Mechanical Control (e.g., Rotatable Knob, Slider) Patents (Class 345/184)
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Patent number: 7453437Abstract: In the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, two display units differ in size are coupled so that an edge part of one of the display units is exposed from the other display unit when the electronic apparatus is folded. An index unit is installed on the edge part and displays index tabs of data recorded in the electronic apparatus. When a user opens the folded electronic apparatus while pressing one of the index tabs, data corresponding to the designated index are extracted from the recorded data and are displayed on the display units.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Fuyuki Inui
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Patent number: 7450106Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and method provide an input apparatus having a number of input members, at least a portion of the input members being movable among an unactuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position in order to provide input. The improved method of enabling input into the handheld electronic device includes detecting a first input from a first input member, responsive to the first input, performing a first navigational function, such as a scrolling operation, at a first speed, detecting a second input form the first input member and, responsive to the second input, performing the first navigational function at a second speed, the second speed being different (e.g., greater) than the first speed. The input apparatus may include a substantially sealable, resilient membrane with the input members being disposed on the resilient membrane in order to provide an improved, ruggedized input apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventor: Steven H. Fyke
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Publication number: 20080273008Abstract: An interactive image game device for exercise and massage couples exercise, massage and game software together to form an interactive exercise and massage device which includes a plurality of sensors controlled by a user's feet or hands and a display unit which displays game pictures to provide interaction so that users can perform exercise, massage and game playing concurrently to enjoy greater pleasure when in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Hong Chang
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Publication number: 20080273020Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile communication device, method and computer program product for controlling a displayed screen using a rotary input device and an operating method thereof. The mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment includes a first input key, a second input key, a third input key, and a controller The first input key generates a first signal when the first input key is turned. The second input key generates a second signal when the second input key is activated after the first signal is generated. The third input key generates a third signal when the third input key is activated after the first signal is generated. The controller controls a predetermined operation on a displayed screen based on at least one of the first signal, the second signal, and the third signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventor: Jeong Yun HEO
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Patent number: 7446751Abstract: Parameters are input by operating a slider with a mouse. A position over the slider is pointed with the mouse. This position over the slider is converted into two parameters based on the coordinates of the position over the mouse. The third parameter is input by sliding the slider with a drag operation of the mouse. Parameters can be input with lesser number of operations and lesser display area is required.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Atsushi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7443382Abstract: An axle of a scroll wheel for a mouse or other type of computer input device is held in a first part of a carriage. The first carriage part is joined to a second part of the carriage by a flexure. When a force is applied to one side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in one direction relative to the second part so as to engage a first switch. When a force is applied to the other side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in the opposite direction to engage a second switch. The carriage is connected to a base. When sufficient force is applied to the scroll wheel in the proper direction, at least a portion of the carriage moves and engages a third switch. The carriage includes a tang or other flexible member to bias the carriage against pivotal movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: James Y. Koo, David D Bohn
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Publication number: 20080259056Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: DONALD P. FREIER, RAFAEL A. REXACH
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Publication number: 20080259057Abstract: An apparatus comprises a display screen (DS) for visualizing digital information page by page, and a flip bar (FB) being movable upon user activation in at least two directions for flipping pages of the digital information back and forth, respectively. Such an apparatus may be an electronic reading device mimicking a reading experience of a paper document.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Johannes Brons
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Publication number: 20080259058Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Pedro Gregorio, Henry DaCosta, Herve Thu Timone
