Including Keyboard Or Keypad Patents (Class 341/22)
  • Patent number: 10983694
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: William A. S. Buxton, Richard L. Hughes, Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michel Pahud, Irina Spiridonova
  • Patent number: 10976833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Nolan Jones
  • Patent number: 10970286
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Brodsky, Tomer Mahlin
  • Patent number: 10969831
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kitamura, Satoshi Douzono, Kazumi Nakaju, Takanori Koike
  • Patent number: 10963154
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a control unit determining a program being executed, a display unit including a display area of which a portion is protruded or recessed corresponding to an operation of the determined program, and an input sensor unit sensing an external input applied to the protruded or recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD., INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jaeik Lim, Minwoo Kim, Wonsang Park, Hyeyong Chu, Kyungbo Min, Dayoung Ju
  • Patent number: 10955935
    Abstract: A method for processing user input entered via a data entry system includes the steps of receiving a signal representative of a contact of one or more fingers singly or in combination against an arbitrary surface; detecting a predetermined number of contacts within a time window; and mapping the predetermined number of contacts to a secondary character from a set of secondary characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Tap Systems Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Schick
  • Patent number: 10949020
    Abstract: Embodiments may take the form of a system having a user input device and a first sensor coupled to the user input device. The first sensor is configured to sense touch on a surface of the user input device. The system may also include a second sensor in communication with the surface of the user device configured to sense wetting of a user's fingerprint on the surface. The system has a processor coupled to the first and second sensors and configured to estimate an amount of force applied by the user's fingerprint based at least in part upon the sensed wetting of the user's fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan Kerr, Steven P. Hotelling
  • Patent number: 10952294
    Abstract: A driving method and driving apparatus for light emitting diodes in a keyboard are provided. The driving method includes the following steps: obtaining a first driver color data table unmatched with a key light driver array from a first memory; generating a second driver color data table matched with the key light driver array in a second memory according to an arrangement order of keys in the key light driver array and the first driver color data table; driving the key light driver array according to the second driver color data table; and driving the light emitting diodes corresponding to keys in the keyboard through the key light driver array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ITE Tech. Inc.
    Inventor: Yi-Hua Lin
  • Patent number: 10940262
    Abstract: Devices are provided that include a faceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, an identifier chip adapted to be affixed to an exterior portion of a faceplate provides a unique identifier for the faceplate. Accordingly, the identifier chip enables tracking and monitoring of an associated medical device. And, in embodiments, the faceplate includes a visual communication alert indicator to enable the faceplate to provide visual cues a user. As such, the status of the medical device and the faceplate can be easily communicated to the user. Methods to use the faceplate are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Mark Portnoy
  • Patent number: 10928925
    Abstract: In a method and a system for recommending candidates in an input method, an initial key code and/or an initial key code string inputted by a user using an input method is received; according to the initial key code, a recommended input character is determined; and a weight of the recommended input character is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: KIKA TECH (CAYMAN) HOLDINGS CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuan Gao, Li Tian
  • Patent number: 10922246
    Abstract: Systems and methods of a peripheral devices switching system configured to be connected to a plurality of host computers, including at least one set of peripheral devices, a peripheral devices switch that is to be coupled to said at least one set of peripheral devices and said plurality of host computers, where the peripheral devices switch assigns a color to each host computer, and couple between said at least one set of peripheral devices and an active host computer, and one or more polychromatic light sources that are being comprised in the peripheral devices switch, the at least one of the peripheral devices of the sets of peripheral devices or both, where the peripheral devices switch indicates the active host computer by illuminating at least one polychromatic light source by the color that is assigned to the active host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HIGH SEC LABS LTD.
