Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080204282 | Character Input Device for Terminal and Method of Processing Character String - The present invention discloses a character input device for a terminal and a method of processing a character string, which allow the size of the character input device to be sufficiently reduced so as to improve the portability of the terminal, enable rapid and accurate character input in a touch typing fashion even in a mobile environment, and can minimize the number of presses of each key for the input of each character The character input device for a terminal includes a plurality of character keys and a function key, wherein the character keys include a character arrangement corresponding a first half of a “Sholes” character arrangement with respect to a center of the “Sholes” character arrangement, a character arrangement of a second half of the “Sholes” character arrangement being arranged on the character keys at locations mirror- image symmetrical to the first half with respect to the center of the “Sholes” character arrangement. | 08-28-2008 |
20080211696 | KEY SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A key activation system for use in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises an activation mechanism associated with a key in the system, a first feedback system and a second feedback system. The activation mechanism is associated with the key activation system and provides a first feedback sense when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition. The second feedback system provides a second feedback sense indicating when the key triggers the second activation condition. In the system, the second feedback system operates independently from the activation mechanism and the first activation condition is triggered before the second activation condition when the activation mechanism is initially engaged. An activation mechanism may be centrally located for a set of keys. | 09-04-2008 |
20080211697 | Handheld Electronic Device and Keypad Providing Enhanced Usability and Reduced Size, and Associated Method - An improved handheld electronic device, keypad, and method in accordance with the invention meet these and other needs. An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keypad provides enhanced usability and reduced size by organizing its keys in pairs, with a pair of keys being disposed on a support. Each key of a pair of keys is individually actuatable. An actuation of a key causes a primary conductor associated with the key set to electrically to connect a pair of contacts and to cause a secondary conductor associated with the key to electrically connect another pair of contacts. The primary conductor is a dome that is collapsible to electrically connect the pair of contacts and to provide a particular tactile feedback to the user. The secondary conductor is a conductor other than a collapsible dome. An actuation of any key or of any pair of keys thus provides to the user a consistent tactile feedback from a collapse of a single dome. An improved method in accordance with the invention is also disclosed. | 09-04-2008 |
20080224897 | Computer keypad for improved input efficiency - A numeric key pad is provided for efficiently entering numbers and symbols into a computer. The numeric key pad includes a number region having digits 1-9 arranged in a 3×3 grid, the 3×3 grid having N, S, E, W, NE, SE, NW, SW, and Central positions. The numeric keypad also includes a nearest neighbor symbol region having a first plurality of symbols, each symbol being at a nearest neighbor position of the 3×3 grid, the first plurality of symbols being selected from the set including: esc, $, Tab, Backspace, =, comma, #, %, | 09-18-2008 |
20080224898 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION TERMINAL HAVING QWERTY KEYS AND METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING DUAL TONE MULTI-FREQUENCY SIGNAL THEREOF - A mobile communication terminal having QWERTY keys and a method for outputting Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signals thereof are disclosed. The user inputs information including alphabetic characters that is requested by a directory system, while viewing the alphabetic characters marked on the QWERTY keys. The mobile communication terminal outputs DTMF signals of symbols marked on the input QWERTY keys identical to the DTMF signals of the corresponding symbols of keys arrayed in a conventional 3×4 key array format. The alphabetic keys of the QWERTY keys output DTMF signals identical to those of the keys of the 3×4 array format in an alphabet input mode. Therefore, the user can easily input information requested by the directory system while viewing the symbols marked on the QWERTY keys, without requiring the user to memorize the array of alphabetic characters of the 3×4 key array format. | 09-18-2008 |
20080224899 | RAMPED-KEY KEYBOARD FOR A HANDHELD MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Wireless handheld mobile communication device and keyboard therefore having a keyfield including a plurality of depressible keys arranged in rows that are distributed about a vertical centerline (Vc) of the keyboard. Each of the depressible keys has a top engagement surface of which an upper inboard portion is raised relative a lower outboard portion thereof. The top engagement surface of each of the depressible keys is ramped from the lower outboard portion toward the upper inboard portion. Each top engagement surface is generally crest shaped, with the apex of the crest running generally diagonally across the respective key with the rest of the top engagement surface falling away from the crest toward the upper outboard portion and the lower inboard portion of the key. The top engagement surface of each of the depressible keys terminates at an upper edge thereof in an elevated ridge down from which the balance of the respective top engagement surface slopes. | 09-18-2008 |
20080238725 | OPTICAL KEYPAD FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Disclosed in a wearable electronic device including an optical keypad supported by a keypad housing. The optical keypad may include a plurality of keys disposed along the keypad housing, and a plurality of illumination sources and optical receivers with a corresponding illumination source and optical receiver for each of the plurality of keys. The keypad signal interface may be limited to three connections, to provide a connection for power, a connection for ground, and a connection for data between the keypad housing and the main housing. The electronic device may also include at least one optical receiver configured to be optically coupled to at least one of the plurality of illumination sources, and configured to convert a received optical signal representing data into an electrical signal representing data. The illumination sources may provide optical signals during key presses, and may in addition provide key illumination for unpressed keys. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238726 | COMPRESSED STANDARDIZED KEYBOARD - A keyboard of reduced size is provided in which multiple characters are assigned to each of the primary keys. The selection of the characters to be assigned to each specific primary key is based on the touch typing rules associated with a specific standardized keyboard, preferably allowing at least three rows of keys to be reduced to a single row of keys. A disambiguating system is used to interpret which of the characters and/or symbols assigned to a particular key is intended, typically by applying a set of disambiguating rules to generated input sequences. | 10-02-2008 |
20080252492 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING SAME - A keypad assembly used in a portable electronic device ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080252493 | Method of setting specific scan codes for manual input device - A method of setting specific scan codes for a manual input device includes the steps of establishing a transmission channel between the manual input device and a scan code register of a computing device, receiving at least one scan code, which corresponds to at least one input key of the manual input device and is for setting a customized specific code for enabling the computing device to perform a specific function, from the manual input device, saving the customized specific code to the scan code register of the computing device, and closing the transmission channel. | 10-16-2008 |
20080252494 | Keypad for an Electronic Equipment and Method for Operating a Keypad for an Electronic Equipment - The present invention relates to a keypad for an electronic equipment comprising a plurality of keys ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080258940 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING PASSWORD THEFT - An apparatus for protecting a password includes a keypad, a generator, and a processor. The keypad includes numeric keys for inputting a numeral and a display unit for displaying a random digit. The generator is coupled to the display unit for generating the random digit. The processor is configured for receiving the inputted numeral and calculating the password based on the inputted numeral and the random digit. | 10-23-2008 |
20080258941 | Letter input structure using morse code and input method of the same - A letter input structure of a two-click keyboard adapting a Morse code and an input method of the same, and a recording medium of the method are disclosed. A certain letter is created in selective combination with two keypads among seven keypads consisting of a dot(•) group keypad of a dot(•) keypad, a dot dot(•) keypad and a dot dot dot(•) keypad of a Morse code, a dash(-) group keypad of a dash(-) keypad, a dash dash(- -) keypad, and a dash dash dash (- - -) keypad which are separated and arranged at left and right sides(or upper and lower sides) and one function keypad. | 10-23-2008 |
20080266143 | INPUT DEVICE - A capacitive input pad is provided at a position near input keys constituting a keyboard input unit. A left palm detecting unit and a right palm detecting unit are provided both sides of this input pad. When the left palm detecting unit and the right palm detecting unit detect both palms, an input operation, corresponding to a space key input area, an L-key input portion, or an R-key input portion, is performed through an operation of the input pad. When the left palm detecting unit and the right palm detecting unit do not detect both palms, a coordinate input operation is performed using the input pad. | 10-30-2008 |
20080278352 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHANGING CHARACTERS ASSOCIATED WITH KEYS - A mobile communication device may include logic configured to provide a first keypad layout via a programmable keypad using a first illumination source, receive a keypad selection and provide a second keypad layout via the programmable keypad using a second illumination source in response to the selection. | 11-13-2008 |
20080278353 | TAMPER RESISTANT ELECTRONIC TRANSACTION ASSEMBLY - A tamper resistant user interface device includes a substantially planar sensor. The sensor includes a plurality of user activated membrane switches. At least one multilayer structure is folded around and overlays the planar sensor. The structure includes at least one layer to detect tampering with the sensor. | 11-13-2008 |
20080284620 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING VIBRATION INPUT RECOGNITION AND METHOD - Disclosed is are a system and a method for accepting user input in the form of movement of an object against a surface of a electronic device. The movement may take the form of natural writing-style stokes that generate corresponding vibrations. The vibrations may be sensed and analyzed to ascertain meaningful user input. In one approach, a method of processing user input with an electronic device includes sensing vibrations generated by movement of an object against a surface of the electronic device and analyzing signals representative of the sensed vibrations to determine a meaningful user input. | 11-20-2008 |
20080284621 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KEYBOARD, SOUND AND MOUSE (KSM) OVER LAN A/V BRIDGING AND A/V BRIDGING EXTENSIONS FOR GRAPHICS THIN CLIENT APPLICATIONS - Aspects of a system for keyboard, sound and mouse (KSM) over LAN A/V bridging and A/V bridging extensions for graphics thin client applications may include an I/O controller within an LAN subsystem, which enables generation of response data based on input signals from a keyboard device and/or mouse device that is coupled to a computing device. The generated response data may be encapsulated within an encapsulating PDU. The encapsulating PDU may comprise an Ethernet frame and/or and IP packet. The encapsulating PDU may be transmitted via a network based on a traffic class designation. The traffic class designation may enable the transmission of the generated response data via the network based on specified latency target values. A time stamp value may be generated for the encapsulating PDU. The encapsulating PDU may include at least one data type identifier, which indicates that the encapsulating PDU contains the generated response data. | 11-20-2008 |
20080291058 | INPUT DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - An input device and an electronic apparatus having the same are provided. The input device includes a main body, and a plurality of keys each having a contact part which contacts a pressing unit and a non-contact part which extends from the contact part and is spaced apart from the pressing unit. The contact parts and the non-contact parts of the keys may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. The electronic apparatus includes the above-mentioned input device and a display device which is provided in the main body. | 11-27-2008 |
20080291059 | MULTIPLE PREDICTIONS IN A REDUCED KEYBOARD DISAMBIGUATING SYSTEM - A computer receives user entry of a sequence of keypresses, representing an intended series of letters collectively spelling-out some or all of a desired textual object. Resolution of the intended series of letters and the desired textual object is ambiguous, however, because some or all of the key presses individually represent multiple letters. The computer interprets the keypresses utilizing concurrent, competing strategies, including one-keypress-per-letter and multi-tap interpretations. The computer displays a combined output of proposed interpretations and completions from both strategies. | 11-27-2008 |
20080297377 | KEYPAD STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - An electronic device and a keypad structure thereof are disclosed. The keypad structure includes a first key group, a second key group and a third key group. The second key group is disposed on the left side of the first key group, and the third key group is disposed on the right side of the first key group. Each key area of the second key group is smaller than that of the first key group, and each key area of the third key group is also smaller than that of the first key group. | 12-04-2008 |
20080303698 | Gaming keyboard and related methods - A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed. | 12-11-2008 |
20080309519 | DEVICE HAVING PRECISION INPUT CAPABILITY - An input device may include input keys, where each key may has associated with it a first sensitivity, a second sensitivity, and an input information, and key registration logic may include logic to detect a first stimulus that corresponds to the first sensitivity of a first key of the input keys, logic to register the first key when the first stimulus corresponding to the first sensitivity of the first key is detected, logic to detect a second stimulus that corresponds to the second sensitivity of a second key of the input keys, and logic to input the input information corresponding to the first key when the second stimulus corresponding to the second sensitivity of the second key is detected. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309520 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE INPUT SYSTEM - A system is disclosed that enables more rapid entry of text messages in cell phones that use a 12-key keypad. A cursor movement key placed on the side of a device having a numeric keypad enables a user to more quickly and easily and advance the cursor position between letter entries. By placing a cursor movement key in a position that it can be actuated by a different finger than the one in contact with the keypad, a user will be able to type a text message more rapidly when using only a single hand. Providing one or more user-reconfigurable keys on a cellular telephone enables a user to optionally enable a key to perform a desired function or else to be selectively disabled, thereby preventing unintentional input. An embodiment comprises a keypad on a first face and a first cursor movement key on a second face. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309521 | MOBILE COMMUNICATION APPARATUS AND KEYPAD INPUT METHOD - A mobile communication apparatus comprising: a plurality of input keys for receiving a user inputs for performing functions of the mobile communication apparatus; a plurality of touch sensors configured on surfaces of the keys for sensing touches and generating a sensor signal; a controller for generating a command according to the sensor signal; and a player for reading a sound file according to the command, and outputting sound corresponding the sound file to a speaker. A related keypad input method is also disclosed. | 12-18-2008 |
20080316062 | METHOD FOR INPUTTING KEYBOARD COMMANDS - A method for negotiating keyboard commands between a computer and an external keyboard is provided. The computer and the external keyboard have respective NL (number lock) status. When the external keyboard is pressed, the external keyboard act as the following mechanics. When NL status of the computer is “Off” and NL status of the external keyboard is “On”, and a time internal between adjacent serially-pressed numeric keys of the external keyboard is less than a predetermined time period, a key code of NL on the external keyboard is firstly sent to alter NL status of the computer from “Off” to “On”, key codes of pressed numeric keys of the external keyboard are secondly sent to the computer, and the key code of NL on the external keyboard is finally sent to alter NL status of the computer from “On” to “Off”. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316063 | Integrated Keyboard With Personal Computer - Disclosed herein is an eco friendly board top computing device that is integrated with computer components, has an ergonomic shape, provides recharge of a pointing device, consumes less energy, and is eco friendly. The board top computing device comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section comprises an alphanumeric keypad. A recharging cradle is provisioned on the first section for recharging a wireless pointing device. The second section comprises a motherboard comprising multiple computer components, a receiver for the wireless pointing device, an internal modem, an optical disc drive, and a power supply connector. The second section further comprises universal serial bus ports for attaching external peripheral devices and a wireless local area network card for transmitting and receiving data over a computer network. The third section comprises a hard drive for storing data and multiple fans for dissipating heat. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316064 | Keypad structure and electronic device using the same - A keypad structure and an electronic device using the same are provided. The electronic device comprises at least a keypad structure and a printed circuit board. The keypad structure comprises a switch, a keypad body, and a touching element. The keypad body having a through hole is relatively disposed to the switch. The touching element is inserted into the through hole. There is a touching distance defined between the touching element and the switch, and the touching element can be moved relatively to the keypad body for adjusting the touching distance. Also, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to the switch. | 12-25-2008 |
20090002200 | MULTI-SEGMENT BACKLIGHT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KEYBOARDS - An electroluminescent apparatus includes a protection layer characterized by two or more non-overlapping regions and a back electrode layer which includes two or more back electrode regions. Each of the back electrode regions overlies a corresponding one of the non-overlapping regions in the protection layer. A bottom insulation layer includes two or more bottom insulation regions, each of which overlying a corresponding one of the back electrode regions. The apparatus includes two or more electroluminescent segments, each of which overlying a corresponding one of the back electrode layers. A transparent electrode layer includes two or more transparent electrode regions, each overlying a corresponding one of electroluminescent segments. The apparatus includes two or more power supply devices, each of which coupled to a corresponding one of the back electrode regions and to a corresponding one of the transparent electrode regions for providing luminescence over a corresponding one of the non-overlapping regions. | 01-01-2009 |
20090002201 | KEYBOARD WITH KEYS FOR MOVING CURSOR - Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard. | 01-01-2009 |
20090009367 | System and Method for Text Entery - A text entry system for an electronic device comprising: an input subsystem receives user input operations, interprets them as letters, characters, symbols, commands or functions, where the said received user operations interpreted as letters are comprising:
| 01-08-2009 |
20090009368 | INPUT DEVICE, AND MOBILE TERMINAL HAVING THE SAME - Provided is an input device that does not allow an input efficiency to be drastically lowered even when the number of pressing a key falls. | 01-08-2009 |
20090021399 | Increasing the Number of Keys Supported by a Keyboard Controller - An enhanced keyboard for controlling a device, including: a keypad with a plurality of depressible keys; a controller with a pre-designed integer number of output lines (J) and a pre-designed integer number of input lines (K); a printed circuit with switch mechanisms that are adapted to enable an electronic signal to pass from a specific output line of the controller to a specific input line of the controller responsive to depressing a specific key of the keypad; and one or more additional switch mechanisms that are adapted to enable an electronic signal to pass from a specific output line of the controller to at least two specific input lines of the controller responsive to depressing a specific key of the keypad. | 01-22-2009 |
20090021400 | MULTICOLOR TRANSPARENT COMPUTER KEYBOARD - A multicolor transparent computer keyboard for operating a computer in a dark environment includes transparent keypads each on a top including spaced transparent color layers occupying four corners and being different in color from each other, an opaque layer on the color layers and having portions overlapped with the color layers being removed, and characters printed on the opaque layer; bridges pivotably interconnecting the key caps and an underlying transparent frame plate; a PCB under the frame plate; and a luminescence panel under the PCB and including cells each below the key cap, each cell including regions of different colors and adapted to electrically activate to upward emit light which is adapted to show multi-color when passing a gap between the color layers and show a backlit color when passing one of the color layers. The backlit color of each color layer is different from that of another color layer. | 01-22-2009 |
20090027234 | Computer Equipment for Car - A computer equipment for a car includes a display mounted in a car, a host system mounted in the car, and a keyboard mounted in the car and connected between the display and the host system to connect the host system to the display. Thus, after the car is stopped, a user can control operation of the host system of the computer equipment by operating the keyboard to co-operate with the display so as to perform the functions of a computer, such as, the E-mail or word processing functions. In addition, the display functions as a monitor of the computer equipment, thereby enhancing the versatility of the display. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027235 | RAISED KEYS ON A MINIATURE KEYBOARD - A miniature keyboard wherein the keys are arranged in a way to improve data entry and decrease the chance of depressing multiple keys at a time. Accordingly, the height of the keys are patterned to decrease the chance of multiple key depressions thus increasing the accuracy of data input into the personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated down the individual rows of keys. In another embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated across individual columns of keys. Similarly, in another embodiment, the heights of the keys are arranged in a checkered pattern on the keyboard. In addition, another embodiment staggers the heights of the keys and incorporates embodiments mentioned above. By incorporating different key arrangements and alternating the height of the keys, key differentiation, key navigation, and data input accuracy is greatly improved due to the improved tactile feedback provided by the miniature keyboard. | 01-29-2009 |
