Abstract: According to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a computer program that is combined with an electronic apparatus embodied via a computer and is stored in a computer-readable recording medium so as to execute a messenger service method including extracting input time information from input data included in a message; calculating output time information according to each of output units based on the input time information; and generating output data including the output time information for display on a display device.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to processing music. In one embodiment, a system includes a base and one or more structures coupled to the base, where the one or more structures form one or more respective bays in the base. The system also includes one or more input/output (I/O) modules configured to be removably received into the one or more bays, where the one or more I/O modules are operable to provide control information.

Abstract: A touch-type keyboard having shifted functions accessed by a concurrent combination of multiple home row keys. Cursor control keys embedded in the home row of a touch-type keyboard. Cursor key functions are mapped to a location on a home row and an immediately adjacent location. Access to the cursor control functions is provided by concurrently actuating at least one other home row key. One embodiment includes key configurations to reduce hand motion, and labeling configurations to reduce visual clutter. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing.

Abstract: The keyboard assembly is suitable for use as a keyboard of a hand held computing device. The assembly has a base layer of a printed circuit board and includes a carrier layer having snap domes set out in an array aligned with keys of a keypad layer. An electroluminescent layer generates light in areas aligned with the keys to backlight the keys. An actuator layer having projections is aligned with the keys and snap domes. Pressing a key causes a snap dome to be deformed, closing a switch for the key and providing a snap action press and release feedback for the user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a physical overlay that can be secured to a mobile device and that covers at least a portion of the mobile device's user interface. The overlay includes a front portion that has input areas, which may be openings or physical keys. The mobile device detects or is told that the overlay is installed, and the mobile device receives configuration data associated with the overly that tells the mobile device the locations of the input areas on the overlay so that the user interface can be adjusted accordingly. The overlay also includes side portions that allow the overlay to be secured to the mobile device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for pressing and releasing keys and measuring timing data of the key presses and releases of a keyboard input device to determine characteristics of different types of keyboards. A key of the keyboard may be pressed and released by a machine at measured speed; and resulting keystroke timing data may be collected from to identify timing delays and differences in delays between when the key is pressed and when the resulting timing data is collected by a computer. The timing delays and differences in delays may be used generate more accurate biometric templates and authentication inputs when a type of keyboard is used.

Abstract: A key system utilizes two operation nodes to detect the status of a plurality of keys, and each operation node can output and read a high, a low, and a clock signal. When an operation node outputs a high signal and reads a return signal and then outputs a low signal and reads a return signal, the other operation node outputs a clock signal. Therefore, the two operation nodes can detect the status of six keys.

Abstract: In an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems for providing an input device are disclosed. In an aspect of the present invention, the input device includes a symbol and a UV light source is provided to direct UV light on the symbol. The symbol includes an UV excitable compound. In an aspect of the invention, the UV light from the UV light source is directed onto the symbol with a light pipe. In operation, the UV light causes the symbol to glow so that the symbol is visible in a darkened environment.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a housing having a number of cavities to slidably receive shanks of a number of key pads, and a light device for lighting the key pads. The lighting device includes a number of light members engaged in the shanks of the key pads, the housing includes two conductive projections extended into each of the cavities to selectively engage with terminals of the light members, and to energize the light members when the key pads are depressed by the users. A spring biasing device may bias the key pad to disengage the terminals of the light members from the conductive projections.

Abstract: A keypad unit for an access system including an outer housing having an integral bezel. A carrier is mounted within the housing, and an overlay including key zones is mounted to the carrier. A PCB assembly is suspended within the carrier by a non-compressive, but compliant encapsulating compound. The PCB assembly includes a foam layer sandwiched between a top PCB and a bottom PCB. LEDs are electrically coupled to a top surface of the top PCB. Piezoelectric transducers are mounted to the top PCB and are backed by the foam layer. The carrier may include carrier projections are in register with the key zones on the overlay and the transducers. When an operator pushes a key zone, the corresponding projection transmits the force via the carrier and the encapsulating compound to the carrier adjacent the corresponding transducer causing it to generate a voltage indicative of the pressure zone at which the force was applied.

