Abstract: A method for operating an optical pointing device involves capturing a plurality of arrays of data, representing light reflected from a surface to a two-dimensional array of photo detectors, processing at least some of the plurality of arrays of data to estimate movement of the surface during each of a plurality of measurement cycles, and sending a series of estimated movement update signals to a computer.

Abstract: A trackball module structure is provided. In the structure, a Hall IC is integrated in a flexible printed circuit, and the integrated structure and a trackball device are disposed on the base to be located. Afterwards, a lid is used to fix the integrated structure and the trackball device to form a module. The module is easy to be disposed on an electronic device. This not only solves the problem that the conventional trackball is hard to locate, but also prevents the ESD with the cooperation of a metal base and a metal lid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for navigating between different focus points displayed on an electronic device, comprising, for each of said different focus points, maintaining a list of any adjacent ones of said focus points to which focus can move in each direction responsive to a navigation event in said direction, for each said list having only one adjacent focus point moving focus to said one adjacent focus point responsive to said navigation event, and for each said list having more than one adjacent focus point accessing a memory setting and moving focus to a predetermined one of said adjacent focus points responsive to said navigation event in accordance with said memory setting.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are described herein for input of characters into a mobile device. In one implementation, a user can input representations of character strokes of logographic characters, such as Chinese characters, using a trackpad module. The system can then associate the character strokes with a character the user desires to input based on the received inputs and a series of well-known rules for writing the logographic characters. One implementation of the trackpad includes an optical trackpad comprising a plurality of sub-sections that can be used to determine the direction of movement of an object over the optical trackpad, for example, a finger over the optical trackpad.

Abstract: A four axles center wheel module for mouse comprising a coder assembly for outputting a encoded pulse electronic signal, a center wheel, and a mouse circuit board, the coder assembly is set on the center shaft of the center wheel; a swing component is installed in a slot on a mouse motherboard or the mouse circuit board, a front end supporting shaft of the swing component is installed on the front support of the mouse motherboard or circuit board, and a groove is set at both sides of the swing component to support the center wheel, touch arms for cooperating with two switches mounted on the mouse circuit board are set on both sides of the swing component, and a wheel downward press key touch arm is set at the trailing end of the swing component while a wheel downward press key switch is set on the mouse circuit board below the wheel press downwards key touch arm.

Abstract: A pointing device for a computer and a method of using the pointing device. The pointing device includes a base, a motion tracking device coupled to the base; and a body pivotably coupled to the base. The body pivots with respect to the base about at least one axis.

Abstract: A user interface system includes a data receiving device and a portable data device having a memory. The portable data device may include a wireless interface configured to transmit data stored in the memory. A user may interface with the data receiving device by physically manipulating the portable data device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and products are described that provide control configuration for a digital image system. One aspect provides for a system configured to identify one or more input control devices in communication with a digital image application operating on said system, the one or more input devices comprising one or more control elements; activating an input control device mode based on a number of identified input control devices; and mapping the one or more control elements of each input control device to one or more digital image application functions based on a type of the input control device and the input control mode. Other aspects and embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: An input device includes a ball having a magnetic body therein. The magnetic body includes projections radially extending from the core toward the outer periphery of the ball. The device also includes a ring magnet and magnet detection elements surrounded by a lower area of the ball so as to be opposite thereto. The structure allows the input device to be protected from dust and dirt during long-term use so as to maintain a good tactile feel in a simple structure. Because, the input device has no components such as rollers that are in contact with the ball.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for horizontal capacitively sensed pointing devices. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention capacitively sense planar movement with structures that are substantially perpendicular to the plane of movement. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a sensing mechanism for a pointing device operable to accept movement in a plane includes structures of the mechanism that are substantially perpendicular to the plane. The structures may include a parallel plate capacitor.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which a computer pointing device (generally a mouse but alternatively a game controller or remote control device) may be worn on the hand and operated without needing to contact a mousing surface. Gyroscopic-based sensors convert the wearer's hand and wrist movements to signals which are sent to a host computing device such as a conventional personal computer, a gaming console, an electronic appliance, and so forth. The data received from the pointing device may be used to move a cursor or the like, and other received data may correspond to left and right mouse clicks, scrolling operations, and so forth. A user-controlled enable switch/sensor selectively activates or deactivates the pointing device so that only intended movements result in data transmission. Gestures may also be sensed and used to trigger defined functions.

Abstract: System and methods for an application that allows users to interactively create, transform and play music using cell phones, iPhones™ and other enabled mobile communication devices communicating with a remote host are disclosed. Using an enabled mobile communication device, users are able to strike the mobile device like a drum to create and record rhythms, enter melodies using the keypads, add voice recordings, and manipulate musical tracks by tilting the mobile device continuously in three dimensions. The musical input is sequenced in multiple tracks and the transformative manipulations are applied in real time, allowing users to create their songs in an expressive motion-based manner.

