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.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for scanning an array of sensors. More particularly, the invention is directed towards scanning an array of sensors to accurately determine actuated sensors on a contact-sensitive surface. In one embodiment, three sets of sensing lines can be incorporated into the sensing area for ghost-free detection of up to two keys. Further in other embodiments, n sets of sensing lines can be incorporated into the sensing area for ghost free detection of up to n?1 keys.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and an RFID sensor, an RFID sensor reader having a detection region, and a transceiver connected to the controller. The system may be secured to or contained within a wearable glove. The RFID sensor is configured to transmit an RFID sensor signal to the RFID sensor reader when the RFID sensor is within the detection region. The RFID sensor reader is configured to transmit an RFID sensor reader signal to the controller after receiving the RFID sensor signal. The controller is configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver after receiving the RFID sensor reader signal. The signal may include input from a motion sensor and/or an orientation sensor connected to the controller. The transceiver may transmit the signal to a remote processor via an antenna. The signal may be used for gesture recognition, information coding, and/or information processing.

Abstract: A method and system for inputting a character string using a handheld input device, such as a mouse wheel or touchpad. Signals are grouped depending on a change in direction, depressing the mouse button as an interrupt, holding a mouse button down, etc., and the groupings are translated into symbols. Translation can be pre-determined or from a mapping file. Symbols can be appended into a character string and provided as a password, PIN, credit card, account number, or as other sensitive data.

Abstract: An electronic device including an interactive display having an interactive mode and a non-interactive mode. The interactive display comprises an image display device that displays a user-interactive imaged keypad in at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the interactive mode and that displays other image data in the at last a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the non-interactive mode, and a substantially transparent physical keypad that provides tactile feedback to a user indicating location of keys within the imaged keypad.

Abstract: Loosing the ability to interact with one's environment can be devastating. The invention enables a person to control the real or virtual action or movement of an output device in from one to three dimensions through the use of at least one electrical sensor implanted beneath the skin or as a part of a headset on either one side or on both sides of the person's head in electrical communication with a vestigial periauricular nerve or muscle. Each sensor communicates through a selected channel to transmit information preferably in digital form to an output device designating an action to be taken or the position of a target location for enabling the output device to perform the action or to move toward or to a target location through real or virtual space. At least one and preferably up to four sensors are located on each side of the head.

Abstract: Provided is an operation input device to be attached to a base having a recessed portion including a side surface that faces one end of the base. The operation input device includes: a side surface portion formed into a shape corresponding to the side surface of the recessed portion; and first and second holding portions which fix the operation input device to the base by sandwiching the base, in which: a surface of one of the holding portions, which contacts the base, is bent toward the other holding portion; a tip end portion of the first holding portion moves toward an opposite side to the second holding portion, whereby the operation input device is attached to or detached from the base; and the side surface portion contacts with the side surface of the recessed portion, when the operation input device is attached to the base.

Abstract: A tactile device includes a touch input surface in any number of forms including a force sensitive touch screen. In this embodiment a cover captures a transparent screen located on capacitive sensors. Touching the screen produces signals from each sensor that can be combined to identify the location of the touch and the force exerted by that touch.

Abstract: A multi-action capacitive switch comprising a capacitive sensing area in a surface, a plunger comprising conductive material, and a structure of flexible conductive material. A change in capacitance caused by the presence of a user's finger travels from the capacitive sensing area, down the conductive material of the plunger, over the structure, and to a capacitive touch detector in contact with the structure. An actuation of the switch, for example by pressing, is detected by an actuation detector. In a handheld electronic device, a user may initiate a phone call using such a multi-action capacitive switch. The method includes displaying a list of phone numbers in response to detection of a user's finger on a predetermined key and calling one of the numbers when the user actuates the predetermined key.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide improved Braille support are described herein. A connection to a Braille device is received, and a Braille caption panel that includes a Braille code is displayed to simulate an output to the Braille device. The Braille caption panel can include a text translated to the Braille code. The Braille caption panel can include a control element. An accessibility service can be automatically launched to provide the output to the Braille device.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and can be used for persons with paralysis of upper and lower limbs. The inventive device comprises a signal processing and transmitting module (1), a coordinate unit (2), functional contacts (3), control contacts (4) and an elastic base plate (5) which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis and is provided with an unbendable projection (6) on the front part thereof. The plate consists of a central circle (7), peripheral circles (8) which are radially spaced away from the central circle, connecting straps (9) mating with the central circle (7) by one end thereof, whilst the other end is coupled with the respective peripheral circle (8). The unbendable projection is made in a shape of an equilateral trapezoid adjacent to the central circle by the larger base thereof and is upwardly bent at about 20 to 60° angle with respect to the plate plane. The signal processing and transmitting module is arranged on the top surface of the central circle of the plate.

