Abstract: A portable information device is provided. The portable information device includes a first chassis and a second chassis, a back part, a display and a supporting base. The back part pivotally connects the first and second chassis. The display, which can be folded in half, is disposed over inner faces of the first and second chassis. The supporting base is located on the inner face of at least one of the first and second chassis and at a position between the back part and an open end that is opposite to the back part. The supporting base supports a rear face of the display.

Abstract: A keyboard that can yield a favorable keying feeling to a user is disclosed. The keyboard includes multiple keys, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure used for pressing a key, a haptic device configured to generate haptic feedback that involves a micro vibration, and a feedback control unit configured to issue a signal used for driving the haptic device according to the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed. In response to one-time key pressing, the feedback control unit issues a drive signal for generating a first haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a first threshold value, and a drive signal for generating a second haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a second threshold value.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus capable of separating a portable information device and an accessory device easily while preventing the coupled state of both devices from being released accidentally. The electronic apparatus includes: a state detector provided in either the portable information device or the accessory device to detect whether the electronic apparatus is in a predetermined stable position; an intention detector that detects whether there is an intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device; and a control unit that operates a coupling mechanism when it is detected from an output of the state detector that the electronic apparatus is in the stable position, and when it is detected from an output of the intention detector that there is the intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus capable of separating a portable information device and an accessory device easily while preventing the coupled state of both devices from being released accidentally. The electronic apparatus includes: a state detector provided in either the portable information device or the accessory device to detect whether the electronic apparatus is in a predetermined stable position; an intention detector that detects whether there is an intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device; and a control unit that operates a coupling mechanism when it is detected from an output of the state detector that the electronic apparatus is in the stable position, and when it is detected from an output of the intention detector that there is the intention of detaching the portable information device from the accessory device.

Abstract: To provide a docking device capable of securing heat dissipation performance of a portable information apparatus while extending the function of an electronic apparatus in which an extension unit is mounted on the portable information apparatus, and an electronic apparatus system having the docking device. A docking unit that has a docking portion capable of docking an electronic apparatus in which a mounting surface of an extension unit is detachably mounted on a back surface of the portable information apparatus, a holding portion holding the portable information apparatus at a predetermined position in a docking direction when the electronic apparatus is docked with the docking portion, and a forcibly moving portion forcibly moving the extension unit in the docking direction when the electronic apparatus is docked with the docking portion.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and computer program products for simulating a physical keyboard are disclosed. One apparatus includes a processor for an information handling device and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to detect an input mechanism contacting a key area for displaying a flat keyboard and emit a first sensory feedback to a user in response to detecting the input mechanism contacting the key.

Abstract: A pointing device is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cap having an operation surface fitted into a stud. The stud is fixed to a keyboard plate with a screw from below together with a sensor plate. A waterproof material is provided between the stud and the keyboard plate. Multiple pressure sensors are arranged below the keyboard plate. The pressure sensors are applied with a predetermined pressure beforehand. When the operation surface is depressed, the stud and the sensor plate slide and move downward while being tilted to reduce the detection pressures of the pressure sensors. Since the pressure sensors exist below the keyboard plate, the operation cap can be downsized, and the pressure sensors can be protected from impact to the operation cap.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are disclosed. The system includes a command module that generates haptic commands; a haptic actuator; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage in response to a first haptic command and applies a second driving voltage in response to a second haptic command. The apparatus includes a haptic actuator; a DC power supply; a first power supply circuit that outputs a first DC voltage; a second power supply circuit that outputs a second DC voltage higher than the first DC voltage; a drive circuit that applies a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage; and a controller that designates an operating mode. The method includes generating a first haptic command and a second haptic command; applying a first driving voltage to a haptic actuator; and applying a second driving voltage to the haptic actuator.

Abstract: A haptic actuator for generating haptic feedbacks to provide perceptions of different characteristics is provided. The haptic actuator includes a vibration mechanism and a striking mechanism. The vibration mechanism, in response to a receipt of a predetermined electric power, applies a steady vibration to a vibrating body. The striking mechanism, in response to the receipt of an electric power larger than the predetermined electric power, strikes the vibrating body in order to provide a haptic feedback to the vibrating body. The haptic actuator is able to apply a vibration according to the vibration mechanism and a vibration according to the striking mechanism to the vibrating body.

Abstract: A portable information device is provided. The portable information device includes a first chassis and a second chassis, a back part, a display and a supporting base. The back part pivotally connects the first and second chassis. The display, which can be folded in half, is disposed over inner faces of the first and second chassis. The supporting base is located on the inner face of at least one of the first and second chassis and at a position between the back part and an open end that is opposite to the back part. The supporting base supports a rear face of the display.

