Rotatable Ball Detector Patents (Class 345/164)
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Patent number: 8558787Abstract: An input device includes an operating unit that a user grasps and operates in a three-dimensional free space in order to remotely operate an information processing device; and a transmitting unit to transmit a signal for a first gesture in the free space of the operating unit to set a mode, and a signal for a second gesture in the free space of the operating unit which differs from the first gesture to execute processing in the mode set based on the first gesture.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hideaki Kumagai, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Hideo Niikura, Kazuyuki Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Kabasawa, Toshio Mamiya
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Patent number: 8532585Abstract: Control of multiple functions of an electronic device is provided by using a single control element (102) including a switch body (312) adjustable between multiple switch positions, a primary actuator (302) with lateral (302b) and distal surface (302a) portions extending from the switch body and configured for adjusting the switch body between the switch positions, and a pressure sensor (314) operable via an activation force at the lateral surfaces of the primary actuator. A first function can be controlled responsive to motion of the primary actuator during an activation of the pressure sensor. Additionally, a second function can be controlled responsive to the motion of the primary actuator of the control element exclusive of the activation of the pressure sensor. Further, a third function can be controlled in responsive to activation of the pressure sensor for at least a first period of time exclusive of motion of the primary actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Willem Deleus, Robert Jastram, James Teel
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Patent number: 8508480Abstract: A handheld device comprising a first portion and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion. The handheld device is movable between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. A non-flush navigation button is coupled to one of the first and the second portion wherein the non-flush navigation button is disposed in a position that is accessible for manipulation in both the opened and the closed configurations.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventor: Trevor Plestid
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Patent number: 8502781Abstract: An input device is disclosed. The input device can provide a control signal to a host system. The input device can include a ball and one or more sensor assemblies configured to sense the position of the ball. The input device can sense movement both in the X-Y motion of the ball, and the spin of the ball. Different control signals may be sent to a host system based upon the X-Y motion and the spin of the ball.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: ACCO Brands CorporationInventors: John L. Cavacuiti, Benjamin Roberts, Donald Randall Logan, John Hung
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Patent number: 8497838Abstract: A computing system translates a world space position of a hand of a human target to a screen space cursor position of a user interface. When the cursor overlaps a button in the user interface, the computing system actuates the button in response to a movement of the hand in world space that changes the cursor position by a depth threshold along a z-axis regardless of an initial z-axis position of the cursor. When the button includes an activation lock, the computing system unlocks the activation lock, prior to button actuation, if the cursor path satisfies unlocking criteria.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Adam Jethro Langridge
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Patent number: 8487750Abstract: A system and method for stimulating user motility is provided. According to the invention a monitoring system receives information associated with a user of a computer, and a display associated with the computer having the display coupled to the monitoring system. The computer generates a feedback to the user based upon the received information.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Jochem Reijndorp, Martijn Spit, Nathalie Dorothee Pieternel Leurs
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Patent number: 8432356Abstract: A device disclosed herein reduces inadvertent activation of buttons mounted on edges of an electronic device. The button moves around an axis of rotation proximate to, and parallel with, the adjacent edge of the device. Thus, inadvertent pressure on an edge of the button adjacent to the edge of the device will not inadvertently activate the button. Additionally, the presence of the axis of rotation proximate to the edge maintains a desired reveal.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven Chase
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Patent number: 8432361Abstract: A computer mouse includes a driver module, a plurality of wheels, a control module, and a plurality of sensors. The control module is electrically connected to the driver module and the sensors, and is capable of controlling the driver module to drive the wheels. The driver module is capable of providing driving force and driving the wheels. The sensors are capable of sensing movement information of the computer mouse, and the control module controls the driver module to adjust the movement state of the wheels according to the movement information. Thus, the sensors can accurately sense and obtain the movement information to prevent the computer mouse from falling from a support plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) LimitedInventors: Kun-Tsan Wu, Li-Wen Tien
