Abstract: Method an arrangement for facilitating the use of a trackball on a wireless handheld communication device as a navigation tool and a selection tool of designated information presented on a display screen of the device. A wireless handheld communication device is provided that has at a front face thereof a display screen located above a keyboard suitable for accommodating textual input. A depressible trackball functions as a navigation tool for moving a cursor about on the display screen when rolled and as a selection tool when sufficiently depressed. Cursor movement is affected by digitally engaging the trackball and maintaining the trackball in a navigation zone depth within the device. Selection of designated information is affected by depressing the trackball a predefined amount. The wireless handheld communication device is configured so that no cursor movement is affected by rolling movement of the trackball when in the selection zone.

Abstract: A computer pointer control device includes a support base and a keyboard. The device includes a structure configured to reduce friction between the support base and an underlying surface. A wrist support is positioned on the support base, configured to receive a user's wrist thereon such that keys of the keyboard are under the fingers of the user's hand, while the user is able to slide the device over the underlying surface by applying lateral pressure to the wrist support. A position tracking mechanism coupled to the device is configured to detect horizontal movement of the base over the underlying surface and transmit a signal to an associated computer to control an on-screen pointer. The device may be configured to receive both of a user's wrists or may be one of a pair of similar pointer control devices configured to be independently controlled by the user.

Abstract: The invention is a pointing device (20) for controlling an on-screen pointer (32). The pointing device (20) has a top body portion (22) for manipulation by the thumb of a user, and a bottom body portion (30) for manipulation by the fingers of the same hand of a user. Relative movement between the top and bottom body portions (22, 30) causes movement of an on-screen pointer (32).

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for controlling a display of an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the device is a portable electronic device with the combined features of wireless email and telephony. The portable electronic device also includes a camera. The device includes a trackball which can be used to control the image shown in the viewfinder when the device is being used as a camera.

Abstract: A device for controlling movement of an object relative to an environment is disclosed. The device may include a ball configured to store data for determining at least an orientation of the object relative to the environment. The data may pertain to a plurality of possible orientations of the object. The device may also include a speed control unit configured to determine at least a speed of the object relative to the environment.

Abstract: A control device including a housing and a carrier moveable with respect to the housing in a first rotary degree of freedom. A first sensor senses the movement of the carrier and outputs a first control signal. A roller rotatably coupled to the carrier rotates with the carrier in the first degree of freedom and rotates independently of the carrier in a second rotary degree of freedom. A second sensor senses rotary motion of the roller and outputs a second control signal. Preferably, an arm member coupled between carrier and housing pivots about an axis. A third sensor, such as a switch, can be used to detect when the carrier has been pushed in a direction substantially orthogonal to a plane of rotation of the arm member. Force feedback can also be provided in the rotary degrees of freedom of the control device.

Abstract: A multiple function optical image detecting structure includes a shell body, a tracing ball, an optical base, a circuit board, a light-emitting element, and an image sensor. The shell body receives the tracing ball. The optical base has a slanted spectroscope that faces part of the spherical surface of the tracing ball and a lens element located on one side of the spectroscope. The light-emitting element and the image sensor are electrically connected with the circuit board. The light-emitting element faces towards the spectroscope and the image sensor faces towards the lens element. The light axial of the projected light generated from the light-emitting element is reflected/transmitted to the surface of the tracing ball via the spectroscope. Thereby, the light is uniformly projected on the tracing ball and the image sensor obtains the image on the lens element to calculate a displacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a hand held controller adapted to communicate with at least one item of process equipment. The controller communicates to an operator through a screen using at least one graphical image. The operator uses the image to assess at least one operational parameter of the equipment. The operator may manipulate the controller to alter the parameter of the equipment.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for controlling a display of an electronic device is provided. In an embodiment, the device is a portable electronic device with the combined features of wireless email and telephony. The portable electronic device also includes a camera. The device includes a trackball which can be used to control the image shown in the viewfinder when the device is being used as a camera.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing having a touch-sensitive display moveable relative to the housing and a locking plate that inhibits movement of the touch-sensitive display relative to the housing.

