Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic device having rotary input members. The device includes a substantially cylindrical main body, at least one hollow rotary input member rotatably connected to the main body, at least one pair of pads including two pads spaced from each other, arranged on the main body and beneath the at least one rotary input member, at least one selection contact arranged on an internal surface of the at least one rotary input member, and a processing unit. When a closed loop includes a pair of pads, a selection contact and the processing unit is formed, the processing unit determines input characters according to a relationship table.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and method provide an input apparatus having a number of input members, at least a portion of the input members being movable among an unactuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position in order to provide input. The improved method of enabling input into the handheld electronic device includes detecting a first input from a first input member, responsive to the first input, performing a first navigational function, such as a scrolling operation, at a first speed, detecting a second input form the first input member and, responsive to the second input, performing the first navigational function at a second speed, the second speed being different (e.g., greater) than the first speed. The input apparatus may include a substantially sealable, resilient membrane with the input members being disposed on the resilient membrane in order to provide an improved, ruggedized input apparatus.

Abstract: An interface device (15) is provided that includes an operating knob (30) for outputting an operation command signal to in-vehicle equipment, the operating knob (30) being provided with a palm rest portion (30a) for an occupant's palm to be placed on, and a switch (31) being disposed on the operating knob (30) within a region that a fingertip can reach while the palm is placed on the palm rest portion (30a). Since this determines the positional relationship between the switch (31) and the fingertip when the palm is placed on the palm rest portion (30a), even if the switch (31) is operated without being visually checked it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring and, moreover, the operability is remarkably improved.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a base segment, a sliding segment, and an input module. The base segment defines more than one indicator. The sliding segment is slidably connected to the base segment and defines a pointer operable to align with an indicator. The input module includes a first magnet, a second magnet, and a sensor. The first magnet is received in the base segment. The second magnet is fixed to the sliding segment to align with the first magnet, and is configured for applying a magnetic force to the first magnet. The sensor is connected to the first magnet to sense the magnetic force and convert the magnetic force into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signal is inputted to the electronic device.

Abstract: A slide operation apparatus capable of preventing a movable unit from being unintentionally moved in a box body, while being easy to assemble and simple in construction. The movable unit includes a gondola to which an operating element is fixed. The gondola is adapted to be movable relative to upper and lower guide bars. A sliding contact assembly includes a plate spring to which an insulation sheet is assembled. The sliding contact assembly in a curved state is mounted to a fixture portion of the operating element by having pawls of the plate spring engaged with notches formed in the fixture portion. During the entire movement process of the movable unit, the curved convex portion of the sliding contact assembly is in sliding contact with the lower guide bar.

Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic equipment which gives a feeling of speedy operation free from strange feeling, and has a function operability which is more suitable to the actual usage pattern of a user.

Abstract: A retention member holds a tip of a pen received in an inner space of a unit body through an opening. A narrowed path member is placed within the inner space at a position between a large-diameter member of the pen and the opening, when the retention member holds the pen. The large-diameter member expands outward from the outer peripheral surface of the pen by a predetermined amount. The narrowed path member contacts the large-diameter member when the pen is released from the retention member, and creates enough interference to prevent the pen from falling out of the unit body, but otherwise allows the pen to be drawn out of the opening.

Abstract: An operation device includes: an operated body; an operation signal producing part that produces an operation signal based on an operation on the operated body; and a tactile information presenting part that presents tactile information through the operated body. The operation device may be applied to an electronic book device for flipping of pages.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying a content item having at least one attribute that is changeable in value, maintaining a history of image states, each image state in the history corresponding to a change in at least one attribute value relative to another image state, and based on the maintained history of image states, generating multiple modified image states such that a quantity of modified image states is different from a quantity of image states in the maintained history.

