Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user is likely to have intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The learning function is disabled, however, when the relevant words are found to be in a special category for which frequency learning, i.e., frequency revision, is not employed.

Abstract: Keyboard apparatus and methods for processing keyboard depressions are disclosed. One disclosed keyboard apparatus includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys configured to be depressed in a concurrent depression state, and a plurality of key switch matrices. Each key switch of the plurality of key switch matrices may be configured to be actuated by a corresponding key of the keyboard. The keyboard apparatus may further include a keyboard controller configured to determine whether a sensed key depression in the concurrent depression state is a ghost key depression, based on sensed key switch states of respective key switches in each of the plurality of key switch matrices which correspond to the sensed key depression.

Abstract: A method for inputting a character adapted for a handheld electronic device is provided. In the present method, a reference plane is determined first. Then, a tilting angle and a tilting direction of the handheld electronic device deviating from the reference plane are detected. Then, the tilting direction is indicated, and an input of a key of the keypad is received. Finally, a character corresponding to the key at the tilting direction is displayed on the handheld electronic device. Therefore, only two actions including tilting the handheld electronic device and pressing the key are required for the users to complete the input of a character. As such, the method is intuitive, convenient, and fast for inputting the character.

Abstract: A mobile device comprises a pointing device 11 for receiving an input of a moving direction from a user, an acceleration detection unit 14 for detecting an acceleration caused by a fluctuation, and a correction unit 16 for correcting the moving direction vector inputted from the pointing device 11 by subtracting a vector on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 14 from a vector as inputted from the pointing device 11 on the moving direction. The mobile device can be ensured in mobility, even in case an abrupt fluctuation occurs at an inputting work during a movement using a transit system accompanied by fluctuations, while preventing any erroneous operation.

Abstract: A modular debouncing device is adapted to be connected between an input device, such as a switch or sensor element, and a controlled element and analyzes an input signal from the input device according to a stored debouncing algorithm in order to determine whether a change of state of the input signal should be responded to by controlling an output control signal to change its state.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for performing functions associated with a non-functional key of a keyboard present on electronic devices such as cell-phones, telephones, ATMs, etc. The electronic device is operated in a non-functional key (NFK) coding mode using NFK codes (108) that are provided to a memory component (202) of the electronic device (102). In the NFK coding mode, a user is allowed to enter functional keys in a coded sequence. Based on the NFK codes (108), the coded sequence is used to identify a function associated with a non-functional key of the keyboard and the identified function is indicated to a processor (204) of the electronic device (102) for execution.

Abstract: A system for detecting a key with key debounce including a circuit for detecting a key activation; a first counter coupled to the circuit and a clock for testing the key activation for a first user definable number of clock cycles; a key debounce buffer for storing a key index identifying the activated key, if the key activation is valid for the first user definable number of clock cycles; a second counter for testing the identified activated key for a first user definable number of hardware key scan cycles; and a key event buffer for storing a key activation event, if the key activation is valid for the first user definable number of hardware key scan cycles.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device configured to send and receive text messages. The device is hand cradleable with a body configured to be held in one hand by an operator during text entry. A display is located on a front face of the body and upon which information is displayed to the operator during text entry. A key field is also located on the front face of the body and that includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and menu control keys. A trackball navigation tool is located on the front face of the body. The keys have a primary engagement surface for receiving an operator's touch engagement and a chamfer surface descending down from the primary engagement surface such that the chamfer surface defines a finger clearance space. A microprocessor is provided that receives operator commands from the keys and the trackball navigation tool and which affects corresponding changes to the display based on user input.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing unintended activation of one or more hard keys on a mobile device. A capacitive sensor senses a capacitance level at a location on the keyboard, to detect whether a hard key is being actuated by a human hand or human skin. If the sensed capacitance level exceeds a key activation capacitance threshold, a key circuit connection is identified as being associated with an intended hard key activation. If the measured capacitance level is within an uncertainty tolerance below the key activation capacitance threshold, a secondary capacitance level is measured at a non-keyboard location. The key circuit connection is identified as being associated with an intended hard key activation when the measured secondary capacitance level exceeds a key activation confirmation threshold. Additional secondary indicators can be obtained based on size and shape capacitance pattern, timing information, and an active application or device state.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing directional commands for a mobile computing device are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may comprise a keypad arranged to operate in multiple modes including a standard mode and a directional mode such as a gaming mode, for example. The standard mode may support all of the preset and programmable commands and functions typically provided for normal operation of the mobile computing device. The directional mode may associate certain directional commands with multiple keys and/or buttons of the keypad so that most keystrokes and keystroke combinations input by a user will be interpreted as a particular directional command. The directional mode may be used when running applications which respond primarily to directional commands such as gaming applications. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for correcting typing errors according to character layout positions on a keyboard which consists of depressing responsive touch panels to do character entry to correct typing errors caused by mistakenly hitting a neighboring key of a targeted character due to a swerved typing position includes at least the steps of: (1) corresponding a character; (2) calculating a swerved amount; (3) selecting a prepared character; (4) determining whether input is finished; (5) judging rules; (6) getting the prepared character; and (7) switching the character. Through this method input accuracy can be improved and input characters can be automatically amended as desired.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a delay-locked loop for closely spaced multipath may include determining a difference signal computed from one or more early energies and one or more late energies associated with one or more channel taps selected from a plurality of channel taps. A fat finger timing may be adjusted based on the difference signal, the fat finger comprising the plurality of channel taps that are spaced contiguously at chip period intervals. The one or more early energies and the one or more late energies may be determined based on an offset of Tc/2 or 3Tc/8, where Tc denotes the chip period interval. The offset may be measured from an energy peak associated with a multipath component that may be associated with the fat finger.

