Including Keyboard Or Keypad Patents (Class 341/22)
  • Patent number: 9436295
    Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for detecting an event on a computing device having an embedded keyboard with a default mapping of keys to functions and disabling a first subset of keys on the embedded keyboard in response to the event. Additionally, a second subset of keys on the embedded keyboard may be re-mapped to one or more different functions if an application running on the computing device supports keyboard re-mapping. In one example, re-mapping the second subset of keys includes grouping two or more keys in the second subset into a common function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar, Duncan Glendinning
  • Patent number: 9430105
    Abstract: A self-capacitance touch sensor panel including a plurality of touch electrodes and one or more sense circuits coupled to the touch electrodes. The touch sensor panel also includes at least one offset cancellation circuit coupled to at least one of the touch electrodes and configured to generate an offset cancellation signal to cancel an offset signal at the at least one touch electrode. In some examples, the offset cancellation signal can be an offset cancellation current to cancel an offset current. In some examples, the offset cancellation circuit comprises a variable resistor, and a magnitude of the offset cancellation current is based on a resistance of the variable resistor. In some examples, each touch electrode is coupled to an offset cancellation circuit. In other examples, a single offset cancellation circuit is shared by a plurality of touch electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Weijun Yao, Taif A. Syed, Yingxuan Li, Ahmad Al-Dahle
  • Patent number: 9423836
    Abstract: A super-slim touch keyboard and a super-slim smart cover device including the same are provided. The super-slim touch keyboard includes a lower case, a touch circuit board including a key pattern disposed on the lower case and a touch wheel pattern disposed adjacent to the key pattern, a piezoelectric sensor film layer formed on the touch circuit board and including a piezoelectric sensor printed on a portion thereof corresponding to the key pattern, an electro-luminance (EL) film layer formed on the piezoelectric sensor film layer, a keypad layer formed on the EL film layer and including a plurality of keys at a portion thereof corresponding to the key pattern, and an upper case disposed to be coupled to the lower case at a periphery of the keypad layer and including a touch wheel at a portion thereof corresponding to the touch wheel pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: WOORIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jae Hong Seo
  • Patent number: 9417708
    Abstract: A computer receives data from a keyboard having one or more keys which cause generation of keyboard data that quantitatively describe the relative force applied to those keys. The keyboard data are transmitted in an HID report containing identifiers for one or more keys that have been pressed and force data for each key. The force data may be a multi-bit value quantifying the key force, or a null indicator signaling that the key is not force-sensing. Keyboard data messages are then prepared which identify keys pressed, contain force data, and may indicate whether the force data updates previous force data. Force updates are only provided to application programs registering for key force data. In other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, key repeat messages are automatically generated for a key held pressed by a user. The key repeat messages are generated at a rate controlled by the amount of force applied to the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Randall E. Aull, Firdosh K. Bhesania, Michael William John McCracken, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Steven N. Bathiche, Timothy T. Brewer
  • Patent number: 9389700
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inputting a character on a touch keyboard in a terminal are provided. A touch screen displays a basic key set and an extended key set. The basic key set includes consonant keys and the extended key set includes character keys corresponding to characters combinable with a consonant corresponding to a consonant key input from the basic key set. The touch screen displays the extended key set, upon input of the consonant key from the basic key set and receiving at least one character from the basic key set and the extended key set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Se-Hwan Park, Keun-Ho Shin, Woo-Jei Choi
  • Patent number: 9383829
    Abstract: A hand-held combination key apparatus configured to input information to an intelligent electronic apparatus is provided. Three to five key groups, which correspond to each corresponding finger of a single hand respectively, are set on one of left side and right side of a shell, each key group having two combination keys, and each combination key being the key with compound functions of touch conduction and press conduction. Various combination states of touch conduction of each combination key are used to search and pre-display characters or operational function symbols; and press conduction of each combination key is used to determine character input or operational function input. The hand-held combination key apparatus can be used in any state without limitation absolutely, such as when the user is sitting, standing, lying down and moving, other than the normal standard keyboard which needs a practicable plane to support in use, saving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventors: Benlin Liu, Xiqing Liu, Qiong Wang, Zheng Wang, Liming Zhao, Bushan Liu
  • Patent number: 9369657
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying options of a menu in order to easily search and select an option are provided. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving a menu request from a user, determining a number of menu items associated with the requested menu, and displaying on a menu screen the menu items in a particular display form selected from a plurality of prestored display forms depending on the determined number of menu items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Jin Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 9348808
