Abstract: A control device is provided that is configured to provide control commands to a computing device, and the computing device is configured to wirelessly communicate information with a mobile device. The control device including a communication zone that includes at least one button configured to be pressed once by a user to effect wireless-data transfer between the computing device and the mobile device.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.

Abstract: A laptop computer stand includes a case having a top, a bottom, right and left sides, a front, and a back. The stand further includes a plurality of speakers disposed at right and left sides of the top, and an audio hub coupled to the speakers. The audio hub is configured to receive audio signals from a laptop computer coupled to the audio hub, and control the speakers to output audio from the audio signal. The stand further includes a cooling fan disposed in the body below the top. The top includes a top grate formed therein configured to output air blown by the fan, and the back includes a back grate configured to intake air blown out the top grate. The air blown by the fan is configured to circulate between the top of the stand and the bottom of a laptop computer positioned on the top of the stand.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.

Abstract: A key module for a keyboard includes a key having a guiding plunger, and a key housing having a set of walls with an opening formed by the set of walls. The opening formed by the set of walls is configured to receive the guiding plunger. The set of walls includes at least eight guiding surfaces configured to contact the guiding plunger. The guiding plunger is configured to contact the eight guiding surfaces as the guiding plunger moves up and down in the opening.

Abstract: A laptop computer stand includes a case having a top, a bottom, right and left sides, a front, and a back. The stand further includes a plurality of speakers disposed at right and left sides of the top, and an audio hub coupled to the speakers. The audio hub is configured to receive audio signals from a laptop computer coupled to the audio hub, and control the speakers to output audio from the audio signal. The stand further includes a cooling fan disposed in the body below the top. The top includes a top grate formed therein configured to output air blown by the fan, and the back includes a back grate configured to intake air blown out the top grate. The air blown by the fan is configured to circulate between the top of the stand and the bottom of a laptop computer positioned on the top of the stand.

Abstract: A key module for a keyboard includes a key having a guiding plunger, and a key housing having a set of walls with an opening formed by the set of walls. The opening formed by the set of walls is configured to receive the guiding plunger. The set of walls includes at least eight guiding surfaces configured to contact the guiding plunger. The guiding plunger is configured to contact the eight guiding surfaces as the guiding plunger moves up and down in the opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.

Abstract: A full-size keyboard with an integrated laptop stand. In one embodiment, the laptop stand is part of a cover for a portable keyboard, with the cover unfolding and including a pop-up stand for supporting a portable computer. The stand is thus connected to the keyboard rather than being a separate article. The cover includes electronics, such as a USB hub and ports, an MP3 player docking station, speakers, etc. A flexible hinge connects the keyboard and cover, with imbedded electrical flex connectors. A presence sensor, such as a PIR sensor, shuts off battery use by these electronics when the user is not around.

Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling scrolling of a graphical object displayed on a computer monitor. The control device includes a housing; and a slider device disposed at a front portion of the housing configured to control scrolling of the graphical object on the monitor.

Abstract: A control device includes a case having a bottom surface that has a front portion and a back portion; and a first friction pad and a second friction pad disposed on the front portion of the bottom surface. The first and second friction pads are configured to detect pressure from a user hand to power-up the control device. The first and second friction pads are also configured to detect the absence of the user hand and place the control device in a sleep mode based on the detection of the absence of the user hand.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: The present invention uniquely separates the number pad from a keyboard providing a separate, wireless device. This separate wireless device with the number pad includes a display and has multiple modes of operation.

Abstract: A full-size keyboard with an integrated laptop stand. In one embodiment, the laptop stand is part of a cover for a portable keyboard, with the cover unfolding and including a pop-up stand for supporting a portable computer. The stand is thus connected to the keyboard rather than being a separate article. The cover includes electronics, such as a USB hub and ports, an MP3 player docking station, speakers, etc. A flexible hinge connects the keyboard and cover, with imbedded electrical flex connectors. A presence sensor, such as a PIR sensor, shuts off battery use by these electronics when the user is not around.

Abstract: An input device is provided that is configured to dynamically select and control y-scrolling and x-scrolling. The input device includes a roller wheel configured to be rotated by a user; an encoder configured to encode rotations of the roller wheel; and a sensor coupled to the roller wheel, wherein the sensor is configured to control the encoder to scroll a graphical object along a first axis if the sensor is in a first state, and the sensor is configured to control the encoder to scroll the graphical object along a second axis if the sensor is in a second state.

Abstract: A universal charger which can charge multiple electronic devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, remote control, etc. In one embodiment, a user is directed to a website over the internet to a site containing charging profiles for multiple devices. The user selects the particular devices the user will want to charge and downloads the charging profiles. The charging profiles are provided to the universal charger device. A number of mechanisms are provided to identify the device, such as wireless or wired communication with the device or reading an RFID tag in the device. Various embodiments are disclosed, including having smaller devices (remote control, mouse) moved to the charger and the charger move to larger devices (keyboard). Also, various indicators are shown to indicate which device needs charging, and various lighting schemes show the amount of charging.

Abstract: The present invention uniquely separates the number pad from a keyboard providing a separate, wireless device. This separate wireless device with the number pad includes a display and has multiple modes of operation.

Abstract: An optical feedback mechanism corresponding to a variation in input by a user's digit on an input element. The variation in input can be movement by the user's finger, or a change in the amount of pressure or force applied to a button. In one embodiment, the optical feedback is a linear light array adjacent a solid-state scroll/zoom sensor, with the light corresponding to the finger position. Alternately, a solid state button could provide feedback corresponding to the amount of pressure in the form of a change in intensity, color or blinking. In one embodiment, the input signal from an input element alternates between a scroll, zoom and/or other functions depending on the current application.