Abstract: An input apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an operation member that is rotatable and is movable in a direction along a rotation axis between an extended position and a pushed-in position. When a user rotates the operation member without pushing in it, a detection output of a predetermined number of pulses can be obtained from a first detection unit each time the operation member is rotated at a predetermined angle. When a user pushes in the operation member and rotates it at a predetermined angle, detection outputs can be continuously obtained from a second detection unit. Consequently, a user can perform a rough retrieval operation on a data set-by-data set basis and a fine data selection operation on a data-by-data basis using a single operation member without repositioning the user's hand.

Abstract: A media player according to the invention is provided. The media player may include a scroll wheel and a housing including a retention ledge. The retention ledge may maintain the position of the scroll wheel with respect to the housing. A flexible printed circuit may also be included in the media player. The flexible printed circuit may include a first face and a second face. The first face may contact the scroll wheel. The second face may include tactile dome switches. Compressible shims may also form a portion of the media player and may be adjacent the second face. The compressible shims may control the distance between the scroll wheel and the retention ledge.

Abstract: There is disclosed a thin input device capable of being made small and thin, and capable of preventing an excessive force from acting on a connecting part with a substrate, etc. due to an operating force when an operating part is operated to detect deformation of an actuating member. An actuating member is received in a recess of a lower case, and a lid is fixed. Fixed parts are provided at four corners of the actuating member, and the fixed parts are fixedly sandwiched between a bottom surface of the recess of the lower case, and the lid. In the actuating member, deformable parts that are thinner than the fixed parts are provided in four directions around an operating part, and strain detecting elements are attached to the deformable parts, respectively. When the operating knob is operated to deform a deformable part, the force acts only on the case, and an excessive force does not act on connecting parts between the connecting terminals, and a substrate, etc.

Abstract: An all-color light control switch that is used by an operator for free adjustment or control of a light emitting diode lamp set; using multiple sets of commands for light variations stored in a non-volatile memory unit in a microprocessor on the circuit board, and by switching a rotational encoder and a coaxial press knob, the operator can control the brightness and different colors of light variations of an LED lamp; special designed light guide member guides and mixes multiple-color LED light sources on the circuit and displays them on a panel.

Abstract: An electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides haptic sensations for a haptic feedback device and especially for a rotational device such as a knob. Force effects such as a hill force effect and barrier force effect allow easier selection of menu items, menus, values, or other options by the user. Force models are also described to allow greater selection functionality, such as a scrolling list with detents and rate control borders, a jog shuttle, a push-turn model, a double-push model, and a cast control model.

Abstract: A computing navigation mechanism includes a scroll wheel integrated below a keyboard layout for navigation of applications displayed on a computer screen. In one embodiment, the scroll wheel is configured to direct movement in response to a context of interaction with an application visible as active on the computer screen. The scroll wheel includes intra-element scrolling for moving content within a window of the application and for moving between items within a menu of the application and inter-element scrolling for moving between enabled links in the application. Intra-element scrolling may include pane scrolling to move content in the first direction or the second direction within the window pane of an application. It also may include selection scrolling to incrementally select between items in a menu list in a menu. In addition, inter-element scrolling comprises item scrolling, which incrementally moves between links within applications such as a web browser.

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

Abstract: Capacitance-sensitive touchpad circuitry used for detecting and tracking an object on the surface of a touchpad now receives as inputs to the circuitry the voltage divider signals from each axis of a strain gauge used as a touch stick input device, wherein the touchpad circuitry is far less sensitive to noise, and wherein touch stick control circuitry can be eliminated through the use of existing touchpad circuitry.

Abstract: An information inputting device and inputting method therefor are disclosed. The information inputting device includes a case, a rotary inputting device which has a rotatable wheel and which is secured to the inside of the case, where the entire surface of the wheel is exposed to the exterior of the case and the rotary inputting device is capable of inputting information by means of the rotation of the wheel, an optical module secured to the inside of the case which recognizes the movement of the case, and a wire connected to an external device which transfers the information inputted by the rotary inputting device and the information recognized by the optical module to the external device. Information may be inputted using such an information inputting device by means of the rotation of the wheel. As the information inputting device has a small volume, it allows convenient portability.