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Patent number: 7436400Abstract: The interface apparatus includes a base, a shaft installed on the base in a moveable way, a detecting module for detecting movement of the shaft, and a display panel with at least a handle installed on the shaft. When a user holds the handle to move the display panel/shaft, a detecting signal, accordingly generated by the detecting module, can be transmitted to a mainframe of the computer system as an input of the computer system.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Qisda CorporationInventor: Linix Cheng
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Patent number: 7436398Abstract: An operating device for controlling a display screen, which includes a rotatable operating member of cylindrical shape, and a slidable operating member having a cylindrical tip portion located above an upper end of the rotatable operating member. The diameter of an upper surface of the slidable operating member cylindrical tip portion is reduced relative to a diameter of a lower surface of the cylindrical tip portion, and the diameter of the lower surface of the slidable operating member cylindrical tip portion is equal to or less than a diameter of an upper surface of the rotatable operating member. An operating device is provided which prevents a misoperation in slide operation and rotation operation and improves operability.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Go Yuasa, Masaki Sato, Morihisa Iwamoto, Yasuhiro Konishi, Keiji Takeda
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Publication number: 20080246742Abstract: The present invention provides a method for executing commands in an electronic device having a touch sensing element. A stylus or finger is used to touch the touch sensing element and move through several sensing areas on the touch sensing element. A responsive signal is generated by the touch sensing element according to the touched sensing areas. A processor then executes a corresponding command in accordance with the responsive signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: HIGH TECH COMPUTER CORPORATIONInventors: John C. WANG, Yi Shen WANG, Hui Wen WANG
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Patent number: 7434171Abstract: A variety of performance control mechanisms are disclosed, allowing a user of a processor-based system to adjust performance criteria such as processing speed and fan speed. A performance control apparatus includes one or more user-accessible knobs and a display. The knob(s) enable the user to select from a variety of processor and fan speed settings. Other performance-related criteria may also be controlled using the knobs. The display communicates the effect of a change in performance criteria in a manner useful to the user. A performance control application program enables the user to independently pre-select performance criteria for each application program or group of application programs. A performance control icon provides the ability to select performance criteria from within an application program.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Edward O. Clapper
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Patent number: 7429980Abstract: An oscillation and rotation metric controller comprised of a scrolling wheel mechanism to oscillate for driving magnetic poles of a permanent magnet to displace thus to generate signals of changed magnetic field, signals being retrieved to achieve lateral oscillation metric control; and a knob switch encoder being fixed to the scrolling wheel mechanism to execute metric control by rotation displacement.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignees: Sunrex Technology Corp., Gimbal Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Chin Lee, Hsiang-Kuang Chen
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Patent number: 7429978Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes a display unit, a key operation unit which detects depression operation of each of a first direction key and a second direction key adjacent to the first direction key and outputs a detection signal, and a control unit which controls displaying of a screen of the display unit in accordance with the detection signal. The control unit comprises a cursor movement detection unit which outputs a cursor movement information for moving the cursor on the screen of the display unit in accordance with a detection signal outputted when the first direction key is depressed solely, and a scrolling movement detection unit which outputs a scrolling operation information for scrolling the screen of the display unit in accordance with a detection signal outputted when both the first direction key and the second direction key are depressed simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Takayuki Yoshioka
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Patent number: 7429974Abstract: A peripheral device for manipulating 3D images comprising a gripping element to be manipulated by user, a transmission of command information to a processor as a function of shift and/or efforts applied by the user on the 3D device. An actuator is controlled by the user to control the processor to switch from one operating mode where the gripping element is used for manipulating 3D images to another operating mode where the device is used as a pointer or selection device and vice versa. The peripheral device is placed in a surgical theater and/or examination room, on the side of a table for patients.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Pascal Salazar-Ferrer, Yves Trousset, Jean-Michel Marteau, Sonia Da Silva
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Patent number: 7429975Abstract: A magnetic oscillation metric controller with return design comprised of a scrolling wheel mechanism, a dancer, a permanent magnet, a Hall sensor and a return structure to drive the permanent magnet by oscillation of the scrolling wheel mechanism to generate signals of changed magnetic fields resulted from displacement for achieving metric control purpose; and the return structure including an elastic stick to facilitate return after lateral or longitudinal displacement.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignees: Sunrex Technology Corp., Gimbal Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Chin Lee, Shang-Hao Chen
