Abstract: A login authentication process to access a computer service includes displaying a virtual keyboard on a display screen of a computer. A user enters a password by clicking on the virtual keyboard. The manner the user clicked on the virtual keyboard to enter the password is compared to the manner an authorized user of the computer service clicked on the virtual keyboard to enter an authorized password during a learning phase. The login authentication is deemed to be a success when the password matches the authorized password, and the manner the user clicked on the virtual keyboard to enter the password matches the manner the authorized user clicked on the virtual keyboard to enter the authorized password.

Abstract: A tactile stimulus presentation device includes a stage, a contact member, a drive mechanism, an information setting part, and a control part. The stage includes an opening and an arrangement surface, the arrangement surface on which a body part of a subject is arranged thereon so as to close the opening. The contact member is for giving a tactile stimulus to the subject by being in contact with the body part of the subject arranged on the arrangement surface of the stage through the opening. The drive mechanism is a mechanism for holding the contact member and moving the contact member in a direction substantially parallel to the arrangement surface and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement surface. The information setting part is configured to set information to be presented by gibing tactile stimulation to the subject by tactile stimulation.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for an advanced computer input device with a rotational degree of freedom (zrot) in addition to two translation degrees of freedom (x and y), in an easy and intuitive fashion. A plurality of independent position sensors may be arranged on a lower surface of the computer input device, each determining a direction and velocity of motion of the input device when in use. The detected directions and velocities may be compared to determine whether a rotational motion of the input device has been applied as opposed to (or in addition to) a translation.

Abstract: A scroll assembly (10) for use with a pointing device (100), comprises: a first scroll member (1) for controlling a first movement of an object on a user interface; and at least one second scroll member (2) for controlling a second movement of the object on the user interface, the second scroll member (2) being adapted to, in response to an operation applied substantially in the first direction (Y), rotate and provide a haptic feedback in a second direction (X) that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Y).

Abstract: There is provided a dual mode optical navigation device. The dual mode optical navigation device is configured to operate in a first mode or a second mode on a working surface. The dual mode optical navigation device includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor captures an image frame of the working surface. The processor calculates a ratio of a bright area and a dark area in one image frame capture by the image sensor, enters the first mode in response to the calculated ratio being larger than a ratio threshold, and enters the second mode in response to the calculated ratio being within a ratio threshold range. The ratio threshold range is smaller than the ratio threshold.

Abstract: A movement platform connected to a virtual reality system may have a plurality of movement units. A movement unit may have a sphere with one or more motors and one or more sensors. The one or more motors may rotate the sphere to move a user. The one or more sensors may detect movement or force from the user.

Abstract: A control key assembly including a button cover and a weight member is provided. The button cover has a first top surface, a bottom surface and a first assembling structure, wherein the first assembling structure is located on the bottom surface. The weight member has an arc surface and a second assembling structure, the arc surface and the second assembling structure are located on opposite sides of the weight member, wherein the second assembling structure is assembled with the first assembling structure, and the weight of the weight member is greater than the weight of the button cover.

Abstract: A controller for an electronic system includes a tracking member fixed to a controller body. The controller body has a head that adjoins a handle at a neck region, and that includes at least one thumb-operated control. The controller includes a hand retainer that in a closed position is configured to physically bias the user's palm against an outer surface of the handle. The hand retainer includes a resilient member that biases the hand retainer towards an open position. The resilient member is attached to an anchor that is attached to the head by an adjustment mechanism that permits the resilient member to be moved towards or away from the user's purlicue. The tracking member includes transducers that are coupled to the electronic system by electromagnetic radiation. Proximity sensors, spatially distributed on the handle, are responsive to a proximity of the user's fingers to the outer surface of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a tip arrangement (3) for a pen to be used on electronic touch-screen devices, comprising a ball (4) intended as the contact surface with the touch-screen and a supporting element (5) associated to the ball (4), which combined with said ball (4) creates an attractive magnetic interaction; the invention referring also to a pen (1) comprising said tip arrangement.

