Abstract: The invention relates to a system (01) comprising a lighting control console (02) for controlling a lighting system, and an external simulation computer (03), wherein digital adjusting commands that can be transmitted to the lighting devices of the lighting system via data links are generated in the lighting control console (02), and wherein the lighting control console (02) includes at least one housing, in which the hardware components are disposed for protection from external influences, and wherein the lighting control console (02) includes multiple operating elements (06, 07, 08), particularly keys (06), slide controllers (07), and/or rotary controllers (08), which elements are arranged on the top of the housing and can be used for entering operating commands, and wherein the lighting control console (02) includes at least one display device (09, 10, 11, 12), and wherein the external simulation computer (03) is connected to the lighting control console (02) via a data link, and wherein the simulation com

Abstract: A slide operation apparatus capable of preventing damages to a movement guide for slidably supporting a movable member, without increasing the weight and length thereof. The movable member (70) is disposed for sliding motion relative to guide bars (78, 79). Usually, a protrusion (70a) of the movable member is apart from a bottom portion (11) of a casing (10) with a spacing, and engaging protrusions (76, 77) of the movable member is apart from a rail portion (18) of the casing with a spacing. When the movable member is displaced by being applied with a force in a direction different from a direction in which the guide bars extend, an excessive displacement of the movable member is restricted by the contact between the protrusion and the bottom plate portion or between the rail portion and the engaging protrusions.

Abstract: A virtual user interface including: a display screen; a masking means for concealing at least part of said screen and revealing at least one preselected display area; at least one user-actuated control; and control means responsive to said user-actuated control for displaying information on said display area operatively associated with said user-actuated control.

Abstract: This case concerns applications of my Reconfigurable Tactile Display (RTD) invention, particularly illustrating method and apparatus in which there is no rigid connection between a projector/electro-optical sensor unit, and a screen and control surface unit used to display data and receive user touch or control inputs. In many embodiments, elimination of this rigid connection constraint allows applications where heretofore it has been difficult to provide workable or useful human interface systems. One example is in the headrest of an automobile, while another is a hospital bed where the invention provides a lightweight and very easy to clean input and viewing device for the patient.

Abstract: A ventilator device (10) includes a display screen (50, 101) to display a plurality of ventilator functions/modes (or menus) and a plurality of parameters (or sub-menus) associated with at least one of said ventilator functions/modes. A control member, e.g., in the form of a multifunction finger-operable dial (55, 102) is provided to select from the plurality of ventilator functions/modes and/or parameters, the dial being manipulatable in a first manner (e.g., rotation) to scroll between said parameters, and being manipulatable in a second manner (e.g., touching, pressing and/or depressing) to select one of the ventilator functions/modes and/or parameters.

Abstract: A slide type input device is provided, which can be made thin and which has the operability of a dial type input device. An input member that simulates a portion of the shape of recesses and protrusions of a dial member is provided in a slot so as to be slidable therein. The lateral edges of the slot are lower than the ends thereof. The input member is urged to a central position by elastic members, and is capable of repeated reciprocal motion.

Abstract: A position input device is provided which includes a sensor portion having a detection face, an operation element movable along the detection face of the sensor portion, and a position detection unit which detects the position of the operation element on the detection face. According to additional embodiments, the position input device includes a lid covering the detection face. The lid is movable between opened and closed states, and integrally supports the operation element so as to move integrally with the lid when the lid is opened and closed. A remote control device including the position input device and a wireless transmission unit are also provided. Also provided are computer systems and electronic devices.

Abstract: A user interface for a hand held medical diagnostic scanner system, including a display screen and a control member adapted to sense first user control movements in at least one direction and to communicate this movement to software adapted to translate this movement into highlighting of an option indicator, or selection of an option indicator, from a plurality of option indicators displayed on the display screen, the control member being further adapted to sense a second different user control movement and to communicate this movement to software adapted to translate this movement to cause the activation of an option associated with a highlighted option indicator.

