Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a user input interface, which customizes tactilely distinguishable inputs on the user input interface based on available or currently in use functions on a target device. For example, a user input interface on a remote device (e.g., a tablet computer) may generate physical buttons associated with a function (e.g., adjusting volume) in response to determining that that function is available on a target device (e.g., a television, personal computer, or set-top box).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location.

Abstract: A method for using a vehicle user interface is provided, the user interface utilizing a touch screen display mounted within the vehicle. A proximity detection system provides a means for switching the touch screen display from the sleep mode to the normal use mode without the user having to touch the screen, thus expediting user interaction with the touch screen. The proximity detection system may be configured to distinguish the user's presence per touch screen zone, thereby allowing the system controller to switch only a zone of the touch screen from the sleep mode to the normal use mode.

Abstract: A haptic device includes a flexible holder; an elongated piezo bender supported at one end thereof by the holder; a mass supported by the elongated piezo bender and positioned at an end of the elongated piezo bender opposite the end supported by the holder; and an electrical driving signal generator configured to generate a signal to create a vibration in the elongated piezo bender.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for managing how signals, which are sensed on a tool, are presented to an operator of the tool. According to one example of a method for managing signals, the method comprises allowing an operator to manipulate a tool having a plurality of output mechanisms mounted thereon. The method also includes sensing a property of an object located near or adjacent to a distal portion of the tool and processing the sensed property to obtain one or more output signals. Furthermore, the method includes applying the one or more output signals to one or more of the output mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer storage media are provided for initiating clinical actions associated with a clinical object on a touch screen interface using incremental gestures. A clinical object is presented in an object row on the touch screen interface, and clinical actions associated with the clinical object are determined. A user gesture comprising an incremental gesture of the object row in a first direction is detected; the incremental gesture reveals an indicator associated with one of the clinical actions. The indicator is revealed after the incremental gesture has traveled a first distance. The action is initiated upon release of the incremental gesture.

Abstract: Creating a graphical representation of at least one of a chemical structure and a biological structure using a touch screen interface may include identifying connection location(s) of an in-progress structure and connection location(s) of a separate structure element, determine, upon receipt of a gesture input moving the structure element towards the in-progress structure, that a distance between a first connection location of the in-progress structure and a first connection location of the structure element signals an intended connection of the structure element to the in-progress structure at or about the corresponding connection locations, analyze a resultant structure formed by connection of the in-progress structure and the structure element at or about the corresponding connection locations to determine a response, and provide a visible cue, an audible cue, and/or a haptic cue corresponding to the response.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing feedback to users within an environment that interact with user interfaces (UIs) that are projected within the environment. For instance, the systems and techniques may project a UI that includes one or more selectable portions, such as keys, icons, sliders, dials, or any other type of control. After projecting the UI, the systems and techniques may identify the user attempting to interact with the UI. In response, the systems and techniques may provide feedback to the user indicating that the user has engaged the UI. For instance, the systems and techniques may visually alter the projected UI, may output a sound via one or more speakers within the environment, or may provide the feedback in any other manner.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device includes a main body and a touch panel, formed on the main body, on which an operating button is provided, the mobile terminal device being characterized in that when a specific condition which will cause the main body to vibrate is established, at least one of a size of the operating button on the touch panel, a size of character or symbol given on the operating button, a color or luminance of the operating button, and a response voice when the operating button is manipulated is changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying content and a computer-readable recording medium thereof are disclosed. The method for displaying content includes: generating a page corresponding to a content file included in a folder; generating a folder display portion corresponding to the folder and an information display layer including the page; outputting the information display layer on a content display apparatus; sensing touch of the content display apparatus; and changing an output format of the information display layer based on the sensed touch.

Abstract: A method of providing a user interface for controlling a system (1;27) includes observing a presence of a body or body part of a user in a certain environment of a device (6,14-17;30). At least a perceptible part (28,34) of the user interface is made available to the user in association with a particular functionality for interacting with the system (1;27) controlled by the user interface in dependence on a rate of displacement of the body or body part of the user observed in the certain environment.

