Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for navigating through a plurality of graphical elements with a trackball. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: detecting a substantially vertical motion on the trackball when a first element is selected; and responsively selecting either (a) a second element which is closest vertically to the first element or (b) a third element in the same horizontal line as the first element if a leftmost horizontal coordinate of the third element is closer to a leftmost horizontal coordinate of the first element than then leftmost horizontal coordinate of the second element.

Abstract: A roller device including a roller wheel configured to control scrolling of a graphical object along a first axis if the roller wheel is rotated by a user; a first sensor adjacent to a first side of the roller wheel; and a second sensor adjacent to a second side of the roller wheel; wherein the first and second sensors are configured to control a scrolling rate of the graphical object along a second axis.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a rotatable member or wheel that can be mounted in a mouse or other input device that allows both rotation and response to lateral pressure for horizontal or other scrolling.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a navigation sensor for generating digital images based on the reflected images, detecting defective pixel locations in the digital images, and generating movement data based on the digital images that is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the apparatus.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor configuration is capable of determining position and/or velocity for rotary or linear translation using a movable dielectric element coupled to an elongate member. The dielectric element is supported between at least one detection plate and a plurality of transmitting plates. By measuring the charge on the detecting plate, the capacitances of the assembly at a given point in time can be determined, and this measurement is used to solve for position of the member. The dielectric need not be rigid, and the dielectric's distance from the plates does not have to be tightly controlled. The apparatus can be used to measure the position or velocity of a variety of devices, including computer peripherals such as mice, keyboards, joysticks, and other input control panels and pointing devices.

Abstract: An exemplary system for measuring operational life of a computer mouse wheel is disclosed. The system includes a computer (10), a control card (11), a stepper motor servo controller (12), a stepper motor (13), a vertical servo axle (14), and a measurement platform (15). The vertical servo axle is structured and arranged for maintaining contacting with the computer mouse wheel (16). The computer is configured for sending an instruction for controlling operations of measuring the operational life of the computer mouse wheel, and includes a file module (20), a setting module (21), and a performing module (22). The control card is configured in the computer. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resizable wireless pointing device with a storable receiver. The body housing comprises at least one inner compartment which is located next to the back of a wheel and used for storage of the wireless receiver. A sliding cover, located on the top of the body housing, which slides back and forth along the longitude axis of the housing and subsequently alters the size of the wireless pointing device. A shutter, which rolls up following the sliding of the cover, closes seamlessly the gap area between the body housing and the cover, and integrates into the surface of the wireless pointing device.

Abstract: In a multifunction operating device, e.g., for a vehicle, for selecting function groups and functions in a menu structure that may be represented on a display device, the operating device includes at least one two-directional rotating element. The two-directional rotating element may be arranged so that it may select function groups and/or functions in a menu plane. A second operating element may be provided for selecting the menu planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the making safe of a device for inputting data to an item of equipment. The invention is of particular use in the aeronautical field, for example in order to validate data relating to flight conditions. The invention proposes data validation means, of nature different from that of the data input means themselves. For this purpose, the device comprises means (5) for detecting the presence of an operator inputting data and validation means (9) making it possible to take account of the data only if a contact with the operator is detected.

Abstract: An overload regulating structure for trackball device includes a base, a top cover, a ball, a circuit board, a plurality of rotatable shafts and disks, and an overload regulator. The ball is three-point supported in the base between the rotatable shafts and the overload regulator. When the ball is subject to an overload, springs in the overload regulator are compressed, allowing the ball to sink into a locating recess in the base and be restricted from rotating freely and thereby protected against the overload. When the ball is released from the overload, the springs in the overload regulator elastically push the ball to the original three-point supported position again.

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 pointing device having a puck sub-assembly and a base sub-assembly is disclosed. The puck sub-assembly includes a moveable puck having a user sensor that detects the interaction of a user and the puck. The puck is confined to move within a puck field of motion. The puck sub-assembly includes a support member having an opening therein that determines a boundary for the puck field of motion. The base sub-assembly includes a base surface over which the puck moves, a position detector that measures the position of the puck in the puck field of motion, and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism connects the base sub-assembly to the puck sub-assembly such that the puck sub-assembly is easily removed. The base surface is accessible when the puck sub-assembly is separated from the base assembly. The puck sub-assembly can also include a restoring mechanism that returns the puck to a predetermined area.

