Portable (i.e., Handheld, Calculator, Remote Controller) Patents (Class 345/169)
  • Patent number: 9013444
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes dividing a first amount of charge between a capacitance of a touch sensor and a compensation capacitor. The division of the first amount of charge results in a first voltage at an input node. The method also includes isolating the capacitance of the touch sensor from the compensation capacitor; and applying a reference voltage at the input node and a supply voltage at the compensation capacitor. The application of the reference voltage at the input node induces a second amount of charge proportional to a difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage on an integration capacitor. The method also includes determining a first difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage based on a second amount of charge on the integration capacitor; and determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Ingar Hanssen, Rian Whelan
  • Patent number: 9013409
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display system. The display system includes a display apparatus equipped with a wireless communication function, and a human input device connected with the display apparatus to transmit user input data to the display apparatus. The display apparatus allocates a communication channel dedicated for communication with the human input device among a plurality of communication channels, and receives the user input data through the allocated dedicated communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyoung Jin Moon
  • Patent number: 9005026
    Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a tablet computer, an electronic game communicating with the tablet computer, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the tablet computer. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the tablet computer, and a bridge structure disposed between the pair of sides to form a three sided structure. The third structure mitigates inadvertent removal of the tablet computer from the three sided structure when the tablet computer is fully nested within the three sided structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Joynes, James Bower
  • Patent number: 9007307
    Abstract: Techniques and apparatus to provide improved visibility to user input devices, such as keys, are disclosed. In low light conditions, keys can be difficult to distinguish. For example, often keys have legends on them to visually distinguish them from one another, but in low light conditions it can be difficult for users to visually distinguish the different keys. The legends can be textual and/or graphic. Hence, according to one embodiment, light from a nearby display device can be used to provide illumination to the user input devices (e.g., keys). More particularly, in one embodiment, some light from the nearby display device can be directed towards and reflected from the user input devices (e.g., keys) to enhance visibility of the keys or the legends thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Moller, John T. Payne, Liliya Lyandres, Michael Nashner, Kenichi Nakajima, Tsao Lun Chung
  • Publication number: 20150097781
    Abstract: A multifunction electronic device is provided with, in one embodiment, a controller; a wireless Internet access unit; an audio recording unit; a laser pointing unit; a data storage unit including a port; a multi-touch display; a key-based operation unit; a rechargeable power source; and a power socket electrically connected to the rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source is electrically connected to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to the wireless Internet access unit, the audio recording unit, the laser pointing unit, the data storage unit, the multi-touch display, the key-based operation unit. The controller is activated by the key-based operation unit to activate the laser pointing unit. The controller is activated by the key-based operation unit to activate at least one of the wireless Internet access unit, the audio recording unit, and the data storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Hui-Chuan Lee
  • Patent number: 9001044
    Abstract: A method of inputting a user command includes displaying a navigation window including letter key symbols corresponding to keys on a manipulator. If a first user command as to a specific key on the manipulator is input, a specific letter key symbol on the navigation window corresponding to the specific key is activated, and if a second user command as to the specific key is input, the letter corresponding to the activated specific letter key symbol is input. Accordingly, even if the manipulator is separated from the display on which a result of the manipulator is displayed, the user can input a user command by looking at the display only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-beom Shin, O-jae Kwon, Han-chul Jung
  • Patent number: 9001032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tactile transmission system using a glove type actuator device and a method thereof, and more particularly to a tactile transmission system using a glove type actuator device and a method thereof with which a user can cover his hand and which can directly transmit a movement according to a voltage level to a body part of the user through a piezo disk actuator attached to a position in which a stimulus is transmitted. The tactile transmission system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch screen for driving a predetermined program; and a glove type actuator device for vibrating a part which comes in contact with the touch screen to provide curve information about a surface of an object on the program to be displayed on the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Gi-Hun Yang, Sung Chul Kang, Yeonsub Jin
  • Patent number: 9001028
