Abstract: An image processing apparatus that combines a background image and an object includes a display screen configured to display an image, a wheel device configured to be operated by a user, an a display control unit configured to display on the display screen an image in which a circular background image and at least one object are combined. The image processing apparatus also has a movement control unit configured to move the object on the display screen displayed by the display control unit based on a rotation direction and a rotation amount of the wheel device, while maintaining as is a distance between a center of the background image and a center of the object. The image processing apparatus further includes a rotation control unit configured to rotate the object around the center of the object according to movement of the object by the movement control unit.

Abstract: User input-output schemes are provided for portable computing devices such as MIDs, UMPCs, and tablet PCs. In one embodiment, a device has position indicators beside or below the device display. The indicators may be input/output controls which receive touch commands to scroll displayed information horizontally or vertically. In another embodiment, a combined user input sensor is housed in a device enclosure. The sensor includes a wheel sensor and a pointer controlling sensor presented from within the inner circumference of the wheel sensor. The wheel sensor may be a rotating wheel having a gear linkage for coupling to a transducer to detect wheel sensor movement. In another embodiment, a device operates in two modes, one mode with on screen soft buttons managed by the device hardware to provide input similar to hardware buttons, the other mode removes the device-managed buttons and allows full touchscreen display access to the operating system.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic apparatus including a plurality of casing bodies which are connected to one another so as to be relatively moved, wherein, by relatively moving the plurality of casing bodies, a first mode in which a first input manipulation unit is positioned on one side of a display unit for displaying information and a second mode in which the first input manipulation unit is positioned on one side of the display unit and a second input manipulation unit is positioned on the other side of the display unit are switched, and wherein an image display in which the first input manipulation unit is positioned on a lower side of the display unit is performed in the first mode and an image display in which the first input manipulation unit and the second input manipulation unit are positioned on left and right sides of the display unit is performed in the second mode.

Abstract: A haptic feedback control device, such as a handheld remote control or handheld game controller, for controlling a graphical object within a graphical display and for outputting forces to a user. A housing includes a button, wherein the user engages the button with a finger. The button is depressible along a degree of freedom by the user. An actuator applies forces to the user through the button along the degree of freedom. A sensor detects displacement of the button along the degree of freedom when the button is depressed by the user. A process, local to the device, controls the actuator to generate the forces upon the button in the degree of freedom to provide a tactile sensation to the user contacting the button.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a mobile communication apparatus, comprising: a body provided with a liquid crystal screen (5) having image data or character data displayed thereon, and an operating unit (6) for selectively performing operations, the body being divided into first and second housings (2 and 3) along a lateral direction perpendicular to a rotation axis; rotating means (4) for connecting the liquid crystal screen (5) with the operating unit (6) with the liquid crystal screen (5) with the operating unit (6) being rotatable with respect to each other around the rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal screen (5) with the operating unit (6); a system control unit (21) for selectively setting predetermined operation modes in response to the rotation positions of the liquid crystal screen (5) with the operating unit (6) assumed when the liquid crystal screen (5) with the operating unit (6) are rotated with respect to each other through the rotating means (4).

Abstract: A user interface for selecting and controlling a plurality of parameters of a device comprises a touch-sensitive apparatus (100) with a touch-sensitive area (101) and a controller (107). The touch-sensitive area (101) has a closed-loop shape limited at outside by an outer closed curve (105) and at inside by an inner closed curve (106) and capable to receive a touch input, whereas the controller (107) is connected to the touch-sensitive apparatus (100) and configured to detect a starting point (102) of the touch input, detect a touch hold duration at the starting point (102), in case of a touch hold duration not shorter than the activation time, determine a parameter associated with the starting point (102), in case of a hold duration shorter than the activation time, determine a previously controlled parameter, and control the determined parameter while the touch input moves along a control path (103). In addition, the control is sensitive to movement direction.

