Bodily Actuated Code Generator Patents (Class 341/20)
- Variable key legends (Class 341/23)
- With error prevention means (e.g., debounce, antichatter) (Class 341/24)
- With particular key scanning feature (Class 341/26)
- With audible or tactile indicator (Class 341/27)
- For pictorial or ideographic characters (e.g., design, chinese or japanese characters) (Class 341/28)
- With variable pulse spacing or grouping (Class 341/29)
- For numerical pulse type transmission (Class 341/30)
- Photoelectric actuation (Class 341/31)
- Magnetic or inductive actuation (Class 341/32)
- Capacitive actuation (Class 341/33)
- Pressure sensitive actuation (Class 341/34)
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Patent number: 8912930Abstract: A capacitive touch keyboard includes a sensor layer, ground plane, a flexible sensed body, and a sensing circuit. The sensor layer includes a substrate and a key sensing cell which disposed on the substrate spaced apart from the ground plane. The flexible sensed body includes a sensed portion and a connected portion connected with the ground plane where the sensed portion obliquely extends to above the key sensing cell such that the flexible sensed body and the key sensing cell jointly form a capacitor structure. The sensing circuit is electrically connected to the sensing cell for probing a capacitance change. Therefore, features of more simplified structure design, tactile feel, and improved durability are provided in a capacitive keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Touchplus Information Corp.Inventor: Shih Hsien Hu
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Patent number: 8907819Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Lenovo Innovations Limited (Hong Kong)Inventor: Takayuki Kagami
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Patent number: 8890719Abstract: An apparatus (625) with a first plurality of input keys (635). Some of the first input keys may be associated with both a numeric value and a first set of alphabetic values and arranged in a first alphabetic keypad layout. The apparatus (625) is further provided with a second plurality of input keys (645), positioned adjacent to the first plurality of input keys (635), and being associated with at least one alphabetic value. Some of the input keys of the second plurality of input keys (645) may be arranged in a second alphabetic keypad layout different from the first alphabetic keypad layout. Further, in various embodiments, at least some input keys of the first plurality of input keys (635) have a second set of alphabetic values that is used as part of the second alphabetic keypad layout. Additionally, in various embodiments, at least some of the alphabetic values of the second keyboard layout are arranged at least partially based on a frequency of use of such alphabetic values.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Varia Holdings LLCInventors: Majeed D. Salman, G. Eric Engstrom
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Patent number: 8891665Abstract: Parallel/serial conversion is performed on an N (where N is a natural number)-bit first parallel data signal with a first converted clock acquired by multiplying a reference clock by N, and parallel/serial conversion is performed on an (N×K)-bit (where K is a natural number) second parallel data signal with a second converted clock acquired by multiplying the reference clock by N×K.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshikazu Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8890720Abstract: A light guide is provided for illuminating innumerable constructions, but which is ideally suited for illuminating the keys of a keyboard. The light guide includes a translucent planar plate having a top, a bottom and sides. Further, the light guide includes one or more cavities which project upwardly into the translucent plate from its bottom surface. The cavities are hollow or filled with a translucent material so that the translucent plate and the one or more cavities form translucent interfaces where the cavities interface with the plate. The light guide also includes a reflector which covers the plate bottom and cavity openings.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventors: Michael Shipman, David G. Duckworth
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Patent number: 8884791Abstract: Apparatus and methods for scanning a keypad of a communications device in a manner that tends to minimize interference with transceiver operation, such as a RF transceiver. In one embodiment, a controller receives a periodic signal of the communications device and provides a scan signal to cause the keypad to be scanned. In a sleep mode a keypad scan is performed only subsequent to a keypad activation. However, if the communications device is in use a keypad scan is performed once per frame at predetermined intervals, in one embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: ST-Ericsson SAInventors: Frederick A. Rush, Lionel M. Cimaz, Wasim Quddus
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Patent number: 8884790Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Twitch Technologies LLCInventor: John Dennis Page
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Patent number: 8873669Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptable codec for use in a communication system. The adaptable codec is capable of encoding a digital stream to be transmitted according to any one of a number of encoding schemes. A particular encoding scheme may be selected based on information received from a network entity that is separate from the communication system, a user associated with the communication system, a remote communication system with which communications are established, or a combination thereof. Once a particular encoding scheme is selected, an encoder will encode the digital stream to be transmitted, and a packet processor will create packets from the encoded digital stream. The selection of an encoding scheme will generally correspond to a desired quality of experience level.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Larry DeWayne Lewis, Ravi Subramanian
