Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit, the device comprising at least one training and/or rehabilitation unit, a sensor unit having a sensor for determining oxygen concentration and for determining carbon dioxide concentration, a control unit for the sensors, a microcontroller in the control unit for controlling the heating power of heating elements of the sensors, depending on breath flow volume, for maintaining constant sensor temperatures, and a resistance and/or braking arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit that can be controlled and/or regulated based on the breath gas composition determined by the sensor unit. Said device can be used to increase endurance, preferably by means of altitude training.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a direction indicating device for generating a 2D direction indicating signal, which includes a base board, a first rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, including a first sliding slot, a second rectangular conductive plane formed on the base board, overlapping the first rectangular conductive plane, and including a second sliding slot, a positioning axle perpendicular to the base board, passing through a space corresponding to overlap portions of the first sliding slot and the second sliding slot, for moving the first conductive plane along a first direction, and moving the second conductive plane along a second direction, and a control signal generating module for outputting the 2D direction indicating signal according to electric information of the first conductive plane and the second conductive plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for executing a specific function by rotating an object display dial capable of displaying at least one of a mode-based object and a function-based object are provided. The portable terminal includes a mode/function determination unit for determining a mode or function of the portable terminal, a User Interface (UI) object generation unit for generating an object corresponding to each mode or function on the object display dial, a UI object display unit for displaying the generated, a dial rotation detection unit for detecting a rotation of the object display dial, a position determining unit for determining a position of an object upon detecting the rotation of the object display dial, and an object display dial capable of displaying at least one of the mode-based object and the function-based object and including a mode/function execution unit for transitioning to a mode corresponding to an object assigned to the position or for executing the function.

Abstract: This rotational input device is so formed that, when a rotational position detecting portion detects that a user has at least rotationally operated a rotational operating portion, a magnetic force generating portion is excited on the basis of a detected rotational position to generate magnetic force so that a base portion is sucked toward the rotational operating portion to be so deflected as to come into contact with the rotational operating portion thereby providing the user with a tactile sensation.

Abstract: A method of inputting a user input access combination in order to gain authorized entry into a secure location comprises providing an input device having first and second input keys as well as a display, randomly generating a first character and a second character on the display, inputting the user input access combination into the input device, and comparing the user input access combination with an authorized access combination. The user input access combination includes a first user input character and a second user input character. The step of inputting the user input access combination comprises pressing the first input key to change the first randomly generated character to the first user input character, and pressing the second input key to change the second randomly generated character to the second user input character.

Abstract: A rotary actuator is provided for a motor vehicle, having a control knob, a housing, an actuating shaft that is rotationally fixed to the control knob, and electromagnetic means that act on the control knob so as to permit a detent or locking of the rotation of the control knob, wherein a coil is arranged in the housing in a rotationally fixed manner, and a disk-shaped flux guide is attached to the actuating shaft so as to be rotationally fixed and movable along the actuating shaft, and the flux guide can be pressed against the coil and/or the housing.

Abstract: A haptic device for human/computer interface includes a user interface tool coupled via cables to first, second, third, and fourth cable control units, each positioned at a vertex of a tetrahedron. Each of the cable control units includes a spool and an encoder configured to provide a signal corresponding to rotation of the respective spool. The cables are wound onto the spool of a respective one of the cable control units. The encoders provide signals corresponding to rotation of the respective spools to track the length of each cable. As the cables wind onto the spools, variations in spool diameter are compensated for. The absolute length of each cable is determined during initialization by retracting each cable In turn to a zero length position. A sensor array coupled to the tool detects rotation around one or more axes.

Abstract: A regulation control device comprises an encoder mechanism and a shell set. The encoder mechanism includes a base, a PCB, and an encoder, the PCB being arranged on a side of the substrate and a fixed shaft on an opposite side of the PCB being arranged in the base. The encoder connects the base and electrically connects the PCB. The shell set includes a press shell, a connecting seat, a rotating seat, and a supporter, the press shell being at a side of the base, the connecting seat being on the other side of the base, connecting the encoder, and being in the rotating seat connecting the connecting seat so that the connecting seat and the rotating seat can be rotatably assembled with the encoder. With the encoder mechanism, the device may provide a better effect of repeated clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation at the angle of 360.