    Inventor: Aviv Soffer
  • Patent number: 10915147
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided and includes a first display module, a second display module, a keyboard device, a sensing unit and a control unit. The second display module is pivotally connected to the first display module. The sensing unit is configured to sense a position of the keyboard device relative to the second display module to output a sensing signal. The control unit is configured to control a displaying image of the second display module according to the sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Chen Yi Liang, Keng-Hsien Yang, Hsin Ting Ho, Cheng-Wei Chang, Fang-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 10884517
    Abstract: An input device of the present disclosure includes an electrode sheet, a plurality of keys, and a controller. The electrode sheet directly senses a change in capacitance at a position where an object approaches when the object approaches the electrode sheet. The plurality of keys are depressibly disposed on the electrode sheet. The controller detects capacitance change amounts at a plurality of positions on the electrode sheet, outputs positional information indicating the position, among the plurality of positions, at which a capacitance change amount detected satisfies a first given condition, and outputs key information indicating a key among the plurality of keys corresponding to the position, among the plurality of positions, at which a capacitance change amount detected satisfies a second given condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuya Shibata
  • Patent number: 10878715
    Abstract: A system and method for typing training are disclosed in which a fingerprint recognition system is included. The system recognizes a typist's fingers or fingerprints while the typist types the keys on a keypad such that the system determines which finger has pressed a particular key and can notify the typist when an incorrect finger is used to press a particular key. The system is well suited for tutorial typing where the typist is reinforced to use the correct finger to type each particular key. The system may be implemented using a specially designed keyboard or it may be implemented as an application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Type A+ LLC
    Inventor: Barbara Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10866667
    Abstract: A touch pressure control method and device are provided. The touch pressure control method comprises: determining, according to a first pressure value and a second pressure value generated in response to a single touch operation, a pressure level and a touch point position corresponding to the touch operation; and selecting, according to the pressure level and the touch point position, a corresponding function or application from a function and application list, and controlling an implementation of the function or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Weifang Goertek Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wentao Wang, Tianduo Zhou, Zhongkai Li
  • Patent number: 10852858
    Abstract: An electronic device and method for identifying a detached cover device and a cover device therefor are provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a wireless communication circuit disposed within the housing, a touch screen display exposed to the exterior, and a processor disposed within the housing and electrically connected to the wireless communication circuit and the touch screen display. The processor may be configured to sense mounting of the cover device on the touch screen display, identify a conductor pattern of the mounted cover device by scanning the touch screen display on which the cover device is mounted, and identify the mounted cover device on the basis of the identified conductor pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-Jin Paik, Joo-Hoan Do, Seong-Hoon Kang, Kum-Jong Sun, Tae-Hyeon Yu, Young-Oog Kim, Yeong-Su Choi
  • Patent number: 10832879
    Abstract: An input device includes a base plate and a push button rotatably provided on a top surface of the base plate. The base plate has a bearing part protruding from the top surface. The push button has an operation surface part receiving a push down operation and a positioning part rotatably supported by the bearing part. The positioning part positions the push button in the plate thickness direction of the bearing part by an abutting part abutting on a first face of the bearing part and a pushing part resiliently biased toward and pushing a second face of the bearing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kitamura, Satoshi Douzono, Takanori Koike, Kazumi Nakaju
  • Patent number: 10817028
    Abstract: A keypad module for a mobile computing device includes: a base member including: a base plate having (i) a lower surface configured to engage with a keypad mount of the mobile computing device, (ii) an opposing upper surface, and (iii) a light receiving region at the lower surface; a light pipe riser extending from the base plate and having a light emission region at an input surface of the keypad module; wherein the base plate and the light pipe riser define a light path from the light receiving region to the light emission region, configured to receive light from the mobile computing device and emit the light at the light emission region; and a keypad assembly supported on the upper surface of the base plate, the keypad assembly including a plurality of keys exposed at the input surface of the keypad module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Coproration
    Inventors: I-Heng Tsai, Yanmin Mao, Huang Chih Huang, Timothy Kyowski
  • Patent number: 10782743
    Abstract: A keyboard device is provided. The keyboard device includes a baseplate, a set of keytops, a frame, and a set of plate members. The set of keytops is supported in a vertically movable manner on an upper surface side of the baseplate. The frame mounted on the upper surface side of the baseplate, and the frame includes a set of openings in which the keytops are inserted in a vertically movable manner. The set of plate members arranged along a longer direction within the baseplate, and bridges that connect adjacent plate members. The adjacent plate members are arranged with a gap provided between end surfaces thereof that oppose each other and are relatively movable through at least the bridges in a direction in which the plate members are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
