Abstract: An electronic device is configured to display text as entered by a user and to provide predicted words in response to that entered text. The device displays only one of the predicted words on the display at a time, in-line with the text being entered by the user, to thereby provide an opportunity for the user to accept the one predicted word. Upon detecting the user's assertion of a button that is separate from the display, the device accepts the one predicted word as part of the entered text. By one approach, the aforementioned button has only the one dedicated function and may comprise, for example, a discrete mechanical button. By one approach, that button is disposed on a side of the device's housing that is opposite the side that presents the aforementioned display.

Abstract: A flexible display device and a method for accurately recognizing a user's flex input bending of the flexible display device is described. The present invention is able to discard unintentional flexing of the flexible display device while being able to accurately recognize a user's intended flex input command based on a number of bending degree thresholds. A first bending threshold must be overcome in order to initially recognize a user's flex input as a valid flex input command. Then the user's flex input must fall below a second bending threshold in order to cease the recognition of the user's flex input as a valid flex input.

Abstract: A flexible display device and a method for accurately recognizing a user's flex input bending of the flexible display device is described. The present invention is able to discard unintentional flexing of the flexible display device while being able to accurately recognize a user's intended flex input command based on a number of bending degree thresholds. A first bending threshold must be overcome in order to initially recognize a user's flex input as a valid flex input command. Then the user's flex input must fall below a second bending threshold in order to cease the recognition of the user's flex input as a valid flex input.

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

Abstract: A pointing device includes a first ground potential electrode; a second electrode for applying a voltage; a third electrode for measuring an electrical potential; a printed circuit board on which the first through the third electrodes are provided; a location pointing driving body that is provided on the printed circuit board and that is configured with a conductive part and that contacts the first and second electrodes, and a spherical part; a slide member that is located to cover a top part of the location pointing driving body and that is configured to drive the location pointing driving body by being slidable within a plane parallel to the printed circuit board; and a pressing force restriction member that is configured to restrict pressing force from the spherical part to the printed circuit board by receiving force from the slide member in the pressing direction.

Abstract: A tactile access and navigation system and method for a visually impaired user operating within a computerized data environment includes a bi-directional input-output system having one or more tactile displays and user-operable input controls; a data transformer for extracting display data from the computer and transforming that data into a form suitable for display by the one or more tactile displays; apparatus for arranging the display data into a predetermined structure of GUI elements for navigation by the bi-directional input-output system; and apparatus for providing display data to the one or more tactile displays in any of one or more viewing modes for displaying on the one or more tactile displays a tactile representation of graphical and textual data content; and one or more navigational modes for displaying on the one or more tactile displays a tactile representation of the orientation of the GUI elements within the structure.

Abstract: A flexible display device and a method for accurately recognizing a user's flex input bending of the flexible display device is described. The present invention is able to discard unintentional flexing of the flexible display device while being able to accurately recognize a user's intended flex input command based on a number of bending degree thresholds. A first bending threshold must be overcome in order to initially recognize a user's flex input as a valid flex input command. Then the user's flex input must fall below a second bending threshold in order to cease the recognition of the user's flex input as a valid flex input.

Abstract: Enhanced camera-based input, in which a detection region surrounding a user is defined in an image of the user within a scene, and a position of an object (such as a hand) within the detection region is detected. Additionally, a control (such as a key of a virtual keyboard) in a user interface is interacted with based on the detected position of the object.

Abstract: A multi-position switch assembly includes a housing, a first holder configured for both rotational and pivotal movement, and a second holder received in the first holder. In a pivoted position, first engagement members of the housing engage second engagement members of the first holder to prevent rotation of the first holder. The second holder is rotationally fixed and is pivotable with the first holder. The second holder supports the first holder but is not directly connected to the first holder. A pushbutton extends through the second holder, is fixed against rotation and is movable linearly relative to the second holder. A detector is adapted to detect rotation of the first holder. A first input device is actuated by pivotal movement of the second holder. The first holder is spaced from and does not contact the first input device. A second input device is actuated by linear movement of the pushbutton.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a manual switch system for selecting multimedia content from one or various source inputs to be provided to a digital display. The manual switch system of the present invention provides a compact, convenient, and simple to use solution for updating a digital display in many environments. In a particular example, the manual switch can be used within a fast food restaurant to quickly and easily update the menu such as when the restaurant switches from serving breakfast to lunch or dinner.