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Patent number: 8368651Abstract: An input device includes a case, a ball, a magnetic detecting element, a wiring board, and a rocking part. The ball is rotatably accommodated in the case, exposed from an opening of the case, and is embedded with a magnetic substance having a plurality of protrusions or with a plurality of magnets. In a case the magnetic substance is embedded in the ball, a magnet is placed where its magnetism affects the plurality of protrusions. The magnetic detecting element is disposed facing the ball with a certain gap. The switch is mounted on the wiring board. The rocking part is placed between the case and the switch, supporting the case in a swingable manner with respect to the switch. The switch is turned on and off corresponding to a rocking motion of the rocking part. The ball and the magnetic detecting element are attached to the rocking part so that the gap is kept constant with each other when the rocking part rocks.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tamotsu Yamamoto, Shinichi Takasaki
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Patent number: 8350813Abstract: A digitizer includes a case having an input portion; at least three first projected portions fixed to the case, the first projected portions coming into contact with a placement surface so as to support the case on the placement surface; and a second projected portion arranged inside of an area defined by connecting the points at which the first projected portions are fixed to the case. The second projected portion is configured such that, when a force substantially parallel to the placement surface is applied to the case, the first projected portions slide against the placement surface so that the case rotates relative to the placement surface with the second projected portion as a rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuta Sato
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Patent number: 8350809Abstract: An input device to control elements of graphical user interfaces has at least one input element with multiple buttons (keys), and at least one rotatable input element that is actuated at least along one essentially horizontal axis, and at least one elevation (18) that extends essentially perpendicular to a primary extension plane of the input device. The elevation is provided with at least one additional input element and the additional input element is rotatable around an essentially vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Karlheinz Glaser-Seidnitzer, Johannes Kling
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Patent number: 8345003Abstract: One embodiment relates to an optical displacement sensor for sensing movement of a data input device across a surface by determining displacement of optical features in a succession of frames. The sensor includes at least an illuminator, telecentric imaging optics on the object (scattering surface) side, and an array of photosensitive elements. The illuminator is configured to illuminate a portion of the surface. The telecentric imaging optics is configured to image the optical features emanating from the illuminated portion of the surface, and the array of photosensitive elements is configured to detect intensity data relating to the optical features imaged by the telecentric imaging optics. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Jahja Trisnadi, Clinton Carlisle, Charles Roxlo, David A. Lehoty
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Patent number: 8344915Abstract: A keyboard includes a base, and plural keys arranged on the base, wherein at least a part of the plural keys are arranged in plural steps in a depth direction of the keyboard, in the shape of a sector in such a manner that the keys closer to a central portion in a width direction of the keyboard are arranged backward whereas the keys closer to both end portions in the width direction of the keyboard are arranged forward.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yoshihisa Satou, Yoshinori Mesaki, Masayuki Itoh
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Patent number: 8330094Abstract: In an optical mouse, an optical sensing module includes a printed circuit board and a packaging body. The printed circuit board has an upper surface and a lower surface on opposite sides. The packaging body including a compound, an optical sensing die and a lead frame is disposed on the lower surface. The compound has a transparent surface. The optical sensing die used for receiving light is located inner the compound and has an optical sensing surface facing the transparent surface of the compound. The lead frame with a shoulder portion is electrically connected to the optical sensing die. The shoulder portion extends out from the compound along a direction that is parallel to the optical sensing surface of the optical sensing die. The shoulder portion is fixed on the lower surface. The optical sensing module may be used in an optical mouse.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.Inventors: Wei-Chung Wang, Kuo-Hsiung Li
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Patent number: 8330719Abstract: A mouse includes a bottom casing, a PCB with a controller fixed thereon and a roller unit assembled to the bottom casing, and a top casing coupled with the bottom casing. The bottom casing has a retainer plate and a backing plate in rear of the retainer plate. The retainer plate and the backing plate respectively define a location hole and a receiving recess thereon. The PCB defines an opening in front of the controller and a slit positioned between the controller and the opening. The backing plate passes through the slit while the retainer plate locates in front of the opening. The roller unit includes a roller bearing which has a location post extended forward from a front thereof to be inserted into the location hole, and a contact post extended rearward from a rear thereof to be received in the receiving recess so as to movably activate the controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Shih Lee
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Patent number: 8319730Abstract: Embodiments of peripheral pointing devices and methods for manufacturing the same are generally described herein. In at least one embodiment, a peripheral device comprises a housing, one or more buttons at a first side of the housing, a displacement tracker at a second side of the housing, a keypad comprising keys at the second side of the housing; and a keypress restrictor coupled to the housing. Other examples, embodiments, and related methods are further described below.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Belkin International Inc.Inventor: Adrian Sesto
