Bodily Actuated Code Generator Patents (Class 341/20)
  • Publication number: 20110316724
    Abstract: A tactile force sense presenting device of the present invention includes: an operation unit which includes an operation lever to be operated by an operator, and a movement guide surface which guides an input of a slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and an input of a push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction at a specific position on the XY-plane; a detection unit which detects the input of the slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and the input of the push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction; a calculation control unit which calculates a force corresponding to an operation of the operation lever, based on detection results of the detection unit; and a drive transmission unit which includes a driving unit including at least one actuator, and which causes, based on calculation results of the calculation control unit, the driving unit to generate a resistive force of the operation lever with respect to the input of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Shin Morieda
  • Publication number: 20110316723
    Abstract: A method and system provide a predictive human interface for a plurality of user electronic devices, which includes establishing a user account with a service provider, registering the plurality of user electronic devices in an electronic database associated with the user account, and storing, in the electronic database, initial user preferences regarding how certain specified communications related to the user electronic devices are to be processed. The method and system also includes monitoring and storing, by a core network server, specific characteristics associated with each communication originating from the user electronic devices, generating a predictive human interface for the user electronic devices, based upon the stored specific characteristics for the user electronic devices, and providing the predictive human interface to the user electronic devices for use during a next communication originating from one of the user electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Randolph WOHLERT, James PRATT, Marc SULLIVAN
  • Patent number: 8085170
    Abstract: A wireless communication device (100) includes a communicating module (16), a sensor module (26) and a decoding module (28). The communicating module receives and sends character messages. The sensor module receives vibration and transforms the vibration into input signal. The decoding module is electronically connected to the communicating module and the sensor module. The decoding module receives the input signals from the sensor module and transforms the input signals into character messages and transfers the character messages to the communicating module to send.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hao-Jung Li
  • Patent number: 8081090
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ortek Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Chun Wu, Li-Chun Huang
  • Patent number: 8081092
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for entering characters on a keyboard comprising a first character key, e.g. the space bar, to which a first character, e.g. a blank space is assigned and a second key, to which a second character, e.g. q and a third character, e.g. @ are assigned is provided. Accordingly, when the first character key is depressed, a timer is started. Before the time has run out and whilst the first character key is depressed, the second key can be pressed to obtain the third character. Before the time has run out, and before the second key is depressed, if the first character key is released, the first character is obtained. Once the timer has run out and the first character key has been released, if the second key is depressed, the second character is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Enterprise Communications GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Laufkötter
  • Patent number: 8077058
    Abstract: A load control system is operable to control the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from an AC power source. The load control system includes a plurality of keypads, which each may include a different button assembly having a different button configuration or multiple button configurations. Each keypad is operable to determine the button configuration of the button assembly installed on the keypad in response to simultaneous actuations of the top button and the bottom button of the button assembly for a predetermined amount of time. Each keypad is further operable to store in a memory of the keypad data representing the button configuration. Therefore, after the keypad is installed in the field and the button assembly is replaced, the keypad can be easily configured to operate with the new button assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Swatsky, Galen Edgar Knode
  • Patent number: 8077798
    Abstract: A DTV transmitting system includes a pre-processor, a block processor, and a trellis encoder. The pre-processor pre-processes enhanced data by expanding the enhanced data at an expansion rate of 1/H. The block processor includes a first converter, a symbol encoder, a symbol interleaver, and a second converter. The first converter converts the expanded data into symbols. The symbol encoder encodes each valid enhanced data bit in the symbols at an effective coding rate of 1/H. The symbol interleaver interleaves the encoded symbols, and the second converter converts the interleaved symbols into enhanced data bytes. The trellis encoder trellis-encodes the enhanced data outputted from the block processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Woo Kim, In Hwan Choi, Hyoung Gon Lee
  • Publication number: 20110298725