20090033521 | KEY DESIGNS FOR COMPACT KEYPAD OF HANDHELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A keypad for a mobile device having a housing comprises a plurality of keys coupled to the housing. Each of the keys has means for making the selection of smaller key sizes easier for a user. The keys may incorporate a flexible or resilient upper part, or be configured to transform to a larger surface area upon the application of pressure. The keys may be configured to rotate away from a selected key. The keys adjacent a selected key may be configured to lock mechanically or electrically. The keys may have multiple parts that are movable relative to one another. The upper part of the key may include a fluid, with a selection rod positioned inside the upper part to enter the fluid. | 02-05-2009 |
20090040074 | Configurable keypad - A configurable keypad for a machine. The keypad may include a plurality of pushbuttons having selectively illuminated icons and indicator lights identifying available operations on the machine. A controller may determine when the machine is authorized to perform a particular operation. The controller may then enable select pushbuttons and illuminate associated icons and indicator lights. The icons and indicator lights may be selectively translucent such only illuminated icons and indicator lights may be visible to a machine operator. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040075 | LIGHT-EMITTING KEYBOARD - An exemplary light-emitting keyboard includes an upper cover with a plurality of keystrokes, a printed circuit board, and a lower cover. The keyboard further includes a light guide plate, a reflector, and a light source. The light guide plate and reflector are arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover, and the light source is arranged beside the light guide plate and connected to the printed circuit board to get power. The light guide plate receives light beams from the light source and evenly distributes the light beams over the entire light guide plate through reflection and diffusion, and the reflector is disposed under the light guide plate for upwardly reflecting light beams from the light source to the light guide plate. Thus, the light-emitting keyboard can be used in a dark or gloomy environment. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040076 | Character Arrangement Method and Character Input Device - The present invention relates to a character arrangement method and a character input method in an electronic device. A telephone-style keypad is assigned symbolic word representations to provide a heuristic and intuitive text input interface to a user. The symbolic word representations on at least some keys on the keypad can create multiple numbers of same alphabets, which can be utilized for easier text entry of frequently-used alphabets. Leftover alphabets which did not get inscribed by the symbolic word representations on some of the keys are grouped together and assigned to leftover keys. | 02-12-2009 |
20090040077 | UNIFIED USER INPUT DEVICE - A unified user input device is provided. The input device may include keys normally provided as part of a general purpose alphanumeric computer keyboard. In addition, a positional controller is provided. Both the conventional alphanumeric keys and the positional controller are associated with the same device platform. Additionally, special function keys may also be provided in association with the positional controller. Signals encoding the selection of an alphanumeric key, a control input, or a special function key are communicated to an interconnected computer using a common, conventional keyboard connection, and a common signaling protocol. | 02-12-2009 |
20090045986 | ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD AND LIGHT GUIDE FOR GRAPHIC SYMBOLS AND METHOD - A keyboard includes a housing, a plurality of keys, a flexible support adapted to support a plurality of keys with respect to the housing, at least part of the flexible support being at least partly transmissive of light to conduct light to illuminate a plurality of keys, a light block adapted to tend to block light transmission between a pair of relatively adjacent parts of the flexible support, and a source of input light adapted to provide light to such respective relatively adjacent parts of the flexible support. A method of illuminating keys of a keyboard having a plurality of keys includes selectively illuminating sequentially one or more, but less than all, of the keys of the keyboard. | 02-19-2009 |
20090051571 | KEYPAD - A keyboard is disclosed. The keyboard consists of a circuit board, a plurality of metal dome and a button set. The plurality of metal domes is arranged on the circuit board and is electrically coupled to the circuit board. The button set is composed of a plurality of buttons that respectively are corresponding to the metal domes. A piece of leather or cloth is disposed on the button set so as to make users have good sense of touch and prevent figures from being worn or falling off. Thus the aesthetic appeal is improved. Moreover, a supporting frame is disposed on the bottom set so as to prevent the buttons with leather or cloth from moving along with other buttons being pressed. Furthermore, a lighting device is added into the device for projecting light onto surface of the button set. Thus users can operate the buttons under dingy environment. | 02-26-2009 |
20090058688 | DISAMBIGUATION OF KEYPAD TEXT ENTRY - A mobile device comprises a keypad comprising a plurality of keys for text entry into a text based application. Each key may represent at least two alpha numeric characters. A word layer disambiguation engine generates a list of textonyms for each of a sequence of words entered via user activation of the keys. A phrase layer disambiguation engine selecting a single selected one of the textonyms for each word in the sequence of words. The selected one of the textonyms may be the textonym that meets selection criteria that is a function of one of: i) the word entered by the user prior to the textonym; ii) the word entered by the user following the textonym; iii) an identification of an application into which the user is entering the words; and iv) identification of a recipient to which the words will be sent. | 03-05-2009 |
20090058689 | KEYBOARD OF HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A keyboard of a handheld electronic device is provided. The keyboard is divided into a number of key areas arranged in array. The keyboard includes character keys and function keys. Each of the character keys respectively occupies one of the key areas and has a first character symbol, while some of the character keys further have a second character symbol respectively. Some of the function keys have an activation key occupying one key area. The other function keys respectively include an ENTER key, a SPACE key, and a SHIFT key, each of which occupies approximately two key areas transversely. The arrangement of the keys enable users to press the key quickly, correctly, and conveniently. | 03-05-2009 |
20090066541 | System and Method for Enabling a Mobile Device as a Portable Character Input Peripheral Device - A portable electronic communication device, designed for voice and data communication is utilized as a peripheral input device for transmitting/providing character inputs, entered in the first device's touch input mechanism, to a second electronic device. The first device has a mode switching utility that switches the first device between a first standard communication mode and a second peripheral input device mode. When the first device is in the second peripheral input device mode, the first device operates as a peripheral input device for the second device. A character input recognition utility executes on the first device to provide the functions of: detecting an input on the touch screen input mechanism; generating an electronic representation of the input; establishing a communication link between the second communication transmitter and an identified second device; and forwarding the electronic representation of the character input to the communication transmitter for transmission to the identified second device. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066542 | DIGRAPHIC KEYPAD - A digraphic keypad includes a configuration of specific keys. These specific keys include an “S” key, an “O” key, a “U” key, an “A” key, an “N” key, an “I” key, a “T” key, an “E” key, an “R” key, an “H” key, a “D” key and an “L” key. | 03-12-2009 |
20090073001 | Holding and Contact-Making Apparatus for a Button Cell, and Method for Its Production - The invention relates to a maintaining and contacting device for a round cell battery and to the use of said type of maintaining and contacting device in remote control devices in order to lock and unlock motor vehicles. According to said type of devices, the battery area must be separated as much as possible from other electronic components in order to prevent destructive contact. Spring clips, which are connected to the electronic system by means of a cable and soldered connections, are used in order to make contact with the upper and lower side of the round cell battery. Leaf-spring like contact elements ( | 03-19-2009 |
20090073002 | Lineographic alphanumeric data input system - An alphanumeric data input system for entering text into portable cellular phones or hand held computers by making linear traces or taps with a thumb or finger on a touch sensitive lineographic keypad. This keypad is conveniently located on the upper and left part of the cellular phone or the hand held computer in order to facilitate the natural motion of the thumb thus avoiding fatigue and strain of the same. This new system allows the user to enter operational commands on the keypad, as well as entering of letters of different alphabets such as the Latin Alphabet, Mathematical Greek and Russian Alphabets and possibly of alphabets of other foreign languages including Japanese, Chinese and Korean. This system can be used for entering a combination of letters to speed up the writing process, and enables the entering of punctuation marks, typographical symbols and a wide range of mathematical symbols. The present invention describes a combination of a portable cellular phone with a hand held computer provided with a large screen that can rotate 90 degrees to facilitate reading of the text. | 03-19-2009 |
20090073003 | Data input system with multi-directional pointing device - A data input system is provided which comprises a processor, and a key array coupled to said processor, wherein said key array comprising at least one soft-key, at least one multi-directional pointing key for navigate a cursor and a conventional 3×4 telephone soft-key array for data selections; wherein said at least one soft-key includes a “backspace” key to delete a prior input data, a “space” key to add a space after said prior input data, or a “List/Fix” key to display a list of letter on a display for user to fix or list ambiguous letter/word presented by an input string. | 03-19-2009 |
20090079593 | Keyboard apparatus, electronic apparatus, and method of producing the keyboard apparatus - A keyboard apparatus includes: a plurality of keys; a switching section that detects depression of each of the keys; a top cover that is integrally formed with a partitioning portion separating adjacent keys from each other; a frame member that includes a plurality of key receiving portions which, in a case where the frame member is attached to the top cover, support the keys in a manner that the keys are placed in spaces surrounded by the partitioning portion; a first coupling section that couples the top cover with the frame member; and a second coupling section that couples a first surface portion of the keyboard apparatus including the switching section, with a second surface portion of the keyboard apparatus including the top cover and the frame member with which the top cover is coupled by the first coupling section. | 03-26-2009 |
20090079594 | MEDIA RETURN SYSTEM - A remote control stores a sequence of key strokes in memory for as long as a predetermined key of a plurality of keys of the remote control is held down. The stored sequence of key strokes may then be repeated, for example, upon release of the predetermined key or upon further activation and release of the predetermined key. | 03-26-2009 |
20090085777 | KEYPAD FOR A WIRELESS DEVICE - A keypad for a wireless device is disclosed. The keypad comprises one or more key stems, each key stem having an upper key stem surface. The keypad also comprises one or more keycaps configured to be mounted over the one or more key stems, each keycap having a lower keycap surface for bonding to the upper key stem surface of each key stem with adhesive. The upper key stem surface includes at least one depression and at least one groove along a perimeter of the upper key stem surface. The depression and groove can help reduce the risk of adhesive flow to undesirable areas. | 04-02-2009 |
20090085778 | TEXT INPUT DEVICE FOR VIDEOGAME CONTROLLER - A text input device for videogame controller may comprise a text input device housing comprising a keypad. The text input device housing forms a friction-fitting cavity for engaging the videogame controller. An electrical interface plug can be disposed inside the friction-fitting cavity, and can engage with a socket on the videogame controller when the text input device is engaged. The electrical interface plug transmits electrical signals to and from the videogame controller. | 04-02-2009 |
20090091478 | COMPUTER KEYBOARD BACKLIGHTING - Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material or light-emitting chemical cells and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the actuation portion of a keyswitch or the space in which the actuation portion slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches and/or deep within the keyboard, for example, between a contact membrane and the lowermost extremity of the keyswitches, or underneath the contact membrane, or underneath a hooked plate that serves as a securement system for the keyswitches. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the housing plate or other plates over the light-radiant panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent or has holes through which light may shine. This way, the light from the light-emitting panels radiates upward through, and preferably around the outer surface of, the translucent keycaps, rather than up through an aperture or lightpipe in the center of the keycaps. | 04-09-2009 |
20090091479 | KEYPAD HAPTIC COMMUNICATION - The haptic communication device includes a housing; a keypad physically coupled to the housing, and a localized vibrator physically coupled to the keypad and operable to send a localized vibration to the keypad without causing the housing to vibrate substantially in comparison to the keypad. A controller communicatively coupled to a memory and the vibrator is operable to retrieve a haptic profile that includes a plurality of voltage displacements from the memory and communicate the haptic profile to the vibrator in response to recognizing an event. The haptic communication device is also able to record a haptic profile by receiving a vibrational force to its keypad, convert the vibrational force to a corresponding voltage, and store a representation of the voltage in memory as a portion of a haptic profile. | 04-09-2009 |
20090102684 | FASTENER FOR EXTERNAL KEYPAD FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A fastener ( | 04-23-2009 |
20090109067 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR TEXT INPUT - A method for predictive text input is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a first key typing on a first key, wherein said first key is associated with a first symbol or set of symbols; receiving a second key typing on a second key while said first key is still pressed, wherein said second key is associated with a second symbol or set of symbols; determining words from a word list beginning with said first symbol or any of the symbols of said first set of symbols and being followed by said second symbol or any of the symbols of said second set of symbols; enabling selection among said determined words; and upon selection, inputting said selected word. An apparatus and a computer program for implementing the method are also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
20090115640 | METALLIC KEYPAD ASSEMBLY HAVING RIPPLE LUSTER - A metallic keypad assembly having a ripple luster includes an elastic layer, an adhesive layer, a metallic keypad, an electroplated layer and a pattern layer. The elastic layer has a carrier. The carrier is provided thereon with a plurality of protrusions. The adhesive layer is provided on one side surface of the carrier. The metallic keypad is provided on one side surface of the adhesive layer and has a thin plate thereon. The plate is provided thereon with a first hollowed portion and a second hollowed portion. The first hollowed portion defines a pressing region of a key, and the second hollowed portion is set as an icon on the surface of the pressing region. The electroplated layer is provided on one side surface of the metallic keypad and penetrates into the first hollowed portion and the second hollowed portion. The pattern layer is provided on one side surface of the electroplated layer to seal and fill the first hollowed portion and the second hollowed portion. When external light illuminates the pattern layer of the metallic keypad, the pattern layer generates a reflective effect of a ripple luster. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115641 | POSITIONING STRUCTURE FOR EXTERNAL KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A positioning structure ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090115642 | DEVICE ACTUATED BY KEY OPERATIONS - A PDA as an apparatus actuated by key operations comprises: a substrate; an exothermic semiconductor device provided on a first major surface of the substrate; a plurality of switches provided on a second major surface of the substrate; a key mat located on the side of the second major surface of the substrate; a plurality of pressure conveying portions protruding from one of the major surfaces of the key mat toward each of the plurality of switches, the one of the major surfaces facing the second major surface of the substrate; and a key that is provided on the other major surface of the key mat and that can be pressed down to the key mat. A contact face between the particular switch located within a certain range of the distance from the semiconductor device, and the pressure conveying portion corresponding to the particular switch, has a smaller area as compared to that of a contact face between the non-particular switch, which is a switch other than the particular switch, and the pressure conveying portion corresponding to the non-particular switch. | 05-07-2009 |
20090115643 | Finger-Tip Key Depressor And Method For Using The Same - An apparatus to fit on the digit of a hand to aid the user of an electronic handheld device to depress at least a portion of a key on the keypad of an electronic handheld device that comprises an elongated hollow member with a proximal end and a distal end, the hollow member being sized to fit over a the digit of a hand, wherein the proximal end is open, wherein a substantially rigid tip extends from the distal end, and wherein said substantially rigid tip is sized to depress at least a portion of an individual key on the keypad of a handheld electronic device. Methods for using the apparatus and for encouraging individuals to use the apparatus for depressing at least a portion of a key on the keypad of an electronic handheld device are also disclosed and claimed. | 05-07-2009 |
20090121904 | LIGHT-EMITTING KEYBOARD - A light-emitting keyboard includes an upper cover with a plurality of keystrokes, the keystrokes being made of transparent material, a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to a connector via a cable, a lower cover, a light guide plate and a diffusion plate arranged in sequence between the upper cover and the lower cover, and a light source arranged beside the light guide plate and connected to the PCB to receive power. Thus, the light-emitting keyboard can be used in a dark or gloomy environment. | 05-14-2009 |
20090128368 | SPLIT KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a plurality of keys associated with alphanumeric characters including the letters A-Z. The keys are split into a left side section and a right side section. The left side section is oriented at least partially above the right side section, or the right side section is oriented at least partially above the left side section. The keyboard is stationary. A mobile communication device includes the keyboard. | 05-21-2009 |
20090128369 | KEYBOARD FOR A MOBILE DEVICE - A keyboard apparatus includes a group of keys with corresponding actuation indicia for a plurality of numerals in a telephone keypad and a plurality of letters in an overlapping text-entry keyboard. Each key in the group is configured for multi-directional movement pivotally into multiple actuated positions that comprise at least one telephone numeral position and multiple text-entry letter positions that are each different from the telephone numeral position. | 05-21-2009 |
20090128370 | ANGULAR KEYBOARD FOR A HANDHELD MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Wireless handheld mobile communication device including a housing with a display above a keyboard exposed for user actuation. A length of the device is greater than the width. Each key of a right-hand keyfield has a longitudinal axis oriented at a left-to-right inclined angle while each key of a left-hand keyfield has a longitudinal axis oriented at a right-to-left inclined angle from the vertical centerline. A left boundary of the keyboard is located adjacent the left lateral side edge of the device and the right boundary of the keyboard is located adjacent the right lateral side edge of the device so that the keyboard spans a substantial entirety of the width of the device. When the device is cradled in a right hand of the user, the longitudinal axis of each key of said plurality of keys located on the right is oriented to be parallel with a widthwise axis of the user's right thumb. When said device is cradled in a left hand of the user, the longitudinal axis of the keys located on the left-hand side of said vertical centerline is oriented to be substantially with a length wise axis of the user's left thumb. At least one key in the right-hand keyfield and one key in the left-hand keyfield is isosceles trapezoidal shaped. | 05-21-2009 |
20090146848 | SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE DATA ENTRY IN MOBILE AND FIXED ENVIRONMENT - A data entry system is provided using a virtual dynamic keypad having at least four keys, wherein to four of the keys at least substantially all of the letters of a language are distributively assigned and wherein the locations of the four letter keys relating to each other are dynamically defined during the entry of text. A text entry system is also provided using a virtual keypad having at least four keys wherein to four of its keys at least substantially all of the letters of a language are distributively assigned and wherein the locations of the four letter keys relating to each other are dynamically defined based on a calibrating procedure provided by the user. A data entry system is provided using a pointing device providing different pointing directions wherein each of the pointing directions duplicates a key of a predefined virtual keypad model wherein to at least some of its keys substantially all of the letters of a language are distributively assigned. | 06-11-2009 |
20090153371 | Handheld Electronic Device With Rotatable Keyboard - An improved handheld electronic device comprises a keypad having a first keypad portion and a second keypad portion. The second keypad portion is movable with respect to the first keypad portion between a first position and a second position such that the second keypad portion moves between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, respectively. The second keypad portion is movable along a path of movement between the first and second positions, with the path of movement including an arcuate path within a plane that is parallel and/or coplanar with a plane in which the first keypad portion is disposed. The second keypad portion in the second position is disposed adjacent the first keypad portion at opposite sides thereof to form a single keyboard. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153372 | Method of transmitting key code of hot key from number pad - In a method of transmitting key codes of hot keys from a number pad, the number pad includes at least one hot key and several key code sets corresponding to the hot keys. Each key code set has key codes formed and edited according to a first key code conversion table and a predetermined sequence. When a hot key is pressed, the number pad transmits all key codes to an electronic device according to the predetermined transmitting sequence. The electronic device reads each key code by the first encoding format. The key codes are converted into characters corresponding to the first key code conversion table according to the first key code conversion table, and also into characters corresponding to the second key code conversion table according to the second key code conversion table in a second encoding format, such that the electronic device produces expected conversion results. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153373 | KEY MODULE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A key module ( | 06-18-2009 |