Abstract: A foot-operated controller for controlling a machine, comprising: a foot-receiving platform comprising a foot-receiving member and a base to be deposited on a receiving surface, the foot-receiving member having a first member end for receiving a foot of a user, the base protruding from a second opposite member end of the foot-receiving member, the base and the receiving surface forming a pivot joint for rocking the foot-receiving platform relative to the receiving surface in at least one direction; at least one sensor for detecting at least one rocking movement of the foot-receiving platform relative to the receiving surface in the at least one direction; and a communication interface unit for transmitting to the machine a respective command upon detection of the at least one rocking movement, the foot-operated controller being connectable to a power source for powering at least the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a display of geographical data on a primary display device to assist in navigating a mobile platform such as an aircraft, ship, train, land-based motor vehicle, etc. The system includes a graphical user interface module (GUI) for receiving a plurality of user inputs, and an image control module. The GUI generates a primary display of the complete route being traveled on the primary display device. If the entire route does not fit on the display device, then the image control module generates data that the GUI uses to generate a context display on the primary display device. The context display presents the entire route as a smaller image on the primary display device, simultaneously with the primary display. The user inputs for the GUI enable the user to zoom, pan and perform other image control operations on either the primary display or the context display.

Abstract: Tools for use within a 3D scene. The 3D scene may be presented by at least one display, which includes displaying at least one stereoscopic image of the 3D scene by the display(s). The 3D scene may be presented according to a first viewpoint. User input may be received to the 3D scene using one or more tools. The 3D scene may be updated in response to the use of the one or more tools.

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: A block tool, which can be assembled by a user, is configured with multiple types of blocks and is shot by a camera for capturing a still image or a moving image. The position coordinates of a marker of the square-pillar block in a three-dimensional space are obtained by image recognition. Also, a connecting position and the type of each block, a gradient vector of the square-pillar block, an angle between two blocks constituting the square-pillar block, and the respective blocks' lengths are obtained so as to derive the shape, posture, and position of the block tool, and corresponding information processing is then performed.

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

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method that include generating display video data of a plurality of images to be displayed respectively in a plurality of image display sections on a display screen from image data, determining display types indicating display modes of displaying the images of the image data on a picture by picture basis or GOP by GOP basis according to variations expressing extents of change of the image data, altering the display parameters or the reproduction parameters corresponding to the display video data according to the type information expressing the display types on a picture by picture basis or GOP by GOP basis as determined, and displaying the images to be displayed in the form of moving image on the display screen with time lags in the display sequence, using the display parameters or the reproduction parameters altered.

Abstract: A rotation sensing device comprises a capacitor module comprising an upper substrate and a lower substrate. The upper substrate comprises a plurality top plates mounted thereon, and the lower substrate comprises a plurality bottom plates mounted thereon. A pointing module comprises a pointer rotatably set between an upper substrate and a corresponding lower substrate. The pointer comprises a first portion. A detection circuit is electronically connected to the top plates and the bottom plates, and is configured for detecting pulses caused by a change of the capacitance resulting from movement of the first portion, determining a position change of the first portion relative to the initial position according the detected pulses, and determining a rotation orientation of the capacitor module according to the determined position change.

Abstract: An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a position acquisition unit for obtaining a display position of an input area in a display area, and a display control unit for controlling, based on the display position of the input area, in the display area a display position of an input operation area in which a character to be displayed in the input area is input. The display control unit displays the input area near the display position of the input area, and makes the input operation area follow the movement of the input area when the display position of the input area is moved.

Abstract: A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route.

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

Abstract: A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing display power consumption are disclosed. In some embodiments first information is displayed in an available display area including a first portion of a display screen in a configuration having a set of portions. The set of portions includes the first portion of the display screen, which is configured in a powered-on state to perform display functions and receive user input, and a second portion of the display screen, which is configured in a powered-off state. Responsive to a user indication in the in the first portion, the second portion is added to the available display area by transitioning the second portion to the powered-on state to perform display functions and receive user input. Second information is displayed in the second portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle which includes a display for presenting a list of entries, wherein an entry has an associated function of the motor vehicle, and wherein the motor vehicle comprises a rotary knob which is associated with the display, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and which can be rotated through a prescribed angle of rotation in order to move a marker from one entry to an entry which is adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided is a human interactive interface device having a functional turntable. The interface device includes a housing unit, an interface circuit, a sensor unit, and a control unit. The housing unit has at least a left key, a right key, a mouse wheel, and a turntable. The turntable is disposed around the mouse wheel. The interface circuit is connected electrically to the turntable for generating a dial signal in accordance to a dial position of the turntable. The senor unit is located on the lower surface of the housing, and captures an image signal according to a reflex formed on a contact surface. The control unit is connected electrically to the interface circuit and the sensor unit, and is used for adjusting a coordinate axis positioning angle or a coordinate vector ratio of the sensor unit according to the dial signal, and further calculates a displacement according to the image signal.

