With Error Prevention Means (e.g., Debounce, Antichatter) Patents (Class 341/24)
  • Patent number: 11587746
    Abstract: A keyboard including a substrate and a key structure is provided. The key structure is disposed on the substrate and includes a keycap, an antenna, and a sensor. The keycap is disposed on the substrate, and a length of the keycap is greater than a width of the keycap. The antenna is disposed on a back surface of the keycap facing toward the substrate. The sensor is disposed below the keycap and is electrically connected with the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Ching Lu, Wu-Jeng Li, Chin-Ping Chan, Chih-Jen Kuo
  • Patent number: 11545051
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microcontroller board for the learning and practice of coding. In the microcontroller board, a platform area (S1) including a platform circuit board (10) in which a microcontroller is provided and module areas (S2) each having a cut line and including a module circuit board (20) are divided and formed on a single board array (S), corresponding header socket holes H are formed in the platform area (S1) including the platform circuit board (10) and the module areas (S2) on both sides of each of the cut lines, a plurality of machine holes (30) is provided along each of the cut lines between the header socket holes (H), via holes (40) are formed by plating the inner circumferential surfaces of the machine holes (30) with metal layers (35) in order to conduct electricity, and V-cut grooves (50) are formed along each of the cut lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Hanoi Ju
  • Patent number: 11301055
    Abstract: A keyboard device having a wireless charging function and a peripheral device are provided. The keyboard includes a casing module, a processing module, a key module, a first secondary resonant circuit and a second secondary resonant circuit. The processing module is electrically connected to the key module. The first secondary resonant circuit is disposed on a first side of the casing module. The second secondary resonant circuit is disposed on a second side of the casing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DEXIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ho-Lung Lu, Pai-Yang Chou
  • Patent number: 10937610
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keyswitch structures and an adjusting plate movably disposed under the keyswitch structures. Each of the keyswitch structures includes a tactile feedback member. The adjusting plate includes a plate body and a plurality of adjusting bars protruding from the plate body toward the keyswitch structures and respectively corresponding to the tactile feedback members of the keyswitch structures. When the adjusting plate moves relative to the keyswitch structures, the adjusting bars drive the tactile feedback members to change tactile feedback of the keyswitch structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yung-Chih Wang, Chia-Hung Liu, Yu-Chun Hsieh, Chen Yang, Chih-Yao Chi
  • Patent number: 10727866
    Abstract: A keyboard apparatus including a key module and a detection circuit is provided. The key module includes a plurality of keys, a plurality of scan lines, and a plurality of return lines. The scan lines and the return lines are crossed to each other and coupled to the keys respectively. The detection circuit is coupled to the return lines and configured to detect a current flowing through each of the return lines and indicate that a switch of each of the keys is in an on state or in an off state according to a value of the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Er-Hao Chen, Wen-Tong Liu
  • Patent number: 10599279
    Abstract: An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a touch panel which does not need a region for thermocompression bonding with FPC. The touch panel includes: a sensor having a base material, a plurality of first electrodes provided on the base material and configured to detect electrostatic capacitance, and a plurality of connection pads connected to the plurality of the first electrodes and provided along a first outer peripheral portion of the base material all through the first outer peripheral portion; a substrate on which a plurality of second electrodes is provided along a second outer peripheral portion all through the second outer peripheral portion; and an anisotropic conductor interposed between the first outer peripheral portion of the sensor and the second outer peripheral portion of the substrate all through the first and second outer peripheral portions and contacting the plurality of the first electrodes and the plurality of the second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventor: Naomi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10401970
    Abstract: A keyboard device and a manufacturing method of the keyboard device are provided. The keyboard device includes a base plate, a membrane circuit board and a key. A connecting structure with an upper connecting part is protruded from the base plate. The membrane circuit board includes a first film layer with an extension part. A clearance space is formed between the extension part and the base plate. An end part of the stabilizer bar of the keycap is clamped between the upper connecting part and the extension part. While the stabilizer bar is moved, the end part of the stabilizer bar is slid between the upper connecting part and the extension part. Moreover, the end part of the stabilizer bar and the extension part are interfered with each other and sunken downwardly into the clearance space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-An Chen, Chien-Hung Liu, Ming-Han Wu, Yi-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 10379528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating machining code of workpieces from a paper engineering drawing are provided. The method includes processing the paper engineering drawing to be a binary image; extracting dimension features and shape features of the workpieces from the binary image; and generating the machining codes of the workpieces based on the extracted dimension features and shape features of the workpieces. The machining codes indicate the dimension and shape of the workpieces. Machining codes of workpieces are generated from a paper engineering drawing directly without manual involvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Shun Jie Fan, Ming Jie, Qian Wang
