Abstract: Various systems, methods and computer program products are disclosed which provide tactile feedback from virtual objects. In some particular embodiments, a touch-enabled platform (TEP) is configured to: receive data indicating a user is contacting a touch interface on a device; analyze the data to determine a characteristic of the contact between the user and the touch interface; and provide a waveform to actuate vibration at the touch interface based upon the characteristic of the contact and a display characteristic at the touch interface.

Abstract: A backlight control system includes a keyboard device and a computing device. The keyboard device includes a fixed light sheet, at least one movable light sheet, a light guide module and a key module. The computing device includes a processing unit. The movable light sheet is detachably and electrically connected with the fixed circuit board. The fixed light sheet projects a first light beam to plural keys of the key module through the light guide module. In a special scenario mode, the processing unit drives the movable light sheet to project a second light beam to at least one special key of the key module.

Abstract: A piezo-electric actuator on the side of a mobile device will enable pressure exerted by the user to be sensed at the conventional button locations, while providing a haptic feedback. Unfortunately, mechanical integration of piezo-electric actuators at the side of a mobile device is challenging. A mobile device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a PCB; an outer frame surrounding the PCB; and a switch. The switch comprises: a first piezo-electric actuator configured to generate a first actuator voltage signal in response to a first force applied by a user, and to generate a first haptic feedback to the user in response to a first haptic voltage signal transmitted from the controller thereto; and a first virtual button in the outer frame configured to transmit the first force to the first piezo-electric actuator, and to transmit the first haptic feedback to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal, a protective case, and a sensing method. The terminal is suitable for removable installation of a protective case that protects a touchscreen of the terminal, and includes: a capacitance detection module, configured to detect a capacitance value of a capacitor module in the touchscreen, where the capacitance value is generated according to the capacitor module and a capacitive sensing body in the protective case; and a processing module, configured to: when it is determined that a change of the capacitance value detected by the capacitance detection module conforms to a first preset rule, determine that the protective case is far away from the terminal; and when it is determined that the change of the capacitance value conforms to a second preset rule, determine that the protective case is near the terminal.

Abstract: A medical device (10) for use in a Magnetic Resonance environment includes a keypad (22) having keys (24). Light sources (26) are disposed with respective keys of the keypad to illuminate the respective keys. At least one electronic processor (18) is programmed to: perform user interfacing operations in which user inputs are received via the keypad; during the user interfacing operations, control the light sources to selectively illuminate keys usable in the user interfacing operations; and controlling or configuring the medical device in accord with the user inputs received during the user interfacing operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a character input device. The character input device includes a character input unit 10 for inputting a character or a symbol, a display unit 20 for displaying on a display the character or symbol input via the character input unit, a storage unit 40 for storing data input via the character input unit and information or data related to character input, and a control unit 30 for controlling the character input unit, the display unit, and the storage unit, in which the character input unit is divided into one or more character group region 200 to form a language input unit 11, a miscellaneous input unit 12, and an auxiliary input unit 13, the character group regions are divided into one or more individual character regions 210 in which the character or the symbol is arranged to input characters for each language displayed in the language input unit by pressing a key once as it is.

Abstract: A computing device detects a press of a global shortcut key simultaneously with a first press and release of a modifier key. In response thereto, an operation is initiated in a non-default display region. The operation might be displaying a user interface element in the non-default display region. The computing device can also detect a second press and release of the modifier key simultaneously with the press of the global shortcut key. In response thereto, the operation can be initiated in a second display region, such as a default display region. The second press and release of the modifier key can be detected within a predetermined period of time following the detection of the first press and release of the modifier key. The operation might be simultaneously initiated in multiple display regions, such as sharing a region that encompasses the non-default display region and one or more other display regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus with circuitry comprising at least one mechanical switch serving to open and/or close an electric contact and a processor unit serving to perform first query and a second query of a contact state of the contact, with the processor unit further serving to provide an output signal on the basis of information on a change of the contact state of the contact detected by means of the first and second queries, wherein the processor unit is configured to perform the second query after the first query with a timing so that the second query precedes an expected bounce of the contact.