Abstract: A handheld electronic communication device features an optically based user input device and navigation tool. In one embodiment, the optically based user input device features a translucent domed lens and a light source to illuminate a user's finger as the user slides his finger over the domed lens. In another embodiment, the optically based user input device features a translucent ball that the user rotates. In both embodiments, optical means are used to measure movement of the user's finger and translate that movement into a navigational command to the handheld electronic communication device. The optically based user input device is further configured such that an entry command is entered by depressing the optically based user input device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decreasing the depth of field of images taken by a camera having a fixed aperture, comprising capturing a plurality of images; generating a depth map from the captured images; isolating a plurality of gray zones within the depth map; generating a plurality of image layers having respective depths of field corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of gray zones; selecting one of the image layers as a focus plane; blurring all other image layers; and superimposing the image layers to create a composite image wherein objects located at the focus plane are in focus and objects at all other depths of field are out of focus.

Abstract: A device includes a first wireless transceiver adapted to communicate over a cellular network, a second wireless transceiver adapted to communicate over a local network separate from the cellular network, and a mechanism adapted to report movement information to a computer via the second wireless transceiver. The mechanism is optionally an optical sensor reporting relative position information. The device is operable as both a cellular communication device and a computer pointing device. A button of the device is adapted to operate as a mouse button, and optionally, in some modes, controls operation of the cellular communication device. The second wireless transceiver optionally uses Universal Serial Bus protocol. The device optionally transfers files via the second wireless transceiver. In some usage scenarios, the device and a separate wireless pointing device communicate with a same computer and are used to operate an application, such as a gaming application.

Abstract: A ground-based haptic interface equipped with at least two decoupled rotary finger actuators adapted to be manipulated with the fingertips of a single hand of a user. For each finger actuator, a means are included for measuring the angular position of the actuator or for measuring the torque applied on the axis of rotation of the actuator. Each rotary finger actuator is associated with a control motor adapted to apply, on the axis of rotation of the actuator, a torque that is a function of the angular position of the actuator, or that controls the rotational position of the axis of rotation of the actuator as a function of the torque applied on this axis. The haptic interface can be used as a peripheral of a computer, for example, for interacting with a virtual environment. It can also be applied to the control or manipulation of real objects by being coupled, for example, with a robot or a manipulating arm. The interface also can be telemanipulated.

Abstract: A remote controller includes a housing, a CPU, an input module, and an output module. The input module is electrically connected to the CPU for selectively inputting signals into the remote controller to controllably communicate with the home entertaining appliance. It includes a plurality of control keys provided on the housing for allowing a user to input at least one command to the CPU for interactively communicating with the home entertaining appliance, and a full keyboard arrangement provided on the housing and has a full keyboard set comprising a plurality of information keys for being selectively pressed to input at least one command to the corresponding the CPU. The output module is wirelessly linked with the home entertaining appliance for wirelessly transmitting the inputted commands of the input module to the home entertaining appliance.

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: An information processing apparatus includes, a screen switching input unit to input an instruction for switching between a screen displayed on a first display unit and a screen displayed on a second display unit, and a display control unit to display, in response to input of the switching instruction, the screen displayed on the first display unit on the second display unit and disabling displaying of the screen displayed on the second display unit before input of the switching instruction on the first display unit.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical trackball assembly is disclosed with increased functionality. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, a plurality of polychromatic light sources, such as polychromatic LEDs (also known as RGB LEDs), are spaced apart and disposed adjacent the trackball. Such polychromatic LEDs can provide up to 256 colors as well as allow the intensity of the light emitted from the trackball to be controlled. In addition, sequencing the turning on and off of spaced apart polychromatic light sources can be used to simulate movement of the trackball to raise the level of interest in the game, for example, during periods when the game is not being played. The polychromatic LEDs can also be used to create a light show of different colors to draw interest to the game during periods of inactivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the polychromatic light sources are configured for use in arcade/casino games that accommodate multiple users.

Abstract: A second user interface screen is presented to a user in response to detection of a predefined user motion associated with a first user interface screen. In one embodiment, a method includes: presenting, via a display of an end-user device, a first user interface screen; detecting, via a user input device of the end-user device, a predefined user motion associated with the first screen, wherein the user motion is substantially in a direction of movement in a plane parallel to the display; and in response to detecting the user motion, presenting a second user interface screen via the display, the second screen including information corresponding to the first screen.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and a graphical user interface are disclosed. The imaging apparatus includes a housing with optics and a display panel. A function switch is disposed on the housing, and configured to switch between an operating mode and a setting mode. A pointing device with a two-stage switch is disposed on the housing. Specifically, in the setting mode, the pointing device is configured to trace among a number of settings on the display panel, and the two-stage switch is configured to be pressed to confirm the setting. In the operating mode, the two-stage switch is configured to be pressed to perform an operation according to the setting confirmed in the setting mode.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a shutter adjacent to a boundary of an information display region on a display of a portable electronic device, the information display region for displaying first information; receiving an input associated with the shutter; and displaying second information.