Abstract: An electronic device associated with a remote wand controlling the operations of the electronic device is provided. The wand may include a motion detection component operative to provide an output reflecting the motion of the wand to the electronic device, such that the movements of a cursor displayed by the electronic device may be related to the output of the motion detection component. The wand may also include an input mechanism operative to receive user inputs. Using the input mechanism, the wand may detect a user's inputs and direct the electronic device to zoom or scroll displayed objects. The electronic device may display a screen saver by which the user may select particular media items for playback while remaining in the screen saver mode. In some embodiments, the electronic device may display video with a scroll bar that includes a preview window of the video.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for changing a display mode. The apparatus includes a graphical user interface having one of a set of display modes. The set of display modes include a passive matrix display mode and an active matrix display mode. The apparatus also includes a switch capable of changing the display mode of the graphical user interface from one display mode to another display mode in the set of display modes.

Abstract: In a rotary input apparatus, an operational end enabled to be rotationally operated is provided, an operational input device detects a rotational displacement of the operational end to move a pointer displayed on a display thereof to perform a selection operation of any one of various kinds of selection items displayed on the display and a driving force generating section generates and transmits a driving force to the operational end in accordance with a reaction force pattern when the operational end is rotationally operated, the operational input device setting the reaction force pattern against the rotational displacement of the operational end and varying the reaction force pattern on the basis of an input signal from at least one of an internal of and an external to the operational input device when the operational end is rotationally operated.

Abstract: While an attitude of a housing and an attitude change thereof are employed so as to operate an application, an input unit capable of giving a top priority to the application is provided at a predetermined position of the housing so as to provide a portable terminal having a superior operability. The portable terminal 10 includes: an attitude detecting section 16 which detects one of an attitude and an attitude change of the housing 11; a control unit 17 which displays an image of an application on a display unit 13 based upon information acquired from a communication unit 14; and an output unit 18 capable of externally outputting image data and sound data of the application. In the portable terminal 10, the control unit 17 controls the application based upon the detection value obtained from the attitude detecting section 16.

Abstract: An ergonomic pointing device receives user commands for controlling an electronic device. Typically three switches are provided underneath a navigation wheel. The two side switches are typically located towards the back right and left corners of the navigation wheel body, whereas the select/enter dome switch is typically located in an area that is at or substantially near the front midsection of the wheel body. A pivot pin is typically provided in a back center area of the navigation wheel body. The navigation wheel is arranged to slightly rock in response to a user's downwards force. The left and right switches operate when the wheel rocks left and right about the pivot pin. The select/enter switch operates when the wheel rocks frontward and backwards about the pivot pin. An optional plastic cap can be used to secure the navigation wheel assembly to a base such as a printed circuit board.

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 scroll device and a scroll method are provided. The scroll device includes a scroll button installed and partially projected on the case frame of an apparatus, the scroll button being able to move in forward and backward directions by manipulation, a sensing means for detecting the movement of the scroll button and a control unit for scrolling displayed information on a display unit of the apparatus in predetermined direction corresponding to the detecting signal of the sensing means.

Abstract: An inputting device includes an actuator that can move and rotate, a rotation sensor for detecting a rotation of the actuator, a movement sensor for detecting that the actuator moves to a predetermined position, and a rotation suppressor for preventing the actuator from rotating when the actuator moves to the predetermined position and for allowing the actuator to rotate when the actuator is not positioned at the predetermined position. This input device prevents erroneous operation and performs various operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an input device. The input device includes a substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member to face the sensor, and a magnetic substance circumferentially provided in one of the sliding member and the housing and a magnet circumferentially provided in remaining one of the sliding member and the housing.

Abstract: A controller device having a rotary-push-button switch is arranged on a frame and the rotary-push-button switch is movable with respect to the frame between at least a first operating position and a second operating position. A position detecting element is used to determine whether the rotary-push-button switch is in the first or second positions. When the position detecting element indicates that the switch is in the first position, the rotary-push-button switch is operated in a first mode. Similarly, the rotary-push-button switch is operated in a second mode when the position detecting element indicates that the switch is in the second position.