  • Patent number: 10295612
    Abstract: An array of resistive sensor circuits may be used to gather sensor data. Each resistive sensor circuit may have a resistive sensor and an associated switch. Row decoder circuitry may supply rows of the sensor circuits with control signals on row lines. Capacitors associated with respective columns of the array may be provided with an initialization voltage. The control signals on the row lines may be used to turn on the switches in a selected row of the resistive sensor circuits and thereby discharge the capacitors through the resistive sensors of that row. Comparators may have first inputs coupled to the capacitors and second inputs that receive a reference voltage. A column readout circuit may have memory and processing circuitry that receives count values from a counter and that stores the count values in response to toggling output signals from the comparators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Guo
  • Patent number: 10289211
    Abstract: A keyboard apparatus and a detection method for status of keys thereof are provided. The detection method includes the following steps. First lines of a key module in the keyboard apparatus are driven to a first potential. Whether any key on each of second lines in the key module is pressed is detected as a first detection result. The second lines are driven to the first potential. Whether any key on each of the first lines is pressed is detected as a second detection result. One of the first lines is sequentially selected, and a press status of each key on the selected first line is scanned through the second lines so as to generate a coarse scan result. The press status of each key is obtained and whether the press status is misjudged is determined according to the first and the second detection results and the coarse scan result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: ITE Tech. Inc.
    Inventors: An-Chi Tsai, Chia-Yuan Chou
  • Patent number: 10162474
    Abstract: A navigation system for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) scene that includes a model or object with which a user can interact. The system accommodates and helps both novice and advanced users. To do this, the system provides the capability of tapping a hotkey to activate and deactivate tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: George Fitzmaurice, Justin Matejka, Gord Kurtenbach
  • Patent number: 10073539
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes M driving circuits DC(1)˜DC(M), N transition circuits TC(1)˜TC(N), a control module, M column signal lines C(1)˜C(M), N row signal lines R(1)˜R(N) and M*N key units KU(1,1)˜KU(M,N). The control module performs a scanning process to sequentially scan the M column signal lines C(1)˜C(M) in M scan cycles scan(1)˜scan(M). If the key unit KU(k,x) connected with the k-th column signal line C(k) and the x-th row signal line R(x) is depressed, a scan voltage is transmitted from the k-th column signal line C(k) to the x-th row signal line R(x) through a switch sw(k,x) of the key unit KU(k,x). The transition circuit TC(x) connected with the x-th row signal line R(x) is turned on according to the scan voltage. Consequently, an output voltage Rout(x) from the transition circuit TC(x) has a first voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chien-Hsin Lee, Wei-Chan Sung
  • Patent number: 10037857
    Abstract: A light emitting keyboard is provided. The keyboard includes: a plurality of keys, wherein each of the keys has a light source; and a controller, for turning on the light source of at least one second key when a user presses one of the plurality of keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: DUCKYCHANNEL INTERNATIONAL CO, LTD.
    Inventor: Shih-Chuan Chao
  • Patent number: 10039058
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a combined clear channel assessment indicator may be derived by combining two separate clear channel assessment indicators. An OR function may be used so that a channel is considered idle only if both CCA indicators indicate that the channel is idle. In some embodiments, a filter may be used to remove glitches from the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Moshe Tanach
  • Patent number: 10032575
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate, a key and a membrane circuit board. The key is connected with the base plate. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the key and the base plate. The base plate includes a connecting structure. The connecting structure is protruded upwardly and penetrated through the membrane circuit board. The key includes a keycap and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the keycap. A hook part of the stabilizer bar is penetrated through a corresponding locking hole of the connecting structure. A film layer of the membrane circuit board includes an extension part. A gel layer is formed on the extension part. While the keycap is moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate, the hook part of the stabilizer bar is moved on the gel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Tsu-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 9985629
    Abstract: A method for locking out a portion of a touch screen interface in response to an inadvertent touch comprises steps to detect multiple touches on the portion of the touch screen interface; determine that the multiple touches are incompatible; initiate a lockout time period in response to the determination and reinitiate the lockout time period in response to a subsequent touch during the lockout time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Eric J. Schuh
  • Patent number: 9939905
    Abstract: A display can be modified to be activated remotely with optical signals. A laser diode of one frequency can be used for tracking and targeting, with another frequency used to trigger the equivalent of a touch, click, drag, or other conventional input commands. Signal processing correlates trigger signals of specific commands, which can be expanded to include multi-click, multi-touch, gestures, and even custom commands specific to individual users. Modern capacitive touch screens can be upgraded with a transparent film overlay to provide these capabilities, which has never before been possible. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Conrad Labelson, Daniel John Hyman