20090167570 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A keypad assembly ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090174579 | KEYBOARD AND KEY STRUCTURE THEREOF - A keyboard and key structure thereof includes a keycap, an elastic element, a supporting element, a base and a frame. The elastic element is located below the keycap. The supporting element has a supporting part, a connecting part and an end part, wherein the supporting part supports the keycap and the connecting part connects the supporting part and the end part. The base supports the elastic element. The frame secures the end part on the base. A keyboard includes a plurality of key structures. | 07-09-2009 |
20090174580 | Handheld Electronic Device and Method for Disambiguation of Text Input Providing Suppression of Low Probability Artificial Variants - A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to generate artificial variants in certain circumstances. Each artificial variant is compared with N-gram data on the handheld electronic device and is suppressed from being output if the artificial variant is determined to have a low probability of being the input intended by a user. | 07-09-2009 |
20090184850 | SECURED KEYPAD DEVICES - A data entry device including a housing including a top housing portion including key apertures, a plurality of data entry keys mounted in the housing to have data entry key depression travel paths in the housing, the plurality of data entry keys being associated with a substrate, which is disposed below the top housing portion and anti-tampering electrical conductors arranged between the top housing portion and the substrate thereby to prevent unauthorized access to the substrate. | 07-23-2009 |
20090189790 | Haptic Keyboard Systems and Methods - Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. In at least some embodiments, a light source can be mounted or otherwise positioned relatively close to and beneath the top surface of one or more keys or keyboard elements to backlight a portion or portions of a keyboard. | 07-30-2009 |
20090189791 | FONT OR KEYSTROKE BIOMETRICS - Systems are provided that include an input device with a plurality of keys, at least one of the plurality of keys including a biometric sensor disposed therein. The system generally executes an application, receives input from a plurality of users using the input device, determines the identity of the user submitting the input, and attributes actual contribution in the application to the identified user. | 07-30-2009 |
20090195417 | INPUT DEVICE - An input device applicable to a portable electronic device includes a first input interface and a second input interface. The second input interface is disposed in the center of the first input interface, such that the first input interface is divided into a first key group and a second key group. The first key group and the second key group allow the user to distinctly recognize position of each key to be pressed, and when the second input interface is operated, the user is capable of holding the gravity position of the portable electronic device by two hands, thereby stably performing the hand held operation. | 08-06-2009 |
20090201179 | Illuminated keyboard - A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. A preferred keyboard includes scissor actuators for guiding and stabilizing each key in its upward and downward movement. A substantially translucent elastomeric diaphragm including elastomeric domes underlies the keys for biasing the keys upwardly. A seat underlies the elastomeric domes for supporting and engaging the bottom extremities of the scissor actuators. The seat may be made of translucent plastic, which functions as a translucent upper clamshell member, or non-translucent metal having sufficiently large holes for the passage of light. A substantially translucent circuit board is positioned under the seat for the creation and transmission of signals indicating depression of key members. The seat includes central holes allowing for the depression of keys to force the elastomeric domes to engage the circuit board to create electronic signals. A planar luminescent light source is positioned under the circuit board for transmitting light upwardly through the circuit board, seat, and elastomeric domes into the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to a light pipe. | 08-13-2009 |
20090207053 | CHARACTER INPUT APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is a character input apparatus including a keypad with a reference key and a plurality of peripheral keys surrounding the reference key, and a recognition device which recognizes characters respectively applied to the reference key and the peripheral keys to be inputted if the reference key and the peripheral keys are respectively pressed so as to perform pressing inputs and recognizes character respectively applied to directions to be inputted if the peripheral keys are respectively pressed while the reference key is pressed so as to perform directional inputs. Accordingly, it is possible to improve convenience in character input and increasing a character input speed, by reducing the number of times of pressing of keys and eliminating input inconvenience due to a “pause” function using a directional input and a U-turn reverse direction input. | 08-20-2009 |
20090219176 | RECONFIGURABLE KEYFIELD ON A COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A handheld communication device having a reconfigurable keyfield and a display screen upon which characters are displayed. A plurality of actuable input keys makeup the keyfield, and each has at least one character associated therewith and an engageable top surface for actuation. A microprocessor is configured to receive data indicative of an actuated input key and to output data indicative of an associated character determined to correspond to the indicated input key. At least one of the plurality of actuable input keys is mounted to the handheld communication device by an adjustable interconnection configurable between at least first and second operating orientations. In the first operating orientation, the engageable top surface of the at least one input key faces a first direction and in the second operating orientation the engageable top surface of the at least one input key faces a second direction. | 09-03-2009 |
20090231166 | TEKGLOW - The TekGlow invention allows the ability to see keyboard keys, keypads or keyboard key markings in the dark without the use of direct power sources like electricity or batteries. All that is required for stated item/s to glow in the dark is that they must be exposed to a light source like a lamp or sunlight for a period of time. They would need to be re-introduced to a light source again to glow in the dark for more glowing time. | 09-17-2009 |
20090231167 | LIGHT SOURCE ADJUSTING AND CONTROLLING SWITCH DEVICE - The present invention provides a light source adjusting and controlling switch device, which comprises a control circuit, and a capacitance-type touch pad mounted on the surface of a lamp and connected to the control circuit. The capacitance-type touch pad has a plurality detection element and is electrically connected with a touch sensor of the control circuit. When a user touches the capacitance-type touch pad with a finger, a capacitance will be produced on the capacitance-type touch pad, and the plurality of detection element can sense the position of the finger and produce a corresponding capacitance variable amount signal. After the touch sensor receives the signal, a microprocessor of the control circuit will operate the switch on/off, the brightness and color to a connected light emitting device immediately. | 09-17-2009 |
20090243897 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENTERING ALPHANUMERIC DATA VIA KEYPADS OR DISPLAY SCREENS - A method and apparatus for entry of alphabetical characters and numeric characters using a touch pad or display screen on an electronic device (e.g., cell phone, GPS navigation system). The touch pad or display has numbers and letters displayed in an optimal arrangement to allow rapid entry of characters by depressing, touching or sliding of a finger. Electronic circuitry beneath the pad or display can detect whether the user is fully depressing, slightly touching, or sliding a finger across the pad or display. Recognition of the specific finger action indicates the specific letters, numbers, or special symbols to be entered into the device application (e.g., SMS text, email, navigation, etc.) | 10-01-2009 |
20090243898 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH INTELLIGENT KEYBOARD ILLUMINATION - An electronic device includes a computer keyboard having keys that are each capable of individual illumination. An electronic dictionary is provided for determining a set of most likely keys to be needed for an application, wherein the electronic dictionary is updated to include new words typed on the keyboard. The keyboard is operated with a user enabled/disabled function of selective illumination of respective keyboard keys so that a set of most likely alphabet keys according to the electronic dictionary along with an enter key and space bar are illuminated if a word processor application is running. Numeric keys are illuminated if a calculator application is running. The selective illumination is automatically disabled if user identification and password fields are being filled. All of the keys are automatically illuminated after a configured timeframe in which none of the suggested keys have been pressed. All of the keys are unlit after an additional configured timeframe in which none of the keys have been pressed. | 10-01-2009 |
20090256726 | ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD WITH A LIGHT GUIDE PLATE - An illuminated keyboard with a light guide plate of the present invention includes a key module and a luminous module located under the key module. The luminous module includes a transparent light guide plate, a plurality of illuminants, and a light reflection plate located under the light guide plate. The light guide plate is provided with a plurality of light input units which are sections formed at the light guide plate. The illuminants are located corresponding to the light input units, and the light emitted by the illuminants is transmitted into the light guide plate via the sections. The light guide plate is provided with a plurality of light output units to provide the light to the key module. Each light output unit is provided with a plurality of light output members. The quantity of the light output members of each light output unit located at the same side of the illuminants increases with the increasing distance between the light output units and the illuminants. The light emitted from the illuminants to the light input units of the light guide plate, transmitted through the light guide plate and refracted or scattered at the light output units. The quantity and structure of the light output members of each light output unit and the position of the light output units can be adjusted according to the requirements, thereby providing even and bright light to the key module. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256727 | SIDE KEYPAD ASSEMBLY AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A side keypad assembly includes a pressing surface, an opposite mating surface. The pressing surface includes a plurality of keypads protruded thereon. The mating surface includes a plurality of stepped columns protruded thereon corresponding to the plurality of keypads respectively and a plurality of separating protrusions corresponding to the conjoint portions between every two keypads respectively. The invention also provides a portable electronic device using the side keypad assembly. | 10-15-2009 |
20090256728 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which is associated with indicia corresponding to at least one of alphabetic characters, numbers, or commands. The keys of the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than 26 and greater than nine. No more than two alphabetic characters are associated with each of the keys associated with alphabetic characters. At least one of the keys associated with alphabetic characters is associated with two alphabetic characters and at least one number. The numbers are arranged and displayed in the format of a phone keypad and the letters are arranged and displayed in a keyboard layout. | 10-15-2009 |
20090261991 | KEYBOARD DEVICE - The present invention relates to a keyboard device. The keyboard device includes a base, a main circuit board, a base cover, a touching membrane switch, a touching thin plate, an upper cover and a plurality of keys. The touching membrane switch is activated to implement a predefined hot key function so as to reduce fabricating cost. | 10-22-2009 |
20090261992 | DUAL KEYBOARD INPUT DEVICE AND MOVABLE CART HAVING THE SAME MOUNTED THEREON - Disclosed are a dual keyboard input device and a movable cart having the same mounted thereon. The movable cart includes a supporting portion, a desk formed on the supporting portion, and a dual keyboard input device reversibly mounted on the desk, and including a flat plate shaped-keyboard body, a button input part formed on a surface of the keyboard body, and a touch input part formed on another surface of the keyboard body. The movable cart may be used for loading and transporting medical instruments or electronic apparatuses, and the dual keyboard input device may simultaneously implement the touch input and keyboard button input, thereby providing convenience to a user. | 10-22-2009 |
20090261993 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a main body disposed with a plurality of keys and an integrated member. The integrated member is detachably connected to the main body. The integrated member is capable of being moved with respect to the main body between a first position where the integrated member and the main body forms a substantially flat surface and a second position where the integrated member is capable of being activated to receive audio inputs. | 10-22-2009 |
20090267806 | Electrical Circuit - An electrical circuit for controlling at least one electrical load and at least one function thereof by providing, in the active line of an AC circuit, a modulation switching circuit and a plurality of function keys series-connected with at least with the at least one electrical load and a demodulation unit upstream thereof. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267807 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROVIDING A NUMBER INPUT SYSTEM - An electronic device providing number input is an input combination of a number input system. The number input system comprises three horizontal elements and four vertical elements arranged in the shape of the number “8.” The electronic device provides a mechanism for a user to input numbers by pressing combinations of the elements. | 10-29-2009 |
20090267808 | Key for an Input Device - An input device comprises a plurality of keys, and each of the keys has a pattern. The pattern is a portion of a complete character. The complete character comprises a character feature according to which the character can be recognized, and the aforementioned pattern comprises the character feature. | 10-29-2009 |
20090289816 | One-handed computer input device comprising finger array input controls - The invention uses multidirectional fingertip controlled arrays to condense a typical keyboard into a one-handed device. Pointer control may additionally be added in a variety of ways to impart full computer control with just one hand. | 11-26-2009 |
20090289817 | KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A keyboard structure, comprises a housing having at least one post, a key assembly, and at least one connecting portion comprising a ring, the ring coils around the post to connect the key assembly to the housing. The invention also discloses an electronic device using the keyboard structure. | 11-26-2009 |
20090295605 | DEVICE AND TECHNIQUE FOR ASSIGNING DIFFERENT INPUTS TO KEYS ON A KEYPAD - Embodiments of the invention provide an effective keypad assembly and keypad layout for mobile computing devices. In particular, embodiments of the invention provide keyboard layouts and designs. Additionally, embodiments described herein provide for stack components to make keyboards operable on small-form factor devices. | 12-03-2009 |
20090303087 | LUMINOUS KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY - An exemplary keyboard assembly includes a light source for emitting light, a light guide plate and a plurality of keys mounted on the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface facing the light source and a light emitting surface. Each key includes a cap, a light guide portion coupled to the cap, and a spring member configured for biasing the light guide portion in a direction away from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. Each key is movable relative to the light guide plate, in response to manual manipulation thereto, between a depressed position where the light guide portion is attached to and optically coupled to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate thereby illuminating the cap, and a rest position where the light guide portion is spaced apart from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. | 12-10-2009 |
20090309766 | Mobile Electronic Apparatus - Mobile electronic apparatus has a housing having an opening portion | 12-17-2009 |
20090309767 | EXTENDIBLE KEYPAD MODULE AND MOBILE TERMINAL HAVING THE SAME - An extendible keypad module and a mobile terminal having the same are provided. The keypad module includes a plurality of key supports for mounting keys; a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports; a driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at one side of the guide unit; and a link for connecting the driver and the plurality of key supports, wherein gaps between the plurality of key supports are changed by movement of the driver. Thereby, when using a mobile terminal, gaps between keys can be widened and thus the keys can be more conveniently input. Further, by adjusting locations of coupling protrusions formed in a link, gaps between the keys can be adjusted. | 12-17-2009 |
20090322568 | KEY SHEET, KEY UNIT HAVING THEREOF, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING KEYSHEET - In order to provide different colors of illumination light to keytops in different areas, there is provided a key sheet | 12-31-2009 |
20090322569 | Button key assembly and electronic apparatus that employs the button key assembly - Button keys, resilient supports and a frame are molded in one piece such that the button keys are resiliently movable and are spaced apart by a gap. Each of the button keys includes an engagement portion. A case includes a button hole formed therein. The case is assembled to the frame such that the button keys are received in the button hole. After the case has been assembled to the frame such that the plurality of adjacent button keys are received in the button hole and such that the engagement portion abuts a perimeter portion of the button hole, the second gap being smaller than the first gap. | 12-31-2009 |
20100001885 | AUTOMATIC KEY FUNCTION SWITCH DEVICE BY SENSING DIRECTION FOR A HANDHELD APPARATUS - A switch device disposed in a handheld apparatus having a keypad with double function is capable of automatically switching to one function by means of sensing directionality of the apparatus. The handheld apparatus has a keypad whose some keys bear double function. The switch device in the apparatus has a gravity sensor for detecting a distribution of gravity of the apparatus along three coordinate axes. The senor sends a gravity signal to a controller, which judges a direction of the apparatus being disposed. The controller sends a switching signal to the keypad. The keys with double function are then switched to one function corresponding to the judged direction. | 01-07-2010 |
20100026528 | SLIM SELF-LUMINOUS KEYBOARD STRUCTURE - A slim self-luminous keyboard structure comprises a keyboard unit and luminous units. The keyboard unit has a press plane containing a plurality of press members, and a baseplate is arranged below the press plane and supporting the press members. The luminous units generate light, and the light is conducted to a luminous space defined by the press plane and the baseplate to make the luminous space have brightness sufficient to enable users to recognize the press members. The slim self-luminous keyboard structure does not use a backlight plate. Therefore, the present invention can reduce the thickness of a self-luminous keyboard and facilitate fabricating a slim self-luminous keyboard. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026529 | Secure keypad scanning - A secure key scanning functionality drives the row lines and column lines of a key switch array with randomized pulses of different polarities, and drives signals in one direction from a row line through a pressed key and to a column line as well as in an opposite direction from the column line through the pressed key and to the row line. To make unauthorized detecting of key presses more difficult, row lines and column lines are driven with pulses that appear as actual key press conditions when in fact the pulses are dummy pulses and no corresponding key has been pressed. In one novel aspect, dummy pulses are generated so that the line being driven with the dummy pulses has the same sustained and consistent waveform as the intersecting row and column lines that have identical waveforms due to the actual key press. | 02-04-2010 |
20100026530 | METHOD OF GENERATING KEY CODE IN COORDINATE RECOGNITION DEVICE AND APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A method and apparatus for generating a key code in a coordinate recognition device (video device controller | 02-04-2010 |
20100039297 | KEYBOARD WITH ILLUMINATING ARCHITECTURE - A keyboard with illuminating architecture includes a keyboard portion and a substrate carrying the keyboard portion, wherein the keyboard portion includes a plurality of pressing elements for receiving a pressing force from the user and inter-dependent mechanisms respectively under a force receiving surface of each pressing element for providing a moving stroke of the pressing element following the force direction, and the substrate has an assembling portion for assembling with the other end of the inter-dependent mechanism. Moreover, the surface of the substrate has at least one light guiding groove, which forms a light channel for transmitting light, and at least one inner sidewall of the light guiding groove is a light reflecting surface, so that the light in the light guiding groove is reflected by the light reflecting surface to the keyboard portion, thereby providing the pressing elements the brightness, and reducing whole keyboard thickness and thinning. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039298 | SIDE KEY ASSEMBLY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A side key assembly includes a metallic dome, an insulating layer and a decorative layer. The insulating layer is laminated on the dome. The decorative layer is laminated on the insulating layer. | 02-18-2010 |
20100039299 | KEY ASSEMBLY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A key assembly comprises a connecting element, a first key and a second key. The first key includes a first body member and a first elastic member protruding from one end of the first body member, another end of the first body member connects with the connecting element. The second key includes a second body member and a second elastic member protruding from one end of the second body member, and another end of the second body member connects with the connecting element. The first elastic member provides a returning force for the first body member, and the second elastic member provides a returning force for the second body member. | 02-18-2010 |
20100045490 | CONTINUOUS AUTOMATIC KEY CONTROL - Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application. | 02-25-2010 |
