abstract: This patent application relates to button-activated contextual search techniques for providing contextually relevant search functionality on a display. The single button can be a search button on a pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse device, touch pad, track ball device, etc.) configured to move a pointer on the display. The pointer can be moved to a location that is on or near an entity on the display, allowing a search to be enabled and/or performed for that entity when the search button is activated (e.g., with a single user click). Furthermore, the search functionality can be based on one or more automatically generated search terms for the entity, and thus be contextually relevant to the entity.

Abstract: The wireless input device comprises a mouse body, a radio receiver and a transmission line. The mouse body provides a charging battery and a first connector, the charging battery is sited in the mouse body, the first connector is electrically connected with the charging battery; the radio receiver has a plug connector and a second connector, the second connector is electrically connected with the plug connector; and the transmission line has a first transmission connector and a second transmission connector; wherein the radio receiver receives wirelessly an input signal outputted from the mouse body, and the input signal is transferred to an electronic apparatus connected with the plug connector; the radio receiver receives charging power through the plug connector supplied from the electronic apparatus, and transfers the charging power to the mouse body via the transmission line, so as to charge the charging battery in the mouse body.

Abstract: A computer mouse with adjustable decorative wing includes a main housing, a bottom board covered on the bottom surface of the main housing, a decorative wing disposed on one side of the main housing and a distance-adjusting mechanism. The decorative wing has a fastening end fixed to the main housing, and a movable end. There is a adjustable distance between the movable end and the main housing. The distance-adjusting mechanism is disposed on the main housing and contacts the movable end of the decorative wings for adjusting the distance of the movable end and the main housing of the decorative wings. A width of the computer mouse therefore is changed. The decorative wings on two sides of the computer mouse of the present invention can be expanded to support fingers for suiting to different users' palms.

Abstract: A pointing device is provided. The pointing device is configured to output a movement instruction signal for moving a cursor on a display in an instructed direction and includes: a pointing stick; a cursor movement including a +X sensor, ?X sensor, +Y sensor and ?Y sensor configured to sense a cursor movement instruction signal for instructing the cursor to move in +X direction, ?X direction, +Y direction and ?Y direction, respectively, according to an operation to the pointing stick; and a stick Z direction operation detector configured to determine that an instruction signal according to an operation to the pointing stick is different from the cursor movement instruction signals when each of outputs from the +X sensor, ?X sensor, +Y and ?Y sensor is changed by a corresponding predetermined first threshold value or greater within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Methods and systems to facilitate eye tracking control are provided. A user input is received at a computing device. Point of regard information associated with a user of the computing device is determined while the user input is being received. The point of regard information indicates a location on a display of the computing device at which the user is looking. An operation associated with a display object identified based on the point of regard information is performed when receipt of the user input is determined to have terminated.

Abstract: A real-time quantifying system for use in quantifying input device user behavior is introduced. The real-time quantifying system performs real-time quantification on user behavior of at least an input device operating and controlling a computer apparatus. The real-time quantifying system includes an input device and a portable electronic device connected thereto by wireless connection. The input device includes a sensing module and a wireless communication module. Various data detected during a process of operation of the computer apparatus by a user are sent by the input device to the portable electronic device in real time. Then, the data are processed by the portable electronic device to generate a graphical data for display. Accordingly, the real-time quantifying system displays the user's control status in real time and assesses the user's attributes and user behavior according to the graphical data.

Abstract: An absolute coordinate pointing device defines an (x,y) plane drawing region wherein user manipulation of a control element controls (x,y) location of first light source optical energy detectable by a first light sensor array that outputs (x,y) Cartesian coordinate data representing control element (x,y) movement. A pantograph coupled between the control element and first light source optical energy provides scaling. Pointing device (x,y) data output can control cursor position on a companion device display screen. Control element location on the drawing region is commensurate with cursor location on the display screen. Optionally an additional pantograph member can pivot in the z-direction with z-displacement of the control element. Z-axis location of optical energy from a second light source moves with z-movement of this pivoting member. A second light sensor array senses this optical energy and outputs z-axis Cartesian coordinate data representing control element z-displacement.