Abstract: A portable information device is provided. The portable information device includes a first chassis and a second chassis, a display, a back part and a movable back plate. The display, which is configured to be foldable in half, is disposed over inner faces of the first and second chassis. The back part, includes a movable hinge configured to join the first and second chassis rotatably. When the first and second chassis are folded towards each other, the movable hinge moves on the inner faces of the chassis in a direction from open ends of the chassis to the back part that is located on an opposite side of the open ends. The movable back plate configured to support a rear face of the display at a part corresponding to the back part. When the first and second chassis are folded towards each other, the movable back plate moves in a direction from the open ends to the back part together with the movable hinge.

Abstract: A keyboard device is disclosed. The keyboard device includes a base, a key top, a film actuator, a position sensor, and a controller. The key top is movably arranged on the upper surface side of the base. Disposed between the base and the key top, the film actuator bends according to an applied voltage. Also disposed between the base and the key top, the position sensor detects a position of the key top. The controller applies a voltage to the film actuator in order to generate a repulsive force corresponding to the position of the key top detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: A method of driving an actuator using a shape memory alloy is provided. An impact-driven actuator is activated by a pulse voltage generated by an action of a transistor. A keyboard outputs a key event at the timing of an input operation. A stress monitoring unit calculates a stress amount of an impact-driven actuator based on parameters of a key event and a pulse voltage. A stress adjustment unit changes the parameter of the pulse voltage when the stress amount reaches a permissible value. The parameter may be a wave crest value or a pulse width of the pulse voltage. The stress adjustment section is also able to stop the action of the impact-driven actuator in response to a key event corresponding to a break code.

Abstract: A keyboard that can yield a favorable keying feeling to a user is disclosed. The keyboard includes multiple keys, a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure used for pressing a key, a haptic device configured to generate haptic feedback that involves a micro vibration, and a feedback control unit configured to issue a signal used for driving the haptic device according to the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed. In response to one-time key pressing, the feedback control unit issues a drive signal for generating a first haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a first to threshold value, and a drive signal for generating a second haptic feedback when the pressure that the pressure sensor has sensed reaches a second threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and program product that can reduce noise caused by haptic feedback are provided. One apparatus includes a display that displays a cursor. The apparatus includes an input device that detects a user operation and generates operation data for operating the cursor based on the user operation. The apparatus also includes a haptic feedback device that provides haptic feedback based on the operation of the cursor. The apparatus includes a control device that controls the operation of the cursor based on the operation data, and modifies the operation data to reduce noise caused by the haptic feedback during a time period in which the haptic feedback is generated.

Abstract: A pointing device for a portable computer is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cover for covering a first and second pressure sensors. The pointing device also includes one front operation surface and two rear pressure faces. Detection axes are arranged in a vertical direction, and the pressure faces are so inclined that normal lines will approach each other above the operation surface. The operation surface is applied with depression pressure P1 including a horizontal component Ph and a vertical component Pv. Even when any position on the operation surface is pressed down, pressure P2a detected by the first pressure sensor becomes greater than pressure P3a detected by the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pointing device is disclosed. The pointing device includes an operation cap having an operation surface fitted into a stud. The stud is fixed to a keyboard plate with a screw from below together with a sensor plate. A waterproof material is provided between the stud and the keyboard plate. Multiple pressure sensors are arranged below the keyboard plate. The pressure sensors are applied with a predetermined pressure beforehand. When the operation surface is depressed, the stud and the sensor plate slide and move downward while being tilted to reduce the detection pressures of the pressure sensors. Since the pressure sensors exist below the keyboard plate, the operation cap can be downsized, and the pressure sensors can be protected from impact to the operation cap.

Abstract: A system can include a keyboard housing that includes a keyboard and a positionable keyboard bezel, a display housing that includes a display, a hinge that pivotably connects the keyboard housing and the display housing for orienting the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing, and a positioning mechanism that positions the keyboard bezel in a first state with respect to the keyboard for a first orientation of the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing and that positions the keyboard bezel in a second state with respect to the keyboard for a second orientation of the display housing with respect to the keyboard housing. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for providing physical feedback in a handheld electronic controller. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can allow a handheld controller in an electronic system to provide a shock force or impact force to a user of the controller. In one exemplary embodiment, the controller can be configured to provide the shock or impact force in correspondence with a virtual shock force or impact force in an entertainment system in communication with the controller being controlled by the user. The actual shock force or impact force can be directionally imparted to the controller such that the user feels the actual shock force or impact force in a same direction as the virtual shock force or impact force.

Abstract: A thin keyboard having multiple keys is disclosed. At least one of the keys includes a key magnet, and a holding magnet is mounted on a transverse slider. The key is located in a ready position by a magnetic attraction of the holding magnet to the key magnet. When the transverse slider is slid, a separating protrusion pushes a chamfer to widen the distance between the holding magnet and the key magnet. The distance between both magnets is also widened in a right and left direction, and when the magnetic attraction drops, the key is located by gravity in a release position.