Abstract: A pointing device includes a casing in which a track ball is rotatably received and physically engaging two substantially perpendicular rotatable axles and a biasing structure forcibly biasing the track ball toward the axles. The biasing structure includes a frame rotatably supported inside the casing by pivots and a retainer mounted to the frame. The retainer includes a plurality of pawls spaced along a circumference to form a space for rotatably receiving and retaining a sphere. A biasing element is arranged between the casing and the frame to bias the sphere to forcibly engage the track ball thereby forcing the track ball against the rotatable axles.

Abstract: An extension device for display is disclosed. The extension device includes a housing mounted at the rear side of the display; an insertion slot disposed on the housing, the bottom end of the insertion slot connected to a connection section and the other end of the insertion slot being formed into an opening; a positioning device including an apex region and a valley region; and an extension box adapted within the insertion slot, one end of the extension box being a connection section, and the extension box being connected to the connection section by means of the positioning device and the bottom end of the insertion slot, the other end of the extension box being provided with an input terminal for external signals.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case and a screen attached to the case. The screen indicates a cursor position. The electronic device further has an input device mounted to the case. The input device includes a curved surface for detecting an object disposed on the curved surface using a light path that transfers an image of the object to an optical sensor. The optical sensor detects the movement of the object across the curved surface and in response, the input device manipulates the cursor position.

Abstract: A serial data cursor for extracting content from an analog waveform representing a serial digital data stream has a horizontal length equal to a “word-time” as determined by parameters of a protocol for the serial digital data stream and a clock recovered from the serial digital data stream. The serial data cursor delimits a portion of the analog waveform, which is then decoded into human readable form, such as binary, octal, hexadecimal, alpha-numeric or the like. A trigger may be generated from a specific parameter of the protocol, such as a frame start, so that the serial data cursor initially highlights a first data word of a frame of the serial digital data stream. Alternatively the decoded portion of the analog waveform may be compared to the specific parameter, and the serial data cursor incremented by a “bit-time” until the specific parameter is found in the serial digital data stream.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a computer mouse having a body with an ovate palm support area 38 and a planar peripherally receding support 42 for the hypothenar mass and left 40 and right anterior buttons 44 eccentrically positioned askew the apex of the ovate form with one button located on a platform 46 and elevated and angularly positioned relative to the other button 40 that is substantially planar. The button platform 46 could also be selectively movable along a limited distance of the anterior periphery of the body to allow a user 12 to adjust the present invention 10 to conform to different sized hands and fingers of varying lengths.

Abstract: A computer pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, includes a reverse cantilever button assembly to match strength-related variations in user hand size. In one embodiment a button assembly is built with two cantilever beams, the fulcrums for each beam being at opposite ends of the button assembly. The stiffness of the two beams can be selected to obtain an increasing, decreasing, or constant force profile necessary to activate the associated electronic switch as one moves along the external surface of the button assembly from the palm end toward the fingertip end. An increasing force profile provides lower actuating force for operators with smaller hands, while providing greater tactile feedback for operators with larger hands.

Abstract: A two-axis ball-based cursor control apparatus is provided, which includes a housing; a spherical ball contained partially within the housing; two rotors in contact with the spherical ball and two corresponding axles; two screw devices associated with each rotor-axle pair, each screw device having a continuous helical thread; a plurality of light sensors, each associated with a screw device; and a means for processing the signal from the light sensors. When the spherical ball is rotated by the user, its motion about each axis of rotation is translated to one of the screw devices by means of the corresponding rotor-axle pair. The rotation of the screw devices causes the helical thread on each to momentarily interrupt the light beam generated by each sensor at least once during each revolution of the screw device, thereby generating a signal which is translated into two-dimensional motion of a cursor on an electronic display screen.