20100052950 | Multi-input multi-directional device for computer or electronic device input (keyboard-type device) - The invention is to enable quick keyboard input for practically any sized device through the use of two primary multi-direction inputs. By pressing two multi-direction inputs, each in a direction, the user enters an alphanumeric character. Existing patents (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,590,566, 7,171,498, 7,417,566) require larger, slower interfaces or aren't as user friendly. | 03-04-2010 |
20100060490 | Circuit Arrangement and Method for the Operation of a Circuit Arrangement - A circuit arrangement ( | 03-11-2010 |
20100066567 | RESISTIVE SWITCH MATRIX - Architecture for a keyboard that supports the n-key rollover feature, while being compatible with well established, high volume, inexpensive manufacturing techniques. The design is a matrix design that uses resistors at each key rather than diodes, and employs novel circuits which allow any combination of simultaneous key presses to be detected using this resistive matrix. The resistors can be screen printed on the flexible sheets in a manner similar to the conductors. A resistive keyboard matrix employs circuit techniques that eliminate phantom key presses. The resistors can be created by screen-printing carbon ink. Additionally, various implementations of the decoder circuits can be employed to provide the n-key rollover feature on flexible sheets for inexpensive production. | 03-18-2010 |
20100066568 | KEYBOARD STRUCTURE WITH A SELF-LUMINOUS CIRCUIT BOARD - A keyboard structure includes a circuit board prepared from a flexible light guide material and carrying a circuit layout, multiple key switch modules for operation by a user to cause the circuit board to produce a respective electrical signal, and multiple luminous units installed in a flexible light guide substrate of the circuit board and electrically connected with the circuit layout for emitting light to illuminate press heads of the key switch modules. | 03-18-2010 |
20100066569 | KEYBOARD INTEGRATED WITH CAMERA MODULE - A keyboard includes a keyboard body, and a camera module. The camera module includes a support, a receiving portion and a camera unit. The support includes a first connecting end and a first receiving end. The receiving portion includes a rotating end and an opposite second receiving end. The support is rotatably coupled to the keyboard body by the first connecting end. The rotating end is rotatably received in the first receiving end and the camera unit is received in the second receiving end. | 03-18-2010 |
20100066570 | QWERTY keypad - Larger keys can be arranged on a given QWERTY keyboard area by providing nine keys on each of three rows and positioning a single key, such as the key typically representing the letter “P”, above the top row of keys. This can provide about a ten percent (10%) increase in key size surface area in about the same keyboard surface space or a larger lateral or horizontal spacing between each key for the same size of keys. | 03-18-2010 |
20100073203 | WORLDs SMALLEST KEYBOARD AND CONTROL MEANS - This invention relates to methods of using a 360° directional movement sensor as a pointing device in eight cardinal point directions or in a downward direction for producing alphabetic data characters, data characters, a space, numbers, punctuation, symbols, control and functions, preferably activated by the left or right thumb. This invention also relates to methods of producing data using a simultaneous data entry method and/or a sequential data entry utilizing a 3600 directional movement sensor as a pointing device in eight cardinal point directions or in a downward direction combined with three or six additional sensors. This invention produces alphabetic data characters, data characters, a space, numbers, punctuation, symbols, control and functions using a 360° directional movement sensor as a pointing device in eight cardinal point directions or in a downward direction combined with three or six additional sensors. Using the pointing device produces a number, a first data character of three or four data characters or multiple data characters. Activating the pointing device once produces a first data character, twice produces a second data character, thrice produces a third data character, four times produces a fourth data character, five times produces a fifth data character, six times produces a sixth data character, seven times produces a seventh data character, eight times or more produces additional data characters. The pointing device combined with at least three additional sensors provide for simultaneous or sequential sensor activations, reducing the frequency of individual, simultaneous or sequential sensor activations. The pointing device combined with six additional sensors provide for simultaneous or sequential sensor activations which require fewer sensor activations than using only three additional sensors. | 03-25-2010 |
20100090871 | KEYSWITCH AND KEYBOARD - The invention discloses a keyswitch and a keyboard. The keyboard includes a base plate assembly and a plurality of keyswitches. The base plate assembly includes a first base plate and a second base plate. The second base plate is riveted to the first base plate. Each keyswitch includes a keyswitch module. Each keyswitch module is pivotally connected on the base plate assembly. The first base plate includes a hole. The circumference of the hole forms a protrusion structure. When the second base plate is riveted to the first base plate via the hole, the protrusion structure will be compressed and inserted in the second base plate tightly. | 04-15-2010 |
20100090872 | Keyboard and information processing device - A keyboard includes a base, and plural keys arranged on the base, wherein at least a part of the plural keys are arranged in plural steps in a depth direction of the keyboard, in the shape of a sector in such a manner that the keys closer to a central portion in a width direction of the keyboard are arranged backward whereas the keys closer to both end portions in the width direction of the keyboard are arranged forward. | 04-15-2010 |
20100097244 | MULTIPURPOSE KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a numerical keypad, a switch key, a switch module, a telephone interface, a keyboard control chip, and a telephone module. The numerical keypad is configured for inputting numerical data to a host computer and for inputting telephone numbers. The switch module is connected to the numerical keypad and the switch key, and configured for controlling the numerical keypad to input numerical data or input telephone numbers according to a status of the switch key. The telephone interface is configured for receiving a telephone signal. The keyboard control chip is connected to the switch module and the numerical keypad. The telephone module is connected to the telephone interface and the switch module. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097245 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a plug, a hub, a keyboard controller, a keyboard circuit, a camera controller, and an image capturing device. The hub includes an output terminal connected to the plug, a first input terminal, and a second input terminal. The keyboard circuit is connected to the first input terminal of the hub via the keyboard controller. The image capturing device is mounted on the keyboard and connected to the second input terminal of the hub via the camera controller. The image capturing device is configured for capturing sensed image signals. The keyboard circuit communicates with the computer via the keyboard controller and the hub, and the image capturing device transmits the sensed image signals to the computer via the camera controller and the hub. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097246 | INPUT DEVICE AND KEYBOARD DEVICE HAVING ILLUMINATION FUNCTION - An input device includes a plurality of manipulation portions; an input function portion manipulated by the manipulation portions to perform an input function; a light guiding sheet facing the rear side of the plurality of manipulation portions; and a light source applying light into the light guiding sheet, wherein a rear surface opposite to a front surface of the light guiding sheet facing the manipulation portions is provided with a plurality of concave portions which is depressed to the inside of the light guiding sheet, wherein each concave portion has a circular opening and an inner surface which is a smooth concave curve surface, and wherein light propagated through the inside of the light guiding sheet is reflected by the inner surface toward the inside of the light guiding sheet, and the light is applied from the front surface of the light guiding sheet to the manipulation portions. | 04-22-2010 |
20100097247 | Physical Key Interface - A physical keyboard interface for controlling a computer device and methodology of use. The interface includes a body having an upper side, a lower side, a left end and a right end, with each of the left and right ends including an ergonomic hand grip. A display is on the upper side of the body and at least four finger keys are adjacent to each ergonomic hand grip on the lower side of the body that are configured for inputting at least alphanumeric characters into a computer device based upon physical interaction with one or more of the finger keys. At least one thumb key located on the upper side of the body adjacent to one of the ergonomic hand grips, and at least one thumb key is utilized as an input for controlling a function of a program executing on a computer device. | 04-22-2010 |
20100102995 | EXPRESS COOK FEATURE - A method and apparatus for controlling a cooking apparatus is provided including a microprocessor responsive to a set of user actuable keypads. The control comprises a numeric selector for initiating a cook time duration in minutes corresponding to the numeric selector with a first press. The same numeric selector can add (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a second press. And any numeric selector can then add ½ (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a third press. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102996 | Dome array device and a key structure with the dome array device - A dome array device is disclosed, which includes a film plate, a plurality of metal flexible plates, and a covering layer. The film plate has a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of flexible press portions protrudes from the film plate. The metal flexible plates are respectively located on the second surface of the flexible press portions of the film plate. The covering layer is formed and covered on the first surface of the film plate. A plurality of plungers that respectively corresponds and locates on the flexible press portions protrudes from the covering layer. A plurality of function portions that is located around the flexible press portions extends and protrudes from the covering layer. Furthermore, a key structure with the dome array device is disclosed, and thereby the operation sensitivity is improved, the total thickness is reduced, and the manufacturing cost is decreased. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102997 | Device for entering fuel price information into vehicles. - A vehicular number input device used for entering fuel/energy price information into a vehicle's internal computer, mileage computer, mileage software or software monitoring system. This number input device is secured to the vehicle near the gas cap. The fuel/energy price data entered can then be displayed to show real-time fuel efficiency in terms of dollars and cents during the operation of the vehicle or when it has stopped. The optimal device claimed has the best advantage for fuel cost input since it is simple to use and inexpensive to produce. | 04-29-2010 |
20100109919 | KEY BACKLIGHT CONTROLLER, PORTABLE TERMINAL, KEY BACKLIGHT CONTROL METHOD, AND KEY BACKLIGHT CONTROL PROGRAM - A key backlight controller, a portable terminal, a key backlight control method, and a program which reduce a consumption current during key operation. A key backlight controller ( | 05-06-2010 |
20100117871 | Constructive Device Introduced Into a Security Keyboard for Securing Information and Secret Processes stored by Electronic Means - CONSTRUCTIVE DEVICE INTRODUCED INTO A KEYBOARD FOR SECURITY OF INFORMATION AND SECRET PROCESSES STORED BY ELECTRONIC MEANS characterized by including a protective mechanism for the keyboard system which makes attacks impossible by mechanical manipulation, mechanical perforation, part separation, chemical short circuits or the insertion of intrusive devices. One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a constructive device for a keyboard in order to impede the insertion of unauthorized access devices into their internal circuits, guaranteeing the internal inviolability of installed equipment at the point of sale and providing a significant increase in the security of the keyboard system. | 05-13-2010 |
20100123606 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a plurality of key tops having areas where light is transmitted; a gear link part provided below the key top and configured to vertically move the key top, a housing part provided below the key top, the housing part being configured to hold the gear link part; a rubber actuator configured to provide a reaction force based on vertical motion of the key top; a membrane sheet provided below the rubber actuator and having a contact, the contact being configured to open and close based on the vertical motion of the key top; a support panel provided below the membrane sheet, the support panel being configured to fix the gear link part with the housing part; a light guide plate provided below the support panel; and a light emitting diode configured to emit the light to a side surface of the light guide plate. | 05-20-2010 |
20100127898 | INPUT APPARATUS, INPUT METHOD AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS USING THE SAME - An input apparatus, an input method and an electronic apparatus are provided. The input apparatus includes a signal generating module and a processing module. The signal generating module generates a plurality of input signals by executing multi-direction operations. The processing module receives two signals of the input signals which are successively generated by the signal generating module, thus generating a control signal. The control signal corresponds to one of a plurality of characters. Therefore, the input apparatus can be more conveniently used by users to input characters by executing multi-direction operations. | 05-27-2010 |
20100127899 | KEY ASSEMBLY AND PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A key assembly comprises a base plate, two elastic elements and a key body. The elastic elements are both mounted to the base plate, and the elastic elements are spaced from and opposite to each other. The key body is slidably mounted to the base plate between the two elastic elements, the key body includes a first key section and a second key section connected with the first key section. The first key section has a first arcuate contacting portion formed thereon, the second key section has a second arcuate contacting portion formed thereon. One of the elastic elements is mounted to the first key section, another one of the elastic elements is mounted to the second key section. When the first key section slides toward and compresses said one of the elastic elements, the second key section slide away from and stretches said another one of the elastic elements. | 05-27-2010 |
20100134328 | Keypads Row Similar to a Telephone Keypad - Keypads are described which are row similar to a standard telephone keypad though they have a different number of columns of base-letter-assigned keys than the standard to which they are related. Smooth sequences of such row-similar keypads are exhibited. Keypads which support both row-similar telephone keypad layouts and reduced layouts corresponding to typewriter standards are disclosed. It is shown how to combine various structural and statistical limitations with row similarity. It is also shown how to embed a row-similar digit layout in row-similar base letter layouts, and how to beneficially provide negative space between keys, construct pseudo standards, and extend or reduce desktop standards or pseudo standards while obeying structural or typability constraints. | 06-03-2010 |
20100141484 | OPTIMIZED KEYBOARD FOR HANDHELD THUMB-TYPING AND TOUCH-TYPING - A keyboard optimized for handheld thumb-typing and conventional desktop touch-typing includes a reduced key keyboard having a plurality of keys each having at least an alphabetic character, a numeral, or a command indicia. The keyboard has a width greater than about 100 millimeters and less than about 160 millimeters, and each key has a width that is approximately 10 millimeters to 16 millimeters. The alphabetic keys are arranged such that when a user cradles the device in his/her hands he/she can actuate a first subset of the keys on the left of a vertical center line with his/her left thumb and can actuate a second subset of the keys on the right side of the vertical centerline with his/her right thumb. The keys are also positioned such that when the user places the device on a desktop surface, the user can type on the keyboard by conventional finger touch-typing. | 06-10-2010 |
20100148994 | Keyboard with Backlighting Functionality - A keyboard with backlighting functionality includes: a membrane circuit substrate; a press key set having a plurality of press keys that are disposed on the membrane circuit substrate, and that are capable of being pressed so as to cause the membrane circuit substrate to transmit input signals; and at least one light-emitting element disposed near an edge of the membrane circuit substrate. The membrane circuit substrate is configured as a backlighting sheet that allows light from the light-emitting element to propagate therein, and is formed with an internal structure that is able to direct the light that propagates in the membrane circuit substrate toward the press keys of the press key set. | 06-17-2010 |
20100148995 | Touch Sensitive Mechanical Keyboard - A touch sensitive mechanical keyboard configured to enable a standard look and feel mechanical keyboard to sense fine hand/finger motion over the surface of the keys. Command and cursor input (e.g., pointing and gestures) can be received from the user on the touch sensitive mechanical keyboard without requiring the user to move the user's hand off the keyboard. Fine hand/finger motion detection can be enabled by embedding clusters of capacitive sensors near the surface of the keyboard's keys. The touch sensitive mechanical keyboard can operate in two or more modes—e.g., a typing mode and a mouse mode—and operating the keyboard in mouse mode or switching between the modes can be facilitated by holding (depressing and holding) or tapping (depressing and releasing) arbitrary combinations of keys, or by detecting the number of fingers touching the touch sensitive mechanical keyboard. | 06-17-2010 |
20100148996 | Light guide structure for a keyboard - A light guide structure for a keyboard. The light guide structure includes a transparent rubber sheet. Multiple resilient support sections are formed on the rubber sheet in alignment with press keys of the keyboard respectively. Multiple diffusive reflection units are disposed on a surface of the rubber sheet and circumferences of the resilient support sections. The diffusive reflection units are boss sections protruding from the surface of the rubber sheet or recessed sections formed on the surface of the rubber sheet. Each diffusive reflection unit has a surface coated with a light reflection layer for reflecting light. When the light is reflected by external components back to the surface of the rubber sheet, the light reflection layers of the diffusive reflection units that are boss sections or recessed sections will again effectively reflect the light to enhance backlight brightness of the press keys and peripheries thereof. | 06-17-2010 |
20100148997 | KEY SWITCH - A key switch can generate several signals is provided. The key switch includes a key top, a body, a first electronic circuit, a second electronic circuit, and a switch mechanism. Pressing the key top, the switch key generates a first signal while the first electronic circuit is closed by the switch mechanism; the switch key generates a second signal while the second electronic circuit is closed; and the switch key generates a third signal while both the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit is closed. | 06-17-2010 |
20100156677 | REDUCED KEYPAD FOR MULTI-TAP INPUT - An apparatus ( | 06-24-2010 |
20100156678 | Gas Releasable Key Structure and Keyboard Structure Using the Same - A gas releasable key structure including a base, a thin-film circuit, a key cap and an elastic structure is disclosed. The elastic structure is disposed between the key cap and the thin-film circuit and includes a cap body, a ring-shaped flange, a motion pillar and a conductor. The cap body has a first opening and a second opening. The ring-shaped flange connects an edge around the first opening. The motion pillar in the cap body has a through hole, an upper surface and a lower surface. The through hole is extended to the upper surface from the lower surface, connecting the second opening. The conductor on the lower surface has an indent and a breach that connects the through hole. When the first opening is closed, the gas inside the cap body is dissipated to the exterior via the indent, the breach, the through hole and the second opening. | 06-24-2010 |
20100164756 | Electronic device user input - Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a user input region and a sensor system. The user input region includes a plurality of keys. The sensor system is proximate the user input region. The sensor system is configured to determine a touch on a first one of the plurality of keys of the user input region. The sensor system is configured to determine a direction of the touch on the first one of the plurality of keys. The sensor system is configured to indicate a selection of a second one of the plurality of keys based on the determined direction of the touch on the first one of the plurality of keys. | 07-01-2010 |
20100164757 | System and method for providing a single and dual key press keypad - A system and method for receiving character entries in mobile computer devices uses an improved keypad. The keypad uses a dual key press method in which each key of the keypad includes a unique key definition when it alone is pressed. Each of two adjacent keys of the keypad also include a unique key definition when the two adjacent keys are pressed at substantially the same time. A keypad controller receives inputs from the keys and decodes the single key entries and the dual key entries. The keypad occupies a relatively small keypad area while providing full size keys for the user. The keypad also has a mode key that enables a user to change the alphabet mode of the keypad to a numerical mode. | 07-01-2010 |
20100164758 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A keypad assembly includes a base, a crown, a resistance member, a conductive member, a detecting unit, and a control unit. The crown is movably received in the base. The resistance member is received in the base and positioned under the crown. The conductive member is disposed on the bottom of the crown and positioned above the resistance member. The detecting unit is electrically connected with the conductive member and configured for locating the position on the resistance member contacted by the conductive member when the crown is pressed. The control unit is electrically connected with the detecting unit and configured for executing a corresponding command base upon the determination of the detecting unit. | 07-01-2010 |
20100164759 | Input Arrangement - The invention provides an input device of an electric apparatus and a method of manufacturing an input device, wherein the input device comprises: a key member ( | 07-01-2010 |
20100176974 | LIGHT-EMITTING KEYBOARD - A light-emitting keyboard is disclosed, which comprises: a light guide plate, configured with a light entrance surface, a light emitting surface, a bottom surface and a side surface in a manner that the light emitting surface is arranged opposite to the bottom surface, and the light entrance surface and the side surface are arranged respectively next and connecting to the light emitting surfaced and the bottom surface while being sandwiched therebetween; a light source, disposed next to the light entrance surface of the light guide plate; a frame, disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate; a first reflector, disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate; and a second reflector, disposed on the side surface of the light guide plate. With the aforesaid structure, light from the light source can be fully utilized so that the overall brightness of the light-emitting keyboard can be enhanced. | 07-15-2010 |