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Publication number: 20080231615Abstract: Disclosed here is an input device used for input operations of electronic equipment. According to the input device, an illuminating display section is disposed on an operation knob, and the controller of the device effects on/off control of the illuminating display section in connection with showing indications on the display of the device. With the structure above, the on/off state of the illuminating display section allows a user to easily confirm the current operating status of the electronic equipment, without looking at indications shown in the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Hitokazu Shitanaka
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Publication number: 20080225020Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a housing in a plate shape, a display screen arranged in an area excluding a peripheral area adjacent to a side surface, on the front surface of the housing, and a grooved part which is formed on the peripheral area along the circumference of the peripheral area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Tomohiro Takizawa
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Publication number: 20080224995Abstract: The invention related to an input device and an input method as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used, in particular, to very precisely change parameters in data processing programs or electric devices in conjunction with a graphic user interface (GUI). It is therefore proposed to employ an input device with a rotary controller for controlling programs via a graphic user interface of a data processing system, wherein the input device is configured to generate a signal string when the rotary controller is actuated, which causes an operating system of the data processing system to change the values of the data used for positioning a cursor on the graphic user interface so that the cursor is moved on the graphic user interface on a substantially linear curve, when the cursor is visualized according to the data used for positioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2006Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Hannes Perkunder
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Patent number: 7423628Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Research In Motion LimitedInventors: Paul Chyc, Steven Green
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Patent number: 7420547Abstract: A data processing system includes an application unit including a force pattern calculating section and a data processing section. The force pattern calculating section analyzes screen definition data for defining display screen data which is generated by the data processing section, determines a force pattern based upon the disposition of display elements, such as buttons and spaces, in a display screen and based upon force patterns corresponding to the types of the display elements recorded in an object attribute table, and stores the force pattern in a force pattern table. The force pattern is applied to a user based upon an input to the display screen. A commander driver determines a force corresponding to an input from a haptic commander, and controls the haptic commander such that the determined force is applied to the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Katsunori Takahashi
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Publication number: 20080204430Abstract: An input device is provided. The input device includes a first input unit configured to provide at least two directional signals, a second input unit located in the first input unit, the second input unit including a housing and a rotatable member located therein, the second input unit being configured to provide at least two directional signals different from the at least two directional signals of the first input unit, and a circuitry supporting substrate configured to receive a signal that is input through the first input unit and the second input unit. A mobile communication device having the input device is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jee-Young CHEON, Kyung Ik Lee
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Patent number: 7417396Abstract: A manual operation device for controlling an instrument mounted on an automotive vehicle includes: an operating portion to be operated manually; an actuator for applying a force to the operating portion; a detection portion for detecting an operation position of the operating portion; a memorizing element for memorizing a force pattern; a receiving element for receiving the force pattern from an external device and for memorizing the force pattern in the memorizing portion; and a control element for reading out the force pattern memorized in the memorizing portion, for outputting the control data to the actuator on the basis of the read out force pattern and the operation position of the operating portion detected by the detection portion, and for outputting the operation signal to the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ichiro Yoshida, Hiroshige Asada, Yuuki Sawa
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Publication number: 20080198147Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a display unit which displays, simultaneously side by side, a plurality of main items aligned in one direction as the setting items of the portable electronic device and a plurality of sub items aligned in the one direction as the setting items of the lower layer of the main items, a first rotary dial which selects at least one of the plurality of main items, and a second rotary dial which selects at least one of the plurality of sub items. The first and second rotary dials are arranged while making their rotation axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Emi Hitosuga