Abstract: An improved position indicating device is presented. The position indicating device includes a housing having a sealed compartment and an opened compartment. A trackball is located in the opened compartment. A plurality of drive tube assemblies are also located in the opened compartment for supporting a periphery of the trackball. In one embodiment, the plurality of drive tubes include an X-axis drive tube and a Y-axis drive tube. The X-axis drive tube and the Y-axis drive tube each have a sealed magnet assembly affixed thereto. The drive tube assemblies and sealed magnetic assemblies generate a north-to-south pole magnetic field angle as the drive tube rotate. The sealed compartment includes an X-axis angle sensor, an X-axis signal conditioner, a Y-axis magnetic angle sensor, and a Y-axis signal conditioner. The angle sensors and signal conditioners sense and measure the north-to-south pole magnetic field angle generated by the rotating drive assemblies and sealed magnetic assemblies.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a foot controlled rolling ball to generate signals for a main unit operation or for display, or for exercise, entertaining or interacting purpose.

Abstract: A communication terminal is provided with display means, navigation means for navigating through information candidates, selection means for selecting one of the candidates, and a processor controlling the display means in accordance with the operation of the navigation means and the selection means. The display means comprises a first display part for displaying a string of entered information, and a second display part for displaying a string of a plurality of possible information candidates. One of the candidates in the second display part is highlighted by the cursor controlled by the navigation means. The processor copies the highlighted candidate from the candidate string into the entered information string upon selection by the selection means.

Abstract: A hand-held or palm mobile mouse is contained in a mini hand-held shaped housing to be held in the palm of a user with a sphere arranged on the top easily and naturally reached by the user's thumb. The thumb of the user can rotate the sphere, which contains a magnetic core inside, to cause a corresponding cursor movement on a computer screen through a magnetically activated rolling movement detection unit or units and press down on the sphere to carry out click function commands or menu functions pointed to by the cursor on the screen. Alternatively, the magnetic core may be omitted by supporting the sphere on four free rolling roller units, two of which are used to implement the rolling movement detection function. There may also be key-buttons on the area where the user's fingers rest to implement click function by a user's fingers. There may also be a wheel/click button for cursor extension movement and click command functions.

Abstract: An input system that mounts over a portion of a keyboard, which system may include an input device corresponding to at least one keyboard key covered by the input system. The input device may comprise a key or other input mechanism easily accessible to the user, and at least one of the input mechanisms may functionally correspond to one of the covered keyboard keys. The input mechanisms may be conventional keyboard keys, buttons, touchpads, or any suitable input mechanism. The input system body may comprise a platform elevated over the keyboard, the platform adapted to support a mouse. Alternatively, the input system may comprise an input device that eliminates the need for a separate mouse. Such an input device may include one or more of a trackball, dials or wheels, buttons, digital tablet, touch screen, or any suitable mechanism for inputting information otherwise input by a mouse or other electrical input device. The input system may be integral with, or separate or separable from, the keyboard.

Abstract: A roller for an input device extends through a slot in a top housing and is supported by a cantilevered arm. The roller is attached at the end of the arm and rotates about a shaft mounted on the cantilevered arm. The cantilevered arm is attached proximate the rear of the top housing, and thus is free to flex when the roller is depressed. As a result, when pressure is applied to the roller, the roller depresses through the slot in the top housing independently from the buttons on the top housing. The cantilevered arm has a spring force to bias the roller upward, eliminating the need for a return spring (lift spring).

Abstract: The invention provides a trackball unit featuring good water resistance and user maintenance capabilities. A case (3) of the trackball unit has a drain pipe (32) connecting a cavity (33) formed inside the case (3) for accommodating a ball (2) to the exterior of the case (3). A case cover (6) has a ring-shaped projecting part (62) while a ball cover (7) has a pair of locking tabs (72, 73) which engage with the projecting part (62) of the case cover (6), so that the ball cover (7) can be detachably fitted to the case cover (6).

Abstract: Method for managing Presentation Time in a digital rendering system for presentation of temporally-ordered data when the digital rendering system includes a Variable Rate Presentation capability. In a particular, one embodiment of the present invention is a method for converting Presentation Time to Data Time, and for reporting Presentation Time when only one time can be returned.