Abstract: An electronic device for disambiguation of stroke input, the device comprising: an input device coupled to the microprocessor for accepting a stroke input; and a stroke disambiguation module resident in the memory for execution by the microprocessor. The device is configured to: receive a signal representing a stroke input sequence at the stroke disambiguation module; apply one or more stroke disambiguation rules to the stroke input sequence to generate an updated input sequence; and transmit a signal representing the updated input sequence.

Abstract: A method of detecting and recovering from stuck keys on an electronic device keyboard comprises receiving one or more messages by a processor based upon a predetermined periodic scan rate and each message corresponding to a pressed key, determining one of the pressed keys is a stuck key based upon the received one or more messages corresponding to a pressed key, sending a mock key-up message from the processor to a keyboard controller in response to the determined stuck key, operating the keyboard controller at a changed scan rate in response to the mock key-up message, detecting the electronic device keyboard is in a released key state by the processor; and operating the keyboard controller at the predetermined periodic scan rate in response to the detected released key state. The processor can include two components, such as a keyboard processor and a keyboard controller.

Abstract: A method of dynamically adjusting a long-press delay time, an electronic device using the method, and a computer-readable medium are provided, wherein the electronic device has a plurality of keys. When a pressed time corresponding to a key of the electronic device exceeds a long-press delay time of the key, the electronic device executes a long-press function corresponding to the key. In the present method, a plurality of key inputs is first received. Then, the long-press delay time of the key is set according to the input rate related to the received key inputs. Thereby, the electronic device can respond appropriately according to the typing speed of a user, so as to offer the user a smooth operating experience.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a security sensor is present in a POS terminal between the keypad and a processor. The security sensor is configured to detect an unauthorized probe through the keypad and implement a security protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, the security sensor is a serpentine conductive circuit screen printed on the polyester film. The serpentine conductive circuit may cover almost all of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may cover 90% to 100% of the film. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the serpentine conductive circuit limited to a section of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may be on only ¼ of the film. This embodiment has the advantage of printing the serpentine conductive circuit on the critical security areas and leaving the non-critical areas with blank polyester film.

Abstract: A method of typing prompting is provided. The method includes: providing a plurality of transparent keys connected to LEDs on a provided keyboard; determining whether a transparent key is pressed; storing the ASCII code of the input of the pressed transparent key; finding at least one ASCII code as a possible next input towards typing a word from a provided dictionary corresponding to a character input method in use according to the stored ASCII code; lighting up at least one LED corresponding to the at least one found ASCII code according to provided relationships between the LEDs and the ASCII codes of the input of the transparent keys. A related electronic device is also provided.

Abstract: A switch de-bouncing device includes a majority counter that counts samples generated by a sampler sampling a switch output where a counter value is incremented for each sample indicating a first switch state and decremented for each sample indicating a second switch state of the switch. A controller determines that the switch is in the first switch state when the counter value is above a first state threshold and is in the second switch state when the counter value is below a second state threshold.