20100182169 | Ultra Mobile Keyboard - An improved keyboard layout for use with information handling systems such as ultra mobile information handling systems. The improved keyboard layout eliminates the numbered function key (F1-F12) row and maps all of the functions that have traditionally been function (Fn) options on the F1-F12 row (such as brightness, volume, battery meter, etc.) to other keys. | 07-22-2010 |
20100188268 | Touchpad - A touchpad based on polar coordinates, in which the angular position and the radial position are transformed into a one-dimensional signal. The progressiveness of the relation between the angular position and the one-dimensional signal is a function of the radial position. The touchpad may have two discrete curved sections with different input sensitivity. The touchpad may also be provided with a central select key. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188269 | LIGHT-EMITTING KEYBOARD - A light-emitting keyboard is disclosed, which comprises: a light guide plate, configured with a light entrance surface, a light emitting surface and a via hole; a light source, disposed next to the light entrance surface of the light guide plate; a frame, disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate; an opaque material disposed on the via hole. With the aforesaid structure, light from the light source can be prevented from being emitting out from the via hole and thus can be evenly emitted out of the light guide plate. | 07-29-2010 |
20100201547 | APPARATUS FOR INPUTTING A CHARACTER - Provided is an apparatus for inputting a character which enables users to input characters more conveniently by arranging input keys having 3 or 4 input interfaces appropriately in a keypad. If the present invention is applied to small sized electronic equipment such as a mobile phone and PDA, much more various types of characters can be arranged as compared with the space the input keys take, and thereby it becomes possible to input characters faster with the minimum amount of effort. | 08-12-2010 |
20100225505 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND MOVEMENT SENSOR THEREOF - The disclosure provides a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a movement sensor and a processing module. The movement sensor is configured for sensing a movement of the portable electronic device and generating electrical signals in response to the movement. The movement sensor further includes a metal assembly and a magnetic assembly. When the portable electronic device has a movement, the metal assembly moves relative to the magnetic assembly to cut lines of magnetic force, therefore the metal assembly generates the electrical signals. The processing module performs predetermined operations according to the electrical signals. | 09-09-2010 |
20100238054 | KEYBOARD DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING DIFFERENT KEY FUNCTIONS ON THE KEYBOARD DEVICE - A keyboard device and a key function identification method are provided. The keyboard device includes a micro-controller, a wire circuit and multiple keys. A key code table has been previously stored in the micro-controller. The multiple keys have different key identification parts. When the key identification parts are electrically connected the wire circuit, different key codes are generated. According to different key codes and the key code table, different key signals are generated. | 09-23-2010 |
20100245133 | KEY SHEET - An object of the present invention is to provide a satisfactorily operable key sheet having a structure which entirely has rigidity and shape stability but which is capable of increasing the degree of freedom in the selection of a material, thickness or the like. The key sheet according to the present invention is a key sheet having a plurality of keys, including a metal plate, and a key top portion secured to the surface of the metal plate so as to cover a large part of the metal plate, and the key top portion has a sheet-like base portion and the plurality of keys each formed in a protruding shape on the surface of this sheet-like base portion. | 09-30-2010 |
20100253551 | KEYBOARD WITH PAINT SCHEME - A keyboard includes a seat; a plurality of keys positioned on the seat, the key comprising a vertically depressible bridge and a cap releasably fastened on the bridge; a plurality of primers each formed on the cap; a plurality of paint layers each coated on the primer wherein each of a predetermined number of the paint layers has a piece of a paint scheme selected from a computer; and a plurality of character layers each having a unique character set coated on the paint layer. The keyboard is aesthetic. Further, such type of keyboard featured a specially designed paint scheme on exterior is very competitive in the market. | 10-07-2010 |
20100253552 | KEYBOARD BASED IN POLYMER, COPOLYMER OR COMPOSITES WITH PIEZO- AND/OR PYROELECTRIC PROPERTIES AND RESPECTIVE USE - The invention refers to a new keyboard based in a polymeric, copolymeric or composite film ( | 10-07-2010 |
20100259422 | KEYBOARD WITH A PLURALITY OF SENSITIVE KEY ELEMENTS - The present invention relates to a keyboard with a plurality of sensitive key elements ( | 10-14-2010 |
20100265106 | Light-Emitting Device and Electronic Device Using The Same - A light-emitting device and an electronic device using the same are provided. The light-emitting device includes a light-guiding plate, a circuit board, at lease one light source unit and a reflective layer. The circuit board is disposed under the light-guiding plate. The reflective layer is disposed above the light-guiding plate. The light-guiding plate has at lease one hole. The light source unit is disposed on the circuit board and within the hole. The reflective layer is disposed above the hole. The light-emitting device is disposed on one side of a part, such as a keypad, of the electronic device for providing light to the keypad. | 10-21-2010 |
20100271241 | Text entry device with radial keypad layout - A text entry device is provided. The device includes a concentric and at least four groupings of letters located around the concentric. The groupings may include at least three keys that are each located at a different radial distance from the concentric. The first grouping may include the letters A, B, C and D; the second grouping may include the letters E, F, G and H; the third grouping may include the letters I, J, K and L; and the fourth grouping may include the letters O, M, N and P. | 10-28-2010 |
20100271242 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH PROTECTIVE COVER FOR KEYPAD - A portable electronic device includes a main body, a housing and a protective cover. The main body includes a keypad. The housing is attached to the main body. The housing defines a receiving space and two guiding grooves. The two guiding grooves are positioned at two opposite sides of the receiving space and communicating with the receiving space. The protective cover includes two rails respectively engaged in the two guiding grooves. The protective cover is slidable in the receiving space along the guiding grooves to cover or expose the keypad. | 10-28-2010 |
20100277348 | MOBILE PHONE WITH IMPROVED KEYBOARD SCANNING AND COMPONENT REDUCTION AND METHOD - Apparatus and method to detect one or more keys of a mobile wireless electronic device that have received an activating input, e.g., have been pressed, interrogates simultaneously several keys of a group of keys to reduce time required to detect which of the keys is pushed to provide inputs to the electronic device. The keys are arranged in a two dimensional matrix that facilitates organized interrogation of the keys. Resistors are used in providing a decoupling effect with respect to the antenna function of the wireless electronic device. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277349 | SAFETY CONSOLE - The invention relates to a console ( | 11-04-2010 |
20100277350 | GROUP KEYPADS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARD KEYBOARD INSTALLATION - A group keypad structure in compliance with a standard keyboard installation includes group keypads corresponding to characters of a standard keyboard input method; for example, the structure includes ten group keypads installed from left to right on a base, and the ten group keypads include characters of “Q, A, Z”, “W, S, X”, “E, D, C”, “R, F, V”, “T, G, B”, “Y, H, N”, “U, J, M”, “I, K, ,”, “O, L, .” and “P, ;, /” respectively, and further includes ten numeric characters “ | 11-04-2010 |
20100283638 | WORLD'S FASTEST MULTI-TAP PHONE AND CONTROL MEANS - This invention relates to a multi-tap and combinational alphanumeric data entry on a 12 key device. The [ | 11-11-2010 |
20100302075 | Keyboard - A keyboard includes a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to drive each of a plurality of keyboard zones to move in a synchronous sequence. The drive mechanism simultaneously tilts and abducts each of the plural keyboard zones. | 12-02-2010 |
20100309026 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING SAME - A keypad assembly is used for an electronic device. The keypad assembly includes a support member, a plurality of key strips and a plurality of elastic members. The support member defines a plurality of receiving grooves each with an angled bottom surface. The key strips are received in the receiving grooves. The elastic members are received in the receiving grooves, and each elastic member abuts a corresponding key strip providing a biasing force to extend a portion of the key strips from the receiving groove. | 12-09-2010 |
20100309027 | CONNECTING STRUCTURE OF KEYBOARD APPURTENACE AND KEYBOARD - A connecting structure of keyboard appurtenance of the invention includes a base, an appurtenance, a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The first holding portion includes a platform, a first breaking hole that is formed in the platform and includes a first opening, and a passage extending from the first opening to a side of the platform. The second holding portion includes a pillar and a cover connected to an end of the pillar. The base and the appurtenance are equipped with the first holding portion and the second holding portion correspondingly and thus the appurtenance can be connected to the base through disposing the pillar of the second holding portion in the first breaking hole. | 12-09-2010 |
20100315266 | PREDICTIVE INTERFACES WITH USABILITY CONSTRAINTS - A “Constrained Predictive Interface” uses predictive constraints to improve accuracy in user interfaces such as soft keyboards, pen interfaces, multi-touch interfaces, 3D gesture interfaces, EMG based interfaces, etc. In various embodiments, the Constrained Predictive Interface allows users to take any desired action at any time by taking into account a likelihood of possible user actions in different contexts to determine intended user actions. For example, to enable a virtual keyboard interface, various embodiments of the Constrained Predictive Interface provide key “sweet spots” as predictive constraints that allow the user to select particular keys regardless of any probability associated with the selected or neighboring keys. In further embodiments, the Constrained Predictive Interface provides hit target resizing via various piecewise constant touch models in combination with various predictive constraints. In general, hit target resizing provides dynamic real-time virtual resizing of one or more particular keys based on various probabilistic criteria. | 12-16-2010 |
20100315267 | Touch Sensor System with Memory - A touch sensor system. The touch sensor system may include a touch sensor configured to provide an output in response to contact with a touch area, a controller coupled to the touch sensor and configured to provide a code representative of the output and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory may be configured to receive and store the code in a first time interval and to provide the code in a second time interval wherein the second time interval begins after the first time interval ends. Adjacent key suppression algorithms are also provided. | 12-16-2010 |
20100315268 | Turntable-Mounted Keypad - A keypad for controlling software, such as disk jockey (DJ) software, includes a plurality of keys, each key being programmable for issuing any desired, predefined sequence of keystrokes and/or mouse commands in response to the key being pressed. At least some of the keys are laid out in a piano-style format, with those keys being programmed to direct the software to produce musical notes. The keypad is constructed to be attached to a phonograph turntable by engaging with physical features on the turntable. The keypad has a top surface that has a rounded edge that runs concentrically with the turntable's platter. It also has a straight edge, overhanging the side of the turntable, where the piano style keys are positioned. When used by a DJ, the keypad greatly simplifies the task of simultaneously operating the turntable and the DJ software. | 12-16-2010 |
20100328108 | LIGHT GUIDE AND THIN FILM KEYBOARD HAVING THE SAME - A light guide includes a main body and a curved refracting face formed in the main body. As light enters the main body, a bright zone and a secondary bright zone less brighter than the bright zone are formed in the main body. The curved refracting face can be an inner wall face of a curved groove or a cavity disposed in the main body. Through the formation of the curved refracting face, the light in the secondary bright zone can be directed such that, when the light guide is disposed in a thin film keyboard, the brightness of a portion of the keyboard that corresponds to the secondary bright zone has improved brightness. | 12-30-2010 |
20100328109 | ANALOG INPUT DEVICE, ANALOG INPUT METHOD, ANALOG INPUT PROGRAM AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING THE PROGRAM - Two input modes can be switched by a change of input to one input part. A portable telephone set | 12-30-2010 |
20110006927 | USB Keyboard Arrangement Having N-Keys Rollover and the Method Thereof - A USB keyboard arrangement having N-keys rollover and the method thereof mainly make use of rearranging a keycode of a firmware program of the USB keyboard through sets of bit maps to control each key thereon. After modifying a matrix, each key within a certain key-area can favorably avert from key ghosting existed in the matrix circuit. Therefore, when all keys in the key-area are concurrently pressed, isolated signals of the keys can be simultaneously sensed. While alternatively adjusting the firmware program through the above methods and adapting the methods to the prior art to split the keys in the key-area of the matrix from the crosspoints of key ghosting, the key-area of the USB keyboard can be provided with concomitantly sending isolated signals. | 01-13-2011 |
20110006928 | COMPOSITE SWITCH AND PORTABLE DEVICE WITH SAME - A composite switch comprises: a first switch that operates by applying a first load to a first key; and a second switch that operates by applying a second load to a second key disposed on the first key. | 01-13-2011 |
20110018743 | INPUT-KEY CONTROL DEVICE, AND METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING INPUT KEY - An input-key control device is mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes and controls a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user. The input-key control device includes: a key-related-information storage unit that stores the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other, the key-identifying information being information for identifying an operable input key; an input-key identifying unit that identifies, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by comparing the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode after the switching; and a light-emission control unit that causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified by the input-key identifying unit to differ from a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates remaining input key. | 01-27-2011 |
20110032125 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals. | 02-10-2011 |
20110037622 | KEY ASSEMBLY - A key assembly comprising: a key housing; at least one key, wherein each one of the at least one key is coupled to the key housing for sliding movement relative to the key housing and is positionable relative to the key housing in a respective first key position and its disposition in the respective first key position effects a transmission of a signal associated with the respective first key position; wherein each one of the at least one key is moveable by an operative movement relative to the key housing between the respective first key position and at least another key position and the operative movement includes a sliding movement. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037623 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DUAL-MODE DISAMBIGUATION OF TEXT INPUT - A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In response to an ambiguous editing input at a location preceding at least a portion of an output word, the software performs one disambiguation operation with respect to the editing input and another disambiguation operation with respect to the editing input in combination with the at least portion of the output word. The results are output in order of decreasing frequency value, with the results of the one disambiguation operation having the portion of the output word appended thereto. | 02-17-2011 |
20110043384 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a plurality of keys and an illumination module. Each key includes a membrane switch structure, a scissors-type supporting member, a light-storing and light-adjusting elastic member, and a keycap. The light-storing and light-adjusting elastic member is accommodated within a receptacle of the scissors-type supporting member. The scissors-type supporting member contains a light-storing material. The light-storing material has a property of storing the radiant energy of the light from the light source and gradually emits visible ray in the dark. After the external light source is turned off, the radiant energy stored in the light-storing material could emit the visible ray for an afterglow time. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043385 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD FOR A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals. | 02-24-2011 |
20110050464 | Key Structure Having Improved Light Emitting Efficiency - A key structure having an improved light emitting efficiency is provided. The key structure includes a light guide plate, an isolation sheet, a circuit board, an elastic member, and a key cap sequentially disposed one on another in order. A circuit and a plurality of first electrical contacts are distributed on a top surface of the light guide plate. An optical structure is disposed at a bottom surface of the light guide plate. The isolation sheet has a light reflective surface facing the light guide plate. A light source emits a light into the light guide plate. The light is reflected by the optical structure to pass through the through holes configured at the isolation sheet, thus allowing more light outputting through the through holes, so as to improve the illumination of the key cap, and improve the light emitting efficiency. | 03-03-2011 |
20110063140 | Portable Electronic Device and External Keyboard Thereof - The present invention relates to a portable electronic device and an external keyboard thereof. The portable electronic device comprises a first port comprising a circular earphone plug and a keyboard plug. The external keyboard comprises a main body, a keyboard array and a second port. The keyboard array is disposed on the main body and comprises a plurality of scan signal lines. The second port is electrically coupled to the scan signal lines of the keyboard array, and is capable of inserting into the first port of the portable electronic device so as to electrically couple to the keyboard plug. Therefore, the external keyboard can be connected to an earphone jack in a plug-and-play fashion without necessarity to add a new port such that the external keyboard is convenient to use and carry and can be freely rotated in any angle. | 03-17-2011 |
20110068955 | Virtual image labeling of input devices - Partial reflection of an image source creates a virtual image that appears superimposed on a keyboard. This virtual image contains labels for the keys. When users place their hands on the keyboard, this blocks the view of some of the keys but does not block the user's view of the virtual image. This creates a visual perception that users can see the key labels through their own hands. The physical keys themselves may be blank, with the labels existing solely as part of the virtual image. Modifying the image source allows the keyboard to be remapped in a variety of different ways, e.g., switching between Latin and Cyrillic characters, displaying application-specific functions, or remapping keys in a password entry system to prevent an observer from identifying the values of the keys being pressed by the user. | 03-24-2011 |
20110074608 | BUTTON-KEY DEVICE AND PORTABLE TERMINAL APPARATUS - A button-key device includes a casing having an opening extending from a position near one end to a position near another end of the casing, and a pair of strength-maintaining projections projecting in opposite directions from the ends, respectively; a first key-top unit including a projecting section, an extended portion provided at an end of the projecting section facing one of the strength-maintaining projections, and flanges; a second key-top unit including a projecting section, an extended portion provided at an end of the projecting section facing the other strength-maintaining projection, and flanges; a first water-blocking sheet provided on a bottom of the first key-top unit; a second water-blocking sheet provided on a bottom of the second key-top unit and having an overlapping portion overlapping the first water-blocking sheet; and a pressing portion provided on the casing and pressed against the overlapping portion. | 03-31-2011 |
20110095918 | KEY INPUT DEVICE - A key input device for data input means of a device is provided. The key input device includes a first terminal for outputting a key input signal, a second terminal spaced apart from the first terminal and having at least two divided parts, wherein all the divided parts contact the first terminal during a key input operation, at least one resistor allocated to each of the divided parts of the second terminal, connected in parallel to each other, and having respectively different resistance values, and a processor chip for controlling a corresponding key input operation according to respectively different voltage values outputted from the first terminal, by at least one corresponding resistor that is electrically and selectively connected to each of the divided parts. | 04-28-2011 |
20110102203 | PHONE WITH QWERTY KEYPAD HAVING A CONNECTION FOR LINKING TO A COMPUTER - A keyboard unit has a keyboard being approximately two thumb lengths in width and one thumb length in height to allow thumb typing. At least one connector is provided to couple the keyboard to a computer system | 05-05-2011 |
20110109483 | Control Method and Control System - An exemplary control method includes the following steps. Judging if a hot key is pressed. Updating a data in a data field when the hot key is pressed. Judging if a first function key is pressed. When the first function key is pressed, outputting a first key code according to the data in the data field and the first function key. Executing a first service process according to the first key code. A control system is also disclosed. | 05-12-2011 |
20110115651 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard can power a computer on or off. A switch arranged on the keyboard receives power on or off operations. A control chip in the keyboard outputs control signals to a microcontroller according to the power on or off operations. The microcontroller actuates a switch circuit to make a control terminal of a motherboard of the computer power on and off the computer. | 05-19-2011 |
20110122001 | SCANNING CIRCUIT AND SCANNING METHOD FOR KEYBOARD - A scanning circuit includes n input ports K | 05-26-2011 |
20110128165 | KEYPAD FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE KEYPAD - A keypad for an electronic device having metallic texture has rigidity and elasticity equivalent to those of stainless steel. The keypad is manufactured and includes a metal alloy board, a keypad body manufactured by primarily thermal-treating the metal alloy board to a rigidity enough to be molded and molding the primarily thermal-treated metal alloy board with a press, a button portion formed by secondarily thermal-treating the keypad body to cure the keypad body and etching the secondarily thermal-treated keypad body by means of etching processing, and urethane rubber and a silicon pad attached to a back surface of the keypad body which has undergone anodizing processing and various colorations. | 06-02-2011 |
