Abstract: A display editing apparatus includes a reception unit that receives a first editing layer with transparency including data to be edited, and a second editing layer with transparency including the data to be edited which is edited by a second user; a first editing unit that edits the data to be edited included in the first editing layer, based on an operation of a first user; and a display control unit that performs control such that a layer, selected from the first editing layer and the second editing layer, is superimposed and displayed on a front side of an original layer including original data to be edited before editing.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes the device image processor being configured to receive the plurality of device image definitions and the plurality of device offset information definitions from the device image module, read, from the device configuration definition, a plurality of device image parts defined by the plurality of received device image definitions, respectively, arrange the plurality of read device image parts on a plurality of offset positions defined by the plurality of received device offset information definitions, respectively, to thereby generate a composite image, the composite image showing a status where the one or more devices and the recommended device are attached to the image forming apparatus, and cause the software executing module to display the composite image on the display device.

Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for improving strength of a thin glass cover for an electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the glass member can have improved strength by forming its edges with a predetermined geometry and/or by chemically strengthening the edges. Advantageously, the glass member can be not only thin but also adequately strong to limit susceptibility to damage. In one embodiment, the glass member can pertain to a glass cover for a housing for an electronic device. The glass cover can be provided over or integrated with a display, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display.

Abstract: A method and device for dual-differential sensing is disclosed. The sensing information can be generated from signals provided by a sensing device with a plurality of sensors. Each value of the sensing information corresponds to signals of three sensors, respectively. The sensing device is flexible and configured on a display. The noise effect of the display on the signal of each sensor corresponds to the distance between the display and the sensor. Besides, the noise effect of the display on each value of the sensing information corresponds to the distances between the display and the three sensors, respectively.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for enabling signings/dedications on a remote basis is provided. A first computer at a first location is associated with an individual from whom a signature or dedication is required. A second computer at a location where the signing or dedication is required is linked to the first computer so as to provide a two-way audiovisual communication system. The second computer is operate e to receive input from one or more individuals regarding their request for a signature and/or dedication, and to communicate the request to the first computer. The first computer is operable to permit the individual associated with the first computer to review the request, and based on such request provide a signature and/or personalized dedication as an input to an input device connected to the first computer. The first computer transmits the signature and/or personalized dedication from the first computer to the second computer.

Abstract: A computing device configured for providing an interface is described. The computing device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory. The computing device projects a projected image from a projector. The computing device also captures an image including the projected image using a camera. The camera operates in a visible spectrum. The computing device calibrates itself, detects a hand and tracks the hand based on a tracking pattern in a search space. The computing device also performs an operation.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a character input device includes a touch panel, a vibrating unit, and a control unit. The touch panel displays a plurality of buttons each of which corresponds to a character, and detects a contact operation. The vibrating unit vibrates the touch panel. When the contact operation by a contact is detected by the touch panel while the contact on the touch panel is continued since a start of the contact at a first position on the touch panel on which the plurality of buttons are displayed, the control unit receives a character corresponding to a button, as an input, displayed at the position where the contact operation is detected. The control unit causes the vibrating unit to change a vibration behavior of the touch panel when the contact operation is detected.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a housing and a keypad assembly configured within the housing. The keypad assembly includes one or more groups of keys configured for movable positioning between a first orientation in which a top surface of an individual key is exposed to a user, and a second orientation in which the top surface of the key pivotally retracts into the housing so as to expose an edge surface of the key.

Abstract: Enhanced camera-based input, in which a detection region surrounding a user is defined in an image of the user within a scene, and a position of an object (such as a hand) within the detection region is detected. Additionally, a control (such as a key of a virtual keyboard) in a user interface is interacted with based on the detected position of the object.

Abstract: Tools for use within a 3D scene. The 3D scene may be presented by at least one display, which includes displaying at least one stereoscopic image of the 3D scene by the display(s). The 3D scene may be presented according to a first viewpoint. User input may be received to the 3D scene using one or more tools. The 3D scene may be updated in response to the use of the one or more tools.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a position acquisition unit for obtaining a display position of an input area in a display area, and a display control unit for controlling, based on the display position of the input area, in the display area a display position of an input operation area in which a character to be displayed in the input area is input. The display control unit displays the input area near the display position of the input area, and makes the input operation area follow the movement of the input area when the display position of the input area is moved.

Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a distributed network of camera sensors employing one or more emitted light sources associated with one or more of the one or more camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to motion features indicative of movement of the motion features of the subject, presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the motion features of the subject and track manipulation of the motion features of the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the motion features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on the three dimensional display.

Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a distributed network of camera sensors employing one or more emitted light sources associated with one or more of the one or more camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to motion features indicative of movement of the motion features of the subject, presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the motion features of the subject and track manipulation of the motion features of the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the motion features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on the three dimensional display.

Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a distributed network of camera sensors employing one or more emitted light sources associated with one or more of the one or more camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to motion features indicative of movement of the motion features of the subject, presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the motion features of the subject and track manipulation of the motion features of the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the motion features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on the three dimensional display.

Abstract: A Hall-effect system for providing inputs into a processor includes at least one magnet for establishing a magnetic field, a remote sensor unit and a receive station. The magnet is sized and adapted to be worn on a user's finger, while the remote sensor unit is adapted to be worn on a user's thumb. The remote sensor unit includes a Hall-effect sensor that senses changes in the magnetic field due to the motion of the magnet relative to the Hall-effect sensor. The Hall-effect sensor detects the magnetic field changes, and the remote sensor unit generates a sensor output corresponding to the magnetic field changes. The receive station is connected to the processor. The receive station receives the output from the remote sensor unit and converts the sensor output into an input for the processor.

Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject within a video game. The method includes receiving data from a plurality of fixed position sensors comprising a distributed network of time of flight camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to features indicative of movement of the subject relative to the fixed position sensors and the subject, presenting one or more objects as the subject of a video game on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the features of the subject to determine interaction of one or more of the features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on one or more of the one or more the three dimensional display screens.

Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a plurality of fixed position sensors comprising a distributed network of time of flight camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to features indicative of motion of the subject relative to the fixed position sensors and one or more other portions of the subject, and presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens. The plurality of fixed position sensors are used to track motion of the features of the subject to manipulate the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on one or more of the one or more three dimensional display screens.

Abstract: A method and system for vision-based interaction in a virtual environment is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving data from a plurality of sensors to generate a meshed volumetric three-dimensional representation of a subject. A plurality of clusters is identified within the meshed volumetric three-dimensional representation that corresponds to motion features. The motion features include hands, feet, knees, elbows, head, and shoulders. The plurality of sensors is used to track motion of the subject and manipulate the motion features of the meshed volumetric three-dimensional representation.

Abstract: A freeform selection tool for a computer system with a graphical user interface allows a user to draw a freeform selection path so as to select one or more graphical objects. The user is provided with the freedom to input selection ink, in any orientation, and using any desired selection path size provided by the select tool. The selecting tool may change the visual appearance of any graphical object once selected. The selecting tool provides the ability to select ink or graphical object with a particular property to be used for the selection. The selecting tool can recognize various selection gestures coordinated with a semantic relationship of the ink so that the number of selection ink strokes can be minimized. The selecting tool may change for different selection modes depending on the type of graphical object encountered and change of the context for a particular selection.

Abstract: A display system having an input device that communicates with a display device. The input device being able to: detect a track of points of contact between the input device and the display surface; write the track data to a memory; and send the track data to the display device. The display device being able to: detect positions on the display surface contacted by the input device and generate a line formed by the detected positions; toggle between a position detection mode to a position non-detection mode; instruct the input device to detect the track it is in the position non-detection mode; request the track data from the input device when it toggles to the position detection mode; synthesize the track data from the input device and the drawing data to generate image data; and display the generated image data.

Abstract: A method of creating a printed interactive document using a printer connected to a computer. The method includes the steps of: receiving a print request for the interactive document at the computer; requesting and retrieving a unique document identity to a server in response to the print request; indexing the document with the unique document identity and archiving the indexed document in a database; sending the unique document identity and the document to the printer; and printing the graphic content together with coded data coincident with the graphic content onto a substrate so as to create the printed interactive document. The coded data identifies the unique document identity and a plurality of locations on the substrate.

Abstract: A device user interface in which computer functionality is invoked by user interaction with dynamically generated interface regions of a writing surface. A computer system identifies a marking written on the writing surface or a user selection of an existing written marking. Adjacent to the marking, the computer system automatically generates one or more interface regions associated with the marking. User interaction with one of these regions automatically invokes computer functionality related to the interacted region. A different function may be invoked by each region. The computer system dynamically positions and may dynamically size the interface regions based on the position (and size) of the marking. Multiple markings yield multiple regions, with different regions associated with respective markings. In one embodiment, the regions are established in front of and/or after a written word. Regions may also be established on top of and/or below the written word, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device comprising: —a position sensor (102; 302; 502), —a first integrated circuit component (106; 306; 506) coupled to the position sensor for acquisition of position data (112; 312), —a memory (114; 314) for storing the position data, a second integrated circuit component (108; 308), wherein the first integrated circuit component comprises means (110; 348) for signalling the acquisition of the position data to the second integrated circuit component, the second integrated circuit component comprising means (108; 364, 374) for reading the position data from the memory in response to the signalling.