    Abstract: In a touch panel manufacturing method and a structure thereof, an icon layer is formed at the periphery of a transparent substrate surface, and a plurality of first conducting wires and a plurality of second conducting wires are installed on a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface of the icon layer respectively, and the first conducting wires are covered onto transparent substrate surface, and a plurality of insulating blocks are arranged with an interval from each other on the first conducting wires, and finally a plurality of first sensing blocks and a plurality of second sensing blocks are formed, and the plurality of first sensing blocks are covered onto the first conducting wires on both sides of the insulating blocks, and the plurality of second sensing blocks are connected to other two sides of the insulating blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: J TOUCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: YU-CHOU YEH, KUO-HSIUNG TUNG
  • Publication number: 20110298706
    Abstract: A brainwave actuated apparatus has a brainwave sensor for outputting a brainwave signal, an effector responsive to an input signal, and a controller operatively connected to an output of said brainwave sensor and a control input to said effector. The controller is adapted to determine characteristics of a brainwave signal output by said brainwave sensor and based on said characteristics, derive a control signal to output to said effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: W. Stephen G. MANN
  • Patent number: 8072356
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the operating states of a plurality of capacitive sensing buttons in a capacitive sensing user interface are disclosed. The capacitive sensing buttons are sampled in a round-robin fashion such that the decay time samples for the buttons are acquired in an interleaved manner during each sampling cycle. Provisions are made to reduce the initialization delay, to reduce transient-induced errors, and to obtain the operating states based on updated decay data samples for the buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Taylor, Jeffrey M. Thoma
  • Patent number: 8072415
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interface which users can intuitively operate. A control signal input system includes a display device which displays a graphical user interface including plural control items for controlling a device, the control items being displayed in a predetermined layout; and an input device having an input unit operable to make a selection from control items displayed on the display device, the input unit having a shape, wherein the shape of the input unit corresponds to the layout of the control items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshige Fukuhara
  • Publication number: 20110291864
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-WEI XIAO, JUN GU
  • Patent number: 8068041
    Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and keypad include tactile features that help a user to identify certain keys of the keypad. In the present exemplary embodiment, the keypad includes keys in a predetermined region that can be employed during a telephone operation. The keypad additionally includes other keys outside the predetermined region. The keys in the predetermined region include tactile features that enable the user to identify and actuate the keys in the predetermined region during a telephone operation with the user directing minimal visual attention to the handheld electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Teodor Dabov
  • Publication number: 20110285554
    Abstract: A gesture based headphone for controlling a media player device and method for using thereof. The headphone comprises a cord with a gesture sensitive region in the cord, and an interface for connecting to the media player device. A user gesture interacts with the gesture sensitive region and generates a control input for controlling the media player device, wherein the user gesture includes at least one gesture generating a control input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Behzad Aghaei, Jerome Pasquero, Steven Henry Fyke, David Ryan Walker
  • Publication number: 20110281533
    Abstract: Control of multiple functions of an electronic device is provided by using a single control element (102) including a switch body (312) adjustable between multiple switch positions, a primary actuator (302) with lateral (302b) and distal surface (302a) portions extending from the switch body and configured for adjusting the switch body between the switch positions, and a pressure sensor (314) operable via an activation force at the lateral surfaces of the primary actuator. A first function can be controlled responsive to motion of the primary actuator during an activation of the pressure sensor. Additionally, a second function can be controlled responsive to the motion of the primary actuator of the control element exclusive of the activation of the pressure sensor. Further, a third function can be controlled in responsive to activation of the pressure sensor for at least a first period of time exclusive of motion of the primary actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: WILLEM DELEUS, Robert Jastram, James Teel
  • Patent number: 8054908
    Abstract: A transmitter circuit, which transmits data by using an impulse, has a variable delay circuit and a logic circuit. The variable delay circuit takes a clock as an input, and delays the clock in accordance with the data. The logic circuit takes the clock and an output of the variable delay circuit as inputs, and outputs an impulse by performing a logic operation between the clock and the output of the variable delay circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakasha, Yoichi Kawano
  • Publication number: 20110260890
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in analyzing the motion of a human subject including a platform upon which the subject stands. The platform may include force sensors arranged to measure forces exerted on the platform by the subject in three dimensions (along X, Y and Z axes) and a pressure sensitive mat arranged to collect pressure data relating to the position of each foot of the subject on the platform. The apparatus outputs the force and pressure data to a computer having software for determining information relating to the motion of the subject, such as torque and angular momentum around different axes, using both the force and pressure data. In a golfing scenario, the apparatus can be used to analyze the motion of a subject whilst making a golf swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: INITIAL FORCE AS