Abstract: A radial based user interface (UI) is provided for entering data into a computer device. The radial based UI has a central region with a plurality of radial regions. A location for the central region is defined on a touch sensitive display screen of the device and a value is assigned to each radial region. When a first touch is detected in the central region of the radial UI, an indication of a radial position responsive to a second touch on the touch sensitive screen may be determined. A value corresponding to the radial position of the second touch may then be input to an application being executed on the device. The first and second touches may be two separate finger taps, or may be sequential portions of a continuous stroke that occurs along one of the plurality of radial regions.

Abstract: An online photo management service that stores a collection of photos belonging to a user can send re-engagement messages to the user that can include photos automatically selected from the collection. The selection can be based on a scoring algorithm that rates the photos according to a set of attributes and computes a score based on the attributes and a set of weights. Based on user responses to re-engagement messages, the weights can be tuned to more reliably select photos likely to result in user re-engagement with the stored collection of photos.

Abstract: A display device including: a display panel; a first force sensor disposed under the display panel; and a waterproofing member disposed under the display panel and disposed adjacent to the first force sensor, a part of the first force sensor and a part of the waterproofing member overlap each other in a height direction of the display panel.

Abstract: A hand operated game controller for controlling a game console. Multiple push buttons are arranged on the surface of the game controller. The push buttons are placed in an arrangement that approximately matches the natural position of the fingers of the user's hands. As the user presses the buttons, control signals are sent from the buttons to the game console via wiring.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to present a user interface for a vehicle occupant with at least one vehicle system and/or network is disclosed. The component may comprise a housing, cover structure and user interface system configured to present the user interface at a cover surface. The user interface may comprise a light display configured to transmit light from a light source and/or an input device configured to interface with a sensor arrangement. The user interface may comprise output from the light display and/or input by interaction with the input device at the cover surface through the sensor arrangement. The component may comprise an interface module comprising the light display and the input device. The light display may comprise a light guide and/or display panel. The light guide may comprise a projection and/or icon configured to transmit light through an aperture and/or recess of the cover structure.

Abstract: A keyboard with light-emitting and touch functions includes a keyswitch, a backlight module having a light source and a light guide plate, a membrane, a capacitive touch sensing sheet disposed on the membrane and the light guide plate, and a board. The keyswitch includes a cap and a support mechanism movably connected to the cap. Light of the light source is incident into the light guide plate and is emitted toward the cap. The membrane has a switch and is selectively disposed on or under the backlight module. The board is disposed under the backlight module and the membrane and has first and second connection members. The first and second connection members pass through the membrane, the light guide plate and the capacitive touch sensing sheet to be movably connected to the support mechanism, so as to make the cap movable downward relative to the board for triggering the switch.

Abstract: A vibration transducer module for detecting a vibratory signal, comprising a base, a spring connected to the base at a first location, a mass mechanically coupled to the spring at a second location remote from the first location, and a wall configured to position a first wall electrode and a second wall electrode a selected distance from the first location, the conductive element positioned and sized to contact the first wall electrode and the second wall electrode. The mass comprises a conductive element, and an energy harvester to provide a first voltage signal. The energy harvester may comprise a piezoelectric material or be construct as a SAW device. The module may be combined with a rectifier and an oscillator to form a vibration sensor.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a touch-sensitive illuminating display includes a transparent flexible touch layer, a transparent top conductive layer adjacent the flexible touch layer, a bottom conductive layer, and an electroluminescent layer and variable-thickness dielectric layer sandwiched between the top and bottom conductive layers. Pressure against the flexible touch layer is to reduce the dielectric layer thickness and bring the top and bottom conductive layers closer together, causing the electroluminescent layer to emit light where the pressure is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart phone case combination keyboard for the blind that includes: a cover main body having a mounting space to which a smart phone is mounted so as to expose a display unit on an upper surface, a plurality of lower key holes formed toward downward on a lower surface, and a front key hole respectively formed on a left and right of a surface toward frontward; a keyboard cover embedded in the main body, having a plurality of keys respectively protruded through the lower key holes and operated by a thumb of a hand gripping the cover main body as a first front key and a second front key are protruded through each of the front key holes; a communication module performing communication between the smart phone and the keyboard; and a controller that controls to perform pairing with the smart phone through the communication module and to transmit a key input signal of the keyboard to the smart phone through the communication by the communication module.

