Abstract: An apparatus includes a first encoder circuit configured to compress a block of data using dictionary based compression and a second encoder circuit connected to the first encoder circuit to receive the compressed block of data from the first encoder circuit. The second encoder circuit is configured to further compress the compressed block of data according to a codebook. The codebook is based on a distribution of data of a prior block of data or a distribution of data of a portion of the block of data that is less than the block of data. The operation of the second encoder circuit overlaps with the operation of the first encoder circuit to achieve high throughput and avoid the need for a large block of memory (e.g., SRAM) to occupy the data in flight until the second encoder circuit can start.

Abstract: A touch panel and a touch panel operation method are disposed. The touch panel includes a flexible element and a controller. The flexible element includes a plurality of sensing electrodes. In a stacked state, a first portion of the flexible element overlaps a second portion of the flexible element. The controller for receiving an active touch signal from the plurality of sensing electrodes in the second portion of the flexible element and a non-active touch signal from the plurality of the sensing electrodes in the first portion of the flexible element. In the stacked state, the controller allows the active touch signal subject to a subsequent process.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus controls a general-purpose numerical key unit so as to maintain a state in which a NumLock LED is turned on in the case where a connecting cable of the general-purpose numerical key unit including a NumLock key capable of selectively switching, in a case that the general-purpose numerical key unit is connected to an information processing device including a display screen, a condition when the information processing devices processes an inputted key signal, between a first processing condition in which the key signal is processed as information on a numerical value and a second processing condition in which the key signal is processed as information for moving a cursor displayed on the display screen, and the NumLock LED capable of notifying a user of that the first processing condition is set for the information processing device by being turned on is connected to a connecting portion (step S15).

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for enabling user friendly interaction with a camera system. Specifically, the inventive system and method has several aspects to improve the interaction with a camera system, including voice recognition, gaze tracking, touch sensitive inputs and others. The voice recognition unit is operable for, among other things, receiving multiple different voice commands, recognizing the vocal commands, associating the different voice commands to one camera command and controlling at least some aspect of the digital camera operation in response to these voice commands. The gaze tracking unit is operable for, among other things, determining the location on the viewfinder image that the user is gazing upon. One aspect of the touch sensitive inputs provides that the touch sensitive pad is mouse-like and is operable for, among other things, receiving user touch inputs to control at least some aspect of the camera operation.

Abstract: A key determination method for a metal key. The method comprises a step of determining whether values output by an electrical parameter converter on a metal key satisfy multiple levels of thresholds, and, a step of setting a press flag of the metal key according to multiple levels of thresholds; and after the metal key is released, determining whether a release flag is valid according to a press model, and if so, clearing the press flag that was previously set. Different press models and different thresholds are selected and configured by means of software, so that personalized choices are provided for respective metal keys, which effectively facilitates different operators in configuring a metal keyboard according to usage habits, thereby improving the operating efficiency. In addition, the setting of different thresholds effectively protects the operational details mean for the exclusive use of operators, thereby achieving the required confidentiality.

Abstract: A physical keyboard can be used to collect user input in a typing mode or in a tracking mode. To use a tracking mode, first movement data is detected for a hand of a user in relation to a physical keyboard at a first location. A determination is made that the first movement data is associated with a tracking movement. In response to determining that the movement type is associated with the tracking movement, a tracking mode is initiated. User input is provided based on the movement data and in accordance with the tracking mode. Contact data and non-contact data is used to determine a user intent, and a user instruction is processed based on the user intent.

Abstract: A touch sensor for a cursor control device includes a support layer, a first printed layer, and a second printed layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface. The first printed layer includes a first conductive ink and is printed on the first surface of the support layer. The first printed layer includes a printed surface opposite from the support layer, and the printed surface of the first printed layer defines a touch area of the touch sensor. The second printed layer includes a second conductive ink and is printed on the printed surface of the first printed layer. The second printed layer is electrically connected to the first printed layer and forms a border around the touch area.

Abstract: A method and system to facilitate monitoring of vehicles, riders, and drivers that includes receiving, using a communication device, and input related to driver energy and driver availability from one or more driver devices. Further, the method may include a step of analyzing, using a processing device, the input related to driver energy to determine energy levels of the one or more drivers. Further, the method may include matching, using the processing device, the rider with a driver based on the analyzing. Further, the method may include transmitting, using the communication device, a notification to the rider device and a matched driver device.