Abstract: A method of reducing user keypad errors includes sensing a user touch of a push button, storing a current state of the device in memory, displaying a graphic representing a new state of the device, where the new state corresponds to a press of the push button, and then sensing either a release of the push button or a press of the push button. The current state of the device is recalled from memory if a release of the push button sensed and the new state of the device is entered if a press of the push button is sensed.

Abstract: User input devices and methods for use in scrolling with a computing device are provided. One disclosed user input device includes a housing, a control surface coupled to the housing and configured to be manipulated by a digit of the user, and a flywheel operatively coupled to the control surface, such that motion of the digit of the user on the control surface is transferred to the flywheel. The flywheel may be a mechanical flywheel operated by a scroll wheel on which the control surface is positioned, or a virtual flywheel implemented by a computer program and operated by a pressure sensitive input device on which the control surface is positioned.

Abstract: An operating button device of the present invention is adapted for use with an electronic apparatus, and includes first and second operating button sets and an elastic component. The first operating button set includes a mounting seat and a pair of press buttons disposed on the mounting seat. The second operating button set includes a toggle button rotatable relative to the mounting seat, and a pair of contact pieces disposed on a bottom part of the toggle button. The elastic component has a securing end disposed on the mounting seat, and a restoring end opposite to the securing end and in sleeving engagement with the toggle button.

Abstract: A ring-shaped wireless input device is disclosed. The ring-shaped wireless input device includes a housing having a ring shape, a wheel rotatably installed on the housing, a first sensor unit, that has first and second sections alternatively disposed along a circumference of the wheel and rotated along with the wheel, and a wireless communication unit which is fixedly disposed in the housing, has a second sensor unit arranged with the first sensor unit, and sends a scroll signal indicating an arranged state of the input device to the host device.

Abstract: An information retrieval device, including a jog-dial, a screen, a first level item processing unit to display at least a part of first level information items in a virtual ring segment on the screen, wherein first level information items are rotated and thereby the displayed first level information items are changed by rotating the jog-dial, and a first level capturing unit to select a first level information item that is displayed at a predetermined position by pressing the jog-dial. The information retrieval device also includes at least one respective further level information item processing unit to display at least a part of respective further level information items corresponding to an information item selected in the next lower level information items in a virtual ring segment around the virtual ring segment defined by the next lower level information items on the screen.

Abstract: To enable Japanese character input and the like to be performed efficiently by a simple operation. An input device includes: a device body (111); a rotator (104) that rotates in a plane parallel to a predetermined plane of the device body (111); a section specification unit (131) that specifies a predetermined section (102) of an annular area of the device body (111), where the annular area lies along the rotator (104) and is divided into a plurality of sections in a rotation direction; a rotation amount detection unit (105) that detects a rotation amount of the rotator (104) from the section specified by the section specification unit (131); and a rotation amount determination unit (135) that determines the rotation amount detected by the rotation amount detection unit (105).

Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.

Abstract: A control device includes a case having a bottom surface that has a front portion and a back portion; and a first friction pad and a second friction pad disposed on the front portion of the bottom surface. The first and second friction pads are configured to detect pressure from a user hand to power-up the control device. The first and second friction pads are also configured to detect the absence of the user hand and place the control device in a sleep mode based on the detection of the absence of the user hand.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pen/stylus apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, among others, a pen/stylus apparatus comprises a chamber configured to receive a pen, a holding element having a shaft, the holding element configured to retain the pen in a partially-ejected position, a button having a retainer, the retainer configured to retain the shaft when the pen is completely-inserted in the chamber, and a biasing element adjacent to the holding element, the biasing element configured to eject the holding element to a position corresponding to the partially-ejected position of the pen when the retainer is released from the shaft.

