Abstract: An activation signal is provided in response to a user gripping force incident to a grip switch. Electronic circuitry transitions from an inactive state to an active state in response to the activation signal. The activation signal may also include encoded information regarding user identity, gripping force magnitude, user input gesturing, and the like. The electronic circuitry may use the information encoded in the signal to select or perform particular functions or operations. Power consumption of a stylus, user device, or other apparatus is reduced, or various functions are improved, accordingly.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus capable of providing a user not only with guidance, but also with all of the guidance, operational procedure, operation screen and recognition vocabulary, that is, with an operational transition that is defined by the guidance, operational procedure, operation screen and recognition vocabulary, while altering the operational transition in accordance with the recognition vocabulary comprehension level of the user. Thus, it can increase the possibility for a user with a low recognition vocabulary comprehension level to achieve a task, or for a user with a high recognition vocabulary comprehension level to improve the comfortableness of the operation, thereby being able to provide all the users with the optimum operational transition.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices which include flexible display sheets or other flexible elements, whereas by physically manipulating said flexible display sheets or elements, interaction with said device may be facilitated. Flexibility features may be employed to provide methods of interaction which include manipulating flexible section. Some of said methods of interaction are disclosed. Further disclosed are units which can connect to flexible display sheets, for interacting with said flexible display sheets.

Abstract: A stylus may have an elongated body with opposing first and second ends. Electronic equipment may have a touch sensor that receives electromagnetic signals from one or more electrodes at the first end. The stylus may have a six-axis inertial sensor at the second end. Force sensors may be located at the first and second ends. User input from the force sensors, the inertial sensor, and other input-output devices may be used to supply the stylus with mode change commands. In response to the mode change commands the stylus may transition between operating modes such as a touch sensor mode and one or more inertial sensor modes. Inertial sensor data may be used to allow the stylus to operate as a joystick, a rotational controller, an air mouse, or other input devices in addition to serving as a touch sensor input device.

Abstract: A dial switch is operative to be rotated or tilted and to be pushed down, which can select any one of icons displayed on a menu screen of a display portion and display information regarding a function of an onboard apparatuses corresponding to a selected icon on the display portion. A central pushing switch is configured to function as a home key such that a default-state menu screen is displayed on the display portion whenever this switch is pushed down. Left or right pushing switches is configured to function as a shortcut key such that information regarding a function of an onboard apparatus corresponding to left-positioned or right-positioned icons positioned on left and right sides of a central icon is displayed on the display portion whenever the left or right pushing switches is pushed down.

Abstract: An image display device that displays image information includes an image retrieving unit that retrieves image information; a device status identifying unit that identifies a status of the present device; an image condition specifying unit that specifies an image condition that indicates a condition which the image information needs to satisfy to be displayed, based on the status identified by the device status identifying unit; and a display unit that displays the image information retrieved by the image retrieving unit if the image information satisfies the image condition specified by the image condition specifying unit.

Abstract: A head-mounted information system is provided, the head-mounted information system comprising a frame configured to be mounted on a head of a user, a display unit coupled to the frame, a sensor unit coupled to the frame comprising one or more motion sensors, and, a processor unit coupled to the frame and connected to receive signals from the motion sensors. The processor unit comprises a processor and a memory accessible by the processor. The processor unit is configured to monitor the received signals and enter a gesture control mode upon detection of a gesture control enable signal. In the gesture control mode the processor is configured to convert signals received from the motion sensors into menu navigation commands.

Abstract: A given page of an e-book is displayed when an input is detected that is sustained for an amount of time that exceeds a threshold. After the amount of time exceeding the threshold, the pages of the e-book are transitioned by clusters or chapters. The transitioning by clusters or chapters can be sustained for some duration that is determined by, for example, the duration of time during which the input is sustained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a haptic manipulandum are described. In one described system, a lever arm is pivotably coupled to a housing, and configured to apply a processor-controlled force to a substantially-spherical manipulandum to provide a haptic effect. The described system may include a processor in communication with an actuator for providing the haptic effect.