Abstract: A monitoring and control device for use in a remote monitoring and control system includes a display unit provided with a screen for displaying operation buttons mated with the loads, an operation input unit operable by a user, the operation input unit including a touch switch panel superimposed on the screen of the display unit and a control unit for performing display control of the display unit and load control in response to the operation of the operation input unit. The control unit includes a display control unit for causing the display unit to display one operation page selected from a plurality of operation pages containing different combinations of operation buttons and a page changeover unit for changing over the operation page displayed on the display unit in response to a user's operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a character input device. The character input device includes a detection unit, an input tool and a control unit. The detection unit detects one or more input forms of vertical pressing horizontal pressing tilting pressing, contact, and contact movement. The input tool enables directional input corresponding to each input form detectable by the detection unit to be performed. The control unit generates a plurality of direction indication locations corresponding to directional inputs performed by the input tool, and extracts data, assigned to a direction indication location corresponding to detected directional input, from a memory unit and inputting the extracted data when directional input of the input tool corresponding to any one of the direction indication locations is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A novel flexible tactile sensor for sensing the force direction was designed by introducing the concept of structural electrodes on a piezoelectric film. The structural electrodes comprised an elastomeric column and distributed microelectrodes between the column and piezoelectric film. As a periodic small force acts at the elastomeric column, the force is transferred to the piezoelectric film based on the column bending behavior, therefore the scale of force can be detected by the output voltages from the distributed electrodes due to the corresponding force state under the column. In addition, two opposite output signals from different sides of the column can differentiate the force direction as the column is bent by external force. The resulting signal for sensing force and its direction depends on the size of column.

Abstract: Physical controls on a physical controller device (PCD) are dynamically mapped to application controls for an application being executed on a computer having a touch-sensitive display surface. The computer identifies a PCD which has been placed by a user on the display surface and displays a mapping aura for the PCD. When the user touches an activate direct-touch button displayed within the mapping aura, the computer activates a mapping procedure for the PCD and displays a highlighted direct-touch button over each application control which is available to be mapped to the physical controls on the PCD. When the user selects a particular application control which is available to be mapped by touching the highlighted button residing over the control, the computer creates a dynamic mapping between the selected application control and a user-selected physical control on the PCD.

Abstract: Fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus including a generally flattened hemispherical housing and a turret-like user interface having a user operated control panel for controlling operation of the fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus and providing fetal wellbeing information to an expectant mother. Fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus including a fetal motor activity sensor including a base plate with a base plate topside and a base plate underside with an elongated planar strain gauge film element defining a nominal measurement plane in a non-flexed state, and having a variable electrical property proportional to resilient elastic flexion in a transverse direction to the measurement plane on application of a bending moment and a fetal motor activity determination module for processing time varying information for determining fetal motor activity. Two-ply pad for use with the fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A hand-held device that provides communication services and symbol processing is described. The device includes a case having a front side comprising a display and a lid having a transparent portion through which the display can be seen in a lid-closed state. In one version, the hand-held device comprises a QWERTY keyboard including an arrangement of digits as in a touch-tone telephone keypad arrangement. In another version, the display includes a handwriting area for data entry using a stylus or other screen data entry device. In a closed position, the lid extends over the display and the keyboard, leaving another user input device physically accessible to touch for receiving input wherein the device performs processing responsive to receiving input from the physically accessible user input device in the lid closed state.

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: 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 method for displaying icons on a mobile terminal having a front side and an opposing rear side includes displaying a plurality of icons on a display located on the front side of the mobile terminal, receiving user input responsive to user-driven rotation of a rotatable wheel located on the rear side of the mobile terminal, and selectively highlighting individual icons of the plurality of icons responsive to the user-driven rotation of the wheel.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a device and a method for providing a haptic motion feedback to user interacting with a simulated three-dimensional (“3D”) environment. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a belt assembly, coupled to the base. The belt assembly includes a housing having an opening and a belt adapted to rotate within the housing for conveying a motion of an object moving in the simulated 3D environment. To indicate a horizontal component of object's motion, in one embodiment, the base is rotated, thus causing the belt assembly to rotate around its central axis. To indicate a vertical component of the object's motion, in one embodiment, the belt assembly is tilted. Optionally, the belt may include a plurality of protrusions and/or indentations on its surface for indicating to the user distances covered by the object within the simulated 3D environment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a haptic motion feedback mechanism. One embodiment of an apparatus for communicating motion in a virtual space includes a base and a feedback mechanism coupled to the base, the feedback mechanism using forced air to convey motion in the virtual space. In another embodiment, a method for communicating motion in a virtual space using a feedback mechanism includes receiving a signal indicative of user motion from a computing device on which the virtual space is running and forcing air through the feedback mechanism in order to convey the user motion.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including: a sensor; a motion pattern detector configured to detect a given motion pattern from a measurement result by the sensor; a controller configured to perform a control operation associated with the given motion pattern if the given motion pattern is detected by the motion pattern detector; and an application processor configured to perform an application operation including an application operation associated with the given motion pattern if the given motion pattern is detected by the motion pattern detector. The controller does not perform the control operation associated with the given motion pattern if the given motion pattern is detected during the application operation.