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Publication number: 20080180413Abstract: The present invention provides a solution for controlling gridlines. Specifically, the present invention provides a user interface control such as a slider or the like that allows a user to simultaneously control both the style and intensity of a displayed set of grid lines. In a typical embodiment, the user interface control has a plurality of settings that each are associated with a particular intensity value and style value. In response to a manipulation by a user, the style and intensity of the set of grid lines will be controlled/changed accordingly. The values are disposed within/among a plurality of ranges, one or more of which can overlap. Manipulation of the user interface control within any of the overlapping portion(s) can result in the set of grid lines being displayed with multiple styles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Brian G. Farn
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Patent number: 7405722Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Ryosuke Takeuchi
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Patent number: 7405728Abstract: High-speed scrolling is performed when an operating dial 35 is rotated taking a central button member 36 as an axis, and low-speed scrolling when pushing either an upper button 42A or a lower button 42C by pushing the operating dial 35 in the direction of an axis of rotation. It is therefore possible to include information it is wished to view, in an appropriate manner within a display range of a screen, with fewer operations by appropriately changing over the speed of scrolling. In addition, as it is possible to operate the operating dial 35 for both high-speed scrolling and low-speed scrolling, when changing over the speed of scrolling, it is possible to change over the speed of scrolling in a straightforward manner without operating members other than the member that has been operated so far.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.Inventors: Emi Arakawa, Kayo Sasaki, Shigeya Yasui, Mayu Irimajiri
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Patent number: 7405729Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Pedro Gregorio, Henry DaCosta, Herve Thu Timone
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Publication number: 20080174572Abstract: An input apparatus is provided which comprises a thumbwheel integrated with a rotational shaft which rotates and oscillates, an encoder (a rotation detector) for detecting a rotational amount of the rotational shaft, and a switch operated by oscillation of the rotational shaft, wherein a first gearwheel (a rotational element) is provided between the rotational shaft and the encoder, and wherein the rotational shaft is connected to the first gearwheel in such a manner as not only to oscillate but also to transmit the rotation of the rotational shaft to the first gearwheel. Operation load applied when the thumbwheel is operated to be pushed to thereby operate the switch is applied not to the encoder but to the first gearwheel to which the rotational shaft is connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Eiji Katsuta, Fumitaka Hayase
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Publication number: 20080165164Abstract: A device is disclosed, including a first rotator being associated with a first set of functionalities for selection and a second rotator being associated with a second set of functionalities for selection. A corresponding apparatus and method is also disclosed. Further, a computer program product for implementing the method is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATIONInventor: Heli Tuulos
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Patent number: 7394455Abstract: A display unit which is electronically connected to a body to display data, and has an antenna electronically connected thereto for transferring data. The body has a first element, a second element, an index unit and an intermediate element. The second element is coupled to the first element along a first axis, and the index unit is coupled to the second element along a second axis through the intermediate element and electronically connected to the display unit. The index unit is electronically connected to the display unit and provides a first index port and a second index port, allowing different function modes, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Inventec Appliances CorporationInventors: Jackson Chang, Chin-Fa Lee, Chi-Yu Ho
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Patent number: 7394367Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a keypad for building automation may comprise a sensing layer operable to detect user input. The sensing surface configured with a plurality of switching fields assigned to different automation functions. A printed label is layered over the sensing surface for identifying the different automation functions to a user. Control circuitry is operatively associated with the sensing surface. The control circuitry receives user input corresponding to at least one of the switching fields on the sensing surface, and the control circuitry generates a signal for executing the automation function assigned to the switching field at an automation device.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Colorado VNET, LLCInventors: Donald P. Aupperle, William T. Beierwaltes, Hugh P. Adamsom, Dennis Clark, Eric Rinard
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Patent number: 7390985Abstract: Disclosed is a force feedback input device including a cylindrical operating member having an open bottom. A support member that is rotatable supports a central portion of an inner surface of the operating member, and a motor which is held by the support member. A rotary shaft of the motor is arranged to be perpendicular to a central axis of rotation of the operating member. A great portion of the motor is housed in the operating member. A pinion that is fixed to the rotary shaft of the motor meshes with a ring-shaped gear that is provided at a part shifted from the central axis of rotation of the operating member.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Alps Electric Co., LtdInventor: Mikio Onodera