    Inventors: Andreas Larsen, Oystein Eklund Krog, Kristian Rathe, Thor Myklebust, Gerardus Johannes Cornelis Ettema, Aage Aune, Steinar Bratten, Ole Storen
  • Patent number: 8046030
    Abstract: A mobile device having first and second modes of operation is operated responsive to detection of a predefined localized movement of a housing of the mobile device using a sensor associated therewith. The detected predefined localized movement is associated with first and second functions of the mobile device responsive to a user input assigning the detected predefined localized movement thereto. A first device function is performed responsive to detection of the predefined localized movement in the first mode of operation, and a second device function is performed responsive to detection of the predefined localized movement in the second mode of operation. A predetermined delay time may also be associated with the predefined localized movement, and the first and/or second functions may be performed at the predetermined delay time after detecting the predefined localized movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dunko
  • Patent number: 8044826
    Abstract: An input device comprises: a circuit board having a magnetism sensing portion for sensing changes of magnetism; a magnet disposed above the circuit board by a prescribed height, and configured to move in a plurality of directions; and a shuttle having a magnet mounting portion for fixing the magnet at the center thereof, and having a plurality of elastic connecting portions radially disposed around the magnet mounting portion, the elastic connecting portions formed in curved lines from the center of the magnet so as to elastically support the magnet mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Joon-Hee Yoo
  • Publication number: 20110254762
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the movement of an object comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 1,4;16 arranged to enable the location of the object to be determined by transmission and reflection of signals between the transducers 1,4;16. A yielding surface 2;12 is arranged in proximity to the transducers such that movement of the object into the surface upon application of a yielding pressure to the yielding surface 2;12 can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Elliptic Laboratories AS
    Inventors: Tobias Dahl, David Vågenes, Matthew Tuttle, Bjørn Cato Syversurd
  • Publication number: 20110254709
    Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer of a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of deforming a deformable region of the surface into a formation tactilely distinguishable from the surface, detecting a force from the user on a deformed deformable region, interpreting the force as a command for the deformable region, and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Craig Michael Ciesla, Micah B. Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
  • Patent number: 8041397
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal apparatus having a panel used for a predetermined operation and image display and storage unit for recording various pieces of information includes a macro information setting unit, line model setting unit, macro information read unit, and macro processing unit. The macro information setting unit sets macro information which performs a series of operations. The line model setting unit sets linear line model information input from the panel for the macro information set by the macro information setting unit, and records the set line model information and macro information in the storage unit in correspondence with each other. The macro information read unit reads out, from the storage unit, macro information corresponding to line model information input from the panel. The macro processing unit executes a series of operations of the macro information read out by the macro information read unit. A recording medium which records a data operation process program is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20110241907
    Abstract: A touch sensitive device implementing a routine that controls the device's baseline update procedure in certain circumstances, and associated methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Craig A. CORDEIRO
  • Publication number: 20110241908
    Abstract: A sensory effect processing system and method are disclosed. Sensory effects contained in contents may be embodied in a real world, by generating command information for controlling a sensory device based on sensory effect information and sensory device capability information. In addition, data transmission rate may be increased by encoding metadata into binary metadata, encoding metadata into extensible mark-up language (XML) metadata, or encoding metadata into XML metadata and further encoding the XML metadata into binary metadata. Also, a bandwidth may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Ju Han, Jae Joon Han, Won Chul Bang, Do Kyoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20110242036
    Abstract: An operation accepting device specifies a contact part of a hand of an operator contacted with a touch panel section on the basis of light intensity of ambient light passing through the touch panel section. The operation accepting device specify, on the basis of the specified contact part, at least one operation out of a circular palm sliding operation, a linear palm sliding operation, a circular fingertip sliding operation and a linear fingertip sliding operation. The operation accepting device accepts the specified operation on the basis of the contact part detected by the touch panel section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Haruo Hinode
  • Publication number: 20110227760