Abstract: A key for an information handling system, the key including a finger surface configured for interaction with a user's finger and an inverted lenticular lens positioned beneath the finger surface. The finger surface may be substantially transparent to at least one wavelength of visible light. The inverted lenticular lens may include a first image and a second image. Light incident on the lens at a first angle of incidence may project the first image from the lens onto the substantially transparent finger surface of the key and light incident on the lens at a second angle of incidence may project the second image from the lens onto the substantially transparent finger surface of the key.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard wherein the keys are arranged in a way to improve data entry and decrease the chance of depressing multiple keys at a time. Accordingly, the height of the keys are patterned to decrease the chance of multiple key depressions thus increasing the accuracy of data input into the personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated down the individual rows of keys. In another embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated across individual columns of keys. Similarly, in another embodiment, the heights of the keys are arranged in a checkered pattern on the keyboard. In addition, another embodiment staggers the heights of the keys and incorporates embodiments mentioned above. By incorporating different key arrangements and alternating the height of the keys, key differentiation, key navigation, and data input accuracy is greatly improved due to the improved tactile feedback provided by the miniature keyboard.

Abstract: A controlling device, such as a universal remote control, that uses visual and/or audio cues, such as sounds, color, patterns, shapes, etc., to indicate a relationship between a function key and an intended target appliance for a command transmitted in response to activation of the function key.

Abstract: A mobile device having first and second modes of operation is operated responsive to detection of a predefined localized movement of a housing of the mobile device using a sensor associated therewith. The detected predefined localized movement is associated with first and second functions of the mobile device responsive to a user input assigning the detected predefined localized movement thereto. A first device function is performed responsive to detection of the predefined localized movement in the first mode of operation, and a second device function is performed responsive to detection of the predefined localized movement in the second mode of operation. A predetermined delay time may also be associated with the predefined localized movement, and the first and/or second functions may be performed at the predetermined delay time after detecting the predefined localized movement.

Abstract: The method relates to a method and a device for controlling a Braille display having a read area suitable for displaying a portion of a text in Braille form, said read area comprising a row of Braille cells. The control device comprises: emitters, each suitable for emitting a light beam in register with a respective Braille cell; receivers, each suitable for receiving a light beam reflected by at least one finger of a user when said finger is situated on a Braille cell; and a calculation unit suitable for determining the position or the succession positions of a user's finger relative to the read area as a function of the detected light beams, the calculation unit being suitable for triggering commands for navigation in the text as a function of the determined positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling functions of an appliance is described having a touch-sensitive control panel resistant to accidental activation. The touch-sensitive panel has a plurality of proximity sensor areas which may be selected by a user wishing to activate associated functions of the appliance. Driver circuitry coupled to the sensor areas is operable to output detection signals to a controller in response to a user selecting ones of the sensor areas. The controller is configured to activate functions of the appliance in response to these detection signals. For one or more functions of the appliance, for example a switching on function, the controller is configured to only activate the function when a user makes a pre-determined combination of at least two selections from the plurality of sensor areas. This reduces the chances of potentially dangerous functions being activated inadvertently and can further help a designer to provide an intuitive and uncluttered appearance to the control panel.

Abstract: A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.

Abstract: A scroll function is performed by a horizontally rotating disk-shaped or ring-shaped scroll plate. when the peripheral portion is pressed down, the scroll plate is inclined such that the pressure portion becomes the lowest level and it is possible to assign a fixed function at a position to be pressed down. A left click button is provided in the middle of the scroll plate.

Abstract: An information input device has a main section where an operation member used to input information is disposed. The information input device also has a support section on which the main section is mounted and which slidably supports the main section in a depth direction. The support section is capable of tilting the main section by sliding the main section in the depth direction thereby raising a rear side of the main section.

Abstract: A computer pointer control device includes a support base and a keyboard. The device includes a structure configured to reduce friction between the support base and an underlying surface. A wrist support is positioned on the support base, configured to receive a user's wrist thereon such that keys of the keyboard are under the fingers of the user's hand, while the user is able to slide the device over the underlying surface by applying lateral pressure to the wrist support. A position tracking mechanism coupled to the device is configured to detect horizontal movement of the base over the underlying surface and transmit a signal to an associated computer to control an on-screen pointer. The device may be configured to receive both of a user's wrists or may be one of a pair of similar pointer control devices configured to be independently controlled by the user.

