Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart equipment and the display control method of the soft-operation interface thereof, wherein the display controlling method of the soft-operation interface of the smart equipment comprising: sensing the action changing information of the smart equipment by the gravity sensor; according to the action changing information, adjusting the soft-operation interface arrangement of the smart equipment on its display screen. By using the present invention, it is convenient for users to carry out one-hand operation on the smart equipment, and the convenience for the users is improved.

Abstract: An ambidextrous, hand held data management device that has been ergonomically optimized to facilitate multiple key per character input, chording while holding a hand-held computer. The device has an arrangement of multiple keys which are so situated that the device can be operated in either the left or the right hand and data can be quickly and conveniently input, that is, any combination of keys can be quickly and conveniently indicated without a hand strap and without dropping the device. The ergonomic arrangement of keys and the shape of the frame allows for the device to remain comfortably stationary relative to the palm of the hand while in use. The device is primarily a mobile data input device, enabling keying of characters with the hand concurrently holding the device around the periphery, maximizing the hand-held screen availability dowards displaying content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for improving word prediction in an electronic device. User input of one or more characters is received via a capacitive physical keyboard having a plurality of input members. Concurrently, the device determines the location of a non-typing digit, such as the user's finger or a stylus. Word prediction candidates are generated and weighted, and candidates that have subsequent characters associated with the input member proximal to the location of the non-typing digit are given more weight. The word prediction candidates are displayed, a second user input is then received comprising a selection of one of the candidates, and the device displays the selected word prediction candidate on the display.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a keyboard comprising a plurality of mechanical keys, a plurality of touch sensors interspersed among the plurality of mechanical keys to detect touches on the mechanical keys, and a controller coupled to the touch sensors and configured to group touch sensor data in a first set of groups to identify a first coordinate value of a touch location on the keyboard and to group the touch sensor data in a second set of groups to identify a second coordinate value of the touch location. The first set of groups differs from the second set of groups.

Abstract: A user input is received by a computing device. An interactive input module determines whether the first user input is a first character of a script for a supported language. If the first user input is a first character, the first character is stored in an input buffer. A plurality of words in the supported language that match a contents of the input buffer are identified, and a subset of the plurality of words are displayed to the user based on a frequency value associated with each of the plurality of words.

Abstract: A method for inputting characters pairs in an electronic device having a user input device, a display for displaying characters input through the user input device, and a memory for storing characters input through the user input device, including storing a character input through the user input device in the memory and displaying the input character on the display; and determining if the input character is an opening character of a predefined character pair, and if so, automatically and without further user input, causing a corresponding closing character of the predefined character pair to be inserted in the memory and on the display, and locating an input pointer so that subsequently input characters will be inserted between the opening and closing characters in the memory and on the display.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a first body and a second body, a first display unit mounted to the first body, and a slide module configured to move the first body and the second body with respect to each other. Further, the slide module includes a first slide member coupled to the first body, and a second slide member having a first bending portion and a second bending portion extending from a side end thereof in directions crossing each other, and configured to encompass at least part of side surfaces of the first slide member. In addition, the first bending portion and the second bending portion are spaced from at least one side surface of the first display unit with a predetermined gap from the side surface of the first display unit.

Abstract: A method of providing a task assistant to provide an interface to an application is described. The method comprises, in one embodiment, providing a task assistant to provide an interface to an application, to receive input from a user through multimodal input including a plurality of speech input, typing input, and touch input. The method further comprises receiving a request from a user for a suggestion, determining a current transaction state, based on interactions with the user during a current session, and selecting suggestions relevant to a transaction type associated with the current transaction state.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a portable electronic device having a base portion having a keypad, and a sliding portion. The sliding portion is coupled to the base portion and slideable relative thereto between a closed position wherein the keypad is covered by the sliding portion, and an open position wherein the keypad is exposed. The keypad includes a plurality of keys, at least some of the plurality of keys having a ridge that extends upwardly from the top surface of the key. Each ridge extends between a lower edge of the key and an upper edge of the key and is curved therebetween. Each ridge is offset from a midline of each key.