Abstract: An input device may include a housing, a scroll wheel having an arresting surface, and a lever pivotable about a pivot axis between first and second lever arms of the lever. A first free end portion of the first lever arm may be configured to engage the arresting surface with an engagement force to arrest a rotation of the scroll wheel with a corresponding arresting force. The input device may further include an auxiliary wheel rotatably mounted on the housing, and a motion converter connected to the auxiliary wheel. The motion converter may be configured to apply a linear motion, converted from a rotation of the auxiliary wheel, to a second free end portion of the second lever arm so as to pivot the lever about the pivot axis to correspondingly adjust the engagement force, whereby the corresponding arresting force may be correspondingly adjustable by rotation of the auxiliary wheel.

Abstract: A computer input device system that includes a finger-wearable input unit that is capable of providing inputs in a two-dimensional plane or in three-dimensional space. The inventive subject matter also includes a mouse frame that receives the finger-wearable unit, allowing a user to quickly transition from the finger-wearable unit to the mouse frame for traditional table-top mouse operation and back. The mouse frame includes features that allow for simple, easy and precise docking and undocking of the finger-wearable unit. The finger-wearable unit can be made up of separable modules and links that allow for reconfiguration of the finger-wearable unit according to a users needs.

Abstract: A roller module for an input module includes a roller base, a roller element and an adjusting element. The roller element is pivotally coupled to the roller base. Moreover, at least one discontinuous protrusion structure is circumferentially arranged a bottom surface of a concave region of the roller element. A contacting part of the adjusting element is contacted with the at least one discontinuous protrusion structure. Consequently, a rotation of the roller element results in a tactile feel.

Abstract: A mouse for magnetic resonance, comprising an upper shell (1), a lower shell (2), a trackball (3), a circuit board (4) and a cable (5), wherein the inner surfaces of the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2) are coated with a silver and copper conductive paint layer, the concentration of a silver and copper conductive paint being 13% to 17%; and a manufacturing method for the mouse for magnetic resonance, and a signal transmission apparatus are further comprised. The clinical usage of functional magnetic resonance can be satisfied, a signal interference is avoided, and it is ensured that a remote computer accurately receives a response of a subject.

Abstract: System comprising a touch sensor, a trackball and a trackball detector, wherein the trackball comprises a support structure and a ball and is arranged on the touch sensor such that the ball is rotatably supported over the touch sensor surface, wherein a surface of the ball comprises a pattern of detection portions, wherein the touch sensor is configured to detect a position of a touch of an object on a touch sensor surface of the touch sensor, wherein the trackball detector is configured to detect the rotational movement and/or the rotational orientation of the ball on the basis of a movement and/or a position of at least one of the detection portions detected on the touch sensor surface.

Abstract: A fingerprint reader includes a display screen composed of an array of energy emitting pixels covered by a transparent cover, at least one sensor coupled along an edge of the display screen, a display driver directing the array of energy emitting pixels of the display screen to illuminate in a predetermined sequence, and a microprocessor in communication with the display driver and the at least one sensor. The microprocessor knows the location of the energy emitting pixel being illuminated and the specific time at which the illumination occurs. In use, and when at least one finger is placed on the transparent cover and the display driver is activated, energy from each energy emitting pixel sequentially illuminated is reflected off the fingerprint to the at least one sensor. The energy received at the at least one sensor is at different intensity levels depending upon the ridges and valleys of the at least one fingerprint.

