Abstract: Optimizations are provided for facilitating interactions with virtual objects included within an augmented-reality scene. Initially, an augmented-reality scene is rendered for a user. Within that scene, an interactive virtual object of an application is rendered. Then, the position of the user's actual hand is determined relative to the interactive virtual object. When the user's actual hand is within a target threshold distance to the interactive virtual object, then a target visual cue is projected onto the interactive virtual object. When the user's actual hand is within an input threshold distance to the interactive virtual object, then an input visual cue is projected onto the interactive virtual object. Once the user's hand is within the input threshold distance to the interactive virtual object, then input may be provided to the application via the interactive object.

Abstract: A set of reconfigurable clip-on modules for mobile computing devices includes two or more modules and at least one of the modules has an input button or other control and at least one of the modules can communicate with the computing device without needing to be connected to it via a wire. The input button is mapped to a user input in a program, such as a game, which is running or displayed on the computing device to which the modules are clipped. In an embodiment, user inputs via the buttons or other controls on the clip-on modules are mapped to user inputs in a game running on the device, which may be a touch-screen device, and the mapping between user inputs via the buttons and user inputs in the game may change dependent upon the game being played, user preference, or other criteria.

Abstract: A method for performing multi-touch (MT) data fusion is disclosed in which multiple touch inputs occurring at about the same time are received to generating first touch data. Secondary sense data can then be combined with the first touch data to perform operations on an electronic device. The first touch data and the secondary sense data can be time-aligned and interpreted in a time-coherent manner. The first touch data can be refined in accordance with the secondary sense data, or alternatively, the secondary sense data can be interpreted in accordance with the first touch data. Additionally, the first touch data and the secondary sense data can be combined to create a new command.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, and a palm component. One end of the first body comprises a supporting portion. The second body is pivotally connected to a first side of the supporting portion and comprises a sliding portion. The palm component is pivotally connected to a second side of the supporting portion and comprises a guiding portion. The sliding portion is movably connected to the guiding portion. When the first body is pivotally rotated and expended relative to the second body, the second body is driven to make the sliding portion move along the guiding portion, and the second side of the supporting portion rotates relative to the first end of the supporting portion to make the palm component protrude from the second body. A tilt angle is formed between the second body and the protruding palm component.

Abstract: A coupled structure capable of keeping the coupled state between coupled members without degrading the appearance, and an electronic device including such a coupled structure are disclosed. A coupled structure includes a keyboard unit coupled with a main body chassis. The coupled structure includes a hook mechanism which engages the keyboard unit with the main body chassis when the keyboard unit moves in one direction relative to the main body chassis, a locking part formed at the main body chassis, and an elastic part formed at the keyboard unit, and the elastic part biases the keyboard unit engaged with main body chassis in the one direction relative to the main body chassis when the locking part locks the elastic part.

Abstract: Described is a system for identifying predictive keywords and generating a forecast. The system receives time-series of keyword counts (the time-series of keyword counts having a plurality of candidate keywords). The time-series of keyword counts are separated (i.e., marked or designated) into a group of time-series from active periods and a group of time-series from inactive periods. A covariance matrix is generated for each group of time-series. Generalized eigenvectors are generated between the two covariance matrices. Candidate keywords are ranked based on the generalized eigenvectors, such that candidate keywords having a rank exceeding a predetermined threshold are designated as predictive keywords. The predictive keywords are then provided to a machine learning system that generates a forecast based on the predictive keywords. Finally, a device is operated based on the forecast.

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 electronic apparatus includes a touch panel and a processor. The touch panel detects an operation performed on a surface of the electronic apparatus. The processor determines whether or not a first operation, in which a first movement amount of an operation point on the surface of the electronic apparatus in a first direction is equal to or larger than a first threshold value, has been performed based on an output signal from the touch panel. The processor executes a processing in accordance with the first operation when determining that the first operation has been performed. The processor invalidates the first operation when a second movement amount of the operation point in a second direction, which is different from the first direction, becomes equal to or larger than a second threshold value before determining that the first operation has been performed.

Abstract: Techniques and devices provide backlighting for keys of a keyboard or keypad.

Abstract: A backlight control method and an electronic device are provided. The backlight control method, comprises: determining an input state of an electronic device; and adjusting a backlight brightness parameter of an input area of the electronic device according to the input state of the electronic device, wherein the backlight brightness parameter of the input area of the electronic device is adjusted from a plurality of backlight luminance values that indicate a plurality of backlight brightness levels of the input area.