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 user control assembly is provided for use on a vehicle having a processor, a steering wheel, and a plurality of vehicular systems controllable by the processor each having first and second adjustable features. The user control comprises a first button mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for selecting one of the plurality of vehicular systems, and first and second rotary dials mounted on the steering wheel and coupled to the processor for adjusting the first and second adjustable features associated with the selected system.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a case, a display module, at least one sliding track and a monitor adjusting key. The display module is disposed on the case and displays a display frame, which includes a first frame, a second frame and a separating line for separating the first frame from the second frame. The sliding track is disposed on one side of the case and near the display module. The monitor adjusting key is disposed on the sliding track to correspondingly control the separating line.

Abstract: An apparatus has conductive traces of a slider. A processing device is coupled to the conductive traces. The processing device generates a signal based on the presence of a conductive object in proximity or in contact with the slider, and the duration of time of the presence of the conductive object at a detected position on the slider.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for vertical navigation of displayed content. A physical wheel on a device is provided for navigating through content displayed on a display associated with the device. The physical wheel is moved in a direction and a distance about its rotational axis to indicate a scrolling direction and corresponding scrolling amount. The physical wheel is indexed in accordance with a display unit size associated with the content displayed.

Abstract: An input device for effective navigation, a user interface device and a user interface method, and a computer-readable recording medium having embodied thereon a computer program to perform the method, the user interface device including a display unit, a rotatable input unit used to instruct a movement and a selection of a highlighted item in the display unit, and a control unit to control the device to perform a function corresponding to the received signal when a movement signal or a rotation signal is received from the input unit.

Abstract: A multi-way operation switch of the present invention includes an operation unit that is horizontally movable and rotatable; a plurality of first switch contacts for turning on and off the electrical coupling by horizontally moving the operation unit; and a second switch contact for turning on and off the electrical coupling by rotating the operation unit. This configuration allows the user to hold a single operation unit and operate multiple electronic apparatuses and setting modes by simply horizontally moving and rotating the operation unit. Accordingly, a smaller multi-way operation switch that is less prone to erroneous operation and which is easier to operate is achievable.

Abstract: System and method for a rotary control in a device that comprises a knob, a shaft supporting the knob and coupled to rotate therewith a base supporting the shaft. A sensor, operationally coupled to the base, is configured to detect an aspect of manipulation of the knob, which may include information relating to position, velocity, acceleration, torque, rate of rotation, time of rotation, or a combination thereof. A mechanical haptic assembly is operationally coupled between the base and the shaft to provide mechanical based haptic effects in response to movement of the knob with respect to the base. A programmable electronic-based actuator is operationally coupled to the knob and provides electronic-based haptic force feedback to the knob.

Abstract: A user interface assembly includes a thin display and a control element such as a rotary encoder, rotary switch, or toggle switch. The control element is manipulable by a person to generate an electronic input signal to a processor, with the thin display presenting a feedback indication received from the processor. The thin display is associated with no other control element, such that the control element and thin display establish a modular unit.

Abstract: A shock absorbing roller thumb wheel is disclosed. The shock absorbing thumb wheel includes a central hub that can be secured to an electro-mechanical switch, a rim encircling the central hub, and force dispersion spokes extending from the central hub and connected to the rim. The configuration of the force dispersion spokes and the resilient material of the force dispersion spokes and the rim allow for radial and lateral deflection of the rim in response to an applied impact force. The impact force is thereby at least partially absorbed by the radial and lateral deflection of the rim and spokes, such that less impact force is transferred to connections between the electro-mechanical switch and any assembly to which the switch is attached. Hence, the probability of connection failures is reduced, and the lifetime of a device that uses the thumb wheel can be extended.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: The automatic musical instrument contains a main body provided with a sliding saddle member and a sliding operation piece. The sliding operation piece is provided with a reflecting pattern consisting of light reflecting regions and light absorbing regions. The sliding saddle member is provided with a infrared emitting diode and two phototransistors inside. When the sliding operation piece is slidably moved in contact with the sliding saddle member, infrared light emitted from the infrared emitting diode is reflected by the reflecting pattern. Then, the phototransistors receive the reflected light and output pulse signals A and B. The high speed processor built in the main body calculates the sliding speed, the sliding direction and the sliding time on the basis of the pulse signals A and B. Also, the high speed processor controls the movement of the character image displayed on the screen on the basis of one of the sliding speed, the sliding direction and the sliding time.