Abstract: A keyboard with elevated keys for a notebook computer. The keys of the keyboard are elevated when the notebook computer is opened, and can be depressed when the flat display is closed. The keyboard has keys movably connected to the foundation sheet through scissors-type linking mechanisms. A plurality of guiding sheets is movably disposed on a foundation sheet and has hooks and tracks. Each of the tracks is parallel to a first direction. A sliding member is movably disposed on the foundation sheet and has protrusions extending into each of the tracks. When the sliding member moves in the first direction, the protrusions move the guiding sheets from a first position to a second position. The hooks of the guiding sheets sequentially press the scissors-type linking mechanism of each key to depress the keys of the keyboard from elevated position to depressed position.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard. The collapsible keyboard includes a keyboard chassis, a right track frame, a right key set and a main key set. The right track frame is disposed on the keyboard chassis and slides rightward and leftward. The right track frame has a first sloped sliding groove. The left portion of the first sloped sliding groove is higher than the right portion of the first sloped sliding groove. The right key set is connected to the right track frame. The right track frame is moved rightward to a right expansion position when the right key set moves rightward. The right track frame is moved leftward to a right contraction position when the right key set moves leftward. The main key set has a right protruding element. The right protruding element is formed on the right side of the main key set and slides in the first sloped sliding groove.

Abstract: A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ½ of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse.

Abstract: A key switch-replaceable keyboard mounting arrangement. The arrangement includes a keyboard shell having an array of contacts on its inside. Rows of keys are suspended in the keyboard shell and adapted for triggering the contacts to produce a signal. Resilient locating plates are coupled to the keyboard shell at two sides of each row of keys and moved between a first position to hold down the keys in place for operation, and a second position to disengage the keys for a replacement.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a method for inputting different characters by multi-directionally pressing one single key of a portable electronic device more than one time, the key having a plurality of protuberances on an underside and a circuit board having a plurality of pads being equal in number to the protuberances and disposed correspondingly thereto, the method comprises determining the conduction periods of time by a control circuit, while one key being multi-directionally pressed a plurality of times to cause the protuberances to contact the corresponding pads at different conduction periods of time; reading a corresponding character sequentially from a built-in character database based on a longer one of the conduction periods of time; and displaying the read character. By utilizing this method, it is possible of effecting a fast input on the keypad.

Abstract: A personal digital assistant (PDA) which includes a body portion and a keyboard adapted to be coupled to the body portion. The keyboard is a standard keyboard size when in use. The keyboard is also foldable to act as a cover for the body portion. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard attaches directly to the PDA and when not in use acts as a cover for the display of the PDA. When the keyboard is unfolded and the PDA is placed onto a flat surface, the user is able to input information using their familiar touch-typing skills with a full-size keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard has a processor, a scan matrix coupled to the processor, a first set of keys coupled to the scan matrix, a logic control circuit, and a second set of keys coupled to the logic control circuit. The processor decodes the identity of a pressed key from the second set of keys via the logic control circuit.

Abstract: A rugged keyboard and cursor positioning device with an inherent restiveness from external fluids to interior keyboard fluid contamination. The key interrupters and cursor positioning device block optical beams for key and cursor positioning detection thus eliminating contacts and contact actuation life. When a key is in the most depressed position the key cap is against the keyboard top surface protecting all internal parts from pressure, or force from harsh use or a vandals blow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable keyboard, and more particularly, to a foldable keyboard adapted for a point stick and/or at least one hot key. Two or more keypad portions are hingably connected by a connection board on which a point stick or at least one hot key is disposed. When the keyboard is in a deployed configuration, the keypad portions slide along the keyboard plane to combine with the point stick or the hot keys so that a complete keyboard is formed. The connection board of the present invention may further include a circuit board to be electrically connected with each key and the point stick or the hot keys in order to receive and decode the signals from each key and the point stick or the hot keys.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of simultaneously pressing different keyboard keys mechanically. The apparatus includes a displacement mechanism that is held by a main carrier that may slide back and forth along an elevated track. The displacement mechanism holds a further track. Further carriers may slide back and forth to desired positions along the further track. Each further carrier holds a rod, whose position relative to the respective further carrier is adjustable. Each rod has an end that constitutes a pressing surface. The displacement mechanism includes a plunger that may be manually pressed against spring bias to lower the further track and thereby the further carriers and the further rods. By doing so, the pressing surfaces of the rods may press against keys of different keyboards that are in alignment beneath the pressing surfaces.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus, a pressing of keys other than a print key is detected when the key is continuously in a pressed state for at least two periods in a key scan period. The pressing of the print key is detected when the print key is continuously in the pressed state for at least ten periods in the key scan period. This structure prevents the print key from triggering a print operation if it is accidentally pressed.