Abstract: A touch panel and a touch panel operation method are disposed. The touch panel includes an active region and a non-active region in an operating state, and the touch panel includes a plurality of sensing electrodes and a controller. The plurality of sensing electrodes are disposed in the active region and the non-active region. The controller receives an active touch signal from the plurality of sensing electrodes located in the active region and a non-active touch signal from the plurality of the sensing electrodes located in the non-active region. The controller manages the active touch signal and the non-active touch signal, so that only the active touch signal is subjected to a subsequent process.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes a light-emitting diode light string, a controller, a feedback line and a plurality of keys. The light-emitting diode light string includes a plurality of light-emitting diode modules which are connected in series through a serial connection wire. Each light-emitting diode module includes a light-emitting diode chip and a drive circuit. The controller is electrically connected with the light-emitting diode light string. The feedback line is electrically connected between the light-emitting diode modules and the controller. The keys correspond to the light-emitting diode modules and are electrically connected with the feedback line. Each light-emitting diode module emits light according to a received light-emitting signal and outputs a feedback signal. When at least one of the keys is switched to a pressing state, the feedback signal is pulled from a first level to a second level for the controller to differentiate the key in the pressing state.

Abstract: An electronic lock includes an input apparatus. The input apparatus includes a keypad module and a processor module. The keypad module includes plural button devices arranged in plural rows and in plural columns. The processor module includes a signal-processing unit configured to, when operating in a work mode, repeatedly perform an emission process of inputting a detection signal to each column of button devices, and repeatedly perform a scan process to detect, for each row of button devices, the detection signal outputted from any row of button devices. The detection signal includes a pulse wave composed of plural pulses. The signal-processing unit is further configured to generate and output an input signal corresponding to one of the button devices when detecting the detection signal.

Abstract: A capacitor circuit includes a capacitor array including first to n-th capacitors connected to each other in parallel; a select switch circuit including first to n-th select switches connected to the first to n-th capacitors in series, respectively; and a short switch circuit including first to n-th short switches connected to the first to n-th capacitors in parallel, respectively, and operating complementarily to the first to n-th select switches, respectively, wherein n is an integer of 2 or greater.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a remote control which may include one or more buttons configured to provide input to the remote control upon being activated, a transmitter for transmitting data, a receiver for receiving data, a processor and memory storing computer executable instructions that, when executed, cause the two-way remote control to perform a method for configuring repeat transmission behavior of one or more of the buttons of the two-way remote control. Further, the receiver may be configured to receive data from a device configured to be controlled by the remote control and the data may include instructions for configuring the repeat transmission behavior of the one or more buttons of the two-way remote control. Additionally, the two-way remote control may configure the repeat transmission behavior of the one or more buttons of the two-way remote control based on the data received from the device.

Abstract: A processor includes: an instruction fetch portion configured to fetch simultaneously a plurality of fixed-length instructions in accordance with a program counter; an instruction predecoder configured to predecode specific fields in a part of the plurality of fixed-length instructions; and a program counter management portion configured to control an increment of the program counter in accordance with a result of the predecoding.

Abstract: This photodetector (100) includes a first discriminator (4) configured to discriminate a first signal output from a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (1), a second discriminator (5) configured to discriminate a second signal based on signals output from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, and a trigger signal generator (7) configured to generate a trigger signal, the trigger signal indicating that light to be detected is incident based on discrimination results of the first discriminator and the second discriminator.

Abstract: A display device may include a first transistor, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first intermediate layer, and a first changeable layer. The first electrode is electrically connected to the first transistor. The second electrode overlaps the first electrode. The first intermediate layer is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode and may emit first light when the first electrode and the second electrode generate a first electric field. The first changeable layer, which overlaps the first electrode, may have a first transmittance value when the first electrode and the second electrode generate the first electric field, and may have a second transmittance value when the first electrode and the second electrode do not generate the first electric field. The second transmittance value is unequal to the first transmittance value.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a remote control which may include one or more buttons configured to provide input to the remote control upon being activated, a transmitter for transmitting data, a receiver for receiving data, a processor and memory storing computer executable instructions that, when executed, cause the two-way remote control to perform a method for configuring repeat transmission behavior of one or more of the buttons of the two-way remote control. Further, the receiver may be configured to receive data from a device configured to be controlled by the remote control and the data may include instructions for configuring the repeat transmission behavior of the one or more buttons of the two-way remote control. Additionally, the two-way remote control may configure the repeat transmission behavior of the one or more buttons of the two-way remote control based on the data received from the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a valid user input in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device generally includes a touch unit included in a touch input circuit, wherein the touch unit corresponds to a touch area, a signal generator configured to transmit a signal to a first signal line and a second signal line by generating the signal, a signal measuring device configured to measure a part of a modified signal based on the transmitted signal, and a signal determiner configured to determine whether a user input is provided to the touch area based on the measured signal. The first signal line connects the signal generator and the touch unit, and the second signal line extends from the signal generator and is parallel with the first signal line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a hot page in a database. The method includes: when the database is accessed, configuring a counter for each of N pages in the database, where each counter is used to count a quantity of times of concurrent access to a page corresponding to the counter, the concurrent access means that at least one read command or write command accessing the page needs to wait for accessing the page, the N pages are all pages in the database or N pages in the database, and N is a positive integer; and calculating, according to a quantity of times of concurrent access to the Kth page and an access time parameter, whether frequency of concurrent access to the Kth page exceeds a specific threshold, so as to determine that the Kth page is a hot page.