Abstract: A multi-function navigation device in the form of a trackball that is both rotationally actuable and multi-directionally clickable. The multi-function navigation device can receive user commands by rotational movement and various directional clicking of the trackball. Directional depression of the multi-function navigation device activates switches corresponding to predetermined directions to effectuate directional selections or directional movements of a cursor for navigating the display of an electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for inputting characters and method thereof are disclosed, by which a character can be inputted at high speed in a manner of implementing a new character set and by which a character can be inputted at high speed using a new character set and a rotatable moving key. The present invention includes an input unit comprising a plurality of roller type keys, each generating a rotation-associated keying signal or a pressing-associated keying signal and a plurality of selection keys, each generating the pressing-associated keying signal and a controller performing a character set search by a character set unit according to the rotation-associated keying signal, the controller performing a character input according to the pressing-associated keying signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing tactile sensations. For one embodiment a first frequency at which to output a tactile sensation is received. A second frequency higher than the first frequency is determined. The second frequency is based on a frequency at which an inertial actuator outputs a second tactile sensation. A waveform having the first frequency and a waveform having the second frequency is combined to produce a signal configured to cause a composite tactile sensation at the second frequency, the composite tactile sensation conveying the first frequency.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body, a display screen mounted on the main body, a track ball, a light source, a camera module and a signal processor. The track ball has a reflecting pattern provided on an outer surface thereof and is rotatable relative to the main body. The light source is configured (i.e., structured and arranged) for illuminating the main body. The camera module is configured for receiving and converting the light reflected from the track ball into electronic image signals containing movement information of the reflecting pattern of the track ball. The signal processor is configured for controlling movement of a cursor on the display screen according to the movement information of the reflecting pattern of the track ball contained in the electronic image signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a button-pressed state in a mobile device comprising a switch unit formed by combining rotary switches in a switch unit and a controller connected to the rotary switches within the switch unit, for sensing a switching operation according to a connected state between contact points of the rotary switches. The controller senses the connected state between the contact points of the rotary switches through an input/output port, and recognizes a rotating direction, an operation order, and a number of rotations of the rotary switches on the basis of the connected state. The controller determines if the switching operation is intended or not so that a desired operation corresponding to the switching operation is performed only if the operation is intended to thereby save battery power by minimizing performing unintended operation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A trackball rotates a three-dimensional image displayed by a computer. Displacement data is generated for designated first and second non-antipodal points on the surface of the trackball's roller ball, for displacement of the designated first and second points during a time interval between a starting time and an ending time. The displacement data is used to generate a rotational transformation that is representative of a change in rotational orientation of the roller ball occurring during the time interval. The generated transformation is then applied to the displayed computer image to cause the image to be rotated around an image pivot point in correspondence with the rotation of the roller ball around its center.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for panning and zooming a displayed image on a display screen of a handheld electronic device 300 using the same auxiliary user input device 328 is described. The displayed image can be toggled between panning and zooming modes that respectively pan and zoom the displayed image by successively actuating the auxiliary user input device 328.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a display for displaying an image that exceeds the dimensions of the display, a multi-directional input device for navigating the image on the display, at least one button input device on each of opposite sides of the multi-directional input, a touch sensor adjacent and underlying the multi-directional input device and the button input devices for sensing touch adjacent the multi-directional input device and the button input devices and in response generating an output signal, and a processor for receiving the output signal and scrolling the image responsive to the touch sensor sensing touch that commences adjacent the multi-directional input device and moves toward the button input device.

Abstract: A multi-direction input device for computers includes a directional wheel, a sliding member and a plurality of electrodes. The directional wheel has a rotational degree-of-freedom and two moving degree-of-freedom to be moved downwards, perform forward rolling, backward rolling and sideward moving thereby to connect corresponding electrodes to generate corresponding signals. In regular conditions the sliding member can be in cooperation with a movable contact to support the directional wheel. When the directional wheel is moved downwards the sliding member drives a corresponding electrode to generate a click signal.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for use in the operation of a game apparatus or other system for determining an activity level of a user in relation to the game apparatus or other system. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for performing such methods and techniques is also included, as well as an example system for implementation.

Abstract: A graphical user interface which employs logical barriers for temporarily preventing cursor movement between graphical elements under certain circumstances.

Abstract: In an aspect, an electronic device includes a housing; a manipulandum positioned in the housing, wherein the manipulandum is moveable in at least one rotary degree of freedom in response to a user moving the manipulandum; a sensor coupled to the manipulandum, the sensor outputs sensor signals associated with the movement of the manipulandum in the at least one rotary degree of freedom by the user's direct contact; a processor coupled to the sensor and configured to output one or more activating signals based on the sensor signals; a first actuator coupled to the manipulandum, wherein the first actuator outputs a contact force to the manipulandum upon receiving a first activating signal; and a second actuator positioned within the housing and separate from the first actuator, wherein the second actuator outputs an inertial force to the housing upon receiving a second activating signal.