Abstract: An input device (10) comprises a panning mechanism (12). The panning mechanism comprises a sensor arrangement having first and second sensor components (46, 48), a movable carrier arrangement (40) for carrying the first sensor component and a fixed carrier arrangement (42) on which the second sensor component is mounted. The movable carrier arrangement is movable relative to the fixed carrier arrangement. The panning mechanism further includes constraining means (50) to constrain movement of the movable carrier arrangement relative to the fixed carrier arrangement in two directions. The movement of the movable carrier arrangement relative to the fixed carrier arrangement effects movement of the first sensor component relative to the second sensor component to create input signals such as input signals for a data processing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing virtual artifacts using mobile devices. In one aspect, methods include receiving a signal indicating user input to a touchscreen display of a mobile computing device, detecting motion of the mobile computing device, the motion mimicking motion associated with a physical artifact, identifying a function based on the user input and the motion, the function corresponding to a function that can be physically performed using the physical artifact, executing the function on the mobile device, and generating feedback to a user of the mobile device, the feedback indicating execution of the function.

Abstract: Computer input devices include a detector adapted to detect relative movement of an input member in x-, y-, and z-dimensions relative to a base point in a base plane, and a controller adapted to send a signal to an associated computing device based at least in part on the relative movement of the input member. Associated computing devices, software, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coverage robot includes a drive configured to maneuver the robot as directed by a controller, a stasis indication wheel rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to a direction of forward travel, and a suspension supporting the wheel. The stasis indication wheel defines a first reflective portion and a second reflective portion. The second reflective portion is substantially less reflective than the first reflective portion. The suspension permits movement of the wheel in a direction other than rotation about the first axis. A signal emitter is disposed remotely from the wheel and positioned to direct a signal that sequentially is intercepted by the first and second reflective portions of the wheel. A signal receiver is positioned to receive the reflected signal by the rotating wheel. Communication between the emitter and the receiver is affected by rolling transitions between the first and second reflective portions during permitted movement of the wheel.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing virtual artifacts using mobile devices. In one aspect, methods include receiving a signal indicating user input to a touchscreen display of a mobile computing device, detecting motion of the mobile computing device, the motion mimicking motion associated with a physical artifact, identifying a function based on the user input and the motion, the function corresponding to a function that can be physically performed using the physical artifact, executing the function on the mobile device, and generating feedback to a user of the mobile device, the feedback indicating execution of the function.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a method for managing display of a window. In certain aspects, the method includes presenting a window in a display area, wherein the window comprises a control icon, receiving a first input indicating a selection of the control icon and presenting a plurality of selectable options associated with the control icon, wherein each of the plurality of selectable options correspond with one of an up direction, a down direction, a left direction or a right direction. In certain aspects, the method further includes receiving a second input indicating a selection of a first one of the plurality of selectable options and adjusting a size of the window in response to the second input based on a direction associated with the first one of the plurality of selectable options. Systems and computer-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A pointing device such as a scrolling device or trackball, including a ball formed at least partially from an electrically conductive material, and a PCB including a capacitive proximity sensor, wherein movement data representative of ball movement is communicated by a controller to an interface such as a monitor screen, and wherein an electrical switch is actuable in response to the proximity of the sensed object to the ball, such that when a user is not in contact with or in close proximity to the ball, movement data will not be communicated by the controller to the interface.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented system and system for capturing an image for automated test and retesting using an image capture function provided by a computer processor comprises: a capture tool, comprising at least one processor, configured to capture a screen image, a click position and user interaction; an image processing module, comprising at least one processor, configured to receive the screen image and generate a sub-image based at least in part on the click position; and a display module, comprising at least one processor, configured to display the sub-image and the user interaction to the user for generating at least one automated test step.

Abstract: An interactive system capable of improving image processing includes a reference device, a processing module and a controller. The reference device is used for transmitting and/or reflecting light signals within a predetermined spectrum. The processing module includes an image sensor, an estimation unit and a transmission interface. The image sensor is used for sensing an image so as to generate pixel signals; the estimation unit is used for determining static parameters of at least one image object according to the pixel signals; and the transmission interface is used for serially outputting the static parameters of the at least one image object. The controller is used for controlling operation of the interactive system according to the static parameters of the at least one image object outputted from the transmission interface. The image sensor, the estimation unit, and the transmission interface can all be formed on the same substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a keyboard and a trackpad, where a spacebar for the keyboard is integrated as a part of the trackpad.

Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.

Abstract: An optical scrolling module includes a prism, a light source, an image sensor and a first condenser. The prism is disposed at an opening of an upper shell of a mouse and has a light incident surface, a reflective surface, a contact surface and a light emitting surface. The contact and light incident surfaces are respectively connected between the reflective and light emitting surfaces. The contact surface is exposed by the opening. A light beam from the light source is transmitted to the contact surface via the light incident and reflective surfaces. When an object with a pattern structure puts on the contact surface, the light beam is scattered and a portion of the light beam is transmitted to the image sensor via the first condenser. When the object is removed from the contact surface, the light beam is reflected to the light emitting surface by the contact surface.

Abstract: A scrolling device is provided to scroll display content on a display device. The scrolling device includes a scroll ring with a sensor mechanically coupled to the scroll ring and adapted to generate an input signal for controlling the display device as a function of an angular displacement of the scroll ring. A portion of the scroll ring is circumscribed by a ring gear that is engaged by a pinion gear attached to the sensor. As the scrolling device is rotated, the ring gear rotates, which rotates the pinion gear to drive the sensor, which can be a potentiometer. A controller is adapted to receive the input signal from the sensor and select between predetermined segments in the display content or select between a plurality of pages of display content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pointing device and a method for processing signals from such a pointing device, said device comprising a base and an actuator movable with respect to the base, and a detector, said detector adapted for providing at least first and second positional signals indicating a position of the actuator with respect to the base along corresponding first and second axes, wherein said signal processing method comprises the steps of converting the at least two positional signals into a polar coordinate signal comprising a magnitude signal, and thresholding the magnitude signal of the polar coordinate signal to provide a thresholded magnitude signal. In an embodiment the method further comprising the step of applying a conversion curve to the thresholded magnitude signal to produce a velocity magnitude signal.

Abstract: A wireless handheld communication device features a rotational navigation tool assembly such as a trackball or a thumbwheel. The rotational navigation tool assembly provides a user with tactile feedback corresponding to motion of a selection or position indicator on the device display. The tactile feedback is electromagnetically induced and may, for example, be considered an electromagnetic detent.

Abstract: A simulator facilitating virtual welding activity. The simulator may include a logic processor based subsystem operable to generate an interactive welding environment in virtual reality space that emulates welding activity by simulating a virtual weld puddle having dynamic, real time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics, responsive to performing a simulated welding activity in real time. The simulator may include a foot pedal device in operative communication with the logic processor based subsystem and configured to affect a characteristic of the virtual weld puddle in real time, responsive to user control of the foot pedal device. The simulator may be configured to track the movements of a mock welding tool and a mock filler wire and determine interaction between the virtual weld puddle, a corresponding virtual welding tool, and a corresponding filler wire in virtual reality space that would result in the welding tool becoming contaminated.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a tracking device to generate movement information for use in moving a user interface object on a graphical user interface. The tracking device is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. The system also includes a base device configured to receive the tracking device. The base device is configured to translate movement of the base device relative to an adjacent surface for use in moving the user interface object.

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: Techniques involving an effect of gravity on gestures are described. In one or more implementations, the techniques describe gestures that are usable to provide inputs and therefore initiate operations of a computing device, such as a mobile communications device having telephone functionality. The techniques described herein may be employed to reduce an effect of gravity on an input that describes the gesture. A variety of different gestures are contemplated, such as gestures that are recognized as involving acceleration, e.g., acceleration.

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

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

Abstract: A contaminant-neutralizing cradle comprises a base and a support surface configured to removably receive a coherently-illuminated mouse. A neutralizing element is disposed on the support surface for alignment with at least one exposed surface of an optics module of the mouse and is configured to neutralize the optical effect of a contaminant on the at least one exposed surface. A method of neutralizing contaminants for an optical mouse comprises providing a mouse containing an optics module having at least one surface exposed to an opening of the mouse and interposing a barrier in the mouse between a contaminant and the at least one exposed surface.