Abstract: Embodiments related to dual mode rotatable input devices that permit both resistive and non-resistive rotation are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a stationary hub, a rotatable member rotatable around the stationary hub, and a resistive rotation mechanism forming an interface between the stationary hub and the rotatable member. The resistive rotation mechanism comprises a resistive surface and a movable interface member configured to selectively contact the resistive surface, wherein the resistive surface and the movable interface member move relative to one another with rotation of the rotatable member. The resistive mechanism further comprises a biasing mechanism that urges the movable interface member into engagement with the resistive surface when a rotational velocity of the rotatable member is below a threshold velocity, and allows separation of the interface member and the resistive surface when the rotational velocity of the rotatable member is above the threshold velocity.

Abstract: A method of compensating for network latency in haptics transmission in which the position of a haptic effector is controlled by signals received from a network. The method comprises storing a series of locations of the haptic effector, determining from the series using Fourier Transformation or other means frequencies having a growing amplitude and creating a filter function to eliminate the growing frequencies from output signals directing the force and direction of the haptic effector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pointing device for facilitating user interaction with an electronic device. The pointing device includes a magnetic disc, a magnetic field over which the magnetic disc laterally travels in response to force applied by a user, and a plurality of sensors to detect the location of the magnetic disc relative to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A selecting operation and a setting operation for setup items shown on a display are performed with using a selection change switch that can in steps rotate to three positions indicated by marks and a dial switch that is stacked on the selection change switch. The display shows three setup items at three locations. In a case that the selection change switch is rotated and a tip portion of the selection change switch indicates a position, it is thought that the selection operation is performed to select a setup item shown at a location corresponding to the indicated position. Then, the setting operation for the selected setup item is performed by rotating the dial switch. When the selection change switch has pivoted toward near side or far side, a window to be shown at the foreground is changed on the display.

Abstract: Provided is an input device that may sense a first contact occurring along a planar coordinate axis among three-dimensional (3D) spatial coordinate axes to generate first contact information, to sense a second contact occurring along a vertical coordinate axis among the 3D spatial coordinate axes to generate second contact information, to analyze contact information including at least one of the first contact information and the second contact information to generate an input signal to control a predetermined display device, and to transmit the generated input signal to the display device. The display device may control an object that is displayed on the display device, based on the input signal.

Abstract: A video display device providing viewers with operation adaptable to any of various viewing environments. The video display device (1) comprises a display section (12) for displaying a single content to at least two viewers in a one-screen display mode or two different contents to the respective viewers in a two-screen display mode and a control section (14) for giving an instruction of video processing of a single content being currently displayed on the display section (12) when one of the viewers operates a button installed for the viewer in the one-screen display mode and giving an instruction of video processing of only the content displayed for the viewer who operates a button installed for the viewer out of the two contents being currently displayed on the display section in the two-screen display mode.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing that encloses a controller and/or other electronic components, a display viewable through a face of the housing that is configured to display an alphanumeric character list, and an input device adjacent the display that is movable by a user to highlight and select respective alphanumeric characters in a displayed character list. To highlight characters within a displayed character list, the input device is rotatable about an axis that is substantially normal to the display and is slidable within a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the axis. In some embodiments, the input device is rotatable and slidable within a plane that is substantially parallel with a plane defined by the housing face. To select a highlighted character, a user depresses the input device.

Abstract: A wearable electronic tag for displaying graphics and text images and for communicating with other similar tags. Each tag includes a visible, graphical display adapted to be worn by a user. The tag also includes a short range, substantially unidirectional electronic communication channel, such as an infrared transmitter-receiver, located on the display unit so that, when the display unit is worn, the interface faces in a direction of the desired communication with another person who also is wearing a similar tag. This arrangement makes possible automatic data exchange and comparison of the interchanged data and display of the results of the comparison on the tags worn by the two wearers. The tags also have a longer range wireless communication system to receive and transmit data.