Abstract: A key signal-generating device has a thin film circuit board to generate key signals and a plurality of hollow rubber domes set on the thin film circuit board that are compressed by their corresponding keys to activate the thin film circuit board to generate corresponding signals. The rubber domes have a predetermined space that is filled with air. The thin film circuit board has a top surface and a trench on the top surface. One end of the trench extends into the predetermined space so that the predetermined space is in communication with the atmosphere. When a key is pressed, the corresponding rubber dome is squeezedby the key, causing the air in the predetermined space to exit out to the atmosphere through the trench.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard assembly having, in one embodiment, a plurality of keys each of the plurality of keys having a top portion and a portion of the plurality of keys displaced adjacent one another to form at least one row. A plurality of keys are coupled to a support element which is capable of being extended to a first footprint and is capable of being contracted to a second footprint. Each of the keys includes a key top which is coupled to a key base. Each key top is designed to be pressed by a user. For each key, the key top and key base rotate on a pivot point which couples the key base to the support element. Each key base rotates as the support element is extended and contracted. One embodiment also includes a plurality of scissors linkages, each linkage having a pair of diagonally opposed leg portions coupled to one another, with a portion of the plurality of scissors linkages pivotally coupled to at least one of the keys of the row.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for handheld and subnotebook computers that offers the functionality and comfort of a full-size keyboard and increases the effective screen display area without affecting the footprint of the closed computer. The keyboard assembly includes two keyboard areas, a primary keyboard which slides apart at the center to reveal an auxiliary keyboard area beneath. The primary keyboard is located on two movable pallets that slide in opposite directions, and which includes sufficient QWERTY and control keys to allow the handheld computer to be operated for most uses without accessing the auxiliary keyboard area. The auxiliary keyboard area becomes exposed when the keyboard pallets are moved apart to the extended position. The auxiliary keyboard area contains keys that in conjunction with the primary keyboard provide the functionality of a full keyboard, and can also increase the effective screen area by containing menu keys and status bars that would normally be accessed by touch sensitive displays.

Abstract: An inflatable keyboard having a base and a keypad is provided. The base includes an embedded conduit having apertures or valves extending from a top surface of the base and pressure transducers surrounding the valves. Conductors connect the pressure transducers to an output mounted on the base.Each aperture or valve and pressure transducer corresponds to and communicates with individual inflatable keys. Each inflatable key forms a separate air tight compartment. The inflatable keys are made of a thin flexible and preferably polymer like material and may be formed on a single premolded sheet which is hermetically sealed to the base in order to form the separate air tight compartments.During the inflated state, the inflatable keys are in an extended upright position and are rigid enough so that a user can use the inflatable keys for typing thereon.

Abstract: A computer keyboard with Z-axis input means is characterized in that at least one scrolling means compatible with that of a mouse, a cursor moving means and at least one mouse button are integrated on a keyboard with or without multimedia hotkeys. The novel keyboard consists of a traditional key matrix, a control unit, and a mouse equivalent unit. The mouse equivalent unit further consists of scrolling means, pointing means, and mouse button means, all of which are electricaly connected to the control unit. Through the all-in-one keyboard, user not only can perform typing task, operate mouse functions, but also scroll windows client area up and down, and left and right if a second scrolling means is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a piano-style attachment apparatus for a computer keyboard comprising a base, a plurality of piano-styled keys hinged to said base, and anchors for anchoring the apparatus over the computer keyboard. Each piano-styled key has a protrusion extending downwardly for striking a corresponding computer key. The anchors comprise walls which extend deep in between computer keys in order to secure the apparatus to the computer keyboard.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of keyboard with expandable function keys, on the keyboard are a number of expanded function keys, said function keys are connected to the additional I/O cable for the microprocessor in the circuit structure in the keyboard, to coordinate with the original keyboard scanning matrix, forming a new scanning matrix, hence the default codes of said function keys may coordinate with the execution of the application programs in the window system, so the operator may directly control the existing functions of a peripheral device (multimedia) on the keyboard, with the control panel operation displayed on the monitor screen, with one IRQ connector pin of said microprocessor being connected jointly to the negative poles of three LED diodes, while the positive poles of each LED diode is connected to one line of the scanning matrix, so said keyboard may be compatible with an XT microprocessor in its application; so said function keys may be defined in the original scanning matrix th