Abstract: This invention provides an image generating apparatus including a composite image generating unit that generates a composite image in which an image of an object to be printed onto a medium is combined with an image for coordinate address information for locating a position on the medium and an image for address identification information for identifying the coordinate address information.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: A method for generating a message that is intended to be sent to a destination is provided. The method comprises: (i) sending a page identity to a printer unit, the page identity being indicative of an address that corresponds to the destination; (ii) printing on a sheet of paper, using the printer unit, a position-coding pattern and the address; (iii) generating digital ink, comprising a sequence of strokes, by writing on the sheet of paper with an optically imaging pen, the pen being capable of detecting positions on the sheet of paper by reading the position-coding pattern; (iv) recording the page identity from the printed sheet using the pen; and (v) generating the message using the digital ink and the address obtained from the page identity.

Abstract: A system for composition and transmission of an e-mail message to a recipient address via a computer system is provided. The system comprises: a printer for printing an e-mail form onto a substrate, the printed form comprising graphic e-mailing information and coded data; and an optically imaging pen configured for sensing the coded data, generating interaction data using the sensed coded data, and transmitting the interaction data to the computer system. The interaction data represents interaction between the pen and the form.

Abstract: A display system for an aircraft includes an automatic reconfiguration device that, upon detecting a failure of a screen of the system, displays an image that is associated with the failed screen on an associated valid screen having lesser priority.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating graphic primitives. Data is received that is indicative of a gesture provided by a user. It is determined whether the received gesture data is indicative of a graphic primitive. A graphic primitive is generated for use on a user display based upon said determining step.

Abstract: The invention concerns an input device including an input receiving panel and a stylus enabling an input, the input device sensing an input by means of capacitive coupling between a panel electrode on the input receiving panel and a stylus electrode on the stylus, and includes: a signal supply section supplying an input sensing signal to the panel electrode; a signal detecting circuit detecting a signal generated in the stylus electrode; and an input sensing section comparing the input sensing signal with the detection signal detected by the signal detecting circuit and sensing an input based on a result of the comparison. An input-sensing digital code is superimposed on the input sensing signal. This allows for further reduction in the possibility of false sensing caused by noise than conventional techniques.

Abstract: A method and system for visually tracking a point of contact of an optical output from a computer input device includes an internal camera configured to visually track the point of contact of the optical output against a surface and an optical source to transmit the optical output from the computer input device. The camera also transmits the position of the point of contact as a computer input. In one form, the computer applies the position of the point of contact as an input to an application operating on the computer, such as a gaming application. In one form, the camera can visually track the movement of the computer input device along a surface.

Abstract: A camera-based touch system (50) includes a passive touch surface (60) and at least two cameras (63) associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras (63) have overlapping fields of view (FOV) encompassing the touch surface. The at least two cameras (63) acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and generate image data. A processor (54) receives and processes image data generated by the at least two cameras to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface when the pointer is captured in images acquired by the at least two cameras. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.

Abstract: A method of interacting with a computing device via one or more inking instruments to generate digital ink may include the steps of emitting light from a light emitting device to an inking instrument, receiving first user inputs from the inking instrument, and identifying the inking instrument based on sensed light reflected from the inking instrument. Another method may include the steps of simultaneously detecting first user inputs from a first inking instrument and second user inputs from a second inking instrument by receiving first light emitted from the first inking instrument and second light emitted from a second inking instrument that each have one or more identifying characteristics, identifying the inking instrument based on their identifying characteristics, and generating corresponding digital ink.

Abstract: A photo detective LCD device includes a light pen. The light pen includes a body, a driving pulse generating module and a light generating module. The body has a pen shape, and an end of the body includes an opening through which light exits. The driving pulse generating module is disposed in the body and generates first and second driving power pulses having first and second frequencies, respectively. The light generating module generates first and second light in response to the first and second driving power pulses, respectively. The first and second light flickers in a third frequency and a fourth frequency, respectively. The power consumption is reduced, and the brightness of sensing light is enhanced. The light pen generates light having at least two different frequencies, and the display device recognizes light generated from the light pen effectively. Therefore, the display device may operate without failure.

Abstract: A notepad computer with a page display region displaying a page of a document on which a user can write using a pen or stylus type writing tool is provided. Associated with the page is an interface that can be used with the pen. The interface includes a core task tool region adjacent to the page where tool icons are partially visible until the pen is brought near one of the icons. The tool icon becomes fully visible when the pen is within the region of the icon. The tool when activated can pop-up a radial pop-up menu located at an edge of the document where all the menu choices are located in a semi-circle away from the edge so that the users hand while holding the pen and making a selection does not block the choices.