    Abstract: A small device for projecting images from a video generating device such as a computer, television receiver, or similar device onto a screen or other surface is described in this invention. The device is the size of the pen, and converts video instructions using a processing unit and memory into light signals that are projected. In the one embodiment, the device uses pulsed laser light from red, green, and blue lasers that are combined into a single light pulse that is transmitted through a rotating disk containing numerous lenses that transmit each light pulse to a specific location on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: David James Baker
  • Patent number: 9002933
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for sharing data based on user interactions. User interactions with data, such as creating a file, opening a file, or modifying a file, are monitored by a user computing device. When the user interactions satisfy a data-interaction condition defined by a set of rules, information associated with the user interaction is communicated to a remote server for subsequent sharing with the user or another recipient. The information associated with the user interaction may include data, metadata, and or contextual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Oxygen Cloud, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Chang, Leo N. Leung, Anthony D. Magliulo
  • Patent number: 9003328
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a client application configured to process and display a push notification specifying an appointment reminder originating from a server acting as an appointment manager. The client displays a menu of available options for conducting additional appointment-related transactions, such as confirmation, rescheduling, or cancellation of the appointment. Based on the user selection, the client conducts a user-interactive transaction with the server to complete the requested appointment service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: James K. Boutcher, Michael T. Mateer
  • Patent number: 9001060
    Abstract: A method of generating a keyboard switch haptic sensation in a coupled system comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a force exciter or actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive surface, the method comprising generating a carrier wave signal at frequencies within the frequency bandwidth of the coupled system, modulating the carrier wave signal with a modulation envelope so that the modulated carrier wave signal has a closely spaced pair of peaks, and driving the exciter or actuator with the modulated carrier wave signal to excite the touch-sensitive surface to provide a closely spaced pair of impulses whereby the keyboard switch haptic sensation is simulated to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: New Transducers Limited
    Inventor: Neil John Harris
  • Publication number: 20150091808
    Abstract: A method for preventing a false activation of a touch pad of a portable computer is provided. The portable computer includes a display and a base assembly. The base assembly includes a keyboard and a touch pad. The keyboard includes keys and the touch pad has a touch area. In the method, the touch area is divided into a plurality of subareas. Each key corresponds to at least one subarea. A key input is detected. If the key input is detected, the at least one subarea corresponding to the inputting key are maintained as untouchable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: PO-SHENG SHIH, CHIEN-YUNG CHENG, CHUN-LUNG HUANG, PIN-LUNG LIN
  • Patent number: 8994681
    Abstract: In one example, a method includes outputting, by a computing device and for display, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys. The method may also include receiving, by the computing device, an indication of a gesture detected at a presence-sensitive input device. The method may also include determining, by the computing device and based on a plurality of features associated with the gesture, a degree of precision of the gesture. The method may also include modifying, by the computing device and based at least in part on the degree of precision, a probability that the gesture indicates at least one key of the plurality of keys. The method may also include outputting, by the computing device and for display, a candidate word that is based at least in part on the probability that the gesture indicates at least one key of the plurality of keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kataoka, Keisuke Kuroyanagi
  • Patent number: 8994653
    Abstract: Displaying information related to a message on a display screen of a handheld electronic device. In response to a movement of the handheld electronic device from an initial position to a first orientation, displaying on the display screen a first notice related to the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Dan Zacharias Gärdenfors, Leif Fredrik Ademar, Jason Tyler Griffin, Alistair Robert Hamilton, Karl-Anders Reinhold Johansson, Mihal Lazaridis
  • Patent number: 8994660
    Abstract: Text correction processing is disclosed. An initial score is assigned to each of a plurality of candidate sequences of one or more characters, based at least in part on a keyboard geometry-based value associated with the received user input with respect to the candidate key. Further processing is performed with respect to a subset of the candidate sequences having the highest initial score(s) to determine for each candidate sequence in the subset a refined score. A candidate sequence is selected for inclusion in a result set based at least in part on a determination that a refined score of the selected candidate is higher than an initial score of one or more candidate sequences that are not included in the subset and with respect to which the further processing has not been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Alice E. Neels, Nicholas K. Jong
  • Publication number: 20150084870