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Patent number: 8873672Abstract: Concatenated coding scheme for burst noise and AWGN for multi-channel applications. An appropriately selected and relatively powerful error correction code (ECC) or forward error correction (FEC) code is used as an inner code to cover two or more respective channels that have respectively undergone processing in accordance with an outer code. An input signal stream may undergo partitioning into a number of respective channels (e.g., sub-carriers of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signaling (or different respective blocks or groups of OFDM subcarriers), different respective spreading codes of code division multiple access (CDMA) modulation, etc., or elements of any type of orthogonal signaling scheme) such that those respective channels undergo outer code processing to generate a number of coded signals, and subsequent inner code processing covers two or more of those respective coded signals. Such outer code processing may cover all of the coded signals provided by the inner code processing.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventor: Thomas J. Kolze
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Patent number: 8873673Abstract: A method of transmitting, by a transmitter, information in a wireless communication system, the method includes generating first and second symbols; generating first and second transmit vectors on the basis of an Alamouti code from the first and second symbols; and transmitting the first transmit vector through a first antenna and transmitting the second transmit vector through a second antenna. The first transmit vector consists of a first transmit symbol and a second transmit symbol. The second transmit vector consists of a third transmit symbol and a fourth transmit symbol. The first, second, third, and fourth transmit symbols are transmitted based on first and second resource indexes. The first symbol is a first modulation symbol for first information, and the second symbol is a second modulation symbol for second information.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung Hee Han, Moon II Lee, Yeong Hyeon Kwon, Hyun Soo Ko, Ja Ho Koo, Dong Cheol Kim, Jae Hoon Chung, Sung Ho Moon, Jin Sam Kwak, Min Seok Noh, Hyun Woo Lee
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Patent number: 8866640Abstract: An apparatus, method and program storage device are provided for preventing inadvertent inputs from a user while utilizing an electronic device having multiple user input devices. The instant invention broadly contemplates prioritizing an input device to the exclusion of other input devices available to the user based upon an intelligently designed prioritization scheme. The prioritization scheme disables the other input devices for a period of time to permit the user to provide inputs from a prioritized user input device.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Harriss C. N. Ganey, Aaron M. Stewart
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Patent number: 8860547Abstract: A wearable control terminal for allowing a user to control a target object includes a contact detector, an impact detector, a motion detector, and a transmitter. The contact detector is mounted on a surface of a first portion of a user's body to detect whether the first portion is in contact with or separated from a second portion of the body based on whether a closed loop conducting path is formed with the first portion and the second portion. The impact detector detects an impact on the control terminal. The motion detector detects a motion of the user based on the results of detection by the contact detector and the impact detector. The transmitter transmits a control signal to the target object according to the detected motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Isao Aichi, Ichiro Akahori, Saori Noda
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Patent number: 8836546Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventor: Chao Chen
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Publication number: 20140240150Abstract: Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user's finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Stephen Brian Lynch, Emery Sanford, Pinida Jan Moolsintong
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Patent number: 8810520Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is 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 not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Vadim Fux, Michael G. Elizarov, Sergey V. Kolomiets
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Patent number: 8811526Abstract: A system for communicating modulated EHF signals may include a modulation circuit responsive to a bi-level transmit information signal for generating a transmit output signal. The transmit output signal may have an EHF frequency when the transmit information signal is at a first information state and may be suppressed when the transmit information signal is at a second information state. A transmit transducer operatively coupled to the modulation circuit may be responsive to the transmit output signal for converting the transmit output signal into an electromagnetic signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
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Patent number: 8810526Abstract: A touch apparatus includes a touch panel, voltage storage elements, a voltage supply unit, and a processing unit. The touch panel has electrodes respectively coupled to the voltage storage elements. When the voltage supply unit does not provide the voltage to the voltage storage element, the voltage storage element achieves a voltage balance within an energy storage time and stores a voltage of the corresponding electrode. The energy storage times of a part of the voltage storage elements at least partially overlap. The energy storage times of two the voltage storage elements respectively coupled to two adjacent electrodes do not overlap with each other. The processing unit is coupled to the electrodes and the voltage storage elements and adopts voltages stored in the voltage storage elements when the voltage balance is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Innolux CorporationInventors: Po-Sheng Shih, Po-Yang Chen