Abstract: A detachable screen key structure mainly includes a key body having a hollow portion, key butting element and screen carrying element, where a key signal connecter is configured in the hollow portion, the screen carrying element is configured with a display element and a key cap is configured on the display element, and the display element is configured with a display butting element adapted to dock the key butting element. Whereby, a user can accommodate the key signal connecter for signal transmission inside the hollow portion so as to increase use beautification. Furthermore, since the display will be connected to the key butting element through the display butting element, the user is allowed to carry out the removal and replacement by themselves, which can increase use convenience.

Abstract: A baby changing pad apparatus having a locator, locator receiver, and non-skid grip combination for engaging the baby changing pad apparatus to a first surface. The locator receiver includes a quick connect first portion engaged to the baby changing pad apparatus. The locator includes a quick connect second portion engagable between the quick connect first portion and first surface. The non-skid grip may engage the first surface with or without the locator engaged to the locator receiver.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus performs control such that an item to be displayed in a display unit is displayed so as to move according to a touch operation, and performs control to not move the position of the item displayed in the display unit even if a touch operation has been started, and, in response to a movement of a touch position having been detected, move the item from the position at which the item was displayed in accordance with a movement amount of the touch position, and after the touch position has been moved, when a position of the touch panel that is in a first direction from a set reference position of the touch panel is tapped, move the item in the first direction by an amount corresponding to a predetermined amount, every time a tap is performed.

Abstract: The signal input device according to an embodiment of the present inventive concept may have effects in that the number of buttons included in the signal input device can be reduced because different types of input signals can be generated depending on a direction of a laterally pushed manipulation force, and a configuration can be simplified, a production cost can be significantly reduced and two or more input signals can be simultaneously generated because a laterally pushed manipulation force can be detected although a separate pressure sensor is not provided.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a host, a main display, a keyboard, an auxiliary display, and a supporting mechanism. The main display is pivotally connected to the host. The keyboard is slidably disposed on the host. The auxiliary display is disposed on the host and is arranged side by side with the keyboard. The auxiliary display includes a movable end and a lifting end, the keyboard contacts the movable end, and the movable end is slidably connected to the host. The supporting mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. The first link is slidably connected to the host and is pivotally connected to the second link. The second link is pivotally connected to the host and is pivotally connected to the third link. The third link is pivotally connected to the lifting end.

Abstract: An input method includes receiving input end indication information sent by an input module, where the input end indication information indicates that input of a character or a word ends, obtaining a location of a cursor, identifying the input character or word forward from the location of the cursor until a first punctuation input before the character or the word is identified, using the identified character or word as a previous text, and querying a word library for a next text associated with the previous text, and outputting the associated next text to a display module for displaying.

Abstract: A device having an armature including a main wall; a rotary part intended to be mechanically coupled to a control shaft of an electrical switching unit; a bar integral with the rotary part and able to rotate between a first position and a second position and extending through a slot in the main wall; a position sensor having a movable contact pushed into a retracted position by the bar when the bar is in the first position; a stabilizing device having a resilient strip extending along the slot in order to exert a retaining force on the bar when it is in the first position.

