Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device is movable among a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. Several different exemplary embodiments are described, some having two members, others having more. In one embodiment, certain features or objects are unavailable in a retracted configuration but are available in a deployed configuration or an overtravel configuration. A method of responding to predetermined events comprises detecting a movement of a handheld electronic device away from a first configuration toward a second configuration without reaching the second configuration.

Abstract: A metal keypad panel structure with a micropore array includes a metal keypad panel, a filling, a pattern layer, a backlight module and an electric signal module. The metal keypad panel has micropores filled with the filling. The pattern layer is on a side of the metal keypad panel. The backlight module is a guide light plate attached onto another side of the metal keypad panel and has patterns, each composed of light guide microstructures. When a light is entered into the guide light plate, the light guide microstructures focus and project the light onto the metal keypad panel to allow users to see the position of each press key clearly.

Abstract: An externally reconfigurable input system for an electronic device is provided. The input system has the flexibility of receiving input via an input interface with the guidance of key-based substrate overlay positioned proximate a sensor array that is coupled to a printed wiring assembly. An input correlation component receives signals generated by the sensor array in response to displacement of one or more keys associated with the key-based substrate. The key-based substrate overlay is removable so as to be reconfigured.

Abstract: An electroluminescence device includes a first electroluminescence part, a second electroluminescence part, a key layer, a direction detecting module, a circuit switch module and a touch induced circuit. The first electroluminescence part and the second electroluminescence part are mounted on the same plane. The key layer is stacked above the first electroluminescence part and the second electroluminescence part. The direction detecting module detects the direction and triggers the circuit switch module to trigger the electroluminescence part to radiate based on the placement direction. The touch induced circuit detects different signals coming from the different placement direction of the pressed keys so the device can trigger the luminescence of an electroluminescence part which corresponds to the placement direction to have different display based on the different placement direction.

Abstract: A positioning structure (30) for an accessory keypad assembly (20) is provided. The accessory keypad assembly includes an upper shell (21) and a lower shell (22). The positioning structure includes a first mounting portion (231), a second mounting portion (232), a third mounting portion (233), a first positioning block (234), a second positioning block (235), and an elastic member (236). The third mounting portion extends from the second mounting portion and is located between the first and second mounting portions. The first positioning block is rotatably mounted on the first mounting portion. The second positioning block is rotatably and slidably mounted on the second mounting portion. The elastic member has one end mounted on the third mounting portion and the other end mounted on the second positioning block.

Abstract: A method for inputting a character adapted for a handheld electronic device is provided. In the present method, a reference plane is determined first. Then, a tilting angle and a tilting direction of the handheld electronic device deviating from the reference plane are detected. Then, the tilting direction is indicated, and an input of a key of the keypad is received. Finally, a character corresponding to the key at the tilting direction is displayed on the handheld electronic device. Therefore, only two actions including tilting the handheld electronic device and pressing the key are required for the users to complete the input of a character. As such, the method is intuitive, convenient, and fast for inputting the character.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data input interface arranged to input data comprising a first set of keys, wherein all or a majority of the keys is adapted to indicate an input of a first set of symbols, arranged in a first structure, and a second set of keys, wherein all or a majority of the keys is adapted to indicate an input of a second set of symbols, arranged in a second structure, wherein the first set of keys and the second set of keys are integrated with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trading keyboard that can be configured both physically and functionally according to a user's preferences. The trading keyboard preferably includes self-identifying key covers that can be physically arranged on any of the keyboard's key bases. Detection mechanisms included in the key bases detect the commands of the trading application associated with each self-identifying key cover. Therefore, the user may reposition the key covers on the keyboard according to the user's preferences, and yet retain the same functionality for the key covers. The user may also switch between keyboard modes that allow the keyboard to be functionally reconfigured. By selecting different modes, the user can chose between different keyboard mapping configurations that assign the functions of the trading application to the keys in different arrangements. The mode selection mechanism may also be used to select between different commands associated with a single key or key cover.

Abstract: A keyboard (32, 1230) for a handheld electronic device (100, 1100, 1200) comprising a row of keys (102) wherein each of said keys (102) represents at least two alphanumeric characters and the characters of each key (102) are positioned relative to the characters on adjacent keys (102) so as to form a QWERTY or DVORAK layout.