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Patent number: 8803812Abstract: A method is for input of text symbols into an electronic device having a reduced keyboard. The reduced keyboard has keys representing a plurality of characters. The method includes receiving character inputs from the reduced keyboard and identifying symbol variants based on the received character inputs. A list of symbol variants is displayed. An input symbol from the list of symbol variants is selected, wherein the input symbol is a Korean Hangul syllable. At least one Chinese Hanzi syllable is designated, to correspond to at least one Korean Hangul syllable. The Korean Hangul syllable is replaced with a Chinese Hanzi syllable.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventor: Vadim Fux
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Patent number: 8803713Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Vadim Fux, Dan Rubanovich
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Patent number: 8797192Abstract: A compact input device for fast text input. Ten perimeter regions are defined in a decagon shaped ring on a touch pad, and nine more center regions arranged in a 3 by 3 matrix are defined at the center of the perimeter regions. In alphanumeric mode, each of the ten perimeter regions represents a numeral or a character of the same order, found on a corresponding key of the ten numeric keys, 0 to 9, found on a standard 12-key telephone keypad. All perimeter regions synchronously switch to another group of characters of the same order, in accordance with the direction of a swipe on any of the perimeter regions. A tap on a perimeter region selects the character represented by the region at the moment. In addition, it is capable of operating in a standard 12-key telephone keypad mode, pointing device mode, and symbol mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Inventor: Wai-Lin Maw
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Patent number: 8792585Abstract: A rank estimation device in which a load on a rank estimation process can be reduced is provided. The rank estimation device of the exemplary embodiment is characterized by comprising a SNR estimation section which calculates a communication quality value, a channel variation estimation section which calculates a variation value that varies at a receiver, and a simplified rank estimation section which estimates a transmission rank based on the communication quality value calculated by the SNR estimation section and the variation value calculated by the channel variation estimation section.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Masahito Sakai
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Patent number: 8787494Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for predistorting an input signal to compensate for non-linear distortions introduced by an electronic device, for example, a power amplifier. The non-linear effects of a power amplifier can be modeled using different behavior models. Coefficients for one behavior model can be converted into coefficients for a different behavior model using a conversion function. A conversion circuit implementing the conversion function can be used in between a predistorter and an adaptation circuit that use different models.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)Inventor: Chunlong Bai
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Low RSI absolute coordinate mouse using optical three-dimensional sensing with mouse click functions
Patent number: 8786544Abstract: An absolute coordinate pointing device defines an (x,y) plane drawing region wherein user manipulation of a control element controls (x,y) location of first light source optical energy detectable by a first light sensor array that outputs (x,y) Cartesian coordinate data representing control element (x,y) movement. A pantograph coupled between the control element and first light source optical energy provides scaling. Pointing device (x,y) data output can control cursor position on a companion device display screen. Control element location on the drawing region is commensurate with cursor location on the display screen. Optionally an additional pantograph member can pivot in the z-direction with z-displacement of the control element. Z-axis location of optical energy from a second light source moves with z-movement of this pivoting member. A second light sensor array senses this optical energy and outputs z-axis Cartesian coordinate data representing control element z-displacement.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventor: John J. Osborn -
Patent number: 8787492Abstract: A symbol mapping method for repetition coding is disclosed. The symbol mapping method comprises performing repetition coding on codeword to output repeated codeword symbols, and mapping the repeated codeword symbols with subcarriers located in different localized resource blocks. According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to obtain maximum reliability in a receiving side by mapping codeword bits with subcarriers to reduce the number of bits having low reliability when a transmitting side uses repetition coding. Also, it is possible to improve decoding throughput and obtain channel diversity.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yeong Hyeon Kwon, Seung Hee Han, Hyun Woo Lee, Sung Ho Moon, Jin Sam Kwak, Dong Cheol Kim, Min Seok Noh
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Patent number: 8766823Abstract: Keyboard configurations are described. In embodiments, a keyboard includes a microcontroller to register key inputs, a memory to store time durations that correspond to the key inputs, and an algorithm that generates an input signature based on the time durations that correspond to the key inputs. The input signature can be used for user authentication and identity theft protection, and/or used to validate users for access to a computer system. The input signature may also include a watermark, a timestamp, or voice stamp for further security. An input system that includes a keyboard can provide multi-modal biometric protection by supplementing keystroke-scans with fingerprint, voice-scan, signature-scan and mouse-scan verification.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Bekad MGMT. II, LLC.Inventor: Arkady G. Zilberman