Abstract: A keyboard for a handheld device includes several input keys; a front panel for mounting on an outer surface of the handheld and formed with a mounting hole for receiving a respective one of the input keys; a sliding and pressing mechanism disposed below the front panel to permit sliding movement of the input key in vertical or horizontal direction of the mounting hole; and a spring unit for providing a restoration force that permits the respective input key to retrieve its initial position upon removal of an applied force.

Abstract: An input device of a mobile communication terminal for successively and rapidly performing functions is disclosed. The input device includes a belt being successively slidable by an external force, a plurality of rollers being rotated by the sliding of the belt, a sensor unit for detecting the rotation of the roller, and a controller for executing at least one function according to an electric signal generated from the sensor unit.

Abstract: Provided is a system controller device intended for use by persons having limited or no use of their hands. The device includes a first air sensor configured to provide a first electromagnetic signal representative of an air pressure or an air-flow, or a combination thereof, a second orientation sensor configured to provide a second electromagnetic signal representative of a relative orientation or a change of orientation, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor, a third linear position sensor configured to provide a third electromagnetic signal representative of a relative position or change of position, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor along a linear carriage, and a signal processor configured to combine said first, said second and said third electromagnetic signals to provide an event message.

Abstract: A keypad (1200) includes a plurality of keys (1202) and a plurality of key dividers (1204-1210) wherein each of the key dividers includes a plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214) and at least one tactile cue portion (1214) that is interposed between the plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214). In one example, the keypad (1200) is a bell keypad and is made up of an elastomeric substrate (44) that includes the key dividers (1212-1214), a keypad dome array (48) that supports the silicone substrate (44) and a keypad sheet (36), such as a top sheet of a front assembly, having keypad indicia thereon and slots operatively sized to receive the plurality of key dividers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a keypad having a function button used to easily input characters in cellular phones and other character input devices and a method of easily inputting various languages and letters using the function button. The function button is set independently of a menu button. Whenever the function button is pushed in a default character input mode, the default character input mode is changed to an upper-case letter input mode, a lower-case letter input mode, a sentence mark input mode, a numeral input mode, a special character input mode and other language input modes. After a desired character has been inputted in a corresponding changed input mode, the function button is pushed to rapidly return to the initial character input mode. Various sentence marks can be effectively inputted using the function button.

Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.

Abstract: A mouth-operated computer input device includes a mouthpiece to be positioned in a user's mouth, and an optical device carried by the mouthpiece for emitting light from a surface area thereof. The optical device controls movement of a cursor on a computer display based upon movement of the user's tongue across the surface area. The optical device includes a light emitting device for emitting the light, and a sensor adjacent the light emitting device for sensing the light reflected from the user's tongue. A processor calculates movement of the user's tongue based upon the light reflected therefrom.

Abstract: A remote-control switch in which finger dirt can be infallibly prevented from adhering to a display unit. A remote touch pad 4 capable of performing selection operation is provided separately from a navigation body 2 and the navigation body 2 can be remote-controlled by practicing a touch input through an input panel 11. Hence, the same operating feeling as if touching a touch panel 5 can be given a user via the input panel 11, thus allowing the finger dirt to be infallibly prevented from adhering to a monitor 6 and further enabling operation excellent in usability.

Abstract: A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs.

Abstract: A user interface for multimedia centers advantageously utilizes hand-held inertial-sensing user input devices to select channels and quickly navigate the dense menus of options. Extensive use of the high resolution and bandwidth of such user input devices is combined with strategies to avoid unintentional inputs and with dense and intuitive interactive graphical displays.

Abstract: A dual-mode mobile communication device is provided including a device housing having a front surface, a rear surface and a plurality of side surfaces coupling the front surface to the rear surface. The dual-mode device includes a transceiver for sending and receiving voice and data communications is integrated into the device housing, a display, mounted within the front surface of the device housing, for displaying information to a user of the device regarding voice and data communications, a QWERTY keyboard mounted below the display and within the front surface of the device housing, for generating data communications, and a microphone and a speaker for generating voice communications, wherein the microphone is mounted below the display within the front surface of the device housing and the speaker is mounted above the display within the front surface of the device housing.