Abstract: A method of implementing dynamic pseudorandom keyboard remapping of a system including a keyboard in communication with an operating system of a computing device includes encrypting an original keyboard scan code corresponding to each of a plurality of keyboard keys, using a mapping algorithm, wherein the mapping algorithm encrypts the original keyboard scan code by using both the original keyboard scan code and a current one of a sequence of pseudorandom numbers generated using a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) algorithm and an initial seed value; and decrypting the original keyboard scan code based on an encrypted scan code generated and transmitted from the keyboard to the operating, responsive to a keystroke of the keyboard, wherein the operating system also uses the mapping algorithm, the PRNG algorithm, and the initial seed value.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable, handheld housing, and a display and keyboard carried by the portable, handheld housing. The keyboard may include a plurality of multi-symbol keys each having indicia of a plurality of respective symbols thereon, and a predetermined multi-symbol key may have a comma/apostrophe symbol and at least one other symbol thereon. A controller may be used for generating, in response to an ambiguous input including an ambiguous punctuations input, a menu of possible desired words including at least one word with a comma and at least one word with an apostrophe and at least one other character additional to the ambiguous input. The device further includes a multiple-axis input device that is operable to provide movement inputs to move to, for example, a variant output and is further operable to provide a selection input as to, for example, the variant output.

Abstract: A keypad comprising a plurality of numerically labeled keys; wherein each key on a numeric keypad as mapped to letters of alphabet in a language, wherein a plurality of alphabetic letters are assigned to at least one key on the numeric keypad; wherein a first alphabetic letter is selected from among the plurality of alphabetic letters assigned to the key, in response to a first interaction with said key, such that the first alphabetic letter is the first most frequently used letter from among said plurality of letters assigned to the key in said language.

Abstract: A system and method of selecting a character for display in a communication device having a display and a reduced-key keyboard is provided. One of the plurality of keys on the reduced-key keyboard is selected and a default letter associated with the selected key is displayed. A backspace key is selected to display a cursor in the position of the character on the display. The key associated with the default character is selected again and an alternate character associated with the selected key is displayed in place of the default letter.

Abstract: A reconfigurable keypad for enhancing user experience of an electronic device. The keypad includes a keypad display implemented as any type of display devices that can display different configurations of characters, symbols or images. The keypad display is placed adjacent an application display module. Both the keypad display and the application display module are covered with a common protective film, giving an appearance of a continuous top surface. The keypad also has a mechanism for providing tactile feedback to the user indicating whether the keypad was properly pressed.

Abstract: A method of determining character value arrangement on a handheld keypad includes: specifying one or more parameters for evaluating keypad solutions for the handheld keypad by characterizing a user's physical operations on the handheld keypad; generating an initial set of keypad solutions for the handheld keypad; evaluating a fitness of the keypad solutions in the initial set based on the one or more parameters; selecting a first set of keypad solutions from the initial set based on the fitness of the keypad solutions in the initial set; generating additional solutions for the first set of keypad solutions from the keypad solutions in the first set; evaluating the fitness of the additional keypad solutions in the first set; and saving at least some key-associated character values based on the keypad solutions. The keypad includes input keys with which character values are associated, each having at least one alphanumeric indicia associated therewith.

Abstract: 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 employ contextual data in certain circumstances to prioritize output and to learn new contextual data.

Abstract: A device for entering information securely in a customer transaction is described. The device may include a keypad comprising a set of full travel keys for transmitting a first set of data and a set of minimal travel keys for transmitting a second set of data. A subset of the full travel keys may be operable to receive numerical entries, and a subset of the minimal travel keys may be customized to perform one or more nonnumeric functions. A controller is connected to and receives data from one or more components of the keypad. The device may be used in a fuel dispenser system or another environment where a customer transaction occurs.

Abstract: A keyboard for entry of text characters is described. The keyboard comprises: a plurality of keys and a processing means for detecting when at least one of the plurality of keys is pressed. Each of the plurality of keys has an indicia marked on its surface. When the processor detects that two or more of the plurality of keys have been pressed within a predetermined time period of each other, data corresponding to a text character visually resembling the combination of the indicia marked on the two or more of the plurality of keys is output. A corresponding method of text entry is also described. The output from the keyboard visually resembles the combination of the indicia on the keys. This enables a user to use the keyboard without requiring special training, or to learn particular key combinations.