Abstract: Control knob comprising a mobile part (3) capable of being actuated manually and linked with an electromechanical transducer (7). The knob also comprises a metal surface (15) arranged in the vicinity of the mobile part and means to measure the capacitance of the metal surface so that the presence of a finger in the vicinity of the mobile part can be detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the graphical selection of objects. A selection indicator, one or more object indicators, and a position indicator are presented on a display. The selection indicator may be manipulated to indicate object indicators by rotating the selection indicator until an object indicators is within the area of the selection indicator and to select an object indicator which has been indicated. The selection indicator may be rotated so a portion overlaps with the location occupied by a portion prior to rotation. A menu indicator is also presented on the display. The menu indicator comprises a selector icon and a list of representations of the object indicators indicated by selection indicator. The selector icon may be manipulated to indicate a single representation of an object indicator and to select the object indicator represented by the representation of the indicated object indicator.

Abstract: A movable operation unit is movable on a two-dimensional operation surface of a main body. The two-dimensional operation surface is defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis perpendicular to each other. A Y-axis movable portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The Y-axis movable portion is movable in the Y-axis direction when rotating around the rotation axis. The rotation axis extends in the X-axis direction relative to the main body. The Y-axis movable portion includes a sliding rail portion on which the movable operation unit is slidable in the X-axis direction. The movable operation unit is operable to slide in the X axial direction and move in the Y axial direction accompanied with rotation of the Y-axis movable portion around the rotation axis to performs a parallel shift in the two dimensional direction while regularly and constantly maintaining a posture of the movable operation unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for enabling manual control over selection of a value for at least one operating parameter of a computer system resource. Manual control is enabled by de-coupling a pointer of a graphical indicator and control from an automated system advisor. During automated operation, the automated system advisor selects the value for the parameter of the computer system resource as indicated on a scale of the graphical indicator and control by the pointer. When the pointer of the graphical indicator is under manual control, a user can select the value of the at least one operating parameter of the computer system resource using the pointer of the graphical indicator and control. The present invention also concerns methods and apparatus for disabling manual control over selection of a value for at least one operating parameter of a computer system resource by re-coupling the pointer to an automated system advisor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an input device comprising (a) a base support, having a periphery and a plurality of apertures formed therein to define a circumscribed or circumscribing input pad configured to displace under the applied force; (b) a plurality of isolated beam segments, defined by the plurality of apertures, and operable to receive resultant forces distributed to the isolated beam segments by the displacement of the input pad; (c) at least two sensors, disposed along each isolated beam segment, and configured to measure the forces transmitted from the input pad to the periphery and to output a signal corresponding to the applied force. One or more processing means operable with the plurality of sensors may be utilized to receive the signal and to determine at least one of a location and/or magnitude of the applied force acting on the input pad.

Abstract: A method of viewing data on a portable electronic device includes presenting data on a display of the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a sensor for detecting movement of the portable electronic device, the sensor detecting movement of the portable electronic device in a first direction, the first direction being parallel with the horizontal, and scrolling the data presented on the display in the first direction in response to the sensor detecting movement of the portable electronic device in the first direction.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.

Abstract: An electronic album for presenting media content comprises a cover member and a frame member. The cover member and the frame member are hingedly coupled to each other to facilitate opening and closing of the electronic album. The electronic album further comprises a data input port, a user interface unit, a processor, and a display screen. The data input port, the user interface unit and the display screen are integrated in the frame member and are electrically connected to the processor. The data input port is capable of receiving data associated with the media content. Further, the user interface unit is capable of receiving at least one user input thereon and the processor is configured to process the data based on the at least one user input. The display screen is configured to present the media content based on the processed data.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