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Patent number: 8310447Abstract: A method for controlling a pointing icon in a computer, including the steps of (A) establishing a wireless connection between a pointing device and the computer, (B) generating directional information through one or more three dimensional movements of the pointing device, (C) transmitting the directional information from the pointing device to the computer and (D) translating the directional information into movements of the pointing icon on a screen of the computer using a device driver program stored on the computer.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: LSI CorporationInventor: Michael L. Peterson
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Patent number: 8284163Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Jason T. Griffin, Steven Henry Fyke
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Patent number: 8284159Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Konno, Yoshitaka Ajioka, Yasushi Ebisawa, Kiyoshi Mizuki
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Patent number: 8264460Abstract: A method and system for inputting a character string using a handheld input device, such as a mouse wheel or touchpad. Signals are grouped depending on a change in direction, depressing the mouse button as an interrupt, holding a mouse button down, etc., and the groupings are translated into symbols. Translation can be pre-determined or from a mapping file. Symbols can be appended into a character string and provided as a password, PIN, credit card, account number, or as other sensitive data.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: SAP AGInventor: Rene Gross
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Patent number: 8253687Abstract: A slim mouse includes a mouse body, a battery box case, a wheel function module, multiple click buttons, a PCMCIA connecting part and a connecting frame. The mouse body includes a first receiving part, a first body fillister, a second receiving part and a second body fillister. The connecting frame includes a first connecting arm, a first salient, a second connecting arm, a second salient, a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively inserted into the first body fillister and the second body fillister. By using the first protrusion and the second protrusion as a shaft, the connecting frame is rotatable with respect to the mouse body so as to change the operating mode of the slim mouse.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Che Wu
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Patent number: 8248369Abstract: A wheel mouse includes a mouse case, a base, a circuit board, an encoder, a fixing element, a wheel, a switch element and a spring. The circuit board is disposed on the base. The fixing element includes a ring-shaped part and a hollow post. The encoder is accommodated within the ring-shaped part. The wheel includes a rotating shaft and a receptacle. The ring-shaped part of the fixing element is accommodated in the receptacle. A first end of the rotating shaft is inserted into the encoder perforation. The switch element is mounted on the circuit board and under a second end of the rotating shaft. The spring is inserted into the hollow post for offering an elastic force on the fixing element. Since the encoder is accommodated within the wheel, the overall volume of the wheel mouse is reduced and the loading on the wheel is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Che Wu, Yi-Shun Wang
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Patent number: 8243019Abstract: A computer mouse for use with a computing device is provided. The computer mouse may include a mouse body with an ulnar side digit support structure having a front concave region and a rear convex region formed proximate and behind the front concave region. The front concave region may include an overhang portion on a top side and an outwardly flared region on a bottom side. The front concave region may be sized to receive a distal end of a digit of a user, and the rear convex region may be sized to support a proximate end of a digit of a user. The mouse body may additionally include a radial side digit support structure that has a concave region with an outwardly flared region on a bottom side of the concavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Monique Chatterjee, Peter Bristol, Dan Odell, Steven Fisher, Hugh McLoone
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Patent number: 8232966Abstract: An optical navigation system with optical imaging of multiple inputs using a single navigation sensor. The optical navigation system includes a tactile interface device, an image sensor, and a processor. The tactile interface device facilitates a navigation input. The image sensor intermittently generates images of a surface of the tactile interface device and images of a contact navigation surface. The image sensor also generates the images of the surface of the tactile interface device exclusive of the images of the contact navigation surface. The processor is coupled to the image sensor. The processor generates a first navigation signal based on the images of the tactile interface device and generates a second navigation signal based on the images of the contact navigation surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Chiang Sun Cheah, Ak Wing Leong, Yee Loong Chin
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Patent number: 8212774Abstract: An input device for inputting commands to a host computer includes a base. An upper housing defines a plurality of control buttons for inputting commands to the computer. The base and upper housing are movably coupled to each other to enable the mouse to be placed in a collapsed position and a raised position. A release button is configured to actuate and facilitate raising of the mouse from the collapsed position to the raised position, the raised position placing the mouse a suitable state for inputting commands to the computer using the control buttons.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Pascal Eichenberger, Yves Karcher, Charles Seiber, Denis O'Keeffe, Martin Gleeson