Abstract: A numeral input method simply uses the keys of a mobile phone or some of a computer keyboard and the beginning point and the ending point of each English letter manually written by hand on the keys to achieve a numeral code system for the English alphabet. So, under the mode, Chinese characters and English alphabets (small and capital letters), numerals and simple symbols can be retrieved, even available for other languages. It can lessen the knocking times on the keys and make input operated easily and conveniently like writing on a mobile phone or a keyboard, an people all over the world speaking diverse languages can key in sentences, information, etc. more easily and quickly.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard handheld electronic device and associated method that utilizes a plurality of passwords for controlling access thereto. The handheld electronic device has a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, such as a multi-tap system. At least one of the passwords is valid and accepted when input using a keyboard of a separate electronic device, such as a PC or another handheld electronic device, and at least one of passwords is valid and accepted when input using the reduced keyboard of the handheld electronic device. In some embodiments, the keyboard of the separate electronic device is a reduced keyboard, such as a reduced QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard, and in others it is a non-reduced keyboard, such as a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.

Abstract: A user input device is provided that permits multiple functions to be implemented in a confined space using key images defined by a reconfigurable backlight structure under automatic software control. The keypads change automatically depending on what the user is doing with the device. By selectively illuminating one of several key images at each key location, widely varying keypad functionality can be realized without increased the size of the keypad or the number of key locations.

Abstract: An encoding method includes a mapping for mapping a plurality of encoding sequences to a plurality of decoding sequences. Each of the encoding sequences includes at least one encoding symbol chosen from an encoding symbol set. Each of the decoding sequences includes at least one decoding symbol chosen from a decoding symbol set. The encoding method is characterized in that at least one of the encoding sequences includes at least two encoding symbols, and a predetermined shape changing type of a formal symbol in the encoding sequence is denoted by a latter symbol neighboring to the formal symbol, wherein the shape changing type including at least one of shape rotating, shape mirroring, shape deflating, stroke removal, cutting and notching.

Abstract: The invention is directed to user-friendly multi-lingual text entry using a dynamically reconfigurable keyboard. A method for dynamically reconfiguring a keyboard according to an embodiment of the invention includes: displaying a first set of characters on the keyboard; providing language settings to an upper level system manager of a keyboard driver; communicating reconfiguration information corresponding to the language settings from the upper level system manager of the keyboard driver to a lower level device driver of the keyboard driver; and dynamically reconfiguring the keyboard to display a second set of characters.

Abstract: An operation input device according to the present invention displays a plurality of keys (7) on a liquid crystal panel (6), and prompts a user to press the keys (7) in the order of numbers assigned to the respective keys (7). On the basis of key pressing periods during which the respective keys (7) are pressed, the characteristics of a key input operation performed by the user (the average and standard deviation of the pressing periods) are detected, and judgment reference values are determined on the basis of the detected characteristics for judgment of the type of the user's key input operation (an ordinary key input operation, a longer pressing key input operation or a double click key input operation). When a key input operation is performed, the type of the key input operation is judged on the basis of the judgment reference values thus determined, and a process according to the judged key input operation type is performed.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard handheld electronic device and associated method that utilizes a plurality of passwords for controlling access thereto. The handheld electronic device has a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, such as a multi-tap system. At least one of the passwords is valid and accepted when input using a keyboard of a separate electronic device, such as a PC or another handheld electronic device, and at least one of passwords is valid and accepted when input using the reduced keyboard of the handheld electronic device. In some embodiments, the keyboard of the separate electronic device is a reduced keyboard, such as a reduced QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard, and in others it is a non-reduced keyboard, such as a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a key operation unit including a first region in which a first key group is arranged and a second region in which a second key group is arranged, a switch, and a key operation control unit which outputs, when a given key of the first key group is pressed together with an operation of the switch, a key code assigned to a key located at a position in the second region which corresponds to a position of the given key in the first region, and outputs, when an arbitrary key of the second key group is pressed, a key code assigned to a key located at a position in the first region which corresponds to a position of the arbitrary key in the second region.