Abstract: An information input device is provided which is to make input of information by operating a disk-shaped rotating member. The device includes the rotating member (36) which is rotatable with one main side thereof being operated, rotation detecting means (23, 32) for detecting a rotation of the rotating member (36), a central switch activator (26) provided at the center of rotation of the rotating member (36), a central switch (270) which is activated by operating the central switch activator (26), and a plurality of peripheral switches (27) which are turned on when a portion, apart from the center of rotation, of the rotating member (36) is pressed. Rotating the rotating member and pressing the apart portion makes input of information, and operating the central switch activator sets the information thus entered.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing tactile feedback to an operator. The apparatus includes first and second magnetic assemblies having first and second magnets, respectively. The apparatus further includes a user input device, such as a trigger, a knob, a release cord, or a joystick, that is connected to at least one of the two assemblies and positions the first magnet proximate to the second magnet such that interaction occurs between the magnetic fields to generate a force that is exerted on the input device. The force may be an opposing, resisting, or attractive force that creates movement of the user input such as resisting a triggering or releasing action in an interactive video game when the poles are of like polarity. The first magnetic assembly may be stationary, and the second magnetic assembly may be connected to the user input device to be positioned relative to the first magnet assembly.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selecting clearly defined picture elements of a picture displayed in a video screen display by use of an operating element. The operating element can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. The operating element can be rotated with stop positions and controls a search beam rotatable about a center. The angle of rotation of the search beam changes with each stop position of the operating element and is variably adapted to the position of the picture elements such that the search beam hits exactly one clearly defined picture element in each stop position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating device for a user interface and a method for generating a control signal by way of a user interface. For example, the operating device comprises operating elements and a control device, by means of which at least one control signal can be generated in a manner dependent on the state of the operating elements. The operating device comprises a first at least two-dimensional element and a second elongate element, which are displaceable relative to one another in at least two different directions. Furthermore, the operating device comprises a control device, by means of which, on the basis of the relative position of the second elongate element with respect to the first at least two-dimensional element, an overlap of the two elements can be detected and at least one control signal with interval values can be generated in a manner dependent on said overlap.

Abstract: A pointing device that can move an object in a desired direction on a display screen includes a control unit that switches between a first mode and a second mode in accordance with the contents of the display on the display screen. In the first mode, the pointing device outputs information as to the location of the object within a pointing area. In the second mode, the pointing device divides the pointing area into a plurality of areas and outputs information as to the divided area in which the object is located.

Abstract: To provide an image processing device, image processing method, and data processing method for a game device providing novel game features. In a multiple-player game device 1 comprising mutually coupled input mechanisms 31, it is possible for a game to be played by fewer people than the aforementioned number of players, by using a portion of the input mechanisms 31, the coupling of the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by the fewer number of players being disengaged in cases where a game is played by a fewer number of players.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled using a pointing device coupled to two rotatable hand wheels. The pointing device tracks movement of the two hand wheels and communicates the movement to a control system which controls a moveable element.

Abstract: Embodiments related to dual mode rotatable input devices that permit both resistive and non-resistive rotation are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a stationary hub, a rotatable member rotatable around the stationary hub, and a resistive rotation mechanism forming an interface between the stationary hub and the rotatable member. The resistive rotation mechanism comprises a resistive surface and a movable interface member configured to selectively contact the resistive surface, wherein the resistive surface and the movable interface member move relative to one another with rotation of the rotatable member. The resistive mechanism further comprises a biasing mechanism that urges the movable interface member into engagement with the resistive surface when a rotational velocity of the rotatable member is below a threshold velocity, and allows separation of the interface member and the resistive surface when the rotational velocity of the rotatable member is above the threshold velocity.

Abstract: The operation unit includes a shaft that receives by its one end a pressing force applied through a pressing operation by a finger/thumb, a rotating body that rotates about the shaft according to an operation by the finger/thumb within a movable range of the finger/thumb, a first sensor that detects a pressing force applied to the shaft in an axial direction of the shaft, a second sensor that detects a pressing force applied to the shaft in a direction other than the axial direction of the shaft, and a third sensor that detects a rotating state of the rotating body.

Abstract: A control system controls a hardware switch which receives a usage command for utilizing an auxiliary function of a vehicle and a software switch displayed with an information portion indicating the auxiliary function and a command portion for input of the usage command through a screen. When either of the hardware switch or the software switch is operated, information is provided for identifying the other switch that corresponds to the auxiliary function commanded by the operated switch.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for conducting and staging money transfer transactions from a vehicle. The systems and methods may include using a wireless transmitter on board the vehicle for wirelessly communicating with a money transfer system. Also, a user-input device integrated with the vehicle's navigation system, entertainment system, and/or climate system may be used. Using the wireless transmitter, the user-input device may interface with the money transfer system. Also, one or more identity authentication devices may be integrated with the vehicle that collect information to authenticate a user's identity.