  • Patent number: 9817517
    Abstract: A touch device includes a first touch input receiving a touch and a second touch input acquiring a capacitance which occurs when the touch is inputted to the first touch input. A controller is configured to detect the touch inputted to the first touch input and to detect the acquired capacitance. The controller change touch sensitivity of the first touch input according to the detected capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Sung Un Kim
  • Patent number: 9654171
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns receivers for use in nodes or devices that participate in wireless communications. In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver receives a first signal attributable to a first carrier and a second signal attributable to a second carrier. A first path searcher detects taps in the first signal attributable to the first carrier. A second path searcher detects taps in the second signal attributable to the second carrier. A channel tap selector selects, based on received energy values for taps detected by the first path searcher and the second path searcher, which tap values are to be used for taps of the receiver for both the first carrier and the second carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Stéphane Tessier, Bo Lyckegård
  • Patent number: 9473019
    Abstract: In a voltage converter, a mode configuration is selected in response to a mode control signal using a switch matrix having two or more mode configurations. Each mode configuration corresponds to one of two or more output signal voltages. The output signal is compared with a reference signal to produce a direction comparison signal. The direction comparison signal is used to produce the mode control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David Steven Ripley, Hui Liu
  • Patent number: 9411755
    Abstract: Systems and methods for debouncing a signal line within a computer device are provided. The mechanical nature of physical buttons and switches oftentimes present irregular or noisy signals on a signal line when depressed by a user. Thus, noise and/or irregular waveforms may be present on a signal line that is monitored to produce interrupt signals, when deemed valid and genuine. In many embodiments given herein, debounce modules and techniques set a debounce interval timer and/or a noise filtering interval timer in which debounce modules and/or techniques may note whether the signal line is still asserted (e.g., possibly a genuine interrupt signal) during the debounce interval timer and stable (e.g., no further interrupts have fired) during the noise filtering interval timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Murali Ravirala, Omid Fatemieh, Gabriel Knezek, Youssef Barakat
  • Patent number: 9367107
    Abstract: A method and system are set forth for enabling software control of a power management unit (PMU) in a System-On-a-Chip (SoC) device to effect changes in power state without having to adjust external board level states. In one embodiment, once the SoC system controller has been booted, it communicates with the PMU over a communication bus and is able to request changes in power states without requiring external trigger events. Complete remote control of power states according to the method and system set forth herein provides flexibility when debugging and testing SoC devices because there is no need to alter external board states. Also, providing programmable changes in reset states as an alternative to full system reset preserves state data so that the system can be restarted efficiently and quickly from known conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: PSION INC.
    Inventor: Steven William Maddigan
  • Patent number: 9297857
    Abstract: A membrane switch circuit testing system includes a testing module and a connection element. After the connection element is connected with a membrane switch circuit and the testing module, the testing module assigns an identification code to a key intersection of the membrane switch circuit. When the key intersection is depressed, an equivalent circuit is defined by the depressed key intersection and a corresponding fixed resistor of the testing module. Moreover, the testing module acquires an intersection resistance value of the depressed key intersection from the equivalent circuit. Consequently, the testing module judges whether the depressed key intersection is qualified according to the intersection resistance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Pei-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 9190999
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive pushbutton switch includes an optical sensor, in particular an infrared sensor, and an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit is able, through the use of a reference device, to set a sensitivity of the optical sensor in dependence on a detected basic level of an evaluation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Arnold
  • Patent number: 8963696
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing key control includes an integrated circuit (IC) arranged to detect a key press according to some input/output signals of a key matrix, where the input/output signals include first input/output signals corresponding to a first direction and second input/output signals corresponding to a second direction. In addition, the IC includes a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins, for transmitting the first and the second input/output signals, respectively. In particular, during the detection of the key press, the IC controls at least one first pin of the first pins to be in an output mode and controls the second pins to be in an input mode in a first time period, and controls at least one second pin of the second pins to be in an output mode and controls the first pins to be in an input mode in a second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: MEDIATEK Inc.