Abstract: A keyboard that can be illuminated comprises a key array and a base element. Key buttons of the key array are held in modules arranged on a side, facing away from either the base element or a printed circuit board that is provided for delivering signals. The printed circuit board is arranged above the base element in a place close to but at a distance away from the base statement and made at least partially light-transmitting. At least one light source for emitting light is arranged on the underside of the printed circuit board that faces the base element. At least one light-scattering elements, which projects from the base element toward the printed circuit board, is arranged on the side of the base element facing the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A data input system including a screen that selectably displays an image of a data input device such as a keyboard or a computer mouse. The screen tracks pressure applied by the user, and processes an input signal created by the pressure into input data according to the image displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A method and system for providing control functions in a mobile device according to modes of inputs are provided. The method includes receiving a proximity signal via a sensing module, detecting a touch signal via a touch screen while the proximity signal is being retained, and executing a function set according to the input mode of the touch signal.

Abstract: An optical pointing system includes a plurality of light sources, an image receiver, and an analyzing unit. The plurality of light sources are disposed on multiple locations of an object and configured to provide light having distinct wavelengths. The image receiver is configured to detect optical signals of the plurality of light sources, thereby generating a plurality of corresponding images. The analyzing unit is configured to calculate a relative position or angle of the image receiver with respect to the object according to the images.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a case, an angular velocity sensor fixed to the case, a data memory storing plural reference profiles, an output unit operating in a plurality of operation modes corresponding to the reference profiles, and a processor controlling the output unit. The angular velocity sensor sends a signal according to an angular velocity applied to the case. The processor is operable to receive the signal sent from the angular velocity sensor, to select a reference profile out of the plural reference profiles according to the received signal, and to cause the output unit to operate in an operation mode out of the plural operation modes corresponding to the selected reference profile. A user can operate this electronic device with a quick response.

Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing to carry a wireless transceiver, a display, a keyboard, and a processor cooperating with the wireless transceiver to perform at least one wireless communication function. The processor also cooperates with the display and the keyboard to permit selection of a keyboard mode from among a plurality of different keyboard modes, at least one of the keyboard modes having multiple different letters selectable from a given key. The processor generates a respective different cursor on the display based upon the selected keyboard mode.

Abstract: One or more buttons on an electronic device are mechanically coupled to actuators utilizing electroactive polymers. When active, the electroactive polymer deploys the button such that a height of the button above a substrate is increased. When inactive, the button returns to a stowed position having a lower height, and thus presents a lesser profile.

Abstract: Emoticon message composition is supported in a portable terminal. An edit window in the form of a lattice is displayed for message composition. During special character input selection, a list window including a plurality of special characters is displayed in the edit window. The list window is arranged such that a plurality of lines are shown in the edit window. The special characters displayed in the list window are arranged in a sequence of being stored in a queue that includes one of a special character queue for a message recipient or a basic special character queue.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting characters in a terminal are provided. The method includes receiving a first key input through a key input unit; storing at least one character corresponding to the first key input; displaying the stored at least one character in a first display area; removing the displayed at least one character from the first display area in response to a second key input received through the key input unit; displaying the removed at least one character in a second display area; receiving input of a selection of at least one character that is displayed in the second display area; and displaying the selected at least one character in the first display area.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is 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.