Abstract: Provided is an inputting device that is disposed in an opening of a cabinet surface. The device includes an elastic sheet having an outside surface disposed on an inside surface of the cabinet including the opening and across the opening. A sliding key is fixed on the outside surface of the elastic sheet with at least a portion in the opening of said cabinet surface. The device also includes sensors to detect movement, in a horizontal direction that is substantially parallel to said cabinet surface, of the sliding key. The device also includes guides being possible to be recognized optically that are disposed on designated positions on the elastic sheet, and the sensors detect the moved direction and the amount of the horizontal movement of the sliding key by reading the movements of said guides optically.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the management of glucose levels in the body of patient featuring user interface input mechanisms configured to provide haptic feedback to the user are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback in a user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a manipulandum, a rotor in communication with the manipulandum, an actuator in communication with the rotor, and a biasing element disposed between the manipulandum and the rotor. The actuator may be configured to vary a force on the rotor. The biasing element may be configured to store at least a portion of energy input to the apparatus when the actuator increases the force on the rotor, and to provide at least a portion of the stored energy to the manipulandum when the actuator decreases the force on the rotor, or when the manipulandum is released.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing haptic feedback are described. One described apparatus comprises a braking surface, an electromagnet core disposed in the braking surface, a disk operable to contact the braking surface such that a gap is defined between the disk and the braking surface, and a damping material disposed within the gap.

Abstract: A reproducing means for performing reproduction processing on digital data which is read out from a predetermined recording medium recording the digital data, a manipulating means for making an instruction of reproducing the digital data inserted in the recording medium, a control means for reading the digital data from the recording medium in accordance with the reproduction instruction input with the manipulating means and sending it to the reproducing means, and for controlling the reproducing means to perform reproduction processing on the digital data, and a cylindrical case for containing the reproducing means and the control means are provided, and wherein the manipulating means is provided on one end side on one plane in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical case. Thereby the user can manipulate the manipulating means without taking out a portable recording and/or reproducing device from a bag or a pocket, thus making it possible to remarkably improve its manipulation.

Abstract: A laboratory apparatus having at least one control device (4) comprising an electric printed-circuit board (15) of the control device (4) that is disposed on an instrument body (2) of the laboratory apparatus (1) and has at least one electric control element (16, 18), at least one operator interface (6) of the control device (4) including at least one operator control (11, 33); a retaining device (29, 30) for detachably holding the operator interface (6) on the instrument body (2) with the operator control (11, 33) oriented to the control element (16, 18), and a mechanical and/or magnetic connection for detachably joining the control element (16, 18) mechanically and/or magnetically to the operator control (11, 33).

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: An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the computer running an application program and generating a graphical image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipulatable object in communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between the graphical image and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation.

Abstract: A computer device comprises an output monitor configured to determine an output configuration setting for the computer device and automatically actuate an output setting indicator corresponding to the output configuration setting.

Abstract: A mission control grip mounted to a consol to provide a crew interface with a multitude of systems through a multitude of Multi-Functional Displays (MFDs). The mission control grip includes a fist-shaped grip movable about a first axis and a second axis, a thumb-operated control switch and a switch for each finger. Even while steering one system the crewmember may still move a cursor to interact with that system modes/menu controls such as changing focus or magnitude on the MFD selected for the sensor system—or perform other tasks on another MFD not related to the MFD upon which the current system field of view is displayed.

Abstract: A rotary quad control interface that allows a vehicle driver to control several vehicle systems without focusing on the interface itself. The interface includes four touch pads disposed in four quadrants of the interface, an outer rotary dial positioned substantially at the center of the four touch pads and an inner rotary dial disposed within the outer rotary dial and being concentric thereto, where the inner rotary dial also operates as a push button. A display screen displays the operation of the interface, and includes a first display portion, a second display portion, a third display portion and a fourth display portion that are provided as quadrants on the display screen and are representative of the touch pads on the interface.

