Portable (i.e., Handheld, Calculator, Remote Controller) Patents (Class 345/169)
  • Publication number: 20150035756
    Abstract: A keypad apparatus for a touch screen and to a method for providing same. The key pad apparatus includes a plurality of buttons, a storage device, a processor, and a communication module included in the plurality of buttons and outputting, to the touch screen, a selection output signal selected from among a plurality of output signals corresponding to respective letters when a letter button to which a letter is allocated is selected. The processor selects the selection output signal from among the plurality of output signals on the basis of state information stored in the storage device, and controls the output of the selected selection output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jaewoo Ahn
  • Patent number: 8949742
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a displayed visualization, such as a tree diagram. An example method includes providing a first mechanism for facilitating adjusting spacing between plural leaf nodes of a visualization by a first factor and providing a signal indicative of the first factor in response thereto; and employing a second mechanism to display an updated visualization in response to the signal, wherein spacing between leaf nodes of the updated visualization is adjusted relative to the initial visualization based on the signal, such that a region defined by a group of leaf nodes, whose spacing therebetween has been adjusted, is shrunk or enlarged based on the first factor. In an illustrative embodiment, the example method further includes adjusting the spacing between leaf nodes so that leaf nodes overlap each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Lory Molesky, Benjamin L. Moroze, Kris Hanson
  • Patent number: 8947269
    Abstract: A digital processor having a key input unit and a key input method are disclosed. The key unit includes: a base that is fixed at the central position of the key unit; a slider that horizontally moves in parallel to the horizontal plane of the base by the user's operation; a frame that supports the slider so as to horizontally move; and a restoration unit that gives a resistive force against the horizontal movement of the slider and restores the horizontally-moved slider to an original position. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of keys by increasing the number of information to be input by the use of a single key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Se-Woon Jung
  • Patent number: 8947363
    Abstract: A keyboard includes an upper frame, a main body, a lower frame, and an adjustment mechanism. The two frames cooperate with each other to sandwich the main body. The lower frame includes a bottom plate defining a though hole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust an inclined angle of the keyboard, and includes an adjustment member, a supporting member, a driving member and a position stopper. The adjustment member is operated by a user. The supporting member protrudes from the bottom plate via the through hole to support the keyboard on a supporting surface. The driving member drives the supporting member to move along a central axis of the through hole to adjust a protruding distance of the supporting member when the adjustment member is operated. The position stopper resists the supporting member to secure the supporting member when the adjustment member is free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Bing Guo
  • Patent number: 8947359
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an apparatus body including a body having a keyboard and a display unit attached to the body so as to be opened and closed; an acceleration sensor mounted on the apparatus body; a gesture motion determination unit mounted on the apparatus body and determining a reference posture of a holding state of the apparatus body taken when a user executes a given gesture function while holding the apparatus body based on acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor as well as determining a gesture motion executed by the user by detecting posture change of the apparatus body from the reference posture based on acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor; and an operation execution unit mounted on the apparatus body and executing a given operation corresponding to the gesture motion executed by the user based on the determination result in the gesture motion determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Daiki Yokoyama, Yasutaka Fujii
  • Patent number: 8947360
    Abstract: A set of handheld, adjustable panels including a plurality of ergonomic keys which function as a keyboard and mouse to allow a user to easily input data to an electronic device. The handheld keyboard and mouse includes two handheld components. Each component comprises a base that fits into the user's palm, a plurality of adjustable finger panels, and an adjustable thumb portion adjacent to the finger panels. The finger panels include a plurality of keys so as to function as a keyboard, and the thumb portion also includes a plurality of keys and acts like a mouse. Each component may also include clips or straps for securing the component to the user's hand, as well as a stand for supporting the component when it is not in use. In addition, at least one of the components may include a display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Vivek Gupta
  • Patent number: 8947361
    Abstract: A multiple mode display apparatus and methods of use. An apparatus includes a display surface with a first and a second display area. A housing pivotally attached with the display proximate a first edge of the housing is displaceable from a coplanar position with the surface of the display device to a position wherein an angle of at least 90 degrees between the surface of the display and the housing is formed along said first edge. In the first position, the first display area is visible and activated to receive user input or to display output. The second display area is covered by the housing and placed in a mode of reduced power consumption. In the second position, the second display area is visible and activated to display output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas W. Oakley
  • Patent number: 8947362