    Abstract: A key pad device provides the same function as a keyboard or keypad with a mistake proof design that allows one hand use and only requires three fingers. Each of the primary two fingers has nine pressure points, or keys, whose location is accessible by moving left to right, up and down, forward and back, side to side, and center. A thumb toggle can operate in one of three positions—up, down or not toggled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Franklin Donald Ruffin
  • Patent number: 8988341
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generate estimates of device motion from two data sources on a computing device—a motion sensor and a camera. The device may compare the estimates to each other to determine if they agree. If they agree, the device may confirm that device motion estimates based on the motion sensor are accurate and may output those estimates to an application within the device. If the device motion estimates disagree, the device may alter the motion estimates obtained from the motion sensor before outputting them to the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yao-Chung Lin, Xiaosong Zhou, Hsi-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 8988862
    Abstract: A performance display device comprising a base receptacle and a display unit; wherein the display unit comprises a display screen and a processor, and is operable by a mode switch; the mode switch is operated by relative pivotal motion between the display unit and the base receptacle; characterized in that the display unit and the base receptacle are complementarily shaped to cooperatively form a hinge axis about which the mode changing pivotal motion takes place. A performance display device having a hinge axis formed by the complementarily shaped display unit and base receptacle provides a simple, robust, and reliable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dayton Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Yuen
  • Patent number: 8988359
    Abstract: A device is provided with a housing that has a substantial portion covered by a touch sensitive surface. The touch sensitive service is capable of detecting multiple simultaneous points of touch. The handheld device determines to which finger or fingertip of the user the points of touch correspond and the handheld device associates an input or control function with of the fingers of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Mikko Nurmi
  • Patent number: 8988353
    Abstract: Provided are a method and related mobile device for editing, in an integrated, convenient and quick manner, various menu pages selectively used for a home screen. In response to a given input signal, the mobile device outputs a page edit screen including a specific page displayed on the home screen. Then, in response to subsequent input signals, the mobile device may add a new page, delete a selected page, change a title of a selected page, move or remove a selected icon in a page, change a background image of a selected page, or change a positional order of pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Woo Shin, Bong Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8985778
    Abstract: An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 8988354
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an input device comprising a processor configured to operate the input device in one of a plurality of modes of operation, a plurality of buttons, and a housing configured to receive and secure a display device. The housing is configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the plurality of buttons, where at least a portion of the plurality of buttons operates in one of the plurality of modes of operation based, at least in part, on a position of the plurality of positions of the housing relative to the plurality of buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Milhe, Tarak Fekih, Alexis Richard, Sylvain Sauvage, Laurent Plancherel, Pai-Cheng Chu, Eric Hsu
  • Patent number: 8988349
    Abstract: An electronic device can include detectors for altering the presentation of data on one or more displays. In a wearable electronic device, a flexible housing can be configured to enfold about an appendage of a user, such as a user's wrist. A display can disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. A control circuit can be operable with the display. A gaze detector can be included to detect a gaze direction, and optionally a gaze cone. An orientation detector can be configured to detect an orientation of the electronic device relative to the user. The control circuit can alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction, in response to detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user, in response to touch or gesture input, or combinations thereof. Secondary displays can be hingedly coupled to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Rachid M. Alameh
  • Patent number: 8982056
    Abstract: An industrial process transmitter includes a transducer positioned to interact with an industrial process, display circuitry that displays a visual output to an operator, and control circuitry. The display can be selectively modified to provide the visual output at one of a plurality of orientations. The control circuitry is connected to communicate with the transducer and the display circuitry and receive an input regarding the orientation of the industrial process transmitter. In response to received input regarding the orientation of the industrial process transmitter, the control circuitry provides instructions to the display circuitry to modify the orientation of the visual output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Harold Rud, Kristopher Ethan Nordlund
  • Patent number: 8982055