Abstract: The notion of a conventional mouse is extended to provide an extended number of simultaneously adjustable user interface parameters. In one family of realizations, one or more trackballs, touchpads, or other types of user interface sensors may be added to a traditional mouse to provide additional user interface parameters. These additional user interface sensors may be simultaneously adjusted along with any movement of the mouse. The overall physical configuration may provide mixed physical modalities for adjusting a common pair of user interface parameters to prevent or ease hand fatigue, or to provide alternate parameter adjustment offsets, warpings, or resolutions. The additional user interface sensors, particularly trackballs and touchpads, may also be specially configured to provide up to six or more simultaneously adjustable and widely-variable user interface parameters.

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: 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: There is described an apparatus which monitors the orientation of or the rotational movement of a substantially spherical body. The apparatus comprises a substantially spherical body with at least one resonant circuit fixed thereto. A transmit aerial generates an alternating magnetic field in the region of space including the spherical body which induces an electric signal in the or each resonant circuit, and a receive aerial receives an induced sense signal generated in response to said induced electric signal in the or each resonant circuit. The electromagnetic coupling between the transmit aerial and the receive aerial via the or each resonant circuit varies in accordance with the orientation of the spherical body so that the induced sense signal in the receive aerial varies in accordance with the orientation of the spherical body.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device that includes a display screen located above a trackball-based user input device is disclosed. At least one sensor is operatively associated with the trackball and configured to sense motion induced in the trackball when the trackball is rotated by substantially circular motion applied about an exposed portion of the trackball. The sensor is further configured to output electronic data representative of the sensed induced trackball motion. A microprocessor receives the output electronic data from the at least one sensor as input data and processes the input data into cursor guidance instructions. These cursor guidance instructions are outputted to the display screen and affect one-dimensional, substantially continuous cursor movement on the display screen in correspondence with the sensed trackball motion.

Abstract: A computer mouse glove for transferring computer mouse functions to the hand of a computer user. The glove includes: a glove member having finger fittings and a thumb fitting; a computer cursor control system having buttons and a tracking system having an optical tracking device; a computer module; a power module; a connection module; a tracking ball; and a power switch. The glove member encases a user's hand. The computer cursor control system controls functions of a cursor on a computer screen. The buttons provides mouse electrical switching functions. The tracking system controls movement of the cursor on a computer screen. The power module provides energy to the computer glove mouse. The connection module transmits electronic signals from the computer glove mouse to computer module. The tracking ball controls movement of the computer cursor. The power switch enables a user to select either the tracking ball or optical tracking device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

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: A device for controlling a cursor on an avionics display screen. The device has a grab handle conveniently located and shaped to be comfortably gripped. The handle is equipped with a trackball which can be turned by the thumb to move the cursor on the display. Alternatively or additionally, a trigger may be provided to effect a select function using the index finger. One or more switches may be provided on the handle to change the content on the display.

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 trackball device including (i) a sphere, (ii) a support for rotatably supporting the sphere, (iii) a rotation detector for detecting rotation of the sphere, and (iv) a controller. The controller generates a specific output signal responsive to a signal from the rotation detector. The trackball device further includes an informer for generating auxiliary information that gives feedback of the situation to an operator according to how the sphere rotates. This structure can provide a trackball device having excellent user-friendliness. Because this trackball device gives feedback of the position of a pointer on a display to the operator, the operator doesn't have to look at the display. Thus, this trackball device is especially preferred for incorporation into a vehicle.

Abstract: An RFID wireless computer mouse system, comprising: a mouse having a single passive RFID circuit in signal communication with a computer having an RFID reader. The single passive RFID circuit operates the mouse such that the mouse provides signals indicative of X-Y coordinates to move a cursor on a display screen of the computer without the use of an internal or an external power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device with a body which houses a microprocessor-run software application is disclosed. The software application program requires operator navigation therein during use. Furthermore, the application program is programmed to receive a directional navigation instruction from the operator utilizing a navigation tool. The instruction indicates a direction and degree of navigation with the application program. The application program is further programmed to receive a complimentary instruction from the operator that adapts the instructed degree of navigation to be affected in the application program by the received directional navigation instruction.