Abstract: A trackball module (10) is provided for connecting a trackball (12) to an electrical device (32), comprising a trackball (12) for being manipulated by hand, a sensor device (14) for detecting a turning of the trackball (12), a support device (34) for positioning the trackball (12) in a use position, where the trackball (12) is exposed for being manipulated, and a rest position, where the trackball (12) is adapted for being received by the electrical device (32), and an operating direction (28), which is defined roughly by a line through the center (26) of the trackball and the center (24) of a manipulating surface (22) of the trackball (12) exposed for turning the trackball (12) by hand in the use position, wherein the support device (34) is adapted to change the position of the sensor device (14) with respect to the trackball (12) so that the sensor device (14) is arranged mainly along the operating direction (28) for detecting the turning of the trackball (12) in the use position and that the sensor device

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a trackball device provided for an operation panel of a predetermined computer, the device includes a first casing including a housing portion, a ball rotatably housed in the housing portion, a detector provided in the housing portion and configured to detect input information based on rotation of the ball, and a second casing including an opening portion and mounted on the first casing to restrain the ball in the housing portion while part of the ball is exposed from the opening portion, wherein the second casing further comprises a ring portion which is provided along the opening portion and exposed from the operation panel when the trackball device is provided on the operation panel, and is configured to be detachable from the first casing upon application of a dynamic action to the ring portion.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus including a main body having a display unit on a surface and a protruding holding unit. The holding unit includes a pointing device and switches that are operated by a same hand holding the holding unit. The pointing device includes one of a stick type pointing device and a trackball type pointing device that performs pointing operations including moving a cursor displayed on the display unit. The switches are for setting or canceling instructions given by the pointing device with click operations. The holding unit is also configured to be folded toward a side of the main body. When it is folded, an electric power supply is automatically turned off or put in a standby state and when the holding unit is unfolded to its original position, the electric power supply is a turned on or put in an operating state.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An audible indication of a user's position within a given speech grammar framework is provided for a speech-enabled software application, and recognition of speech grammars are limited to use only when a software application that has requested a given set of speech grammars is in focus by a user of an associated mobile computing device.

Abstract: A control device includes a base frame, a bearing board hinged to the base frame at the top for holding an electronic device, a bracket hinged to the bearing board for supporting the bearing board on the base frame in a sloping position, a trackball device mounted in a front recess of the base frame in front of the bearing board and carrying a rolling bar in a rolling chamber thereof for rotating or moving by the user and a circuit module with a sensor module for sensing the direction and amount of rotation or displacement of the rolling bar and outputting a corresponding signal and a connection interface module for transmitting the output signal from the sensor module to the electronic device to control the cursor on the display screen of the electronic device.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device configured to send and receive text messages. The device is hand cradleable with an elongate body configured to be held in one hand by an operator during text entry. A display is located on a front face of the body and upon which information is displayed to the operator during text entry. A key field is also located on the front face of the elongate body and that includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and menu control keys. A trackball navigation tool is located on the front face of the elongate body. The alphanumeric input keys include several alphabetic keys with letters arranged in a traditional (QWERTY), but non-ITU Standard E. 161 telephone letter layout. A microprocessor is provided that receives operator commands from the keys and the trackball navigation tool and which affects corresponding changes to the display based on user input.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a moveable puck that is capable of moving over a surface in a puck field of motion. The surface includes a detent feature defined within the puck field of motion for engaging with a detent feature of the moveable puck.

Abstract: An input apparatus includes a case, an operation body stored rotatably in the case, a magnetic body fixed to the operation body, a magnet provided around the operation body, a magnetic detection element for detecting a magnetic flux from the magnetic body, and a frame for retaining the case. The magnetic detection element faces the operation body with a predetermined space therebetween. The frame includes depression sections for causing the magnetic detection element to elastically contact the lower surface of the case. This input apparatus can accurately detect a rotation angle.