    Abstract: An input peripheral comprises a grip linked to a base. The grip is mobile in a chosen number of degrees of freedom with respect to the base. The peripheral also includes sensors designed to deliver a signal characteristic of a displacement of the grip with respect to the base. The peripheral furthermore comprises at least one force sensor linked to the grip in a manner that is substantially tied in terms of displacement to the periphery of the latter, in such a way that the grip and the force sensor may be invoked simultaneously by a user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Kry, Adeline Pihuit, Marie-Paule Cani
  • Patent number: 8022846
    Abstract: A keypad is provided for a computing device. The keypad includes one or more lighting devices or mechanisms for illuminating a plurality of keys structures. In an embodiment, the plurality of key structures are formed from a milky material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael Yurochko
  • Patent number: 8024052
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and monitoring equipment in control systems. Adaptive mapping of system output change to amounts of applied control effort. Methods are disclosed to define, initialize, and tune a particularly efficient, log-spaced mapping. Self-tuning update methods cause the control map to improve with use and provides excellent convergence to the actual nonlinear relationship between control input and device output. As the mapping converges to the actual relationship, system performance is optimized when used for purposes of control. Methods pertaining to the specific instance of adaptive impulse control are disclosed. As the mapping converges and tracks what may be a time-varying relationship due to equipment wear or changing operating conditions, drift from baseline conditions can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Tim Hakala
  • Publication number: 20110214925
    Abstract: A touch sensor device with increased transmittance, increased sensitivity and decreased thickness is disclosed. The touch sensor device includes a substrate. The substrate, from bottom to top, sequentially includes a bottom conductive layer, a bottom insulation layer, a top conductive layer, an electrode layer, a top insulation layer and a substrate material layer. The bottom conductive layer can shield external electromagnetic interference and act as a ground. The bottom insulation layer is provided with an insulation effect. The top conductive layer is used for sensing a touch operation to generate a sensor signal. The electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode lines, a barrier layer and a plurality of second electrode lines. The top insulation layer is provided with an effect for preventing electrostatic discharge. The substrate material layer is used for protecting the touch sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Chao Kuo Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110215952
    Abstract: Selectable communication interface configurations for motion sensing devices. In one aspect, a module for a motion sensing device includes a motion processor connected to a device component and a first motion sensor, and a multiplexer having first and second positions. Only one of the multiplexer positions is selectable at a time, where the first position selectively couples the first motion sensor and the device component using a first bus, and the second position selectively couples the first motion sensor and the motion processor using a second bus, wherein communication of information over the second bus does not influence a communication bandwidth of the first bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Behrad ARIA, David SACHS, Joseph SEEGER
  • Patent number: 8013761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switching matrix for an input device such as a keyboard or a cursor device for the detection of different switching states. According to the invention the switching matrix has a group electrically connected to a microcontroller, with a plurality of N input and output lines (I/O-lines) with a serially connected terminating resistor to mass each and a group with a plurality of K switching lines with one switching element each. Each switching line connects two of the N I/O lines to each other. The K switching line have an additional series resistor each. According to an interrogation pattern, a first I/O-line as output line is configured with a high potential, a second I/O-line is configured as input line and each further I/O-line as output line is configured with a low potential of the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Mayer
  • Patent number: 8009064
    Abstract: Provided is a data input device which is employed in a portable terminal and used as an auxiliary input device. The data input device includes first data input means mounted on a predetermined position of a side surface of the main body of the portable terminal so that a portion of the first data input means is exposed to the outside, and operating when the exposed portion is rotated; second data input means operating when the exposed portion is pressed; a holding unit for maintaining a stopped state of the first data input means; and an elastic sliding unit for returning the second data input means to an initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Dong-Suck Cho
  • Patent number: 8009065
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for encoding and decoding serial signals formed by a plurality of color lights, which is applied to an encoding/decoding system comprising an encoding device and a decoding device, and comprises steps of generating a driving signal corresponding to at least one first serial code set by the encoding device, so as to drive a multi-color LED to generate a plurality of color lights having different wavelengths and interval time of flash intervals; and receiving the color lights by the decoding device, decoding the color lights according to a decoding procedure of the decoding device for obtaining the first serial code set, and sending an actuation signal when determining that the first serial code set is identical to a second serial code set, so as to provide a variety of more sophisticated, safer and uneasy interfered encoding/decoding functions to various wireless control procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Marketech International Corp.