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Patent number: 8212771Abstract: A computer mouse with an integral attached mouse pad is herein disclosed. The top portion of the mouse moves conventionally while the base is equipped with sliding X-Y access plates having a protruding analog stick. The bottom surface of the base plate comprises a non-slip material. The top portion has both left and right mouse buttons as found on a conventional mouse. In use, the top portion of the device slides in relation to the base generating higher resolution computer cursor movements. This device is ideal for use on desktops with crowded spaces or for with notebook computers.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventor: Raul A. Sanchez-Garcia
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Patent number: 8179368Abstract: A manual operation device of the present disclosure allows a user to intuitively recognize a force pattern by providing a graphical representation of the force pattern on a display unit. The force pattern or a relationship between an operation position an operation unit of the manual operation device and a control value is visually represented as, for example, a two-dimensional line graph. In this manner, the reaction force is suitably adjusted to an operation force of the user to reduce an false operation of the manual operation device, because the user can easily controls the reaction force for achieving an improved operability.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ichiro Yoshida, Hiroshige Asada, Yuuki Sawa
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Patent number: 8144124Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.Inventors: Hui-Hsuan Chen, Hung-Ching Lai, Tien-Chia Liu
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Patent number: 8130123Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a roller having a center shaft protruding along a center axis, a bearing for supporting the center shaft of the roller to allow the roller to rotate about the center axis, a ring magnet fixed to the center shaft of the roller, an elastic member having a ring shape provided between the center shaft of the roller and the bearing, and a fixed magnet facing the ring magnet. The ring magnet is alternately magnetized to an S-pole and an N-pole with predetermined angular intervals. This rotary actuator has a simple structure and operates with a preferable operation feeling.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroto Inoue, Tamotsu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8115736Abstract: A ball mouse includes a ball, two metallic encoder disks each defining a plurality of through holes, two drive rollers engaged with the ball and transferring motion of the ball to respective encoder disks, two electromagnetic signal generators for generating two electromagnetic signals, and two induced signal generators for generating two induced signals according to respective electromagnetic signals. One of the two electromagnetic signals is transmitted to one of the induced signal generators through the plurality of through holes of one of the encoder disks. The other of the two electromagnetic signals is transmitted to the other of the induced signal generators through the plurality of through holes of the other of the encoder disks.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fei Gao, Wen-Haw Tseng
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Patent number: 8102370Abstract: A mode-changeable slim mouse includes a mouse body, a battery box casing and a connecting mechanism. Via the connecting mechanism, the battery box casing is connected to the mouse body and rotatable with respect to the mouse body. By rotating the battery box casing to different positions with respect to the mouse body, the mode-changeable slim mouse is operated in various operating modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Chin-Kuan Lou, Chun-Che Wu
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Patent number: 8089462Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: SMART Technologies ULCInventors: Douglas B. Hill, Scott Yu Tseng Su, David E. Holmgren
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Patent number: 8072417Abstract: A stand-alone device for navigating in a space having at least three dimensions comprises a housing capable of being manipulated by a user. The housing houses means for generating signals that represent the inclination of the housing according to its pitch axes, rolling axes and yaw axes, and houses at least one isometric device that generates a control signal of a bi-directional displacement according to at least one axis of said space. The invention is used, in particular, for navigating in a virtual space.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Laurent Jouanet, Dominique David, Yanis Caritu, Patrick Schermesser
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Patent number: 8059094Abstract: A navigation apparatus and method for a three-dimensional graphical user interface are provided. The apparatus includes an input unit that has a plurality of trackballs, in a space containing a certain plane and an-axis crossing the plane at a right angle, for navigation in a direction of the plane and the-axis, a detecting unit that detects a combination of the plurality of trackball movements and generates an input signal, a mapping table that defines the relationship between the input signal and the command for the navigation, and a graphics object control unit that performs the navigation corresponding to the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-wan Seo, Min-chul Kim, Eun-jung Lee
