Abstract:
A user interface apparatus and method for a computing or processing system employing a graphical user interface is presented. In order to provide a good user feel, and specifically to avoid a feeling of inertia or sluggishness in cursor motion as the user starts or stops movement, the apparatus and method provide a negative inertia transfer function. That is, the cursor movement signal produced by applying the input parameter to a transfer function in accordance with the invention is related to a sum of (i) the input parameter, and (ii) a signal related to the rate of change of the input parameter. This is preferably implemented as an additive high-pass transfer function. Preferred embodiments can employ analog circuitry or a digitally programmed transfer function algorithm. The input parameter to which the transfer function is applied can be a magnitude signal, such as that from a polar coordinate system, or separate components, such as x- and y-components from a rectangular coordinate system, can be treated separately.
Abstract:
A user interface apparatus and method for a computing or processing system employing a graphical user interface is presented. In order to provide a good user feel, and specifically to avoid a feeling of inertia or sluggishness in cursor motion as the user starts or stops movement, the apparatus and method provide a negative inertia transfer function. That is, the cursor movement signal produced by applying the input parameter to a transfer function in accordance with the invention is related to a sum of (i) the input parameter, and (ii) a signal related to the rate of change of the input parameter. This is preferably implemented as an additive high-pass transfer function. Preferred embodiments can employ analog circuitry or a digitally programmed transfer function algorithm. The input parameter to which the transfer function is applied can be a magnitude signal, such as that from a polar coordinate system, or separate components, such as x- and y-components from a rectangular coordinate system, can be treated separately.
Abstract:
A strain sensitive columnar transducer for a data entry keyboard contains a column upstanding from the keyboard. Strain sensitive orthogonally oriented patterns are formed on a single flexible planar sheet which is sliced to place each of the patterns on a separate tab. The planar sheet is forced over the column so that the patterns lie up against the sides of the column to measure force exerted on the column.
Abstract:
A user interface apparatus and method for a computing or processing system employing a graphical user interface is presented. In order to provide a good user feel, and specifically to avoid a feeling of inertia or sluggishness in cursor motion as the user starts or stops movement, the apparatus and method provide a negative inertia transfer function. That is, the cursor movement signal produced by applying the input parameter to a transfer function in accordance with the invention is related to a sum of (i) the input parameter, and (ii) a signal related to the rate of change of the input parameter. This is preferably implemented as an additive high-pass transfer function. Preferred embodiments can employ analog circuitry or a digitally programmed transfer function algorithm. The input parameter to which the transfer function is applied can be a magnitude signal, such as that from a polar coordinate system, or separate components, such as x- and y-components from a rectangular coordinate system, can be treated separately.
Abstract:
920,370. Electric selective-signalling systems. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Dec. 29, 1960 [Dec. 30, 1959], No. 44560/60. Class 40 (1). Data is transmitted over a plurality of channels each of which is assigned a different priority rating; and when a fault is detected on two or more of the channels simultaneously, one of a number of spare channels is switched in to replace that faulty channel which has the highest priority. In the embodiment described the information channels extend between cryogenic elements printed on plates immersed in a liquefied gas, for example in a computer. Information to be transmitted over channels M1-M4 is set into cryogenic bi-stable circuits of sending register 10, and, in normal operation, current flows in either the ONE or ZERO line of each channel M1-M4, through replacement switches 12, 14 to set corresponding bi-stable circuits in receiving register 16. If a break occurs in one channel line carrying current, no current will flow along a corresponding one of lines 20-23, it being diverted along one of lines 31-34 to the replacement switch control circuit 70 in which it co-operates with current flowing in one of the output leads 61-65 of shift register 56 to drive a cryotron gate resistive and provide a superconducting path from the defective channel output of the sending register 10 to one of the spare channels S1-S5 determined by which of leads 61-65 is marked. At the same time, the absence of current on the corresponding lead 80-83 causes a corresponding switching operation to take place at the receiving end so that the spare channel is connected to the defective channel input of the receiving register 16. Shift register control circuits then cause shift registers 56, 110 to mark their next output lead in preparation for selecting the next spare channel, a reset pulse on lead 38 restoring current to the " repaired " channel. If several channels develop faults simultaneously, the detector and sequence circuits 30, 90 allot the available spare channels in sequence in a predetermined order of preference. For example, if channels M1, M3, M4 develop faults and spare channel S1 is already in use, then channel S2 may first replace M4, then channel S3 may replace M3, and finally S4 may replace M1. Specification 862,178 is referred to.