Abstract: A universal remote control includes a display that is partitioned into a button touch-screen portion and a message area. The button touch-screen portion includes pre-determined or etched areas defining a plurality of buttons and a given number of pre-determined labels for each button. The message area includes individual pixels (i.e. a dot matrix) that allow the display of messages, labels or the like such as text. Activation of a touch-screen button having a message or label associated therewith causes the message or label to be displayed in the message area of the display. The remote control is customizable by the user. The user can configure a label for a particular button to suit the user's preference(s). This is especially useful for “learning remotes” where the function “learned” (stored) with respect to a particular button or key may bear no relationship to the label printed or available for that button. Now the user can create a custom label that is displayed in a message area of the remote.

Abstract: A key input device combined with a key display unit and a digital appliance having the same are disclosed. The key input device includes a key display unit for displaying a character or an image that identifies a key, a touch sensing unit that moves down and up by a pressure applied to this key, and a signal generation unit for generating an electric signal in accordance with the pressure applied to the key, wherein the character or the image displayed on the key display unit can be changed.

Abstract: A control method of an alterable key is applied in a portable electronic device including switch a plurality of function modes. The portable electronic device has an opaque key portion, a pattern template layer, and a plurality of light emitting portions. A pattern template layer has many groups of operating patterns. Light emitting portions are corresponding to the operating patterns and emit the specific light, and the operating patterns are corresponding to the function modes. The control method includes the following steps of receiving a first command to switch the corresponding function mode, brightening the light emitting portion corresponding to the function mode to show the corresponding operating patterns on the opaque key portion, receiving a second command to switch another corresponding function mode, and brightening the light emitting portion corresponding to another function mode to show another corresponding operating patterns on the opaque key portion.

Abstract: Currently, there are several types of information input devices into a computer, PDA, cell phone or any appliance requiring data input. One of the most commonly used is the keyboard. The current keyboards (except the virtual keyboards) are limited in the number of language/sign characters marked on the keys as these marking are permanent. This invention is about a keyboard where the keys are changeable images that can be easily and quickly changed/re-configured to any set of language or signs groups. This keyboard is not a virtual keyboard but real hardware combined with specific software.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard handheld electronic device and associated method that utilizes a plurality of passwords for controlling access thereto. The handheld electronic device has a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, such as a multi-tap system. At least one of the passwords is valid and accepted when input using a keyboard of a separate electronic device, such as a PC or another handheld electronic device, and at least one of passwords is valid and accepted when input using the reduced keyboard of the handheld electronic device. In some embodiments, the keyboard of the separate electronic device is a reduced keyboard, such as a reduced QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard, and in others it is a non-reduced keyboard, such as a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for receiving input from a multi-function momentary switch by providing feedback from a user interface for each function associated with the switch. According to one method, alphanumeric input values are associated with a momentary switch. Each of the alphanumeric input values is associated with a different active time duration for the switch and at least two of the alphanumeric input values are associated with a same alphanumeric text entry mode. A duration of time the switch is in the active state is monitored. At least one of tactile and audible feedback is provided each time the duration of time matches a duration associated with an alphanumeric input value. The alphanumeric input value associated with the alphanumeric text entry mode and duration for the last feedback provided is selected as input from the switch.

Abstract: A multimodal electronic device (100) includes a shutter enabled dynamic keypad for presenting one of a plurality of keypad configurations to a user. Each keypad configuration, which is presented by an optical shutter (204) that opens or closes windows or shutters that are geometrically configured as alphanumeric or device keys or symbols. Each keypad configuration, in one embodiment, is limited to those needed for the particular mode of operation of the device (100). The optical shutter (204) is a low-resolution display that presents user actuation targets to a user in a low-resolution key area. As each mode of the device changes, the corresponding keypad configuration presented changes accordingly.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing images displayed on a keypad of a networked phone to be dynamically changed are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a networked phone apparatus includes a dynamic keypad and control channel logic. The dynamic keypad has a plurality of dynamic keys that each display images. The control channel logic causes the images displayed on the plurality of dynamic keys to be changed. The networked phone apparatus may be a hardware based phone apparatus or a software based phone apparatus.