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Patent number: 8054293Abstract: An electronic apparatus disclosed facilitates the replacement of an input device. In the electronic apparatus equipped with the input device allowing various input operations, the input device including first signal generators is positioned by being placed in an opening of a housing from the outside. A cover can be detached from the housing and fixes the input device when installed in the opening of the housing. Second signal generators are provided inside the housing and function in combination with the respective first signal generators. Just mounting the cover to the housing fixes the input device. This facilitates the replacement of the input device, eliminating the need to open the housing and to remove a wiring board mounted with the second signal generators in replacement of the input device.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Keiji Kaizaki, Tamotsu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8044928Abstract: Disclosed is a peripheral device, comprising a sensor to trip when in proximity to a host device, and a transmitter coupled to the sensor to transmit a bind request to a host device. Further described is a method of binding the peripheral device to a host device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Ray Asbury, Ryan Winfield Woodings
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Patent number: 8026898Abstract: A wireless mouse comprises a movement detection module that detects movement of the wireless mouse. A detection module detects at least one of movement and usage of the wireless mouse during operation. The detection module consumes power at a slower rate than the movement detection module. A control module selectively powers down the movement detection module and wherein after the detection module detects the at least one of movement and usage, the control module powers up the movement detection module.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.Inventor: Sehat Sutardja
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Patent number: 8022930Abstract: An ergonomic mouse is described. A computer mouse may include a position tracking engine and a housing to encapsulate the position tracking engine. The housing may have a bottom portion with a substantially flat surface and an aperture for the position tracking engine. The housing may also have a top portion having a convex portion with a convex curved surface and a first concave portion with a first concave curved surface to receive a human thumb. The first concave portion may have an orientation relative to the bottom portion to cause a substantially neutral wrist deviation when a user grips the top portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Odell, Monique Chatterjee
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Publication number: 20110210919Abstract: A mouse is disclosed that comprises a main body, at least one function key, a position sensor and a data transmission line. The main body has a hand-shaped groove, a first surface disposed at a bottom of the hand-shaped groove, and a reverse surface to the first surface. The at least one function key is disposed on the first surface for producing at least one function signal. The position sensor is disposed on the reverse surface for sensing movement of the main body to produce a position signal. And the data transmission line is coupled to the main body for transmitting the function signal and the position signal to an electronic system or apparatus for operating the electronic system or apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicants: INVENTEC APPLIANCES (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., INVENTEC APPLIANCES CORP.Inventor: QUN GU
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Publication number: 20110205158Abstract: A separable mouse includes a top cover with an input device installed at the surface of the top cover. At least one first fastening element is set inside the top cover. A first circuit board set inside the top cover coupled to the input device for receiving the control signals transmitted from the input device. A bottom cover hosts a second circuit board which is set at the surface of the bottom cover, and a first connection element which is set on the first circuit board. A second connection element set on the second circuit board to connect the first connection element. Also, at least one second fastening element is set on the bottom cover to bind the first fastening element. Additionally, the separable mouse of the invention further comprises a separable-side-button module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: WEISTECH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Wei HSU
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Patent number: 7995035Abstract: A mouse with adjustable button activating pressure includes a body, two circuit boards, two switch sets and at least one adjusting means. The body is provided with two adjacent buttons. The two switch sets are provided in the body and electrically connected to the corresponding circuit board to correspond to the buttons of the body respectively. Each switch set includes a plurality of switches of different activating pressures. The adjusting means is adjustably assembled with the body and coupled to the switch set, thereby allowing the switch set to move with respect to the button of the body. Via the above arrangement of the present invention, the button activating pressure can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Dexin CorporationInventor: Cheng-Cheng Wu
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Patent number: 7982712Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device cradleable by an operator during text entry. A display, key field and trackball navigation tool are located on a front face of the device. Alphanumeric input keys include several alphabetic keys with letters arranged in a traditional (QWERTY), but non-ITU Standard E.161 telephone letter layout. A menu key is positioned adjacent to the trackball navigation tool and the at least one key has an arcuate-shaped edge conformance fitting to an arcuate-shaped boundary about the trackball navigation tool. A rotatable ring is provided that surrounds the trackball of the trackball navigation tool. A microprocessor is configured to receive operator commands from the various inputs.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Jason T. Griffin, Steven Fyke