    Inventor: Tzu-Hung Wang
  • Publication number: 20150022382
    Abstract: An interface controller (2) is operated to give one of a plurality of predetermined outputs. An input signal (211) is received and a duration of said input signal is compared with a first and/or second threshold duration. A first output is generated if said input signal duration is shorter than said first threshold duration. A second output is generated if said input signal duration is longer than said first threshold duration but shorter than said second threshold duration. A third output is generated if said input signal duration is longer than said second threshold duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: NORDIC SEMICONDUCTOR ASA
    Inventors: Vinayak Kariappa Chettimada, Carles Cufi, Bjorn Tore Taraldsen, David Alexandre Engelien-Lopes, Kjartan Furset
  • Patent number: 8917192
    Abstract: A portable terminal has a keypad. The portable terminal includes the keypad including a plurality of key buttons in a predetermined pattern and forming an antenna pattern by using devices connected to both ends of predetermined key buttons among the plurality of key buttons, a Radio Frequency (RF) communicator connected to signal lines of the predetermined key buttons of the keypad, a digital circuit for recognizing a signal input to the keypad, and a controller for controlling the keypad to be selectively switched to one of the digital circuit and the RF communicator according to a signal generated in a resonance frequency region of a particular service band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 8872676
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a capacitive switching system may include a plurality of capacitive switches and at least one processor. Each of the capacitive switches may include an activation surface offset from an energized conductor by a dielectric region and a capacitance that is dependent upon an electric field generated by the energized conductor. The at least one processor may execute machine readable instructions to transform a change in the capacitance of one of the capacitive switches into a first control signal indicative of a first active state. A rejection delay may be activated by the at least one processor after the change in the capacitance of the one of the capacitive switches. The rejection delay can remain activated for a predetermined time period. A second control signal may be prevented from indicating a second active state while the rejection delay is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Scott Sitarski, William Patrick Garrett
  • Publication number: 20140266813
    Abstract: An electronic device with an anti-bounce key function includes a first voltage module, a second voltage module, a key module, a processor, and a bounce protection circuit. The first voltage module provides a first voltage, and the second voltage module provides a second voltage. The key module with a number of keys generates a pressing signal when a key is pressed. The bounce protection circuit connected between the key module and the processor is powered by the first voltage module. Each of the keys, when pressed, corresponds to a predetermined period of time. The bounce protection circuit counts time when the key module generates a pressed signal, and transmits the pressed signal to the processor when the elapsed time is more than the predetermined period of time corresponding to the pressed key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD, HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) Co., LTD
    Inventors: YA-GUO WANG, CHUN-CHING CHEN
  • Patent number: 8754790
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Sunrex Technology Corp., Gimbal Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 8749407
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Tong Liu, Chien-Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 8711025
    Abstract: A method for configuring a plurality of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) keys includes: utilizing a processor for determining a plurality of divided-voltages respectively corresponding to the Keys according to a plurality of voltage variation ranges respectively corresponding to the Keys; and calculating a plurality of resistive values of a voltage dividing model according to at least the divided-voltages, wherein the voltage dividing model has a plurality of voltage dividing configurations respectively corresponding to the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun Lan, Yingyi Liu, Yu-Kai Chou
  • Patent number: 8692694
    Abstract: A method of detecting and recovering from stuck keys on an electronic device keyboard comprises receiving one or more messages by a processor based upon a predetermined periodic scan rate and each message corresponding to a pressed key, determining one of the pressed keys is a stuck key based upon the received one or more messages corresponding to a pressed key, sending a mock key-up message from the processor to a keyboard controller in response to the determined stuck key, operating the keyboard controller at a changed scan rate in response to the mock key-up message, detecting the electronic device keyboard is in a released key state by the processor; and operating the keyboard controller at the predetermined periodic scan rate in response to the detected released key state. The processor can include two components, such as a keyboard processor and a keyboard controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Conor O'Neill, Christopher James Grant
  • Patent number: 8621380
    Abstract: A method of operating a multifunction device includes displaying a soft keyboard having a plurality of unconditionally enabled buttons and one or more conditionally enabled buttons, detecting a first input with a first button at a first time, and responding to detecting the first input by activating the first button. In response to detecting a second input with a second button at a second time, when the first button is an unconditionally enabled button and the second button is an unconditionally enabled button, the second button is activated. When the second button is a conditionally enabled button, and when the period of time between the first and second times is above a predefined threshold, the second button is activated; and when the period of time between the first and second times is equal to or below the predefined threshold, the second button is prevented from being activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Kocienda
