An information handling system may include a processor; a data storage device; a power management unit (PMU); a spring-back force adjustable pointing device operatively coupled to communication with the processor, including: a pointing device housing; a key plate operatively coupled to the pointing device housing at a key plate hinge; a first magnet operatively coupled to the key plate; and a second magnet operatively coupled to an opposing magnet adjustment device to adjust the position of the second magnet relative to the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and second magnet have repelling poles facing each other to assist spring-back of the key plate when opposing magnets fields interact.

The present disclosure provides a gesture operation method, apparatus, device and medium. The method includes: obtaining depth information of a user hand; determining space coordinates of a virtual hand corresponding to the hand in a virtual space based on the depth information; binding trackballs to the virtual hand based on the space coordinates, which includes binding a palm ball to a palm position of the virtual hand, and binding at least one fingertip ball to at least one fingertip position of the virtual hand, a volume of the palm ball being greater than the at least one fingertip ball; and performing a corresponding operation in the virtual space based on a straight-line distance between the at least one fingertip ball and the palm ball.

A signal processing circuit processes first to third detection signals output from a magnetic sensor device. The signal processing circuit includes a sphere information generation section that performs first processing and a determination section that performs second processing. With a set of values of the first to third detection signals at a certain timing taken as measurement data and with coordinates that represent the measurement data in an orthogonal coordinate system taken as a measurement point, the first processing includes determining center coordinates of a virtual sphere having a spherical surface approximating the distribution of a plurality of measurement data. The second processing includes determining whether four or more pieces of measurement data are suitable for use in the first processing.

The functionality of a conventional mouse is extended to provide an extended number of simultaneously adjustable user interface parameters employing one or more user-removable modules. In an embodiment, a user interface for controlling an external device, such as a computer, includes a first user interface sensor configured with a housing. This first sensor generates a first plurality of signals responsive to movement of the housing relative to two orthogonal axes. A compartment is configured with the housing and is sized to receive the user-removable module. This user-removable module contains a second user interface sensor, which generates a second plurality of signals responsive to user manipulation. Output is provided responsive to signals generated by the first and second user interface sensors. In another embodiment, the housing of an extended functionality mouse itself serves as a module removable from a compartment provided in another physical device.

Systems and methods for controlling an elongate device include a console. The console includes a first recess and a removable first input control for controlling motion of the medical device. The console also may include one or more first sensors located about the first recess that detect motion of the first input control and detect operator contact with the first input control. The console also may include an integrated display screen arranged to display status information for the medical device. In some embodiments, the first input control controls an insertion depth or steering of the medical device, and may be in the form of a scroll wheel forming a part of a removable control assembly.

Aspects of the invention include a computer peripheral device comprising an input element that operates based on a performance characteristic, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including a permanent magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetizing assembly configured to set an intensity of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, and a magnetorheological (MR) material coupled to the input element. The MR material has a viscosity that changes based on the magnetic field and affects the performance characteristic of the input element.

A device for adjusting the braking force of a rolling ball or “trackball” comprises: a rotating ring in the form of a straight circular hollow cylinder, the ring comprising a flexible annular seal, the outer periphery of the cylinder comprising: an inclined oblong; a plurality of identical notches; a fixed support comprising: a circular void; a fixed pin and an indexing finger arranged so that, the ring being mounted in the void of the support, the fixed pin is housed in the oblong of the ring and the indexing finger in one of the notches of the ring, the rotation of the ring causing the displacement of the pin in the oblong, the indexed notch to change and a translational motion of the ring parallel to the axis of revolution of the cylinder.

A data input device comprises a body intended to be fixed onto a workstation, a part that is rotationally mobile in relation to the body, a set of sensors delivering information on the relative position of the mobile part in relation to the body and means for braking the rotational movements of the mobile part in relation to the body. The braking means comprise a friction ring encircling the mobile part, the ring being split and extending mainly in a plane at right angles to an axis of symmetry of the mobile part, an annular spring extending in the plane and radially compressing the friction ring against the mobile part and means for adjusting the length of the annular spring.

An information handling system may include a processor; a data storage device; a power management unit (PMU); a spring-back force adjustable pointing device operatively coupled to communication with the processor, including: a pointing device housing; a key plate operatively coupled to the pointing device housing at a key plate hinge; a first magnet operatively coupled to the key plate; and a second magnet operatively coupled to an opposing magnet adjustment device to adjust the position of the second magnet relative to the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and second magnet have repelling poles facing each other to assist spring-back of the key plate when opposing magnets fields interact.

A method for controlling movement of a computer display cursor based on a point-of-aim of a pointing device within an interaction region includes projecting an image of a computer display to create the interaction region. At least one calibration point having a predetermined relation to the interaction region is established. A pointing line is directed to substantially pass through the calibration point while measuring a position of and an orientation of the pointing device. The pointing line has a predetermined relationship to the pointing device. Movement of the cursor is controlled within the interaction region using measurements of the position of and the orientation of the pointing device.