Abstract: A terminal and a method for providing a see-through input provide intuitive control of a plurality of applications. The terminal may include a touchscreen to display a first application and a second application and to sense occurrence of a touch and generate a touch signal; and a control unit to determine whether the touch signal is a general input for the first application or a see-through input for the second application and to execute a function of an application corresponding to the general input or the see-through input.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a control section which, if it is determined that a first object is selected by an operating body, causes a second object, which is obtained by duplicating a part or all of the first object, to be displayed at a predetermined position on a second display surface, and if it is determined that the second object is selected by the operating body, hides the first object displayed at the position indicated by object coordinate information and also updates the object coordinate information with in-second display surface destination coordinate information.

Abstract: A method for displaying a background screen in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes resizing at least one of a plurality of background screens according to a first input, displaying at least one of the at least one resized background screen, detecting a second input, and transitioning among the resized background screens based on the detected second input, wherein the background screens respectively include an icon that may represent a grouping of a first icon and a second icon respectively displayed on one of the plurality of background screens.

Abstract: A portable terminal and a method for controlling locking and unlocking of a touch screen are provided. The method of unlocking a portable terminal includes displaying a three dimensional (3D) lock screen recognized in 3D on a screen, and determining a locking state of the portable terminal based on a spatial gesture input when the spatial gesture input is detected on the 3D lock screen.

Abstract: A method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of notifying a specific option among plural options to a user by using an electronic device 1, including a step of detecting plural touches made by the user on the touch pad 10. The plural options including the specific option are determined according to a situation of use of the electronic device 1. The plurality of touched positions on the touch pad 10 are associated with the plural options. There is further included a step of presenting a tactile sensation at a touched position among the plurality of touched positions that is associated with the specific option, the tactile sensation being distinct from that for any other touched position.

Abstract: On-screen help with contextual shortcut on an appliance The invention relates to an appliance (100) with a user interface (110) comprising a display (111) for showing indications about conditions in the appliance, and first (112, 114) and second (113) touch-sensitive input means. The second input means causes the interface to enter an assistance mode displaying which assistance items, which a processing means (121) extracts from a collection (122) of assistance information based on the content of the display when the assistance mode is invoked. In one embodiment, a data record ensures that the user returns to the same page after consulting the assistance mode. In another embodiment, the appliance is adapted to update the collection of assistance information on the basis of data received at an external communication interface. In another embodiment, the display reacts differently to short and long activations of a given touch-sensitive input means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a driver or impairment assistive on board vehicle display, inactive control surface, and customization of a vehicle interface based on one or more of user impairment, user medical condition, user age, user physical condition, user driving characteristic and driving history are provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for displaying an image at an electronic device are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed that includes a first panel having a first display surface to display a graphical user interface element associated with an application. The electronic device also includes a second panel having a second display surface. The first display surface is separated from the second display surface by a gap. A processor is configured to execute program code including a graphical user interface. The processor is configured to launch or close the application in response to user input causing a movement of the graphical user interface element in relation to the gap.

Abstract: An electronic interaction apparatus is provided with a processing unit. The processing unit detects a drag event on a touch screen to indicate a first position to which a menu item is moved, and determines whether the first position corresponds to a page indicator other than a currently highlighted page indicator. If so, the processing unit further configures the touch screen to display a plurality of first menu items corresponding to the page indicator.

Abstract: An electronic device, a mobile communication terminal, method and computer program product for editing data The method of editing data of an electronic device displays an item list comprising at least one item; detecting first and second touch inputs and detects a change in a distance between first and second touch input points. The method executes a predetermined function related to the item list according to the detected distance change.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses method and device for triggering operations via interface components. The method comprises: triggering movement of a floating window corresponding to an interface component by operating on the floating window; moving the floating window to a first region; triggering a release command to release the floating window in the first region; running the interface component corresponding to the floating window in accordance with the release command. The device comprises: a triggering module that triggers movement of a floating window corresponding to an interface component by operating on the floating window; a movement module that moves the floating window to a first region; a release module that triggers a release command to release the floating window in the first region; and a running module that runs the interface component corresponding to the floating window in accordance with the release command. The present disclosure greatly enhances operational convenience.