Abstract: A detachable flywheel device is placed on a display and is used for adjusting display parameters of the display. Since a user only needs to roll or press the detachable flywheel to adjust the display parameters of the display, which is a very simple and fast action, the user can continue to watch the display. Furthermore, by using an optical technique to detect the detachable flywheel's movement, there is no mechanical wear or problems related to dust. Furthermore, the user can place the detachable flywheel device to a predetermined position, or remove the detachable flywheel device in order to prevent other people from changing the display parameters.

Abstract: An input device of an electronic device includes a position sensor, a base, a slider, and a controller. The position sensor includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element with the first positioning element being operably coupled relative to the second positioning element. A slider includes the first positioning element. The base is configured to guide slidable movement of the slider along a single axis relative to the base and the base includes the second positioning element. The controller is configured to capture a user input based on a linear slidable position of the slider relative to the base with the linear position being determined from a position of the first positioning element relative to the second positioning element.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object manipulating technique is provided. An axis of rotation is set for a three-dimensional object (40) on the basis of a push-in of a dial (8) of a dial-operated input device (7), and the three-dimensional object (40) is rotated through a user-defined angle about the set axis of rotation on the basis of a direction and angle of rotation of the dial (8) of the dial-operated input device (7). Also, an axis of movement is arbitrarily set for the three-dimensional object (40) on the basis of a push-in of the dial (8) of the dial-operated input device (7) and moved over a user-defined distance along the set axis of movement on the basis of a direction and angle of rotation of the dial (8) of the dial-operated input device (7). Further, the three-dimensional object (40) is resized at a user-defined scale-up or -down rate on the basis of a direction and angle of rotation of the dial (8) of the dial-operated input device (7).

Abstract: A manipulandum includes a sensor and an actuator. The sensor is configured to output a position signal when the manipulandum is moved from the first position to the second position. Additionally, the actuator is configured to output haptic feedback having a position-based component and a predetermined time-based component.

Abstract: A mouse scroll wheel module includes a retention part, a holding part sitting on the retention part to swing from front to back and from left to right, a revolving part installed on the holding part, a mechanical revolving encoder to receive output of encoded electronic signals as the revolving part rotates, and a circuit board for controlling a middle switch and right and left switches, fixed between the retention part and the holding part. The holding part comprises a swing base and a holder that supports the swing base. With the support of the holding part, the scroll wheel of the revolving part is able to rotate and swing laterally, making the currently selected window on the screen to scroll in four directions: up, down, left or right.

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

Abstract: An intuitive image navigator is described. The intuitive image navigator comprises a direction control device and a rotational control ring. The image direction control device moves an image shown on a display of an electronic device, for example, an electronic map on a display of a portable electronic device. The rotational control ring is configured around the image direction control device to control the display condition of the image on the display. The image direction control device provides an intuitive omni-directional variable-speed scrolling function and the rotational control ring provides a stepless variable-speed changing function for browsing the image.

Abstract: A controller for use by a user is utilized to select media for playback by an entertainment system. A display displays a hierarchy of levels of options to the user. One level of the hierarchy of levels is displayed at a time. A physical dial is utilized to select an option on the one level of the hierarchy of levels in response to a physical movement of the physical dial. A processing device updates the display of the hierarchy of levels in response to selection of the option by the user. The processing device performs one of the following in response to the user selecting the option on the one level: (a) displaying a higher level of the hierarchy of levels, or (b) generating an instruction to cause media corresponding to the option to be played by the entertainment system.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and a method for selecting a menu in a portable terminal. The portable terminal includes a first input means that can be rotated stepwise by a predetermined angle, a second input means that can be continuously rotated and pressed, and a controller for providing a menu list corresponding to the rotation direction of the first input means and the number of steps of rotation of the first input means, changing the position of a cursor on the menu list according to the rotation direction and the rotation degree of the second input means, and performing an operation corresponding to a menu in which the cursor is located when the second input means is pressed.