Abstract: An optical navigation device for operation in a surface navigation mode and a free space navigation mode. The optical navigation device includes a microcontroller, a first navigation sensor, and a second navigation sensor. The first navigation sensor is coupled to the microcontroller, and the second navigation sensor is coupled to the first navigation sensor. The microcontroller processes a movement of the optical navigation device. The first navigation sensor generates a first navigation signal in a first navigation mode. The second navigation sensor generates a second navigation signal in a second navigation mode and sends the second navigation signal to the first navigation sensor. By implementing a navigation sensor to process signals from multiple navigation sensors, the cost and size of the optical navigation device can be controlled, and a small packaging design can be used.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device configured to send and receive text messages. The device is hand cradleable with a body configured to be held in one hand by an operator during text entry. A display is located on a front face of the body and upon which information is displayed to the operator during text entry. A key field is also located on the front face of the body and that includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and menu keys. A trackball navigation tool is located on the front face of the body. The alphanumeric input keys include several alphabetic keys with letters arranged in a traditional (QWERTY), but non-ITU Standard E.161 telephone letter layout. A microprocessor is provided that receives operator commands from the keys and the trackball navigation tool and which affects corresponding changes to the display based on user input.

Abstract: Proposed is a touch-controlled cursor operated handheld electronic device, including a main housing, a display screen disposed on the main housing, and a touch-control member disposed on the main housing at a position opposite to the display screen with respect to the main housing. The display screen displays a touch-control interface including application program activating icons and a cursor. The cursor is configured to at least touch-control the application program activating icons of the touch-control interface. The application program activating icons are configured to start and execute associated application programs. The cursor on the touch-control interface is touch-controlled and operated by the touch-control member.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device cradleable by an user during text entry. A display and key field are located on a front face of the device. The key field includes alphanumeric input keys and menu control keys. Additionally, an user-removable trackball navigation tool is provided on the device. The trackball navigation tool can be releasably snap-engaged or releasably friction-engaged in the body of the device. The removable trackball navigation tool enables the user to independently remove the trackball navigation tool from the device and perform self-maintenance on the device with respect to the navigation tool.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided a handheld electronic device including a support structure, a display, a navigation tool assembly and a coil. The display is located on a front face of the device and upon which graphical user interface information is displayed to the user of the device. The navigation tool assembly is coupled to the support structure and includes a navigation tool that is moveable relative to the support structure. The navigation tool is configured to control motion of a selection or position indicator on the display. The coil is coupled to the support structure. A movement of the navigation tool relative to the support structure effects induction of current through the coil.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device includes displaying information on display of the electronic device, associating an active area with a part of the information that at least partially matches a search term, and providing tactile feedback in response to detection of the active area for the part of the information.

Abstract: Methods for operation and a remote control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for operation includes detecting an activity mode for the remote control, wherein the activity mode is based on user programming of the remote control to operate one or more devices for at least one type of communication provided by a communication interface of the remote control. The process may further include detecting a user selection of a user interface of the remote control, wherein the user selection is associated with a command for the one or more devices, and determining a communication setting based on the user selection and the activity mode. The command may be transmitted by the communication interface of the remote control to the one or more of the devices based on the communication setting, wherein transmission of the command is based on one or more communication types of the communication interface.

Abstract: A mouse with gain weight means comprising a case, a cursor control unit, a plurality of keys, a housing, and a balancing weight component. The case has a circuit board disposed inside of the case and a plurality of balancing weight notches in the bottom of the case. The cursor control unit 2 is disposed in the circuit board and extends to the outside of the bottom of the case. Disposed on the case are the keys and the housing. The balancing weight component includes a plurality of balancing weight lumps installed in the balancing notches. The mouse of the present invention has the balancing weight lumps installed in the bottom of the case to make the mouse easier for the user to handle.

Abstract: A user interface system includes a display, a user interface including a trackball, a brake assembly configured to cooperate with the trackball to limit rotational movement of the trackball to about predetermined axes, and a control system in electrical communication with the display, the user interface, and the brake assembly. The control system is configured to operate in at least one input status mode including a first input status mode and a second input status mode based on desired directional input of the trackball. The control system includes a trackball control module. When in the first input status mode, the trackball control module communicates with the brake assembly to restrict rotation of the trackball to about a first axis. When in the second input status mode, the trackball control module communicates with the brake assembly to restrict rotation of the trackball to about a second axis.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a processor apparatus. The input apparatus includes a multi-axis input device such as a rollerball, trackball, joystick or touchpad, allowing the focus of a user interface program to be moved about a display from one screen object presented on that display to another. Up to four screen objects are presented on the display, each of those screen objects being positioned towards a corner of the display to enable a user to blindly operate the multi-axis input device, making use of a capture effect in which the focus of a user interface program is resisted from moving beyond an edge of the display, to guide movement of the focus to a given one of the up to four screen objects.

Abstract: A pointing device for a computer system includes: a first movement sensor for detecting movements of the device along a first axis and a second axis; a second movement sensor, for detecting movements of the device along a third axis not coplanar with the first and second axes; and a processing unit associated to the movement sensors for producing a plurality of movement signals indicating the movement of the device along the first, second, and third axes. The processing unit includes a control stage, for controlling the production of the movement signals on the basis of a response of the second movement sensor.