Abstract: A seamless mouse comprising a base, with an embedding unit at the rear of the base, a coupling unit in it, a pair of activating troughs near its front, a touch switch in the activating trough, to receive command from the touch operation; and a top cover, at the rear of the top cover and opposite the embedding unit being a joining pin to insert into the embedding unit for fastening purpose, inside it and opposite the coupling unit being a coupling post to couple with the coupling unit, at its front and opposite the activating trough being a driving lever, and extending from the top cover itself being the formation of at least one push key. When the top cover is assembled to the base, the joining pin is fastened to the embedding unit, the coupling post is fastened to the coupling unit. When the push key is pressed, the driving lever activates the touch switch in the activating trough, to serve the function of the mouse.

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 keyboard structure. The keyboard structure includes a base plate, a light guide member, a membrane circuit board, a key assembly and a light-emitting element. The light guide member is disposed on the base plate. The membrane circuit board is disposed on the light guide member. The key assembly is disposed on the membrane circuit board, with a key cap and a resilient element between the key cap and the membrane circuit board. The light-emitting element is adjacent to the light guide member and is disposed under the membrane circuit board. Light from the light-emitting element enters the resilient element and key cap via the light guide member.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for position-locking a cursor on a display device are provided. A preferred input device includes a position-locking device configured to electrically communicate with a computer. The position-locking device incorporates a lock-enable switch which, when activated, locks a position of the cursor on the display device of the computer while enabling functional information, provided by the mouse-type input device of the computer, to provide selected functionality of the cursor. Additionally, when disabled, the position-locking device unlocks the position of the cursor so that the cursor is movable about the display area in response to the movement information provided by the mouse-type device.

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 preferable to be incorporated into a vehicle.

Abstract: Imagery controlling apparatus having circuitry reading both On/Off data and proportional data from a sensor and using the data to control the imagery. Also the sensor has passive tactile feedback and in some embodiments the circuitry controls active tactile feedback. Many embodiments have multiple input members. Some embodiments of the apparatus have four potentiometers with terminals soldered to the circuitry on a circuit board, and some embodiments have four sensors activated by a rotation actuating member.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a casing in which a track ball is rotatably received and physically engaging two substantially perpendicular rotatable axles and a biasing structure forcibly biasing the track ball toward the axles. The biasing structure includes a frame rotatably supported inside the casing by pivots and a retainer mounted to the frame. The retainer includes a plurality of pawls spaced along a circumference to form a space for rotatably receiving and retaining a sphere. A biasing element is arranged between the casing and the frame to bias the sphere to forcibly engage the track ball thereby forcing the track ball against the rotatable axles.

Abstract: An operating element having a first control element that is rotatable about a first axis, and having at least one second control element that is rotatable about a second axis and that does not coincide with the first axis. The operating element may include apparatuses, arrangements or structures to influence the torque required to rotate at least one of the control elements. An operating device having an operating element has a controller to influence the torque required to rotate at least one of the control elements as a function of the context. The operating element and the operating device permit a good haptic feedback and/or user guidance in adjusting a parameter or in scrolling through a menu, so that visual contact with the operating element or a pointer moved with the operating element in a menu is not necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is a cursor control device to be used in conjunction with a computer, receiver or other processing unit that allows for convenient and comfortable use while being hand held or while resting on the desk top. The cursor control device being comprised of a body with a shape for fitting in a user hand so a user can operate the cursor control device in hand held and desk top uses. The body also being comprised of a cursor control, at least one button, and having a control circuit inside the body which is connected to at least one button and the cursor control. The device further having a communication link connectable between said control circuit and a processing unit.

Abstract: A user interface for a data processing device is described comprising: an input wheel rotatably mounted to the data processing device and configured to generate input signals to the data processing device when rotated or clicked down, wherein clicking and holding down the input wheel for less than a threshold amount of time causes a first function to be executed by the data processing device, and wherein clicking and holding down the input wheel for greater than the threshold amount of time causes a second function to be executed by the data processing device.