Abstract: A hand-held device is provided. The hand-held device includes a rotary wheel, a first switch, a second switch, an encoder, a memory, and a controller. The rotary wheel has a plurality of positioning inputs. The encoder is responsive to operations on the rotary wheel and outputs positioning codes. The memory stores a plurality of input modes, wherein each input mode includes characters corresponding to positioning codes. The controller obtains an input mode from the memory, and shifts a current input mode to the input mode obtained in responsive to an input from the first switch. The controller inputs a character of the current input mode according to a positioning code that the encoder outputs in response to an input from the second switch. The above-mentioned rotary wheel can replace keyboard in the hand-held device.

Abstract: A navigational device is disclosed. The navigational device includes a rotatable wheel. The rotatable wheel is attached in a wheel frame with a first rotatable member. The wheel frame is attached in a chassis with a second rotatable member. The navigational device further comprises a switch. The rotatable wheel pushes the wheel frame to rotate while the rotatable wheel is pressed down. The switch is closed due to a pressure by the wheel frame or the chassis. The rotatable wheel rotates with the wheel frame while being pressing down. The movement is stable without shaking.

Abstract: Two previously virtual concepts, such as, for example, the concept of “me” and the concept of “my data” are reified into physical objects which can be physically manipulated and interact with legacy technologies such as, for example, desktop or portable computers. In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computing device in the form of an animal, such as, for example, a bear, with a manipulatable user interface, is used to log onto and off of various computers.

Abstract: A display (3) displays a menu, and a centralized commander (5) has a central decision switch (6), a first scan switch (7) surrounding the decision switch and operable for an inching scan on the menu in a vertical direction, and a second scan switch (9) surrounding the first scan switch and operable for a traverse scan on the menu in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A hand-held device is provided. The hand-held device includes a rotary wheel, a switch, a character region, and a controller. The rotary wheel has a plurality of positioning inputs. The character region includes a plurality of icon areas corresponding to the positioning inputs. Each icon area includes a plurality of characters. According to a positioning input the rotary wheel locates, the controller selects characters of the corresponding icon area. According to a count the switch is operated, the controller inputs a corresponding character of the characters selected. The above-mentioned rotary wheel can replace keyboard in the hand-held device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic devices are described. One described method comprises receiving a first input signal from a first control node and generating an output signal configured to administer a haptic effect on a second control node that is based at least in part on the first input signal.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a form of one of a joystick and a cursor switch is provided, including an operating element. The operating element interacts with at least one of rotation means such that the operating element can be rotated, and with movement means such that the operating element can be moved in at least one linear direction on a movement plane. The operating element has a switching effect on a switching element during rotation and/or during movement.

Abstract: A portable device having rotatable input buttons and a method of operating the portable device are provided. The portable device includes a button rotation detecting unit, a User Interface (UI) generating unit and a mode setting unit. The button rotation detecting unit detects the rotation of the input buttons. The UI generating unit generates desired objects. The mode setting unit changes a current mode of the portable device to a mode of operating on the objects corresponding to the positions of the rotated input buttons when the rotation of the input buttons is detected.

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: The present invention provides a human-machine interface where control is achieved without the use of buttons. By providing multiple knobs, the audio system maximizes functionality while minimizing cost and space requirements. Each knob is capable of two selection modes: a first selection mode provided by rotating the knob and a second selection mode provided by depressing the knob. The two selection modes correspond to ergonomic selection pairs for controlling the audio system. The reduced area required for controls allows for a larger display area; which provides the user with a more attractive display that can convey more information. When a change in a status, through knob manipulation is sensed by the audio system, the display automatically provides a menu that corresponds to the ergonomic pair assigned to that knob. The automated switching of menus minimizes navigation between screens, while providing full manipulation of that audio system function using a single knob control.

Abstract: An adjustable computer input device includes a body having a recess for adjustable receiving a supporting unit. A user can adjust a height the supporting unit relative to body so that the supporting unit more comfortably fits the user's hand.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a data processing device; and a display coupled to the data processing device at a pivot point and rotatable around the pivot point from a closed position to an open position, wherein the display is viewable in both the closed and the open positions.