Abstract: A method for executing a menu in a mobile terminal is disclosed, wherein the method includes displaying a first icon on a touch screen of the mobile terminal, receiving a first multi touch gesture pattern on the first icon, and displaying at least one second icon upon recognition of the first multi-gesture pattern, the at least one second icon a sub icon of the first icon.

Abstract: Interactive content may be presented to a user that is manipulating a peripheral. One or more state parameters that are related to the position of the peripheral may be determined. The peripheral may be identified from a plurality of possible peripherals. The interactive content may be adjusted based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral. Haptic feedback to be provided to the user may be determined based at least in part on the one or more position parameters and/or the identification of the peripheral.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a controller that is configured to execute an iconic menu system. A display is coupled to the controller and configured to display icons generated by the controller. A plurality of sensors are coupled to the controller and configured to detect a movement of the electronic device. Memory is also coupled to the controller. The controller is further configured to execute a selected one of a plurality of functions in response to the movement, the function being associated with a selected icon of the iconic menu system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic and gesture-driven paper simulation are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving an electronic document; receiving metadata associated with the electronic document, the metadata comprising a characteristic indicating a type of paper; generating and transmitting a display signal configured to cause display of the at least a portion of the document; and generating and transmitting a haptic signal based on the type of paper, the haptic signal configured to cause a haptic output device to generate a haptic effect.

Abstract: A method of receiving user input includes operating a software program in a first operating mode and modifying a graphical interface of the software program in response to receiving gesture. The method also includes receiving a haptic input and operating the software program in a second operating mode in response to the haptic input. In the second operating mode, the gesture produces a different modification to the graphical interface than in the first operating mode.

Abstract: Technologies for sharing information between computing devices comprises determining a location of a recipient destination computing device relative to a source computing device and transmitting information data to the recipient destination computing device based on an input gesture received on the source computing device and the relative location of the recipient computing device. The information data is usable by the recipient destination computing device to access the shared information. The input gesture may be embodied as a tactile or non-tactile gesture that indicates the relative location of the recipient computing device to which the information is to be shared.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed at a multifunction device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface. The method includes detecting multiple input gestures by a user, beginning with an initial input gesture. For each input gesture after the initial input gesture, the method scrolls information on the display at a respective scrolling speed. The respective scrolling speed is determined based on the respective input gesture movement speed in the input gesture and a movement multiplier. The method determines whether the respective input gesture meets one or more swipe gesture criteria, and determines whether the respective input gesture meets one or more successive gesture criteria. When the input gesture meets the one or more swipe gesture criteria and the one or more successive gesture criteria, the method updates the movement multiplier in accordance with one or more movement multiplier adjustment criteria.

Abstract: A computer-implemented user interface method for a computing device is disclosed. The method includes associating each of a plurality of telephone keys with a direction of each key relative to a center of a telephone keypad, receiving a contact from a user of the device at a location on a touchscreen display of a computing device and an input at a direction relative to the location of the user contact, and causing a telephone number to be entered on the computing device based on the direction of each key relative to the center of the telephone keypad corresponding to the direction relative to the location of the user contact.

Abstract: A media program is displayed on a touch-sensitive screen of an electronic device. On the touch-sensitive screen, a scroll bar and an indicator are displayed. The indicator is configured to be moved along the scroll bar in a first direction or a second direction. A movement of the indicator in the first direction along the scroll bar causes the media program to be navigated forward in time, and a movement of the indicator in the second direction along the scroll bar causes the media program to be navigated backward in time. The indicator is moved along the scroll bar in one of the first and second directions in response to a user engagement of the touch-sensitive screen. The moving of the indicator comprises snapping the indicator to a predefined location on the scroll bar.