Abstract: Described is a remote control method of a multi-mode remote controller, comprising the following steps of: determining a current control mode, the remote controller comprising various control modes; obtaining a touch control signal of a user on a touch screen; and analyzing the touch control signal, generating a remote control instruction corresponding to the touch control signal under the current control mode, and sending the instruction to a user terminal, so that the user terminal operates currently displayed content. It is further provided a multi-mode remote controller, a user terminal and a system. Seamless automatic switching among multiple control modes in the remote controller with a touch screen can be realized, so as to meet various interaction requirements of different kinds of users.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of controlling the electronic device are provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may recognize a first sound signal output from at least one external device connectable through a communication unit and to control a sound output of at least one of the at least one external device or the sound output unit when a second sound signal is output through the sound output unit.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking movement between a surface and an optical navigation device are described. In an embodiment, the optical navigation device has an image sensor that includes an array of pixels and motion tracking involves acquiring image information, the image information including pixel values that correspond to the pixels, calculating a surface quality (SQUAL) value from the image information, determining a level of saturation of the pixel array from pixel values of the image information, comparing the determined level of saturation of the pixel array to a saturation threshold, increasing a SQUAL threshold if the determined level of saturation of the pixel array is greater than the saturation threshold, and deciding whether or not to output motion tracking information in response to a comparison of the SQUAL value to the SQUAL threshold. Other embodiments of the method are also described.

Abstract: A mouse structure includes a housing and first and second sliding apparatuses. The housing has an accommodating portion and an opening The first sliding apparatus includes a base board and a sliding element, the base board being fixedly disposed in the accommodating portion, and the sliding element being slidably mounted on the base board. The second sliding apparatus is slidably disposed in the accommodating portion and includes a main body and a reacting portion connecting the main body, the main body being capable of sliding in and out of the accommodating portion from the opening. When the main body slides out of the opening, the sliding element is concurrently and separately pulled by the reacting portion to the first position, and when the main body slides into the accommodating portion, the sliding element is concurrently and separately pushed by the reacting portion to the second position.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held device is provided with improved proximity detection, which can be placed on a surface and has at least one transmission electrode, at least one reception electrode and at least one compensation electrode arranged between transmission electrode and reception electrode. The transmission electrode and the compensation electrode can be supplied with an electric switching signal of predetermined signal frequency and predetermined signal amplitude. Switching electric signal at the compensation electrode is phase-delayed with respect to the switching electric signal at the transmission electrode. Alternating electric fields radiated at the transmission electrode and the compensation electrode generate a current in the reception electrode, which is representative of an approach of a hand to the hand-held device.

Abstract: There is provided a method and a terminal to sets a touch lock layer. The terminal comprising, a display displaying a layer including an image object and an operable touch lock layer within being overlapped each other, an input unit receiving a user input for at least one of the displayed layers, and a control unit controlling the operable touch lock layer based on the user input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing tactile sensations are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of outputting a display signal configured to display a graphical object on a touch-sensitive input device; receiving a sensor signal from the touch-sensitive input device, the sensor signal indicating an object contacting the touch-sensitive input device; determining an interaction between the object contacting the touch-sensitive input device and the graphical object; and generating an actuator signal based at least in part on the interaction.

Abstract: A touch panel-equipped mobile terminal is configured to be used as a mouse according to a mouse function provision method. The mouse function provision method includes displaying a mouse operation image on a screen of the display unit in response to a mouse host application execution request; detecting a touch gesture made with a touch input tool on the mouse operation image; determining, when movement of the touch input tool is detected, whether a touch hold time counted from the detection of the touch gesture is greater than a first hold threshold; and transmitting, when the touch hold time is greater than the first hold threshold, an object move command to an output terminal and, when the touch hold time is not greater than the first hold threshold, a pointer move command.

