Abstract: A keyboard includes a holographic film having a holographic information of a keyboard arrangement recorded on a surface thereof; a virtual keyboard generated from the holographic film; and a touch panel adjoining the holographic film, configured to detect an information corresponding to a position being touched thereon. The keyboard is of the advantage of multi-function, convenience and portability. An electronic device using the keyboard and an input method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user's finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.

Abstract: A method and device for user authorization is presented herein. The authorization device may be integrated in a display interface configured to receive an infrared input signal. The device may include a means for converting the infrared signal into an electric signal. The device may further include a processor configured to analyze the electrical signal. The processor may further be configured to provide an authorization of a user based on the analysis of the electrical signal.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitive coupling type touch panel including an input region having four sides, a peripheral region around the input region, terminals formed in the peripheral region along a first side of the input region, wirings formed in the peripheral region along second, third and fourth sides of the input region, and the input region having X and Y electrodes crossing. The wirings are connected between corresponding X or Y electrodes and wiring terminals plurality of terminals. A dummy wiring, which is not connected to any of the X electrodes or Y electrodes, is provided outside the wiring formed in a farthest position from the input region, and the dummy wiring extends through the peripheral region along the second, third and fourth sides of the input region, and electrically connects to at least one dummy wiring terminal.

Abstract: An input device is provided in the present application. The input device includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel is provided with multiple grooves; the second panel is located under the first panel or fused to a bottom of the first panel, and includes a sensing unit configured to sense a key. In the input device, each of the grooves is arranged to correspond to one key area, and a key command may be input by performing a touch key operation on a corresponding sensing unit under the groove. Compared with the conventional input device, in the input device of the present application, the input of the key command may be realized without key caps and scissor-shaped structures for supporting the key caps, thereby shortening the key travel and reducing the thickness of the input device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an active feedback of a position of a conductive object, manipulated by a user on a sensing device, to allow detection of a reference location on the sensing device by the user. The apparatus may include a sensing device to detect a presence of a conductive object, manipulated by a user on the sensing device, a processing device coupled to the sensing device, the processing device to determine a position of the conductive object on the sensing device, and a feedback mechanism coupled to the processing device to provide an active feedback to the user to allow detection of a reference location on the sensing device by the user.

Abstract: A touch panel includes: a first electrode in which second-direction parallel bands having a plurality of conducting wires disposed to extend in parallel with one another and along a second direction intersecting with a first direction are formed repeatedly in the first direction with interposition of first-direction gaps in the first direction, and first-direction cross bands having conducting wires disposed to extend in the first direction and intersect with the second-direction parallel bands are formed repeatedly in the second direction; and a second electrode in which first-direction parallel bands are formed as defined herein, and second-direction cross bands are formed as defined herein, and the first electrode and the second electrode are laid on each other so that the second-direction cross bands correspond to positions of the first-direction gaps and the first-direction cross bands correspond to positions of the second-direction gaps.

Abstract: An input device is provided in the present application. The input device includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel is provided with multiple grooves; the second panel is located under the first panel or fused to a bottom of the first panel, and includes a sensing unit configured to sense a key. In the input device, each of the grooves is arranged to correspond to one key area, and a key command may be input by performing a touch key operation on a corresponding sensing unit under the groove. Compared with the conventional input device, in the input device of the present application, the input of the key command may be realized without key caps and scissor-shaped structures for supporting the key caps, thereby shortening the key travel and reducing the thickness of the input device.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for a keyboard assembly having a plurality of keys that include a key having one or more magnets, which are provided at a substantially outer portion of the key. The keyboard assembly can also include a top plate that comprises a ferrous material to attract the one or more magnets to the top plate.

Abstract: An input device is provided with a substrate having a main surface, a first detecting electrode pattern provided on or above the main surface of the substrate, and a second detecting electrode pattern provided on or above the main surface of the substrate wherein a portion of the second detecting electrode pattern intersects the first detecting electrode pattern through an insulator; wherein the insulator, in cross-section taken along the second detecting electrode pattern, comprises a curved convex surface in a region from an end portion to an apex of the insulator.

