Abstract: A force sensitive key and keyboard arrangement for computers includes ten multidirectional keys which are used for enabling ten-finger typing by applying forces and no finger movement among keys is needed. Each multidirectional key capable of nine functions comprises a force sensor. The force applied by a finger tip is sensed and classified as one of either of eight directions on the horizontal plane or a pressing direction, the activated direction is then designated to a key function. Functions in the same column are discriminated by sensing different longitudinal forces. Discrimination of functions between columns and higher rows operated by the same finger is achieved through applying lateral forces. The ten multidirectional keys represent all of the functions of a standard computer keyboard.

Abstract: Keys are arranged on a keyboard as learned during a training stage. During training, a training corpus of input symbol sequence is provided. Each unique symbol in the corpus has an associated key on the keyboard. A cost function that measures a cost of inputting the symbols of the training corpus is globally minimized. Then, the keys are arranged on the keyboard according to the globally minimized cost function. To reduced the distance a pointer must move, the keys can also be arranged in a hexagonal pattern.

Abstract: An arrangement of a plurality of status keys in a keyboard for entering information in an electronic device. The keyboard comprises a plurality of regular keys connected to a resistive strip at a plurality of locations for providing a first signal when one of the regular keys is pressed and the first signal is indicative of the location associated with the pressed regular key; a plurality of resistors, each having a different resistance, connected in series to the resistive strip, and separately connected in parallel to the status keys so that the resistors can be selectively by-passed by pressing one or more status keys, wherein a second signal is provided when one of the regular keys is pressed together with at least one status key, and wherein the second signal is indicative of the resistance the status key for identifying the pressed status key.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that permits a user, using the fingers of a single hand, to produce defined outputs such as generating characters for text input and executing commands. In a data processing system having plural input detectors, the invention comprises permitting the user to perform sequential gestures with the fingers of one hand to produce the defined outputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keypad having a plurality of keys, each having a predetermined function for a respective plurality of selective operations. An indicating arrangement is provided for identifying a selected one of the plurality of keys. As a special feature of the present invention, the indicating arrangement can include one or more virtual keys, selectively programmable to emulate the predetermined function of one or more of the plurality of keys.

Abstract: Keystrokes on a keyboard are predicted by constructing a model from a training corpus. The training corpus includes symbol sequences. The model predicts a set of symbols, where each symbol of the set continues a particular symbol sequence using variable-length subsequences of the particular symbol sequence. A particular length is chosen to maximize a probability that the predicting is correct. Keys on the keyboard are highlighted. The highlighted keys correspond to selected symbols in the set of symbols.

Abstract: In a method of processing a multi-function key in a key inputting device, such as a multimedia keyboard, the scan code value of the multi-function key consists of the “windows key code” as a first value, one or more code keys of “ctrl”, “alt” and “shift” as a second value, and “a selected key code” as the third value, thereby forming a scan code value of the multi-function key being made to not overlap with a normal key or a combination of the normal keys, thereby preventing any collision or overlapping of codes, and ensuring the stability of the key codes.

Abstract: A double-spelling soft keyboard is used to input characters in a non-alphabetic language, such as Chinese. These characters are represented by a combination of one or more of an initial sound, a final sound, and a tone. An initial soft keyboard allows the user to select the initial sound, if present. Based on which initial sound is selected, a final soft keyboard offers the user a choice of final sounds that combine to form valid characters with the initial sound. Tone information may also be supplied by the user. Based on the initial sound, the final sound, and/or the tone, the desired character is predicted. This prediction can also be informed by contextual information, linguistic patterns, and the user's previous input.

Abstract: An alphanumerical keyboard which includes a plurality of numeral keys and function keys is programmed so that an alpha-character will always be generated when exactly two mutually adjacent keys are depressed simultaneously, and that a numeral will always be generated when only one numeral key is depressed.