Abstract: A pointing device includes accelerometers and rotational sensors that are coupled to a processor. The processor samples the accelerometers and rotational sensors to detect gravity and pointing device motion and uses algebraic algorithms to calculate roll compensated cursor control signals. The processor transmits the cursor control signals to a receiver that is coupled to an electronic device that moves the cursor on the visual display.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a 3D device, which uses at least one sensor to detect motion of the handheld device. The detected motion can then be mapped into a desired output, e.g., cursor movement.

Abstract: User input devices with variable pressure buttons are configured. A user may specify a range of pressure to be associated with a pressure level. In some embodiments, a user may also associate a command or other instruction to an application with an identity of a variable pressure button and a pressure level of the button. In some embodiments, the associations may be represented in a configuration profile. In further embodiments, a microcontroller for a mouse may translate signals from variable pressure buttons into pressure levels based upon the configuration file. In many embodiments, a user may associate a reporting rate with a variable pressure button. A legacy application may receive reports of the state of the variable pressure button at the associated reporting rate.

Abstract: A mouse with multi button functionality is disclosed. The mouse includes a housing that surrounds the internal components of the mouse. The housing includes at least a first member and a second member, each of which forms a substantial portion of the housing. The first member moves relative to the second member so as to implement at least one of the multiple button functions of the mouse.

Abstract: A hand-held device with a sensor for providing a signal indicative of a position of the hand-held device relative to an object surface enables power to the sensor at a first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is stationary and adjacent relative to the object surface, enables power to the sensor at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is moving and adjacent relative to the object surface, and enables power to the sensor at a third time interval when the hand-held device is determined to be in a position that is removed relative to the object surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for implementing a hand-held device as a wireless mouse for controlling a wirelessly-connected device. The hand-held device includes a position sensor and includes an integrated case connected to the hand-held device. The case includes at least one button for providing user input.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hybrid human-interface device including an optical navigation module and a pointing module. The optical navigation module is configured to replace the conventional buttons of a convention pointing device, such as an optical mouse or a trackball mouse or TV controller. The optical navigation module is configured to sense gestures of at least one object operated by a user to activate commands associated with particular programs running on the host. Since the optical navigation module is only configured to sense gestures of the object but not the movement of the hybrid human-interface device relative to a surface, the resolution thereof is aimed to be sufficiently high enough for sensing gestures and no need to be relatively high.

Abstract: A mouse structure includes a housing defining an opening and accommodating space therein, a pair of track devices fixed onto the housing in the accommodating space, a sliding device slidably coupled with the pair of track devices. Each track device has a sliding channel, a first position portion, and at least a second position portion. A limiting side is formed at an end of the sliding channel. The sliding device includes a base portion and an operating portion, the operating portion having a first rod and at least a second rod. When the sliding device slides along the sliding channels for use, the first rods are firstly retained by the limiting sides, and then moved upwards to allow the first and second rods to be located at the first and second position portions respectively, where the base portion is in alignment with an upper wall of the housing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for determining position and orientation with respect to a display device. In particular, the invention is directed to acquiring an observed image from a display device using a pointing device, and calculating pointing device position and orientation using the acquired observed image and a displayed image on the display device.

Abstract: A mouse includes a main body and a control circuit. A left button, a number of pressure sensors, a right button, and a control button are positioned on the main body. The control circuit includes a control unit, an acceleration sensor, and a wireless transmitter. The left button, the pressure sensors, the right button, the control button, the acceleration sensor, and the wireless transmitter are connected to the control unit. When the mouse is placed in the mouth of a user, the left button, the pressure sensors, and the right button are operated by the tongue of the user. The control button is bitten by the teeth of the user, to turn on the acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor senses movement of the head of the user, and cooperates with the control unit and the wireless transmitter to control a cursor of a computer to move.