    Inventors: Masahiro Kitamura, Mitsuo Horiuchi, Satoshi Douzono
  • Patent number: 10762205
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for displaying a keyboard, and a terminal device. The method includes: displaying, on a touchscreen, a keyboard whose keys are normally arranged; before a touching object touches the keyboard on the touchscreen, obtaining a location, which the touching object points to, on the keyboard; adjusting an arrangement order of some keys on the keyboard, where the keys include keys within a preset range, the preset range includes the location, which the touching object points to, on the keyboard, and the preset range includes at least two keys; and displaying the adjusted keyboard on the touchscreen. By means of the technical solutions in the present invention, an arrangement order of some keys on a keyboard displayed by a terminal is adjusted, thereby improving an information input speed, and reducing energy consumption of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhongju Yuan
  • Patent number: 10747242
    Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint temperature are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks over a range of background tick marks on the electronic display. Different colors can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different intensities of colors can be displayed to indicate an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint temperature for the device can be altered by user rotation of the rotatable ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to the user and altered by the user by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: David Sloo, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Michael Plitkins, Michael James Matas, Fred Bould
  • Patent number: 10725549
    Abstract: A system may include a tactile actuator for providing tactile feedback and a resonant phase sensing system. The resonant phase sensing system may include a resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and a measurement circuit communicatively coupled to the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor and the tactile actuator. The resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor may be configured to measure phase information associated with the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, based on the phase information, detect an indication of human interaction with the system proximate to the resistive-inductive-capacitive sensor, and trigger the tactile actuator to generate tactile feedback responsive to detecting the indication of human interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Srdjan Marijanovic, Drew Kinney, Luke Lapointe, Siddharth Maru, Tejasvi Das, Anthony S. Doy, Zhong You
  • Patent number: 10725656
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for inputting text by consecutive slide, comprising: detecting whether a consecutive slide input mode is triggered in response to an input of a user; detecting and recording a sliding trajectory of a user on a touch-screen and inputting a corresponding word; and predicting a possible word based on a context and another input of the user and updating the layout of a keyboard according to at least one of the results of the prediction. The invention also relates to a system that implements the method, as well as a corresponding device. The method, system and device increase input efficiency and achieve smart prediction and smart arrangement of candidate words in an area of the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SHANGHAI CHULE (COOTEK) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kan Zhang, Jialiang Wang, Jingshen Wu, Hanxiong Wang, Haichao Xie
  • Patent number: 10691205
    Abstract: A wearable data entry system includes a plurality of sensors corresponding to respective fingers of a user's hand, which are worn on the user's hand and generate respective signals representative of contact by one or more fingers against an arbitrary surface. A processor detects which fingers contacted the arbitrary surface by analyzing the signals during a data collection period and generates data indicating which fingers contacted the arbitrary surface during the data collection period, and a transmitter transmits information corresponding to the fingers that contacted the arbitrary surface to an external device, using a predetermined protocol. The wearable data entry system includes a memory that stores a mode value, and at least one of (i) the detecting by the processor and (ii) the predetermined protocol used by the transmitter, depends on the stored mode value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Tap Systems Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Schick
  • Patent number: 10672373
    Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument, a method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that improve operability are provided. An electronic musical instrument comprises a keyboard including plural white keys each of which is allocated with plural characters and plural black keys, and a controller. The controller executes, in a musical sound producing mode that is set, accepting a sound producing instruction of a musical sound in response to an operation of the keyboard, and, in a symbol input mode that is set, according to both a white key designated from the plural white keys and a black key designated from the plural black keys, accepting an input of a character among the plural characters allocated to the white key designated from the plural white keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10642375
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an information distribution method may be provided. The information distribution method may include: receiving computer program execution information related to an execution of a computer program from a first computing device; receiving keystroke information related to input to the computer program from the first computing device; and transmitting the computer program execution information and the keystroke information to at least one further computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Lee