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Patent number: 7965279Abstract: An input device for generating signals indicating input requests by a user which has a base portion, a control portion, a plurality of input means, a universal connection means, and a signal generating means. The universal connection means may connect the control portion to the base portion. The control portion may be moved universally with respect to the base portion. The plurality of input means may comprise keys to be depressed by the user. Signals are generated indicating a position of the control portion or user data input requests. A processor receives and process the signals indicating a position of the control portion or user data input requests.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: Mark Vayda
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Patent number: 7916122Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller mechanism for generating a plurality of control signals, for example to scroll an image on a computer display in multiple directions. The roller mechanism has a carriage, and a roller rotatable within the carrier. The roller can drive an encoding unit to output the control signal. The carriage has a coupling portion, and the coupling portion is pivoted to a bottom support. Thus the roller and the carriage are turnable relative to the coupling portion in a fan-shaped movement while the roller is also being rotated within the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Kye Systems Corp.Inventor: Wei-Chuan Wang
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Patent number: 7911449Abstract: A mouse with direction-adjustable connecting wire includes a housing, a connecting wire and a turntable. The connecting wire has one end that is embedded in the housing. The turntable is pivotably disposed in the bottom of the housing, and the connecting wire is passed through the turntable and located therein. Thereby, a direction-adjustable connecting wire is designed to make the mouse is easy to be operated and has better controllability without causing the operational inconvenience; for this reason, it takes fully into account the requirements and operation habits of the different users.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventor: Yuan-Jung Chang
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Patent number: 7912271Abstract: A computer receives a number of groups of projection images of a reference object already known to the computer. Each projection image was captured via a recording arrangement with corresponding positioning of the recording arrangement. The computer uses one projection image for the respective position of the recording arrangement to determine an interim projection matrix, which describes a mapping of the three-dimensional space to a projection image captured with the respective positioning of the recording arrangement. The interim projection matrices relate to coordinate systems that are specifically assigned to each group. The computer uses interim projection matrices of different groups determined for the same position of the recording arrangement to determine locations of the other coordinate systems related to one of the coordinate systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stefan Hoppe, Joachim Hornegger, Günter Lauritsch
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Patent number: 7872638Abstract: Acceleration data representing accelerations in at least two axial directions which is output from an acceleration sensor included in an input device is obtained. Based on a shift of the acceleration data, a motion direction of the input device with respect to the direction of the acceleration of gravity acting upon the input device is determined. Motion data including at least the determined motion data is output.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenta Sato
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Publication number: 20100302157Abstract: Keyboard configurations are described. In embodiments, a keyboard includes a microcontroller to register key inputs, a memory to store time durations that correspond to the key inputs, and an algorithm that generates an input signature based on the time durations that correspond to the key inputs. The input signature can be used for user authentication and identity theft protection, and/or used to validate users for access to a computer system. The input signature may also include a watermark, a timestamp, or voice stamp for further security. An input system that includes a keyboard can provide multi-modal biometric protection by supplementing keystroke-scans with fingerprint, voice-scan, signature-scan and mouse-scan verification.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Arkady G. Zilberman
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Patent number: 7812822Abstract: Each opto-mechanical pointing device includes a housing having a base that two or more rollers extend beyond to make contact with a surface. An optical module that includes a light source and a detector track the motion of the opto-mechanical pointing device directly or indirectly. Light reflecting off markings positioned opposite of each detector is used to determine the speed and distance traveled by an opto-electrical pointing device. Alternatively, the speed and distance traveled by an opto-electrical pointing device is determined by monitoring the tilt or rotation of the opto-mechanical pointing device with respect to the surface beneath the pointing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Shalini Venkatesh, Annette Grot, Julie E. Fouquet
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Patent number: 7808482Abstract: A slim mouse includes a first housing, a second housing and a connecting member. The first housing includes a first front part and a first rear part, wherein the first rear part has a first slant. The second housing includes a second front part and a second rear part, wherein the second front part has a second slant. The connecting member includes a rotating shaft for connecting the first slant and the second slant, so that the second housing is rotatable with the rotating shaft and relative to the first housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Hung Lin, Hong-Che Yen, Chang-Chih Wu, Hsiao-Lung Chiang