Abstract: A cursor-based character input interface inputs a character selected by a cursor. A character prediction unit is adapted to predict one or more next characters based on a current input character, wherein the input interface is adapted to present the one or more predicted next characters as a supplementary interface in proximity to the current input character, and wherein the one or more predicted next characters of the supplementary interface are selectable by the cursor.

Abstract: A method of generating symbols from a chording keyboard is described. A unique feature of this method is accepting a sequence of chords from the keyboard without either an intervening chord or a requirement that all keys be released between chords. Another unique feature is that that the chord map is independent of chords before or after a particular chord, for a particular symbol. That is, a user need only memorize one chord for each symbol, and then may transition directly from exactly that chord to any other chord. There are no special transition requirements. The number of keys on a keyboard for this method may be 4 to 10, inclusive. Such a keyboard may be operated with one hand. Specific attributes of embodiments or chord tables are described.

Abstract: Dynamically assigning shortcuts to one or more functions, including: determining the one or more functions to assign shortcuts; dynamically assigning the one or more functions to at least one of buttons, keys, clicks, and touches on a client device as shortcuts; updating a mapping of the shortcuts to the one or more functions; and displaying the assigned shortcuts on a display of the client device. Keywords include shortcuts and menu items.

Abstract: A keyboard gesture instruction generating method includes: loading an instruction condition definition table, where the instruction condition definition table includes a plurality of gesture instructions, and each gesture instruction includes a plurality of instruction conditions, and each instruction condition has a corresponding defined value; reading an operating position image obtained by a sensor; converting the operating position image into an operating position data, where the operating position data includes relative position data of keys which are referenced; recognizing a gesture event according to multiple sets of the successive operating position data; obtaining a plurality of detected values of the gesture event and comparing the detected values with these defined values; if these detected values match with the defined values of all the instruction conditions of one of the gesture instructions, stopping tracking of the gesture event; and executing the matching gesture instruction.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base, a plurality of keys, a light source module, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control module. An ambient luminance of the plurality of keys is detected by using the first sensor. When the ambient luminance is less than an ambient luminance at which the second sensor can capture a required image, the control module turns on the light source module to provide a light source for the plurality of keys to improve the ambient luminance, so that the second sensor to can clearly capture the required image and obtain the required data by means of analysis.

Abstract: A tactile sensation providing apparatus determines a touched object and stores touch information based on the object in a memory unit 16. When an object in current touch information does not match an object in previous touch information stored in the memory unit 16, the tactile sensation providing unit 12 provides a first tactile sensation. When these objects match each other, the tactile sensation providing unit 12, based on the current touch information and the previous touch information, provides the first tactile sensation or a second tactile sensation, which is different from the first tactile sensation and provided with lower power than that for providing the first tactile sensation.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a non-volatile memory; a volatile memory being configured to store first, second and third programs; and a processor configured to: in a first activation processing mode, transfer the first program from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory; transfer the second program from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory based on the stored first program; and parallelly perform, first processing based on the stored second program and transfer of the third program from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory, and in a second activation processing mode, transfer the first program from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory; transfer the third program from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory based on the stored first program; and parallelly perform second processing based on the stored third program and transfer of the second program from the non-volatile memory to the volatile memory.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing aural and/or visual feedback of finger positions to help improve user friendliness and usability of control panels are disclosed. A control panel may include a control element, a sensor associated with the control element, and one or more processors in communication with the sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect a presence of a finger near the control element and generate a detection signal. The one or more processors may be configured to process the detection signal and provide a feedback indicating the presence of the finger near the control element to a user.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for a keycap. The keycap can include a protective layer and an active element, where the height of protective layer and the active element is less than six (6) millimeters in height. The keycap can also include a front plane layer, a back plane layer, where the front plane layer and the back plane layer comprise the active element, and an electrical connection through the keycap to provide electrical communication with the active element.

Abstract: A toggle key blocking method for data security and an apparatus using the same. The toggle key blocking method for data security includes monitoring use of a toggle key on a host with which a keyboard is used, when use of a toggle key on the host is detected, generating details of occurrence of a toggle key event based on a time at which the toggle key event occurred; and blocking use of the toggle key on the host if the host satisfies a toggle key blocking condition based on the details of occurrence of the toggle key event.