Abstract: A capacitive keyboard that can detect a key that has been depressed and the depressed amount thereof with high accuracy is provided. The capacitive keyboard includes a drive circuit 11 that alternatively switches the voltage of each of drive lines M from an L-level to an H-level, a sensing circuit 12 that is connected to each of sensing lines N and that selects one of the sensing lines N to detect the voltage generated in the selected sensing line, and a control circuit 15. The control circuit 15 includes a storage unit 44 including storage areas corresponding to keys, a storage control unit 42 that acquires the voltage generated in the sensing line and that stores the acquired voltage in a storage area corresponding to a key, and a correction unit 43 that corrects, if one of the keys is operated, the voltage generated as a result of an operation of the one of the keys by using voltages stored in storage areas corresponding to other keys.

Abstract: Techniques for securely displaying sensitive information against attempts to capture such information via screenshots are introduced. Similar to the pieces of a puzzle, a plurality of images that collectively represent a keypad (for example) are generated and each image represents a different part of the characters. The generated images are to be displayed to a human user in a sequential fashion at at least a predetermined minimum frame rate, such that the plurality of images sequentially displayed are perceivable by the human user collectively as the keypad. In each of the plurality of images, at least a part of the characters of the keypad is disguised or concealed, and in some embodiments, to the extent that not a single character of the keypad is recognizable by a human or a machine. Further, bogus data can be selectively inserted to enhance security.

Abstract: A user input apparatus is provided with user input means for the user to input data or a command by using the user's human body, and use-form detection means for detecting a form in which the user uses the user input means by the user's human body. A computer connected to the user input apparatus changes the operation of the application being executed by application execution means, according to a detection result obtained by the use-form detection means. Therefore, input operations can be performed without inconvenience even if the user cannot use one hand due to another work.

Abstract: Techniques for securely displaying sensitive information against attempts to capture such information via screenshots are introduced. Similar to the pieces of a puzzle, a plurality of images that collectively represent a keypad (for example) are generated and each image represents a different part of the characters. The generated images are to be displayed to a human user in a sequential fashion at least at a predetermined minimum frame rate, such that the plurality of images sequentially displayed are perceivable by the human user collectively as the keypad. In each of the plurality of images, at least a part of the characters of the keypad is disguised or concealed, and in some embodiments, to the extent that not a single character of the keypad is recognizable by a human or a machine. Further, bogus data can be selectively inserted to enhance security.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a resistance value comprises the steps of measuring a value of a reference capacitor, and adjusting a variable resistor based on the measured value of the reference capacitor. The method may more specifically comprise the steps of directing a constant current through the reference capacitor during a reference time interval; after the reference time interval, directing the constant current through the variable resistor; and varying the variable resistor value progressively by varying a control signal until a voltage of the variable resistor reaches a voltage of the reference capacitor.

Abstract: A keyboard is able to illuminate particular keys and to detect keypresses in an efficient manner. The keys of the array are logically arranged into one or more two-dimensional arrays (e.g., row/column arrays) so that the illumination and keypress detection functions share a common set of electrical signal lines in one dimension of the array. By coupling both the lights and the key actuation switches of each key to a common set of signal lines in one dimension, the number of signal lines used in the keyboard can be reduced.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a computer is provided, which comprises a host system, an embedded subsystem, a power source, an input device control module, a first transmission interface and a second transmission interface, the input device control module being connected to the embedded subsystem through the first transmission interface, wherein the input device control module is configured to establish, in response to receipt of a first switching instruction, communication with the embedded subsystem such that the embedded subsystem is enabled to process input data from an input device and to transmit the input data obtained from the input device to the first transmission interface; and the embedded subsystem is configured to receive the input data from the first transmission interface, process the input data and perform an operation corresponding to the input data.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method for detecting status of keys thereof are provided. The electronic apparatus comprises a key module, a key control circuit, a conversion circuit with calibration mechanism and a processor. The key control circuit detects whether any of keys in the key module is pressed. If the detection result is affirmative, the press status of each of the keys is scanned by the key control circuit to obtain a coarse scan result. The conversion circuit with calibration mechanism is configured to perform the other system function of the electronic apparatus. When the processor determines that at least one of the keys is not pressed according the coarse scan result, the conversion circuit with calibration mechanism is switched to assist a re-scan operation of the press status of the at least one of the keys.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for scanning control of a capacitive touch panel. The system includes a driving unit driving a partially neighboring strips of a plurality of first axial conductive strips of the capacitive touch panel, wherein the plurality of first axial conductive strips are parallel to each other, and a first detecting unit detecting one of the partially neighboring strips of first axial conductive strips. By doing so, the influence caused by unintended conducting materials can be kept from the touch point detection for the capacitive touch panel, and the electro-magnetic interference of the capacitive touch panel can be also decreased.