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

Abstract: A rotation sensing device comprises a capacitor module comprising an upper substrate and a lower substrate. The upper substrate comprises a plurality top plates mounted thereon, and the lower substrate comprises a plurality bottom plates mounted thereon. A pointing module comprises a pointer rotatably set between an upper substrate and a corresponding lower substrate. The pointer comprises a first portion. A detection circuit is electronically connected to the top plates and the bottom plates, and is configured for detecting pulses caused by a change of the capacitance resulting from movement of the first portion, determining a position change of the first portion relative to the initial position according the detected pulses, and determining a rotation orientation of the capacitor module according to the determined position change.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a lever switch with a display device that is variably displayable of pictures or texts. A lever 18 is configured by disposing an organic light-emitting device 10 in a manner that it is interposed between an operating unit 1 and an operating unit cover 13 and coupling a shaft 14 to the operating unit 1, and a housing 19 is fitted with a bezel 24 so that the lever 18 protrudes from a hole for tilting 24a of the bezel 24, thereby the lever 18 is tiltably disposed. In the housing 19, a printed circuit board 20 is arranged with a photo-interrupter 23 implemented thereon for detecting a tilting motion of the lever 18.

Abstract: An operating and display device is provided for a vehicle having a display unit and having a rotary knob for selecting a function and/or for selecting a menu within a hierarchical menu structure shown using the display unit. The rotary knob forming an operating unit is movable in both directions of its rotational axis, and pressing of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a first hierarchy direction and pulling of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a second, opposing hierarchy direction of the menu.

Abstract: User interfaces or input devices are provided with both touch-sensitive (e.g., capacitive) and mechanical hardware input portions. Mechanical switches are overlaid with a touch sensitive pad, providing improved versatility of input. An application programming interface (API) enables different modes of input operation for the mechanical and touch sensitive input portions, whereby various combinations and/or permutations of touch sensitive input portions and/or mechanical input portions are enabled or disabled to provide optimal input characteristics for a set of tasks at hand. Visual or audio indicators may be utilized to reveal the mode of operation to the user. The touch sensitive pad may be a capacitive touchpad, a touch sensitive display screen, a conveyor belt or a push pad. Up to 9 mechanical switches may be placed underneath the touch sensitive input portions.

Abstract: A nested scrolling system that can scroll through an electronically stored list is provided. The system can include a database, a display screen, a first scrolling control and a second scrolling control. The database can have an electronically stored list with a plurality of entries, the plurality of entries stored under a first level storage category and/or a second level storage category. The second scrolling control can be nested within the first scrolling control with movement of the first scrolling control scrolling through the plurality of entries on a micro level and movement of the second scrolling control scrolling through the plurality of entries on a macro level.

Abstract: An input device includes an input section having a detection section which detects a force transmitted via a human body when a trailing operation is performed on a part of the body contacting the input device, and outputs the force as detection data “a”; a timer management control unit which generates a timing for converting the detection data “a” into time-series data and outputs the timing as timing data “c”; an input information specifying unit which converts the detection data “a” into time-series data based on the timing data “c”, compares the time-series data with stored data “b” in a database which has been set beforehand, to thereby specify an input operation and output the input operation as input information specifying data “d”; and an information presenting unit which, upon receiving the input information specifying data “d”, displays a function assigned to the input operation.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises an assembly adapted to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing, said assembly adapted to rotate said first housing and said second housing with respect to each other between a closed configuration and at least one open configuration, said assembly comprising an inner ring coupled with said first housing and an outer ring coupled with said second housing, said inner ring slidably coupled with said outer ring in a circumferential direction, said outer ring movable through a first opening in said first housing, said inner ring movable through a second opening in said second housing when said first housing and said second housing rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: An information input device is provided which is to make input of information by operating a disk-shaped rotating member. The device includes the rotating member (36) which is rotatable with one main side thereof being operated, rotation detecting means (23, 32) for detecting a rotation of the rotating member (36), a central switch activator (26) provided at the center of rotation of the rotating member (36), a central switch (270) which is activated by operating the central switch activator (26), and a plurality of peripheral switches (27) which are turned on when a portion, apart from the center of rotation, of the rotating member (36) is pressed. Rotating the rotating member and pressing the apart portion makes input of information, and operating the central switch activator sets the information thus entered.