Abstract: An interactive wall provides tactile feedback based on detected touch and displayed content on the wall surface. Upon detecting a touch on the wall surface, the interactive wall provides real time tactile feedback corresponding to the touch employing one or more actuators. The interactive wall itself may serve as projection surface for the display or a wall-size display be affixed to the wall trans-conducting tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer storage media are provided for initiating clinical actions associated with a clinical object on a touch screen interface using incremental gestures. A clinical object is presented in an object row on the touch screen interface, and clinical actions associated with the clinical object are determined. A user gesture comprising an incremental gesture of the object row in a first direction is detected; the incremental gesture reveals an indicator associated with one of the clinical actions. The indicator is revealed after the incremental gesture has traveled a first distance. The action is initiated upon release of the incremental gesture.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver controlled by a screen remote controller and a space remote controller and controlling method, the method including according to an embodiment displaying a screen remote controller, partitioning a portion of a whole screen of the broadcast receiver into at least two control regions, displaying a pointer to enable a first pointing signal outputted from the space remote controller to indicate one control region of the screen remote controller, receiving a second pointing signal from the space remote controller, and executing a function corresponding to the one control region indicated by the pointer.

Abstract: A screen reader software product for low-vision users, the software having a reader module collecting textual and non-textual display information generated by a web browser or word processor. Font styling, interface layout information and the like are communicated to the end user by sounds broadcast simultaneously rather than serially with the synthesized speech to improve the speed and efficiency in which information may be digested by the end user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing feedback in a portable apparatus are provided. An object is displayed on a touch screen of the portable apparatus. A first touch, from an input unit, is detected at a position on the touch screen corresponding to the displayed object. The object is selected in response to the first touch. A copy command by which the selected object is copied to a copy target is received from the input unit. A first control command corresponding to haptic feedback determined in response to the received copy command is transmitted from the portable apparatus to the input unit.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a single touch or multiple touches is disclosed. A touch related sensing information with a single zero-crossing is used for determining a pair of values, and the locations of a pair of centroids are calculated depending on the pair of values. The distance between the locations of the pair of centroids can be used to determine whether the number of touches is one or more.

Abstract: An information processing device capable of processing navigation information is provided. A touch panel can display images and can receive a user's touch operation. An image generation section generates a navigation image including a map image and a plurality of operation button images for receiving the touch operation, the images being displayed on the touch panel. A plurality of operation button images include a first operation button image related to a navigation function and a second operation button image related to a plurality of functions other than the navigation function. The image generation section generates a first image which is obtained by combining the navigation image and the first operation button image and a second image which includes the second operation button. The first image and the second image are respectively displayed in a first display region and a second display region. The first display region and the second display region are separated by a movable boundary.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for configuring the touch-sensitive area and/or the tap duration associated with a plurality of touch-sensitive soft buttons of a vehicle user interface in response to varying vehicle conditions. In particular, as a monitored vehicle condition deteriorates, the system controller coupled to the vehicle user interface expands the touch-sensitive region and/or increases the tap duration of the touch-sensitive soft buttons, thereby improving the user's ability to successfully interact with the interface. Vehicle conditions that may be monitored and used to configure the touch-sensitive area and/or tap duration include passenger cabin vibration levels, vehicle speed, turn radius, lateral force levels, precipitation levels and external ambient temperature.

Abstract: A portable electronic device displays icons (e.g., graphical objects) in one or more regions of a user interface of a touch-sensitive display, and detects user input specifying an exchange of positions of icons in the user interface. In some aspects, the respective positions of two icons in a user interface can be selected to exchange positions in the one or more regions of the user interface, and one or both icons can change their visual appearance to indicate their selection status.

Abstract: A method for selecting a graphic widget displayed on a background of an interactive input system comprises tracking one or more touch points associated with the background, and in the event that one or more touch points coincide with a location of the graphic widget, associating the coinciding touch points with the graphic widget.

