Abstract: A thumbwheel switch for a handheld electronic device is mechanically and electrically mounted on the substrate of a printed circuit board using SMT with the thumbwheel seated in a cutout in the substrate and with the top surface of the thumbwheel about flush with the top surface of the substrate so that the thumbwheel is ergonomically positioned on the side of the handheld electronic device at the level of the display.

Abstract: Haptic feedback interface devices using electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators to provide haptic sensations. A haptic feedback interface device is in communication with a host computer and includes a sensor device that detects the manipulation of the interface device by the user and an electroactive polymer actuator responsive to input signals and operative to output a force to the user caused by motion of the actuator. The output force provides a haptic sensation to the user. In an embodiment, a stylus including a body having a first end and a second end opposite from the first end, a moveable member coupled to the body and capable of being in contact with a user's hand; and an electro active polymer actuator coupled to the moveable member, wherein the electroactive polymer moves the moveable member from a first position to a second position with respect to the body upon being activated.

Abstract: A novel control device for a personal computer which is manipulated by a user's feet. The control device is manipulated by application of the appropriate pressure to the control device. At any one time, the control device may be manipulated such that the control device moves in three distinct directions: the device pivots forwards or backwards, rotates left or right, and dips to the left or to the right. For each movement in a distinct direction, the control device generates an input for a personal computer.

Abstract: New methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently and safely providing controls and displays therefore, particularly, but necessarily to be used within the center stack region of a vehicle instrument panel. The apparatus utilizes, in most embodiments, a rear projection display and machine vision sensing of control position and, optionally, finger touch. A very stylistic and easy to use instrument panel results which can be programmed or otherwise provided in many different forms to suit different users or option package designs.

Abstract: A manipulation input apparatus includes a panel member, strain gauges, and a controller. The panel member has a front surface functioning as a manipulation input surface to which an input is executed by touch manipulation. The strain gauges detect a load which is applied to the panel member. The controller calculates a position to which a load is applied based on load detection result by the strain gauges. A stick as a convex-shaped structural section is further arranged and integrated in the manipulation input surface of the panel member such that an upward load against the panel member is applied via the stick.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which a portable communications device with a click wheel and a display detects a plurality of finger contacts with the click wheel. Each finger contact includes an angular displacement of the finger contact on the click wheel between an initial location and a final location of the finger contact. The device displays an image that includes digits arranged in a circle. The image rotates, in response to each finger contact, by an amount determined in accordance with the angular displacement of the finger contact. For each finger contact, the device determines a digit. The determined digit is independent of the initial location of the finger contact on the click wheel. The device performs a task using the determined digits. Exemplary tasks include dialing a telephone number and sending numeric input to a remote computer.

Abstract: A display system within a reduced resource information handling system is disclosed. In a particular form, a method of outputting video is disclosed. The method can include detecting an operating condition of an internal display and an external display of an information handling system. The information handling system can include a host processing system and a remote processing system. The method can further include detecting a video output signal configured to be displayed during a reduced operating state of the host processing system. The method can also include coupling the video output signal to either the internal display or the external display.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes a display screen and a scroll wheel coupled to the display screen by a processor. The scroll wheel includes a rotational input component for directing movement of a navigational indicator on the display screen and a depressible input component for inputting a character for display on the display screen.

Abstract: A user interface pointing apparatus for an electronic device. The apparatus comprises: a primary mechanical knob operated by a user using movement operations; one or more touch sensitive surfaces operated by a user using movement operations, the mechanical knob being adjacent to the touch sensitive surfaces; and a processor for receiving the movement operations and the touching operations for receiving said movement operations and said touching operations performed on the mechanical knob and the touch sensitive surfaces, wherein both the movement operations and the touching operations interpreted by the processor as pointing commands to the same pointer.

Abstract: Peripheral devices having one or more pedals are provided, wherein the peripheral devices are slip resistant with respect to a surface, such as a floor, upon which the peripheral devices are placed or positioned. A user of such peripheral devices can use a heel against the floor surface through the peripheral device to anchor the peripheral device and can use the heel to correct the position of the peripheral device if it slips by applying a counterforce. The peripheral device(s) include multiple springs per pedal and associated software for accommodating a non-linear force response for a more realistic user experience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a character input device. The character input device includes a first directional input unit (10) provided such that first directional input, which is performed through selection of one from among a plurality of first direction indication locations, arranged radially around a reference location and spaced apart from one another, can be performed. Second directional input units (50) are provided such that second directional input, which is performed through selection of one from among a plurality of second direction indication locations, arranged radially outside the first directional input unit and spaced apart from one another, can be performed. A first directional input detection unit (61) detects the first directional input. A second directional input detection unit (65) detects each second directional input. A control unit is configured to extract and input character codes assigned to the first and second direction indication locations.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobile terminal includes displaying on a display of the mobile terminal a plurality of items, identifying a selected item of the plurality items, and detecting a first rotation of the mobile terminal about a first axis of rotation which exceeds a first threshold amount of rotation. The method further includes performing a first function that is associated with the selected item responsive to the detecting of the first rotation exceeding the first threshold, identifying a condition if a second rotation of the mobile terminal about a second axis of rotation exceeds a second threshold, or if a threshold time period elapses after the detecting of the first rotation and no further rotation of the mobile terminal has been detected, and responsive to the identifying of the condition, performing a second function that is associated with the selected item.