Abstract: A portable computer-peripheral apparatus comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The apparatus is operable to communicate with a computer terminal (e.g. a ‘PC’). Following connection to the PC, the apparatus initialises (i.e. presents or enumerates itself) as a HID keyboard and then sends to the terminal a first predefined sequence of keycodes automatically without manual interaction; the keycodes complying with the human interface device (HID) keyboard standard protocol. Each keycode represents and simulates a keystroke, such as those performed when a user strikes a key on the PC keyboard. The keycode sequence automates the direct access to content, and/or or the initiation of a task or other process.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a host, a display, a sliding plate, and a keyboard. The host has an operating surface. The display is pivoted to the host. The sliding plate is slidably disposed in the host, where the display is mechanically coupled to the sliding plate, and the sliding plate includes a plat portion and a recess portion that are arranged side by side. The keyboard is integrated to the host. The keyboard includes a key structure, where the key structure includes a key cap and a reciprocating element, and the key cap is exposed from the operating surface of the host. The reciprocating element is disposed between the key cap and the sliding plate and has a first end connected to the key cap and a second end contacting the sliding plate. The second end is located on a sliding path of the plat portion and the recess portion.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of a dynamic soft keyboard, a user input is received via a soft keyboard having multiple keys. Information describing a current input environment for the soft keyboard is obtained, and a determination is made as to which one or more keys of the multiple keys was intended to be selected by the user input. This determination is made based at least in part on the current input environment.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to recognition of simultaneous key presses in a keyboard. The keyboard includes a first group of keys, which includes keys that are to be individually recognized when pressed simultaneously with at least one other key of the first group. Keys of a first sub-group of the first group are connected to key switches that are to be connected to general purpose input/output (GPIO) pins. Keys of a second sub-group of the first group are connected to key switches on at least one of mutually different columns and mutually different rows of a matrix of electrical interconnections. The second sub-group includes at least one key that is not a modifier key.

Abstract: An expansion hinge including a torque module, two first brackets, two sliding brackets, two second brackets and two elastic modules is provided. The torque module is configured to provide torques. The two first brackets are rotatably connected to two opposite ends of the torque module. The two sliding brackets are rotatably connected to the two opposite ends of the torque module. The two second brackets are slidably disposed in the two sliding brackets respectively. Each of the two elastic modules is disposed between the respective sliding bracket and the respective second bracket. The two sliding brackets are adapted to synchronously slide with respect to the two second brackets, and each of the elastic modules is configured to push the respective sliding bracket and the respective second bracket to form a pulled-out state or a pushed-in state.

Abstract: A switching device for actuating drive elements includes first switching elements situated on a housing surface to be actuatable by fingers of a person and a second switching element situated on a housing surface to be actuatable by a palm, a palm heel, or a thumb of the person. The first and second switching elements are formed by touch surface sensors without switching contacts. In one variation, actuation of one of the first switching elements causes actuation of a corresponding one of the drive elements only when the second switching element is actuated during the actuation of the one of the first switching elements. In another variation, simultaneous actuation of one of the first switching elements and the second switching element causes a drive element corresponding to the one of the first switching elements to be actuated according to a function corresponding to the second switching element.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) enables a user to access a set of options relating to an element of the UI by contacting a region of a touchscreen, or hovering a feature over the region, associated with that element. Upon contacting or hovering for at least a determined period of time, an arranged set of options is displayed and the user can swipe or move the feature in a specified direction to select a specific option. The options can be the same for each instance of a type of item. When a user learns the direction of one of these options, the user does not have to contact or hover long enough to bring up the menu, but can contact or hover long enough to indicate the element of interest and then perform the appropriate motion, which can cause the action to be performed without first displaying the menu.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to managing enterprise security by utilizing a smart keyboard and a smart mouse. The smart keyboard may include pressure sensitive keys, a physical sensor configurable to detect a user characteristic associated with a user of the smart keyboard, an image capturing device configurable to capture an image of an activity in a vicinity of the smart keyboard, and a switch, communicatively coupled to the pressure sensitive keys, the physical sensor, and the image capturing device, where the switch is configurable to activate or deactivate the pressure sensitive keys, the physical sensor, and the image capturing device. The smart mouse may include a wheel, one or more pressure sensitive clickable components, and at least one physical sensor configurable to detect a user characteristic associated with a user of the smart mouse. Systems and methods for utilizing a smart keyboard and a smart mouse are also disclosed.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a substrate and keycaps disposed on the substrate. The substrate includes a long slit and an elastic bridge member. The long slit divides the substrate into a first plate having a first side edge and a second plate having a second side edge opposite to the first side edge. A gap is between the first side edge and the second side edge. The elastic bridge member is connected between the first side edge and the second side edge. The first plate is movable relative to the second plate. The first side edge includes a first bridge seat. The second side edge includes a second bridge seat. The elastic bridge member is connected between the first bridge seat and the second bridge seat. The elastic bridge member includes a wedge portion connected to an inner corner between the elastic bridge member and the first bridge seat.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a communication module configured to communicatively couple the keyboard to a host computer. The keyboard includes a plurality of keys that are configured to be physically actuated by a user. The plurality of keys can be remapped such that a signal transmitted to the host for a specific key can be changed to a different signal corresponding to a different key. The keyboard can also include an administrative mode that can be accessed in response to the user depressing a series of predetermined keys. While in the administrative mode the user can reconfigure keyboard settings, access debug functions of the keyboard and/or reset memory locations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for handling user input gestures on an extended trackpad of an electronic device are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a keyboard navigation menu which provides navigation within a software application using keyboard commands instead of mouse/cursor based inputs. The keyboard activation menu can improve upon traditional mouse-based menus which often include hidden tabs or require multiple mouse inputs. In one example, the method may include displaying, via a user interface, a keyboard navigation menu comprising a plurality of different keyboard inputs that when pressed navigate a view of the user interface to a plurality of pages of a software application, respectively, detecting a keyboard input from among the plurality of different keyboard inputs which corresponds to a second page from among the plurality of pages of the software application, and changing a view of the user interface from the first page to the second page of the software application that corresponds to the detected keyboard input.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a display unit, a memory storing program instructions, a processor to execute the program instructions in connection with operating the electronic device, and a main body unit housing the memory and processor. The display unit is rotatably mounted to the main body unit. The main body unit has a sidewall divided into first and second sidewall segments that are moved relative to one another corresponding to the main body unit being shifted between active and storage states. An interface component is mounted within the sidewall of the main body unit. The interface component includes members spaced apart from one another by gaps. The members are moved relative to one another between an operative position corresponding to the main body unit in the active state and a collapsed position corresponding to the main body unit in the storage state.