Abstract: A trackball device in which the exposed top of a trackball (30) can be moved to pivot a pair of coding shafts (32L, 32T) about perpendicular axes, with control signal generators that detect such pivoting used to control a function such as a cursor on a screen. The control signal generator associated with each coding shaft includes a multi-toothed pinion (44L, 44T) fixed to the coding shaft and a deflectable rod (70L, 70T) lying between a pair of teeth of the pinion. When the coding shaft and pinion turn, the deflectable rod is deflected until the pinion tooth passes by it and the rod springs back to its original vertical position, where the next tooth can again deflect it. A rod deflection sensor detects every rod deflection and its direction to provide signals indicating the direction and extent of turning of the trackball. The trackball, coding shafts and other parts lie in a housing (22). A flat flexible cable (28) projects through a slit in the housing and lies on the bottom wall of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a computer mouse having a windable output wire including a housing, a windable wire receiving device retractably mounted in the housing, and an output wire having a first end connected to the wire receiving device and a second end connected to an output plug that is inserted into a main frame of a computer. The output wire is wound around the fixing shaft center, thereby forming an inner circle structure of the output wire, and is wound around a mobile shaft center, thereby forming an outer circle structure of the output wire. The inner circle structure of the output wire and the outer circle structure of the output wire are along two opposite directions, thereby previously leaving a wire winding space, reducing the volume of the housing, and saving the cost of fabrication.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trackball and an in-vehicle device controller using the trackball. The trackball provides a stable operational feel and are easy to operate even in an environment in a vehicle where vibration and movement are present. A trackball 2 includes a ball 21 made of a non-magnetic material and having embedded therein bar members 26 to 28 made of a magnetic material and arranged on three axes orthogonal to one another, a case 22 enclosing the ball 21 such that at least an upper portion of the ball 21 is exposed, magnetic members 31 to 34 fixed to the case 22 on two axes penetrating through the center of the ball 21 and orthogonal to each other so as to allow magnetic coupling to ends of the bar members, and a magnetic member 35 fixed to the case 22 on an axis penetrating through the center of the ball 21 and orthogonal to the two axes so as to allow magnetic coupling to an end 28B of the bar member 28.

Abstract: An input device functions as both a pointing device and a scanning device. The input device can have a switch with a first position in which the input device functions as a pointing device and a second position in which the input device functions as a scanning device. When operating as a scanning device, the input device can have two modes of scanning operation: a document scan mode and a virtual scan mode. In the document scan mode, the input device can scan an image on a document page. In the virtual scan mode, the input device can scan an image on an electronic page. The input device can include a multi-functional scanning system that can scan an image horizontally, vertically, or any angle diagonally relative to a document or electronic page.

Abstract: An expandable keyboard with at least one keyboard sections stored in a nested manner inside a default keyboard such that the at least one keyboard sections can be extended in a telescoping manner from a housing of the default keyboard. The default keyboard comprises all the necessary keys to operate the computer so that the computer can be used even when the at least one keyboard sections is in a stored position. The expandable keyboard disclosed is particularly desirable for a portable computer in that it offers users a larger keyboard area comprising a more user friendly keypad layout yet does not add to the computer's thickness or lateral dimension so the computer remains easily portable.

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 computer input device is provided which is programmable to DOS and Windows programs that have mouse function capability. The mouse function is configured as a ball-mouse familiar to CAD-CAM, positioned like a baseball in a mitt and opposably manipulated by each thumb. The device communicates with a computer mainframe or network configuration, by molding the flat 101 IBM Keyboard into the glove conforming to the opposable grasp of the human hand, whose intradigital keystrokes are assigned by the “touch” system of typewriter input. The 101 IBM keyboard is decimated bilaterally into the interdigital gloves of eight fingers and two thumbs, incorporating the ball-mouse attribute. A “treatment gauntlet” immobilizes and manipulates the hand-wrist-elbow in several treatment modalities palliative of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable keyboard, and more particularly, to a foldable keyboard adapted for a point stick and/or at least one hot key. Two or more keypad portions are hingably connected by a connection board on which a point stick or at least one hot key is disposed. When the keyboard is in a deployed configuration, the keypad portions slide along the keyboard plane to combine with the point stick or the hot keys so that a complete keyboard is formed. The connection board of the present invention may further include a circuit board to be electrically connected with each key and the point stick or the hot keys in order to receive and decode the signals from each key and the point stick or the hot keys.