Abstract: An interactive device for improving image processing. The interactive device includes a processing module and a controller. The processing module includes a substrate, an image sensor formed on the substrate for generating a plurality of pixel signals, a calculation unit formed on the substrate for calculating at least one motion vector based on the plurality of pixel signals, and a transmission interface formed on the substrate for serially outputting the motion vector. The controller is used for controlling operation of the interactive device based on the motion vector output by the transmission interface.

Abstract: A portable interactive electronic apparatus includes a shell and a touch control panel having a cover plate. The cover plate includes a first surface area and a second surface area, and the touch control panel is positioned on the shell. The first surface area is utilized for sensing a touch of a user's finger, and the second surface area is utilized for leading liquid components out from the cover plate.

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

Abstract: A user controlled device, movable into a plurality of positions of a three-dimensional space, includes a MEMS acceleration sensor to detect 3D movements of the user controlled device. The device, such as a mouse, sends control signals correlated to the detected positions to an electrical appliance, such as a computer system. A microcontroller processes the output signals of the MEMS acceleration sensor to generate the control signals, such as screen pointer position signals and “clicking” functions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for image and sensory processing to facilitate human interface at a computer terminal. The apparatus include a video camera adapted to capture images of user finger movement above the keyboard primarily in an image plane along X and Y axes substantially normal to the keyboard key-field plane, at least one thumb touch pad segment, and a controller. The methods included capturing the video images of user finger movement in the image plane, capturing user initiated sensory input indicative of selected functions and/or positioning modalities, and utilizing the captured images and sensory input for mapping user selected work product entry location at the monitor viewing screen and/or performing other functions.

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

Abstract: A waterproof computer mouse includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a first waterproof ring, a second waterproof ring, a roller and a circuit board. The upper housing has an upper tubular portion downwardly extended therefrom in a through manner. The lower housing has a lower tubular portion upwardly extended therefrom through a bottom surface thereof. The upper tubular portion connects with the lower tubular portion to form a roller compartment therein. The first waterproof ring is disposed between a bottom edge of the upper housing and a top edge of the lower housing. The second waterproof ring is disposed between a bottom edge of the upper tubular portion and a top edge of the lower tubular portion. The roller is disposed in a rotatable manner in the roller compartment formed by the upper tubular portion and the lower tubular portion. The circuit board is disposed on the lower housing.

Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.

Abstract: A mouse device is operable in a sound mode or a silent mode. The mouse device includes a casing, a tactile-feel wheel module, a sound button module, a third-axis control module, and a silent button module. The tactile-feel wheel module and the sound button module are disposed on the casing, and located near a first end of the casing. In a case that the mouse device is in the sound mode, the tactile-feel wheel module and the sound button module are enabled. The third-axis control module and the silent button module are disposed on the casing, and located near a second end of the casing. In a case that the mouse device is in the silent mode, the third-axis control module and the silent button module are enabled.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a browsing portion to execute a process of the type corresponding to a gesture event, a mouse event generating portion to generate a mouse event including positional information indicating the position detected by a position detecting portion, and a gesture event determining portion to determine one of gesture events on the basis of the mouse event(s). The browsing portion includes a display image generating portion operable, when content includes a description for displaying an embedded image generated as an application program is executed, to generate a display image with the embedded image arranged in an embedded area, and a selecting portion operable, when the position indicated by one of the mouse event(s) from which the gesture event has been determined falls within the embedded area, to select either the gesture event or the mouse event(s) on the basis of the type of the gesture event.

Abstract: A smart handheld device with a touch screen which can be used as a 2D or 3D mouse to control applications running on a host device. The smart device can include an optical sensor for, when a motion capture mode is activated, automatically detecting that it lies on a surface, measuring displacements of the device on the surface and emulating displacements of a cursor on the screen of the host device. The smart device can include a two axes gyroscope which can, when the motion capture mode is activated, measure yaw and pitch of the device in free space and convert changes in orientation measurements into displacements of a cursor on the screen of the host device. The touch screen is divided into zones and sub-zones to control various applications running on the device or on the host. The zones are configurable through a graphical user interface.