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: Disclosed herein is a function expanding apparatus, including: a mounting base section adapted to receive an information processing apparatus placed thereon solely or together with a battery mounted on a bottom face of the information processing apparatus; and a first connector movable in response to presence or absence of the battery until the first connector is connected to the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Described systems and mechanisms relate to techniques for improving usability, speed, and accuracy of text input to touch-typable devices. A touch-typable device can include a movable keymask comprising of a plurality of cells mapped with one or more keys of text input keypad of the touch-typable device, wherein each of the plurality of cells of the movable keymask superimposes over textual input choices enabling the user to select the desired textual input from the plurality of cells of the movable keymask using the text input keypad of the touch-typable device. The textual input choices can be chosen after every user input from a set of likely input choices, wherein the likely input choices can be selected based on previous textual input sequence, phoneme and syllabary patterns, statistical correlation between the previous textual input sequence and set of textual input choices, dictionary lookups, and usage patterns of said user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interacting with a virtual space, in which a mobile device is used to electronically capture image data of a real-world object, the image data is used to identify information related to the real-world object, and the information is used to interact with software to control at least one of: (a) an aspect of an electronic game; and (b) a second device local to the mobile device. Contemplated systems and methods can be used to gaming, in which the image data can be used to identify a name of the real-world object, to classify the real-world object, identify the real-world object as a player in the game, to identify the real-world object as a goal object or as having some other value in the game, to use the image data to identify the real-world object as a goal object in the game.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided that contain flexible displays and internal components. An internal component may be positioned under the flexible display. The internal component may be an output device such as a speaker that transmits sound through the flexible display or an actuator that deforms the display in a way that is sensed by a user. The internal component may also be a microphone or pressure sensor that receives sound or pressure information through the flexible display. Structural components may be used to permanently or temporarily deform the flexible display to provide tactile feedback to a user of the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for improving the efficiency of text input by requiring more pressure to select keys on a dynamic keyboard that are improbable key presses. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key has a lever mechanism which varies the force required to press the key. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the force required to enter each key within the dynamic keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by measuring the angle of each key press and rejecting improbable keys pressed at an off-center angle. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key determines the angle at which the key is pressed. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device assigns a range of acceptable angles to each key. If a key is pressed within the range of acceptable angles, which is typically around the center, then the entry is permitted. If a key is pressed outside the range of acceptable angles, which is typically on the edges, then the entry is denied. Once text is entered, the keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next. The keyboard logic then adjusts the range of acceptable angles based on that statistical probability.

Abstract: An electronic device with a guiding mechanism for guiding a flexible printed circuit board includes a base, a cover, two guiding members, a pushing member, the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and a rotating member. A through hole is formed on the base. The cover is movably disposed on a first side of the base. The two guiding members are disposed on the second side of the base in parallel. The pushing member is slidably disposed on the two guiding members and has a guiding surface. An end of the FPC is connected to the cover and an other end of the FPC passes through the through hole and surrounds the guiding surface of the pushing member so as to be connected to the base. The rotating member is rotatably disposed on the second side of the base and has a pushing portion abutting against the pushing member.

Abstract: A casing 1, a terminal plate 30 that is exchangeably mountable in an opening 23 formed in the casing 1; and a water sealing component 50 disposed around a terminal 31 formed on the terminal plate 30, are provided. A flange 24 is formed inside the opening 23 so as to surround a center of the opening and project toward the center of the opening. When the terminal plate 30 is mounted on the flange 24, an outer side surface of the terminal plate 30 is flush with a surface 21 of the casing in a portion where the opening is formed. With this structure, an electronic device can be obtained that is reliably waterproof and/or dustproof in a connection terminal portion that is exchangeable so as to enhance an expandability.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is 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.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by dynamically generating a visually assistive virtual keyboard. Exemplary variations display a soft keyboard on a touchscreen of a text-entry device. The touchscreen works with the soft keyboard as a form of text input. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the visual appearance of each key within the soft keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next. The touchscreen displays a visually enhanced keyboard based on these prediction values. Enhancements include resizing keys relative to their prediction value, rearranging the keys a distance from the previous key entered inverse to its prediction value, etc.

Abstract: A stand alone low cost writing pad includes a rechargeable battery, a low capacity memory, a low power processor, a first pair of connectors and supports audio, video and digital ink capturing functionalities. The writing pad may be detached from and re-attached to a stand alone base unit using the first pair of connectors. The base unit includes another rechargeable battery, high capacity memory, high power processor, and a second pair of connectors. The base unit receives captured audio and digital ink from the writing pad via the communication pathway and the high power processor runs voice recognition and optical character recognition software on received data to generate second data. The second data is displayed on the writing pad and/or stored in the high capacity memory for future use.