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Patent number: 8768249Abstract: Methods and mobile devices for performing operations responsive to user actions are disclosed. The method includes prompting a user of a mobile device to make a particular action that is detectable by the mobile device, and prompting the user to select a particular operation that the user desires to have effectuated when the particular action is subsequently carried out. In addition, an indicator of the particular action is stored on the mobile device in connection with an indicator of the particular operation to associate the particular action with the particular operation. And after registration, when the particular action is sensed with the mobile device, the particular operation is effectuated.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.Inventors: Phani Bhushan Avadhanam, Manas Abichandani, Nuthan Seegehalli Hanumanthappa
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Patent number: 8761840Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications ABInventor: Gregory A. Dunko
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Patent number: 8760321Abstract: A method for detecting and processing key scan codes of a computer keyboard is disclosed. At least one scan code table is established for a computer device in advance and is stored in a scan code table memory that is accessible by a keyboard controller so that the keyboard controller, after initialization, may load the scan code table from the scan code table memory to a scan code table load-in area within the keyboard controller. The keyboard controller, upon detecting the actuation of any key of the keyboard, generates a interrupt request signal to the south bridge, which in turn retrieves the scan code; or alternatively, the keyboard controller generates an interrupt signal to the south bridge, which in turn retrieves and transmits the interrupt query number of the interrupt signal to the computer operating system, which in turn executes a preset target program corresponding to the interrupt query number.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Getac Technology CorporationInventor: Chai-Chang Chiu
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Patent number: 8755455Abstract: Adjusting a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) or more generally, Layer One parameters, for a data packet based on packet information and priority is disclosed. The packet information can typically be extracted from the packet's header. Considering packet-specific information enables cross-layer optimization that can include consideration of packet error rate (PER) constraints, delay constraints, relative importance of packets within a data stream, beamforming (e.g., off or on, implicit or explicit—longer distances are more likely to merit implicit beamforming) constraints, and aggregation as a function of MCS or channel condition (more aggregation is generally desirable for higher MCS or better channels), to name several examples. It is also possible to differentiate drop probability based on the importance of frames like anchor frames, etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Quantenna Communications Inc.Inventors: Sam Heidari, Rajkumar Samuel, Sigurd Schelstraete
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Patent number: 8754790Abstract: An input device with ghost key suppression includes a switch module, a comparator, an exchange unit, a bias voltage resistor, and a processing module. The switch module includes a plurality of strobe lines, a plurality of sense lines, and a plurality of switch units. Each of the switch units has a switch and a resistor connected in series between a corresponding one of the strobe lines and a corresponding one of the sense lines. The comparator is configured for comparing a signal received at an input end thereof with a reference signal for generating the comparison signal. The exchange unit is electrically connected to the sense lines and the comparator, and is operable in response to a control input for making and breaking electrical connection between each of the sense lines and the input end of the comparator. The processing module controls operation of the switch module and the exchange unit based on the comparison signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: Sunrex Technology Corp., Gimbal Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun-Pin Lin
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Patent number: 8749407Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting hidden ghost keys on a keyboard matrix. The keyboard matrix is composed of multiple rows crossing with multiple lines that form multiple key-locating positions. The method comprises: selecting multiple preset keys from the matrix; detecting ghost keys among the matrix based on the selected preset keys; selecting multiple examining keys from the preset keys and the detected ghost keys, based on that at least one ghost key is included in the examining keys; and determining hidden ghost keys based on the examining keys. The system detects ghost keys among the matrix via a preset key selecting unit and a ghost key detecting unit, which selects multiple examining keys via an examining key selecting unit, and determines hidden ghost keys based on the examining keys through a hidden ghost keys detecting unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Wen-Tong Liu, Chien-Hui Chang
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Patent number: 8743997Abstract: A method and system are described for adaptively adjusting data communication of a rateless coding system, including adaptively estimating a symbol coding length, determining a symbol threshold, determining if the adaptively estimated symbol coding length is less than the symbol threshold, adjusting a transmission power level based on the second determining act and adaptively adjusting a modulation scheme based on the second determining act. Also described are a method and system for decoding communication of a rateless coding system, including receiving encoded symbols, determining if a length of the received encoded symbols is greater than a threshold number of encoded symbols and decoding the received encoded symbols if the length of the received encoded symbols is greater than the threshold number of encoded symbols.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Chia-Han Lee, Wen Gao