Abstract: An operator control apparatus has an operator control element with haptic feedback. The operator control element has an input area and can be operated by an operator using an input member. The operator control apparatus includes a first and second ferromagnetic areal components and a first and second flat coils that are arranged between the first and second components. The first and second components have their largest areas oriented toward each other and are configured to move relative to each other. The input area is either configured as a part of the first or second component or coupled to the first or second component using a coupling apparatus. The first coil is associated with the first component and the second coil is associated with the second component such that a flow of current through the first and second coils causes the first and second components to move.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus and method for controlling a function of a display apparatus are provided. The remote control apparatus includes a communications device for communicating with a display apparatus; buttons for receiving a user command relating to function control of the display apparatus; a jog switch for allowing directional movement manipulation and push manipulation; and a controller for, after the user command is input through the buttons, generating and sending a control signal to set a different function of the display apparatus based on a manipulation state of the jog switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recognizing 3-D human motions are described. In some embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates a variety of methods and systems for recognizing a 3-D motion on 2-D planes. The 3-D human motions may include, but is not limited to, kinematic based gestures, such as clapping, spell casting, security gestures, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating character input using a graphical input display having a carousel of characters are provided. In an aspect, a system includes an interface component configured to generate a carousel graphical input display, the carousel graphical input display comprising a plurality of characters arranged in a fixed line, wherein a cursor is configured to move over the characters about the line and the cursor shifts from a first end of the line to a second end of the line in response to reaching either the first end of the line or the second end of the line. The system further includes an input component configured to receive a command to move the cursor over the characters to focus on respective ones of the characters.

Abstract: This specification relates to a mobile terminal capable of executing a lock state of restricting a touch input and a control method thereof. The control method for the mobile terminal, which displays a lock screen in the lock state of restricting an input of a control command for an application, includes displaying an execution screen of an application on the lock screen, and controlling the lock screen based upon a touch input detected in the lock state.

Abstract: An article, device and method may detect a touch of a human hand on an interactive area of a user interface display of a mobile device. A non-interactive area may be displayed on the user interface display in at least a location of the touch of the human hand.

Abstract: A system and method for visualizing a 3D scene using a flexible display are disclosed. The 3D scene reflects a model of graphics objects, where each graphics object is represented by 3D primitives such as vertices, lines, or surfaces. A display processor generates a 2D image of the 3D scene using various graphics rendering techniques such as non-linear ray-tracing algorithms. A sensor associated with the flexible display detects that a surface profile of the display has been altered, which causes the display processor to generate a new 2D image of the 3D scene. The effect is that flexing the display allows the user to view the 3D scene from a different perspective. In one embodiment, the different perspective is viewing the object from a different camera position. In another embodiment, the different perspective is provided by generating an exploded view of an assembly of graphics objects.

Abstract: A flexible display device and method for detecting a bend on the device are discussed. The method includes detecting a first bend on the flexible display device and measuring a first degree of the first bend; recognizing the first bend as a first valid flex input when the measured first degree of bend surpasses a first error threshold value; and recognizing an end of the first valid flex input when the measured first degree of bend falls below a first release threshold value, wherein a maximum degree of bend measured during the first bend is recognized as a first peak value, wherein the first error threshold value is determined based on a degree before the flexible display device is bent and the first release threshold value is determined based on the first peak value, and wherein the first release threshold value is different from the first error threshold value.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and an operating method thereof are provided. The operating method includes providing a transparent flexible display having a first display region at the front of the transparent flexible display and a second display region at the rear of the transparent flexible display; displaying an image in the first display region; determining whether a bend signal indicating that the transparent flexible display is bent is detected; and if the results of the determining indicate that a portion of the second display region has the same display direction as that of the first display region, displaying information regarding the image in the portion of the second display region having the same display direction as that of the first display region. Therefore, it is possible to display various information not only using a display region at the front of a display device but also using a display region at the rear of the display device.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display an original image and a processed image obtained by applying image processing to the original image so that a lesion that is unidentifiable owing to a bone can be identified; an operation unit configured to receive an operation performed by a user; and a control unit configured to switch display on the display unit to the processed image when one operation at the operation unit is detected in a state in which the original image is displayed on the display unit, and switch the display on the display unit to the original image when the one operation at the operation unit is detected in a state in which the processed image is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: Display apparatuses and methods are provided. A display apparatus includes a display module, a driving device that is configured to deform the display module from a flat surface state to a curved surface state and deform the display module from the flat surface state to the curved surface state, and a base member that is disposed at a rear of the display module and supports the driving device.