Abstract: A control devices includes a key having a top surface configured to be pressed by a user, and a resistance device coupled to the key and configured to provide a resistance force to the key that opposes a user force applied to the top surface. A force sensor is coupled to the resistance device and is configured to detect the user force applied to top surface. A control circuit is coupled to the resistance device and is configured to change the resistance force of the resistance device according to a force profile.

Abstract: A power generating device includes a first casing, a magnetic component, a second casing, an induction coil, and a first piezoelectric device. The first casing and the second casing engage with each other to form a space, and the magnetic component is fixed on the first casing and configured in the space. The induction coil is fixed on the second casing and configured in the space, and it is positioned outside the contour of the magnetic component. The first piezoelectric is configured between the magnetic component and the first casing. When an external force acts on the first casing and the second casing, the first casing and the second casing move relatively to each other so that the induction coil generates an induced current by sensing a magnetic flux variation, and the first piezoelectric component generates a first charge by absorbing the pressure between the magnetic component and the second casing.

Abstract: Fingertip-sized discrete areas are provided on a slate computer and have different tactile characteristics than the remainder of the surface on which they are disposed. The discrete areas are arranged to mimic home keys of a keyboard and each discrete area corresponds to a respective home key. In this way, a user is given tactile feedback of when fingers are properly placed in the home position, with home key finger placement triggering the presentation of a full keyboard on screen. Other embodiments do not use tactilely distinct keys, with simultaneous placement of two or more fingers on the computer triggering display of the virtual keyboard.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a processor and a keyboard having multiple, separately moveable keys. The keyboard is configured to function as both a keyboard and a trackpad.

Abstract: An operation input device system and method are provided. The operation input device includes a touch pad having an operation plate on a surface of which an operation surface is formed. The touch pad is configured to sense an object in contact with or in proximity to the operation surface to receive input corresponding to a position of the sensed object. A hole portion provided to penetrate through the operation plate and a protrusion member inserted into the hole portion. The operation input device also includes a drive mechanism provided on a back surface side of the operation plate and configured to cause an advancing/retracting operation of the protrusion member along a direction intersecting the operation surface between a first state in which a distal end portion of the protrusion member is above the operation surface and a second state in which the distal end portion is not above the operation surface.

Abstract: Touch sensitive mechanical keyboards for detecting touch events and key depressions on the keyboard are provided. The keyboard can include a set of individually depressible mechanical keys having a touch sensitive area located on their surface. A touch sensor can be included to detect touch events on the surface of the keys. A keypad can also be included to detect a depression of the mechanical keys. One or more of the depressible mechanical keys can be multi-purpose keys capable of being depressed to multiple levels. The touch sensitive mechanical keyboard can receive key depression input, touch event input, or combinations thereof at the same time. The touch sensitive mechanical keyboard can further include a processor for distinguishing detected touch events from detected key depressions. The processor can generate a key depression command or a touch event command in response to the detected touch events and key depressions.

Abstract: An automotive user interface for controlling the temperature, the distribution and of the air flow rate in a ventilation system of a motor vehicle. The automotive user interface comprises: a touch-sensitive control display unit, which comprises light-emitter diodes structured for providing a visual representation of temperatures that can be set by a user according to a generally circular arrangement; an optically semitransparent touch-sensitive control panel superimposed on the light-emitter diodes in a position corresponding to an area for setting the temperature; and an electronic control unit connected to the light-emitter diodes and to the control panel for controlling the temperature of the air in the ventilation system and the light-emitter-diode means in response to an action of touch contact by a user on the area for setting the temperature.