Abstract: A piezoelectric acoustic resonator based sensor is presented herein. A device can include an array of piezoelectric transducers and an array of cavities that has been attached to the array of piezoelectric transducers to form an array of resonators. A resonator of the array of resonators can be associated with a first frequency response corresponding to a first determination that the resonator has been touched, and a second frequency response corresponding to a second determination that the resonator has not been touched. The array of piezoelectric transducers can include a piezoelectric material; a first set of electrodes that has been formed a first side of the piezoelectric material; and a second set of electrodes that has been formed on second side of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A touch panel is provided including at least one first electrode pattern including a plurality of electrode lines arranged in a first direction; and at least one second electrode pattern including a plurality of second electrode lines arranged in a second direction to crossing the first direction; with each of the first and second electrode patterns including a center electrode line and two electrode lines positioned on a side of the center electrode line, with a first space separating the center electrode line from one of the two electrode lines, with a second space separating the one of the two electrode lines from the other of the two electrode lines, and with the first space being different from the second space.

Abstract: The present invention provides touch sensor means for detecting the touch location along the length of an outfitted piano key as it is pressed, so as to then offset the notes of an associated piano keyboard accordingly during play. When such an outfitted key is pressed in combination with other piano keys, the touch location along the length of the outfitted key, and the separation intervals and timing of the key presses, are analyzed to determine the intended chord, such that before any notes are sounded, the notes of the pressed keys are configured for the sounding of that chord. This arrangement enables playing a wide range of notes using just a few keys, so as to provide a substantially reduced-size keyboard with full-sized keys sufficient for real-time playing.

Abstract: A licensing service for a data repository, including software instructions to perform: dividing a data store into a plurality of domains; assigning a license number to at least one of the plurality of domains; and checking a license of a user with the assigned license number. A method to expedite license checking by statistically sampling a subset of probes to check the license. A method for allowing a third party application to access a data store without a license, including: assigning a license management tool feature name to the third party application; adding the license management tool feature name to a program in the data store; starting a session of the third party application; having the third party application call an embedded licensing application program interface; and checking the license using the embedded licensing application program interface.

Abstract: Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.

Abstract: Techniques for securely displaying sensitive information against attempts to capture such information via screenshots are introduced. Similar to the pieces of a puzzle, a plurality of images that collectively represent a keypad (for example) are generated and each image represents a different part of the characters. The generated images are to be displayed to a human user in a sequential fashion at at least a predetermined minimum frame rate, such that the plurality of images sequentially displayed are perceivable by the human user collectively as the keypad. In each of the plurality of images, at least a part of the characters of the keypad is disguised or concealed, and in some embodiments, to the extent that not a single character of the keypad is recognizable by a human or a machine. Not all of the plurality of images are displayed at any instant in time.

Abstract: An operating device has an input element with haptic feedback and with a rigid printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a stationary first printed circuit board region and a second printed circuit board region adjacent to the first printed circuit board region and deflectable relative to the second circuit board region. The first printed circuit board region has a first electrode of a capacitor and the second printed circuit board region has a second electrode of the capacitor, and the input element is operatively connected to the second printed circuit board region such that an actuation of the input element deflects the second printed circuit board region relative to the first printed circuit board region so as to vary the distance of the first electrode from the second electrode.

Abstract: Techniques for securely displaying sensitive information against attempts to capture such information via screenshots are introduced. Similar to the pieces of a puzzle, a plurality of images that collectively represent a keypad (for example) are generated and each image represents a different part of the characters. The generated images are to be displayed to a human user in a sequential fashion at at least a predetermined minimum frame rate, such that the plurality of images sequentially displayed are perceivable by the human user collectively as the keypad. In each of the plurality of images, at least a part of the characters of the keypad is disguised or concealed, and in some embodiments, to the extent that not a single character of the keypad is recognizable by a human or a machine. Further, bogus data can be selectively inserted to enhance security.