Abstract: A switch activates a data protection mode for an electronic appliance configured to send data stored on the electronic appliance. The switch has an interface for coupling the switch to the electronic appliance. The switch is configured to send a signal to the electronic appliance upon mechanical operation by a user to activate the data protection mode. The switch may be used to activate the data protection mode to deactivate the transmission of personal data.

Abstract: A user input device includes a housing, a user input element adapted to be operated by a user and configured to send a signal to a processor when operated by the user, and an actuator coupled to the user input element. The actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the user input element in response to the control signal from the processor. A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the user input element and the housing, wherein the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing. The user input element may be a joystick, button, or trigger.

Abstract: A display device in the invention comprises an OSP section and OSD switches 10 configured to include a plurality of switches for performing various kinds of setting operations using the OSD section. In OSD switches 10, switches 10a and 10b are disposed on a right side of a front bezel 2 and switches 10c and 10d are disposed on a lower side of the front bezel 2. By that, the OSD switches can be disposed so that a switch operation can be visually performed without an uncomfortable feeling, without increasing the thickness of a front bezel even if the front bezel is narrow.

Abstract: Creative design systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a creative design system is provided. The creative design system comprises a high resolution display, an interactive stylus that includes a transmitter at a tip of the interactive stylus that transmits an encoded signal associated with the interactive stylus and a plurality of sensors that track movement of the interactive stylus over the high resolution display by capturing and decoding the transmitted encoded signal as the stylus moves over the high resolution display. A creative design controller is configured to display sketches of context in response to the tracking of the movement of the interactive stylus over the high resolution display.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing input to a software application such as a gaming application. The inputs may be received from one or both of a hand-held controller and a NUI system accepting gestural inputs. In an example, a gesture and controller API receives skeletal pose data from the NUI system and converts that data to Boolean or floating point data. In this way, data from both the controller and the NUI system may be exposed to the software application as easily consumable data in the same format.

Abstract: A wireless handheld controller includes a housing and a plurality of scroll wheel assemblies mounted in the housing. Each of the scroll wheel assemblies including a rotatable member and a key adjacently associated with respective rotatable members. The wireless handheld controller also includes circuitry in electrical communication with the scroll wheel assemblies. The circuitry is configured to control the device and provide remote control of equipment in communication with the device. The circuitry comprising a movement sensing system configured to sense movement of the rotatable member, and a key sensing system configured to sense a mode signal received from the key.

Abstract: A portable terminal capable of easily protecting the privacy of a user thereof and a method of controlling the portable terminal are provided. The portable terminal includes a display unit configured to display an image, a cover disposed to be rotated with respect to an edge of the display unit as an axis, and a control unit configured to control brightness of the display unit according to an angle formed by a face of the cover and a surface of the display unit.

Abstract: An operating device includes: an operating member; a rotation detecting unit; a capacitance detecting unit; a display unit; a storage unit; and a controller. In a case where the capacitance detecting unit detects a switch from presence of contact between the operating member and a finger of an operator to absence of the contact therebetween in a state where a rotational speed detected by the rotation detecting unit is a predetermined rotational speed or higher, the controller allows a scroll display of a plurality of display items to automatically continue regardless of a rotation state of the operating member after a timing of the switch.