Abstract: A chair having keyboard halves arranged in the armrests. The keys in the keyboard halves can be operated by left and right hands, respectively. The keyboard provided in the chair can be used as a supplemental keyboard in a keyboard system comprising a main keyboard for inputting data to an information processing apparatus. The main keyboard has full keys and the supplemental keyboard has keys identical to at least a part of the keys of the main keyboard for inputting data to the information processing apparatus parallel to the main keyboard. An operator can alternatively use the main and the supplemental keyboard depending on body position.

Abstract: A key underboard structure adapted to be used in a computer key board assembly having a plurality of movable keys, includes a lower board and an upper board connected together by means of bayonet engagement to sandwich therebetween a rubber pad with an electrical circuit board having a plurality of contacts corresponding to the keys interposed between the rubber pad the lower board. The rubber pad having a plurality of resilient caps received and extending through holes formed on the upper board and to each contain therein a contact pad. A driving device is constituted by a first member having one end pivoted to the upper board to overlap a second member which has an opposite end movably and rotatably received within an L-shaped member formed on the upper board.

Abstract: After an input width setting mode has been entered by operating an input width set switch, an upper-end position and a lower-end position of an input width are set by an input pen to define an input width of an input width area for inputting a graphic into a drawing area. Further, drawing area coefficients DAC.sub.y, for a transverse direction (Y-axis direction) of a tape, and DAC.sub.x, for a longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), of the tape are determined based on data about the defined input width and data about the width of the tape. Coordinate data of the graphic input within the input width area are transformed into tape coordinates based on the determined drawing area coefficients. Thus, a tape printing apparatus for inputting the graphic is capable of freely setting an input width for each graphic input on the drawing area of the graphic input panel and printing the graphic on the tape under the best possible use of the tape width, by associating the defined input width with the tape width.

Abstract: A weatherproof electronic keypad includes a molded plastic housing, a plurality of transducers attached to the inside surface of the front wall of the housing, an electronic circuit mounted within the housing and connected to the transducers, and a graphics overlay removably affixed to the outside surface of the front wall of the housing. The front wall and overlay are sufficiently flexible that finger pressure applied to the overlay results in enough deformation of the front wall to activate the transducer underlying that portion of the inside surface. The overlay contains indicia which identify the location and function of the transducers. The overlay need not be attached to the housing as a part of manufacturing the keypad, but rather can be added in situ as part of installation of the keypad. This enables customized selection of a particular overlay in accordance with aesthetic and/or functional considerations, as well as replacement of the overlay in the field if necessary.

Abstract: An ambidextrous, single hand data management device that has been ergonomically optimized to facilitate multiple key per character input, chording. The device has an arrangement of multiple keys which are so situated that the device can be held in either the left or the right hand, by a large range of hand sizes, and data can be quickly and conveniently input, that is, any combination of keys can be quickly and conveniently actuated with a "Microwriting" chordic type of data input, without a hand strap and without dropping the device. The ergonomic arrangement of keys on the casing allows for the device to remain stationary relative to the palm of the hand while that hand is in a multiplicity of orientations. The device can serve as a primary data input device or as a data storage and retrieval device for things like inventory control, names and addresses or daily schedule reminders or, as a combination of all of these.

Abstract: An automatic switch actuator is disclosed which may be used to test press-to-actuate type switches--for example, the key actuated switches of a computer keyboard. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a system of electrically operated valves are used to apply four different fluid pressures to selected pistons of an array of pneumatic cylinders. Each cylinder is mechanically connected to a plunger which is oriented so as to contact a selected key in an array of keys (i.e., a keyboard).

Abstract: A keybaord which is capable of varying the pressure required for the keystroke is provided and comprises an inflatable arrangement being a variable pressure bladder which fits over the keyboard between the base plate and the keys. The operator may vary the pressure delivered to the system as desired and may also preset a cycle of time intervals with pressure "on" and pressure "off". Alternatively, the pressure supply may be linked to a number of keyboards and a programmed variable pressure cycle will be delivered to all the keyboards.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a stenographic transcription and translating assembly possessing word processing capabilities having horizontal and vertical groupings of keys indicating the generation of signals characterizing consonant and vowel letters or non-phonetic language construction command instructions such as transcribing translation or word processing instructions.