Abstract: A multi-functional user interface for electronic devices includes a hand-operable controller for providing an interface through which a user can command a peripheral electronic device to perform multiple actions. Such a controller includes an ergonomic housing including a communication link electrically matable to the electronic device. The housing includes a plurality of controls for generating a plurality of control signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user inputs respectively. The housing includes front and rear faces, each including a plurality of controls for generating a plurality of signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user inputs respectively. The device is selectively interchangeable between Internet Mode, Applications Mode, and Word Mode, conveniently enabling a user to use a single input device for a variety of different functions.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic apparatus including a casing, a first jog dial, and a pressing operation detection unit. The casing includes a first surface and a second surface. The first jog dial is exposed from the first surface and the second surface, is capable of rotating around a first axis substantially parallel to the first surface and the second surface as a center, and is capable of being pressed from a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the second surface. The pressing operation detection unit detects a first pressing operation from the first direction and a second pressing operation from the second direction.

Abstract: A system and a booth for producing a media clip, providing one or more users with a recording studio experience including a computer configured to provide the users with interactive guidance through test producing and recording the media clip, the guidance being providing by user interaction with an animated facsimile of a recording director displayed on the display. A method for producing a media clip, providing one or more users with a recording studio experience, including providing the users with interactive guidance through test producing and/or recording a media clip, the guidance being providing by interaction with a display of an animated facsimile of a recording director, recording a media clip of the users' choice, providing the recording to the users. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle commander control switch, system and method includes a touch pad having a touch surface for receiving touch input thereon. The touch surface has a first inner zone and a second outer zone disposed outwardly relative to the first inner zone. A touch pad signal generator detects the location of the touch input on the touch surface and generates signals corresponding thereto. The control unit is operatively connected to the touch signal generator. The control unit receives signals from the touch signal generator and controls display content on a display device. The control unit scrolls the display content on the display when the touch pad signal generator detects the touch input in the second zone and sends the signals to the control unit corresponding to the touch input in the second zone.

Abstract: A simple, integrated control for pan and zoom of a display of data represented by a very long data record is in the form of a control knob having an outer ring for controlling pan and an inner knob for controlling a zoom factor. A zoom function is turned ON either by turning the inner knob (setting the zoom factor to a default value) or by (i) pressing an adjacent zoom or pan button or (ii) turning the outer ring (setting the zoom factor to a prior value when the zoom function was turned OFF). The zoom function may be turned OFF by turning the inner knob to set the zoom factor to 1× or by pressing the zoom button. The outer ring has individual positions divided into two groups: one group for controlling pan rate within a zoom window displaying a portion of the very long data record defined by a zoom box within a main window displaying the very long data record; and the other group for controlling pan rate of the zoom box within the main window for rapid movement from one end of the record to another.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device includes a device body having a display screen. The display screen is located above a user input device located on a front face of the body. The user input device includes a set of four rotatable wheels, each mounted on an axle having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular relative the front face of the body. At least one sensor is operatively associated with the set of four wheels and is configured to sense motion induced in any of the four wheels. Additionally the at least one sensor is further configured to output electronic data representative of sensed wheel motion. The device further includes a microprocessor that is programmed to process input data into cursor guidance instructions that are outputted to the display screen and which affect x-direction and y-direction cursor movement on the display screen in correspondence with the sensed wheel motion.

Abstract: A segmented touch screen overlies the display or displays of a console having an operating system and display controller for the display. A touch screen controller is continuously connected to each of the touch screen segments and separate touch position information is obtained for each touch screen segment. The console operating system can be supplied with separate position information for each segment or with a single touch position for combined segments. A number of docking module ports near the display optionally receive docking modules that cover segments of the touch screen and display. A module, including tactile elements such as push button switches, can be docked at any port. When a module is detected, the touch screen segment under the module is disabled and the display under the module is switched to display module specific information.

Abstract: A control device that is associable with a machine, in particular a wrapping machine, includes a panel provided with a selecting device for selecting and setting operating parameters of the machine. The selecting device includes a knob that is rotatable around an axis and is fixed to the panel. In accordance with a method for setting operating parameters of a machine, in particular a wrapping machine, a control device provided with a knob rotating around an axis sets operating parameters by rotating the knob around the axis.