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a user input assembly. The user input assembly includes a capacitive touch sensor unit having a front side, a light guide overlying the front side, an opaque coating on the light guide, and a light source. The opaque coating is configured to represent indicia and/or ornamentation. The light source is operative to generate light that is transmitted through the light guide to illuminate the user input assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Clinton Riley Strong, IV
  • Patent number: 8976117
    Abstract: A touch sensitive keypad device (101) for an electronic device (100) includes one or more keys (106,107,108,109,110) situated in a keypad carrier (206). One or more conductive layers (115,116,117,118) span the keys. One or more transverse conductive layers (119,120,121,122,123,124) are integrated with a non-key component, such as the keypad carrier (205). A capacitance sensing circuit (126) detects changes in capacitance between the conductive layers and the transverse conductive layers to detect user input, thereby allowing a user (1990) to use a matrix (1902) of keys as a touch pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: John Henry Krahenbuhl, Roger Ady, Jiri Slaby
  • Patent number: 8976522
    Abstract: A docking device for connection to a touch display device is provided. The docking device includes a docking body, a pivot unit and a frame. The pivot unit is connected to the docking body. The frame is connected to the pivot unit and pivoted relative to the docking body, wherein the touch display device is detachably disposed on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Lian Yen, Hua-Chung Tseng
  • Patent number: 8976114
    Abstract: A hand-held device with a sensor for providing a signal indicative of a position of the hand-held device relative to an object surface enables power to the sensor at a first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is stationary and adjacent relative to the object surface, enables power to the sensor at a second time interval shorter than the first time interval when the hand-held device is indicated to be in a position that is moving and adjacent relative to the object surface, and enables power to the sensor at a third time interval when the hand-held device is determined to be in a position that is removed relative to the object surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Brian Gates, Jeremy K. Black
  • Publication number: 20150062017
    Abstract: A keyboard deactivation module includes a processor configured to generate an on-screen keyboard control signal, a CAN bus interface configured to connect to a CAN bus of a vehicle, and obtain vehicle speed information indicating a current speed of the vehicle from the vehicle via the CAN bus, and a Bluetooth radio configured to transmit the on-screen keyboard control signal to a target electronic device. An on-screen keyboard of the target electronic device is enabled in response to receiving the on-screen keyboard control signal while the vehicle speed information indicates that the current speed of the vehicle is below a specified threshold, and the on-screen keyboard of the target electronic device is disabled in response to receiving the on-screen keyboard control signal while the vehicle speed information indicates that the current speed of the vehicle is above a specified threshold. The keyboard deactivation module is mounted in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: VOXX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LASZLO BARABAS, Alfred Barabas, Brendan Shanks, James R. Tranchina
  • Patent number: 8970482
    Abstract: Embodiments of the technology involve apparatus and methods for control of displaying of images. In an example, an apparatus may include an image display, a sensor to detect posture of the image display and a processor to control sequentially displaying images of a group of images on the image display based on changes in the detected posture. The processor may control a display of a posture indicator on the image display such that the indicator may represent a relation between a change in the detected posture and an image of the group of images. Optionally, the indicator may be represented by a tilt meter. Moreover, in some embodiments, the sensor may be implemented with a gyroscopic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Kanehira
  • Patent number: 8970477
    Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Norman Miner Ladouceur, Jason Tyler Griffin, Martin Riddiford, Daniel Jordan Kayser, Tracy Christina Sharp, Rachael Elizabeth Roberts
  • Patent number: 8970633
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with controlling zooming and panning on a handheld computing device (e.g., personal digital assistant (PDA)) are described. A PDA may include a touch sensor that can generate both rotational and flick signals. A PDA may display images at different zoom levels. When “zoomed in”, less than an entire image may be displayed. Therefore a PDA may pan to different viewable image portions. An example system includes a receive logic to receive a rotational signal from the touch sensor. The rotational signal has a direction that indicates a desired zoom level change. The example system includes a control logic to change the zoom level in response to the rotational signal and to control the PDA to display the image in accordance with the updated zoom level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Chee Keat Fong
  • Patent number: 8970471
    Abstract: A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a light source configured to output light. The computing device also includes a light sensor configured to measure the level of light surrounding the computing device. The computing device further includes a control mechanism operatively coupled to the light source and light sensor and configured to adjust the level of output light based on the measured level of light surrounding the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan Kerr, Bas Ording, Greg Christie, Imran Chaudhri, Marcel van Os, Nick King
  • Patent number: 8970481