    Abstract: Technologies for selecting an input protocol based on an input content are generally disclosed. In one example, a method for selecting an input protocol based on an input content can include: acquiring the input content; analyzing the input content; extracting one or more indivisible individual units from the input content; calculating a similarity between a first frequency of occurrence of the one or more indivisible individual units and a second frequency of occurrence of the one or more indivisible individual units, wherein the second frequency of occurrence of the one or more indivisible individual units is predetermined with a second value of frequency of occurrence; ranking the similarity; identifying the input protocol based on the similarity; and selecting a first ranked input protocol having a highest similarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Shuichi Kurabayashi, Naofumi Yoshida, Kosuke Takano
  • Patent number: 9342565
    Abstract: An example device includes a memory and one or more processors configured to receive an indication of a first set of characters, responsive to determining that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the indication of the first set of characters was received, execute a query generated based on the first set of characters, to determine a typing speed associated with the first set of characters, and to generate, based on the predetermined amount of time and the typing speed, an adjusted amount of time, the adjusted amount of time being different from the predetermined amount of time. The processor(s) are further configured to receive an indication of a second set of characters, and responsive to determining that the adjusted amount of time has elapsed since the indication of the second set of characters was received, execute a second query generated based on the second set of characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Salomon Morton
  • Patent number: 9335833
    Abstract: A method for processing input from a keyboard of a hand-held computing device includes receiving a plurality of key input events and, from the plurality of key input events, determining whether there is a double selection event corresponding to a specified key from the keyboard. Further, the method includes, when it is determined that there is the double selection event corresponding to the specified key, determining a key selection offset between a first and second key selection action of the double selection. The method also includes deciding whether the key selection offset is substantially equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and, when it is decided that the key selection offset is substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, using at least a first key as key input of the double selection event. The first key and the specified key are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jerome Pasquero, Donald Somerset McCulloch McKenzie, Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 9336415
    Abstract: A securing device is provided for securing a capacitive keypad of an electronic payment terminal having at least one processor for managing keys of the capacitive keypad. The securing device is configured for communicating with the processor and includes a driving module for driving at least one simulation element for simulating at least one keystroke on the capacitive keypad. The driving module includes a receiver for receiving at least one simulation command randomly transmitted by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: INGENICO GROUP
    Inventors: Fabrice Fleury, Jean-Eric Lemaire
  • Patent number: 9330082
    Abstract: In one embodiment, constructing one or more customized dictionaries for a particular user, each of the customized dictionaries comprising a different blending of one or more frequently used words collected from texts submitted by one or more users; and in response to the user inputting text to an electronic device, selecting one of the customized dictionaries and utilizing it to aid the particular user in inputting text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: Erick Tseng, Shaheen Ashok Gandhi, Adam D. I. Kramer, Luke St. Clair
  • Patent number: 9330083
    Abstract: In one embodiment, collecting a plurality of words from texts submitted by one or more users; for each of a plurality of communication categories, determining a usage frequency of each of one or more of the words within the communication category based on the texts; and constructing one or more customized dictionaries that each comprise a different blending of selected words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: Erick Tseng, Shaheen Ashok Gandhi, Adam D. I. Kramer, Luke St. Clair
  • Patent number: 9323345
    Abstract: A system of implementing flexible keyboard layout for inputting text into an electronic device, where a user's input is mapped to a character set based on a keyboard layout, and an input sequence is formed. The user may customize different keyboard layouts and switch among these different layouts arbitrarily. Also, an auto error-correction may be achieved, and smart words selection may be achieved based on context. With the system of the invention, the design cost of the portable device manufactures may be reduced significantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHANGHAI CHULE (COOTEK) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Huang, Yanjiao Zhao, Jingfen Dai
  • Patent number: 9317110
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the motion of a wristband is used to control games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 9308440
    Abstract: A push button panel 16, which has a transparent panel main body 16a for allowing a screen image on a display surface 10a to be visually seen, is disposed for each void part 15b between opaque frames 15a of a lattice panel 15 disposed on the display surface 10a of a monitor 10. Extended parts 16c are disposed at the four corners of an outer circumference of the push button panel 16, such that they are extending outwardly in the diagonal directions, and these extended parts 16c are fitted to recessed parts 15c provided at the four corners of an void part 15b of the lattice panel 15 . A rubber contact 17, in which electrodes functioning as detecting means are embedded in an elastic body functioning as supporting means, is disposed at a lower surface side of each extended part 16c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Hine, Masakatsu Watanabe, Hiroshi Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 9306343