Abstract: A dustfree and waterproof rolling-ball optical mouse includes a concave housing; a rolling ball movably engaged with the concave housing; a dustproof gasket fixed on the concave surface of the concave housing; a leakage hole of a conduit defined in a center of the concave surface of the concave housing; an aperture for allowing light through which is eccentrically defined in the bottom of the concave surface of the concave housing; and a waterproof tab formed around the edge of the aperture.

Abstract: A manual operation system for use in a vehicle under control of a user includes an operation unit, an actuator, a detector, a memory unit, a first control unit an interaction unit, and a second control unit. The second control unit of the manual operation system changes force data and control data used by the first control unit for controlling the actuator that actuates the operation unit based on at least one of a content of an interaction provided by the interaction unit and an operation position of the operation unit detected by the detector.

Abstract: An improved user input device is disclosed whereby the device is equipped with a trackball in addition to other control devices, such as an analog stick controller (e.g., thumbstick or joystick). The trackball is mounted in such a way that it projects both upwardly and downwardly from the device body in the vertical plane. The user is able to touch and use the trackball from both the upper and lower directions. In a preferred embodiment, the trackball is clickable, affording greater control and ease of use.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a notification setting of a handheld electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving a request to adjust a notification setting which causes the electronic device to display a notification module on a display of the electronic device. The notification module includes a plurality of control portions each corresponding to a notification setting which can be adjusted within the corresponding control portion. The method further includes detecting a selection proximate to a control portion and inputting a notification setting change based upon a selection executed within one of the control portions. The notification setting is adjusted in response to the notification setting change.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program, and an image processing method for making various operations be performed more comfortably. A rotation input section 14 is provided substantially at the center of a mobile phone 1. When the rotation input section 14 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, an image displayed on a display section 13 is rotated to be displayed. In addition, when the rotation input section 14 is pressed at an upper, lower, left or right portion thereof toward inside of the mobile phone 1, a display range of the image displayed on the display section 13 is switched. For example, in a case where a map is displayed, the map is rotated when the rotation input section 14 is rotated, and the map is scaled up/down when a predetermined position of the rotation input section 14 is pressed. The present invention may be applied to mobile phones.

Abstract: The method of displaying the preceding value of a parameter displayed in a first interactive graphic object by means of a display device defining a display window, a computer making it possible to interpret the actions of a graphic pointer, the pointer comprising means of selecting the first graphic object, the pointer being able to be overlaid on the first graphic object on the display device, comprises: a step for positioning the pointer at at least one point of the frame of the first graphic object; a step for activation of the means of selecting the first graphic object and of displacing the pointer within a determined area engaging the displacement of the first graphic object, a second graphic object appearing under the first graphic object, the second graphic object including the preceding value of the current parameter.

Abstract: A handheld communication device capable of transmitting and receiving at least voice and text communication. The device has a body assembly including a front face arranged to be directed toward an operator of the device when held in a text communicating orientation. A display screen and a text-input keyboard are included and are each exposed at the front face of the body assembly. The keyboard has a plurality of keys that include a set of alphabetic keys with which either QWERTY-, QWERTZ- AZERTY- or Dvorak-arranged alphabetic characters are associated. An integrated camera assembly is also included that is configured for taking photographs and the communication device enabled to wirelessly communicate photographs taken with the camera assembly to a remote receiver. The camera assembly includes a photo-initiating actuator having an actuated position and an unactuated position and at least one of a selective enablement device or a selective disablement device.

Abstract: A method for use in operation of a game apparatus includes obtaining a time series of samples containing information usable to determine activity of a plurality of predetermined objects used for controlling the game apparatus, processing the time series to determine whether one of the plurality of predetermined objects has been inactive during a game already in progress, and adding a new player to the game already in progress in response to a determination that one of the plurality of predetermined objects is currently active after determining that it was inactive. A system for use in operation of a game apparatus includes means for performing these steps.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, preferably a trackball, an output apparatus, namely a display, and a processor apparatus. The processor apparatus is structured to execute a number of routines including a stroke-based input user interface routine. The stroke-based input user interface routine is structured to present a user interface on the display. The user interface includes an active portion, a filter portion and an output portion.

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 track ball cursor positioning sub-system is employed by a handheld electronic device including an operating system and a plurality of applications having a plurality of predetermined scaling values. The cursor positioning sub-system includes a track ball cursor positioning device adapted to output a plurality of device pulses, and a track ball cursor resolution controller adapted to repetitively input the device pulses and to responsively output to the operating system a plurality of cursor movement events. The cursor resolution controller is further adapted to be controlled by the operating system or by the applications to learn which one of the applications is active and to automatically scale a number of the cursor movement events for a corresponding number of the device pulses based upon a corresponding one of the predetermined scaling values of the active one of the applications.