Abstract: A display screen switch of the present invention includes: a plate-like case arranged on a display screen and provided with a transmit-light window part in which switch information displayed on the display screen is transmitted; a switch body fixed to the case; a cover arranged on an upper side of the case and having a hole part; a transmit operational member including a transparent display part which transmits a visible light and on which the switch information is displayed, and a switch push-down part which makes the switch body operate; and an elastic member interposed between the transmit operational member and the case along a circumference part of the transmit operational member. The transmit operational member being arranged such that the transparent display part and the switch push-down part are arranged in a protruding way from the hole part between the cover and the case. Especially, the elastic member and the transmit operational member are bonded by an adhesive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and logical way of using twelve sensors for data representation or data entry coding. This invention also relates to a method of producing alphanumeric data using short duration or long duration twelve sensor activation, simultaneous activation and/or sequential activation. Activating one of the ten numbered sensors produces numbers. Activating a first left sensor of a second set of three sensors exits the number mode and enters a data character mode. Activating a third right sensor of a second set of three sensors exits the data character mode and re-enters the number mode. The twelve sensor set enters a shiftable data character mode when a first left sensor of the second set of three sensors is activated two or three times. Activating a sensor of a first set of nine sensors in a data character mode produces a data character.

Abstract: This invention relates to a keyboard with multi-function keys are installed nearby the space bar to make it very convenient to use. The keyboard incorporates the multi-function keys, such as a scroll-control-ball which can move the screen from various directions, an up-down-left-right keys to control the position of the cursor, editing functions keys which provide such functions as cut, copy, paste, mark, recovery, scroll page, insert and delete to enable speedy editing. In addition to the above-mentioned function keys, the multi-function keys comprise a finger-print-identification function device to identify the user. Furthermore, the multi-function keys further comprise a liquid crystal display light to show the status of the numeral and upper and lower case.

Abstract: Character input control equipment enables the decrease of moving distance of a cursor between key positions and also enables efficient key input. The character input control equipment includes character input display field display controller for displaying a plurality of character input display fields in a display part, cursor movement controller for specifying one character input display field out of the plurality of character input display fields displayed in the display part by moving the cursor, and input character selector for selecting one character out of the plurality of characters corresponding to the one character input display field specified by the cursor movement controller wherein a plurality of characters correspond to each one of the plurality of character input display fields.

Abstract: A dual-function keyboard with two operational modes, a typing mode and a pointing mode. In the typing mode, each visible key functions as in a standard keyboard. In the pointing mode, all the keys function as pointer controllers. The keyboard also employs a novel “one-hot-encoding” circuitry that simplifies the wiring while allowing digital detection of any number of keys that are simultaneously depressed. The keyboard may be made of flexible materials and may be rolled-up or folded for easy transportation.

Abstract: A navigation system for vehicles has a rewritable memory, which stores data of a plurality of locations, and searches the rewritable memory for a target location for use in guiding a travel route. When a user inputs a new location for registration, data of an input new location is stored in the rewritable memory in addition to original data of the plurality of locations. This data of new location may be stored by updating the original data or by adding separately from the original data. When a user requests a search for the target location by a name of the target location, the navigation system searches it alphabetically by referring to both data of the plurality of locations and the new location. The navigations system may be designed to conduct the location search by a facility type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide users with enhanced visual feedback after entry of data. When a user activates a key or inputs a sequence of keystrokes, a corresponding data character or characters is determined and displayed in a highlighting window. The desired character or set of characters may be determined by a predictive data entry method. The highlighting window provides greater visual feedback to the user through magnification, reverse video, or some other form of contrast enhancement method. If the user scrolls to a new character or characters because the currently displayed one(s) are not desired, then the new character or characters are displayed in the highlighting window. When the user ceases scrolling, indicating that the currently displayed character or characters are what the user desires, the highlighting window disappears and the display of the selected character or characters is restored to be the same format as previously entered characters.

Abstract: An improved receiver (5) of a remote control system, in particular for closing systems of a motor vehicle, and a method for operating such a remote control system are proposed. Modern motor vehicle closing systems are equipped with remote control systems which, in addition to the central locking of the doors, also perform so-called comfort functions such as the closing of the windows or of the sunroof. For safety reasons, such a comfort function must be terminated as soon as a signal fails to be received. If the remote control system is activated at the limit of its range, the response threshold of the receiver (5) may be undershot as a result of the transmitter (1) moving. This leads to undesired breaking off of the comfort function, or to jerky operation of the comfort function. According to the invention, it is therefore proposed to implement the response threshold of the receiver so that it is capable of being switched over.