Abstract: An optical trackball device of the present invention configures a ball, an operating member, using a material that partially transmits light, and this ball is rotatably supported by a support member. Light emitted from a light emitter disposed beneath the ball is reflected on this ball. A detector detects the reflected light to identify rotation of the ball. Since the light from the light emitter is partially transmitted through the ball, the ball can be illuminated without providing an additional component. Accordingly, a location of the ball is easily recognizable even in a dark place.

Abstract: A multi-mode input control device for use with a computer via a graphic user interface (GUI) is disclosed. The input control device may optionally perform functions of a mouse device and a trackball device. The mouse and trackball devices share the same key switch, control unit, interface circuit, and signal channel to the computer, which are included in the mouse device. In the mouse mode, the mouse device is individually moved to perform the input control operation in a conventional manner. For the trackball mode, a first signal connector of the trackball device and a second signal connector of the mouse device are connected to each other so that the trackball device can perform the input control operation via the mouse device.

Abstract: Electronic equipment having an easily replaceable input device allowing various types of input operations, wherein the input device with a first signal generating part is fitted to the opening part of a cabinet from the outside and positioned, a lid-like cover is detachable from the cabinet and fixes the input device when installed on the opening part of the cabinet, and a second signal generating part is installed in the cabinet and functions in combination with the first signal generating part, whereby, since the input device is fixed by merely installing the lid-like cover. On the cabinet, the input device can be easily replaced without taking out a patch board having the second signal generating part thereon by opening the cabinet.

Abstract: A wireless mouse capable of generating and accumulating electrical energy. The wireless mouse includes: (a) a first rolling wheel, which longitudinally props up the rolling ball and detects the displacement of the wireless mouse along the X-axis; (b) a second rolling wheel, which transversely props up the rolling ball and detects the displacement of the wireless mouse projected along the Y-axis; (c) an auxiliary rolling wheel, wherein the auxiliary rolling wheel, the first rolling wheel, and the second rolling wheel together prop up the rolling ball to keep the rolling ball in a certain rolling position; (d) at least one power generating device for transforming the dynamic energy produced by revolutions of the first/second rolling wheel to electrical energy; (e) an power storage device for storing electrical energy; and (f) a RF transmitting module for transmitting a moving signal of the wireless mouse and control signals of the left and right buttons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing an improved mouse optical sampling scheme are disclosed. At least one counter state machine is used to control at least one PTR state machine. At least one PTR state machine is used at a sample rate in order to determine the appropriate output for the mouse. The sample rate is adjusted to minimize the system sensitivity to poor duty cycle regulation. In addition, Tmin value(s) are adjusted in order to optimize the duty cycle for each PTR state machine. The mouse output is then provided to the computer. Consequently, by optimizing the duty cycle for each PTR state machine and minimizing its sensitivity to poor duty cycle regulation, a greater dynamic range of optical components can be employed in the mouse.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and algorithm for the economical, intuitive rotational control of a three dimensional object displayed on a computer monitor. The computer input device consists of a tracked ball, with a directed source emanating from it, that is housed in an enclosure which allows for the free rotation of the ball. The ball sits on a bearing within a base equipped with an array of sensors. Activated sensors are grouped in such a way that the positions of the detected sources can be determined. A 3×3 orientation matrix is then computed to allow applications programs to present a graphical object in the same orientation as the orientation that the user has given to the ball in the input device.