Abstract: An individual key filter capable of substantially reducing fingernail-to-key (or finger-to-key) impact noise and reducing the percussive sound generated by such fingernail-to-key impacts associated with the use of data entry devices such as, for example, computer keyboards or other data entry keypad devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for detecting hidden ghost keys on a keyboard matrix. The keyboard matrix is composed of multiple rows crossing with multiple lines that form multiple key-locating positions. The method comprises: selecting multiple preset keys from the matrix; detecting ghost keys among the matrix based on the selected preset keys; selecting multiple examining keys from the preset keys and the detected ghost keys, based on that at least one ghost key is included in the examining keys; and determining hidden ghost keys based on the examining keys. The system detects ghost keys among the matrix via a preset key selecting unit and a ghost key detecting unit, which selects multiple examining keys via an examining key selecting unit, and determines hidden ghost keys based on the examining keys through a hidden ghost keys detecting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for de-bouncing keypad inputs is disclosed including interrupting a processor upon detecting a key press, reading input signals from the key pad to determine an initial port value and starting a timer. A keypad interrupt is disabled and processing resumes until expiration of the timer. The timer interrupts the processor and the input signals are read a second time and combined with the initial port value to determine a key identifier. The timer is started again and processing resumes. Upon expiration of the timer the processor checks for key release. If release is not detected, the timer is again started. If release occurs, the timer is disabled and the keypad interrupt is enabled.

Abstract: A method for key press registration in an electronic device uses a first key press debounce limit (233) if a first housing of the electronic device has not moved relative to a second housing of the electronic device and a second key press debounce limit (236) if the first housing has moved relative to the second housing. In one implementation, the second debounce limit is at least twice the first debounce limit. By using different debounce limits based on whether housing movement has recently been detected, the electronic device reduces the effect of an inadvertent key press made while opening or closing the electronic device.

Abstract: A keyboard module for avoiding accidental operation keyboard module includes a key unit. The key unit has a pressing portion and a contacting portion. The pressing portion abutted the casing for the key unit not being pressed down. The pressing portion can be raised up to form a pressing distance relative to the casing via a push element controlled by a controlling switch to provide the pressing function. Therefore, the keyboard module can effectively prevent the users accidentally striking unnecessary keys during their operations or when the computer is in a power saving mode.

Abstract: A key switch matrix circuit includes key switches arranged in rows and columns, each row having a scan line, each column having a sense line. Each key switch is operable to couple a scan line to a sense line. A scan signal delivery circuit supplies scan signals to the scan lines, the scan signals delivering a scan pulse to each row of the key switch matrix circuit in turn. A key switch detection circuit outputs a first signal if a key switch is operated and a scan pulse detection circuit outputs a second signal if a scan pulse is coupled to a sense line. The scan signal delivery circuit begins supplying scan signals in response to the first signal and stops supplying scan signals in response to the second signal. In one embodiment, a processor reads the sense lines in response to the second signal.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a key module, an active area positioned under the key module, an IC electronically connected to the active area, and a CPU electronically connected to the IC. The key module includes a plurality of pressing keys, a plurality of touch keys, and at least one error-detecting touch key positioned between the pressing keys and the touch keys. The active area includes a plurality of pressing regions under the pressing keys, a plurality of touch regions under the touch keys, and at least one error-detecting region under the error-detecting touch key. The IC processes the signals sent by the pressing regions, the touch regions or the at least one error-detecting region. The CPU executes instructions corresponding to the signals processed by the IC.

Abstract: A module for avoiding accidental key presses configured to detect a key press on a first key and to temporarily deactivate a second key being adjacent to the first key.

Abstract: A modular debouncing device is adapted to be connected between an input device, such as a switch or sensor element, and a controlled element and analyzes an input signal from the input device according to a stored debouncing algorithm in order to determine whether a change of state of the input signal should be responded to by controlling an output control signal to change its state.

Abstract: A system for detecting a key with key debounce including a circuit for detecting a key activation; a first counter coupled to the circuit and a clock for testing the key activation for a first user definable number of clock cycles; a key debounce buffer for storing a key index identifying the activated key, if the key activation is valid for the first user definable number of clock cycles; a second counter for testing the identified activated key for a first user definable number of hardware key scan cycles; and a key event buffer for storing a key activation event, if the key activation is valid for the first user definable number of hardware key scan cycles.

Abstract: Keypad keys for handheld mobile communication devices feature flexible key bodies and actuators extending from the key bodies. Switches below the actuators are connected in series circuits. All actuators beneath an intended key must be depressed in order for the circuit to be closed and the key to be recognized as actuated. The flexible nature of the key bodies allows one actuator on a given key to be depressed while other actuators remain non-depressed. This prevents the key from being recognized as actuated when a only a portion of the key is depressed as occurs, for example, due to finger overlap.

Abstract: Keyboard apparatus and methods for processing keyboard depressions are disclosed. One disclosed keyboard apparatus includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys configured to be depressed in a concurrent depression state, and a plurality of key switch matrices. Each key switch of the plurality of key switch matrices may be configured to be actuated by a corresponding key of the keyboard. The keyboard apparatus may further include a keyboard controller configured to determine whether a sensed key depression in the concurrent depression state is a ghost key depression, based on sensed key switch states of respective key switches in each of the plurality of key switch matrices which correspond to the sensed key depression.