Abstract: Described herein is a computing device for running an application that requires graphics and/or video processing capabilities. The computing device includes a display device, an accelerometer, and a processing unit. The application running on the computing device is configured to provide image data corresponding to an image for display on a virtual screen, wherein the virtual screen is larger than the display device. The accelerometer is configured to provide movement data based on motion of the computing device. The processing unit is configured to receive the image data and the movement data and provide only a portion of the image for display on the display device based on the movement data from the accelerometer.

Abstract: A slide-type input device, a portable device provided with the input device and a method and medium of using the input device, which more freely move a pointer displayed on a screen, and more conveniently and exactly select a specific object, is provided. The slide-type input device includes a slide button movable in a specific direction, a motion control hole providing a movement area of the slide button, a location-detection module detecting location-change information according to the movement of the slide button, and a controller controlling a pointer displayed on the screen based on the location-change information of the slide button, wherein the slide button is moved in the specific direction by an external force applied by a user, and is then returned to an original location by an elastic force when the external force of the user is removed.

Abstract: An embodiment of invention includes a handheld computer having a display. The display provides an output to a user-input. A housing includes a front panel that provides access to the display. A plurality of user-interactive mechanisms are provided on the housing. The user-input mechanisms include a first mechanism that is removably coupled to the housing.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates providing analog control within an industrial automation environment. An interface component can facilitate the receipt of data relating to an input. An analog lever component can be communicatively coupled to the interface component to provide analog control of a parameter associated with the industrial automation environment, wherein the analog control correlates the input with a virtual knob to adjust the parameter.

Abstract: A pattern wheel driver is provided. The pattern wheel driver includes a rotatable pattern wheel with patterned regions repeatedly formed on the pattern wheel. Each of the patterned regions has a plurality of patterns. Each of the plurality of patterns has a different width. The pattern wheel driver also includes a detector for detecting the plurality of patterns, mounted at a position where the patterned regions of the pattern wheel pass when the pattern wheel rotates. The pattern wheel driver also includes an encoder for producing a signal indicating whether the pattern wheel rotates in a forward direction or a reverse direction based on signals produced by the detector.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided for use in a wireless communication system. The mobile terminal comprising a housing having an opening and a selective input device. The selective input device includes a hub secured in the opening in the housing such that at least a portion of the periphery of the hub extends from the housing. A capacitance layer is integral with the periphery of the hub. A resilient ring is movably disposed on the periphery of the hub and operatively connected with the capacitance layer for generating signals when the ring is moved relative to the hub. A controller is operably connected to the input device for receiving and processing the signals.

Abstract: A jog dial actuating device and an electronic device are described.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users to with graphical user interfaces of computing devices are disclosed. A rotational user action supplied by a user via a user input device can provide accelerated scrolling. The accelerated nature of the scrolling enables users to scroll or traverse a lengthy data set (e.g., list of items) faster and with greater ease. The amount of acceleration provided can be performed in successive stages, and/or performed based on the speed of the rotational user action. In one embodiment, the rotational user action is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. The resulting acceleration effect causes the linear action to be enhanced such that a lengthy data set is able to be rapidly traversed.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users of computing devices to interact with graphical user interfaces are described. According to one aspect, a rotational user action supplied by a user at a user input device is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. According to another aspect, a portion of an extended list of items is displayed by a graphical user interface and, through rotational user actions at a user input device, the portion of the list being displayed can be varied with welcomed ease of use. Although the type of computing device can vary, the improved approaches are particularly well-suited for use with a portable media player.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users of computing devices to interact with graphical user interfaces are described. According to one aspect, a rotational user action supplied by a user at a user input device is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. According to another aspect, a portion of an extended list of items is displayed by a graphical user interface and, through rotational user actions at a user input device, the portion of the list being displayed can be varied with welcomed ease of use. Although the type of computing device can vary, the improved approaches are particularly well-suited for use with a portable media player.

Abstract: A portable information terminal is provided which includes detecting means for detecting an operation on a display screen, a button for an operation related to a content reproduction, a changeover switch, and a control unit which switches hold statuses of the detecting means and the button according to an operation to the changeover switch.