Abstract: An integrated heat dissipation system for a haptic piezoelectric keyboard of an information handling system comprising a base chassis formed of a C-cover affixed to a D-cover to house the haptic piezoelectric keyboard assembly, a processor, and a heat dissipating layer and the heat dissipating layer thermally coupled to a haptic piezoelectric keyboard assembly and the processor to direct heat away from the keys of the piezoelectric keyboard of the C-cover and toward a vertical edge of the base chassis, where the piezoelectric keyboard assembly comprises a plurality of piezoelectric sensors disposed across a support plate, and a contact foil layer, for detecting deformation of one of the plurality of piezoelectric sensors and registering a keystroke, affixed to the plurality of piezoelectric sensors and the support plate and provide a haptic feedback control signal to generate a haptic response to the keys of the piezoelectric keyboard.

Abstract: A switching operation sensing device is provided. The device includes a touch operation unit that is integrally formed with a housing and includes first and second touch members disposed in different regions; an oscillator circuit configured to generate a first oscillation signal including a variable resonant frequency when the first touch member is touched and a second oscillation signal including a variable resonant frequency when the second touch member is touched; and a touch detector circuit configured to detect whether at least one of the first and second touch members has been touched, and distinguish touch regions based on the first oscillation signal and the second oscillation signal.

Abstract: An operating device for controlling functions of a motor vehicle, includes an operator control element which can be displaced from a rest position beyond a first actuating position into a second actuating position. The operating device has a control unit which is designed to actuate, in accordance with a function which is assigned to the operator control element, a display device for displaying information associated with the function if the operating element is positioned in the first actuating position. The control unit is configured to trigger the function if the operator control element is positioned in the second actuating position. The operating device is configured to output a tactilely perceptible feedback in at least one of the positions of the operator control element.

Abstract: Disclosed are a Chinese character structuring member, a system of mortise and tenon joint structures of Chinese characters formed by the Chinese character structuring member and a method for inputting Chinese characters. An entity component of Chinese characters includes the following three structures: an entity component provided with a connecting mechanism at a middle and/or one end or both ends of the entity component configured to join with other entity components of the Chinese characters; an entity component provided with a connecting mechanism entity component extending from one end of the entity component to the other end of the entity component without exceeding the entity component of the Chinese characters; and an entity component provided with at least one connecting mechanism on the entity component that includes a plurality of sub entity components connected end to end and rotatable at the joint.