Abstract: Layouts for keypads are provided that have an improved combination of a regular of intuitive arrangement of alphabetic symbols of a language defined by letter characters of the Roman alphabet and an efficient distribution of the symbols to minimize input ambiguities. More particularly, the symbols are for the Pinyin alphabet which includes two main symbol groups thereof for forming Pinyin syllables. The various layouts employ a columnar-based arrangement for the symbols of the initial group. The symbols for the final group are parsed down to basic characters and are distributed in a row-based arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a keyboard with less keys to input English words incessantly and an input method, wherein the key arrangement of the said keyboard may use the present or specially arranged computer keyboard, phone set keyboard, etc., to encode the English words with 2-13 keys, and build an English word encoding Database, according to the statistics of repeated code of a large number of English words, so we can Ceaselessly input the English words by means of said 2-13 keys in accordance with the correct spell rules or the affix simplifying rules of the English Words.

Abstract: A multi-function keyboard in which at least some of the individual keys are actuable in a first mode in which a single character is displayed, and a second mode in which a first, a second or a third character is displayed. A switch permits selection of the desired mode which activates different key press click sounds depending on mode of operation..

Abstract: A stealthy, one-hand keyboard suitable for pedestrians is implemented as a frame held between thumb and palm, to which is attached an adjustable array of keyswitches. The configuration is such that the fingers play no part in supporting the keyboard against gravity, nor in retaining it within the hand. This property facilitates faster typing. The keyboard is strapless and leaves the fingers near their relaxed positions. The hand hides the keyboard on one side and chords are entered by small motions of the fingers, actuating contact being via the flesh on the palm sides of the middle and distal phalanges. These properties reduce the keyboard's observability.

Abstract: A pointing device which can be operated by a disabled person with a declined muscular strength, even when the person lies in a bed, to move a cursor and make a click separately not only by one hand but also by a body portion having a motor function with a light touch without any complex movement and large motion, and which does not need any operation area.

Abstract: An improved keyboard, and a data terminal incorporating same, is disclosed. The present keyboard advantageously includes a keyboard membrane having, on an upper side, a plurality of raised regions upon which character designators can be placed. A plurality of upper key members are disposed on a lower side of the keyboard membrane. Each upper key member is advantageously structurally adapted to return itself, after removal of an actuating force, to an unactuated position. The raised regions on the upper side, and the upper key members on the lower side of the keyboard membrane are advantageously molded from a single elastomeric layer, thereby replacing hundreds of parts in conventional computer-style keyboards using sliding-plunger type key mechanisms. A plurality of lower key members are disposed on a circuit board underneath the keyboard membrane. The lower key members are structurally adapted to prevent “rock over” when a user depresses a raised region somewhat off-center.

Abstract: An input device with page turning used with a set of communication cards, and driven to record input voice, to reproduce recorded voice signal or send recorded voice signal to an external computer through a transmission line when the user presses on one of the communication cards, the input device including a casing having an operating surface area, which holds the communication cards, a clip provided at the casing to hold the communication cards for enabling the communication cards to be taken out and replaced.

Abstract: An improved method and system for receiving user input data into a computer system having a keyboard with a dynamic key that changes its meaning and appearance in response to a predicted need of a user. The dynamic key is preferably provided on a displayed keyboard of a touch-sensitive input panel. Characters are provided to a prediction engine which returns a prediction comprising a likely next character, such as a punctuation symbol. The meaning and appearance of the dynamic key may change based on the prediction, whereby a user may more efficiently enter data via a fixed number of keys.

Abstract: A configurable touch sensitive keyboard system is used to adjust or control the interface to a computer or other electronic device, particularly, for disabled individuals. The configurable touch sensitive keyboard system includes a touch sensitive keyboard having touch sensitive regions and a keyboard overlay having symbols corresponding to the touch sensitive regions. The symbols can be visually recognizable symbols or tactually recognizable symbols, such as Braille characters. A keyguard template is disposed on the keyboard over the overlay and includes keyboard access regions spatially separated on the keyguard. The keyboard access regions on the keyguard help disabled individuals to locate the touch sensitive regions for activation. Keyboard access cover members are used to selectively cover the keyboard access regions and the symbols and corresponding touch sensitive regions.