Abstract: A method for providing a background image to a virtual key input device for display on an information communication terminal thereof supporting a touch user interface (TUI). The method includes receiving, via the information communication terminal, a selection of settings by a user for a virtual key input unit, generating the virtual key input unit using the selected settings, the virtual key input unit being transparent, receiving, via the information communication terminal, a selection of background contents by the user for the virtual key input unit, and generating a background skin based on the selected background contents, and combining the transparent virtual key input unit and the background skin.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a central processing unit 21 the operation of which is stopped or slowed down in a sleep mode; an edge detection unit 23 detecting an edge of an interrupt signal supplied from the outside and generating an edge detection signal; and a data holding unit 22 holding data supplied from the outside when the edge detection signal is received. The central processing unit 21 reads the data held by the data holding unit 22 after returning from the sleep mode to an active mode in response to the interrupt signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is keypad circuitry operable to detect a pressed key while reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI). The keypad circuitry is operable to reduce EMI in two ways: a) reducing the voltage swing occurring at the row circuitry and column circuitry of the keypad, and b) reducing the number of signal transitions by restricting the signal transitions to occurring at the column and row corresponding to a pressed key. By limiting signal transitions to occurring only at the row and column corresponding to a pressed key, fewer signal transitions occur, and thus, less EMI is produced. Additionally, reduced voltage swings at the row circuitry and column circuitry results in reduced EMI.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hold function control in a mobile terminal are disclosed. The hold function control apparatus includes a controller including a general purpose input/output (GPIO) port, a constant voltage power unit for supplying a preset constant voltage, and a hold key for generating a voltage change at the GPIO port by making an instantaneous electrical contact between the GPIO port and the constant voltage power unit, wherein the controller senses the voltage change generated at the GPIO port. As a result, a hold function cancellation command can be directly recognized through a hardware mechanism, thus reducing the time necessary to cancel the hold function setting.

Abstract: A user input apparatus is provided with user input means for the user to input data or a command by using the user's human body, and use-form detection means for detecting a form in which the user uses the user input means by the user's human body. A computer connected to the user input apparatus changes the operation of the application being executed by application execution means, according to a detection result obtained by the use-form detection means. Therefore, input operations can be performed without inconvenience even if the user cannot use one hand due to another work.

Abstract: An interface circuit for a switch array having an array of switches, each closeable to couple a row conductor of a plurality of row conductors to a column conductor of one or more column conductors, comprises a current generator and a current detector. The current generator has a plurality of row interface ports for coupling to different ones of the row conductors and is arranged to generate a switch array current for coupling to the row interface ports, the switch array current having a different one of a plurality of different switch array current magnitudes for different ones of the row interface ports, and generate one or more reference currents each having a different reference current magnitude.

Abstract: A device comprises a key containing an upper closed chamber with a first gel and a lower closed chamber with a second gel. The key contains a divider portion interposedly common to the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The portion laterally traverses the key.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for human body communication are provided. A communication signal for transmission through the human body is generated. The communication signal is transmitted when the terminal is in contact with the human body. The touch is detected, and a communication signal is determined based on a number of the touch and a duration of the touch. A function corresponding to the communication signal is executed.

Abstract: An ultra-low power wakeup circuit device includes a keyboard, a key scan circuit, a storage unit, and a comparator unit. The key scan circuit sequentially outputs scanning signals from the first scan line to N-th scan line for acquiring N key scan data. The key scan circuit performs an XOR operation on the N key scan data to generate a current key scan data. The storage unit is connected to the key scan circuit for receiving the current key scan data and storing the current key scan data as a previous key scan data. The comparator unit is connected to the key scan circuit and the storage unit for comparing the current key scan data with the previous key scan data. When the current key scan data is different from the previous key scan data, the comparator unit generates a wakeup signal.

Abstract: A key input includes a keypad device and a micro controller unit. The keypad device has a matrix consisted of first signals lines, second signal lines, and switches located in corners which are formed by the first and the second signal lines, and a plurality of keys corresponding to the switches. The micro controller unit connects the first signal lines and the second lines and provides a pulse to the first signal line. When the switch is turned on by the key, the pulse is translated from the first signal line to the second signal line. Thus, the pulse is directly detected, so as to achieve the fast scanning and low sensitive impedance of carbon membrane efficient.

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.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.