Abstract: A portable information handling system, user interface components thereof, and methods of user control interface and assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment a keyboard assembly, including a large plurality of contacts for a keyboard matrix, connects directly to a palmrest assembly. The palmrest assembly includes a keyboard controller, which decodes keystrokes and then passes the decoded keystrokes to, e.g., an I/O controller on the motherboard of the portable information handling system. This arrangement can greatly improve layout and usage of the motherboard routing spaces, can improve reliability, and can simplify assembly, among other advantages.

Abstract: In a screen protection system and method, a first operation temperature of an electronic device is detected from each of one or more first temperature sensors, and a first ambient temperature is detected from a second temperature sensor, when a display screen is activated. Once there is no operation on the electronic device, a timer is started timing. Once the electronic device is being operated, a duration is temporarily stored and the timer is reset. If the duration is equal to a screensaver time, a second operation temperature of the electronic device is detected from each of the first temperature sensors, and a second ambient temperature is detected from a second temperature sensor. The method further determines whether the electronic device is currently being held by a hand of a user, according to the above-mentioned temperatures. If the electronic device is not being held by a hand of the user, the display screen is controlled to be in an inactive state.

Abstract: A method is for input of text symbols into an electronic device having a reduced keyboard. The reduced keyboard has keys representing a plurality of characters. The method includes receiving character inputs from the reduced keyboard and identifying symbol variants based on the received character inputs. A list of symbol variants is displayed. An input symbol from the list of symbol variants is selected, wherein the input symbol is a Korean Hangul syllable. At least one Chinese Hanzi syllable is designated, to correspond to at least one Korean Hangul syllable. The Korean Hangul syllable is replaced with a Chinese Hanzi syllable.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable storage mediums encoded with computer programs executed by one or more processors for detecting a keyboard event and generating a network event are disclosed. In an embodiment, an input event generated by a keyboard operatively connected to a computing device is detected. It is determined that the input event corresponds to an actionable input event of a network-based application independent of which local application of one or more local applications is active on the computing device as indicated by an input focus. A location of a visual indicator corresponding to the actionable input event is determined on a visual interface of the network-based application. The visual indicator is selected at the location of the visual interface and corresponding signal is transmit to the network-based application.

Abstract: A device which has both educational and entertainment purposes. The device has a housing which allows multiple instances of the device to be stacked together. The device has a CPU, memory, storage, and a wireless module which allows communications with a base computer. The device also has a flat touch screen which serves as the user interface. The touch screen also serves as the video display for the device. Each device is approximately the size of a conventional building block. Variants include having some sides equipped with protuberance and some sides are equipped with voids. The protuberances of one device is constructed and arranged to interlockingly mate with the voids of another device. The device may be used in conjunction with multiple types of applications which have both educational and entertainment uses. The device may be used to receive images, data, commands, etc. from the base computer and the device may be used in conjunction with other similar devices.

Abstract: An operational terminal device may include a control unit to control display on a display screen of at least one operation button to control a display control device, based on button information associated with the operation button and received from the display control device.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling key operations of a mobile device comprising one or more hard keys and one or more touch keys are disclosed. An operation of one or more hard keys is detected, and measuring an operation time is started in response to detecting the operation. Operations of one or more touch keys are invalidated until the operation time exceeds a certain period of time.