Abstract: A keyboard layout for a one-handed keypad having fifteen alphabetic keys. Each key has a primary letter and a secondary letter. The primary letter is keyed by solely striking the key, while the secondary letter requires striking a secondary key first or simultaneously with the primary alphanumeric key. The layout placement minimizes finger travel and keystrokes to generate the most common letters and digraphs in the English language.

Abstract: A method and system for intelligent text entry on a keypad. First, a user selects a key on a keypad. Then, an application predicts which character of those corresponding to that key is intended by the user. The predicted character is then presented to the user for confirmation. If the user confirms the selection, the character is stored. If the user rejects the character, the application presents a new character to the user until a character is finally confirmed. It is only when the predicted character is not the intended character that the user is required to iterate through character choices.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for allowing the entry of text in any number of languages using any keyboard chosen by the user. The computer implemented method monitors a user's keystrokes detecting the entry of multiple identical consecutive keystrokes of any diacritical character in a predefined set of characters, then maps the keystrokes to replacement characters. A diacritical character is a character with diacritical variations that change the sound or accent of that character. A predefined set of characters is that set of characters defined as the characters in a predefined or selected language that have diacritical variations. Thus, once multiple identical consecutive keystrokes of any key are detected, the method determines whether the multiple keystrokes are of a diacritical character or whether they are of some other character.

Abstract: A method of communicating electronic information via a display device having a matrix of movable tactile elements. The method includes displaying a representation of a file containing hypertext links on a first portion of the matrix, and displaying a list of the hypertext links on a second portion of the matrix. The representation may include graphical elements and text symbols such as Braille.

Abstract: A character data entry method using a set of key groups where the keys are located densely is disclosed, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting one or no key in each key group touching some or no keys in each key group; (b) checking the selected character that is determined with the combination of the selected keys from each key group; (c) searching the desired character changing the selected keys by sliding the touching fingers; and (d) enter the desired character by getting one of the touching fingers off the keys.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the one-handed input of coordinates of multi-axis coordinate systems and alphanumeric characters and control commands, the device being operable with one hand. The forearm does not participate in the movements and rests on a support. The device comprises a plurality of elongated keys having sensor surfaces which, when depressed, detect and evaluate the position of a fingertip as a coordinate. The device comprises a housing which detects and evaluates the ulnar pivot movement of the hand as a horizontal coordinate and the pronation of the hand and a translation in the direction of the arm as control signals. The device combines the input functions of a mouse and a keyboard.

Abstract: A character input device which allows the user to input characters in a virtual qwerty arrangement on a mobile information device or a palm-sized information terminal. A mobile telephone or the like having a ten-key board is equipped with an inclination sensor or an angular velocity sensor for allocating the same arrangement of the qwerty type keyboard, divided into a left, a central and a right section, to the ten-key board of the mobile telephone depending on whether the mobile telephone is inclined to the left or to the right, or at a normal position. For a personal computer user or the like who has already memorized actually or latently the qwerty arrangement, actions for moving the mobile telephone to the left or right or horizontally have special meanings. Such physical motions causes the user to retrieve the image of the qwerty type keyboard so that they can rapidly input characters.

Abstract: A keyboard with key codes switchable by means of a single modifier key and a method of control thereof are provided. When a modifier key such as an Alt key, a Ctrl key, or a Shift key is pressed and then immediately released, the set of key codes is switched to another if no other modifiable key stroke is inserted during the press-and-release operation. Consequently, multimedia hot keys will be obtained by switching the key code set to another set of key coding that represents individual multimedia functions.