Abstract: A method, handheld electronic device and computer program product for inputting calendar information using a graphical user interface (GUI) of a calendar application are provided. The GUI is displayed on a display screen of the handheld electronic device which comprises a navigational input device for receiving navigational input in a first and a second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to means for enabling actuation of a pointing device and more particularly a means for detecting activity of a pointing device, so that the pointing is energized only when it needs to be in operation. The means include an activity sensor for sensing activation of the pointing device, said activity sensor comprising a threshold comparator, wherein the activity sensor is adapted to enable energization of the pointing device when the sensed activation of the pointing device exceeds a threshold. The pointing device is used for moving a pointer or prompt in a display, e.g. in mobile telephone. The present invention also relates to an input device with such a pointing device and a portable device incorporating same. The invention is directed to saving energy in portable devices avoiding accidental activation of the pointing device and automatic switching off to reduce the power consumption.

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: Input devices and methods are provided in which a sensing system is adapted to detect motion of an object on a surface and a processing system is coupled to the sensing system. The processing system is adapted to effect movement of a display pointer on a display in a first direction in response to motion of the object on the surface and effect continued movement of the display pointer in the first direction in response to the object being removed from the surface.

Abstract: Improved techniques that enable control of responsiveness to user movement of a pointing device with respect to a graphical user interface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, by controlling responsiveness, a friction effect can be imposed at predetermined regions of the graphical user interface. According to another embodiment, by controlling responsiveness, a gravitational effect can be imposed at predetermined regions of the graphical user interface. According to still another embodiment, by controlling responsiveness, frictional and gravitational effects can be imposed at predetermined regions of the graphical user interface. The responsiveness control, e.g., frictional effect and/or gravitational effect, can be used to enhance user interaction with the graphical user interface. For example, user controls, such as buttons, boxes, borders, boundaries, etc.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display memory for storing an image of a first area forming a portion of an entire image; a display section including a display screen having a display area usable for displaying at least a partial image of the first area; a case for exposing the display screen; a scroll unit operable to move a display screen area appearing on the display screen over the image in accordance with a movement of the case; and a controller operable to provide a virtual memory area for storing an image of a second area having a size greater than the size of the first area in the image when the scroll unit moves the display screen area beyond the first area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect.

Abstract: A wireless handheld electronic device configured to send and receive text messages. A microprocessor for receiving, processing and outputting data is located within the handheld device. A display screen in data-communication with the microprocessor presents information for user observation based upon data output from the microprocessor. A sensor is provided within the handheld device that detects the attitude of the device as held by the user. The sensor communicates data that is indicative of the detected attitude of the device to the microprocessor. The microprocessor is further enable to disable a user input device when the detected attitude of the device matches a predetermined attitude criteria.

Abstract: The track-detecting device includes a track ball and a detection module. The track ball includes a plurality of first magnetic parts and a plurality of second magnetic parts. The magnetism of the first magnetic parts is opposite to that of the second magnetic parts. The detection module is adjacent to the track ball for detecting the variations of the magnetic forces in two directions. The variations of the magnetic forces are transformed to electric signals then output for determining the moving directions and the displacement of the track ball.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a track ball device capable of storing information in a ball. In a track ball device 1, a ball section 12 has embedded therein at least one non-contact IC chip capable of storing various types of information. In a case 19 of the track ball device 1, at least one reader 21 is provided. The reader 21 communicates with the non-contact IC chip 17 and reads information stored therein.

Abstract: An RFID wireless computer mouse system, comprising: a mouse having a single passive RFID circuit in signal communication with a computer having an RFID reader. The single passive RFID circuit operates the mouse such that the mouse provides signals indicative of X-Y coordinates to move a cursor on a display screen of the computer without the use of an internal or an external power source.