Abstract: A low-cost haptic feedback keyboard device for providing haptic feedback to a user for enhancing interactions in a displayed environment provided by a computer. The haptic keyboard device can be a keyboard having multiple keys, or can be a wrist rest or other attachment coupled to a keyboard. The device includes a housing that is physically contacted by the user and rests on a support surface. An actuator is coupled to the housing and applies a force to the housing approximately along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the support surface, where the force is transmitted to the user contacting the housing. In one embodiment, the force is an inertial force that is output by moving an inertial mass. The keyboard device can be used in conjunction with another haptic device, such as a mouse, trackball, or joystick.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, an information inputting tool that can be made space-saving and places small constraint on key touch actions. For that purpose, an information inputting tool of the present invention is provided with a reflection portion (11B) provided with a single or a plurality of reflection members (11C) having retroreflectivity, with an attaching gadget (11c, etc.) that attaches said reflection portion to a finger of an operator, and with a change mechanism (11S, 11a1, etc.) that changes the reflectance distribution of said reflection portion in accordance with a finger pressure applied to the finger end of said finger.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a keyboard with integrated key and touchpad. In an example embodiment, a keyboard is provided that includes a plurality of keys, each key being capable of being pressed to select one or more keyboard inputs. The keyboard also includes a micro touchpad provided on an upper surface of a first key of the keys to allow pointer control by moving a finger or other object across a top surface of the micro touchpad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a “keyboard overlay” that sits on top of a touch-sensitive display screen of a computing device. After aligning the overlay on the display screen, the user types on the overlay. When the user presses a key on the overlay, the pressure is transmitted to the display screen below. That pressure is registered by the display screen as a touch. The keyboard overlay is formed to provide tactile finger-position feedback so that a user can keep his fingers oriented properly over the keyboard. The overlay may be opaque with keycap information displayed in the key areas. The overlay may be transparent, allowing a user to see a virtual keyboard painted on the display screen below. The computing device can detect the presence and type of an overlay. Applications may respond differently to different types of overlays. Different applications may be invoked depending upon the type of overlay detected.

Abstract: A sign language recognition apparatus and method is provided for translating hand gestures into speech or written text. The apparatus includes a number of 3-axis accelerometers on fingers and back of the palm to measure dynamic and static gestures, an analog multiplexer and a programmable micro controller to detect hand postures of American Sign Language and send them to a host via serial communication. The sensors are connected to a microprocessor to search a library of gestures and generate output signals that can then be used to produce a synthesized voice or written text. The apparatus includes sensors such as accelerometers on the fingers and thumb and two accelerometers on the back of the hand to detect motion and orientation of the hand. Sensors are also provided on the back of the hand or wrist to detect forearm rotation, an angle sensor to detect flexing of the elbow, two sensors on the upper arm to detect arm elevation and rotation, and a sensor on the upper arm to detect arm twist.

Abstract: A wireless electronic device transcribes spoken words into text for input on an electronic device such as, but not limited to, a computer, cell phone, handheld computer, Blackberry or vehicle navigation system. The wireless transcriber device mounts within the oral cavity, preferably to the back side of a tooth, and detects vibration of the tooth and/or palate bone structure as the wearer of the device speaks. The sensed vibrations are converted to digital signals for wireless transmission to the electronic device. The electronic device receives the signals and captures the digital data containing the sensed vibrations. A software program in the electronic device reads the vibration data and converts the vibration data to text for input on the electronic device. The input text can be used for various purposes such as to create a document, fill in a form, send a text message or to give an operational command to the electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine and can be used for persons with paralysis of upper and lower limbs. The inventive device comprises a signal processing and transmitting module (1), a coordinate unit (2), functional contacts (3), control contacts (4) and an elastic base plate (5) which is symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis and is provided with an unbendable projection (6) on the front part thereof. The plate consists of a central circle (7), peripheral circles (8) which are radially spaced away from the central circle, connecting straps (9) mating with the central circle (7) by one end thereof, whilst the other end is coupled with the respective peripheral circle (8). The unbendable projection is made in a shape of an equilateral trapezoid adjacent to the central circle by the larger base thereof and is upwardly bent at about 20 to 60° angle with respect to the plate plane. The signal processing and transmitting module is arranged on the top surface of the central circle of the plate.

Abstract: A dynamic database reordering system provides a linguistics database that contains words that are ordered according to a linguistics model that dictates the order in which words are presented to a user. While a user enters keystrokes on a keypad of a communications device is pressing keys, the invention predicts the words, letters, numbers, or word stubs that the user is trying to enter. The invention reorders the linguistics model order based on the user's usage of the system by tracking the user's word selections. Once a word has been selected as a result of a next key selection (the nexted word), a frequency value is applied to the selected word and the word ordered first by the linguistics model in the linguistics database for that key sequence. The frequency value of the nexted word will become greater than the frequency value of the first displayed word upon repeated nexting to the same word.