Abstract: Texts including required message are entered with a small number of keys such as those of a cellular telephone. In this case, a conversion table is unnecessary and the number of key operations is reduced. The number of input characters or input character strings composed by sequentially selecting one from a plurality of alphabets distributed to sequentially entered keys is relevant to the number of operation keys (N) raised to the number of distributed character (M) power (−NM) including meaningless characters or character strings and, with respect to these, character conversion is executed by referring to a dictionary means, through the operation of the conversion/next candidate key.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard disambiguating system (50) having a keyboard (54) with a reduced number of keys. A plurality of letters and symbols are assigned to a set of data keys (56) so that keystrokes entered by a user are ambiguous. Due to the ambiguity in each keystroke, an entered keystroke sequence could match a number of words with the same number of letters. The disambiguating system includes a memory (104) having a number of vocabulary modules (110). The vocabulary modules contain a library of objects that are each associated with a keystroke sequence. Each object is also associated with a frequency of use. Objects within the vocabulary modules that match the entered keystroke sequence are identified by the disambiguating system. Objects associated with a keystroke sequence that match the entered keystroke sequence are displayed to the user in a selection list (76). The objects are listed in the selection list according to their frequency of use.

Abstract: An auxiliary keyboard has a first input mode and a second input mode and comprises an input mode switching key, a mode switching unit for switching between the first input mode and second input mode at each depression of the input mode switching key without posting the depression to a computer, a key code sending unit for sending, when the key of the auxiliary keyboard is depressed, a predetermined first key code corresponding to the depressed key of the auxiliary keyboard either in the first input mode or in the second input mode, and a mode correcting unit for correcting, when the input mode of the main keyboard is switched into the numeric data input mode, the numeric data input mode to the character data input mode.

Abstract: A low power-consumption keyboard with a pointing device attachable thereto and for use with the same comprises: a battery for supplying a power source voltage for the keyboard; a key matrix having a set of keys for generating a key code corresponding to a depressed key of the keys; a key function indicator for indicating a key function state corresponding to a depressed specific function key of the keys; a controller for selectively controlling the key code to be transmitted to the computer system by either wire communication or wireless communication; and a wireless transceiver for converting the key code into a wireless signal and for transmitting the wireless signal to the computer system. With this construction, the key function indicator is disabled during wireless communication and enabled during wire communication.

Abstract: A portable device (10) for selective message recordation and playback and scheduling includes a portable unit (11) and an optional homebase station (12). Portable unit (11) includes a housing (15), unit controller (20), tactile input mechanism (40), audio processor (60) and video processor (80). Portable unit (11) allows textual, audible and visual message inputs and their selective playback based on time or other preselected textual, audible or visual stimulus. A selectively detachable stylus (51) may be removed to engage a touch panel (50) for making operational selections and entering information. Optional homebase station (12) may include a variety of features for supporting and supplementing those of handheld unit (11), such as a floppy drive (112) message memory, input keys (114), a battery charging circuit (115) and an external communication circuit (117).

Abstract: When bidirectional wireless communication has been established between a controller section, a system main section transmits an instruction to the controller section to detect a remaining power of a battery. The system main section designates a timing to detect the remaining power and displays the result. The system main section can determine the occurrence of an error when no response is received, resulting in confirmation that the battery has run out in the controller section.

Abstract: A soft cover adapter for customizing and/or simplifying the use of a computer keyboard comprises an easily attachable soft cover made of cloth, vinyl, leather, or the like, configured in size and shape to cover a computer keyboard. The cover may be attached to the keyboard by means of elastic banding. A multiplicity of plastic discs are removably attached (for example, by hook and loop attachments) to the inside surface of the cover. Each of the plastic discs is removably positioned above a pre-selected group of keys on the computer keyboard. On the outer surface of the cover, an icon, such as a photo, drawing, letter, word, or other symbol is positioned above each disc so that when the icon is depressed, it will, in turn, depress the corresponding plastic disc, which, in turn, will depress one or more of the pre-selected group of keys beneath it.

Abstract: A computer having a light emitting diode (LED) display keyboard device is disclosed. The computer includes a LED display keyboard device, a display device, a central processing unit, a ROM, a RAM, and a system bus, the LED display keyboard device comprises a number lock (Num Lock) key for activating numeral function keys on a keyboard; a telephone lock key for activating telephone function keys on a keyboard; a controller for lightening function keys corresponding to a Num Lock key signal and a telephone lock key signal respectively; and a fight emitting device for being activated by a control signal from the controller.