Abstract: An information input device is provided which is to make input of information by operating a disk-shaped rotating member. The device includes the rotating member (36) which is rotatable with one main side thereof being operated, rotation detecting means (23, 32) for detecting a rotation of the rotating member (36), a central switch activator (26) provided at the center of rotation of the rotating member (36), a central switch (270) which is activated by operating the central switch activator (26), and a plurality of peripheral switches (27) which are turned on when a portion, apart from the center of rotation, of the rotating member (36) is pressed. Rotating the rotating member and pressing the apart portion makes input of information, and operating the central switch activator sets the information thus entered.

Abstract: A user interface for receiving inputs from a user includes a touch sensitive surface having a plurality of regions where each region corresponds to a switch having a function. The user interface also includes an interface disposed on the touch sensitive surface over at least one of the plurality of regions. The interface comprises a material that is at least partially transparent and that is configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. The touch sensitive surface may emit light that is visible through the interface. The interface may further include a plurality of buttons disposed over the plurality of regions wherein the light is selectively provided to each of the plurality of buttons. The touch sensitive surface may include a display that is configured to provide text and graphics that are visible through the interface. The user interface may be mounted in, for example, a vehicle.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

Abstract: Mechanisms for a control knob or other interface device providing additional degrees of freedom for the knob. One embodiment provides a rotatable knob moveable also in lateral plane approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A mechanism providing the lateral motion can include agate member and a plunger member that engages grooves in the gate member. A rotational sensor detects a rotational position and a lateral sensor can detect a lateral position of the knob. Another embodiment provides an actuator that includes a shaft that is coaxial with the axis of rotation and which can be moved linearly along the axis of rotation with respect to actuator housing to accommodate linear motion of the knob. In another embodiment, a gear assembly including two interlocked gears is provided to transmit rotational motion from the knob to the sensor, and the interlocked gears translate with respect to each other when the knob is translate along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A user interface for respiratory apparatus comprises a combination of a menu display (302), push buttons (304, 308, 310) and a rotary control dial (306). The user interface may include a menu control for detecting at least one parameter from the user's operation of the controls to navigate the menu and applying this to subsequent operation of the user interface controls. The user parameter may be a direction of operation of the rotary control dial which the user associates with a particular direction of navigation within the menu.

Abstract: Input device in which a defect of a control disk is eliminated while making use of an advantage of the control disk and an electronic device using the input device. The input device may include: an operation panel, which may be operated by a user; a board, which may be arranged to be opposed to a surface opposite to an operation surface of the operation panel operated by the user; a conductive elastic body and a pusher, which may be fixed on the operation panel; and a sensor portion and a member to be pressed, which may be placed on the board to be opposed to the conductive elastic body and the pusher, respectively.

Abstract: A haptic effect control system includes: a user interface adapted to receive a user-provided input and transmit a control signal representing the user-provided input; a controller in communication with the user interface and adapted to receive the control signal, analyze the control signal, and generate and transmit a first haptic-audio signal in response to the analysis of the control signal, wherein the first haptic-audio signal represents a first audio output for creating a desired sound pressure deviation from the ambient pressure of the user's environment; and an audio system including a device capable of producing the first audio output having a desired sound pressure level, wherein the audio system is adapted to receive the first haptic-audio signal and transmit the first audio output in response to the first haptic-audio signal.

Abstract: A reproducing means for performing reproduction processing on digital data which is read out from a predetermined recording medium recording the digital data, a manipulating means for making an instruction of reproducing the digital data inserted in the recording medium, a control means for reading the digital data from the recording medium in accordance with the reproduction instruction input with the manipulating means and sending it to the reproducing means, and for controlling the reproducing means to perform reproduction processing on the digital data, and a cylindrical case for containing the reproducing means and the control means are provided, and wherein the manipulating means is provided on one end side on one plane in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical case. Thereby the user can manipulate the manipulating means without taking out a portable recording and/or reproducing device from a bag or a pocket, thus making it possible to remarkably improve its manipulation.