Abstract: A keyboard actuator for actuating the keys of a keyboard-operated apparatus including a plurality of fluid latching actuators supported to controllably and selectively actuate a key. In the preferred embodiment, each fluid actuator includes a latch and a piston. In response to fluid pressure, the latch releases the piston and the piston may be driven to actuate a key of the keyboard-operated apparatus. No return spring is used to cause a piston rod to rise to a position where it can be latched. The upward action of normally operative key effects the return of the piston rod to achieve latching.

Abstract: A low profile keyboard actuator for a typewriter in which L-shaped levers are pivotally mounted on a transverse shaft mounted immediately in front of the typewriter. The levers have generally horizontal arms of various lengths, the ends of which contact the keys of the various rows of the keyboard. The levers have depending arms of uniform length and are resiliently biased to depress the keys. A common operating bar bearing against the depending arms cyclically permits the levers to depress the keys and then restores the levers to the original position where no key is depressed; however, depression of all but a selected key is inhibited by a plurality of vertically superposed, transversely shiftable, binary-coded slides having teeth which bear against all depending arms except that one corresponding to the selected key.

Abstract: A keyboard actuator for actuating the keys of a keyboard-operated apparatus including a plurality of fluid actuators supported by a frame, a first plurality of fluid conduits in communication with one or more selected fluid actuators, and first and second valve means for applying fluid pressure to selected ones of the first and second plurality of fluid conduits in response to signals from the control means. The fluid actuators include latching means and piston means. In response to fluid pressure, the latching means releases the piston means and the piston means may be driven to actuate a key of the keyboard-operated apparatus.

Abstract: A shorthand typewriting machine includes a standard keyboard having two rows of upper keys respectively corresponding to consonant characters and an asterisk character all positioned for operation by the fingers, and a lower row of keys respectively corresponding to vowel characters and disposed for operation by the thumbs. An extension key is attachable to the asterisk key for ganged operation therewith, the extension key being disposed in use in the lower row of keys for operation by the thumbs in conjunction with any one or more of the vowel keys for readily printing an asterisk character in conjunction with a vowel character to indicate the long sound thereof. A retractable extension key is shown which can be retracted when not in use and a detachable extension key is shown which can be removed completely from the asterisk key when not in use.

Abstract: Additional attachment for key operated machines comprises a frame which covers the keyboard and which holds the desired entire number of symbols. The frame has the shape of a perforated plate which is fixed to the keyboard. Additional keys are located in the perforations of the plate and are in alignment with the keys of the key operated machine. The cover plate is placed in a detachable manner on the surface of the perforated plate. The cover plate is perforated in agreement with the perforations of the first plate and is equipped with the desired symbols.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus construction (FIG. 1) is provided which clusters the keys operated by each finger closely about the finger in its "home row" position on the home row of the generally accepted keyboard configuration. The upper or "number" row is operated by a key that rests above the operator's fingers (FIG. 2) which can be operated by raising the finger. In one embodiment the keyboard is mounted in a frame that fits over and is auxiliary to the typewriter (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A low cost, self locating auxiliary keyboard assembly is disclosed for changing the key configuration and classification of the keyboard of a data terminal device, the assembly including a cover member having a plurality of apertures which overlie associated control keys on the keyboard of the data terminal device. A classification indicia card having a plurality of predetermined positioned apertures is placed on the cover member, the apertures in the indicia card overlying certain of the apertures in the cover member to allow a removable auxiliary key member to be inserted within the aligned apertures of both the indicia card and the cover member to engage the top portion of the associated control key on the keyboard of the data terminal device for operation thereby.

Abstract: In order to adapt a general-purpose calculator to specific tasks, the keyboard of that calculator is covered by a mask including a resilient membrane overlain by a rigid panel having cutouts registering with keys whose function is to be preserved. The cutouts receive extension keys glued or otherwise fastened to the membrane, depression of any extension key operating the underlying original key. The functions of the operative keys can be modified, in accordance with the contemplated use, by insertion of a stored-program cassette associated with the particular mask employed.