Abstract: An input method and apparatus is provided for use in various computer and mobile devices. The input device utilizes a rotating dial in which four arrows printed on the dial are rotated to select characters that are fixed along the circumference of a circle. The characters are divided into various zones. The zones are utilized to encode various letters and numbers. Additionally the zones may be utilized for editing and control functions. The dial may be freely rotated. Pressing any arrow inputs the character that the arrow points to on the dial. The input device and method may encode Asian language characters according to a set of encoding rules.

Abstract: Provided are an input device capable of a variety of operations with a simple configuration, and an electronic apparatus using the same. A rotary operation portion 2 includes ring magnets 4 securely attached at opposite ends of a roller 3, each ring magnet 4 being magnetized with the S- and N-poles alternating at a predetermined angular pitch, and magnetic sensing elements 13 and stationary magnets 7 disposed so as to face their respective ring magnets 4. The rotary operation portion 2 is covered by an operation plate 16 having formed at its center a roller insertion hole 16a for projecting a part of the outer circumferential surface of the roller 3. The rotation of the roller 3 is magnetically sensed, and switches 9 and 11 are provided so as to be turned “ON”/“OFF” in accordance with operations of pressing the roller 3 and rocking the operation plate 16 in the “front”, “back”, “left”, and “right” directions.

Abstract: A keyboard (32, 1230) for a handheld electronic device (100, 1100, 1200) comprising a row of keys (102) wherein each of said keys (102) represents at least two alphanumeric characters and the characters of each key (102) are positioned relative to the characters on adjacent keys (102) so as to form a QWERTY or DVORAK layout.

Abstract: User input apparatus and method for inputting letters. The letters can be input based on the rotations of the user input apparatus. By inputting the letters in the differentiated manipulation not depending on the buttons, the diversity and the convenience in inputting the letters can be achieved.

Abstract: A small and thin pressing direction sensor that can continually detect pressing directions in the angle range of 360 degrees is provided. This pressing direction sensor includes a ring-like resistive film pattern, a first electrode pattern, and a conductive member that electrically connects the resistive film pattern and the first electrode pattern when pressed. The voltage of the first electrode pattern represents the pressing direction. This pressing direction sensor may further include a second electrode pattern. A signal representing the pressing force can be obtained from the second electrode pattern when the pressed conductive member is brought into contact with the second electrode pattern.

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: The present invention provides a control knob on a device that allows a user to control functions of the device. In one embodiment, the knob is rotatable in a rotary degree of freedom and moveable in at least one transverse direction approximately perpendicular to the axis. An actuator is coupled to the knob to output a force in the rotary degree of freedom about the axis, thus providing force feedback. In a different embodiment, the knob is provided with force feedback in a rotary degree of freedom about an axis and is also moveable in a linear degree of freedom approximately parallel to the axis, allowing the knob to be pushed and/or pulled by the user. The device controlled by the knob can be a variety of types of devices, such as an audio device, video device, etc. The device can also include a display providing an image updated in response to manipulation of the knob.

Abstract: Disclosed are what I call “Reconfigurable Tactile Control Displays” particularly suited for applications such as automobile instrument panels where large displays and controls are desirable to provide a wide range of information, with minimal driver distraction and the safe input of data to vehicle subsystems or for communication based activities. Preferred embodiments utilize rear projection displays with electro-optically sensed controls and offer, at low cost, a maximum of reconfigurability to different car lines, drivers, and tasks. Also disclosed are novel implementations for military vehicles, and other applications such as control of appliances, heating and other household functions which may share common control and display presentation with those used in the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a display control unit and an output unit. The display control unit displays image data of an operation unit including a rotary operation dial, and displays while rotating, according to a designated target volume value, the operation dial from a rotation angle position corresponding to a current volume value to a rotation angle position corresponding to the target volume value based on at least one of a predetermined speed and a predetermined acceleration speed. The output unit outputs a volume value corresponding to the rotation angle position of the operation dial displayed by the display control unit.