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Patent number: 8723699Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a device is provided herein. During operation, a user's headset is tapped upon in order to control a device. More particularly, a user's headset (or the device itself) uses circuitry that allows the headset or the device to detect user taps (for example on either earpiece of the connected 3.5 mm jack stereo headset, or the housing of the headset). The taps serve as user inputs to control the device. Because a user can control a device simply by tapping upon a headset, the device can be accessed without necessitating the need to wake the device to access control functions (e.g., music control functions).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Plamen A. Ivanov, Daniel L. Richards, Mark F. Valentine, Sandeep P. Vuppu
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Patent number: 8723832Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer for a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of detecting a gesture of the user along the surface of the tactile interface layer that includes a movement of a finger of the user from a first location on the surface to a second location on the surface; interpreting the gesture as a command for the deformable region; and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Tactus Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig Ciesla, Micah Yairi, Nathaniel Mark Saal
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Patent number: 8717202Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of force sensitive input devices and methods are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a force sensitive input device may comprise a button movable along a first axis between a first end position and a second end position, the button including a reflective surface, a resilient component biasing the button toward the first end position, and a reflectance sensor configured to emit light that impinges upon the reflective surface and to measure an amount of the light that is reflected from the reflective surface, wherein the light travels generally parallel to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Aimpad, LLCInventors: Nikhil Bajaj, Lance William Madsen
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Patent number: 8717201Abstract: The application provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a main body and a cover. The main body has a sheet and the sheet includes a first key set and a second key set. The cover, slidably disposed on the main body between a first configuration and a second configuration, includes a first portion and a second portion connected thereto. The first key set is visible through the first portion and the second portion covers the second key set when the cover is in the first configuration, and the second key set is visible through the first portion and the second portion covers the first key set when the cover is in the second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: HTC CorporationInventors: Chih-Wei Tai, Yi-Ching Liu, Cheng-Chieh Chuang, I-Fang Li
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Patent number: 8717199Abstract: Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user's finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Stephen Brian Lynch, Emery Sanford, Pinida Jan Moolsintong
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Patent number: 8717200Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey C Weller
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Patent number: 8711011Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing pressure sensitive keys to produce digital signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys of a conventional keyboard. The pressure sensitive keys may be implemented to generate an alternating open/short digital signal representative of the amount of pressure applied to a given key at any given time. The open/short digital signal may be supplied as a signal representative of applied key pressure to a legacy keyboard key matrix and controller or other processing device of an information handling system that is configured to measure keyboard input based on “momentary-on” digital signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventors: Mark A. Casparian, Frank C. Azor
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Patent number: 8710951Abstract: An operation controlling apparatus executing operation controlling for plural equipment connected therewith, including: an equipment management portion configured to manage a control command for each of plural numbers of control commands, for each of the plural numbers of equipments; a projector portion configured to project an image of each control item, for each of the plural numbers of equipments; a distance detector portion configured to detect distance from said projector portion to a projection surface, on which the projector portion project the image; and a controller portion configured to control the projector portion so as to change the control item to be projected by the projector portion, depending on the distance detected by the distance detector portion, and to bring the equipment of control target to execute the control command, which is managed by the equipment management portion, when execution of the control item projected is determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mayumi Nakade, Mayuko Tanaka
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Publication number: 20140111359Abstract: A touch-sensitive linear adjustment switch is configured to be touched along a linear direction in order to turn on or off, or make stepwise adjustment to the power supplied from, an external power source. The switch includes a housing having a light-permeable sensing surface. The touch control circuit board in the housing has a touch control circuit layer adjacent to the sensing surface. The surface of the touch control circuit layer is divided into plural first sensing areas arranged along the linear direction and is provided at intervals with plural first light-emitting elements, each located beside or in one first sensing area. When touched, the sensing surface triggers the touch control circuit layer in the corresponding first sensing area to control light emission of the light-emitting element(s) beside or in the first sensing area and to output a coded signal for controlling power supply from the external power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventor: Ching-Hsiung CHU