Abstract: The tactile input device is a user interface selection device used to transmit user information to a user interface interpretation module. The tactile input device allows a user to activate and operate applications installed on a computing system through a single user interface selection device. The tactile input device includes a tactile surface angularly divided into a plurality of sections, or petals. The tactile surface is further separated by a central portion and an outer circumferential portion, neither of which are angularly divided by the petals. Each petal and portion are tactilely distinguished from an adjacent petal or portion. The tactile distinction provides a user with feedback relating to orientation over the surface such that the user may request the performance of a specific task to be implemented by the computer through the user interface interpretation module.

Abstract: A precise, consistent, reliable, and high resolution magnetism metric controller applied in electronic and information devices is comprised of a scrolling wheel mechanism to drive by rotation a permanent magnet to retrieve signals of changed magnetic field due to displacement of magnetic poles of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A pointing device for use with a keyboard functions like a computer mouse. It incorporates a plurality of configurable function keys. The pointing device is composed of a rolling surface capable of rotation and translation that may activate a switch when it is depressed. An optical sensor monitors the rotation and translation of the rolling surface and translates that motion into communications interpretable by a mouse software driver. An edge sensor allows repositioning of the rolling surface without cursor movement when limits of travel are reached. The pointing device communicates with the computer through a serial communication facility such as a PS/2 or USB connection. The enclosure containing the rolling surface incorporates an aperture allowing a portion of the rolling surface to be available for manipulation, an elevated support surface for the keyboard and provision for palm rests.

Abstract: A flexure mechanism for an interface device that interfaces a user with a computer system. An interface device includes a manipulandum physically contacted by the user. A five-bar closed-loop mechanism is coupled to the manipulandum to provide two rotary degrees of freedom to the manipulandum. The mechanism includes members coupled to each other by flexible couplings allowing rotation of the members. In preferred embodiments, four or five of the members are coupled together by flexible couplings that allow bending, thereby forming a unitary piece, where the couplings are oriented along axes of rotation of the mechanism. A senor senses a position of the manipulandum outputs a sensor signal, and in some embodiments actuators are coupled to the mechanism to output a force to the manipulandum in particular degrees of freedom. The manipulandum can be a joystick handle or portion of a sphere, where the device in one embodiment can be a handheld gamepad or similar controller.

Abstract: A computer keyboard may include an assembly for scrolling and navigating an image in multiple directions relative to a display screen. A computer keyboard may include an assembly for control of a graphical object, insertion point or mouse cursor in multiple directions relative to objects on a display screen. Two control devices are provided onto each side of a computer keyboard. The devices are configured such that both control a graphical cursor. One device controls a graphical cursor and the other device controls view scrolling of an image. In yet another aspect, the functionality of the devices for cursor control or view scrolling is selectable.

Abstract: A pushbutton user interface enables a user to preview the effect of activating a pushbutton of the interface before the pushbutton is activated. The pushbutton user interface can be implemented so that an input (preview input) to the pushbutton that does not produce an activation of the pushbutton is sensed and, in response to the sensed input, a preview is displayed that indicates the effect of activating the pushbutton. The preview input can be sensed using, for example, a force-sensitive resistor, potentiometer or strain gauge. The preview display can include, for example, a visual display, an audio display, a haptic display, or a combination of two or three such displays. The pushbutton user interface can be implemented so that the preview input and an activation input (i.e., an input that produces an activation of the pushbutton) are sensed as a result of an input to the pushbutton along the same axis or along different (e.g., orthogonal) axes.

Abstract: Device for setting values for processing audio signals includes a signal processor, at least two elements for manually entering and/or adjusting the values, a carrier for the at least two elements, and a screen for displaying the entered and/or adjusted values. The screen includes at least two fields. The at least two elements and the carrier are located in front of the screen. A computer, coupled to the at least two elements via connections in front of the screen, acquires the entered and/or adjusted values and displays the acquired value on at least one of the at least two fields. The computer is coupled to the signal processor for processing of audio signals and to transmit control commands to the signal processor for processing the audio signals according to the manually entered and/or adjusted values established by the at least two elements.