    Abstract: First detection information related to electrical connection between each row signal line and each column signal line is received from a key matrix circuit (S101). Based on the first detection information, it is determined whether a possibility exists that a user has pressed at least three key switches simultaneously and electrical connection between signal lines for a key switch that has not been pressed has been erroneously detected (S108). Information in accordance with key switches pressed by the user is output based on the first detection information when the determination is negative (S109), whereas output of information based on the first detection information is blocked when the determination is positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kamii, Yasuhiro Miki
  • Publication number: 20150029105
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. The device is structured to identify and output representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input. The device is additionally structured to identify and output representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a known spelling substitution particular to a language active on the handheld electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Vadim FUX, Dan RUBANOVICH
  • Patent number: 8942291
    Abstract: A remote resource access interface apparatus is provided. A key input unit has keys for generating input key values. A communication unit transmits a connection establishment request message including screen resolution information to, and receives a connection establishment response message including supportable key information from, a portable device. The communication unit transmits input key information to and receives video information from the portable device after establishing the connection. A pixel information processing unit converts the video information to pixel signals for a video output unit to display as a visual image. A key advisor unit extracts supportable key information from the response message and outputs the supportable key information to the video output unit. The video information is video data adjusted in resolution based on the screen resolution information, and the input key value is mapped to one of key values indicated by the key information of the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Gil Hoon Chang
  • Patent number: 8943246
    Abstract: A character input device of the present invention includes a skill estimation unit that estimates the skill of a user in character input operation, based on the history of key operation by the user. In this character input device, a determination period for determining an input character being selected by a character input interface unit is increased or decreased, according to the skill estimated by the skill estimation unit. The character input interface unit selects the character based on the number of times at which a same key has been depressed, and judges whether or not the determination operation of the character has been performed, based on the determination period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Casio Mobile Communications, Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8941601
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: detect an angle of tilt of a device comprising a touch-sensitive display, the touch-sensitive display configured to provide visual content associated with an application and a virtual keyboard for inputting characters in connection with the application, wherein the virtual keyboard is provided on top of the visual content; and adjust the opacity of the virtual keyboard according to the angle of tilt such that the underlying visual content is visible to a greater or lesser extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Somers
  • Patent number: 8941556
    Abstract: An electronic workspace may be created from multiple viewer devices. The viewer devices are coordinated so that each exhibits a different visual identification characteristic such as a distinct or unique color. Content can be assigned by way of a user interface in which individual viewer devices are represented by visual icons that exhibit the same visual identification characteristics as the respective viewer devices, so that a user may easily distinguish between the available viewer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James David Meyers
  • Patent number: 8941511
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Jason T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8941594
    Abstract: An interface, apparatus, circuit and method for interfacing with an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, are disclosed. The interface includes a key pad with a number of keys, each operable for providing a unique input to the electronic device, and a actuator for selectively actuating one or more of the keys. A controller, coupled to the key pad, scans the keys according to a mode of operation of the electronic device. A mode selector, operable with the controller, selects a first or second operating mode. In the first, useful for instance in performing telephonic functions, each key provides its unique input discretely. In the second mode, useful for instance for providing a game related function, certain of the keys are selectively chorded to function for providing their respective inputs together, effectively simultaneously, according to a manipulation of the actuator by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Nvidia Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Rehbock
  • Publication number: 20150022456
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special <NEXT> key of the keypad that enables a user to progressively select variants generally without changing the position of the user's hands on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Vadim FUX, Michael G. Elizarov, Sergey V. Kolomiets
  • Patent number: 8937597
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may include a housing and a display supported by the housing. The handheld electronic device may further include a slider element slidably mounted to housing. The slider element may be configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. A keyboard may be coupled to slider element, and may move between a stowed position behind the display and a fully deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Aaron Robert Allen, Jason Tyler Griffin, Timothy Herbert Kyowski
  • Patent number: 8933877
    Abstract: A method for prevention of false gesture trigger inputs on a mobile communication device is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a relative positioning sensor output to a controller for enabling/disabling or adaptively adjusting detection of gesture inputs on the mobile communication device based on an angular position or motion of the mobile communication device relative to a directional trigger beam or alternatively relative to environmental conditions impacting the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventor: Rachid M. Alameh