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Patent number: 8704683Abstract: A portable terminal includes: a key row including a reference resistor, switches separately connected to the reference resistor, and a plurality of resistors connected to the switches, respectively; a reference voltage unit connected to the reference resistor and providing a reference voltage; and a first comparator and a second comparator dividing the reference voltage from the reference voltage unit by the reference resistor and at least one resistor connected to an activated switch, and receiving an analog key input signal corresponding to the divided reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Min Hyoung Lee
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Patent number: 8704648Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Norman Ladouceur, Jason T. Griffin, Roman Rak
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Patent number: 8698656Abstract: A wireless keyboard and reader combination comprises a keyboard having a plurality of keys, an antenna, and a plurality of passive transponder circuits, employing backscatter transmission coded in the time domain using a reflected series of pulses, coupled to the antenna and associated with the keys. For example, SAW transponders may be employed. The passive transponder circuits are selectively coupled to the antenna and provide a coded response identifying a key in response to key activation. An associated reader includes a source of an interrogating field applied to the antenna of the keyboard and a decoder for determining the coded response from the passive transponder circuits.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Ezero Technologies LLCInventor: David L. Henty
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Patent number: 8698762Abstract: An electronic device displays one or more thumbnails. The device detects a first multi-contact gesture that includes movement of a first contact and a second contact; and, in response to detecting the first multi-contact gesture, the device displays content associated with a respective thumbnail and enlarges the content associated with the respective thumbnail to a respective enlarged size in accordance with the first multi-contact gesture. The device detects termination of the first multi-contact gesture; and, in response to detecting termination of the first multi-contact gesture: when a resizing metric based on the first multi-contact gesture is below a predefined threshold, the device ceases to display the content at the respective enlarged size; and, when the resizing metric based on the first multi-contact gesture is above the predefined threshold, the device displays the content on the display in a predefined arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Oliver P. Wagner, Michael Matas
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Patent number: 8700829Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for implementing one or more individual pressure sensitive keys that each support multiple native scan codes, with each scan code corresponding to a unique pressure level output. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one exemplary embodiment to allow users to leverage the capability of a variable pressure keyboard by providing an information handling system having individual variable pressure keys that are each capable of outputting a different macro or multi-key sequence per key pressure level sensed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Dell Products, LPInventors: Mark A. Casparian, Carlos Ross, Danae Sierra, Karun Reddy, Larry E. Knepper
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Patent number: 8692693Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Longe
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Patent number: 8687731Abstract: Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate cycling through precoders for transmitting wireless network communications in a time domain. The precoders can be cycled according to a precoder sequence for each data symbol transmission. When the last precoder is selected the cycle can begin again, a new precoder sequence can be received or defined, and/or the like. A precoder sequence related to a subset of precoders present in a wireless device can be defined sequentially, cyclically shifted according to an identifier or one or more communications parameters, randomly, pseudo-randomly according to an identifier or one or more communications parameters, and/or the like. In addition, the precoder sequence can be utilized to select a precoder for one or more retransmissions. Such cycling of precoders can increase transmit diversity.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Peter Gaal, Xiliang Luo, Wanshi Chen, Juan Montojo, Xiaoxia Zhang
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Patent number: 8669888Abstract: The present invention relates to a Hangeul input keypad and a method using the same. Basic consonants and basic vowels are assigned to the Hangeul input keypad, the number of the basic consonant-assigned keys is less than that of the basic vowel-assigned keys, the consonant keys and the vowel keys are disposed separately, and a shift key converting the basic consonants to extended consonants is disposed adjacent to the consonant keys to which the basic consonants convertible to the extended consonants are assigned. The Hangeul input keypad and method according to the present invention improves speed of Hangeul input, provides convenience in operation of consonant keys and a shift key, and ease of a user's learning of the Hangeul input method by optimizing the disposition of the consonants and vowels.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignees: Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Hisayuki Kunigita, Shi Hyong Cho, Yong Ho Lee, Young Ho Choi
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Patent number: 8670501Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a DPD system where the transmit reference signal is transformed, including sub-sampling, frequency translation, and the like, to match the feedback signal, which goes thru a similar transformation process, to obtain an error signal. The same transformation is applied to a system model, which may be Jacobian, Hessian, Gradient, or the like, in an adaptation algorithm to minimize error.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Fernando A. Mujica, Lei Ding