Abstract: A wireless communication handset (100) having a movable housing portion (204) coupled to a housing portion (202) that rotates relative to the housing portion. The movable housing portion may be a ring that rotates from one position 200 to another position 300 relative to the housing. Rotation of the ring to a first position activates a first function. Indicia 210 disposed on the ring indicates the desired mode. Rotation of the ring to a second position activates a second mode corresponding to a second indicia on the ring. The ring is interchangeable with other rings (FIG. 5 through FIG. 7) having different indicia corresponding to different modes or functions. The software that corresponds to the different modes may be stored in a memory 104 of the device or downloaded to the device upon coupling the ring thereto.

Abstract: When, from a standby screen of a terminal device, a user depresses a motion key (S11) and performs a registered movement (S13), a sensor unit observes the movement of the terminal device, and a movement parameter calculation unit calculates a movement parameter. A movement parameter change decision unit decides (S15 and S16) whether or not a change of the movement parameter which is calculated, and a change of the movement parameter corresponding to a predetermined function registered in advance, agrees with one another. If the result of this decision is affirmative, a function control unit starts the corresponding function (S17). As a result, it is possible to set the terminal device to a state in which the predetermined function can be employed, with a simple and easily remembered actuation.

Abstract: A thumbwheel input device oriented on an incline and comprising a wheel such that a first input is generated by rotation of the wheel about its axis, and a holder also having an axis of rotation and a portion thereon to receive the wheel whereby a second input is generated by rotation of the holder about the second axis.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a cover assembly and a rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is mounted to the cover assembly. The rotating mechanism includes a rotating assembly and a driving assembly. The rotating assembly includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel connected to the driving wheel. The driving wheel is connected to the rotating assembly. The driving assembly drives the driven wheel to rotate via the driving wheel, thus giving a user a rotating prompt.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technology which arranges a direct access key and a hot key or the like according to frequency of use centering around a jog dial such that a user interface (UI) can be simplified in a driver information system.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cellular telephone terminal in which intuitive operation is possible, by providing a rotary dial portion. A cellular telephone terminal 1 is provided with: a body that includes an operation unit side body 2, a display part side body 3, and a hinge mechanism 4A that connects the operation unit side body 2 and the display part side body 3 so as to be openable and closable around an opening and closing axis; a rotary dial portion 41, which is rotatable around a rotational axis Z, and which is attached to the body with a standard position; a mark 42, which is disposed at a position that can be visually confirmed externally both in the opened state and in the closed state, and which serves as an indicator for a rotation amount of the rotary dial portion 41; and a control part 74 that causes one application among a plurality of applications to enter a state in which activation thereof is possible, based on the rotation amount of the rotary dial portion 41.

Abstract: A two-dimensional operation section includes a stick-shaped rocking shaft having an end having an operation knob. The operation knob is operated within a predetermined two-dimensional operation surface determined as an operation range such that a rocking axis of the rocking shaft tilts from a predetermined neutral angular position to a direction corresponding to an instructed position. A one-dimensional operation section has an operation surface exposed in a main surface of the operation knob, the main surface being an end surface of the rocking shaft. The one-dimensional operation section can be operated in a predetermined one-dimensional operation direction determined within the two-dimensional operation surface relative to the operation surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display booth (1) for displaying a virtual puppet. The display booth (1) comprises a motion tracking system (3) for tracking the movements of an operator in the display booth (1) and a processor (5) is provided for generating the virtual puppet. A keyboard and a separate controller (7) operable by the operator to control the virtual puppet are also provided. The present invention also relates to a method of generating a virtual puppet. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an interactive system for placing an order, such as a food or drinks order. The interactive system comprises one or more virtual puppet display systems.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional input apparatus sends out an instruction to operate an image capture process or an application program after receiving a single touch, slide or circling, or receiving several touches, slides or circlings. The multi-dimensional input apparatus communicates with the control interface of an image capture program or an application program in a wired or wireless way and provides an alternative instrument for operating the image capture process or the application program.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of displaying data for the same are disclosed. The data display method includes displaying one or more tags, checking whether a motion of the mobile terminal is detected, identifying the terminal motion if terminal motion is detected, and displaying rearranged tags when the identified terminal motion is related to tag rearrangement.