Abstract: An electronic method and system for improving radiologists' efficiencies when viewing radiology procedures and rendering diagnosis in a manner that emulates current methods and apparatus. The method of the present invention includes reviewing electronic radiology images and reports contained in a patient's digital master folder (an information object invented to manage the patient's radiology information), comparing images from the current procedure to specific images from prior procedures in a specified order, and dictating the procedure's diagnosis into the digital master folder. The apparatus of the present invention includes a flat panel monitor for the viewing and manipulation of digital master folders, a dictation trackball device for manual and voice enabled operation and navigation of the system, and multiple high-resolution computer monitors functioning as a “light-box” for the viewing of radiology images.

Abstract: A low-cost haptic feedback trackball device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a graphical environment provided by a computer. The trackball device includes a sensor device that detects the movement of a sphere in two rotary degrees of freedom. An actuator applies a force preferably along a z-axis perpendicular to the plane of the surface supporting the device, where the force is transmitted through the housing to the user. The output force is correlated with interaction of a controlled graphical object, such as a cursor, with other graphical objects in the displayed graphical environment. Preferably, at least one compliant element is provided between a portion of the housing contacted by the user and the support surface, where the compliant element amplifies the force output from the actuator by allowing the contacted portion of the housing to move with respect to the support surface.

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: An improved handheld electronic device includes an input apparatus, an output apparatus, and a processor apparatus. The input apparatus includes a reduced keyboard and a 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 to provide 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 a greater amount of attention to the output from the disambiguation routine and to other aspects of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating maintenance of a trackball. The device comprises a trackball, a cover inside which the trackball is attached, the cover comprising an opening allowing a movable part of the trackball to appear in order to operate the movable part from outside the cover, the trackball comprising maintenance means. According to the invention, the device comprises means for gaining access to the means of maintaining the trackball from outside the cover.

Abstract: A controller with a dial for manipulating objects in a computer environment. The dial is in communication with an optical encoder system using the reflective method. A knob is attached to the dial and provides both a reference point for the rotational position of the dial and a tactile element allowing the user to rotate the dial.

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 invention proposes a multidirectional actuator (18) comprising: a bottom support (22) with a main vertical axis “A”, a top actuation member (24) that is mounted so as to tilt relative to the bottom support (22) between a central rest position and several actuation positions that are distributed angularly about the vertical axis “A” of the support (22); and means (48, 60) of returning the actuation member (24) to its central rest position which exert on the actuation member (24) a return force, whose vertical component is not zero and is oriented upwards, at at least one bearing point “P” situated radially at a distance from the vertical axis “A” of the support (22), characterized in that the value of the vertical component of the return force varies according to the angular position of the actuation member (24) about the vertical axis “A” of the support (22).

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: Methods and techniques for use in the operation of a game apparatus or other system for determining an activity level of a user in relation to the game apparatus or other system. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for performing such methods and techniques is also included, as well as an example system for implementation.

Abstract: A method of providing a user interface on a mobile device for enabling a user to select acoustic equalizer settings for voice call downlink audio signals, the mobile device including an internal microprocessor, a display in communication with the microprocessor, and at least one input means in communication with the microprocessor, the method including receiving a request from the user for displaying the user interface, in response to the request, displaying the user interface on the display, the user interface including a plurality of predetermined acoustic equalizer settings, wherein the user selects one of the equalizer settings using the input means, receiving the selected equalizer setting at the microprocessor, storing the selected equalizer setting at the microprocessor, and processing the voice call downlink audio signals according to the selected equalizer setting.

Abstract: A system and method for performing an optical tracking operation computes a translated movement value of a displacement values using a relationship between a reference displacement value derived using a reference surface and a corresponding displacement value using a target surface. The displacement value is produced using image correlation by optically sensing the target surface. The translated movement value is used for the optical tracking operation.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having a back, a support tray moveable relative to the back of the housing, a touch-sensitive display supported by the support tray and moveable with the support tray relative to the back of the housing, the touch-sensitive display including a display device and a touch-sensitive overlay disposed on the display device, a locking arrangement cooperating with the support tray for locking the support tray and touch-sensitive display to inhibit movement of the support tray relative to the back of the housing, and operational components housed in the housing and including a touch screen controller connected to the touch-sensitive overlay and a processor connected to the display device and the touch-screen controller.