Abstract: We describe power control techniques for an document reader with an electrophoretic display. In embodiments the document reader comprises a main processor to display information and at least one secondary processor to detect, say, a user input gesture; a battery to provide power to both processors; and a controllable switch coupled between said battery and said main processor and having a control line coupled to said secondary processor, to switch power from said battery to said main processor while said secondary processor is powered. In embodiments a power consumption measured in months is desired so that rather than put the main processor into a standby mode power to the main processor is switched off entirely but the system is arranged to be able to start-up quickly from this configuration.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a vehicle with an adjusting device that serves for adjusting a desired operating parameter and can assume adjusting positions between a minimum value and a maximum value, and with a display area for displaying the currently adjusted position. Each region of the display area can assume a first and at least a second display state. The two display states can be distinguished by different, respectively active light emissions that lie in the visible range. The relative surface area of a first segment of the display area that coherently assumes the first display state and the relative surface area of a second segment of the display area that coherently assumes the second display state are defined by the currently adjusted position of the adjusting mechanism.

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 steering wheel for a vehicle, including a toroidal steering wheel surrounding an airspace and mounted in a vehicle, an array of invisible-light emitters mounted in the steering wheel to project invisible light beams across the airspace, an array of light detectors mounted in the steering wheel to detect the invisible light beams projected by the invisible-light emitters, and to detect gestures inside the airspace that interrupt the invisible light beams projected by the invisible-light emitters, and a processor connected to the light detectors to identify the gestures inside the airspace detected by the light detectors, and to control an item of equipment mounted in the vehicle, in response to the thus-identified gestures inside the airspace.

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

Abstract: A terminal device includes a display (1) displaying information, a backlight control unit (3) controlling backlight luminance of the display, an illuminance sensor (4) detecting a surrounding brightness, an opening/closing detection unit (5) detecting opening or closing of the housing, a memory (6) storing a predetermined luminance value and a luminance correction value for illuminance, and a control unit (7) controlling the display, the backlight control unit, the illuminance sensor, the opening/closing detection unit and the memory.

Abstract: A tactile force sense presenting device of the present invention includes: an operation unit which includes an operation lever to be operated by an operator, and a movement guide surface which guides an input of a slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and an input of a push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction at a specific position on the XY-plane; a detection unit which detects the input of the slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and the input of the push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction; a calculation control unit which calculates a force corresponding to an operation of the operation lever, based on detection results of the detection unit; and a drive transmission unit which includes a driving unit including at least one actuator, and which causes, based on calculation results of the calculation control unit, the driving unit to generate a resistive force of the operation lever with respect to the input of the

Abstract: A method of operating an electronic device having an openable cover is provided. The method includes activating an application, detecting an opening/closing state of the cover, and transitioning between a plurality of display modes of the activated application in response to the opening/closing state of the cover.

Abstract: An illumination display switching device includes a switch knob slidable with respect to a push button-type switch. The switch knob includes a display operation part including a display design and a non-display design, a lock arm that is vertically hung from a central portion of the display operation part and connected to the push button-type switch, a light guide member that is vertically hung from the display operation part positioned near the light source, and an interconnection light guide member that interconnects the light guide member, a base of the lock arm and the display design. The display design is illuminated from a backside by emission light of the light source through the light guide member and the interconnection light guide member. The lock arm, the light guide member and the interconnection light guide member are integrally molded with the display design by the light-transmitting resin.

Abstract: A device connectable to a computer is disclosed. The device comprises a selector defining a pathway and a plurality of positions along the pathway, the selector having a terminal displaceable along the pathway and positionable at one of the plurality of positions, the pathway being substantially straight, each of the plurality of positions having a process associated therewith. The device further comprises a sensor being operable for generating instruction signals. More specifically, the instruction signals are communicable to the computing device for executing thereon the process associated with one of the plurality of positions along the pathway whereat the terminal is positioned.

Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.

Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes an improved alarm clock function and a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The alarm clock function enables an alarm to be edited very easily.