Abstract: A haptic arm comprising: a user connection element; a reference; a first linkage connecting the user connection element to the reference, where the first linkage provides at least six independent degrees of freedom, and contains an intermediate link, three force sensors, three angle sensors; a second linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference; a third linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference a fourth linkage connecting the intermediate link to the reference; the second, third, and fourth linkages each containing an independent actuator and position sensor.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which the operation of an auxiliary computing device, comprising a display and/or actuator set, may be automatically modified based on detected state data. For example, user input may be routed from the actuator set to the host computer system when the host computer system is in an online state, or to the auxiliary computing device when the host computer system is offline. State may be determined based on one or more various criteria, such as online or offline, laptop lid position, display orientation, current communication and/or other criteria. The auxiliary display and/or actuator set may be embedded in the host computer system, or each may be separable from it or standalone, such as a remote control or cellular phone.

Abstract: A detachable touch structure for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The detachable touch structure comprises a flexible board, a flexible touch panel, a control module, and a linkage element; the flexible touch panel is superimposedly disposed on the flexible board; the control module is connected with the flexible board and electrically connected with the flexible touch panel, and the control module comprises two sliding slot structures each comprising a first sliding slot and a second sliding slot communicated with each other; the linkage element comprises two positioning levers, the linkage element has one end pivotally connected with the flexible board and the other end movably connected with each one of the sliding slot structures via each one of the positioning levers respectively. When two ends of the flexible board are bended by force, the detachable touch structure can be in a tablet form or a mouse form.

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

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

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a processor apparatus. The input apparatus includes a reduced keyboard and roller ball input. The roller ball input includes a movable portion that is substantially continuously rotatable with respect to a housing of the device and is rotatable about more than one axis providing input. The processor apparatus includes a disambiguation routine that can output various proposed interpretations of inputs from the reduced keyboard. The roller ball input advantageously provides various inputs to the handheld electronic device without requiring significant user attention, which enables a user to direct greater amount of attention to the output from the disambiguation routine and other aspects of the device. The roller ball input can be configured to additionally be translatable to provide an input, and additionally and/or alternatively the roller ball input can provide a tactile or other feedback to a user.

Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.

Abstract: A device and method include an enclosure having a top layer with an external touch surface and an oppositely disposed back surface, a flexible substrate including a first portion affixed to the back surface, a second portion separate from the first portion, and an intermediate portion between the first second portions. An array of capacitive sensors is configured to sense objects proximate the external surface. A processor mounted to the second portion is configured to obtain signals from the sensors, determine object motion proximate the external surface using the signals, cause scrolling in response the object moving along a first axis, cause continued scrolling in response to the object lifting with a substantially non-zero speed along the first axis, and to not cause continued scrolling in response the object lifting with a substantially zero speed along the first axis.

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

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

Abstract: A touch system comprises overlapping coordinate input sub-regions defining a generally contiguous input surface. Each coordinate input sub-region generates pointer coordinate data in response to pointer contacts thereon. When a pointer contact is made on a region of a coordinate input sub-region that overlaps with an adjacent coordinate input sub-region, each overlapping coordinate input sub-region processes acquired images to derive pointer data and triangulates the position of the pointer using the derived pointer data. Thereafter, the triangulated positions generated by the overlapping coordinate input sub-regions are processed in accordance with defined logic thereby to determine the position of the pointer contact relative to the touch surface.

Abstract: Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. When employing a D-shaped aperture, a threshold can be placed on the z-axis height tracking distance using dimensional characteristics of the shaped aperture, such as a knife-edge (the straight portion of the “D” shaped aperture), to impose a shadow across the image sensor. The aperture can be custom designed to occlude a portion of the emitted light from an LED.

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