  • Patent number: 8577428
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a determination unit that determines whether a second key provided on a body is pressed when a first key provided on the body is pressed and a control unit that disables the first key and inhibits an operation in response to an operation with the first key if the determination unit determines that the second key provided on the body is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Mobile Communications Limited
    Inventors: Toshimi Yanagihashi, Yoshihiro Sanada
  • Patent number: 8564460
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes multiple key switches, a scan memory that temporarily stores a result obtained by scanning keyboard as scan data, a confirmed data memory that stores a confirmed key input, a first determination mechanism that determines whether the scan data stored in the scan memory indicates that multiple keys on a single scan line are on, a readout mechanism that reads out a data of a scan line immediately preceding the scan line that is currently scanned from the data memory, a second determination mechanism that compares the data stored in the scan memory with the readout data from the readout mechanism and determines whether a single detection line includes two keys that are on, and a key confirmation mechanism that determines a current sneak when the second mechanism detects that the single scan line includes two key switches that are on and confirms the key input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8537107
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for discrimination of activation of multiple buttons are described. To discriminate among the activations, a processing device detects multiple activated touch-sensor buttons on a touch-sensor array. The processing device determines a difference value corresponding to a difference between activation signal values for each of the activated touch-sensor buttons and compares the difference value to a difference threshold. If the difference value is above the difference threshold, the processing device determines which of the activated touch-sensor buttons has a greater activation signal value and triggers an operation associated with that touch-sensor button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Guanghai Li
  • Patent number: 8442578
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating feedback. In one aspect, a method includes receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is associated with a mobile device of a user; aggregating the received sensor data to generate aggregated sensor data; processing the aggregated sensor data to determine an aggregated metric; comparing the aggregated metric to a target associated with the user to determine a measure of performance; and generating feedback based on the determined measure of performance. Further, the mobile device can comprise a mobile personal services device that includes one or more of an audio sensor, a video sensor, an environmental sensor, a biometric sensor, a location sensor, an activity detector, and a health monitor. The feedback can be displayed on the mobile personal services device. The feedback also can be displayed in near real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Alex M. Kass, Lucian P. Hughes, Owen E. Richter, Dana Le, Daniel R. Farina
  • Patent number: 8441377
    Abstract: A method of dynamically adjusting a long-press delay time, an electronic device using the method, and a computer-readable medium are provided, wherein the electronic device has a plurality of keys. When a pressed time corresponding to a key of the electronic device exceeds a long-press delay time of the key, the electronic device executes a long-press function corresponding to the key. In the present method, a plurality of key inputs is first received. Then, the long-press delay time of the key is set according to the input rate related to the received key inputs. Thereby, the electronic device can respond appropriately according to the typing speed of a user, so as to offer the user a smooth operating experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Tung Liu
  • Patent number: 8432300
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a security sensor is present in a POS terminal between the keypad and a processor. The security sensor is configured to detect an unauthorized probe through the keypad and implement a security protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, the security sensor is a serpentine conductive circuit screen printed on the polyester film. The serpentine conductive circuit may cover almost all of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may cover 90% to 100% of the film. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the serpentine conductive circuit limited to a section of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may be on only ¼ of the film. This embodiment has the advantage of printing the serpentine conductive circuit on the critical security areas and leaving the non-critical areas with blank polyester film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hypercom Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Henry, William Shumate
  • Patent number: 8350733
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for scanning a keyboard are disclosed. Actuation of each of the keys electrically couples one of a plurality of first lines and one of a plurality of second lines. A first signal is applied to a plurality of first lines. A second signal is applied to a plurality of second lines. Upon identifying at least one of the second lines as presenting a signal different from the second signal, a scan signal is applied to the identified second line. At least one first line is identified as presenting a signal indicating the at least one first line is contact with the identified second line applying the scan signal. At least one of the keys is identified as causing the identified second line and the least one identified first line to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Simon Siepmann
  • Patent number: 8350730
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for scanning a keyboard are disclosed. Actuation of each of the keys electrically couples one of a plurality of first lines and one of a plurality of second lines. A first signal is applied to a plurality of first lines. A second signal is applied to a plurality of second lines. Upon identifying at least one of the second lines as presenting a signal different from the second signal, a scan signal is applied to the identified second line. At least one first line is identified as presenting a signal indicating the at least one first line is contact with the identified second line applying the scan signal. At least one of the keys is identified as causing the identified second line and the least one identified first line to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Simon Siepmann