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: Methods and systems for a MEMS detector that enables control of a device using human breath are disclosed and may include detecting air flow caused by human breath via a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) detector, which may include deflectable members operable to detect the movement of air. The deflection of the members may be limited via a spacer within the MEMS detector. The amount of deflection may be determined by measuring reflected light signals, piezoelectric signals, capacitance changes, or current generated by the deflection in a magnetic field. Output signals may be generated based on the detected movement. The MEMS detector may include a substrate, a spacer, and the MEMS deflectable members. The substrate may include a ceramic material and/or silicon, and may include embedded devices and interconnects. An integrated circuit may be electrically coupled to the substrate. Air flows may be directed out of the side of the MEMS detector.

Abstract: Methods of waking a portable electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: causing the portable electronic device to enter a sleep mode in which a touch-sensitive display is deactivated a force sensing transducer measures forces applied to the touch-sensitive display at a reduced rate relative to a rate of a full power mode when in the sleep mode; causing a force sensing transducer to measure forces applied to the touch-sensitive display at the rate of the full power mode in response to detection of an inertial event; causing the touch-sensitive display to be reactivated in response to detection of a force which is greater than a predetermined wake force threshold; and causing the portable electronic device to wake in response to detection of a touch event within a first predetermined duration of the detection of the force which is greater than a predetermined wake force threshold.

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: Illustrative embodiments of force sensitive input devices and methods are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an input device may comprise a first input key configured to output a first analog signal as a function of force applied to the first input key, a second input key configured to output a second analog signal as a function of force applied to the second input key, a third input key configured to output a third analog signal as a function of force applied to the third input key, a fourth input key configured to output a fourth analog signal as a function of force applied to the fourth input key, and a controller configured to output movement data including both direction and magnitude in response to the first, second, third, and fourth analog signals, where the movement data is formatted for presentation to a driver of a computing device.

Abstract: The invention consists of a new technology of grid design applicable to data entry electronic membranes or “electronic pads”, said design comprised of touch-sensitive sections having augmented areas, such areas being considerably larger than what has been usual in the prior art; thus when an electronic pad employing this technology connects to a voting machine, it becomes a convenient data entry peripheral for entering voting selections, depicting the available electoral options which are pre-printed on a paper sheet or template overlaying the membranes, thus mimicking a traditional voting means based on a paper ballot, and where the sensitive areas are ample enough, easy to press upon with a finger; and when any one touch-sensitive area corresponding to a preferred candidate or option is pressed, an adjacent LED indicator unique per each option is turned on, confirming the selection just made and guaranteeing high accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user interface (1) which can be employed in household appliances such as cooking appliances, dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and all appliances which make use of tablets (2), screens etc. with symbols thereon.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard including a plurality of keys arranged as a matrix, each key including a plunger, and a conductive element on the bottom of the plunger, the conductive element having a characteristic resistance, an electronic circuit having an input current source, and mounted on a surface beneath the plurality of keys such that when a key is pressed its conductive element closes a switch in the circuit, an analog-to-digital convertor for converting an output voltage of the circuit to a digital signal, and a controller for determining from the digital signal when a key is pressed, and for identifying the key that is pressed.

Abstract: A wearable control terminal for allowing a user to control a target object includes a contact detector, an impact detector, a motion detector, and a transmitter. The contact detector is mounted on a surface of a first portion of a user's body to detect whether the first portion is in contact with or separated from a second portion of the body based on whether a closed loop conducting path is formed with the first portion and the second portion. The impact detector detects an impact on the control terminal. The motion detector detects a motion of the user based on the results of detection by the contact detector and the impact detector. The transmitter transmits a control signal to the target object according to the detected motion.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a top touch panel, and an electrode supported by the substrate including a conductive compressible material extending from the substrate to the top touch panel. Another electrode is supported by the substrate and arranged to form an electric field coupling with the electrode including the compressible material. A touch sensitive region is transferred from the substrate to the top touch panel by the compressible material.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for providing both translational and rotational input to a computer, to manipulate graphical objects. In one embodiment, a pointing stick is cantilevered to a base. One or more translational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate translational signals in response to lateral forces applied to the pointing stick. One or more rotational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate rotational signals in response to rotational forces applied to the pointing stick. The rotational sensor may sense torque, such as with a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect rotational strain on a fixed pointing stick. The rotational sensor may alternatively sense rotational displacement, such as with a potentiometer configured to detect rotation of a rotatable sleeve about a fixed shaft.