Abstract: A touch screen includes column-direction wirings extending in a column direction, row-direction wirings extending in a row direction orthogonal to the column direction, and detection cells provided in areas in which the column-direction wirings and the row-direction wirings are three-dimensionally intersect with each other. The touch screen further includes additional capacitors that are provided in a mounting region in which mounting terminals of a plurality of lead lines, each of which is connected to one of the column-direction wirings or one of the row-direction wirings, are mounted, and are configured to apply electrostatic capacitance to the plurality of lead lines, and at least one potential fixed terminal configured to fix a potential of one electrode of each of the additional capacitors.

Abstract: An apparatus for a foldable electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a foldable display module for an electronic computing device. The foldable display module includes a left display module portion that is foldable relative to a right display module portion. The apparatus further includes a foldable input module for the electronic computing device. The foldable input module includes a left input portion that is foldable relative to a right input portion. The apparatus further includes a connector that pivotally connects the foldable display module to the foldable input module such that the foldable display module is capable of pivotally opening and closing relative to the foldable input module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enhancing text-based electronic communications. In one embodiment, a sending agent automatically, or upon request by a user, disambiguates identifiers and terms included in a communication internally or in collaboration with a remote device or server based on the identity and history of the sending or intended receiving device or user, the content or context of the communication and/or the sending or intended receiving device or user and automatically or at the request of the sender, appends, enhances or provides certain additional information related to the identifier or terms to the message in real time. This additional information is then included or referenced, but not necessarily initially displayed or communicated, in the communication. The integrated system also may include a receiving agent on the receiving device that can disambiguate the identifier or terms and provide additional information and services related to the identifier or terms in the communication.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-function input device, such as a keyboard. The multifunction input device has a touch-sensing layer that enables a user to use the multifunction input device as a standard keyboard and also as a touch sensitive surface such as, for example, a trackpad.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for bone conduction tags. According to one aspect of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a device can receive, via a transducer, a vibration signal from a body of a user. The vibration signal can be generated in response to the user interacting with a bone conduction tag. For example, the vibration signal can be generated in response to the user moving one or more fingers across the bone conduction tag. The device can analyze the vibration signal to determine an action that is to be performed. The device can perform the action or can instruct a further device to perform the action.

Abstract: The character input keyboard. One shift key and one space key are placed on the home position of the left and right thumb, and one control key is placed between them. These keys have the width from 1 to 1.5 times of the character key.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods that leverage machine learning to predict multiple touch interpretations. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can include and use a machine-learned touch interpretation prediction model that has been trained to receive touch sensor data indicative of one or more locations of one or more user input objects relative to a touch sensor at one or more times and, in response to receipt of the touch sensor data, provide one or more predicted touch interpretation outputs. Each predicted touch interpretation output corresponds to a different type of predicted touch interpretation based at least in part on the touch sensor data. Predicted touch interpretations can include a set of touch point interpretations, a gesture interpretation, and/or a touch prediction vector for one or more future times.

Abstract: A keyboard device and a data communication method using the keyboard device. The data communication method includes generating, by the keyboard device, data that is a set of commands to be executed by a computer using a key input signal that is generated when a key is input, transmitting, by the keyboard device, the generated data to the computer, thus allowing the computer to execute each command corresponding to the data, and receiving, by the keyboard device, results of executing the command corresponding to the data from the computer, wherein the command includes a line coding method to be used when the computer transmits data to the keyboard device, and wherein the computer generates a toggle key signal to correspond to the line coding method and transmits the toggle key signal to the keyboard device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for deleting textual input based upon the input-mode in which such textual input is received. Textual input is received via a block-unit-based input and the textual input is converted into a typewritten text segment and displayed in association with a user computing device. The typewritten text segment includes character-units that substantially comprise at least one recognizable block-unit. Upon receipt of a plurality of delete commands, at least a portion of the typewritten text segment is deleted in accordance with the recognizable block-units. That is, one block-unit is deleted for each delete command received. Upon recognition of a boundary between text received via a block-unit-based input modality and a character-based input modality, the action of the delete command is altered such that one character-unit is deleted for each delete command received in accordance with the input modality.

Abstract: An input system includes a first base portion and a second base portion that each include a keying surface. A base portion manipulation mechanism couples the first base portion to the second base portion. The base portion manipulation mechanism includes a moveable coupling that is configured to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into at least one of a tented orientation and a splayed orientation. A locking mechanism provides a biasing force that causes an engagement between portions of the moveable coupling that resists relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion absent an unlocking force, wherein the locking mechanism is responsive to the unlocking force that overcomes the biasing force to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into the at least one of the tented orientation and the splayed orientation.