Abstract: A scroll wheel device for computer mouse is disclosed, which comprises: a scroll wheel, having a scraggly structure formed in the interior thereof; and an adjusting unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the scraggly structure can be a sawtooth-like structure patterned on a circumferential area of a hollowed portion formed inside the scroll wheel; and an adjusting unit is further comprised of an adjusting rod and a braking part, in which the braking part, being made of an elastic material, can be an elastic strip; and the adjusting rod is formed with screw thread. Thereby, by rotating the adjusting rod, the braking part is driven to move along the adjusting rod in response to the rotation of screw thread so that the relative position of the braking part with respect to the scraggly structure is changed accordingly and thus the braking mode of the scroll wheel device is changed.

Abstract: Improved techniques that enable slider detents to be implemented are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes determining when a user interface control displayed on a display screen has been selected. The user interface control is moved at a speed that is imparted by a pointing device. The method also includes displaying a position indication on the display screen that represents current positions of the pointing device and the user interface control, and determining whether the current position is in a zone of slowed movement. A first set of information is provided to the pointing device when the current position is in the zone of slowed movement. The first set of information reduces the speed. A second set of information is provided to the pointing device when the current position is not in the zone of slowed movement. The second set of information maintains the speed.

Abstract: A virtual-space shift control apparatus includes a detecting element that detects a touch operation or a drag operation of a pointing device having a plurality of pointing elements, performed on a display screen and a viewpoint-position information generator that generates viewpoint position information of a virtual space image based on the detected touch or drag operation of the detecting element. A three-dimensional image generator is provided that generates data on the virtual space image seen from a viewpoint indicated by the viewpoint position information and outputting a three dimensional image to the display.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a surgical training apparatus which comprises a plurality of mechanical interfaces each of which is configured to receive a user tool operable by a user. Each mechanical interface of the plurality is configured to allow movement of its respective user tool in a rotational degree of freedom and a linear degree of freedom. The apparatus includes one or more sensors which are coupled to the mechanical interfaces and configured to simultaneously sense positional information of each user tool during movement. A computer coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to run a software application simulating each user tool as a respective simulated surgical tool operating on a simulated body part in a displayed graphical environment, wherein the computer updates movement of each simulated user tool in the graphical environment based on said positional information.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for detecting interaction of a user with a sensor array disposed on the wall of a protrusion from the surface of a control panel of a device that physically resembles a mechanical knob protruding from the surface of the control panel of the device. The method may include receiving a plurality of signals from the sensor array and detecting interaction of a user with the sensor array based on the plurality of signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention which relates to a data input apparatus for a handheld terminal and a method thereof comprising a sliding panel including a panel of a certain shape and a plurality of input members arranged at regular intervals on a certain portion of the bottom face of the panel; and a frame having the same shape as the sliding panel, the frame including one or more sliding through-holes having a longer inner diameter than that of the sliding panel, resting on a plurality of input buttons contained in the handheld terminal or on a plurality of input points forming a screen output from a touch screen, and inputting a key value of a corresponding input point by aligning any one of the input buttons or the input points with any one of the input members, the alignment being established by inserting the sliding panel into the sliding through-hole and displacing in a sliding manner.

Abstract: A display device is provided with a display module that has a display panel, which has a display screen where information is displayed, and an elastic member that is attached to both edges of the display panel. The display device is further provided with a housing case that has holding protrusions, which stand apart from one another at positions spreading beyond the outline of the display module and matching the outline of the display module, and come into contact with the elastic member to hold the display module between one another.