Abstract: On two buttons displayed adjacent to each other on a display means, when a cursor moves from the center position of a first button to the center position of a second button, an attractive force exerted in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the cursor in an attractive area is increased to be larger than a normal attractive force. Therefore the cursor can move to the desired button easily and surely.

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 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 electronic pointing cursor control device such as a trackball or mouse, comprising a first chamber adjoined to a second chamber, the chambers being separated by a fluid-tight wall comprising an optically permeable region; wherein the first chamber contains electronic components including optical detectors directed towards the optically permeable region and a ball protruding through an aperture provided in the second chamber, the detectors being operable in use to detect and generate electronic signals representative of motion of the ball. Also provided is an electronic pointing or cursor control device comprising a ball and optical detectors operable to detect and generate electronic signals representative of motion of the ball, wherein the detectors are mounted such that a radial line from the ball to the detectors forms a non-zero angle with a diametric line though the ball normal to the mounting plane of the device.

Abstract: An input device for a graphical user interface in a handheld mobile communications device. The navigation system comprises a trackball for generating trackball input when the trackball is actuated, a detector, proximate to and cooperating with the trackball, for generating detector input when the detector is actuated, and a processor to convert the trackball input and the detection input into a composite input signal for controlling a function in the graphical user interface.

Abstract: Low-cost haptic interface device implementations for interfacing a user with a host computer. A haptic feedback device, such as a mouse or other device, includes a housing physically contacted by a user, and an actuator for providing motion that causes haptic sensations on the device housing and/or on a movable portion of the housing. The device may include a sensor for detecting x-y planar motion of the housing. Embodiments include actuators with eccentric rotating masses, buttons having motion influenced by various actuator forces, and housing portions moved by actuators to generate haptic sensations to a user contacting the driven surfaces.

Abstract: An operation method of a wireless pointing input apparatus is provided. The operation method includes following steps. The displacement vector of the wireless pointing input apparatus is detected with a resolution. The displacement vector of the wireless pointing input apparatus is transmitted to a host in a wireless way every a time interval. The time interval is decreased correspondingly if the resolution is increased. Or, the time interval is increased correspondingly if the resolution is decreased.

Abstract: A key input device for a mobile phone is provided. The key input device includes a printed circuit board with a plurality of dome switches. The key input device further includes a holder unit provided on the top of the print circuit board, a wheel key provided on the top of the holder unit and rotatably assembled to the holder unit and a rotary means interposed between the holder unit and the wheel key, the rotary means having a plurality of balls for allowing the wheel key to be rotated in such a manner that frictional force and wear produced by the rotation of the wheel key can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for detecting a lift condition from an illuminated surface portion of an optical motion sensing device. According to a first embodiment, two different “loss-of-focus” thresholds are used. A first threshold is used when the optical pointing device is not moving, and a second threshold greater than the first one is used when the optical pointing device is moving. The optical device further requires means for detecting whether it is moving or not. According to a second embodiment, a dynamical loss-of-focus threshold depending on an average number of motion features that the surface exhibits to the sensor of the optical pointing device is used.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves a method that includes: in a first area of the touch screen, displaying a current character string being input by a user with the keyboard; in a second area of the touch screen, displaying the current character string or a portion thereof and a suggested replacement for the current character string; replacing the current character string in the first area with the suggested replacement if the user activates a delimiter key on the keyboard; replacing the current character string in the first area with the suggested replacement if the user performs a first gesture on the suggested replacement displayed in the second area; and keeping the current character string in the first area if the user performs a second gesture on the current character string or the portion thereof displayed in the second area.

Abstract: A handheld communication device and method for affecting movement of a highlighting cursor amongst a lighted display capable of displaying a webpage is described. The webpage has a native form including a number of user-actuable links related in series. The webpage displayable on the handheld communication device is modified from its native form so as to be displayed on the lighted display. The modified webpage retains the series relationship between the user-actuable links. A non-directionally limited auxiliary user input is located essentially between the lighted display and the keyboard and is capable of affecting non-serial movement of the highlighting cursor amongst the user-actuable links.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user. The pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue. The operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse. A band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down. The trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.