Abstract: A key structure includes a switch circuit board, a triggering assembly, a keycap and an elastic element. The triggering assembly is disposed over the switch circuit board. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the triggering assembly. As the keycap is moved, the triggering assembly is pushed by the elastic element. The elastic element includes a concave part. The concave part is located at a top end of the elastic element and contacted with the keycap. When the elastic element is pushed by the keycap, the concave part is subjected to deformation, so that a movable distance of the keycap toward the switch circuit board is increased. By using the key structure, the tactile feel of depressing the keycap is enhanced.

Abstract: Multiple letters, characters, numbers, strokes and symbols to be assigned to a given physical key on a physical keypad residing on a physical keypad integrated into, or attached to, an electronic device used for electronic financial transactions such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Point of Sale (POS) terminal, that is used for data entry on the display screen of an electronic device and the methodology of automatically displaying and inserting the characters assigned to that physical key on the display screen of said electronic device. As the user continues to touch/press said physical key on the electronic devices keypad, the first software module will display and bring into focus the characters assigned to the appropriate time duration of the continued touch/press of said physical key in a visual manner on the display screen of said electronic device and will continue rotating thru the assigned characters as long as the physical key touch/press continues.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing intuitive navigation within a menuing system. In a first mode of operation, an electronic display of the thermostat displays a population of tick marks arranged in an arcuate arrangement including a plurality of background tick marks, a setpoint tick mark representing a setpoint temperature, and an ambient temperature tick mark representing an ambient temperature, the setpoint temperature being dynamically changeable according to a tracked rotational input motion of a ring-shaped user interface component of the thermostat. In a second mode, the a plurality of user-selectable menu options is displayed in an arcuate arrangement along a menu option range area, and respective ones of the user-selectable menu options are selectively highlighted according to the tracked rotational input motion of the ring-shaped user interface component.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the invention provide an approach to organize a user interface, such as a computer desktop, based on the role or activity of the current user. Specifically, a display area configuration of a user device is defined by selecting resources from a plurality of available resources to include in a display area configuration, building a profile from the selected resources to preserve the display area configuration, and saving the profile. The display area is then built on a user device when the profile is selected from the user device.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for improving readability and understandability in messages posted on a social media website. The messages posted on a social media website, such as the user's social networking feed, are scanned. The scanned messages are analyzed for topics, meaning and/or tenses using natural language processing. The text in the scanned messages are split into message segments based on topic, meaning, tenses, punctuation, custom identifiers, hashtags and/or @ symbols. These message segments are then grouped based on relatedness of the topics, meaning and/or tenses. The message segments are ordered in each group of message segments, such as based on timestamps. The ordered message segments are then displayed to the user. By displaying these message segments in separate groupings in a logical order, the user will be able to view the messages posted on the user's social media website in a more readable and understandable manner.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed that improve error correction in time-dependent character input systems. Error correction algorithms correct inaccurately entered words by identifying alternative button press type combinations that conform to the number of button presses in a button press type sequence. The number of possible alternative combinations compounds as the number of button presses in a sequence increases. The disclosed improvement reduces the number of possible alternative button press type sequences by including interspersed time-independent selection buttons among the time-dependent ones. The algorithm divides the button press type sequence into segments at each time-independent button press type of the sequence.

Abstract: A position pointer used to input position pointing operations on a capacitive position detector includes a rod-shaped housing, a sleeve, a cap, a cloth, a support, and a first fastener. The sleeve is connected to a tip portion of the housing. The cap is made of an elastic material and protrudes from the tip portion of the sleeve. The cloth covers the cap. The support is provided inside the housing and supports the cap. The first fastener fastens the cloth to the support. At least one of the cap and the cloth is conductive.

Abstract: A keyboard includes rows of keys defining a keyboard axis and side borders of the keyboard, the keyboard axis disposed mediate the side borders of the keyboard, the rows of keys disposed in series with each other along the keyboard axis, and the keyboard axis being disposed at an acute or obtuse angle relative to a user of the keyboard and being generally aligned along a length of an arm of the user holding the keyboard. Each key may be also defined by a unique region of numeric values or a unique region of color pixels allowing ease in changing keyboard location, size and orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for modifying an input area, comprising a memory and a processor executing instructions stored in the memory. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to display a first input area on a device. The processor further executes instructions stored in the memory to detect a user input in a second input area. The processor still further executes instructions stored in the memory to perform, if the user input comprises a first operation, an input function; and modify, if the user input comprises a second operation, the first input area.