20110128166 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND STATE NOTIFICATION METHOD THEREOF - A portable electronic device comprises a key input unit including a plurality of keys or buttons. A plurality of key backlight LEDs are arranged right below or close to predetermined keys or buttons of the plurality of keys or buttons. The key backlight LEDs are capable of selecting and setting a plurality of colors for light emission. A light emission control unit provides a notification of a state of the portable electronic device with a lighting pattern of the plurality of key backlight LEDs. | 06-02-2011 |
20110140932 | KEY ASSEMBLY - A mobile device is described herein in which the mobile device has a housing that includes a transition point and an actuator that can be flexible and that can be used to initiate a predetermined action. The actuator can include a transition point. The mobile device can also have a stiffening component that can be configured to engage the actuator and can also have a flexible circuit. In one arrangement, the flexible circuit can be coupled to the stiffening component and the flexible circuit can be configured to relay signals in response to a force being applied to the actuator. In another arrangement, the actuator can be positioned such that the transition point of the actuator substantially aligns with the transition point of the housing of the mobile device. | 06-16-2011 |
20110140933 | REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - A remote control system is disclosed. The remote control system includes a remote control transmitter module for transmitting a learning signal or a functional signal, and a remote control receiver module in a host for receiving the learning signal or the functional signal wherein the remote control receiver module operates in a learning mode upon a receipt of the learning signal or controls the host to operate functions according the functional signal. When the remote control receiver module operates in the learning mode the remote control receiver module is configured to verify and store the learning signal for recognizing an identity of the remote control transmitter module. | 06-16-2011 |
20110140934 | Metal Keyboard for a Computer and Manufacturing Method Thereof - A metal keyboard for a computer and the method thereof are provided. The keyboard includes an aluminum panel in which a plurality of nano-micro-pores is defined by nano-molding process T; a plastic body disposed on the aluminum panel and made through injection molding based on above nano-molding process, one side of the plastic body being combined with the nano-micro-pores and then secured onto the underside of the aluminum panel, while the other side of the plastic body being provided with plural plastic pins which are formed by injection molding and projected from the surface of the plastic body; and a metal key tray in which a number of locating holes are defined at locations corresponding to the plastic pins, these pins passing through the corresponding locating holes, being hardened after hot melting process and finally being locked with the metal key tray. The invention can effectively reduce manufacture cost of the metal keyboard and significantly improve productivity. | 06-16-2011 |
20110148670 | PORTABLE CHARACTER INPUT APPARATUS AND METHOD USING CHANGE IN TENSION OF STRINGS CONNECTED TO FINGERS - A portable character input apparatus which is compact and uses strings connected to each finger to input characters. The portable character input apparatus includes a plurality of wearing units, each configured to be worn on or attached to a finger; at least one or more first connection strings, each configured to be attached to the wearing units; a detecting unit configured to detect a change of tension on the first connecting string according to movement of the finger wearing the wearing unit; and a tension change analysis unit configured to analyze the change of tension detected by the detection unit to determine position of an input key that corresponds to the movement of the finger. Accordingly, a keyboard row is determined based on a change of tension related to a user's finger movement, and then position of an input key belonging to the keyboard row can be obtained. | 06-23-2011 |
20110156929 | BUTTON FOR INPUT INTERFACE, INPUT INTERFACE AND PORTABLE TERMINAL - The present invention provides a button for an input interface, and an input interface and a portable terminal thereof, which make visibility of an indicated character high, and make it easy to detect a boundary with the tactile sensation. | 06-30-2011 |
20110169668 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHANGING CHARACTERS ASSOCIATED WITH KEYS - A mobile communication device may include logic configured to provide a first keypad layout via a programmable keypad using a first illumination source, receive a keypad selection and provide a second keypad layout via the programmable keypad using a second illumination source in response to the selection. | 07-14-2011 |
20110169669 | KEYBOARD WITH TRANSPARENT KEY PADS - Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with keyboards are described. One example keyboard includes a printed circuit board to control input responses associated to key pads being touched. The keyboard further includes a plurality of transparent key pads flexibly coupled to the printed circuit board. A layer of key labels is disposed between the printed circuit board and the plurality of transparent key pads. The layer of key labels includes symbols visible through the plurality of transparent key pads to identify a corresponding transparent key pad. The layer of key labels is removable and replaceable with a different layer of key labels. | 07-14-2011 |
20110181445 | KEY SHEET - There is disclosed a key sheet in which a shape of element for the touch sensor, position where the element for the touch sensor are to be disposed and the number of the elements for the touch sensor to be disposed can freely be determined. In a key sheet including a key base and a key top arranged on a front surface of the key base, the key base is provided with a pattern detecting sensor target position having an element for a touch sensor. | 07-28-2011 |
20110181446 | Keypad Device Having a Removable Button Assembly - A control device, such as a keypad device, for use in a load control system for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load comprises a switch, a yoke fixedly mounted with respect to the switch, and a removable button assembly that may be removed from the control device. The removable button assembly comprises a spring tree having a frame portion and at least one button pivotably coupled to the frame portion. The button assembly is received within a channel of the yoke and is positioned such that the button is operable to actuate the switch when the button is pressed. The button assembly is adapted to slide through the channel, such that the button assembly may be removed from the control device. Accordingly, the button of the control device may be easily changed after installation of the control device. | 07-28-2011 |
20110181447 | INPUT DEVICE AND INPUT SYSTEM UTILIZED THEREBY - An input device includes a plurality of keys, each having an exclusive input key code corresponding to an illumination unit, a notification unit and a detection unit. An electronic device includes an execution unit and a first comparison unit. The execution unit generates a preset key code and an illumination command. The corresponding illumination unit emits light according to the illumination command. The detection unit detects whether one of the keys is activated, if a key is activated, generate an input key code. The comparison unit compares the preset key code and the input key code. If the two codes are the same, the comparison unit generates a stop signal. The illumination unit stops shinning according to the stop signal. If the two codes are different, the comparison unit generates a notification. The notification unit issues a notification accordingly. | 07-28-2011 |
20110215953 | KEYBOARD WTTH MULTI-ANGLE SUPPORT - A keyboard includes housing and two support members. The housing defines two receiving spaces each including a bottom defining a perforation. The two support members are received in the receiving spaces. Each support member includes an adjusting wheel and a support. The adjusting wheel is rotatably received in the receiving space and defines a spiral groove. The spiral groove includes spiral lateral surface. The support is received in the receiving spaces and aligned with the perforation, and includes a pin received in the spiral groove. When the adjusting wheels are rotated, the pins are urged by the spiral lateral surface to move, changing an inclination angle between the base and a support surface supporting the base. | 09-08-2011 |
20110215954 | Matrix Keyboarding System - A data input system and method utilize a keyboard including a first keypad having at least five keys and a second keypad having at least five keys. With the at least ten keys of the first and second keypads, at least twenty-five two-key combinations including one key from each of the first and second keypads are established, where the two-key combinations each represent characters. Additionally, at least twenty chord combinations including multiple keys from the first keypad and multiple keys from the second keypad are established, where the chord combinations each represent special characters and commands. A matrix of characters may be selected, and one of the two-key combinations corresponding to a selected one of the characters in the selected matrix of characters is activated to effect input of the character; or one of the chord combinations corresponding to a selected special character or a selected command is activated to effect input of the selected special character or activation of the selected command, respectively. The activations are repeated until data entry is complete. | 09-08-2011 |
20110221616 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETECTING INPUT - An electronic apparatus includes a detection circuit having at least a first contact point, a second contact point and a third contact point; an input key unit changes states of the individual contact points based on an accepted input operation, and a detection-circuit control unit obtains a detection signal corresponding to changed states of the individual contact points from the detection circuit, and detects the input operation from the obtained detection signal. | 09-15-2011 |
20110221617 | KEYBOARD ILLUMINATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Interface apparatus and methods are provided. The interface can include a keyboard ( | 09-15-2011 |
20110227761 | KEY AND KEYBOARD USING SAME - A keyboard is provided. The keyboard includes a housing and keys. The housing includes frames defining a first through hole to receive the keys and defines a receiving space to receive the frames. The housing includes switches. The receiving space defines slots to receive first magnetic members. Each key is arranged over the switch. Each key includes a base, second magnetic members, a convex lens, and a plate. The base defines a second through hole to receive the convex lens and plate. The plate is arranged below the convex lens. A label is sealed on a top of the plate. The convex lens is rotated, the distance between the convex lens and the plate changes. The size of the image of the label thus changes. The key is depressed to press the switch, the switch is actuated, when the key is released, the key is separate from the switch. | 09-22-2011 |
20110234428 | Information processing apparatus and input-mode adjustment method - An information processing apparatus, an input-mode adjustment method, and an input-mode adjustment program capable of allowing a user to input intended information are provided. The information processing apparatus determines whether the number of repetitions of deletion operation on information, such as a character string, is greater than a predetermined deletion operation threshold. When the number of deletion operations is greater than the deletion operation threshold, the information processing apparatus determines that a current input mode is not desired by a user, and changes the input mode. | 09-29-2011 |
20110241909 | KEYPAD AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY OF SAME - A keypad is described herein in which the keypad can have a base surface and a plurality of keys positioned on the base surface. The plurality of keys can be made up of a first group that that is an arrangement of number keys for initiating a voice-based communication and a second group that is an arrangement of letter keys. In addition, the number keys of the first group and the letter keys of the second group are independent of one another. As an example, the number keys of the first group can be positioned on the base surface in a number of columns, and the letter keys of the second group can be positioned in areas between the number keys. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241910 | MINIATURE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A miniature electronic device includes a main body, a cover, two sliding boards and a functional component. The main body includes two rotation members and two connection members. Each rotation member includes a first annular groove, a second annular groove and a geared portion. Each connection member includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion having an equal length with the first connection portion. The cover includes two rotation shafts each including a first annular groove and a second annular groove. Each sliding board includes a rack. The functional component is below the two sliding boards. When the cover is opened or closed, the two rotation shafts are driven to rotate to drive the two geared portions to rotate in the two racks to cause the two sliding boards to slide relative to the main body, thereby exposing or covering the functional component. | 10-06-2011 |
20110248869 | Miniature 4-key one-hand alphanumeric keyboard - A miniature alpha-numeric keyboard, operated by one hand, for use with computers, cell phones and mobile electronic devices. The device has only 4 keys, one dedicated to each of the four fingers, and a thumb receptacle or pouch, arranged in such a way that when the thumb is inserted in the pouch, the four fingers rest naturally on the four keys. While the keyboard is being operated, the thumb inserted in the receptacle supports the keyboard in position, each of the four fingers resting above its own key, preventing it from moving out of place. Support against the fingers depressing the keys is provided by resting the device against another object—a table, an armrest, the operator's own body or pocket—or any other object that a hand would normally rest on. Alphanumeric, control and special characters are generated by pressing the four keys using composite keystrokes, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,173. | 10-13-2011 |
20110248870 | KEYPAD ASSEMBLY - A keypad assembly is provided. The keypad assembly includes a case frame, unit key blocks, and a main board. The case frame defines an outer surface. The unit key blocks are inserted into the case frame, arranged to be exposed from the case frame, and disposed at positions that are freely changeable. The main board is located under the unit key blocks, performs an event corresponding to a signal generated for the respective key blocks when the unit key blocks are pressed. | 10-13-2011 |
20110260891 | KEYBOARD WITH INTEGRATED AND NUMERIC KEYPAD - A keypad includes a plurality of keys, and a processor that is coupled to control use of the keypad, including to enable use of the keypad in each of a letter entry mode or an alternative entry mode. The plurality of keys include a subset of keys, each key in the subset being (i) enlarged as compared to other keys of the keypad that are not part of the subset, (ii) assigned m letter values for when the keypad is operated in the letter entry mode, and (iii) assigned n numeric values, where 1≦n10-27-2011 | |
20110260892 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING A KEYSTROKE IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The disclosure provides a system and a method of processing keystrokes entered on an electronic device. The method comprises: monitoring for activation of two or more keys on the keyboard; evaluating whether the activation of those keys occurs within a set window of time; evaluating locations of those keys. After these evaluations, if the keystroke conflict is determined to not have been produced then characters for those keys are generated in order of their activations. If the keystroke conflict is determined to have been produced, then the method arbitrates between those keys to select a key utilising a dictionary to automatically determine the key to be selected. In the dictionary, its entries are related to each of those keys combined with any previously entered keystrokes. The method then processes the selected key to generate on a display one character, which is associated with the selected key. | 10-27-2011 |
20110279287 | KEYBOARD WITH LASER POINTER AND MICRO-GYROSCOPE - A keyboard includes a laser pointer for generating laser radiation, and a micro-gyroscope for measuring a rotational angular speed or angular acceleration when the keyboard swings. | 11-17-2011 |
20110279288 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a keyboard main body and a supporting apparatus. A first extending portion is extended from a sidewall of the keyboard main body. A number of keys are set on a top of the keyboard main body. A second extending portion is extended from a sidewall of the supporting apparatus and mounted to the first extending portion. A supporting device is set on a top of the supporting apparatus, opposite to the second extending portion. | 11-17-2011 |
20110279289 | FOLDABLE KEYBOARD - A foldable keyboard includes a main keyboard and a sub keyboard. The main keyboard includes a first edge, first keys, and a first housing on the first edge. The first housing defines a first recess with at least one inlet communicating with the first recess. The sub keyboard includes a second rotatably coupled to the first edge of the main keyboard, second keys, a second housing, a latching member, and at least one ejecting member. The second housing defines a second recess with at least one outlet and at least one cavity communicating with the second recess. The latching member is movably received in the second recess. The at least one ejecting member is respectively received in the at least one cavity and can be moved to eject the latching member out of the at least one outlet and into the at least one inlet of the main keyboard. | 11-17-2011 |
20110279290 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH TEXT DISAMBIGUATION - A handheld electronic device enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are provided by logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special key of the keypad that enables a user to progressively select variants without changing the position of the user's hands on the device. | 11-17-2011 |
20110285551 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a number of first keys, a control circuit, a switch circuit, and a second key. The switch circuit includes a number of switches. The second key is connected to first terminals of two switches of the switch circuit via the control circuit. A second terminal of each of the switches is connected to a first key. When a second key is pressed, the control circuit controls the switches corresponding to the pressed second key to be turned on, to activate the first keys which are connected to the switches. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285552 | INPUT SYSTEM - An input system includes a keyboard, an emitting apparatus, and a receiving apparatus. The keyboard includes a number of signal pins. The emitting apparatus includes a number of keys, an encoder, and an emitter. When one of the keys is pressed, the encoder outputs a first signal and the emitter converts the first signal to a wireless signal. The receiving apparatus includes a decoder and a receiver. The decoder includes a number of outputs. The outputs of the decoder are connected to the signal pins of the keyboard respectively. The receiver receives the wireless signal of the emitter and reconverts the wireless signal to the first signal. The decoder decodes the first signal and the outputs of the decoder outputs a decoded signal. The decoded signal is used to control voltage level of the signal pins. | 11-24-2011 |
20110291864 | INPUT INDUCING DEVICE AND INDUCING KEYBOARD - An input inducing device is provided. The input inducing device includes a winding, a current sensor, and a processing unit. Two ends of the winding are connected to the current sensor and form a closed-loop with the current sensor. When a magnetic object moves towards the winding, the winding cuts magnetic induction lines of the magnetic object to generate an induced current, the current sensor senses the induced current and generates a sensing signal according to the sensed induced current. The sensing signal is transmitted to the processing unit, which then implements a predetermined function according to the sensing signal. | 12-01-2011 |
20110304483 | Method and apparatus for text data input with an alphanumeric keypad for an electronic device - An alphanumeric keyboard is provided which includes a 3×4 key button configuration and five function keys. The 3×4, 12 key button and five function keys configuration provides optimal space for the user to conveniently press the desired keys for inputting text into a portable electronic device. The alphanumeric keypad minimizes the number of key presses to input a text message by organizing the alphabet in the order that the characters are most frequently used. To reduce the number of repeated key presses the keys designated by numerals 2-8 each display two alphabet characters, and keys 9, 0, *, and # each display three alphabet characters. The keypad offers two methods of text input via portable communication devices: 1) the conventional multi-tap method of text input; 2) the Alpha mode method. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304484 | LIGHT GUIDE HAVING A CAPACITIVE SENSING GRID AND RELATED METHODOLOGY - An electronic device may include a keypad having a plurality of predefined key areas and a light guide that may be used to illuminate the key areas. The light guide may include a capacitive sensing grid to sense user contact relative to the keypad. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304485 | Legend Highlighting - A method for manufacturing keycap includes applying a first coating layer on a surface of a keycap layer, applying a second coating layer on top of the first coating layer, etching at least a portion of the first coating layer to a first depth to form a first etched area, and etching at least a portion of the first etched area to a second depth to form a second etched area. | 12-15-2011 |
20110304486 | SOLAR KEYBOARD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A solar keyboard includes a base, a touch keyboard module and a solar cell. The touch keyboard module is disposed on the base and includes a transparent layer. The solar cell is selectively disposed over or below the transparent layer. An area of the solar cell is substantially equal to that of the touch keyboard module. Accordingly, the solar keyboard of the invention can absorb much more solar energy and then generate much more electric power. | 12-15-2011 |
20110309954 | Touch-type key input apparatus - A touch press key inputting device includes: a plurality of character keys | 12-22-2011 |
20110309955 | RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION INTERFACE DEVICES AND METHODS - A radio frequency identification (RFID) device is described. In one implementation, there is provided a keyboard emulator; a first keyboard interface configured to receive an operative connection to a host computer, and operatively connected to the keyboard emulator; and a controller configured to receive data from at least one RFID tag; and transfer the data through the keyboard emulator and then the first keyboard interface in response to a user-initiated route instruction received by the controller, wherein the keyboard emulator converts the data to corresponding keystroke codes. | 12-22-2011 |
20110309956 | LOW POWER SENSING VIA RESISTIVE SENSOR MATRIX - Embodiments are disclosed that relate to input devices. In one embodiment, an input device comprises a sensor matrix having first and second pluralities of conductors, a plurality of first resistors, a voltage-applying mechanism configured to apply a selected voltage to each second conductor of the plurality of second conductors, a plurality of sensors, a scanning sensing circuit, and a wake-up sensing circuit. Each first resistor is connected in series between a first voltage and a conductor of the plurality of first conductors. Each sensor includes a switch in series with a matrix resistor, and each sensor is connected to one of the plurality of first conductors and one of the plurality of second conductors. The scanning sensing circuit is connected to each of the plurality of first conductors, and the wake-up sensing circuit is connected to each of the plurality of second conductors. | 12-22-2011 |