    Abstract: A remote controlled extension cord. The extension cord has a wire attached to a plug with an integrated base. The base serves to cradle a remote control, which is used to turn power on/off to the extensions on the cord. The extension cord has a number of advanced operations, for example a sequential flash operation which cycles power between all of the individual sockets in the extension cord in sequence, and then repeats the sequence. This can all be controlled by the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Michael McClurkan
  • Patent number: 9298275
    Abstract: A mobile device has a user interface comprising a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of groups. A processor is operatively coupled to the user input device to receive user input from the user input device and to identify which group of keys has received the user input. A display is operatively coupled to the processor for displaying characters corresponding to the keys of the group in response to the user input. The keys may have capacitive touch sensors with haptic feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Melecio Leano Mortel
  • Patent number: 9298366
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device determines, in response to completion of input of Mth stroke, first input candidates of stroke groups by using the 1st to Mth strokes; executes process for displaying at least one of the first input candidates; determine, in response to completion of input of Nth (N>M) stroke, second input candidates by using the 1st to Nth strokes; and executes, process for displaying at least one of the second input candidates on the screen to eliminate overlap with the at least one of the first input candidates displayed on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Hirotada Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 9299329
    Abstract: In a portable multimedia device, a method, apparatus, and system for providing user supplied configuration data are described. In one embodiment, a hierarchically ordered graphical user interface are provided. A first order, or home, interface provides a highest order of user selectable items each of which, when selected, results in an automatic transition to a lower order user interface associated with the selected item. In one of the described embodiments, the lower order interface includes other user selectable items associated with the previously selected item from the higher order user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Robbin, Steve Jobs, Timothy Wasko, Greg Christie, Imran Chaudhri
  • Patent number: 9292104
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fixed mouse. The fixed mouse includes a housing which has an insert depression, a movable body, a portion or the entirety of which is inserted into the insert depression, a direction sensing means which detects a direction in which an external force is applied to the movable body and generates a signal used to move a pointer in a corresponding direction, and speed sensing means which detects the intensity of the external force applied to the movable body and generates a signal to vary the speed of the pointer in response to the intensity of the external force. As such, the direction sensing means for moving the pointer and the speed sensing means for controlling the speed of the pointer are independently provided. Therefore, the production, maintenance and repair of the direction sensing means and the speed sensing means can be facilitated. Furthermore, the degree of design freedom for layout of a product is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9292097
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described that includes providing a watch defining a body and a watch face on a surface of the body, the body having one or more sensors arranged to sense user inputs in an area adjacent to the body. The method further comprises sensing a motion of an object in the area adjacent to, but not touching, the body using the one or more sensors and changing a display of a pointing element on a graphical user interface on the watch in coordination with the sensed motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Miller, Richard C. Gossweiler, III
  • Patent number: 9285838
    Abstract: An electronic device including a first body, a second body, a linking member, a plurality of keys, and an actuating module is provided. The first body has a display surface and the second body is adapted to be connected to the first body. The linking member is disposed within the second body. The keys are movably connected to the second body. The actuating module is disposed within the second body and located between the linking member and the keys. The linking member moves via a relative movement between the first body and the second body, so that the actuating module pushes the keys to move from the inside of the second body to the outside of the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yao-Tsung Yeh, Kun-Hsin Liu, Wei-Hao Lan, Yen-Hsiao Yeh, Hong-Tien Wang, Shi-Kuan Chen, Chun-Huang Yu, Shih-Chin Chou
  • Patent number: 9272215
    Abstract: A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Dell Products LP
    Inventors: Mark A. Casparian, Gabriel Gonzalez, Frank C. Azor, Reginald I. Rego, David Estrada, Jacqueline F. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 9274681
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and method of controlling the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a touchscreen and a control unit for receiving a first command according to a state of an object in near-proximity to the touchscreen, and receiving a second command according to a state of the object contacting the touchscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Kyung Dong Choi