Abstract: A system includes a surface having a demarcated area and discrete areas disposed on the surface. The discrete areas may each be configured to receive user input. At least a portion of the discrete areas overlap the demarcated area. The system further includes a sensing layer disposed underneath the surface. The sensing layer may be configured to sense force applied to the surface in response to the user input.

Abstract: A keyboard device according to one embodiment includes: a box-shape body, comprising a first side-wall and a second side-wall arranged opposite to and is pivotably openable relative to the first side-wall; a support assembly, configured to be connected detachably to the first side-wall of the box-shape body such that the box-shape body is adapted to support the electronic apparatus; and a flexible membrane keyboard which is connected with an internal surface of the second side-wall of the box-shape body and switchable between an unfolded condition in which the flexible membrane keyboard functions as a keyboard of the electronic apparatus and a folded condition in which the flexible membrane keyboard is received within the box-shape body. The keyboard device of the embodiments of the disclosure may function as both a keyboard for the electronic device and a support, and is provided with a limited size so as to facilitate portability thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a processor; memory accessible by the processor; a first housing that includes a first display operatively coupled to the processor; a second housing that includes a keyboard, a second display and a detachable pointing device adjacent to the second display; and a hinge assembly that operatively couples the first housing to the second housing.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard comprises a key assembly, a thin-film switch circuit board assembly, a base plate and a light guide plate. The key assembly is disposed on the thin-film switch circuit board assembly. The thin-film switch circuit board assembly is disposed on the base plate. The base plate is disposed on the light guide plate. The base plate and the light guide plate together form an aperture structure. The thin-film switch circuit board assembly includes a thin-film switch circuit board and a light-emitting unit. The thin-film switch circuit board forms a protrusion protruding toward the aperture structure. The light-emitting unit is disposed at the bottom surface of the protrusion and extends downward such that a lower end of the light-emitting unit is lower than a lower surface of the base plate so that the light-emitting unit emits light into the light guide plate directly.

Abstract: A force touch display device, comprising a display panel and a force touch detecting module, wherein the force touch detecting module is arranged opposite to the display panel, and the force touch detecting module is configured to detect an amount of deformation of the force touch display device so as to determine a force level of a touch force. A force touch control method is also disclosed.

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.

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 method, system and computer product for a Smart-Bricks Information System (IS), which solves the problems of lack of adaptability and lack of flexibility of information systems. In order to provide adaptability and flexibility of the IS, the enterprise's information space is divided into a plurality of universal micro-blocks—Smart-Bricks micro-systems. The Smart-Bricks IS implements the following: contains all necessary and sufficient system parts for the functioning of each micro-system (data, code, interface); self-assembles into “instantaneous info-conglomerates”-Smart-Bricks Instant Performances (SBIP); and runs under control of the Ontological Model of an enterprise subject area, which is adaptable to the changing conditions of a given subject area.

Abstract: User identities, password, etc. represent the barrier between a user's confidential data and any other third party seeking to access this data. As multiple software applications, web applications, web services, etc. embody this confidential data it is a tradeoff between easy recollection of said identities, passwords, etc. and data security. Generally for most users the balance is too far to convenience and ease of recollection such that the probability of third party illegally accessing the confidential data increases. Accordingly, it would be beneficial for users as well as organizations providing/controlling access to systems, resources, and data to be provided with an automatic means of entering password and/or security credential information without the user, for example, selecting the password, knowing the password, having access to the password, or entering the password where the organizations providing/controlling access can establish geo-fences relating to the credential information.

Abstract: A keyboard scanning circuit includes a plurality of switching elements, M scanning lines and N sensing lines. Each of the sensing lines has a common node extended to M transmission lines. A switching element is coupled where one of the transmission lines and one of the scanning lines intersects. Two scanning lines correspondingly coupled through two switching elements to two transmission lines extended from one sensing line are different from each other.

Abstract: An input device is operable to detect input. The input device is a deflection based capacitive sensing input device. Deflection of a metal frame of the input device causes a change in capacitance that is used to control a function of an electrical device. The input device appears invisible because it is made of the same material as the housing it is contained in. Invisible backlit holes may make the input selectively visible or invisible to the user.