Abstract: A servosystem, in particular a servosystem for a motor vehicle, includes a display showing a list of clickable menu items, a rotary knob with a rotary element to operate the rotary knob, with a number of mechanical detents to alternately increase the rotary momentum necessary for rotating the rotary element, with a brake to brake the rotary element and with a rotation sensor to measure the rotation of the rotary element with a resolution that is the least four times, in particular at least six times, and with particular preference at least eight times the number of mechanical detents per rotation of the rotary element, and a control for converting the rotation of the rotary element into a scrolling motion through a list and for activating the brake when the last clickable menu item of the list is reached or the first clickable menu items of the list is reached.

Abstract: A thumbwheel switch for a handheld electronic device is mechanically and electrically mounted on the substrate of a printed circuit board using SMT with the thumbwheel seated in a cutout in the substrate and with the top surface of the thumbwheel about flush with the top surface of the substrate so that the thumbwheel is ergonomically positioned on the side of the handheld electronic device at the level of the display.

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: An information processing unit of the present invention includes a display control unit that causes an icon display area, in which a plurality of icons related to each other are grouped, to be displayed and an operation unit that receives various operations by a user. When the operation unit inputs a command for expanding or contracting the icon display area in a one-dimensional direction which is the same as an arrangement direction of the plurality of the icons in the icon display area, the display control unit causes the icon display area to be expanded or contracted in the one-dimensional direction. With such a configuration, the operability can be enhanced by shortening a time for searching for a desired icon.

Abstract: An operating device for a CNC machine includes an operating portion, an encoder, a memory unit, a microprocessor, a display unit, and a controller. The operating portion includes a rotary button and a confirm button. The encoder is connected to the rotary button and the confirm button for generating corresponding position codes. The memory unit stores a number of function menus corresponding to a number of operating instructions. The microprocessor is connected between the encoder and the memory unit for receiving the position codes from the encoder and invoking the corresponding function menus from the memory unit. The display unit is connected to the microprocessor for displaying the function menus. The controller is connected to the microprocessor for executing input instructions.

Abstract: An input apparatus that moves an instruction sign displayed on a display device to any position, the display device being connected to an information processing apparatus, including: an operation portion that includes a magnet, and operates the movement of the instruction sign; a restoration portion that is composed of an elastic member, supports the operation portion, and restores the operation portion to a reference position when the operation portion has inclined; magnetic members that are arranged at maximum displacement positions of the operation portion where a suction force of the magnet exceeds the restoring force of the restoration portion; a detection portion that detects an inclined direction and an inclined angle of the operation portion; and an output portion that outputs the inclined direction and the inclined angle detected by the detection portion to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A human-machine interface device for controlling a plurality of vehicle functions. The interface has a knob which is bidirectionally rotatable at a rest level and a pressed level. A selected one of the vehicle functions is selected by the knob at the rest level, and the selected one of the vehicle functions is controlled by the knob at the pressed level.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods capable of facilitating interaction with handheld electronics devices based on sensing rotational rate around at least three axes and linear acceleration along at least three axes. In one aspect, a handheld electronic device includes a subsystem providing display capability, a set of motion sensors sensing rotational rate around at least three axes and linear acceleration along at least three axes, and a subsystem which, based on motion data derived from at least one of the motion sensors, is capable of facilitating interaction with the device.

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: The present invention provides an input device which enables a user to input desired information by simple operations even though a user has pressed a wrong button, as well as to make an information inputting position stationary.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a control unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a displacement detecting unit that detects displacement of a physical value caused when the mobile device moves, wherein the control unit includes an icon displaying unit that displays the icon in the display area, an icon moving unit that moves the icon displayed, in the display area and based on the displacement of the physical value, an area determining unit that compares coordinates of the icon moved and displayed in the display area to the specific area to thereby determine whether the icon is in the specific area, and an area-specific processing executing unit that retrieves the area-specific processing corresponding to the specific area and executes the area-specific processing when the area determining unit determines that the icon is in the specific area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.