20110309957 | INPUT MODULE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING THE SAME - An input module includes a substrate, at least two bio-keys and a control unit. The substrate has at least two bio-leads and switches. Each of the bio-keys has a key surface, at least one conductive elastic piece and a protrusion. The conductive elastic piece is electrically connected and conducted to the key surface and the bio-leads. The control unit has an input-signal generating element and a biological-signal generating element. The input-signal generating element is configured to generate a first input signal and a second input signal by using the protrusion to toggle the switch. The biological-signal generating element is configured to generate a bioelectric signal through the electrical conduction between the bio-key and the bio-lead. The present invention further provides an electronic device, in which the bioelectric signal is analyzed by an operational unit to generate a biological function index. | 12-22-2011 |
20120001775 | Keyboard Insert - An insert for a keyboard comprises a molded body that comprises a pair of opposing sides. Each of the opposing sides has a groove that extends along at least a portion of the respective side. Each groove is adapted to receive a leveling wire from a keycap. | 01-05-2012 |
20120013488 | KEYPAD WITH WATER AND DUST PROTECTION - A keypad suitable for use with a mobile communication or a handheld device. The keypad includes an actuator component formed from multiple materials and comprises a plurality of actuators, a sealing bead and/or a light guide. The sealing bead is formed from a flexible or compressible material such as silicone rubber. When the keypad is installed the sealing bead is compressed against the mounting surface in the device and provides a seal for the keypad against environmental agents such as moisture, dust and/or electrostatic discharges. | 01-19-2012 |
20120019401 | DATA ENTRY DEVICE WITH FLEXIBLE SHEET - A data entry device includes a frame having a pad, a flexible base, a sleeve, a handle, a rolling mechanism, and a stop mechanism. The base is received in the sleeve. The flexible base is attached to the frame for interacting with the pad for inputting information. The handle is detachably attached to the sleeve. The rolling mechanism is for rotating the base, one end of the base is secured to the rolling mechanism, and the other end of the base is secured to the handle. The stop mechanism controls the rotation of the rolling mechanism for preventing the flexible base rotating. | 01-26-2012 |
20120019402 | MOBILE INFORMATION TERMINAL HAVING OPERATION KEYS AND A DISPLAY ON OPPOSITE SIDES - A mobile information terminal has a front surface on which a display surface of a display device is arranged and a rear surface on which a plurality of operation keys are arranged. The mobile information terminal further has a half-depressing sensor for detecting that each of the operation keys is half-depressed and/or a touch sensor for detecting that each of the operation keys is touched. A control section executes a processing operation to cause the display device to display an image showing the arrangement of said operation keys and to change an icon which corresponds to a key of operation keys when a control section determines, according to an input signal from the half-depressing sensor or the touch sensor, that the finger of the operator is placed on this key of operation keys. | 01-26-2012 |
20120032820 | LUMINOUS KEYBOARD - A luminous keyboard comprises a housing, a keyboard and a light emitting portion. The keyboard and light emitting portion are held in the housing. The light emitting portion includes at least one housing trough and a lighting element held in the housing trough. The housing trough has at least one first recess portion and at least one second recess portion on the periphery. The first recess portion and second recess portion have respectively an inner wall formed a first curved surface and a second curved surface. The lighting element generates light projected to the first and second recess portions, and the light piercing through the first and second curved surfaces is transmitted towards the concave directions of the first and second recess portions. Thus the light advancing direction in the light emitting portion can be effectively controlled. | 02-09-2012 |
20120032821 | KEYBOARD HOLD DOWN MECHANISM - A keyboard is within a cavity of a receptacle. A keyboard hold down mechanism is connected to the receptacle outward of a perimeter of the keyboard and is connected to the keyboard at a central portion of the keyboard inward of the perimeter. | 02-09-2012 |
20120075125 | HANDGRIP KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes first and second keyboard units. The first and second keyboard units comprise a first housing and a second housing, respectively. The first housing and the second housing are adapted to be attached and detached from an electronic device. A set of input keys may be disposed on at least one of the first and second housings. | 03-29-2012 |
20120081239 | UPDATING A KEYBOARD CONFIGURATION - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to updating a keyboard configuration. A keyboard configuration may be determined. The keys may be assigned a meaning based on the determined configuration where groups of adjacent keys are assigned the same meaning. An image for each of the keys may be determined based on the assigned meaning, and the determined image may be displayed on the keyboard keys. | 04-05-2012 |
20120081240 | PORTABLE TERMINAL HAVING KEYPAD - A portable terminal has a keypad. The portable terminal includes the keypad including a plurality of key buttons in a predetermined pattern and forming an antenna pattern by using devices connected to both ends of predetermined key buttons among the plurality of key buttons, a Radio Frequency (RF) communicator connected to signal lines of the predetermined key buttons of the keypad, a digital circuit for recognizing a signal input to the keypad, and a controller for controlling the keypad to be selectively switched to one of the digital circuit and the RF communicator according to a signal generated in a resonance frequency region of a particular service band. | 04-05-2012 |
20120086584 | CHARACTER AND FUNCTION KEY INPUT DEVICE USING DICTIONARY ORDER AND USE FREQUENCY - A character and function key input device comprises: a character button unit having character buttons, each of which is assigned to one or more characters of one or more languages or function key elements; a forward button which converts the character or function key element selected from among the characters or the function key elements into characters or function key elements assigned to the selected button or adjacent button in accordance with the dictionary order; and a backward button which converts the character or function key element selected from among the characters or the function key elements into characters or function key elements assigned to the selected button or adjacent button in accordance with the dictionary order, wherein said one or more characters or function key elements assigned to the character buttons are disposed adjacently to one other in the dictionary order, and the character or the function key element having the highest use frequency is used as a basic value. The dictionary order has a circulation configuration such that the first character or the first function key element appears again after the last character or the last function key element. | 04-12-2012 |
20120092195 | Protective Device for an Electronic Apparatus - A protective device for an electronic apparatus includes: a base unit including a base plate having a base front end portion and a base rear end portion; a cover plate including a cover front end portion connected swingably to the base unit and disposed above the base front end portion, and a cover rear end portion disposed above the base rear end portion, the cover plate being swingable relative to the base unit to move the cover rear end portion toward or away from the base rear end portion; two fence members cooperating with the cover plate and the base plate to define a receiving space for receiving the electronic apparatus, the receiving space having an opening between the base and cover rear end portions when the cover rear end portion moves away from the base rear end portion; and an input unit disposed on the cover plate. | 04-19-2012 |
20120105258 | DATA ENTRY MODULE - A data entry module includes a flexible substrate, a fence circuit formed on the flexible substrate and including at least one trace routed in a meandering manner, an insulating layer formed on the fence circuit, a substrate spaced from the insulating layer, and a switch circuit including a plurality of switch elements each including two contact pads separately disposed on the substrate and the insulating layer. The fence circuit is configured to cover the switch circuit for preventing the interrogation of the switch circuit. | 05-03-2012 |
20120105259 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A portable electronic device includes a main body, a keyboard assembly located behind the main body; and an earphone. The main body defines a receiving groove, the earphone is received in the receiving groove and can be partially exposed out of the main body. The keyboard assembly is rotatably connected to one end of the main body and can be rotated flush with the main body. | 05-03-2012 |
20120112931 | ADJUSTABLE KEYBOARD FOR FRONT AND BACK TYPING - One example embodiment includes a keyboard for providing back typing with a mobile device. The keyboard includes a keypad, where the first keypad includes a set of keys for input to a mobile device and a first hinge, where the first hinge is attached a first portion of the keypad and where the first hinge is configured to allow movement of the first portion of the keypad relative to the mobile device. The keyboard also includes a second hinge, wherein the second hinge is attached a second portion of the keypad and wherein the second hinge is configured to allow movement of the second portion of the keypad relative to the mobile device. | 05-10-2012 |
20120112932 | MODIFIER KEYS IN A KEYBOARD - One example embodiment includes a keyboard for providing an output signal to an external device. The keyboard includes a keypad. The keypad includes a first key, where the first key is configured to provide a first signal to a logic device when depressed and a second key, wherein the second key is configured to provide a second signal to the logic device when depressed. The keyboard also includes the logic device. The logic device is configured to output a first output signal to an external device if only the first key is depressed, a second output signal to an external device if only the second key is depressed and a third output signal to the external device if the first key is depressed and the second key is depressed. | 05-10-2012 |
20120127000 | RECONFIGURABLE KEYBOARD HAVING ELECTRONICALLY RE-WRITABLE KEYS - In one embodiment, a reconfigurable keyboard having electronically writable keys receives input signals from a configurer that, for a first setting, results in a first displayed key layout, and in a second setting, results in a second displayed key layout. Each setting is associated with a specific functionality of the keyboard, for example a particular language. A configurer operates to execute the particular layouts and functionalities, and can be disposed on a portable device such as a memory stick for use with different computers and keyboards. | 05-24-2012 |
20120146817 | KEYBOARD DEVICE WITH ANTENNA FUNCTION - A keyboard device with antenna function includes a keyboard unit, an antenna unit, and a conductive unit. The keyboard unit includes a substrate structure, a plurality of movable key structures disposed on the substrate structure, and at least one fixing key structure disposed on the substrate structure. The antenna unit includes at least one flexible substrate positioned on a bottom surface of one of the movable key structures or a bottom surface of the fixing key structure and at least one antenna track disposed on the flexible substrate. The conductive unit includes at least two conductive structures connected electrically to the antenna track. Hence, the instant disclosure can not only own both key function and antenna function, but also be applied to miniaturization electronic product such as notebook. | 06-14-2012 |
20120154180 | Light guide structure, keypad structure including the same, and method of fabricating the same - A light guide structure includes a light guide layer, a light condensing structure, and a microstructure region. The light condensing structure is disposed on the light guide layer to gather light from a light source to the light guide layer for allowing the light guide layer to transmit the light. The microstructure region is disposed on the light guide layer to reflect or bend the light transmitted by the light guide layer for allowing the light to be emitted. The light condensing structure and the microstructure region are formed through a co-mold process with the light guide layer together. A keypad structure including the light guide structure and a method of fabricating the light guide structure are also disclosed. | 06-21-2012 |
20120161988 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keyswitches, a transparent protective cover and a light emitting module. The keyswitches are disposed on the base and each keyswitch includes a transparent key cap. The transparent protective cover includes a plurality of hollow protruding portions. When the transparent protective cover is disposed on the base, each of the hollow protruding portions covers one of the transparent key caps. The light emitting module is selectively disposed on or below the base. The color of light emitted by the light emitting module is different from the color of the transparent protective cover. | 06-28-2012 |
20120194360 | METHOD FOR SENDING A KEYCODE OF A NON-KEYBOARD APPARATUS - A method for sending a keycode of a non-keyboard apparatus is provided and includes the following steps. The non-keyboard apparatus determines the connection status between itself and a computer by the time required for device enumeration. Then, according to a value generated from device enumeration, the non-keyboard apparatus identifies the kind of operating system running on the computer. The non-keyboard apparatus sends to the computer a keycode corresponding to the Num Lock key and/or a keycode corresponding to the Caps Lock key such that a sending time and a feedback time are obtained. A parameter related to the efficiency of the computer is then calculated based. | 08-02-2012 |
20120212354 | UNIFORM KEYBOARD ILLUMINATION - An input device includes an array of keys and an illumination system. Each key comprises a key face that is configured for transmission of light. The illumination system includes a light guide disposed below the keys, a plurality of lamps mounted to the light guide, and a lamp controller electrically coupled to the lamps. The light guide is configured to illuminate the key faces via the lamps. The lamp controller is configured to repeatedly illuminate the lamps each for a respective on-time interval of a common illumination period. The location of the lamps and the illumination period and each said on-time interval are selected for the visual appearance of continuous substantially uniform illumination of the array of keys. | 08-23-2012 |
20120229306 | TOUCH SENSITIVE KEYBOARD WITH TOUCH TEXTURE - A touch sensitive keyboard includes a bottom board, at least one sensing layer, a surface layer and a protruding print layer. The sensing layer is disposed on the bottom board and includes a plurality of sensors; the surface layer is stacked on the sensing layer and has a first surface disposed towards the sensing layer and opposite to the second surface; the protruding print layer is printed onto the second surface and includes a plurality of bumps protruded with a predetermined distance from the second surface, such that when the surface layer and the protruding print layer are touched simultaneously, the surface layer and the protruding print layer can be distinguished to provide a texture feedback mechanism, and users can assure that a specific position of the keyboard is touched, so as to enhance the user experience of using the keyboard. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229307 | LOW POWER WIRELESS SHORT RANGE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A wireless short range transmission system comprises a controller, a first oscillator, a transmitter, and an antenna. The transmitter comprises a phase-lock loop frequency synthesizer for receiving a reference signal from the first oscillator and a first modulation signal. The phase-lock loop frequency synthesizer is configured to be turned on by the first modulation signal for generating a carrier signal based on the reference signal. The transmitter further comprises a power amplifier for receiving the carrier signal from the phase-lock loop frequency synthesizer and a second modulation signal. The power amplifier is configured to be turned on/off by the second modulation signal to generate a modulated signal based on the carrier signal. The power amplifier is turned on after the phase-lock loop frequency synthesizer is stabilized and the phase-lock loop frequency synthesizer is turned off with the power amplifier or after the power amplifier has been turned off. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229308 | LOW POWER WIRELESS KEYBOARD - A wireless keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a transmitter, an antenna and a controller. The plurality of keys comprises a set of first type keys and a set of second type keys. Each of the first type keys is associated with one of a plurality of predetermined functions. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from the plurality of keys indicating at least one of the plurality of keys has been selected; determine if the selected at least one of the plurality of keys is one of the first type keys; and activate the transmitter for transmitting a second signal if the selected at least one of the plurality of keys is one of the first type keys, wherein the second signal carries information corresponding to the one of the plurality of predetermined function associated with the selected at least one of the plurality of keys. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229309 | INPUT DEVICE - An input device includes a casing, a first keyboard, and a second keyboard. The first keyboard is slidably connected to the casing. The second keyboard is connected to the casing in an obliquely slidable manner and slidably connected to the first keyboard. When the first keyboard slides toward an expanded position relative to the casing, the first keyboard drives the second keyboard to slide obliquely relative to the casing, so that the second keyboard slides upwardly relative to the first keyboard. When the first keyboard slides toward a folded position relative to the casing, the first keyboard drives the second keyboard to slide obliquely relative to the casing, so that the second keyboard slides downwardly relative to the first keyboard. | 09-13-2012 |
20120235837 | Membrane Circuit Board and Keyboard Having the Same - A membrane circuit board and a keyboard device having the same are provided in the invention. The membrane circuit board is defined with a plurality of key regions. Each of the key regions is with a pressing region and at least one light-pervious region thereon. The membrane circuit board comprising at least two light-pervious membranes stacked with each other, and at least one light-pervious adhesive layer sandwiched between the two light-pervious membranes and at least fully filled in the light-pervious region. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235838 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHARACTER INPUT BY DIECTION KEY - A method and a device for character input by direction key are disclosed. The method comprises: a mapping relation between characters in input character set and direction key input sequences is constructed, and at least a code table representing the mapping relation is established; the character is inputted by a code table selection key and a direction key, the character input comprises the following steps: a code table as a current code table is determined according to the input of a code table selection key (S10); a prompting message of the current code table is displayed on a display screen (S20); an input character is determined in the current code table according to a direction key input sequence (S30). The used direction key, the confirmation key and the code table selection key are based on an existing key of an existing e-book reader, media player and other electronic devices. | 09-20-2012 |
20120242514 | HYBRID KEYBOARD - The invented hybrid keyboard comprises: a main body, to provide an enclosing space; an input key assembly including at least one input key and a corresponding encoder, to generate predetermined signals in response to striking operations of said at least one input key; and an output module, to pick up said signals generated by said input key assembly and to output said signals; characterized in that said input key assembly further comprises a motion sensor, to generate predetermined signals in response to motions detected by said motion sensor. | 09-27-2012 |
20120242515 | INDUCTIVE TOUCH SENSING CIRCUIT PROVIDING SENSITIVITY COMPENSATION - An inductive touch sensing circuit having sensitivity compensation is provided. A digital processor controls a variable amplifier signal source that is synchronized to the key selection. This configuration provides closed loop control of the strength of each key's excitation signal for each of a plurality of inductive touch sensors or key switch assembly, so that the system can adaptively provide different strength excitation signals to each of the different key switch assemblies. In this way, the inductive touch sensing circuit can compensate for the effects of age, temperature, environment and varying key geometries and tolerances, using the excitation signal delivered by the drive circuit. | 09-27-2012 |
20120249344 | MULTI-COLOR ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD - A multi-color illuminated keyboard at least includes a plurality of keys, an array circuit board, a signal processing unit and a lighting control processor. The array circuit board is located beneath the keys and triggered by depressing one key to generate a corresponding array signal or a mode switching signal. The signal processing unit receives the array signal and converts the array signal into a character signal to be output. The signal processing also can receive the mode switching signal and transmit the mode switching signal to the lighting control processor. The lighting control processor presets multiple driving modes and is electrically connected to the lighting element sets in the illuminated keyboard. The lighting control processor can be triggered by the mode switching signal to change the driving modes of the lighting element sets in the illuminated keyboard. | 10-04-2012 |
20120262309 | PARTICULATE BARRIER FOR KEYBOARD DISPLAY - This disclosure provides for a computer peripheral having displayable output in addition to keyboard-type input functionality. A plurality of keycaps are situated over a display device, and each keycap is movable downward and upward relative to the display device. Associated with each of the keycaps is a display region on the display device. The display region produces imagery which is viewable through transparent portions of the keycap. For each of the keycaps, a particulate barrier is provided to prevent particulate from entering into the display regions associated with the keycaps. | 10-18-2012 |
20120262310 | INPUT DEVICE - An input device includes a keyboard and a touch module. The keyboard includes two keyboard connectors. Each of the two keyboard connectors is located at two opposite sides of the keyboard. The touch module includes a module connector. The module connector is connected to any one of the two keyboard connectors. The touch module is electronically coupled to the keyboard. | 10-18-2012 |
20120262311 | Text Entry Device with Radial Keypad Layout - A text entry device is provided. The device includes a concentric and a first grouping of letters including the letters A, B, C and D and that has at least one key that is touched by a user when actuated. A second grouping of letters including the letters E, F, G and H is included and has at least one key that is touched by the user when actuated. At least a portion of the key of the first grouping is located at a different angular position with respect to the concentric than at least a portion of the key of the second grouping. | 10-18-2012 |
20120268296 | INPUT DEVICE AND INPUT / OUTPUT DEVICE - The present invention provides an input device and an input/output device that can realize facilitation of input work and systematization of a combination of detection information of the ON state or the OFF state of switches.