  • Patent number: 10635219
    Abstract: A tactile sensor including an elastic dielectric layer, first ribbon electrodes, and second ribbon electrodes is provided. The elastic dielectric layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The first ribbon electrodes are disposed on the first surface. Each of the first ribbon electrodes extends in a first direction and includes first sensing portions serially connected in the first direction. The second ribbon electrodes are disposed on the second surface. Each of the second ribbon electrodes extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the first sensing portions has a first extending length in the first direction to cross over N second ribbon electrodes. Each of the first sensing portions has a first edge parallel to the second direction. The first edge is aligned with an edge of one of the second ribbon electrodes. N is a positive integer greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Min-Chieh Chou
  • Patent number: 10628038
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a touchpad-based fast information input interaction method and system. The system comprises: an area dividing module to divide the touchpad into a plurality of areas; a correlation database creation and storage module to create and store a database regarding the touchpad coordinate areas and key code values and a database regarding the key code values and stored contents; a touchpad function switching module to switch the touchpad into keyboard function; a trigger action signal and coordinate information obtaining module to obtain a trigger action signal on the touchpad and the coordinate information of the corresponding position on the touchpad where the trigger action signal has been generated; a key code value determination and execution module to determine the key code value for searching the corresponding content from the database, and input the content in the position of the cursor or execute a corresponding instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING LUCKEY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huachao Gong, Xudong He
  • Patent number: 10613746
    Abstract: A system comprising a feature identification means configured to generate one or more features from a plurality of samples, wherein each of the plurality of samples are sampled at a different time and correspond to a location of a single continuous gesture on a gesture-sensitive keyboard as the gesture is being performed and, wherein each of the one or more features relates to one of a plurality of targets of the gesture sensitive keyboard that a user may have intended to input when performing the gesture. The system comprises a prediction means configured to predict one or more terms from the one or more features, the prediction means comprising a prefix tree generating means configured to generate a prefix tree of terms which includes the one or more features, a path finding means configured to find one or more paths through the prefix tree of terms given the one or more features, and a predictor. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Touchtype Ltd.
    Inventors: Benjamin Medlock, James Aley, Douglas Alexander Harper Orr
  • Patent number: 10606370
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first keystroke signal from a keyboard indicating a first key has been pressed while operating in a first state, switching the keyboard from the first state to a second state. During the second state, a second keystroke signal is received from the keyboard indicating a second key has been pressed. In response, a plurality of keystroke signals is determined and sent to a second computing device during the second state. Further during the second state, a third keystroke signal is received from the keyboard indicating a third key has been pressed. In response, the keyboard switches from the second state to a third state. During the second state, the keyboard is compatible with a first type of computing device or word processing application. During the third state, the keyboard is compatible with a second type of computing device or word processing application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Pro-Boards, LLC
    Inventor: Brian H. Potts
  • Patent number: 10606995
    Abstract: A character input device is provided with an operation unit that accepts key input and displays and accepts selection of a prediction candidate according to the result of the key input, and a character input determining unit that determines an input character, using the result of the key input or the selection result of the prediction candidate. Also, the character input determining unit executes fingerprint authentication at the time of accepting the key input or the time of selecting the prediction candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Uebuchi, Takuya Nakayama
  • Patent number: 10599216
    Abstract: A one-handed, chorded data entry system enables an operator to tap a combination of fingers on any surface, thereby causing a character or command to be entered on an electronic device. The fingers can be arranged in any position and neither the fingers nor the fingertips of the user need be aimed at any particular target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Tap Systems Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Schick
  • Patent number: 10599608
    Abstract: A calculator includes: a plurality of numeric keys; a plurality of operation keys; a delimiter key; a memory; and a processor, wherein said processor is configured to: when a first numerical data having at least a first integer, a delimiter, and a second integer arranged in that order has been received, upon receiving a prescribed operation of one of said plurality of operation keys, registers said first integer in said memory as a first operand, and registers said second integer in said memory as a second operand; and registers in said memory a target-operand that has been inputted via an operation or operations of at least one of said plurality of numeric keys, and performs a prescribed arithmetic operation on said target-operand registered in said memory using a plurality of registered operands that include the registered first and second operands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Yoshikawa, Hiroaki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 10593304