Abstract: A mobile phone messaging system and method for managing display of messages to mobile phone users. A mobile client application operates at user's mobile phone. Mobile content providers manage the display of messages and related interactions throughout a specific period of time (e.g., daily, weekly, bi-weekly). Phone wakeup time data and message identifying data are transmitted from a mobile content provider server to a mobile phone. The wakeup time data and message identifying data are stored in the phone. The wakeup times are also added to a registry at the phone that facilitates launching of applications at the times indicated in the registry. At the specified wakeup times, the mobile client application determines the message identifying data associated with the wakeup time, connects to the mobile content provider server, and provides the message identifying data. The provider responds with a specific message and the mobile client application displays the message.

Abstract: APIs to test a device are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a housing, one or more sensors supported by the housing, and one or more modules disposed within the housing that are implemented at least partially in hardware. The one or more modules are configured to process inputs detected using the one or more sensors and expose one or more application programming interfaces to a robot to cause the robot to perform one or more operations that are detectable by the one or more sensors, the one or more operations usable to test detection performed by the one or more sensors and the processing of the inputs performed by the one or more modules.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an operating tool detector for detecting a touch state of an operating tool with a display panel; a display controller for, when change of a pointing direction of the operating tool is detected by the operating tool detector on an object selected on the display panel, controlling the display panel to display near the object an operation menu containing one or more operation items I selectable for the object; and an operation item selecting portion for, when the operation menu is displayed, selecting one of the operation items in accordance with the change in the pointing direction of the operating tool detected by the operating tool detector from the operation menu.

Abstract: A system and method for disambiguating a selection made on a touch-screen display is provided. Embodiments of the present invention determine when selectable objects are either too small or too closely spaced together to be easily selected through a touch-screen display. The selectablity of these objects may be improved by presenting them for selection in an enhanced presentation. The enhanced presentation may be generated by zooming into selectable objects or rerendering the display to increase the space between the selectable objects. Display of the enhanced presentation may be triggered by detecting selection of a selectable object.

Abstract: A user interface includes a tactile interface on a client device that allows users to interact with social networking system content in a manner that is optimized for touch screens and mobile devices. The tactile interface allows users to efficiently navigate the social networking system data as well as to capture new content for upload to the social networking system. New content may be captured in a way that allows the user to preview the content in-context.

Abstract: A computerized system for facilitating eye-free use, e.g. by the blind, of an electronic device, the system comprising an interface layer including a hierarchy of operating modes presenting a portion of a hierarchy of possible choices, each portion comprising possible users' choices within the hierarchy; and an OS for accepting, via a touch screen, selected options generated by the user responsive to the sequence of possible choices respectively, and for activating electronic device functionalities accordingly. The hierarchy of possible choices includes sequences of n possible choices presented within sequences of n operating modes having n predetermined archetypical formats each having at least one fixed characteristic. The interface layer includes an orientation signal generator for generating orientation signals, sensible by the user and uniquely associated with the archetypical formats.

Abstract: There is provided a haptic feedback device, including: a vibrating member coupled to a fixed body; and a vibrating element formed on the vibrating member to vibrate the vibrating member, wherein the vibrating member has a plurality of fixed points coupled to the fixed body while allowing a length thereof, vibrated by the vibrating element, to be changed.

Abstract: A dual-screen user device and methods for revealing a combination of desktops on single and multiple screens are disclosed. Specifically, a determined number of desktops and/or running applications can be selectively displayed on dual screen displays conditioned upon inputs received and the state of the device. Desktop displays and applications can be selectively shifted between the screens by user gestures, or moved off of the screens by other user gestures and hidden. The hidden desktops and screens can be re-displayed by yet another gesture. The desktops and applications are arranged in a window stack that represents a logical order of the desktops and applications. Desktops and applications can be selectively launched and added to the window stack. The user can also select where the desktops/applications are to be inserted and where they are first to be displayed after being launched.