Abstract: A touch system comprises a touch surface and at least one camera acquiring images of the touch surface. A pointer contact data generator generates pointer position data in response to pointer contact with the touch surface, the pointer position data representing where on the touch surface pointer contact is made. A processor communicates with the at least one camera and the pointer contact data generator. The processor analyzes acquired images to determine the type of pointer used to contact the touch surface, and processes the pointer position data in accordance with the determined type of pointer. In the preferred embodiment the processor distinguishes between pointer tip touch surface contacts, pointer backend touch surface contacts and finger touch surface contacts. A writing function is invoked in response to pointer tip touch surface contacts. An erase function is invoked in response to pointer backend touch surface contacts. Mouse events are generated in response to finger touch surface contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a layout operation on space includes a display with a touch panel for displaying space on which a layout operation is performed and controller for tracing a figure drawn by an operator on the touch panel of the display and determining, according to the figure, a field to be inputted and an input mode of the field. A method of performing a layout operation on space including the steps of displaying space on which a layout operation is performed on a monitor with a touch panel, tracing a figure drawn by an operator on the touch panel of the monitor, and determining, according to the figure, a field to be inputted and an input mode of the field. A program to perform the method.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to a electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: An electronic pen for recording of handwritten or hand-drawn information has a control unit and a memory. The control unit registers pen movements across at least one base, stores a plurality of digital pen strokes in the memory as a function of said movements, and supplies a set of the digital pen strokes for processing. The digital pen strokes include a first type, which is processed as graphical information constituting the information to be recorded, and a second type, which is processed as instructions for the processing of digital pen strokes of the first type. The electronic pen may detect a current working session of the pen. The control unit indicates, for the processing of the set of digital pen strokes, the working session during which the respective digital pen strokes have been input.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: A remote pointing apparatus including a remote control that generates an optical signal that is periodically expanded and/or reduced around the origin and an optical sensor that detects whether the optical signal is received, and a remote pointing method therefor. The remote pointing method includes projecting an optical signal that is periodically expanded and/or reduced around an origin; detecting whether the optical signal is received using a plurality of optical sensors that are two-dimensionally disposed; and detecting the position of the origin, which exists within a position recognition range including at least a polygon having the optical sensors as vertexes, based on the results of detection of the optical sensors. Since the remote pointing apparatus and method do not need a light receiving panel that is installed to fully cover a display screen or installed in vertical and horizontal directions of the display panel in order to receive a laser beam, a manufacturing cost thereof can be reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: The system generally comprises a probe device, a computing device, an electronic media, a presentation device, and a suitable medium as a specimen. The probe is manipulated over the specimen and information from the probe is transmitted to the computing device. The computing device uses the probe information to identify the image and probe position on the specimen. Based upon the specimen and position of the probe on the specimen, electronic media is presented simulating an output of a real tool used to inspect an actual specimen. The hand manipulation of the probe coordinated with the display of the electronic media provides the visceral experience normally encountered by a user of the real tool. In one embodiment, the probe is a camera and the specimen an image identified by examination of an image feature database. In an alternative embodiment, the probe is a finger.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a text field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the text field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating data and movement data are received in the computer system and the text field is identified from the indicating data. The computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the text field.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user is provided with an interface surface containing information relating to the computer software and including coded data indicative of at least one interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device in the form of an optically sensing stylus contains identifying data indicative of an identity of the user. When the user writes with the stylus, or uses it as a pointer, an operative end of the stylus is brought into contact with the interface surface. The sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the at least one interactive element using at least some of the coded data. The computer system receives the identifying data and the indicating data from the sensing device. The interactive element is identified in the computer system using the indicating data, and user data is identified using the identifying data.

Abstract: A system and method for determining pointer contacts on a touch surface includes a touch surface to be contacted by a pointer. At least one imaging device having a field of view looks generally along the touch surface. At least one processor communicates with the at least one imaging device and analyzes images acquired by the at least one imaging device to detect the relative positions of a pointer and a reflection of the pointer therein and thereby determine if a pointer contact with the touch surface has been made.

Abstract: A system for transforming the movements of at least one joint of a user into control signals for a computer. The system includes a sleeve for putting on over the joint and a movement sensor fixed to the sleeve for the sensor to be placed and held in the hollow of the joint. The sensor is an on/off sensor that is directly subject to the movements of the sleeve in the hollow of the joint.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface contains information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of a drawing field. When placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, the sensing device senses indicating data indicative of the drawing field and generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating and movement data are received in the computer system from the sensing device. The drawing field is identified and then the computer software is operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the drawing field.

Abstract: A coordinate input control method is used in a display-integrated coordinate input apparatus which includes a display having thereon a first area and a second area, and a single coordinate-input unit, and in which the coordinate input means inputs coordinates on the display. The method determines if the coordinates input by the coordinate input unit are on the second area. When it is determined that the input coordinates are on the second area, it is determined whether the coordinates on the second area have been consecutively input since processing on the first area. When it is determined that the coordinates have been consecutively input, designation of processing on the second area is nullified.