    Inventors: Hsing-An Tsai, Kai-Hsiang Hsu, Yu-Hsin Wang, Jia-Zong Chen
  • Publication number: 20110199292
    Abstract: A wrist-mounted gesture device, system, and method is disclosed. The wrist-mounted gesture device includes at least one accelerometer adapted to detect acceleration caused by one or more gestures of the user. The accelerometer provides data to a microcontroller which is adapted to interpret the gesture data and match it with corresponding predefined gestures. The device includes wireless connection circuitry which allows the device to be wirelessly interfaced with an electronic device. The electronic device may be a device within the living space or environment of the user. A highly effective gesture system is ideally utilized in order to produce accurately recognizable gestures, in either one, two, or three dimensions. In certain embodiments, movements corresponding to movements toward and away from numbers in a standard keypad arrangement can be used, and vertical and horizontal movements corresponding to affirmative and negative gestures are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Paul E. Kilbride
  • Publication number: 20110193727
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a finger sensor that recognizes, in response to contact of a finger, the contact and a movement of the finger; and a conversion unit that converts the movement of the finger recognized by the finger sensor into an input event corresponding to an operation instruction to an application running on the portable terminal. If a period of time from recognition of release of the finger from the finger sensor to recognition of placement of the finger on the finger sensor is less than a predetermined amount of time corresponding to physical limitations of a human, the conversion unit does not convert to the input event the recognition of placement of the finger, and recognition of a movement of the finger until recognition of release of the finger after the recognition of placement of the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Masayuki Goto, Makoto Hosoi, Hidekazu Ito, Shigefumi Yamada, Yoshihiro Takamatsuya
  • Publication number: 20110191108
    Abstract: A method of operation of a remote controller consistent with certain implementations involves determining a spatial orientation of the remote controller based upon an output signal from a position detector; and setting a voice mode of operation of the remote controller as active or inactive based upon the spatial orientation of the remote controller as determined by the position detector, where the voice mode determines whether or not the remote controller will accept and process voice information from a microphone. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Friedlander
  • Patent number: 7990288
    Abstract: Remote control device (10) comprising a circuit board (140) with control inputs (46) arranged on one surface thereof (44); control elements (42) which, following an activating action performed by the user, activate one or more inputs (46) from among those present on said board (140), said control elements (42) being incorporated in a selection mask (30; 30x; 30y) arranged over said inputs (46) for selecting which inputs of the board (140) are activated by an activating action of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: NICE SpA
    Inventor: Oscar Marchetto
  • Patent number: 7986310
    Abstract: An electronic device is formed at least partially from a deflectable material that generates an electrical signal in response to contact. The first material is integrated with a display module to provide a shaped feature on the exterior surface of the display module. The shaped feature detects contact with an external object on one or more contact points, where contact with the contact points corresponds to a defined input for a processor of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Shawn R. Gettemy, Lawrence Lam, William R. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20110169667
    Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher ROTHKOPF, Jan Moolsintong, Joseph Fisher, Wendell Sander, Erturk Kocalar
  • Publication number: 20110155477
    Abstract: A touch sensing circuit is provided. Signal generators output a pulse signal according to a control signal. Touch detection circuits are arranged as an array, generating a sensing signal according a touch event and the pulse signal. The touch detection circuits in the same row are coupled to the same signal generator. The sensing circuits are respectively coupled to the touch detection circuits in the same column, generating an output signal according to the sensing signal. The controller receives the output signal, outputs the control signal to control one of the signal generators outputting the pulse signal, and detects the touch detection circuit corresponding to the touch event according to the output control signal and the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Jen LIANG
  • Publication number: 20110157038
    Abstract: A touch panel includes a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a transparent conductive layer fixed on the substrate by the adhesive layer. The conductive layer includes a carbon nanotube layer with a surface roughness Ra thereof less than or equal to about 0.1 ?m. A fabrication method for a touch panel includes reducing the surface roughness Ra of the carbon nanotube layer to less than or equal to about 0.1 ?m by applying pressure on the carbon nanotube layer via a press tool with a flat surface. A surface roughness Ra of the flat surface is less than or equal to about 0.1 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: BEIJING FUNATE INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHEN FENG
  • Patent number: 7969330
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling functions of an appliance is described having a touch-sensitive control panel resistant to accidental activation. The touch-sensitive panel has a plurality of proximity sensor areas which may be selected by a user wishing to activate associated functions of the appliance. Driver circuitry coupled to the sensor areas is operable to output detection signals to a controller in response to a user selecting ones of the sensor areas. The controller is configured to activate functions of the appliance in response to these detection signals. For one or more functions of the appliance, for example a switching on function, the controller is configured to only activate the function when a user makes a pre-determined combination of at least two selections from the plurality of sensor areas. This reduces the chances of potentially dangerous functions being activated inadvertently and can further help a designer to provide an intuitive and uncluttered appearance to the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Harald Philipp