Abstract: A membrane circuit board and a keyboard device having the same are provided in the invention. The membrane circuit board is defined with a plurality of key regions. Each of the key regions is with a pressing region and at least one light-pervious region thereon. The membrane circuit board comprising at least two light-pervious membranes stacked with each other, and at least one light-pervious adhesive layer sandwiched between the two light-pervious membranes and at least fully filled in the light-pervious region.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a device includes a surface and an actuator mechanism operably associated with the surface. The actuator mechanism is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user responsive to an electrical signal. In at least some embodiments, the actuator mechanism comprises a pair of spaced-apart substrates each of which supports a conductive layer of material. A dielectric material and an adjacent air gap may be interposed between the substrates. Drive circuitry is operably connected to the spaced-apart substrates and is configured to drive the conductive layers of material with an electrical signal. This signal may be responsive to sensing a touch input on the surface or other appropriate event.

Abstract: In order to display selected content as desired by a viewer by performing an easy operation without interrupting current viewing, a display apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving from a remote controller for transmitting an operation instruction to the display apparatus operation information including the amount of operation of a selection member which is detected at the time of selecting content and identification information identifying selected content, a determination unit for determining an output attribute of the selected content identified using the identification information based on the amount of operation, an output image generation unit for generating an output image of the selected content based on the output attribute determined by the determination unit, and a display control unit for displaying the output image generated by the output image generation unit.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of force sensitive input devices and methods are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a force sensitive input device may comprise a button movable along a first axis between a first end position and a second end position, the button including a reflective surface, a resilient component biasing the button toward the first end position, and a reflectance sensor configured to emit light that impinges upon the reflective surface and to measure an amount of the light that is reflected from the reflective surface, wherein the light travels generally parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing pressure sensitive keys to produce digital signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys of a conventional keyboard. The pressure sensitive keys may be implemented to generate an alternating open/short digital signal representative of the amount of pressure applied to a given key at any given time. The open/short digital signal may be supplied as a signal representative of applied key pressure to a legacy keyboard key matrix and controller or other processing device of an information handling system that is configured to measure keyboard input based on “momentary-on” digital signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for implementing one or more individual pressure sensitive keys that each support multiple native scan codes, with each scan code corresponding to a unique pressure level output. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one exemplary embodiment to allow users to leverage the capability of a variable pressure keyboard by providing an information handling system having individual variable pressure keys that are each capable of outputting a different macro or multi-key sequence per key pressure level sensed.

Abstract: A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2nd key to double functionality of the keys.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a base element; a key top configured to pivot in relation to the base element; a first electrode coupled with the key top; a second electrode coupled with the base element; an isolating layer; the key top having a first pivoted position in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the isolating layer form a capacitor with a first capacitance, and a second pivoted position in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the isolating layer form a capacitor with a second capacitance.

Abstract: Audio feedback techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a signal is received from a pressure sensitive key of an input device and audio feedback is determined, from the signal, which is to be output as corresponding to the pressure sensitive key. The determined audio feedback is then caused to be output.

Abstract: A method for parallel-scanning differential touch detection is disclosed herein. The method includes generating a plurality of first outputs by a differential unit according to a plurality of first inputs provided by a plurality of sensors of a touch panel in each scan of total i scans, herein, the kth first output in the jth scan of the total i scans is the (i*(k?1)+j)th output in the continuous first outputs, i?2, j?1, k?1, and i, j, k are natural numbers. Wherein, the differential unit has a plurality of subtractors and the inputs of the subtractors are connected in series. By doing so, the noises between a touch panel and a display can be eliminated.

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: Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user's finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button.

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.