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a signal supply circuit used for a display device includes a plurality of subpixels each including a memory. The signal supply circuit includes a first mode. The first mode receives first video data in a unit of n bits corresponding to the subpixels from outside, and supplies digital data for the subpixels in a unit of m bits less than n bits to the subpixels based on the first video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventor: Takayuki Nakao
  • Patent number: 10591580
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to determining a location using time difference of arrival (TDOA). For example, a computing device may include a first sensor to receive a signal at a first time, where the signal is generated by a user contact at a particular location on a keyboard associated with the computing device. The computing device also includes a second sensor to receive the signal at a second time and a third sensor to receive the signal at a third time. The computing device may also include a processor. The processor may calculate a set of TDOAs associated with the first time, the second time, and the third time. The processor may determine the particular location of the user contact using a triangulation based on the set of TDOAs and may identify a character on the keyboard, where the character is associated with the particular location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Bowon Lee, Souvik Sen
  • Patent number: 10585813
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ARKEYTYP IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Steven Hulbert, Durrell Grant Bevington Bishop
  • Patent number: 10577210
    Abstract: A transport device includes a transport section, a processing section, a detector, and a transport controller. The transport section transports a sheet. The processing section performs processing on the sheet. The detector detects a movement of a pointing instrument on a detection surface of the detector itself. The transport controller allows the sheet to be transported by a distance corresponding to the movement of the pointing instrument, and in a direction corresponding to the movement of the pointing instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Inoue
  • Patent number: 10564806
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gray, Aaron Michael Donsbach, Mark R. Privett
  • Patent number: 10558315
    Abstract: Provided touch panel and display apparatus belonging to the field of display technology. The touch panel includes first and second substrates disposed facing to each other, a plurality of touch control units disposed on surface of first substrate facing second substrate, and a plurality of read lines and a plurality of control lines; each touch control unit includes first and second patches disposed, side by side, facing to second substrate, and pressure conductive pillar between first patch and second substrate; pressure conductive pillar is configured to transfer a pressure, which occurs when touch control unit receives press, to first patch of touch control unit; each touch control unit is configured to be turned on by control signal inputted through corresponding control line, and read out, through corresponding read line, pressure signal for first and second patches so as to determine position of touch point at which a press occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pengpeng Wang, Xue Dong, Hailin Xue, Xiaochuan Chen, Haisheng Wang, Xiaoliang Ding, Yingming Liu, Shengji Yang, Weijie Zhao, Changfeng Li, Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 10552030
    Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for recording media data such as audio data in one or more communication modes based on gestures on a graphical user interface (GUI) of an electronic device is provided. A gesture based media recording application (GBMRA) provided on the electronic device defines multiple interface regions on the GUI. The GBMRA detects a gesture on an interface region and performs a first action associated with recording of the media data in a communication mode. The GBMRA detects another gesture on the same interface region or another interface region and performs a second action. The first action and the second action include at least one of triggering recording of the media data, switching from one communication mode to another for recording the media data, canceling recording of the media data, generating and displaying multiple options for performing an operation associated with the recorded media data, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: KIRUSA, INC.
    Inventor: Kieraj Singh Mumick
  • Patent number: 10540086
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are disclosed. The apparatus includes: an operation timing detection unit to detect when an input operation is made; a typing determination unit to determine whether the touch operation is a character input operation; and a key input process unit to perform a character input process if the touch operation is a character input operation. The method includes detecting a timing when an input operation is made, determining whether the touch operation is a character input operation, and performing a character input process if the touch operation is a character input operation. The computer program product includes code to detect a timing when a touch operation is made, determine whether the touch operation is a character input operation, and perform a character input process if the touch operation is a character input operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Itoh
  • Patent number: 10528153
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an input device comprising a processor and a key frame having a plurality of keys disposed therein and a motion sensor controlled by the processor and disposed below the key frame. The plurality of keys includes a controller key and one or more input keys, where the motion sensor generates a signal corresponding to a movement of an object along the surface of the one or more input keys when the controller key is activated, where the signal can be used to control a cursor on a display. Each of the one or more input keys generates an input function when activated and can include one or more of an alphanumeric input, arrow key input, or function key input. In some cases, the controller key can be one or more of a shift key, control key, windows key, command key, alt key, dedicated controller key, or user-assigned key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Regis Croisonnier