  • Patent number: 8339292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a key operation device for detecting an open/close state of key switches using row and column signal lines. The key switches include: 1st to 4th key switches each corresponding to a key for inputting a direction; and ten-key switches correspond one-to-one to keys of a ten-key pad. The 1st and 2nd key switches are both coupled to one of the row signal lines and each to a different one of two of the column signal lines. The 3rd and 4th key switches are both coupled to another one of the row signal lines and each coupled to a different one of the two column signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd key switches are respectively coupled. None of the ten-key switches is coupled to either of the two row signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd or 3rd and 4th key switches are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kamii, Yoshinori Kikui
  • Patent number: 8314723
    Abstract: A ghost key detecting circuit includes at least first and second scan lines, at least first and second return lines, a plurality of switch elements, and a level detecting circuit. The level detecting circuit is used for performing level detection upon measured voltage values at the first and second return lines. When a measured voltage value at a return line is greater than or equal to a reference voltage value, the level detecting circuit generates a logic signal for indicating that a switch element corresponding to the return line at a current scan line is turned off. When the measured voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value, the level detecting circuit generates a logic signal for indicating that the switch element is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chiung-Chih Huang, Wen-Tong Liu, Kuo-Fu Kuo
  • Patent number: 8305241
    Abstract: A keyboard module for avoiding accidental operation keyboard module includes a key unit. The key unit has a pressing portion and a contacting portion. The pressing portion abutted the casing for the key unit not being pressed down. The pressing portion can be raised up to form a pressing distance relative to the casing via a push element controlled by a controlling switch to provide the pressing function. Therefore, the keyboard module can effectively prevent the users accidentally striking unnecessary keys during their operations or when the computer is in a power saving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Shun-Lung Wang, Yen-Ting Liu, Hsing-Cheng Liu, Ming-Chih Huang, Chih-Min Huang, Po-Yang Shih, Chung-Jen Chung
  • Patent number: 8274408
    Abstract: A USB keyboard arrangement having N-keys rollover and the method thereof mainly make use of rearranging a keycode of a firmware program of the USB keyboard through sets of bit maps to control each key thereon. After modifying a matrix, each key within a certain key-area can favorably avert from key ghosting existed in the matrix circuit. Therefore, when all keys in the key-area are concurrently pressed, isolated signals of the keys can be simultaneously sensed. While alternatively adjusting the firmware program through the above methods and adapting the methods to the prior art to split the keys in the key-area of the matrix from the crosspoints of key ghosting, the key-area of the USB keyboard can be provided with concomitantly sending isolated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Hui-Hu Liang
  • Patent number: 8274410
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Kristian Lassesson, Per Holmberg
  • Patent number: 8269655
    Abstract: Key control for a key matrix circuit having a plurality of keys is provided to reduce power consumption in key searching caused by unintended key pressing. In key control on the key matrix circuit having a plurality of rows and columns of keys (key switches) in matrix arrangement, keys are disabled or enabled in row lines or in column lines on the key matrix circuit by any one of the lines through key selection by a key selecting means (opening/closing detection circuit, opening/closing detecting unit, key selection switch, key selecting unit). Following key selection, a control means (control unit) keeps key pressing detection in a standby status for a predetermined time in response to an event of detection of a press of a key included in enabled keys, and resumes the key pressing detection after the passage of the predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kiyomi Minato, Satoru Ueyama
  • Patent number: 8258985
    Abstract: A scanning circuit includes n input ports K1˜Kn arranged in n rows L1˜Ln; and m?2 output ports W2˜(m?1) arranged in m columns P1˜Pm. The n rows and the m columns define a switch matrix including n*m switches. Ends of the switches in the same row are connected to one of the n input ports K1˜Kn, respectively. The ends of the switches in the column P1 are connected to ground. The ends of the switches in the same column of the columns P2˜P(m?1) are connected to a power supply VCC via resistors R2˜R(m?1) and the m?2 output ports W2˜W(m?1), respectively. The ends of the switches in the columns Pm are connected to ground via a resistor Rs and the power supply VCC via the resistors R2˜R(m?1) and diodes D2˜D(m?1), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ren-Wen Huang, Jun Zhang, Lin-Kun Ding, Tsung-Jen Chuang
  • Patent number: 8253603
    Abstract: A method of typing prompting is provided. The method includes: providing a plurality of transparent keys connected to LEDs on a provided keyboard; determining whether a transparent key is pressed; storing the ASCII code of the input of the pressed transparent key; finding at least one ASCII code as a possible next input towards typing a word from a provided dictionary corresponding to a character input method in use according to the stored ASCII code; lighting up at least one LED corresponding to the at least one found ASCII code according to provided relationships between the LEDs and the ASCII codes of the input of the transparent keys. A related electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Yu Yang