  • Patent number: 9263209
    Abstract: A backlighting assembly for use in a keypad assembly. The backlighting assembly includes at least one light emitting source configured to emit light; and a light guide assembly configured to receive the emitted light and direct the light toward the at least one key. The light guide assembly includes both a light guide film and a substantially rigid frame to guide light and to provide structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 9250708
    Abstract: A combination of a stylus and a keyboard. A collapsible keyboard portion is coupled to a stylus tip. When in a collapsed state, the apparatus may be used as a stylus, or stored in a receptacle or a user's pocket. When a keyboard is needed, the stylus keyboard may be unrolled or unfolded, and used to control an electronic device via a wireless connection between a transceiver on the stylus keyboard and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Vijayarani Natarajan
  • Patent number: 9250783
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing input to a computing device based on a toggle gesture performed during a drag gesture are provided. A drag gesture can be performed on a touch screen to manipulate a user interface object. For example, the drag gesture can move the user interface object or resize the user interface object. Such manipulation commands may have alternate modes or options. For example, a user may want to place a copy of the user interface object rather than simply moving it. Accordingly, a toggle gesture can be performed during the drag gesture to choose an alternate manipulation command. For example, a drag gesture can be performed to move an object, and a toggle gesture can be performed during the drag gesture to copy the object instead of moving it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Lehrian, Zachariah N. Paine, Edward P. A. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9250711
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to generate artificial variants in certain circumstances. Each artificial variant is compared with N-gram data on the handheld electronic device and is suppressed from being output if the artificial variant is determined to have a low probability of being the input intended by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Dan Rubanovich
  • Patent number: 9251237
    Abstract: A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product generates and utilizes a synthetic context-based object to locate a user-specific data store. A processor associates a non-contextual data object with a context object to define a synthetic context-based object. The synthetic context-based object is associated with at least one specific data store that contains data that is associated with data in the non-contextual data object and in the context object. The processor determines a subject-matter of interest for a specific user, and associates that determined subject-matter of interest to a specific synthetic context-based object. In response to receiving a request for data from a specific user, the request is directed to the specific synthetic context-based object that describes the subject-matter of interest for that specific user. This specific synthetic context-based object locates the appropriate data store in order to return the requested data to the specific user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel S. Adams, Robert R. Friedlander, John K. Gerken, III, James R. Kraemer
  • Patent number: 9244531
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive sheet member contains a body having predetermined hardness and a sheet shape and a sense-of-touch-representing unit that represents a sense of touch. The sense-of-touch-representing unit has a predetermined size and is arranged at positions of the body or at a predetermined position of the body. The touch-sensitive sheet member also contains a medium-supplying unit that supplies medium to the sense-of-touch-representing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventors: Kouichiro Takashima, Shun Kayama, Takashi Sawada, Yukiko Shimizu, Tsutomu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9244878
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device and display method for a handheld electronic device provide for an initialization screen to be displayed by a display unit, in response to user input, to display symbols reflecting an intent of the user. The handheld electronic device includes a user input unit having a first key to which a symbol of a first type is allocated and a symbol of a second type is not allocated, and a second key to which a symbol of the first type and a symbol of the second type are both allocated; a display unit that, upon input via the user input unit, displays a symbol of the first type and/or a symbol of the second type; and a control unit that controls what the display unit displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michiko Takei
  • Patent number: 9239631
    Abstract: A method for processing input from a keyboard of a hand-held computing device includes receiving a plurality of key input events and, from the plurality of key input events, determining whether there is a double selection event corresponding to a specified key from the keyboard. Further, the method includes, when it is determined that there is the double selection event corresponding to the specified key, determining a key selection offset between a first and second key selection action of the double selection. The method also includes deciding whether the key selection offset is substantially equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and, when it is decided that the key selection offset is substantially equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, using at least a first key as key input of the double selection event. The first key and the specified key are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jerome Pasquero, Donald Somerset McCulloch McKenzie, Jason Tyler Griffin
  • Patent number: 9235270