Abstract: A flexible display device and a method for accurately recognizing a user's flex input bending of the flexible display device is described. The present invention is able to discard unintentional flexing of the flexible display device while being able to accurately recognize a user's intended flex input command based on a number of bending degree thresholds. A first bending threshold must be overcome in order to initially recognize a user's flex input as a valid flex input command. Then the user's flex input must fall below a second bending threshold in order to cease the recognition of the user's flex input as a valid flex input.

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

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of displaying data for the same are disclosed. The data display method includes displaying one or more tags, checking whether a motion of the mobile terminal is detected, identifying the terminal motion if terminal motion is detected, and displaying rearranged tags when the identified terminal motion is related to tag rearrangement.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in a case that two or more players play a game in turn, when a game as to a certain player is ended, the CPU selects a player for a next game out of registered already-selected players who have already been selected to participate in the game or not-yet-selected players who have not yet been selected to participate in the game according to an instruction by the player. If the not-yet-selected player is selected as a player for the next game, the player is registered as an already-selected player.

Abstract: An operating device for a household appliance includes an electronic display panel, and an operating element that is displaceable relative to the display panel to set operating conditions of the household appliance. The operating element has a region which is disposed within an area of the display panel.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.

Abstract: A rotary switch mechanism includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a push button and a triggered switch. By rotating the first rotatable member, a first rotation command is executed. By rotating the second rotatable member, a second rotation command is executed. By moving a user's finger on the push button, a motion command is executed. By pressing down the push button to trigger the push switch, a pushing command is executed. In such way, the rotary switch mechanism may be used to input plural commands.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a user interface device to set and control a function of an electronic apparatus, including a display unit configured to display screens for option groups of the function, a knob configured to enable a manipulation by a user, a depth sensor unit configured to sense depth of the knob, and a control unit, if the function is selected, configured such that an option group transition of the selected function is performed based on depth information according to the manipulation by the user, and a screen of an option group to which the option group transition is made is displayed.

Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.

Abstract: An operating and display device is provided for a vehicle having a display unit and having a rotary knob for selecting a function and/or for selecting a menu within a hierarchical menu structure shown using the display unit. The rotary knob forming an operating unit is movable in both directions of its rotational axis, and pressing of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a first hierarchy direction and pulling of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a second, opposing hierarchy direction of the menu.

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 touch detecting device comprises at least one driving circuit, a plurality of conductive lines and at least one sensing circuit. The originally available conductive lines of a touch panel are used to detect a finger touch by means of detecting a current leakage through the finger to the ground. Thus, the invention can reduce the hardware cost, avoid noise interference and correctly respond to a finger touch.

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

Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal equipment which can prevent operation keys from being increased and which is capable of reducing the numbers of pushing the operation keys down at the time of input of characters.

Abstract: A variable form handheld computer may be configurable either as a short form handheld computer or as long form handheld computer. The variable form handheld computer comprises a variable form housing frame configurable as either a short form housing frame or a long form housing frame. The variable form housing frame comprises a plurality of handheld computing modules comprising a keyboard module, a circuitry module, a battery module and a variable form display screen. The variable form display screen is configurable either as a short form display screen or a long form display screen. The long form housing frame securely frames the handheld computing modules when the variable form display screen is configured as the long form display screen, and the short form housing frame securely frames the plurality of computing modules when the variable form display screen is configured as the short form display screen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a device and a method for providing a haptic motion feedback to user interacting with a simulated three-dimensional (“3D”) environment. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a belt assembly, coupled to the base. The belt assembly includes a housing having an opening and a belt adapted to rotate within the housing for conveying a motion of an object moving in the simulated 3D environment. To indicate a horizontal component of object's motion, in one embodiment, the base is rotated, thus causing the belt assembly to rotate around its central axis. To indicate a vertical component of the object's motion, in one embodiment, the belt assembly is tilted. Optionally, the belt may include a plurality of protrusions and/or indentations on its surface for indicating to the user distances covered by the object within the simulated 3D environment.

Abstract: A hand-held text input device includes a game controller and a keyboard. The device comfortably accommodates the hands of a user while the thumbs and fingers are associated with actuators of the game controller and keys of the keyboard. The overall configuration of the device and the arrangement of the actuators and keys permit the user to operate all of the functions provided by the device while the forearms are in a neutral posture zone between pronation and supination of the forearm, while the wrists are minimally extended, and while the fingers are comfortably flexed.

Abstract: Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.