  • Patent number: 10528142
    Abstract: A method for actuating a control device for a transportation vehicle with a control element. A spring-elastic element is disposed underneath the control element and is indirectly or directly moved and/or deformed by a piezo element to give an operator at least a haptic feedback during the operation of the control element. The spring-elastic element is moved toward the control element when the piezo element is actuated and is brought into working contact with the control element. This enables the spring-elastic element to be transferred from a stable initial position into an unstable deformation position when the control element is operated. When the control element is released, the spring-elastic element automatically passes from the deformation position back to the initial position. A haptic feedback is produced by the spring-elastic element in each case in response to a change from the initial position to the deformation position and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Meierling, Niels Petter
  • Patent number: 10514805
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting data for an electronic data entry device are provided. In one embodiment, identification of an input object such as the particular fingers of a user that are used to actuate a key region is performed. The symbol associated with the actuated key region and the finger (or other input object) used is determined. In other embodiments, virtual input devices with interfaces such as QWERTY style keyboards, phone keypads, and multi-touch capable touchpads or tablets are provided in input regions. One or more video capturing devices remotely acquire actuation information from the input regions during data entry. User inputted symbols or functions are determined based on the actuations, their locations and identified input object sets that caused the actuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: AITECH, LLC
    Inventor: Dong Ge Li
  • Patent number: 10503272
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multilingual character input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: Daesan Biotech
    Inventors: Gyu Hong Lee, Gang Seon Yu
  • Patent number: 10482730
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a panel and a press detector configured to detect a press. The press detector detects the press on the basis of a force in a direction different from the press direction of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Takeda
  • Patent number: 10474246
    Abstract: A keypad having a keypad frame and at least three input devices arranged in a grid layout within the keypad frame. A signal output is generated by the keypad after two sequential actuations of any two selected input devices of the at least three input devices. A first selected input device of the two selected input devices selects a block of signal outputs associated with the first selected input device, the block of signal outputs being mapped to match the grid layout of the at least three input devices. A second selected input device of the two selected input devices selects a particular signal output from the block of signal outputs, the second selected input device corresponding in a relative position with a position of the particular signal output in the block of signal outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Phillip Anderson, David Ben Anderson
  • Patent number: 10463977
    Abstract: A thumb glove for use by a video game player to improve the quality of his or her game play by securing the thumb of the player to an upward extending thumbstick of a hand-held video game controller. The thumb glove has a tubular sleeve defining a thumb cavity that receives the player's thumb and an attachment mechanism that securely attaches the tubular sleeve to the thumbstick. The tubular sleeve can have a knuckle opening in a top wall thereof to receive the knuckle of the thumb and one or more vent slots in the side walls thereof to allow air to flow through the thumb cavity and cool the thumb. The attachment mechanism can comprise a base and a plurality of engaging members that tightly grasp the thumbstick or it can comprise a tubular member that receives and engages a portion of the thumbstick inside the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Patrick Richard Houlihan
  • Patent number: 10466750
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a function module and a driving module. The second body is pivoted to the first body. The function module is pivoted to the first body and located between the first body and the second body. The driving module is at least disposed at the first body and the function module. When the first body is closed to the second body, the function module is located at an original position relative to the second body, and the function module is exposed from the first body. When the first body is rotated in a first clock direction to a first angle relative to the second body, the function module is driven by the driving module so as to rotate in a second clock direction to a second angle relative to the second body, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Nien-Chen Lee, Tzu-Chien Lai, Yen-Hsiao Yeh
  • Patent number: 10449450
    Abstract: A system, method, and graphical user interface for playing games and/or executing applications on a tablet-based client. One embodiment of a graphical user interface (GUI) for playing a video game on a tablet-based client device comprises: a virtual controller rendered on a display of the tablet computer, the virtual controller substantially mimicking the control provided by a thumb stick of a physical game controller and providing omnidirectional, free-form movement in a synchronous direction in which a user moves a finger on the display of the tablet-based client.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Joshuah Vincent, Nico Benitez, Emily Adams, Jan Chong, Ryan Cook, Paul Marshall, Pierpaolo Baccichet, Matt Piotrowski, Collin Carey, Kevin Koleckar