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a display screen, a gravity sensor, at least one sensor provided at a side of the portable electronic device and a processor. The gravity sensor detects gravity information of the portable electronic device and generates a sensing value. The at least one sensor senses a holding position. The processor determines a holding manner according to sensing signals of the at least one sensor and determines a display mode of the display screen according to the sensing value and the holding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Meng-Pang Chung
  • Patent number: 8970500
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for extracting a portion of content from a data item and separately displaying such content on a secondary display screen such as an interactive display (e.g. touch-sensitive or clickable display) that enables interactive content portions to be extracted from the data item and provided separately from the remaining content to both free up space on a primary display screen and maintain visibility of the interactive content, while permitting navigation within the remaining content. Such extraction of content is particularly advantageous for separating logos (e.g. those used for brand recognition (passive), those providing home page links (active), etc.), advertising, and M-commerce (e.g. “buy now” or “add to cart” buttons). By using interactive secondary displays, the extracted content item can target interactive content portions that allow easy access to features without having to navigate within the main content each time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Gaelle Christine Martin-Cocher, Axel D. Ferrazzini, Suresh Chitturi
  • Patent number: 8963840
    Abstract: A multi-display device is adapted to be dockable or otherwise associatable with an additional device. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the multi-display device is dockable with a smartpad. The exemplary smartpad can include a screen, a touch sensitive display, a configurable area, a gesture capture region(s) and a camera. The smartpad can also include a port adapted to receive the device. The exemplary smartpad is able to cooperate with the device such that information displayable on the device is also displayable on the smartpad. Furthermore, any one or more of the functions on the device are extendable to the smartpad, with the smartpad capable of acting as an input/output interface or extension of the smartpad. Therefore, for example, information from one or more of the displays on the multi-screen device is displayable on the smartpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Z124
    Inventors: Sanjiv Sirpal, Martin Gimpl, John Steven Visosky, Alexander de Paz
  • Patent number: 8963835
    Abstract: By a method for displaying an item on a display unit (5), the following steps will be suggested: —arranging a first plan (22) of a first virtual space in a navigation area (21) of a navigation plane, —imaging the navigation area (21) by means of an optical registration system (3) of a computer-supported interface system (1), —determining the position of a calibration arrangement of the first plan (22), and calibrating the plan coordinate system of the image of the first plan (22) in the computer-supported interface system (1) on the basis of the calibration arrangement, —assigning the first virtual space to the navigation area (21) in consideration of the plan coordinate system, —determining the coordinates, including position and orientation, of a manually guidable object (23) in the first plane (22) by means of the computer-supported interface system (1), the manually guidable object (23) having at least one optical marking, —assigning the coordinates of the manually guidable object (23) in the first plan (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Kienzl
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8963694
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for selecting a remote controlled device to be controlled from among a plurality of remote controllable devices. The system includes an electronic device having a registration interface configured to register device data corresponding to the plurality of remote controllable devices, a position locator configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the electronic device, and an orientation interface configured to receive orientation data corresponding to an orientation of a user. A controller is configured to select the remote controlled device based on the device data, the position data, and the orientation data. The plurality of remote controllable devices each may include a respective data source configured to provide the device data, and a headset may be configured to generate the orientation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Martin Nystrom, Erik Ahlgren
  • Patent number: 8963894
    Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes an improved alarm clock function and a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The alarm clock function enables an alarm to be edited very easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Kalu Onuka Kalu
  • Patent number: 8963842
    Abstract: An integrated user interface has a sensory surface operable to receive a selection signal from a user and send a corresponding command signal within a software system. The integrated user interface has a plurality of tactile features operable to provide a user with tactile feedback corresponding to the selection signal received by the sensory surface when simultaneously selected by the user. A method of integrating the hardware and software functionality for a user interface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Andrews, Michael D. Tschirhart
  • Publication number: 20150049024