Abstract: This invention discloses an interactive sequential system to input letters of the English alphabet and of many world languages, numbers, punctuation marks and many other symbols on keypads with few buttons. The invention includes a device for receiving input characters from a user, having a keypad with a plurality of keys arranged in rows and columns forming a keypad array; a display screen showing a plurality of character sets arranged in rows and columns forming a character set onscreen array wherein each element in the character set array is mapped to each element in the keypad array; and a processor for receiving a selection of one of the plurality of keys on the keypad to designate a character set by its corresponding location coordinate as mapped on the keypad array. Sequential key selection drills down through nested arrays.

Abstract: The methods and devices of a multi-functional operating interface for a care-taking machine. The multi-functional operating interface of the care-taking machine includes: muscle stretch sensor, multiplexer amplifying wave filter, analog-to-digital signal converter, image processing unit, and muscle pattern database and control bus. Aided by the present muscle template training method and potential image data collecting and processing method, it can become an interface that offers the user of a care-taking machine instantaneous and unlimited controllability of the machine, enabling such people, either sick or handicapped, to enjoy more convenience and better life.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable compliance joysticks with mechanical and software customization, and with an integrated control capability, and a method of systematically determining the best mechanical settings and compensatory algorithms to embed in the joysticks to offer an individual with substantial upper extremity motor impairments a personal fit and maximum function. The joysticks may include components for varying the compliance and dampening of the joystick shaft. The method may include providing the user access to operate the joysticks, operatively connecting the joysticks to a driving simulator, displaying an icon on the driving simulator, controlling movement of the icon by the joysticks, evaluating performance of the user based upon the user's ability to control movement of the icon, and modifying hardware settings and software algorithms for the joysticks based upon the evaluation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to systems, methods, and devices providing a reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. One aspect of what is disclosed are embodiments of a systematic code, which systematic code enables efficient communication. Another aspect of the invention is the implementation of embodiments of a systematic code on interactive devices, thereby enabling efficient communication using such interactive devices.

Abstract: A keyboard (32, 1230) for a handheld electronic device (100, 1100, 1200) comprising a row of keys (102) wherein each of said keys (102) represents at least two alphanumeric characters and the characters of each key (102) are positioned relative to the characters on adjacent keys (102) so as to form a QWERTY or DVORAK layout.

Abstract: Wind instrument includes a tubular body having a plurality of tone holes, and a plurality of keys capable of opening and closing the tone holes. Via a retaining member, detector units are provided within the tubular body in corresponding relation to the keys, and each of the detector units is generally opposed to the back surface of the corresponding key. Each of the detector units detects a relative distance to the back surface and outputs an electrical signal, on the basis of which an opening/closing state of the key can be detected. The retaining member, accommodated in the tubular body, positions and retains each of the detector units in such a manner that the keys and tubular body and the individual detector units are kept in non-contacting relation to each other.

Abstract: Positions of the user's fingers placed on a touch panel are detected, and buttons are arranged at the detected positions so that the buttons can be used for selecting a function. Due to the foregoing, even when a visually handicapped user does not memorize the button positions, it is possible for the user to conduct operation. It is possible to provide a user interface environment in which the visually handicapped user can conduct operation highly effectively without using specific parts.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium having instructions for determining a key press from a current keyboard state at a current time is described. The system stores signals indicative of a last key press, a last key press time, and a last keyboard state. The system determines released keys and pressed keys on the keyboard at the current time based on comparison with the last keyboard state. The system determines a key press at the current time if the first determination determines a single key press and if either of: (a) a match exists between the determined key press and the last key pressed and if the elapsed time between the current time and the last key press time is larger than a preset bounce time; and (b) a match does not exist between the determined key press and the last key press.

Abstract: A device for use by a deafblind person is disclosed. The device comprises a first key for manually inputting a series of words in the form of a code, a second key for manually inputting an action to be performed by the device, a third key for manually inputting a user preference, and a fourth key for manually inputting communication instructions. The device further has an internal processor programmed to carry out communication functions and search and guide functions. The device has various safety and security functions for pedestrians or persons in transit. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises an electronic cane known as an eCane. Also disclosed is a system for allowing a deafblind person to enjoy television programs.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for receiving input from a multi-function momentary switch by providing feedback from a user interface for each function associated with the switch. According to one method, alphanumeric input values are associated with a momentary switch. Each of the alphanumeric input values is associated with a different active time duration for the switch and at least two of the alphanumeric input values are associated with a same alphanumeric text entry mode. A duration of time the switch is in the active state is monitored. At least one of tactile and audible feedback is provided each time the duration of time matches a duration associated with an alphanumeric input value. The alphanumeric input value associated with the alphanumeric text entry mode and duration for the last feedback provided is selected as input from the switch.