Abstract: An input key subassembly for a handheld communication device is dislosed herein. The input key subassembly includes a dome overlay panel and a lightguide panel. The dome overlay panel includes a dome overlay layer and a dome switch having a peak facing frontally. The dome overlay layer has a front face located adjacent to the backside of the lightguide panel. The lightguide panel has at least one keystem and is located above a respective dome switch. A recessed perimeter region about the keystem has a height relative to the backside of the lightguide panel that is less than a height between the front side of the lightguide panel and the backside of the lightguide panel.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided that includes an arrangement of keys, circuitry and a first processor configured to generate a signal in response to a keystroke in which a respective key of the arrangement of keys is depressed, and determine how to interpret the keystroke. The keyboard also includes a plurality of proximity sensors and a second processor configured to measure the proximity of an object to the respective proximity sensors, determine a position and/or movement of the object relative to the proximity sensors based on the respective signal, and produce a gesture signal representative of the determined position and/or movement. This gesture signal is interpretable into one or more commands or instructions for directing performance of one or more operations of an apparatus or software operating on the apparatus. A related apparatus and computer-readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first capacitor system and a second capacitor system. Each capacitor system comprises one or more engaged capacitors from respective pluralities of selectively engagable capacitors. The first capacitor system and second capacitor system are respectively selectively coupled to a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage. The apparatus further includes a switch configured to transfer charge between the first capacitor system and the second capacitor system when the switch is closed such that the first capacitor system and the second capacitor system each store the same first voltage. The apparatus further includes a node coupled to the first capacitor system, the second capacitor system, and a first input of a differential amplifier of an analog to digital converter. The node is configured to bias the differential amplifier to the first voltage.

Abstract: Provided are a touch screen and a method of operating the same. The touch screen includes a detecting part, a control part, and a tactile feedback part. The detecting part detects object's approach or contact. The control part receives a signal of the detecting part to output a feedback signal. The tactile feedback part receives the feedback signal of the control part to provide a tactile feedback to a contact position using a magnetic force. The tactile feedback uses the magnetic force of a magnetic dipole.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first capacitor system and a second capacitor system. Each capacitor system is removably coupled to the same portion of an analog to digital converter (ADC) and the same sensing circuit. Each capacitor system stores charge received through the sensing circuit when coupled to the sensing circuit and provides the charge received through the sensing circuit to the ADC for conversion into a digital value when coupled to the ADC. When the control signals are in a first state, the first capacitor system receives charge through the sensing circuit and the second capacitor system is coupled to the portion of the ADC. When the one or more control signals are in a second state, the second capacitor system is coupled to the sensing circuit to receive charge through the sensing circuit and the first capacitor system is coupled to the portion of the ADC.

Abstract: A touch sensor system. The touch sensor system may include a touch sensor configured to provide an output in response to contact with a touch area, a controller coupled to the touch sensor and configured to provide a code representative of the output and a memory coupled to the controller. The memory may be configured to receive and store the code in a first time interval and to provide the code in a second time interval wherein the second time interval begins after the first time interval ends. Adjacent key suppression algorithms are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to tactile display devices that include a reservoir for containing a driving fluid. A plurality of toxel portions may be sensitively drivable by the fluid for causing toxels to be displayed, and a pump member associated with the reservoir and toxel portions may pump the fluid from the reservoir to selected toxel portions to display a tactile image. The pump member may include an electro-osmotic pump configured to pump the fluid electro-osmotically in response to an applied voltage, and may be configured to selectively pump the fluid to generally activate the toxels independently from each other. The toxel layer may include the plurality of toxels as well as an elastomeric membrane that may have a pattern of the toxels, and may be configured such that the toxels may be expandable generally independently of each other in response to increased pressure of the fluid pumped into association therewith.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow measurement of a user's interaction with the housing of an electronic device. Some embodiments may measure the electrical characteristics of a housing of an electrical device, where the housing is capable of being temporarily deformed by the user's interaction. By measuring the electrical characteristics of the housing, such as the housing's capacitance, the user's interaction with the housing can be measured in a manner that is independent of the user's electrical characteristics and/or in a manner that may allow the pressure applied to the housing to be quantified.