Abstract: A light which is electrically connected to a computer power supply and which is powered by rechargeable batteries that are recharged by power from the computer to illuminate the inside of the computer when working on it.

Abstract: The pointing device of the present invention has a case fixed to a mounting substrate. A sliding-type operating body and moving bodies for moving linearly in X-Y directions in the case as the operating body is slid are provided. Respective side portions of the moving bodies project sideways from the case and lower faces of respective projecting portions face a surface of the mounting substrate. By bringing contacts mounted to the lower faces of the respective projecting portions into contact with a resistor circuit formed on the surface of the mounting substrate, volume portions are formed at two orthogonal side portions. The two orthogonal side portions overhang sideways like eaves and springs for origin returning and are disposed between respective overhanging portions and the respective projecting portions.

Abstract: A mouse with infrared remote control function comprises: an optical encode control circuit, a microprocessor circuit, a wire driver circuit of the transmitting part, an infrared modulating transmitter circuit, an infrared receiving demodulation circuit, a wire driver circuit of the receiving part, an interface switching circuit, a receiver/transmitter interface circuit and a power circuit (it can be switched off) for supplying the power circuit to the said optical encode control circuit, microprocessor circuit, infrared modulating transmitter circuit. Besides a single-purpose mouse with infrared remote control function is provided by the present invention, by using the interface switch circuit and automatic switch circuit, a dual-purpose mouse with both compatible infrared remote control function and compatible cable control function can be implemented.

Abstract: A tactile force feedback apparatus for an input device comprises an inertial member having a movable portion being movable relative to the input device. A magnetically actuatable member is connected to the movable portion of the inertial member. A magnetic driver is configured to generate a magnetic field to move the magnetically actuatable member and the movable portion of the inertial member with respect to the input device to generate tactile force feedback in response to a user's manipulation of the input device. The movable portion of the inertial member may include a contact member movable to strike the input device. The contact member may comprise an elastomeric material, and may be movable to make contact with the input device at a plurality of different contact locations during movement of the contact member.

Abstract: An input device which provides excellent operability and reaction to a user, and which can be easily operated. The device comprises a casing, an operation unit supported parallel-movably in a direction along one surface of the casing, having a member to return to an initial position when the operation unit is not operated, and a signal generation portion which detects moving direction and moving amount of the operation unit, and generates a control signal to control moving direction and moving amount of an object to be operated on an image display device, in accordance with the detected moving direction and moving amount.

Abstract: A pointing device integrates an IR transceiver into the pointing device. An infrared communication link may then be established between another device and the IR transceiver on the pointing device. The pointing device then relays communication between the host computer and the other device along its cable to the host computer. A user interface involves placing the cursor of a graphical user interface over an icon or other area of the screen. Communications initiated by the user are then sent to that area of the screen, or an action indicated by the icon is taken.

Abstract: A data entry system having a base. The base has a plurality of rotatable cylindrical controls. The controls are rotated into a plurality of positions, each of the plurality of positions represent a control sequence. Each control sequence represents one of a plurality of alphanumeric characters. An electrical processor is coupled to the controls and determines the character indicated by the control sequence.

Abstract: A device supporting a user interface includes a feedback module for presenting information related to a data structure and a processor for controlling the feedback module and the data structure. The device also has a detector for determining handedness of a user, allowing modification of the displayed data structure based on handedness of a user.

Abstract: An imaging compensation or transformation method for signals detected by a sensor which is placed arbitrarily away from its ideal location into signals which would result if the sensor were in the ideal location. This method links movement of the on-screen cursor to the movement of the ball by a user. The actual location of the sensor in the device can be at any necessary location relative to the other components of the device within the housing, and the necessary transformation functions can be calculated and applied to the signals. Enabling placement of the sensor at a location which is displaced from the ideal location provides degrees of design freedom to optimize ergonomic and aesthetic factors. The compensation or conversion method is a transformation which simulates the sensor being disposed at the ideal location regardless of where it is actually placed. This is done by defining a user vector space, a sensor vector space and a reported vector space.