| 10-25-2012 |
20120274485 | KEYPAD HAVING A CURVED SHAPE - A keypad for a handheld electronic device includes a dome support having a generally curved top surface, a plurality of domes, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of key caps. A flexible printed circuit board is attached to the top of the dome support and includes a plurality of substantially flat surface portions that are associated with substantially flat surface portions of the dome support. Each of the plurality of domes is attached to a respective one of the plurality of substantially flat surface portions of the flexible printed circuit board and is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of key caps has a bottom surface that is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of actuators and substantially parallel to a respective one of the plurality of substantially flat surface portions of the flexible printed circuit board. | 11-01-2012 |
20120286976 | ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD - An illuminated keyboard includes plural keys, a membrane switch circuit member, an illumination module for emitting light beams, and a light-shading layer. When the membrane switch circuit member is triggered by one of the keys, a corresponding key signal is generated. The light-shading layer is used for sheltering the light beams. The light-shading layer is disposed on the membrane switch circuit member. The side of the light-shading layer closer to the illumination module has a relatively higher light-shading percentage. As a consequence, the keys of the illuminated keyboard can be uniformly illuminated. | 11-15-2012 |
20120313797 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE USED IN SYNCHRONOUS CONTROL SYSTEM AND SYNCHRONOUS CONTROL METHOD - An exemplary electronic device used for a synchronous control system includes an input unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control module. The input unit includes at least one key including a unique key code. The storage unit stores a code table recording key codes of each of the at least one key. The control module executes the function associated with a key or a key combination manipulated by a user, and determines the key code associated with the key or the key combination. The control module further transmits the determined key codes to other electronic devices to control the other electronic devices to also execute the same instruction as the corresponding instruction associated with the determined key code associated with the key or the combination. A related method is also provided. | 12-13-2012 |
20120319873 | ELECTRIC APPARATUS, INPUT APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - The present invention discloses an electric apparatus, an input apparatus and a method thereof. The input apparatus comprises a plurality of keys, a storage unit and a processing unit. Wherein, the processing unit is electrically connected to the plurality of keys and the storage unit. Each key correspondingly generates a key signal based on the operation of each key by a user. The storage unit records a plurality of correspondences between a key group and a first key value represented by the key group which corresponds to at least two of the plurality of keys. The processing unit searches the plurality of correspondences based on the key signal, thereby correspondingly outputting the first key value which is represented by the key group. | 12-20-2012 |
20130044010 | IMPROVING MOTION SENSING BY IDENTIFYING A KEYSTROKE - Provided are methods and apparatus for improving motion sensing. In an example, provided is a method of mitigating an error in a motion sensor signal in a mobile device. A user input signal, based on a user input to the mobile device, is received. The user input can be a keystroke, and the user input signal can be a signal resulting from the keystroke. The user input signal triggers performing a function on a motion sensor signal for a period of time. The motion sensor signal can be an output from an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The period of time can be based on the duration of the user input signal, and can be in a range between substantially 100 milliseconds to substantially 700 milliseconds. | 02-21-2013 |
20130076541 | APPARATUS AND SCANNING METHOD FOR KEY INPUT APPARATUS - A key input includes a keypad device and a micro controller unit. The keypad device has a matrix consisted of first signals lines, second signal lines, and switches located in corners which are formed by the first and the second signal lines, and a plurality of keys corresponding to the switches. The micro controller unit connects the first signal lines and the second lines and provides a pulse to the first signal line. When the switch is turned on by the key, the pulse is translated from the first signal line to the second signal line. Thus, the pulse is directly detected, so as to achieve the fast scanning and low sensitive impedance of carbon membrane efficient. | 03-28-2013 |
20130076542 | CONTROLLER PROVIDED WITH TOUCH DETECTION DEVICE - A controller includes an operating member operable by user's depression, and a touch detection device constructed to detect a depressing touch on the operating member. The touch detection device includes a movable contact pattern provided on the lower surface of the operating member, and a fixed contact pattern disposed underneath the operating member. One of the fixed and movable contact patterns is a coil-shaped contact pattern while the other of the fixed and movable contact patterns is a uniform surface pattern, at least one of the fixed and movable contact patterns has flexibility, and at least one of the fixed and movable contact patterns has a surface slanted from the center of the coil toward the outer peripheral edge of the coil. The coil-shaped contact pattern comprises first and second contact elements constituting a dual coil pattern. | 03-28-2013 |
20130093605 | SIGNAL GENERATION CIRCUIT FOR KEYBOARDS - A signal generation circuit for a keyboard which includes multiple keys and a signal generation circuit located beneath the keys. Each key is depressible to allow the signal generation circuit to generate a matrix signal. The signal generation circuit includes a matrix circuit layer, an isolation layer located on the matrix circuit layer and a contact layer located on the isolation layer. The matrix circuit layer has a matrix circuit including multiple signal terminals. The isolation layer has multiple apertures corresponding to the signal terminals. The contact layer has at least one connecting circuit which includes multiple impedance terminals formed by mixing metal and carbon powder and a terminal line to form electric connection with the impedance terminals. The impedance terminals oppose to the signal terminals via the apertures and have varying impedances to allow the matrix circuit to generate different matrix signals upon contacting with the signal terminals. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093606 | ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD - An illuminated keyboard includes a supporting plate, a transparent frame plate, at least one key, a light source and a membrane switch circuit module. The light beam emitted by the light source is transmissible through the transparent frame plate. Moreover, the supporting plate has a supporting plate opening corresponding to the light source, and the light source is inserted into the supporting plate opening. Consequently, the light source may be located at a position under the supporting plate. | 04-18-2013 |
20130099945 | WIRELESS INPUT DEVICE AND KEY-SHAPED RECEIVER THEREOF - A wireless input device includes a top housing and a receiver. The top housing has an accommodating slot concavely formed thereon. The receiver has a receiving circuit module and an electrical connector arranged beneath the receiving circuit module. The electrical connector is detachably arranged in the accommodating slot. A key-shaped receiver which includes a key cap, a receiving circuit module arranged adjacent to a bottom side of the key cap, and an electrical connector electrically connected to the receiving circuit module. | 04-25-2013 |
20130135120 | KEYBOARD APPLICABLE TO A VARIETY OF ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS - A keyboard to control an electronic product includes an input unit, a code switching unit, a decoding unit, and a wireless output unit. The input unit receives a manipulation instruction and sends an electrical signal corresponding to the manipulation instruction to the decoding unit. The code switching unit receives a decoding instruction and sends an electrical signal corresponding to the decoding instruction to the decoding unit. The decoding unit decodes the manipulation instruction to a command recognizable by the electronic product according to the decoding instruction. The wireless output unit is wirelessly connected to the electronic product, thereby transmitting the command to the electronic product. | 05-30-2013 |
20130154856 | RECEIVING APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE EMPLOYING THE RECEIVING APPARATUS - A receiving apparatus includes a casing; a lid is rotatably engaged in one side of the casing to open and close the casing. The receiving apparatus further comprises a supporting portion and a transmission mechanism. The supporting portion is engaged in the bottom of the casing for receiving an input and output interface. The transmission mechanism rotates the supporting portion to be in between vertical and horizontal relative to the casing by cooperation with the lid; wherein when the receiving apparatus is in a closed state, the supporting portion is inclined to the bottom of the casing; and when the casing is in an open state, the supporting portion is perpendicular to the bottom of the casing. An electronic device employing the receiving apparatus is provided. | 06-20-2013 |
20130162451 | Device for entering fuel price information into vehicles - A vehicular number input device used for entering fuel/energy price information into a vehicle's internal computer, mileage computer, mileage software or software monitoring system. This number input device is secured to the vehicle near the gas cap. The fuel/energy price data entered can then be displayed to show real-time fuel efficiency in terms of dollars and cents during the operation of the vehicle or when it has stopped. The optimal device claimed has the best advantage for fuel cost input since it is simple to use and inexpensive to produce. | 06-27-2013 |
20130162452 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING KEY CONTROL WITH REDUCED KEY MATRIX PIN COUNT - An apparatus for performing key control includes an integrated circuit (IC) arranged to detect a key press according to some input/output signals of a key matrix, where the input/output signals include first input/output signals corresponding to a first direction and second input/output signals corresponding to a second direction. In addition, the IC includes a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins, for transmitting the first and the second input/output signals, respectively. In particular, during the detection of the key press, the IC controls at least one first pin of the first pins to be in an output mode and controls the second pins to be in an input mode in a first time period, and controls at least one second pin of the second pins to be in an output mode and controls the first pins to be in an input mode in a second time period. | 06-27-2013 |
20130169452 | SENSING APPARATUS UTILIZING CHARACTER/STRING SIGNAL AND SENSING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING SENSING APPARATUS - A sensing apparatus and a sensing system implementing the sensing apparatus are provided. The sensing apparatus according to the invention includes a sensing device, a wireless signal transmitting device and a character/string signal generating device. The character/string signal generating device is for generating a character signal or a string signal in response to activation of the sensing device, and transmitting the character signal or the string signal through the wireless signal transmitting device in a wireless transmission protocol. | 07-04-2013 |
20130234869 | ULTRA-COMPACT MOBILE TOUCH-TYPE KEYBOARD - An ultra compact mobile keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of mechanical keys suitable for touch typing. Each such key has a travel distance sufficient to provide a touch type feel and a rigid cap for crisp actuation by a user. The keyboard has a deployed configuration for touch-typing use and a collapsed configuration for transport and storage. In the collapsed configuration, the keyboard fits within bounding volume of less than 180 cubic centimeters. | 09-12-2013 |
20130249714 | KEYPAD MODULE AND DETECTING METHOD FOR KEYPAD MATRIX - A keypad module is provided. The keypad module includes a keypad matrix, a plurality of resistors, a pull-up resistor and a controller coupled to the keypad matrix. The keypad matrix comprises a plurality of keys disposed in intersections of a plurality of first lines and a plurality of second lines. Each of the resistors is coupled between an individual line of the second lines and a common node. The pull-up resistor is coupled to the common node. The controller provides a low logic level signal to the first lines of the keypad matrix and obtains a trigger event via the common node when one of the keys is pressed in the keypad matrix. | 09-26-2013 |
20130249715 | KEYBOARD DEVICE FOR DIFFERENT OPERATING SYSTEMS - The present invention discloses a keyboard device for different operating systems in communication with an electronic apparatus. The keyboard device includes at least a key and a control unit. When the control unit recognizes that a first operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus, the control unit outputs a corresponding first key signal in response to the first key code generated by the key, such that the electronic apparatus executes a first key command. When the control unit recognizes that a second operating system is installed in the electronic apparatus, the control unit switches the first key code into a second key code and then outputs a corresponding second key signal, such that the electronic apparatus still executes the first key command. | 09-26-2013 |
20130257633 | METHOD FOR KEYBOARD SCANNING AND A KEYBOARD APPLYING THE SAME - A scanning method for a keyboard includes steps (A), (B), (C) and (D). In step (A), a controller is configured to disable each column line from a respective first resistor and to disable each row line from a respective second resistor, and to send a scan signal to a column line. In step (B), the controller is configured to enable one of the row lines with the respective second resistor, and to read a signal on the row line. In step (C), the controller is configured to repeat step (B) with another one of the row lines until all row lines have been read. In step (D), the controller is configured to repeat steps (A), (B), and (C) with another one of the column lines until all column lines have been scanned. | 10-03-2013 |
20130278448 | ILLUMINATION MODULE AND ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD HAVING THE SAME - An illuminated keyboard includes a first housing and a second housing having a slot, and between the first housing and the second housing, an illumination module, a circuit board, a shield member and a plurality of keys are disposed therein in sequence. The illumination module includes a cover and a luminescence unit, light generated by the luminescence unit is transmitted into a trough of the cover and then travels from a light incident surface to a light emitting surface of the cover. The keys respectively are inserted in a plurality of openings of the shield member, and the light from the light emitting surface projected on the keys through the circuit board and the openings of the shield member and then pass through the slot of the second housing. This prevents brightness non-uniformity of keys and light leakage between adjacent keys of the keyboard. | 10-24-2013 |
20130278449 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONFIGURATION OF A CONTROLLING DEVICE TO ENABLE SELECTION OF MEDIA STREAMS - A controlling device has a configurable key. An overlay, such as a sticker, is provided to the configurable key and includes an indicia representative of media content and machine readable data indicative of an identity of the media content represented by the indicia. A memory of the controlling device stores a correspondence between the configurable key and data indicative of a source of the media content. Upon activation of configured, configurable key, the controlling device uses select command codes from a library of command codes and the correspondence between the configurable key and the data indicative of the source of the media content to transmit one or more commands for causing one or more appliances to access the source of the media content. | 10-24-2013 |
20130293398 | Separation walls on keypads - A method of utilizing raised parts on a keypad surface, called separation walls, is disclosed. Separation walls can help prevent unintended key hits so that keys can be smaller and be placed with higher densities on small devices. Separation walls with slits can also make light beam keypads operable with multiple fingers at a higher input speed. | 11-07-2013 |
20130335244 | TURNTABLE-MOUNTED KEYPAD - A keypad for controlling software, such as disk jockey (DJ) software, includes a plurality of keys, each key being programmable for issuing any desired, predefined sequence of keystrokes and/or mouse commands in response to the key being pressed. At least some of the keys are laid out in a piano-style format, with those keys being programmed to direct the software to produce musical notes. The keypad is constructed to be attached to a phonograph turntable by engaging with physical features on the turntable. The keypad has a top surface that has a rounded edge that runs concentrically with the turntable's platter. It also has a straight edge, overhanging the side of the turntable, where the piano style keys are positioned. When used by a DJ, the keypad greatly simplifies the task of simultaneously operating the turntable and the DJ software. | 12-19-2013 |
20140055289 | THIN ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD - A thin illuminated keyboard comprises a plurality of keys, a carrying unit and at least one light emission board. The carrying unit includes a baseboard to hold the keys and at least one light guide element located between the keys and baseboard. The light guide element includes at least one light guide port. The baseboard includes at least one installation port that communicates and incorporates with the light guide port to form at least one installation space. The light emission board is located on one side of the baseboard opposite to the keys and has at least one light source held in the installation space to emit light towards the light guide port, and the light is transmitted via the light guide element to project to the corresponding keys for illumination. | 02-27-2014 |
20140159927 | ELECTROFORMED HOUSINGS FOR DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Electroformed housings for electronic devices and methods for making the same are provided. An electronic device is provided having circuitry with interface circuitry for processing a user input event, and an electroformed housing that is an enclosure for the circuitry, the electroformed housing having a user interface region positioned adjacent to the interface circuitry such that when a user initiates a user input event on the user interface region, the interface circuitry processes the user input event. | 06-12-2014 |
20140176351 | MULTIPLE PREDICTIONS IN A REDUCED KEYBOARD DISAMBIGUATING SYSTEM - A computer receives user entry of a sequence of keypresses, representing an intended series of letters collectively spelling-out some or all of a desired textual object. Resolution of the intended series of letters and the desired textual object is ambiguous, however, because some or all of the key presses individually represent multiple letters. The computer interprets the keypresses utilizing concurrent, competing strategies, including one-keypress-per-letter and multi-tap interpretations. The computer displays a combined output of proposed interpretations and completions from both strategies. | 06-26-2014 |
20140232573 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA QUANTIFYING FORCE APPLIED TO ONE OR MORE KEYS OF A COMPUTER KEYBOARD - A computer receives data from a keyboard having one or more keys which cause generation of keyboard data that quantitatively describe the relative force applied to those keys. The keyboard data are transmitted in an HID report containing identifiers for one or more keys that have been pressed and force data for each key. The force data may be a multi-bit value quantifying the key force, or a null indicator signaling that the key is not force-sensing. Keyboard data messages are then prepared which identify keys pressed, contain force data, and may indicate whether the force data updates previous force data. Force updates are only provided to application programs registering for key force data. In other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, key repeat messages are automatically generated for a key held pressed by a user. The key repeat messages are generated at a rate controlled by the amount of force applied to the key. | 08-21-2014 |
20140266812 | Symbol Encoding Apparatus and Method - One hand operated device with the functionality of standard computer keyboard is provided. User encodes a symbol with a sweeping motion of a finger, “flicking” gently at one of plurality of touch sensitive actuators. | 09-18-2014 |
20140285365 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING A KEY MATRIX, CORRESPONDING COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT AND STORAGE DEVICE - A method for managing, by device, a matrix of keys, including at least one line and at least two columns, each key making short circuiting a line and a column when pressed. The method includes a sweeping phase, including, for each line: writing a predetermined logic value in the line; and for each column, reading a logic value in the column and comparing the read logic value and the predetermined logic value. For each line processed: the writing step is carried out during a predetermined time interval. For each column, the reading step is carried out during a first portion of the time interval. The sweeping phase further includes, for each column, writing the predetermined logic value in the column during a second portion of the predetermined time interval. The predetermined time interval is equal to the sum of the durations of the first and second portions. | 09-25-2014 |
20140300498 | Method and Apparatus Pertaining to a Touch Typing-Friendly Grid-Patterned Keyboard - A keyboard can be comprised of a plurality of alphabetic keys that are disposed in an evenly-spaced grid pattern with respect to one another. In any event, these keys have keycaps configured to comport with touch typing as with a keyboard having a plurality of alphabetic keys that are disposed in an offset pattern (such as the classic QWERTY offset-pattern typewriter-styled keyboard). By one approach, these keycaps can have keycaps having bilaterally-nonsymmetrical tactile features that at least substantially match standard touch-typing finger positions. By one approach these tactile features can comprise an indentation. If desired, these keycaps can share a same form factor. In such a case, some of the keycaps for the alphabetic keys can be disposed on the keyboard at a 180 degree rotation as compared to others of the alphabetic character keycaps. | 10-09-2014 |
20140320322 | HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISAMBIGUATION OF TEXT INPUT PROVIDING SUPPRESSION OF LOW PROBABILITY ARTIFICIAL VARIANTS - A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to generate artificial variants in certain circumstances. Each artificial variant is compared with N-gram data on the handheld electronic device and is suppressed from being output if the artificial variant is determined to have a low probability of being the input intended by a user. | 10-30-2014 |
20150015425 | SLIM KEYPAD STRUCTURE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A slim key includes a supporting plate, at least one key cap, at least one dome and a light-permeable circuit board. The supporting plate is disposed above the circuit board and has at least one frame part. Each frame part is formed with a light-permeable hole at a central portion thereof. The key pad is disposed on the top surface of the frame part correspondingly. The circuit board has at least one conductive circuit formed thereon under the dome correspondingly. The dome is correspondingly disposed between the frame part and the circuit board. According to one embodiment, the instant disclosure also provides an electronic device with the slim keypad structure. | 01-15-2015 |
20150061901 | Systems And Methods For Lighting Spring Loaded Mechanical Key Switches - Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to provide keycap lighting to a spring loaded mechanical key switch assembly using a light conductive structure, such as a light pipe, and without requiring a chassis housing of the mechanical key switch assembly to include a dedicated power-consuming light source mounted to or otherwise positioned at the location of the individual key switch assembly chassis housing. Additionally, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to use one or more common power-consuming light source/s to simultaneously provide key cap lighting to multiple such spring loaded mechanical key switch assemblies, for example, by feeding light to each key cap though a common light spreader and through an individual non-power consuming light pipe provided for each key switch assembly. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061902 | Systems And Methods For Implementing Spring Loaded Mechanical Key Switches With Variable Displacement Sensing - Systems and methods are disclosed that enable spring loaded mechanical key switch assemblies having variable displacement sensing capabilities. In one example, the disclosed key switch assemblies may be implemented in a keyboard system and used for providing variable displacement output signals that may be processed by a controller for input to a host processing device of an information handling system, such as a desktop or notebook computer. In another example, the disclosed key switch assemblies may be configured to provide both a digital “make” connection signal and separate variable displacement output signal/s that may be processed for input to a host processing device of an information handling system. | 03-05-2015 |
20150109151 | MATRIX KEYBOARDING SYSTEM - Data input may be effected with a keyboard including a first keypad having five keys and a second keypad having five keys. The keys of the first keypad are correlated with columns of a 5×5 matrix including 25 cells, where each of the five keys of the first keypad is associated with one column. The keys of the second keypad are correlated with rows of the 5×5 matrix, where each of the five keys of the second keypad is associated with one row. Each combination consisting of one key from each of the first and second keypads is thereby associated with one of the 25 cells in the 5×5 matrix, and each cell of the 25 cells contains content. One key from each of the first and second keypads activated, and the content from one of the 25 cells is input based on the activated keys. This input is repeated until data entry is complete. | 04-23-2015 |
20160378199 | CONTROL UNIT FOR IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - An in-flight entertainment system remote controller has a control unit with a generally planar configuration. The control unit has a gaming controls side, an opposed keyboard side, and a top edge segment between the gaming controls side and the keyboard side. A dock is mounted to a passenger seat structure, and defines an open receptacle that is receptive to the control unit. The dock defines an insertion axis that is substantially coplanar with the remote control unit when oriented for mounting. The top edge segment is exposed while the gaming controls side and the keyboard side are concealed, with the control unit in a retracted position. | 12-29-2016 |