Abstract: A wheel structure for an electronic input device has a housing, and two supporting brackets and a circuit board mounted in the housing. A wheel assembly is supported by the supporting brackets and has a wheel. The wheel has an axle having a pivot end mounted through one supporting bracket and a mounting end mounted through a bearing disposed on the other supporting bracket. Moreover, a resilient assembly is disposed under and abuts the pivot end of the axle of the wheel. The wheel assembly is floatingly disposed in the housing so a friction applied to the wheel assembly is reduced. Therefore, the user is able to rotate the wheel assembly at high-speed with a light force. Furthermore, material and assembling costs and an assembling time of the wheel structure are saved.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a shaft with a knob which are rotatable about a shaft axis. The actuator includes a haptic effect device connected to the knob via the shaft. The haptic device is rotatable about the axis and includes a detent ring and a bolt fixed to the shaft. The haptic device and gearing engage one another such that haptic device is fixed in place unless the gearing is driven and the haptic device rotates when the gearing is driven. The bolt engages the detent ring to act as a mechanical catch for producing a haptic effect when the haptic device is fixed in place and the knob is manually rotated. The bolt engages the detent ring such that the haptic device together with the knob rotate when the gearing is being driven by a motor whereby the knob is rotated without manual intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control interface for one or more instruments that comprise an image acquisition system, the control interface consisting of kinesthetic controls that do not require visual attention. The control interface of the present invention maps kinesthetic controls such as sliders and knobs to a system computer and software running thereon which is directing the operation of individual imaging instruments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary input device, including: a rotary operation device; a storage section to store screen information correlated to a display order; a display control section for displaying the screen and selection items; an item switch instructing section to switch the selection item; and a screen switch instructing section to switch the displayed screen, wherein the selection item is switched in a predetermined selection order when the rotary operation device rotates in one direction and switched in a reverse order when the rotary operation device rotates in the other direction, and the first screen is switched to the second screen when the rotary operation device rotates in the one direction in a state in which a last first selection item is selected and switched to the first screen when the device rotates in the other direction in the state in which a top second selection item is selected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary input device, including: a rotary operation device; a rotation detecting section; a rotation driving section; a judging section to judge whether the detected rotation angle of the rotary operation device is a predetermined angle corresponding to a displayed selection item or not; a generating section to generate a switching signal when it is judged the rotation angle is the predetermined angle; and a rotation controlling section to control of a rotation drive to give the operator a force sense by a combination of at least any two of applying the rotary force in a normal rotation direction, applying the rotary force in a reverse rotation direction, and stopping applying the rotary force, when the judging section judges that the rotation angle of the rotary operation device is the predetermined angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary input device, including: a rotary operation device; a rotation detecting section; a rotation driving section; a display control section to scroll an image under display by rotation of the rotary operation device; a judging section to judge whether the detected rotation angle reaches a critical angle corresponding to an end part of a range of the displayed image or not; and a rotation controlling section to reversely rotate the rotary operation device to an initial position or a reference position when it is judged that the rotation angle reaches the critical angle and the rotary operation is released, wherein the display control section displays the image displayed on the display section at a display position corresponding to the initial position or the reference position when the rotary operation device is reversely rotated to the initial position or the reference position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary input device, including: a rotary operation device rotatable around an axis by receiving a rotation operation of an operator; a rotation driving section to apply a rotary force to the rotary operation device; a pressure detecting section to detect a pressure in an axial direction to the rotary operation device; and a force sense presenting section to present a force sense to the operator operating the rotary operation device by applying a rotary force to the rotary operation device by the rotation driving section when the pressure detecting section detects a predetermined pressure in the axial direction to the rotary operation device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary input device including: a rotary operation device; a detection section; a display control section; a rotation driving section to apply a rotary force to the rotary operation device; a first force sense presenting section to present a first force sense by a combination of at least any two of applying a rotary force in a normal rotation direction, applying a rotary force in a reverse rotation direction, and stopping applying when the detected rotation angle reaches a predetermined switching angle corresponding to the displayed predetermined display information; a second force sense presenting section to present a second force sense different from the first force sense by applying the rotary force in the normal rotation direction when the rotation angle detected by the detection section is within a first range, and in the reverse rotation direction when the angle is within a second range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data input device. The data input device includes a base. An input unit is provided to independently perform first directional input in which the input unit is laterally moved to any one of first direction indication locations, second directional input in which the input unit is tilted downwards and moved to a direction of any one of second direction indications, and third directional input in which any one of third direction indication locations is selected. First detection units detect lateral movement of the input unit. Second detection units detect tilting movement of the input unit. Third detection units detect the third directional input; A control unit extracts and inputs a first character, second character and third character assigned to each first direction indication location, each second direction indication location, and each third direction indication location, respectively.