Abstract: A tactile touch-sensitive device for use as an electronic input device for indicating a position of an electronic document on a display device is described. The illuminable document position indicator aspect of the device provides a relative location of the electronic document on the display. The device may be included as part of a keyboard or an electronic book device. The illuminable document position indicator may be one or more static illuminable LEDs and/or a moveable light source and pivotable translucent elements which act as light wave guides. A controller may be used to control the illuminable document position indicator. The controller may change the color and/or intensity of LEDs based upon a displayed location of the electronic document relative to a beginning and an end of the electronic document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tactile device provided with a number of fluid elements (1) containing an electrically conducting fluid (3, 4). The fluid level in each element is movable by actuator means (V, 6) applying a electric power to said fluid elements. Each fluid element is in contact with the fluid for perception of the fluid level by a user. The fluid elements comprise capillary tubes (2) in which the fluid level is movable as a result of electro-capillary pressure.

Abstract: An input device includes a scroll unit installed on a case and configured to select a menu, a manipulation unit configured to operate a menu selected by the scroll unit and having a translucent region, and a menu display unit mounted on a rear surface of the manipulation unit and configured to display the menu selected by the scroll unit through the translucent region.

Abstract: A system implements a circular navigation paradigm that matches a physical input device to a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may be displayed on a personal navigation device, music player, or any other electronic device that employs a GUI. The match between the physical input device and the GUI facilitates ready understanding and intuitive interaction with the GUI by the device operator. The circular navigation paradigm may also extend over multiple screens within an application, and across multiple applications, to provide consistency of operation throughout the entire feature set of this device.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and an engagable scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatable about an axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The rotatable member is laterally movable relative to the housing. A sensor is preferably positioned within the housing for sensing lateral movement of the rotatable member. In response to sensed lateral movement of the rotatable member, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The scrolling speed can be affected relative to the amount of displacement of the rotatable member and/or the amount of time that the rotatable member is displaced a predetermined amount. The computer input device having the rotatable member may take the form of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball device, or another type of computer input device.

Abstract: An apparatus which comprises a manipulandum that is configured as a surgical instrument; a closed loop linkage system which includes a first central member fixedly coupled to a first object coupling and a second central member fixedly coupled to a second object coupling, wherein the first and second object couplings are separately coupled to the manipulandum to allow the manipulandum to be moveable in a plurality of rotary degrees of freedom and an axial degree of freedom; a force feedback system is coupled to the linkage system, wherein the force feedback system selectively applies resistive forces to the manipulandum based on the position of the manipulandum with respect to one or more reference coordinates. In an embodiment, the force feedback system includes an actuator to provide a force to the manipulandum in at least one degree of freedom in response to signals received from a computer system.

Abstract: An input generating device for use in a hand held electronic device having a housing includes a core formed in a planar and semicircular in shape, forming a peripheral edge extending around said core and a track slidably engaged with the peripheral side edge. A curved portion of the peripheral edge extends outwardly from the housing allowing access thereto by the user. A first input is generated by sliding movement of the flexible track relative to the core. First input detection means, such as a turns encoder switch detects the sliding movement of the track. The core is depressibly mounted within the housing, generating a second input when the core is depressed. A second input detection means, such as a tactile contact switch detects depression of the core.

Abstract: A joystick device is provided that is in electronic communication with a remotely located main electronic controller used to control heavy machinery and the like. The joystick device includes a base assembly having a first microprocessor in electronic communication with the main electronic controller. The joystick device also includes a grip assembly pivotally connected to the base assembly. The grip assembly includes a plurality of input buttons and a second microprocessor in electronic communication with the first microprocessor. The joystick device further includes sensing elements that detect movement of the joystick device.

Abstract: A user interface for a mobile device includes an input sensor having one degree of freedom operable by the user to generate a sensor signal, a screen having a two-dimensional surface showing a graphical user interface object, a processor coupled to the sensor and to the screen to actuate the graphical user interface object along the two actuated axis, and a sensor adapter software module executed by the processor to adapt the sensor signal to actuate the graphical user interface object along both actuated axis. The adapter software module selectively drives the sensor signal to actuate the graphical user interface object along the first actuated axis, to actuate the graphical user interface object along the second actuated axis, and to change actuated axis.