  • Patent number: 8933889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an operation method for executing games on mobile camera enabled terminal devices and to devices capable of executing the method. The method is based on hiding augmented reality messages in pictures by taking an image of an object, providing symbols; linking the symbols to the image, such that the symbols are not visible when displaying the image, and sending the image and the linked invisible symbols via a wireless connection as a first image to a mobile camera terminal device. The invention also provides a second component to re-visualize the hidden message by receiving the first image, taking a second image with a camera of the mobile camera terminal device, displaying the second image, comparing the first and second images to determine a matching measure, and visibly displaying the linked invisible symbols on the display, if the comparison fulfills at least one predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Mikko O. Heikkinen, Kai Havukainen, Jukka Holm, Antti Eronen, Timo Kosonen
  • Patent number: 8928452
    Abstract: A remote control device and method is provided. The remote control device and method provides a more intuitive and convenient user interface to a user. The remote control device and method also makes it possible to transmit/execute contents, provided by an external device, to/in a target device more intuitively and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jongcheol Kim, Jongsoon Park, Jinyung Park
  • Patent number: 8928577
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an electronic note on a handheld electronic device. Specifically, the present invention allows a user to push one button on the handheld device to gain access to a cleared screen where ideas, telephone numbers, etc. can be written down directly on the screen in the user's own handwriting in the form of a note. Additionally, the note is automatically time and date stamped. Furthermore, a title associated with the note is displayed concurrently with the note and can be modified using digitized alphanumeric characters. Moreover, the note is automatically stored in the handheld electronic device. Also, an alarm, associated with a particular time and date relative to the electronic device, can be electronically assigned to the note. At the particular time and date associated with the alarm, the alarm is automatically triggered, and the note is automatically displayed on the handheld electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: David Christopher, Carl Stone
  • Patent number: 8928593
    Abstract: A method of controlling the location of a virtual keyboard in a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on a display screen of a handheld electronic device is disclosed, the method comprising: monitoring for change in device orientation, wherein the device orientation comprising a left hand device orientation and a right hand device orientation; and updating location of the virtual keyboard in the GUI in response to detection of device orientation change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing Hefengxin Keji Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jing Jian
  • Patent number: 8922984
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display module, and a support element. The base includes a first area, a second area, and a sliding assembly disposed at a substantially central position of the second area. The sliding assembly includes a sliding element and a guiding structure, and the sliding element can move along the guiding structure to slide at least in the second area. The display module includes a connecting end combined with the sliding element and a support plane. The support element includes a first area pivotally connected to the support plane and a second end pivotally connected to a rear end of the base. When the display module is opened, the display module further rotates around the first fixed end and moves the connecting end simultaneously. Then, the display module is supported by the support element to keep a suitable tilted angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chien Chen, Chu-Chia Tsai, Cheng-Shing Liu, Tai-Chuan Chen, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Tien-Chung Tseng, Chien-Yuan Lai, Hung-Chih Chen, Shang-Mao Lee, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8922493
    Abstract: The present invention discloses one or more embodiments of a mobile device capable of automatic enablement of a rear-face data entry. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mobile device can automatically detect and determine that a rear-face data entry interface is either facing up or facing the user's line of sight, which prompts activation of the rear-face data interface for immediate enablement of data entry (e.g. typing). If the rear-face data entry interface is either facing down or away from the user's line of sight, the mobile device disables the rear-face data interface for data entry to minimize accidental and undesirable data entry via the rear-face data interface. The preferred embodiment of the invention also incorporates a primary frontal touch-screen display, a secondary rear touch-screen display, a QWERTY keyboard, and display elevation guards on both displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Christine Hana Kim
  • Patent number: 8922518
    Abstract: A method for providing a graphical user interface on a display of a device includes: displaying a photograph image on the display of the device; receiving a touch input made on the display; superimposedly displaying a plurality of control guides at a location corresponding to the touch input over the displayed photograph image in response to the touch input; receiving a drag input corresponding to one of the plurality of control guides displayed on the display; removing the plurality of control guides in response to receiving the drag input; determining a drag characteristic value of the drag; adjusting a display characteristic of the photograph image corresponding to the one of the plurality of control guides based on the drag characteristic value; and displaying the photograph image having the adjusted display characteristic on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Chul Yang, Nho Kyung Hong, Jin Young Jeon, Tae Young Kang, In Won Jong
  • Patent number: 8922482