    Abstract: A touch type keyboard with an array of mechanical keys. Each key has a plurality of capacitive sensors to detect a finger's location on the surface of the key. The array provides single strike access to an entire alphabet, while reducing hand motion. The invention overcomes previous conflicts, to combine wide finger-spacing with closer reach to each character. One embodiment also includes cursor control functions embedded within the home row, and layered labeling to improve visual simplicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Synerdyne Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Knighton, Peter J. DeLaurentis, Mydul R. Islam
  • Patent number: 9230754
    Abstract: The illuminated keyboard includes a base plate, a backlight module, a plurality of input keys and a mask layer. The backlight module and the plurality of input keys are disposed on opposite sides of the base plate. The mask layer is disposed between the base plate and the backlight module. A pointing stick cursor key includes a holding structure, an opening and a masking portion. The holding structure with a hole is disposed on the base plate. The opening is formed on the mask layer in a position corresponding to the holding structure. The holding structure is extended into the backlight module via the opening. The at least one masking portion is connected to a periphery of the opening for bendably attaching against the holding structure for covering the hole when the holding structure is extended into the backlight module via the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignees: DARFON ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD., DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Shih-Sheng Liang, Hsin-Cheng Ho, Yen-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 9218127
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing data entry in videoconferencing and other systems that use remote controls and other non keyboard-based user interface devices. In some embodiments, the keys of a numeric keypad are associated with letters and symbols, such that when a number key is pressed the system displays a selection of choices in a spatial configuration, including the number pressed as well as additional character choices. Users can use navigation buttons to move the selection to any one of the displayed characters and select it, thus minimizing the number of remote control operations for data entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Vidyo, Inc.
    Inventors: Balasubramanian Pitchandi, Scott Van Der Sluys, Sverre Wendelbo
  • Patent number: 9213447
    Abstract: Provided is a data projection device including a device body and a first projector connected to the device body. The first projector is configured to project a display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the device body. An input detection sensor is connected to the device body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the device body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the device body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with a data source to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the display image according to the received data and the input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Innova Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ieon C. Chen
  • Patent number: 9195318
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a keypad having up plurality of keys and a selection member; a display component; and a processor cooperating with the keypad and the display component to provide a display at the display component. The display includes a first representation of a plurality of the keys, and at least one of: (a) a second representation of an activated one of the input members (b) a third representation including a plurality of diacritics disposed about an activated one of the input members, and (c) a fourth representation including a plurality of diacritics disposed about an activated one of the input members, and a direction of selection between the activated one of the input members and one of the diacritics. The processor cooperates with the selection member to adjust the direction of selection, and select one of the diacritics for display by the display component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, Michael Langlois, John Jong-Suk Lee, Alen Mujkic, Andrew D. Bocking, Parul Nanda
  • Patent number: 9182837
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices implement changes in operating mode for a media player, wireless telephone, portable computer or other device having a force sensor and a proximity sensor. A force indication is received from the force sensor and a proximity indication is received from the proximity sensor responsive to user input. The device is then switched from a second operating mode to a first operating mode in response to an occurrence of user input being indicated by both the force and proximity indications. A trigger event occurring during one of the operating modes evokes a response by the device that is not evoked by the trigger event in the other of the first and the second operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventor: Shawn P. Day
  • Patent number: 9182834
    Abstract: There is provided a mouse device including a control chip and at least one control component. The control chip includes a voltage detection circuit coupled to the at least one control component through at least one multiplexing pin and detects at least one voltage value on the at least one multiplexing pin using the voltage detection circuit thereby identifying an operating state of the at least one control component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC
    Inventors: Chia Cheun Liang, Hsiang Sheng Liu, Yu Han Chen, Chien Jung Huang, Chih Chung Tsai, Chih Yen Wu, Ming Tsan Kao
  • Patent number: 9176900
    Abstract: Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Eric Joseph Wahl, David C. Vandervoort, Todd David Pleake, Rob Huala, Summer L. Schneider, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Timothy C. Shaw, Ralf Groene, Hua Wang, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Karsten Aagaard
  • Patent number: 9152323