    Abstract: A keypad for an electronic device is provided and includes a substrate comprising an array of dome elements, an array of frets, an array of mechanical keys disposed in rows interleaved between the frets, a first deflection web supportively disposed adjacent to the substrate and a second deflection web disposed between the frets and the keys and the first deflection web. The substrate is configured to pre-load the first and second deflection webs toward the keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Publication number: 20150049025
    Abstract: A keypad for an electronic device is provided and includes a substrate, a plurality of frets disposed with the substrate and a plurality of mechanical keys disposed with the substrate and arrayed in rows interleaved among the plurality of frets, at least one of the keys being deflectable toward a position at which a switch of a circuit is affected and a capacitive sensor layer disposed between the frets and the keys and the substrate to register movement of a capacitive element across the frets and the keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 8957852
    Abstract: Techniques, systems and computer program products are disclosed for providing sensor mapping. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input from a user. The received input includes at least one of motion, force and contact. In addition, a sensor signal is generated based on the received input. From a choice of data structures a data structure associated with a selected application having one or more functions is identified. The data structure indicates a relationship between the generated sensor signal and the one or more functions of the selected application. The generated sensor signal is selectively mapped into a control signal for controlling the one or more functions of the selected application by using the identified data structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aplix IP Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Rob Podoloff, Paul William Calnan, III, Elaine Chen, Beth Marcus
  • Patent number: 8959013
    Abstract: A method, including presenting, by a computer system executing a non-tactile three dimensional user interface, a virtual keyboard on a display, the virtual keyboard including multiple virtual keys, and capturing a sequence of depth maps over time of a body part of a human subject. On the display, a cursor is presented at positions indicated by the body part in the captured sequence of depth maps, and one of the multiple virtual keys is selected in response to an interruption of a motion of the presented cursor in proximity to the one of the multiple virtual keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Micha Galor, Ofir Or, Shai Litvak, Erez Sali
  • Patent number: 8959127
    Abstract: The device is a handheld calculating machine with memory that is specifically designed to calculate the split times for runners, swimmers, and bicyclist. The handheld device is programmed such that a coach can input the distance of the race, the time the athlete wishes to run the race, and the distance of the split, and the handheld device will calculate the time in which the runner needs to run the splits. The handheld device is also designed with a memory. A coach can keep the split times on many athletes and/or the split times for an athlete who runs several races. The handheld device can be a specific device designed for this use or a Smartphone or a tablet computer such as the iPad which runs a program to calculate the split times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Harold Workman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8957869
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided, having a processor configured to automatically format monetary expressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Mihal Lazaridis
  • Patent number: 8953099
    Abstract: A display apparatus which is controllable by a remote control apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes: a communicator which communicates with the remote control apparatus, a storage which stores user interface (UI) screen information which is mapped to each application executable in the display apparatus, and a controller which, if a first application is executed based on a user command, controls a transmission of UI screen information corresponding to the first application from among the UI screen information stored in the storage to the remote control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-won Kwak
  • Patent number: 8952927
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes dividing a first amount of charge between a capacitance of a touch sensor and a compensation capacitor. The division of the first amount of charge results in a first voltage at an input node. The method also includes applying a reference voltage at the input node. The application of the reference voltage at the input node induces a second amount of charge proportional to a difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage on an integration capacitor. The method also includes determining a first difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage based on a second amount of charge on the integration capacitor; and determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Ingar Hanssen, Rian Whelan
  • Patent number: 8952897
    Abstract: Embodiments of a soft input panel (SIP) for an electronic device are disclosed. The SIP can be configured for entering text in a non-English language that uses a more numerous character set than does English. The characters used in the language that are available to be entered using the SIP can be available to be entered using keys on a single page of keys without switching to a different page of keys or using function keys. At least one of the keys of the SIP is a base key that is configured to open a picker window when activated. The picker window comprises plural picker keys that allow a user to select from plural different characters associated with the base key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anukrati Agrawal, Daniel Chang, Sameer Garde, Parul Dalia