    Abstract: A method of controlling a display apparatus using a camera based device and a mobile device, display apparatus, and system applying the same are provided. The method for controlling the display apparatus with the mobile device includes capturing an entity displayed which is on the display apparatus, in response to a movement of the mobile device, sensing at least one of a movement and a change of size of the captured entity, generating a control signal for controlling the display apparatus based on at least one of the sensed movement, and change of size of the entity and transmitting the generated control signal to the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Prasanth Jayachandran, Muthukumar Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8922398
    Abstract: A method of providing a password to a handheld electronic device having a reduced keyboard and a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, wherein the reduced keyboard is of a particular keyboard type and the non-predictive keystroke interpretation system is of a particular system type. The method includes receiving a first character string in an electronic device, such as, without limitation, a PC, that is separate from the handheld electronic device, generating one or more second character strings in the electronic device based on the particular keyboard type, the first character string, and, possibly, the particular system type, and transmitting the one or more second character strings from the electronic device to the handheld electronic device as the password.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kenneth Brown, Michael Grant Kirkup, Michael Stephen Brown
  • Patent number: 8922492
    Abstract: A method of inputting characters includes: generating a character display area, displaying characters in a first direction sub-region or a second direction sub-region of the character browsing region according to a direction indicating action in a first direction or a second direction, upon detecting a change in directions indicated by two successive direction indicating actions, displaying, in an input character display region, the character currently displayed in the character browsing region, switching between the first direction sub-region and the second direction sub-region of the character browsing region according to the direction indicated by the latter direction indicating action, and performing an action of selecting a next character corresponding to the latter direction indicating action in the switched direction sub-region. The invention also provides a device of inputting characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sony (China) Limited
    Inventors: Chengjia Lu, Leiping Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140375568
    Abstract: A method at an electronic device including a touch-sensitive display for receiving touch input and a keyboard comprising a plurality of buttons, the method comprising: detecting actuation of a button on at least one of the plurality of buttons; detecting a touch input at the touch-sensitive display while the button is actuated; responding to the touch input, wherein response to the touch input while the button is actuated is different to response to touch input detected while the button is not actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Fredrik Alexander BERGLUND, Dan Zacharias GÄRDENFORS, Emil Alexander WASBERGER
  • Patent number: 8917259
    Abstract: Multi-touch interfaces allow user interaction with multiple points of contact to control external devices such as game consoles, authenticate users, partition the interface for multiple users, and so forth. The multi-touch interface may provide graphical representations that are manipulated by users through multiple points of contact to participate in games running on an external game console. Additionally, user authentication may occur through multiple points of contact with the multi-touch interface where each user has a unique contact pattern that includes points of contact, location of points of contact, rhythm of points of contact, and so forth. The graphical representations may be customized based on the authentication of a user, and the multi-touch surface may be partitioned based on the number of users present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: E. Lee Chang, Madhur Khandelwal, Linda Roberts, Sharon Carter
  • Patent number: 8917246
    Abstract: A layout function unit 4 controls a display unit 2 to display a shortcut key layout at activation of the display unit 2 and, after a predetermined period of time from the activation of the display unit 2, to change a display to a normal key layout. In addition, the layout function unit 4 inserts a blank template as a changeover screen when changing the display from the shortcut key layout to the normal key layout and, when detecting input to a touch panel 1 during a display of the changeover screen, cancels the changeover of the display to the normal key layout and displays the shortcut key layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Tomotake Aono
  • Patent number: 8917242
    Abstract: A computer with an input device having a labeled region including a host, a first monitor, a first touchpad and a cover is provided. The first monitor is electrically connected to the host and serves as a display media of the host. The first touchpad is electrically connected to the host and serves as an input media of the host. The first touchpad includes a touch keypad region, wherein a plurality of touch keys is disposed in the touch keypad region. The cover encloses the first touchpad and includes a labeled region. When the device is power on, the labeled region is corresponding to the touch keypad region of the first touchpad, and the user can distinguish positions of each of the touch keys of the touch keypad region when inputting data by means of the touch keypad region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Tsun-Chih Yang, Hao-Sheng Lo
  • Patent number: 8917985
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus 10 comprises a lower housing 11, an upper housing 21, a lower LCD 12, an upper LCD 22, an inner camera 23, and a microphone. The upper housing 21 has a lower side which is connected to an upper side of the lower housing 11 such that the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 21 are foldable. The lower LCD 12 has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the lower housing 11 when folded. The upper LCD 22 has a display screen which is provided in an inner surface of the upper housing 21 when folded. The imaging section is provided in the inner surface of the upper housing 22 and between the display screen of the lower LCD 12 and the display screen of the upper LCD 22. The microphone is provided in the inner housing of the upper housing 21 and between the display screen of the lower LCD 12 and the display screen of the upper LCD 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Kuwahara, Kazunori Koshiishi, Yui Ehara, Ryo Fukasawa