Abstract: An input device includes a body unit, a first touch type position detection unit which detects a first touch position of a human body on a first detection surface of the body unit, a second touch type position detection unit which detects a second touch position of the human body on a second detection surface of the body unit, the second detection surface being on an opposite side of the body unit as the first detection surface, and a detection area restriction unit which restricts an area, which can be detected by the second touch type position detection unit, on the second detection surface according to information of the first touch position and information determined in advance. The information determined in advance is data indicating a relation between the first touch position on the first detection surface and the restricted area on the second detection surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a display apparatus that uses a display module by selectively setting the display module to a flat surface form and a curved surface form. The display apparatus includes a display module that is bendable and is configured to display an image, and a bending structure configured to deform the display module by moving at least one of a center and both ends of the display module relative to each other to form one of a flat surface form and a curved surface form of the display module.

Abstract: An input device with touch input function has an input member which is operable to input at least one of shifting operation and pushing operation. The input member has a touch input device which is responsive to touch of a user. The input device has an operation sensor which detects the operation on the input member. The input member and the operation sensor provides an input unit which is supported by a support member in a manner that the input unit is movable among a lock position and an unlock position with respect to a base member on which the input unit is supported. The input device has a lock mechanism which locks the input member in inoperable condition at the lock position and which releases the input member in operable condition at the unlock position.

Abstract: An operating control device for adjusting the power of a heating device has a rotary knob that has an off position in which said rotary knob is deactivated, and a working position into which said knob can be brought to adjust the power. The working position is predetermined by a lock-in position, and the rotary knob can be rotated over a working angle of a rotation range in at least one direction of rotation from the working position counter to a counterforce that rises as the angle of rotation increases. The operating control device can detect the angle of rotation and uses a control system of the operating control device for adjusting the power. The control system is configured in such a manner that the power is adjusted more rapidly as the angle of rotation increases.

Abstract: Method and system for generating and processing multiple independent input data streams based on a high priority OS message framework such as an OS provided framework for processing mouse-messages. Multiple input devices generate motion that is sensed by motion sensors located on one or more motion sources, quantify the sensed motion, and provide resulting input data to a computer via one or more communication ports. One or more software subroutines process the provided data, separating them into multiple independent input streams according to their sources, and sending the streams to listening applications. The subroutines are preferably integrated at a low level of the OS architecture, thereby enabling low-latency, fully-functional high priority processing of the input data.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a control interface coupled to a device controller. The device controller is configured for controlling operation of at least one vehicle device, and the at least one vehicle device comprises an active device. The at least one control interface comprises a display element for visually displaying an interface image associated with the active device. The device controller comprises a processor coupled to a memory storage device and is configured for communicating the interface image to the at least one control interface for display by the display element. The at least one control interface is configured for receiving an operator input and transmitting an input signal indicative of the operator input to the device controller. The device controller configured for receiving the input signal from the at least one control interface and for transmitting a control signal to the active device in accordance with the input signal.

Abstract: Integrated control panel and electronic displays wherein the control panel may be positioned over the electronic display with at least part of the display being visible to the user. The control panel may consist of control elements such as rotary controls or buttons that can be associated with graphics on the display. Light emitters and detectors may be used to detect movement of the control elements such that the region of the display adjacent or juxtaposed to the control elements is not obscured from view of the user.

Abstract: An in-vehicle multimedia unit for a motor vehicle having an interface for a portable multimedia appliance (such as a smartphone, MP3 player or tablet PC), wherein all the multimedia functions and contents are provided solely by the portable appliance. Also a method for providing multimedia functions and content in a motor vehicle having an in-vehicle multimedia unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining a deflection of a moveable conductive plate that is moved over a capacitive sensing device. The method may include moving the moveable conductive plate over sensor elements of the capacitive sensing device, and determining the deflection of the moveable conductive plate. In determining the deflection, a deflection magnitude and a deflection direction may be determined by calculating a vector of x- and y-directions or a vector of a radius and an angle.

Abstract: The present disclose provides a mobile terminal, including a terminal body having a front surface and a rear surface, a front display unit disposed on the front surface and configured to output visual information thereon, and a rear input unit disposed on the rear surface and configured to be manipulated to input a control command, wherein the rear input unit includes a frame installed on a case of the terminal body to be manipulated in a pressing manner, and having a mounting portion, and a rear display mounted onto the mounting portion, and configured to output visual information toward the rear surface, the visual information being related to an event generated in the mobile terminal.