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Patent number: 7385597Abstract: In an information processing device, system operations can be simply performed while a screen of a display body is viewed, even when the display body is folded against a main body. In the information processing device, a display body with a screen arranged on the front surface is connected to a main body having a keyboard mounted thereon so as to rotate in opening/folding directions and in a turning direction, and an operating button is positioned to be operable when the back surface of the display body is close to the main body. Also, a system menu is displayed on the screen according to operation of the operating button.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Junko Fukuda, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Keigo Ihara, Takanori Nishimura
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Publication number: 20080120784Abstract: A smart bed apparatus adapted to retain a patient and a smart bed system are disclosed herein. The smart bed apparatus includes a smart bed computer, and a patient monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer. The patient monitoring device is incorporated with the smart bed such that the smart bed is not restricted by any wires adapted to couple the patient monitoring device with the patient. The smart bed system includes a server coupled with the smart bed computer. The server is configured to store any patient data pertaining to the patient. The patient data can be selectively transferred from the server to the smart bed computer such that the patient data is accessible directly from the smart bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Adrian F. Warner, Michael T. Suchecki
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Publication number: 20080122809Abstract: A method of sensing the rotation of a wheel in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes producing at least one interrupt through any one of a plurality of sensors provided in the wheel according to the rotation of the wheel, confirming an interrupt value of the produced interrupt, and a status value of a sensor which did not produce the interrupt among the plurality of sensors, and determining that the wheel is rotated in a direction corresponding to the interrupt value and the status value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD.Inventor: Hak Hyeon KIM
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Publication number: 20080122808Abstract: An objective of the present invention provides a scroll wheel input device that comprises: a scroll wheel providing a longitudinal scrolling and a lateral triggering, wherein the longitudinal scrolling provides a first dimension selection and the lateral triggering provides a second dimension selection; and a plurality of display elements comprising a multiple sets of first dimension display element group. Each of the first dimension display element group comprises at least one second dimension display element, wherein the first dimension selection is made by switching among the different first dimension display element groups via the longitudinal scrolling while the second dimension selection is made by switching among the at least one second dimension display element in the switched first dimension display element group via the lateral triggering.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Kuo-An Huang
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Publication number: 20080126073Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventors: Michael R. Longe, Brian Palmer, Keith Charles Hullfish, Doug Brams
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Publication number: 20080122807Abstract: An input device disposed on a circuit board is provided. The input device includes a frame, a sliding base, a rotary wheel, and a switch. The sliding base is slidingly connected to the frame. The sliding base substantially slides linearly along a slide axis. The slide axis is substantially parallel to the circuit board. The rotary wheel is revolvably affixed to the sliding base. The rotary wheel is substantially rotates around a rotation axis. The rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the circuit board. The switch is disposed on the frame. The rotary wheel actuates the switch through the sliding motion of the sliding base. Accordingly, some merits of said input device include smaller volume, easy assembling and better durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2006Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: SPEED TECH CORP.Inventors: Li-Sen Chen, Chien-Yu Hsu, Hui-Hsueh Chiang
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Patent number: 7376469Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Todd M. Eischeid, Mark E. Molander
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Patent number: 7373229Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes an input member and a generally cylindrical wheel. The input member is manipulable to cause a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the wheel is pivotable to cause a first submode of operation and to cause a second submode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the wheel is pivotable to cause a third submode of operation to cause a fourth submode of operation. Rotating the wheel in each of the submodes causes a variation in a respective variable characteristic. The control system thus enables a single finger wheel to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Szczerba, John K. Lenneman