  • Publication number: 20140368439
    Abstract: In order to facilitate selection of an intended character from among a plurality of characters. a mobile phone includes a designated-position detecting portion (S01) for detecting a designated position. a moving direction detecting portion (S07) for detecting a moving direction of the detected position. a group selecting portion (S08), when the moving direction is detected, for selecting one of a plurality of character types into which the plurality of characters have been classified, on the basis of the moving direction, and a character selecting portion (S10, S15) for selecting one of at least one character classified in the selected character type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Osamu NISHIMURA
  • Patent number: 8913008
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved generation of images using a handheld electronic device. Motion of the handheld electronic device is detected using a sensor of the handheld electronic device and data, dependent upon the sensed motion, is transmitted from the device to a remote electronic device. An image, representative of the sensed motion of the handheld electronic device and generated from the transmitted data, is rendered on a display of the remote electronic device and provides a user with visual feedback of the motion of the handheld electronic device. The image data may be generated by the handheld electronic device or by the remote electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Robert George Oliver, Christopher Harris Snow, Nazih Almalki, Jeffrey Alton Hugh Dods
  • Patent number: 8913771
    Abstract: Electronic devices such as compact portable media players are provided. A housing for an electronic device may be relatively compact. The housing may include a door assembly with an attached spring-loaded clip. The electronic device may include a hold switch. Depending on the state of the hold switch, the electronic device may be in an off mode, a continuous playback mode, or a shuffle playback mode. The electronic device may not have integrated media playback controls such as play, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. As one example, the electronic device may connect to an accessory that has media playback controls. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessory and user input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using a wired path including audio connectors. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board assembly that is nested together with a battery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Emery Sanford
  • Publication number: 20140361992
    Abstract: A condensed keyboard for mobile phones and other small electronic devices, having two sets of four character keys arrayed on the back of the device for the user's fingers, and one or two joysticks or similar radially movable components for one or both of the user's thumbs. The position of the joystick when a key is pressed determines which of a set of different characters associated with that key is inputted. The joysticks can also be used to input direction commands, for video games and other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Publication number: 20140361994
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with an illuminated keyboard is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of user input keys arranged to form a keyboard; a reflective surface spaced apart from the keys; and a plurality of light emitters located between the keys and the reflective surface, the light emitters being configured to emit light towards the reflective surface for reflection towards the input keys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Hsin Chin LEE, Antanas Matthew BROGA, Amit Pal SINGH, Yaya CHU
  • Publication number: 20140361993
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting a touch of a first key associated with a first character on the keyboard, detecting a touch of a second key corresponding to a second character on the keyboard, determining an order for previewing the first and second characters in response to the detecting, and previewing the first and second characters in the determined order in an information entry field of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Donald Somerset McCulloch MCKENZIE, Jerome PASQUERO, Jason Tyler GRIFFIN
  • Patent number: 8909296
    Abstract: A wireless headset can incorporate a wireless communication controller that not only provides a video link to a host device, but also provides for control and management of a host device and other more devices. In this context, a host device may be any appropriate device that sources audio, video, text, and other information, such as a cell phone, personal computer, laptop, media player, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kopin Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Parkinson, Jeffrey J. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8907982
    Abstract: The mobile device includes a visual input device, for capturing external visual information having real visual background information, and a processing device. The processing device is for associating a selected application with the external visual information, and for executing the selected application based on the external visual information and on user-related input information. The processing device for generating a visual output signal related to at least one virtual visual object in response to the application is further configured to provide the visual output signal to a projector device included within the mobile device such that the projector device will be configured to project said visual output signal related to the at least one virtual visual object onto the visual background, thereby modifying said external visual information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Pascal Zontrop, Marc Bruno Frieda Godon
  • Patent number: 8902170
    Abstract: A method and system for enabling input of diacritic characters on a handheld electronic device. The method includes detecting an input associated with a selected key and determining a likelihood that the input reflects selection of a diacritic character. The time after which the set of possible diacritic characters that are utilized is rendered in response to a selected key being engaged in a press-and-hold operation is based on the determined likelihood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jerome Pasquero, Donald Somerset McKenzie