Abstract: A folding keyboard has two parts which are hinged together and form the whole keyboard. An interlocking device which comprises a sliding block and a sliding vane is provided at the bottom surface of one part. One end of the sliding block is provided with a raised tongue which fits with a stopper provided inside the keyboard base. The sliding block is provided with a sliding rail and an inclined sliding groove provided along the sliding direction of the sliding vane, and a sliding axis arranged in the sliding groove is provided on the surface of the sliding vane. A fixing block is fixed at the bottom surface of one part and connected with a sliding rail block via an offsetting spring, and the sliding rail block is provided inside the sliding rail of the sliding block and slides in a direction perpendicular to that of the sliding vane.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method for a remote control to input characters to a display device includes: in response to a character input request sent by a remote control, displaying an input box and a soft keyboard, where the soft keyboard includes a plurality of preset characters arranged one by one; in response to a position movement instruction sent by an arrow button on the remote control, moving a cursor to a target character; and in response to an input confirmation instruction sent by an Ok button on the remote control, inputting the target character to the input box.

Abstract: An electronic device detects erroneous key selection entries or inaccurate actuation of a keypad. The device has a keypad with aligned keys. Each of the keys is partitioned into two sensor sub regions. A first one of the sub-regions includes at least a first sensor and a second one of the sub-regions includes a second sensor. A processor with a keypad sensor inputs is selectively coupled to the first and second sensors of each of the sub-regions. The second sensor of the first key and a proximal first sensor of an adjacent second key are coupled to a common keypad sensor input to provide indistinguishable sub-regions of adjacent keys. The processor is programmed to detect an erroneous key selection entry when only a key actuation signal is provided from the common keypad sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a case for portable electronic devices. The case includes a body having a receiving portion for releasably receiving a portable electronic device. The case may also include at least one user operable input means for detecting user selection of at least one parameter, and may include a communication module for providing a communication channel between the case and the portable electronic device. A signal determined from a user selection of the at least one parameter is communicable from the case to the portable electronic device across the communication channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a folding wireless device is disclosed. The wireless device may have a first housing and a second housing. Each housing may have a keyboard and a display. The housings may be connected by a hinge assembly which is operable to position the wireless device in an open or a closed configuration. Each display may be connected to each respective housing by a display support assembly operable to position the displays in a retracted position or an extended position. The display support assemblies may be further operable to tilt the displays toward a longitudinal axis formed by the housings, which may be in the open configuration.

Abstract: An exemplary electrical device includes a first main body; a second main body; and a rotatable mechanism pivotally connected the first main body and the second main body. The rotatable mechanism includes a first rotation unit and a second rotation unit. The first rotation unit is capable of making the first main body rotate around a second rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the second rotation axis. The second rotation unit is capable of making the first main body rotate relative to the second main body around a first rotation axis.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, a keypad and a backlight for the keypad, comprising obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, turning the backlight from off to on in the event a current light level sample is less than a threshold value below which backlight illumination becomes necessary in order to read the keypad, and from off to on after a predetermined time period in the event the current light level sample is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A terminal device with a display function enables only an operation of a desired operation key valid, and easily perform the invalidation operation. In response to switching to a predetermined function mode by manipulating a jog dial, an image in the switched function mode is displayed in a display surface, based on an image signal from a display control section. A bar is located on a borderline between a contents area and an operation area in an initial state of displaying an image. When the jog dial is manipulated by the user to thereby move the bar from the borderline to a predetermined position within the operation area, a CPU determines that the position of the bar has been moved. Then, the CPU detects a new position of the bar, and makes an operation with respect to the operation key located between the bar and the borderline invalid.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a trapezoidally shaped first housing having a first side portion, a second side portion, slanted side portions, a bottom surface portion, and a top surface portion, the second side portion having a width smaller than a width of the first side portion and being parallel to the first side portion, the slanted side portions connecting end points of the first side portion with respective end points of the second side portion. The electronic apparatus has a second housing and a connecting portion connecting the first side portion of the first housing with the second housing such that the second housing is capable of being opened and closed with respect to the top surface portion of the first housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention provide systems and methods whereby the functionality of soft keys on a mobile electronic device may be shifted depending on the orientation of the device. The device detects its orientation and then maps a different function to the appropriate soft keys to ensure that the soft keys retain their functionalities from the end-user's perspective.