Aspects of the present invention relate to external user interfaces used in connection with head worn computers (HWC).

A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.

An optical sensor system that uses focused (not collimated) light optics and produces effective tracking on a variety of surfaces while having looser manufacturing and/or operational tolerances than prior focused optics systems. Embodiments provide an optical sensor system for a mouse moveable on a surface. An LED and a light sensor are coupled to a substrate. An illumination lens directs light at a first angle to the surface, with the light focused on a focal point below the surface. An imaging lens focuses light reflected at an angle generally equal to the first angle on the light sensor. The focal point is sufficiently below the surface so that that the diameter of a produced spot of light on the surface is more than 40% larger than a field of view (FOV) of the light sensor, and less than 400% larger than the FOV of the light sensor.

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products that can display applications on a mobile computing device based on different relative positions are disclosed herein. One method includes determining, by a processor, different relative positions of a mobile computing device user while a user is performing an activity. In some embodiments, the method further includes toggling display of a plurality of applications on the mobile computing device based on the different relative positions of the mobile computing device while the user is performing the activity. Apparatus and computer program products that include hardware and/or software that can perform the methods for display applications on a mobile computing device based on position are also disclosed herein.

An optical mouse operated with respect to an illuminated surface outside the optical mouse is provided. The optical mouse includes a light source configured to emit a light beam, and a light pipe including a first optical element and a second optical element. The light beam enters the light pipe through the first optical element, and then propagates in the light pipe from the first optical element to the second optical element without reflection, and then leaves the light pipe through the second optical element, and then illuminates the illuminated surface. The light pipe does not have any protrusion extending therefrom and attached to a front surface of the light source.

Methods, apparatus, and computer program products that can display applications on a mobile computing device based on different relative positions are disclosed herein. One method includes determining, by a processor, different relative positions of a mobile computing device user while a user is performing an activity. In some embodiments, the method further includes toggling display of a plurality of applications on the mobile computing device based on the different relative positions of the mobile computing device while the user is performing the activity. Apparatus and computer program products that include hardware and/or software that can perform the methods for display applications on a mobile computing device based on position are also disclosed herein.

A pen is configured to supply an N-bit internal digital value NA to a sensor device, and includes an integrated circuit that acquires a series of the internal digital values NA(s) based on a state OPS of a writing pressure detector. The integrated circuit supplies a first internal digital value NA to the sensor device by transmitting, from an antenna, first transmission data MF including a first standard digital value MS corresponding to the first internal digital value NA. The integrated circuit supplies a second internal digital value NA to the sensor device by transmitting, from the antenna, second transmission data MF that is smaller than N bits and includes an M-bit relative digital value (M<N) corresponding to a relative value between the first internal digital value NA obtained by restoration from the first standard digital value MS and the second internal digital value NA.

A display device includes a pixel having a plurality of emission areas, a plurality of touch electrodes disposed between the plurality of emission areas to sense a touch, a plurality of position code patterns covering a partial front surface of at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes in a preset code shape, and a light blocking pattern disposed on front surfaces of the plurality of touch electrodes on which the plurality of position code patterns are not formed. A width or size of the plurality of position code patterns is greater than a width or size of the light blocking pattern.

An optical sensor system that uses focused (not collimated) light optics and produces effective tracking on a variety of surfaces while having looser manufacturing and/or operational tolerances than prior focused optics systems. Embodiments provide an optical sensor system for a mouse moveable on a surface. An LED and a light sensor are coupled to a substrate. An illumination lens directs light at a first angle to the surface, with the light focused on a focal point below the surface. An imaging lens focuses light reflected at an angle generally equal to the first angle on the light sensor. The focal point is sufficiently below the surface so that that the diameter of a produced spot of light on the surface is more than 40% larger than a field of view (FOV) of the light sensor, and less than 400% larger than the FOV of the light sensor.

A learning support system includes: an electronic pen, a writing medium position instruction tool, a position detection apparatus, and a display apparatus. The electronic pen is capable of recording handwriting and transmitting a position instruction signal. The position detection apparatus determines a position of a note provided with the writing medium position instruction tool on a position detection sensor incorporated in a desk mat based on a placement position instruction signal from the writing medium position instruction tool, converts coordinates of coordinate information corresponding to handwriting recorded on the note by the electronic pen, and displays an image corresponding to the handwriting recorded on the note on a display terminal and a teacher terminal in a mode recorded on the note. The learning support system enables an educator to determine a situation of a learner to contribute to an increase effectiveness of learning.