  • Patent number: 7969331
    Abstract: A method for resetting a key decoder coupled to a plurality of capacitive keys to prevent processing of a key code generated by a ghosting condition. The method includes receiving a key code from a key decoder that corresponds to a first capacitive key of a capacitive keypad, detecting a ghosting condition for a second capacitive key that does not correspond to the detected key code, and resetting a key decoder in response to the ghosting condition being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Williams, Rick Helm, William Joseph Taylor, Robert M. Libbe
  • Publication number: 20110148669
    Abstract: Provided are a thimble-type intermediation device and a method for recognizing a finger gesture using the same. The thimble-type intermediation device includes: a motion sensing unit sensing a motion of a user's finger and generating the sensed result as motion data; a tactile sensing block sensing a tactile behavior of the user's finger and generating the sensed result as tactile data; a control unit recognizing the gesture and tactile behavior of the user's finger on the basis of the generated motion data and tactile data, and outputting the recognition result as recognition result information; and a wireless communication unit transmitting the recognition result information to a robot system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sang Seung KANG, Jae Hong Kim, Chan Kyu Park, Cheon Shu Park, Dae Ha Lee, Min Su Jang, Hyeon Sung Cho, Joo Chan Sohn, Jae Yeon Lee, Yun Koo Chung
  • Publication number: 20110148667
    Abstract: Provided is an intelligent multi-axial intuitive joystick suitable for use by both left-handers and right-handers and applicable to machine tools, measuring equipment, cars, and so on, which require moving instructions. The joystick features at most four-axis output control, multiple output modes to select from, a dead-band setting function, axial angle shift detection, origin calibration, feedback from axial force application, Z- and C-axis intuitive operation, working status display, and system surveillance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Tzu-Yuan YEH
  • Publication number: 20110148668
    Abstract: A system and a method for protecting a resistive touch panel of a communication device includes setting a pressure threshold level, obtaining parameter values of the resistive touch panel and location information of the touch point and calculating the value of the touch resistance. The system and the method further includes confirming a pressure level corresponding to a range of the calculated resistance value, and outputting audio alerts using the alarm unit to prompt that the press action on the resistive touch panel is too forceful if the confirmed pressure level is not lower than the pressure threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: JUN LI, ZHONG-LIANG TANG
  • Patent number: 7965204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable radio remote control transmitter with a splash-proof and dust-tight housing, which accommodates a control unit and comprises an operator control panel with a number of buttons for entering control commands. In order to develop the radio remote control transmitter in such a way that the risk of erroneous operation is reduced, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one button has an associated illuminating element for illuminating the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: NBB Controls + Components AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bredow, Thomas Burchard
  • Publication number: 20110140930
    Abstract: A touch apparatus, a transparent scan electrode, a geometric electrode structure and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The transparent scan electrode structure comprises a first transparent scan electrode, a second transparent scan electrode and an isolative layer. The first transparent scan electrode comprises a first resistance region and a second resistance region. A resistance value of the second resistance region is higher than that of the first resistance region. The isolative layer is disposed between the first transparent scan electrode and the second transparent scan electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shao-Hsing Yeh, Nai-Hao Kuo, Yu-Tang Shen
  • Patent number: RE42613
    Abstract: A rechargeable universal remote control assembly for providing a multi-function multipurpose remote control with a base charger, remote control finder, and other functional features includes a remote control and a base unit. The remote control is recharged using the base unit. The base unit also includes a button operationally coupled to a transmitter for sending a locate signal to the remote control. The remote control includes a receiver for receiving the locate signal. In response to the locate signal, the remote control provides audio and visual signals to assist a user in finding the remote control unit. The remote control has capability to operate multiple devices including TVs, VCRs, satellite receivers, audio and visual receivers, stereo equipment, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Tarah N. Graham
  • Patent number: RE43082
    Abstract: The design of typable devices, in particular, touch-typable devices embodying ambiguous codes, presents numerous ergonomic problems. Solutions for these problems are herein disclosed. This invention teaches methods for the selection of ambiguous codes from the classes of strongly-touch-typable ambiguous codes and substantially optimal ambiguous codes for touch-typable devices such as computers, telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, smart cards, television set-top devices and other information appliances, given design constraints such as the size, shape, and computational capacity of the device, the typical uses of the device, and conventional constraints such as respect of alphabetic ordering or Qwerty ordering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Eatoni Ergonomics, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard A. Gutowitz