  • Patent number: 8902169
    Abstract: A device, computer program product and method of inputting a character in a touch screen device, in which a touch area is partitioned into a plurality of array positions, and one or more letters are assigned to each of the partitioned array positions. The method comprises the steps of: partitioning a touch area of the touch panel into a plurality of array positions and assigning one or more characters to each of the partitioned array positions; sensing an expansion event of selecting one among the array positions; dividing the touch area into a plurality of selection positions and assigning the characters assigned to the array position selected by the expansion event to the respective selection positions; sensing a selection event of selecting one among the selection positions; and recognizing the character assigned to the selection position selected by the selection event as an input character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: U-Beom Heo, Jeong-Hee Ahn, Joo-Ho Lee, Kyung-Wook Park
  • Patent number: 8904301
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mobile terminal data refreshing method and a mobile terminal. The above method comprises: updating interface image data of a HOME User Interface (HOME UI) and/or a local top bar, synthesizing interface image of the HOME UI and the local top bar into top bar image data with transparency; and displaying the top bar image data in the top bar window of the desktop of the mobile terminal. According to the technical solution provided in the present invention, the local top bar can be easily integrated into the HOME UI to implement translucent display style, and all functions of the top bar of the HOME UI can not be affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Hailiang Liao, Qihong Fu, Shizheng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8902362
    Abstract: A prediction means for predicting a maximum delayed change time, which is the longest in a change time which allows a next program to be displayed, if a channel is selected to change the current program to the next program; and a display control means, by which, from a reception completion time when the reception of the current program has been completed, a relevant program is displayed on the basis of original program data remaining in a buffer at the relevant reception completion time, and at the same time, the reproduction speed of the display is based on a speed at which the current program is displayed during the period between the reception completion time and a maximum delayed change time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Maehara
  • Patent number: 8902154
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing gestures for navigating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Richard Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving
  • Publication number: 20140347281
    Abstract: A portable terminal device has enclosures with a movable portion, a display section that displays visible information showing an operation target area, and a touch sensor that detects a position on a display screen of the display section touched by a user's finger, or the like. A shape detection section detects a change in the shape of the enclosure; an input operation management section manages a position detected by the touch sensor and an operation target area of each of pieces of visible information displayed on the display section in an associated manner; and a display control section automatically makes a change to at least display positions of the respective pieces of visible information about the operation target displayed on the display section in accordance with a change in shape of the enclosure detected by the shape detection section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ishihara, Kazumasa Gomyo, Satoshi Iino, Yuji Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20140347282
    Abstract: A method for displaying screen data according to determination of a view mode in a portable terminal, and an apparatus thereof, are provided. The method includes detecting an orientation change event of the portable terminal in a displayed state of the screen data, turning-on a camera module when the orientation change event is detected, determining an orientation of eyes of a user through face detection from an image captured by the camera module, determining a view mode of the portable terminal according to an orientation of the portable terminal and the orientation of the eyes of the user, and displaying screen data according to the determined view mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Sang Wook WOO
  • Patent number: 8896536
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method for contactlessly controlling an electronic apparatus, performed by a processor of the electronic apparatus. A camera module of the electronic apparatus is turned on to capture a series of images upon detecting that an object is in close proximity to the electronic apparatus. A contactless control procedure is performed while the camera module thereof is in use. The control operation comprises determining a control operation according to the captured images; performing the control operation to an electronic device of the electronic apparatus upon obtaining an instruction based on analyzing the captured images; and turning off the camera module responsive to not obtaining an instruction within a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Che Chen, Hsin-Te Shih, Tsung Ju Tsai
  • Patent number: 8896539
    Abstract: A touch-type keyboard with multiple functions associated with each key which functions are uniquely selected based on finger position. Each of a plurality of mechanical keys are associated with at least three functions. Each key has a surface area for actuation by a user's finger. The surface area is mapped to zones associated with each function. Function actuation is determined by detection of the finger position when the key is actuated. In the event of a finger overlapping multiple zones during actuation, unique function selection is determined at least in part from the pattern of finger overlap with the plural zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Synerdyne Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Knighton, Mydul R. Islam, Tzyy-Woei R. Sung, Kevin H. Vuong