Abstract: A system may include (a) at least one key map variant which has a plurality of key values associated with corresponding keystrokes; (b) a character encoding chart which has a plurality of code values associated with corresponding characters of the character encoding chart; (c) an input data reader which receives input data. The input data contains at least one of the code values associated with at least one corresponding character of the character encoding chart. The system may also include (d) a translation table which translates the at least one of the code values of the input data into at least one of the key values associated with at least one corresponding keystroke.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A remote control unit, an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device using the same are provided. The remote control unit includes: a key input part including a menu key for allowing an electronic device to enter a setup mode, a numeric key rotatably provided to display different numerals depending on degree of rotation, and a confirm key for transmitting a control signal corresponding to the numeral of the numeric key; a memory for storing a control code for controlling the electronic device; a microcomputer for reading out and transmitting the control code stored in the memory depending on a signal inputted from the key input part; and an infrared transmitter for transmitting the control code in a form of an infrared signal depending on a control of the microcomputer.

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.

Abstract: A touch operated user interface having tactile feedback for use in connection with a universal remote control or universal remote control with cordless phone functionality is shown in FIG. 13. Surface features are provided as part of or as an overlay (1300) to a touchable face area of the user interface in order to assist the user in locating key positions and/or to provide positive indication of key activation. The overlay is placed over a flexible electroluminescent panel (318) that provides a lighted indication and a plurality of dome switches (310) that function as keys.

Abstract: A method of mapping a traditional touchtone telephone keypad on a handheld electronic device having a disambiguation function, and an associated apparatus comprises outputting a representation of a remapped character layout and generating a disambiguated interpretation of an input.

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.

Abstract: A user programmable input apparatus with a keyboard comprises several keys with one or more special keys thereof on the keyboard for input operations, a microprocessor to receive inputs from the keys when they are pressed, a nonvolatile memory programmable by operating the keys for users themselves to program or define key definitions or functions for the keyboard or to store data or microinstructions or other programs thereto, and a transmission arrangement connected to the microprocessor to output data to the computer system or other peripheral connected with the input apparatus.

Abstract: A single press method for entering text using a keypad is disclosed. A conventional four-row by three-column 12-key keypad is used to enter all of the letters of the alphabet using single key actuation. Depending on the letter, either a single key or multiple side-by-side keys, such as a pair of side-by-side keys, that can be substantially simultaneously depressed by a user's finger or thumb are used to enter alphabet letters.

Abstract: An input apparatus and an input control method are provided that enable the confirmation of an operation state using speech each time an operation key is depressed and enable the execution of distributed functions using a straightforward operation. A plurality of functions is allocated to a numeric keypad, and audio is outputted for the operation state by way of the numeric keypad from an audio output section every time an operation function changes. A function just previous to operation of the numeric keypad can, therefore, be decided by using a setting key, and control may be carried out by a control unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an input unit wherein a password is hardly presumable even in the case where input keys or characters related to the input keys are peeped at by a third party. The input unit includes an operation panel 2, a display unit 9, an operating section 8 and a control section 7. The operating section 8 is a touch panel. The operating section 8 includes multiple input keys 10. The input key 10 has display sections 11 corresponding to codes formed thereon. The control section 7 displays the input keys 10 on a screen section 9a of the display unit 9, and displays the display sections 11 in the input keys 10. The control section 7 varies a status of the input keys 10 such as a color, a shape or a pattern according to an input mode.

Abstract: There are provided a character entry apparatus and a character entry method using numeric keys, the character entry apparatus including: a number input section having ten numeric keys of 0 to 9 for entry of a number set corresponding to a desired character; a display for displaying the character corresponding to the number set; and a controller for storing a character input table providing an arrangement of a plurality of characters each corresponding to a number set and when a number set is input through the number input section, controlling to display the corresponding character arranged in the character input table and associated with the number set through the display, the number set being formed to include a first number selected from a first number group having a plurality of numbers and a second number selected from a second number group having a plurality of numbers arranged independent of the first number group.

Abstract: The present invention relates a cover which changes the aesthetic appearance of a computer component by providing an area to display an image, graphic, logo or text. Attachment shall be of a simple, easily attachable/detachable type requiring little or no modification to the computer component.

Abstract: A computer keyboard which enables a computer to automatically recognize nomenclature information (ID) of keys is provided. Preferably, the keyboard contains a first memory which stores a table in which nomenclature information (ID) of keys and resistance values are associated with each other, a resistor having a resistance value substantially equal to any one of the resistance values, and a controller connected to the first memory and the resistor. The controller detects the resistance value of the resistor and reads the ID of the key corresponding to the resistance value from the table.