Abstract: An input device and an electronic device are provided. The input device includes one or more force-receiving portions configured to receive an external force applied by an operation object. The input device also includes a moving portion corresponding to each force-receiving portion and configured to move in response to the external force received on a corresponding force-receiving portion satisfying a first condition. In addition, the input device includes a trigger portion corresponding to each moving portion and configured to generate an input signal after a motion of a corresponding moving portion satisfies a second condition. Further, the input device includes one or more radiation portions configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal.

Abstract: A key switch implements a receiving switch conductor and transmitting switch conductor in the key switch. Depressing the key switch will cause the receiving switch conductor and transmitting switch conductor to approach each other. The approach of a finger and movement of the key switch can be detected using the receiving switch conductor and the transmitting switch conductor.

Abstract: A keypad bezel for attaching to a housing of a handheld computer comprises a main body including plurality of screw holes and tabs for connecting the main body to the computer housing and a plurality of leverage points in the main body useful for removing the keypad bezel from the housing. To remove the keypad bezel, the screws are removed from the screw holes and a removal tool is positioned so that it mates with recesses the keypad bezel and force is applied to the removal tool in a direction way from the housing. The force removes the tabs out of corresponding slots in the housing allowing the bezel to be removed.

Abstract: An object execution method and apparatus is provided for executing an object based on an input pressure level with a haptic feedback indicative of an attribute of the object. An object execution apparatus may include a display unit, an input unit, and a control unit. The display unit may display at least one object. The input unit may detect a selection of an object and/or a pressure level input for executing the object. The control unit may check a reference pressure value preset for the selected object. The reference pressure value may be indicative of attribute information of the object. The control unit may compare an input pressure value of the pressure level input with the reference pressure value, and may determine whether to execute the object based on the comparison result. The input unit comprising a vibration generator may generate a vibration mapped to the reference pressure value.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification describes a method that includes determining when to send a user selection of a first key on a keyboard to an operating system, where the operating system supports shortcut key combinations. The device identifies the user selection of the first key, as input for an application. The device determines that the first key is part of a shortcut key combination. The processing device determines whether a cursor is visible in a user interface provided by the application. Upon determining that the cursor is visible in the user interface, the device waits for another user selection of one or more remaining keys of the shortcut key combinations before sending the first key to the operating system. Upon determining that the cursor is not visible in the user interface, the device sends the first key to the operating system without waiting for another user selection.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a keyboard engine that operates a keyboard that accepts shape-writing input and radial entry input. A keyboard input module obtains input data from at least one input sensor of the keyboard. An intention disambiguation engine enables simultaneous use of the shape-writing input and the radial entry input acceptance for a user of the keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard is configured for inputting letters of an alphabet into a computing device. The keyboard has a left-side keyboard section and a right-side keyboard section. The left-side keyboard section comprises a left-side cluster of letter keys formed from letter keys in multiple different left-side rows, including a left-side top row and a left-side bottom row that each has only a single letter key. Letter keys forming a perimeter of the left-side cluster are arranged around the perimeter in alphabetical order according to said alphabet. Similarly, the right-side keyboard section comprises a right-side cluster of letter keys formed from letter keys in multiple different right-side rows, including a right-side top row and a right-side bottom row that each has only a single letter key. Letter keys forming a perimeter of the right-side cluster are arranged around the perimeter in alphabetical order according to said alphabet.

Abstract: A structured query language (SQL) query can contain a target text comprising respective characters in un-shaped format (also known as base format). The target text can be shaped according to the position of respective characters within the target text and other factors to generate a plurality of shaped target texts. The plurality of shaped target texts can be combined in a modified SQL query. The modified SQL query can be executed against one or more databases storing text in shaped format.

Abstract: A keyboard device is provided with a base plate configured by arranging a plurality of plate members, a plurality of keytops vertically movably supported on the upper surface side of the base plate, a frame attached to the upper surface side of the base plate and having a plurality of hole portions into which the keytops are vertically movably inserted, and a fastening tool provided at a position overlapping with a plate boundary portion formed between the facing end surfaces of the plate members adjacent to each other and simultaneously fastening the adjacent plate members to the frame.