Abstract: A keyboard control apparatus for a keyboard having a multicode key, to which are assigned a plurality of codes for characters and symbols, and a control key which is to be pressed at approximately the same time as the multicode key, has a key pressing time delay detection means that detects the times of pressing the multicode key and the control key, a threshold setting means, into which is stored a threshold value with regard to the delay time, a comparison means which compares the threshold value to the delay time between the pressing of the multicode key and the control key, and a key code generation means which, in response to the results of this comparison, validate a prescribed code data of the multicode key in the case in which the delay time is smaller than the threshold value.

Abstract: An integrated manual control input device is provided for use in a computer system having a graphical user interface. The device comprises a pointing actuator mounted to a computer keyboard between preselected ones of the keys for engagement by a user's index finger. The pointing actuator includes a coil in the form of a cylinder that, when carrying a current, produces a magnetic field to drive a ferromagnetic slug to provide tactile feedback to a user of the control input device.

Abstract: A pointing stick for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen. Specifically, there is a pointing stick that both directs a cursor and acts as the activation button for selecting items on the display screen by tapping on the pointing stick instead of clicking on a mouse button. Uniquely, the device is made of a shaft (12) having a longitudinal length oriented along a first axis (39) and having a top surface that is perpendicular to the first axis, there is a vertical force sensor (59, or 71), mounted on the top surface of the shaft, for sensing a vertical oriented force applied to the shaft along the first axis. Cap (24), has a cavity (81) with a top surface (79) therein, where the top surface of the shaft is positioned within the cavity and spaced from and juxtaposed to the top surface of the cavity. In one embodiment the vertical sensor includes first and second electrically conductive pads that are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A hand-held remote computer input peripheral is operable to be held by a human operator with one hand while both hands harmoniously manipulate a touch pad, function keys, and a click button provided with the input peripheral. The touch pad is positioned in a housing to be held by one hand while comfortably being addressed by the other hand, either with a finger or stylus, for controlling typical computer mouse functions and/or entering graphic images. The fingers of the hand holding the input peripheral rest naturally on the function keys and the click button such that keys and button can be activated simultaneously, or in conjunction with, activities of the hand manipulating the touch pad. The input peripheral is advantageously used in electronic meeting room applications having a computer and communication peripherals such as electronic white boards, presentation projectors, and video conferencing systems.

Abstract: The invention teaches remote control device for reassigning functions associated with one key to another key, wherein the functions are stored in memory. In one embodiment the remote control comprises a memory and a plurality of function instructions stored in the memory, including a first function instruction and a second function instruction. A plurality of keys, including a first key, is operably connected to execute the first function instruction. Reassignment programming is stored in memory and provides for connecting the first key such that it will execute the second function instruction instead of the first function.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and way to use a twelve button telephone keypad for alphanumeric data entry. This invention also relates to a method of alphanumeric data entry using short duration or long duration binary key actuations using a simultaneous coding system and/or sequential coding system for communicating on a standard twelve key push-button telephone keypad. Two binary keys are used for an all capital letter mode or two binary keys for a lower-case letter mode, along with three binary keys for an upper-case letter mode, for producing full alphanumeric text, including punctuation, symbols and control.

Abstract: A microprocessor 11 receives an ambiguous input from a key 2-9 and disambiguates the ambiguous input using a dictionary. The dictionary is stored in an efficient manner by being partitioned according to the first three letters of a word. A sequence of three letters in the dictionary is stored as eight bits of data, the first three letters of a word being stored using three pairs of bits, such that each pair of bits represents one of no more than four alternative letters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle equipment control device capable of effecting discrimination between a plurality of switch functions without involving any change in the circuit configuration.A plurality of detection switches 2 each of which has three driving pins 4a through 4c are mounted on a printed circuit board 1, and a plurality of key tops 6a through 6g are slidably supported by a housing 3 in correspondence with the detection switches 2. Provided on the lower surfaces of the key tops 6a through 6g are driving sections 9a through 9g each capable of simultaneously depressing arbitrary one or a plurality of driving pins 4a through 4c of the corresponding detection switch 2.