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Publication number: 20080106518Abstract: Described is a tactile input arrangement for a computing device. A portable computing device comprises a housing, a first input arrangement forming at least a portion of a first external surface of the housing and receiving input data from a user and a second input arrangement forming at least a portion of a second external surface of the housing and receiving further input data from the user, the second external surface facing in a direction substantially opposite to the first external surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventor: Mark P. Orlassino
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Patent number: 7369120Abstract: An input pointer includes two top-surface switches and a rotary switch on the top surface of the main body, a protrusion on an imaginary center line on the bottom surface of the main body, and two bottom-surface switches at the sides of the protrusion. The two top-surface switches and the rotary switch are turned ON when pressed by a user's finger, whereas the bottom-surface switches are turned ON when the main body is tilted about the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yutaka Nomura
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Patent number: 7369118Abstract: A magnetic oscillation metric controller applied to computer peripheral or electronic communication system essentially operating on a scrolling wheel for lateral metric control to provide precise, consistent, reliable and programmable adjustment oscillation sensitivity by driving a permanent magnet to generate signals of changed magnetic fields resulted from displacement; and retrieving the data of changed signals for achieving metric control purpose.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignees: Gimbal Technology Co., Ltd., Sunrex Technology Corp.Inventors: Wen-Chin Lee, Hsiang-Kuang Chen
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Patent number: 7365740Abstract: A scroll wheel device with a thin film type command switch mainly replaces conventional optical grating switch during rotation of a wheel for outputting a signal. The thin film type command switch is a flexible circuit board, and is provided with a circuit arrangement corresponding to a rotating trajectory of the wheel. The wheel is provided with a pressing portion which is simultaneously driven during rotation of the wheel and pressing the thin film type command switch for outputting different command signals. The thin film type command switch of the present invention can decrease the manufacturing cost and save the installation space of the scroll wheel device.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
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Patent number: 7355585Abstract: An input device may be used with the information processing apparatus and the like, and provides an improved ease of operation in moving the cursor on the display screen. The input device includes a set of cursor keys 1 that, when activated, cause the cursor to move on a display section 8, a cursor key activation detect means 2, a rotary operation device 3, a rotary operation device activation detect means 4, and a cursor movement information generator means 5 that responds to the detect results from the cursor key activation detect means 2 and from the rotary operation device activation detect means 4, and provides respective output signals that cause the cursor to move as indicated by the received detect results, depending upon whether only the cursor keys are activated or both the cursor keys and the rotary operation device are activated. Using the input device allows the operator to cause the cursor to move around and across the display screen, quickly and/or with any speed specified by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: TEAC CorporationInventor: Toshio Hosomizu
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Publication number: 20080079700Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Paul Everest, John Kevin Schoolcraft
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Patent number: 7348503Abstract: A dial type switch mechanism is developed in which an installation space can be made as small as possible. In a dial type switch mechanism (10) furnished with a push type switch part provided in its center, and a dial switch part which operates a dial fitted around the push type switch part, there are provided: a substantially cylindrical dial knob (21), in the center of which a cavity is provided for the push type switch part to be installed; a ring-shaped joint ring (23), which is supported such that it can rotate freely relative to a front panel (6) and connects and rotates together with the dial knob (21); and a rotary bracket (24), which is joined to the joint ring (23), and in which a switch rotation shaft (24b) that operates the dial type switch part is connected together with a ring-shaped member (24a) via an arm (24c).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Katsunari Shiroyama, Tadao Suzuki, Yasuo Katayama, Yasuhiro Irie
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Patent number: RE40341Abstract: A mouse controller includes a platform mounted on a base for a range of movement in a plane relative to the base of at least ½ inch (12.5 mm) in each of two different directions (preferably mutually perpendicular directions). A pair of flat, elongated coils (Lorentz voice coils) are mounted on the platform with their longitudinal axes extending one in each of the two directions. Each of the coils cooperates with at least one magnet fixed to the base. The sizes of the magnets and of the coils and the relative positions of the cooperating coils and magnets are made or their operation controlled so that, in the range of relative movement between the platform and base, preselected forces between the coils and the magnets may be generated by a control computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Septimiu Edmund Salcudean, Allan J. Kelley