    Abstract: A virtual keyboard providing an indication of received input and method of controlling the same is provided. The method comprises receiving an input of a character from a virtual keyboard displayed on a display, and highlighting a key in the virtual keyboard which corresponds to the input character when the input character belongs to a current set of characters which is incomplete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Jerome Pasquero, Donald Somerset McCulloch Mckenzie
  • Patent number: 9146621
    Abstract: An electronic device having a keyboard, display, and a processor is presented. The keyboard includes a plurality keys with at least a subset of the plurality of keys having a plurality of indicia, each key in the subset having a primary and secondary conductor. The primary conductor can be associated with a first set of indicia. The first set of indicia can include one or more indicia. The secondary conductor can be associated with a second set of indicia. The second set of indicia can include the one or more indicia that are not in the first set. The processor can be communicatively coupled to the keyboard and the display. The processor receives an input based on the secondary conductor associated with the given key, and outputs data to the display to display a list of characters corresponding to the plurality of indicia of the given key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Mihal Lazaridis
  • Patent number: 9134810
    Abstract: A method including receiving an input of a character from a virtual keyboard displayed on a display, generating one or more sets of predicted input characters based on the input character, wherein each set of predicted input characters corresponds to a subsequent candidate input character, and displaying a visual indication of at least some of the one or more sets of predicted input characters, wherein the visual indication is displayed at keys of the virtual keyboard associated with subsequent candidate input characters corresponding to the sets of predicted input characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason Tyler Griffin, Jerome Pasquero, Donald Somerset McCulloch Mckenzie
  • Patent number: 9116618
    Abstract: A terminal having a touch screen and a method for displaying a key corresponding to an area in which an input event by a user is detected on the terminal are provided. The method includes in a character input mode, determining whether a touch event is detected in a key display area including at least one key area, when the touch event is detected, confirming a key area of the key display area in which the touch event is detected, and displaying a key recognition item on the key area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Seok Jeong
  • Patent number: 9104375
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, a display module, at least one support element, a sliding assembly, two connecting robs, and a keyboard module. The display module includes a connecting end and a support surface. Each support element includes a first fixed end connected pivotally to the support surface and a second fixed end connected pivotally to the base. The sliding assembly includes a sliding element and a sliding guiding element disposed in the base. The sliding element is combined with the connecting end and sliding along the sliding guiding element. The keyboard module includes two keyboard portions. Each keyboard portion is moveably combined with the base. Each connecting rob can be pushed by the sliding element to drive the two keyboard portions to move relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jia-Hung Lee, Yung-Shen Chen, Yen-Shuo Feng
  • Patent number: 9104285
    Abstract: A haptic device provides an indirect haptic device, having a substrate having a touch surface, a position sensor and a friction modulator associated with the substrate, a control device connected to the position sensor and the friction modulator, wherein a coefficient of friction on the touch surface is modulated in response to a sensed position of relative to the touch surface and/or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James Edward Colgate, Michael A. Peshkin, John Glassmire, Laura Winfield Alexander
  • Patent number: 9097394
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source and an optical element, the light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned. The optical element being shaped to focus a light beam emitted by the light source in a plane orthogonal to the line of light emitting diodes and to deflect said light beam parallel to an illuminating plane including the line of light emitting diodes so as to form a light beam having an ellipsoidal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ECE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lauret, Christian Tsao
  • Patent number: 9098848
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety covering design for financial transaction device, simply constructing specific solid connection between boards by the pressure formed after assembly. The pressure is formed with assembly and constructing connection of units, so illegally penetration can be easily detected, because the pressure is released by disassembly as well as the connection between boards is removed. Thus, the financial transaction device of the present invention is not easy being penetrated without alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLES TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung-Chun Lin, Kai-Yu Cheng
  • Patent number: 9075507
    Abstract: A computing device may store a notification selection application executable by a processor of the computing device to provide operations including providing a user interface of a computing device including a notification selection control configured to receive user selection of a notification mode from a normal mode in which device notifications are enabled, a silent mode in which device notifications are disabled, and a timer mode in which device notifications are temporarily disabled until expiration of a countdown timer; receiving a gesture to select the timer mode from the notification selection control; starting the countdown timer based on receiving the gesture to select the timer mode; and automatically transitioning the computing device from the timer mode to the normal mode upon expiration of the countdown timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventor: David R. Dempski