Abstract: A portable information communication terminal includes an operation unit composed of an integrated combination of a first operation detection device for detecting an operation in a first direction substantially parallel to a predetermined axis direction of a terminal housing and a second operation detection device for detecting an operation in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, a display unit provided with a screen disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined axis direction and capable of displaying a hierarchical menu structure, and a control unit for sequentially changing and displaying menu hierarchies in descending hierarchical order in the first direction on the screen of the display unit in accordance with an operation in the first direction and for sequentially changing and displaying menu hierarchies in ascending hierarchical order in the second direction on the screen in accordance with an operation in the second direction.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a base segment, a sliding segment, and an input module. The base segment defines more than one indicator. The sliding segment is slidably connected to the base segment and defines a pointer operable to align with an indicator. The input module includes a first magnet, a second magnet, and a sensor. The first magnet is received in the base segment. The second magnet is fixed to the sliding segment to align with the first magnet, and is configured for applying a magnetic force to the first magnet. The sensor is connected to the first magnet to sense the magnetic force and convert the magnetic force into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is inputted to the electronic device.

Abstract: A virtual knob interface includes a substrate, a virtual knob associated with the substrate, and a number of touch sensors associated with the substrate and with the virtual knob. The virtual knob and touch sensor are configured and arranged such that the touch sensors detect manipulation of the virtual knob by a user. The knob can be removable from the substrate. Features can be provided to disable control of a device or function controlled by the knob when the knob has been removed.

Abstract: A scroll wheel hinge assembly for an electronic device is described. The scroll wheel hinge assembly may be used for an electronic device that pivotally connects a flip module with a base module having a keypad. The flip module has a front face with an internal display and a back face with an external display. The hinge assembly includes a cylindrical rotatable assembly, a flip-closed position, and a flip-open position. More particularly, the cylindrical rotatable assembly is configured to enable the flip module to rotate in relation to the base module about a rotatable axis associated with the cylindrical rotatable assembly. The cylindrical rotatable assembly also includes either a free-wheel or a touch sensitive component on the exterior of the cylindrical assembly. In the illustrative embodiment, the touch sensitive component is configured to perform a scroll function that includes a scroll-up operation and a scroll-down operation.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a navigation key assembly, a memory unit, a processing unit and a display unit. The navigation key assembly includes a knob. The memory unit is configured to store an electronic file. The processing unit is electrically connected to the navigation key assembly and is configured to store a predetermined rotation angle within which the knob rotates, and to obtain a total page of the electronic file and a rotated angle of the knob, and to determine how many pages jumped to according to the total page, the predetermined rotation angle and the rotated angle of the knob, and to obtain corresponding contents of the page jumped to. The display unit is configured to display the corresponding contents of the page jumped to.

Abstract: The present invention provides a user interface apparatus capable of determining both control content and a control amount without increasing the number of buttons. A remote controller RC is provided with a ring pad 121 as a ring-shaped operating element. The total range of the ring pad 121 is divided into a predetermined number of regions, and control content and a region number are defined for each of the regions. In the case of controlling a DVD/HD recorder DHR by using the remote controller RC, control content is specified on the basis of a region in the ring pad 121 touched by the user for the first time. In the case where the user performs an input operation of continuously tracing the ring pad 121, a control of a control amount according to the number of regions traced by the operation is performed.

Abstract: An improved interface control advantageously may be operated by one hand. A thumbpiece is slidably disposed within a longitudinal arm member which moves in an arcuate path. Placing his or her thumb in the thumbpiece, a user controls the horizontal positioning of a cursor by moving the arm member along the arcuate path. Vertical positioning of the cursor is controlled by sliding the thumbpiece along the length of the arm member. Trigger functions are implemented by exerting a downward force on the thumbpiece. Since the downward force used to implement the trigger function is orthogonal to motions used to control positioning of the cursor irrespective of the particular positions of the arm member and thumbpiece, the disclosed interface control prevents a user from inadvertently altering the positioning of the cursor during implementation of the trigger function.