Abstract: A haptic device is provided having a substrate with a touch surface and one or more actuators for vibrating the substrate in a multiplicity of higher resonant modes, each of which has a high enough frequency to be inaudible and high enough amplitude to create a friction reduction effect at a plurality of vibrating regions on the substrate touch surface.

Abstract: A mobile device includes at least one application and a user-controllable pivoting input switch. This application has a number of selectable items. This switch has a number of operational modes. Several of these operational modes direct the operation of the application to determine a current item according to an order.

Abstract: Portable communication devices are disclosed. The devices each include a motion detector configured to measure a movement of the device relative to a neutral position of the device, an indicating unit configured to provide an indication that a current position of the device is to be set as the neutral position of the device, and a control unit configured to set the current position as the neutral position responsive to the indicating unit providing the indication. In an embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device relative to the neutral position of the device with an associated command and execute the associated command. In another embodiment of the portable communication device, the control unit is further configured to associate the measured movement of the device with an associated character and enter the associated character as an input character.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an actuator that includes an eccentric mass that is coupled to a rotatable shaft of the actuator which defines an axis of rotation. A circuit is coupled to the actuator, the circuit is configured to produce a control signal such that, when the control signal is received by the actuator. The actuator is configured to produce a force effect having a magnitude and a frequency by rotating the mass about the axis of rotation in a first direction. The magnitude of the vibration is based on a duty cycle of the control signal and independent of the frequency. An obstacle member is coupled to the actuator and includes a compliance portion configured to increase energy in the movement of the mass in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the mass comes into contact with the obstacle member.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, a processor, and a user interface including a bistable display. A display element of the bistable display is placed in one of two stable orientations upon application of a biasing voltage and stays in the stable orientation when the biasing voltage is removed. The processor includes a display module configured to display a non-blank reversion display screen on the bistable display when no input is received at the user interface after a specified time duration, and to recurrently change the reversion display screen until input is received at the user interface.

Abstract: A rotating and pressing operation type electronic component that is reduced in the number of parts and man-hour for assembly and reduced in height dimension and floor surface area, comprising a frame formed of first and second bases, a tubular rotatingly operating body rotatably supported on the inside of the frame, first and second contact pieces as elastically deformable conductive leg parts fitted to the frame, and a common contact piece. The terminal parts of the contact pieces and the terminal parts of the common contact piece are directly positioned on a printed circuit board and electrically connected.

Abstract: A hand-held device and method for managing the orientation of information being displayed on the screen of a hand-held device is provided for devices having a two part slidable housing including a first housing and a second housing where the two housings are adapted to slide separately in multiple directions relative to one another along a corresponding path substantially parallel to a front facing of the device between an opened position and a closed position. The method takes into account a detected use mode, such as whether the device is engaged in a voice call communication, and a detected device configuration to determine the orientation of the information to be displayed on the device screen. When the first housing is slid relative to the second housing between a closed position and an opened position in a first direction, the information is displayed having a portrait orientation.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile phone implementing a plurality of functions is provided. A communication mode is provided in the mobile phone, when in the communication mode, a communication control interface is configured as an idle screen when none of the functions is in use. A function application mode is provided in the mobile phone, when in the function application mode, an application control interface corresponding to one of the functions is configured as the idle screen when the one of the functions is in use. A first selection is received, directing the mobile phone to switch between the communication mode and the function application mode. The mobile phone is operated in the communication mode or the function application mode according to the selection.

Abstract: A payment card comprises a display to support card-not-present transactions where no card reader is available to automate the transaction, and an account number retrieval method for dynamic, one-time use virtual account numbers whose use can assist authorities in rapid fraud and location detection. The account number generator is able to produce a sequence of virtual account numbers over its life that are predictable by the issuing bank and useful in authenticating transactions. A server for the issuing bank logs the merchant locations associated with each use or attempted use, and provides real-time detection of fraudulent attempts to use a virtual account number outside the predicted set. Fraud identification efforts can then be directed in a timely and useful way.

Abstract: A portable computer that is configurable between a laptop mode (in which the portable computer has a conventional laptop appearance) and an easel mode in which the base of the computer and its display component stand vertically forming an inverted “V.” The portable computer includes a hinge assembly that couples the display component to the base of the computer, and allows the display component to be rotated about an axis along an interface between the display component and the base to configure the portable computer between a closed position, the laptop mode and the easel mode.