Abstract: An operation device for a vehicle is provided that enables switching over of a plurality of operation menu display screens and switching over of a plurality of function display screens for in-vehicle equipment displayed on a monitor by tilting of an operating knob (30) in eight directions, pivoting of the operating knob (30) around its axis, and operation of a main switch (31) and a sub switch (32) provided on the operating knob (30). In this process, since the operating knob (30) is not pivoted around its axis without limit but it is restricted so that pivoting is possible only in a predetermined angle range, it is not necessary to change the grip on the operating knob (30) when pivoting the operating knob (30), the burden on the wrist is lessened, and the operability is improved. Moreover, since the main switch (31) and the sub switch (32) are provided on the operating knob (20), they can be operated without detaching the hand from the operating knob (30), thus further improving the operability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting force output from force feedback devices based on user contact with the device. A degree of user contact with a manipulandum of the device is determined by examining the motion of the manipulandum in at least one degree of freedom. A force is output in the degree of freedom of the manipulandum by an actuator of the force feedback device, where a magnitude of the force is adjusted in accordance with the degree of user contact. The force output can be stopped if the user is not contacting the manipulandum, or the forces can be reduced in magnitude if the user has a light contact or reduced grip on the manipulandum. The device can also continue to monitor manipulandum motion to determine when the user is again interacting with the manipulandum and to reapply or increase the magnitude of the forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radio with a key and knob combination. To solve problems such as inconvenience caused by the independent PTT key and volume control knob on the traditional radios, the present invention provides a radio with a key and knob combination, comprising a PPT key unit and a volume control unit, wherein the key is installed inside a central cavity of the knob, which is a hollow knob, to form the key and knob combination. Rotation of the knob (106) may drive the shaft (102) and the toggle piece (111) to rotate synchronously, and then toggle the volume switch (112), while the pressed key (101) may cause the shaft (102) moving axially to toggle the PTT switch (103). When operating the radio with a single hand, users can both press the PTT key to initiate a call and rotate the knob to adjust the volume level by a thumb or a forefinger, and the operation is very convenient.

Abstract: In an input device, a switch contact is partially located under a display element, and one of a case and an operation body includes grooves, and the other includes projections to be engaged with the grooves. This saves the space of the top surface of a wiring board, thereby reducing the entire size of the input device. This also allows the operation body to move vertically by the grooves and the projections. As a result, the operation body is prevented from wobbling or tilting, thereby ensuring the electrical connection and disconnection of the switch contact.

Abstract: An apparatus operating system includes a display unit and an input operation apparatus. The display unit displays an electronic map and an operation menu included in a multi-layer hierarchical structure. The input operation apparatus is a rotary switch or joy-stick enabled to input an operation direction or operation amount. When the input operation apparatus is operated with no operation menu displayed, the display unit displays a specific operation menu previously associated with the inputted operation direction or operation amount.

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: Systems and methods for a friction rotary device for haptic feedback are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes: a haptic device including: a passive actuator including: a rotatable plate; a fixed plate configured to apply friction to the rotatable plate; a piezoelectric material mounted to one of the fixed plate or the rotatable plate, the piezoelectric material configured to receive a first haptic signal and vibrate; and a rotatable object configured to be connected to the rotatable plate.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the provision of a data input device that is operated by a novel method of inputting the force applied on a force sensor as polar coordinate data and subjecting the data to input processing which utilizes the r value and the ? value. A portable telephone 1 detects the force applied on a force sensor 51 of an input unit 50 as rectangular coordinate data and converts the detected rectangular coordinate data into polar coordinate data. Then, with reference to an allocating table that has recorded characters and ranges of ? values to which the individual characters are allocated, the character allocated to the obtained ? value is selected. Then, when the r value larger than a prescribed threshold is input, the entry of the selected parameter is determined.

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: A portable computer with an improved scrolling mechanism preferably includes: a display panel through which an image is displayed; an image processing unit configured to process an image displayed through the display panel; a casing configured to accommodate the image processing unit; a manipulation knob which is slidably arranged on the casing; a sensing unit configured to sense a movement of the manipulation knob; and a controller configured to control the image processing unit such that a screen displayed through the display panel is moved according to the movement of the manipulation knob, sensed by the sensing unit. With this configuration, the portable computer permits intuitive movement of a screen displayed through a display panel with ease and precision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit, the device comprising at least one training and/or rehabilitation unit, a sensor unit having a sensor for determining oxygen concentration and for determining carbon dioxide concentration, a control unit for the sensors, a microcontroller in the control unit for controlling the heating power of heating elements of the sensors, depending on breath flow volume, for maintaining constant sensor temperatures, and a resistance and/or braking arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit that can be controlled and/or regulated based on the breath gas composition determined by the sensor unit. Said device can be used to increase endurance, preferably by means of altitude training.