Abstract: A value editor and a corresponding method is described for a measuring apparatus, by which setting parameter values can be modified. Parameters can be set for at one of multiple functional units and modified by control elements. Multiple control elements can together constitute a control block and the active control block is highlighted by a focus. To modify parameter values in the highlighted focus, displayed alphanumerically in the control elements, a first or second edit mode can be selected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic document reproduction apparatus supporting a preview function upon outputting an electronic book, and a reproducing method thereof. The electronic document reproduction apparatus includes: an input/output unit for outputting contents of an electronic document and receiving a user's instruction from a user; a storage unit for storing data of the electronic document; and a controller for searching for an output position of a corresponding electronic document according to the users instruction input through the input/output unit, and displaying the corresponding electronic document, wherein the controller receives a preview execution instruction through the input/output unit and provides a preview function for a corresponding position to the electronic document, and the controller receives a page selection instruction and sets a corresponding page as an output position.

Abstract: In the case where the operator is moving the cursor on the computer screen through the use of a mouse, when the cursor display moves to a position which coincides with any of the menu display, a boundary position of the menu display or a position which coincides with the icon display, pressure sensing power generating means within the mouse is actuated to give a shock force or the like to the operator. This enables the operator to recognize the grasp in the operating state by not only visual judgment but also by hand.

Abstract: Provided are a display apparatus and a method of displaying a still image. The display apparatus includes: a display panel including a picture plane on which an image is displayed; an e-paper which is spread to cover the screen of the display panel when the image is no longer displayed through the display panel; and a processor which applies an electric signal to display a still image on the e-paper.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual navigation cues in user interfaces for use with rotary input devices are described. One described method comprises causing a plurality of graphical objects to be displayed in an arc. The curvature of the arc is configured to convey the ordinal relationship for navigating between each of the plurality of graphical objects with a rotary input device. The curvature of the arc is independent of the spatial relationship between the rotary input device and a display.

Abstract: An input device and mobile electronic devices having improved user interface capabilities are described. In one embodiment, a “triple-threat” device is provided in the form of a mobile electronic device of a slider construction. A two-way slider mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, a screen of the mobile electronic device is touch-sensitive (touch input); in a first slider position, tactile-response keys are exposed (key input); in another slider position, a writing pad is exposed (stylus input).

Abstract: A disclosed input device has an input section to detect acceleration applied to the device body and output a detection signal corresponding to the detected acceleration. The device includes a power generating section to generate electric power in accordance with the acceleration applied to the device body, a power storing section to store the electric power generated by the power generating section, and a power source generating section to generate power for driving the input section with the electric power generated by the power generating section or the electric power stored in the power storing section.

Abstract: In a portable telephone according to the present invention, a display displays a block indicative of an operator, predetermined information and a pointer; the operator can be operated in directions opposite to each other; and the controller controls the display so as to shift the pointer to a desirable position within a predetermined information on a screen of the display in accordance with an operation of the operator and also display a mark indicative of a direction to which the pointer can be shifted and in which the predetermined information exists, adjacently to the block along a shift direction through the operator.

Abstract: A user interface module includes a display and a motion detector arranged to detect a motion. The module is arranged to display an emulated movement of a graphical representation of a first object on the display according to a motion detected by the motion detector. The first object has a physical characteristic and the user interface module further includes a controller module arranged to generate the emulated movement based on the physical characteristic.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device including a body, wherein said body includes at least a portion which is deformable by the application of a squeezing force by a user's hand whereby the deformable portion is moved between a first un-deformed position and a second deformed position.

Abstract: A switch member comprising a convex knob portion on which the finger of an operator catches, wherein the knob portion is retained such that it is pivotable around a pivot shaft, a base surface of the knob portion is configured as a curved convex surface, wherein the curved convex surface is configured as a surface whose radius of curvature gradually becomes larger in a pulling direction of the finger catching on the knob portion, is provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a display module, a control module and a scroll wheel module. The display module is used to display a digital image. The control module is connected to the display module for controlling the display module and conducting image processing. The scroll wheel module is connected to the control module for providing at least five operation modes, each in a different direction, and generating at least five control signals for controlling the control module to conduct image processing.

Abstract: A haptic feedback controller that controls a controlled appliance includes a base, a cap, a piezoelectric motor, a rotation control device, and a rotational state detecting device.

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

Abstract: A method for defining a geographic area in a map detail for use in a navigation device includes: selecting an area shape; positioning the selected area shape on the map detail at a desired position; and performing a function of the navigation device as a function of a geographic area specified by the area shape positioned on the map detail.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low power consumption haptic feedback are described. In one described system, a device comprises a manipulandum and a haptic effect generator in communication with the manipulandum. The actuator is operable to provide a first haptic profile associated with a first mechanical configuration and a second haptic profile associated with a second mechanical configuration. The device also comprises an actuator in communication with the haptic effect generator, which is operable to switch the haptic effect generator between the first haptic profile and the second haptic profile.