Abstract: A method for resetting a key decoder coupled to a plurality of capacitive keys to prevent processing of a key code generated by a ghosting condition. The method includes receiving a key code from a key decoder that corresponds to a first capacitive key of a capacitive keypad, detecting a ghosting condition for a second capacitive key that does not correspond to the detected key code, and resetting a key decoder in response to the ghosting condition being detected.

Abstract: A mobile device comprises a pointing device 11 for receiving an input of a moving direction from a user, an acceleration detection unit 14 for detecting an acceleration caused by a fluctuation, and a correction unit 16 for correcting the moving direction vector inputted from the pointing device 11 by subtracting a vector on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit 14 from a vector as inputted from the pointing device 11 on the moving direction. The mobile device can be ensured in mobility, even in case an abrupt fluctuation occurs at an inputting work during a movement using a transit system accompanied by fluctuations, while preventing any erroneous operation.

Abstract: Key control for a key matrix circuit having a plurality of keys is provided to reduce power consumption in key searching caused by unintended key pressing. In key control on the key matrix circuit having a plurality of rows and columns of keys (key switches) in matrix arrangement, keys are disabled or enabled in row lines or in column lines on the key matrix circuit by any one of the lines through key selection by a key selecting means (opening/closing detection circuit, opening/closing detecting unit, key selection switch, key selecting unit). Following key selection, a control means (control unit) keeps key pressing detection in a standby status for a predetermined time in response to an event of detection of a press of a key included in enabled keys, and resumes the key pressing detection after the passage of the predetermined time.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium having instructions for determining a key press from a current keyboard state at a current time is described. The system stores signals indicative of a last key press, a last key press time, and a last keyboard state. The system determines released keys and pressed keys on the keyboard at the current time based on comparison with the last keyboard state. The system determines a key press at the current time if the first determination determines a single key press and if either of: (a) a match exists between the determined key press and the last key pressed and if the elapsed time between the current time and the last key press time is larger than a preset bounce time; and (b) a match does not exist between the determined key press and the last key press.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a self-scan programmable keypad interface. In an example embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a processor, and a keypad interface circuit. The keypad interface circuit may include a detection circuit to detect when one or more keys of a keypad have been pressed, a scan circuit adapted to generate signals for keypad scan to identify one or more keys that have been pressed, a debounce circuit to debounce signals, and a key status register adapted to store a status of one or more keys of the keypad obtained during keypad scan. The processor is adapted to read contents of the key status register to identify one or more pressed keys upon receiving a signal from the keypad interface circuit.

Abstract: A method for key press registration in an electronic device uses a first key press debounce limit (233) if a first housing of the electronic device has not moved relative to a second housing of the electronic device and a second key press debounce limit (236) if the first housing has moved relative to the second housing. In one implementation, the second debounce limit is at least twice the first debounce limit. By using different debounce limits based on whether housing movement has recently been detected, the electronic device reduces the effect of an inadvertent key press made while opening or closing the electronic device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a plurality of keys, a monitoring unit which repeatedly monitors states of the plurality of keys at a predetermined period, a setting unit which sets, as a reference value for determining presence/absence of pressing of each of the plurality of keys, the number of pressed states continuously detected by the monitoring unit, and a determination unit which determines that a key is pressed when the number of pressed states continuously detected by the monitoring unit reaches the number of pressed states set by the setting unit.

Abstract: An electronic device such as a mobile communication device capable of entering a locked mode of operation, comprising at least one input device for generating an input signal upon actuation thereof, at least one storage element for storing an application for executing a command in response to such actuation, and a processor connected to the storage element and input device for detecting the input signal and in response initiating execution of the command, buffering the command for a period of time, and detecting an action within the period of time, for causing the electronic device to enter a locked operating mode, and in response reverting the command.

Abstract: A system for determining which key of a key-pad device is activated by an algorithm that employs the same number of steps to make the determination regardless of which key is pressed. In one embodiment, the algorithm first determines if more than one key is pressed in more than one column. The algorithm then determines which key has been pressed by adding key values associated with each key on a row-by-row basis. Once the algorithm calculates the added value, it then determines whether the added key value exceeds a predetermined value to determine if more than one key has been pressed in the rows. If the added value does not exceed the predetermine value, then the added value is subtracted from another predetermined value to give the key value that is transferred from the device.

Abstract: A method of processing information inputted while a mobile communication terminal is in an active communications state is provided. The method of processing information inputted while a mobile communication terminal is in an active communications state includes receiving information inputted while the mobile communication terminal is in an active communications state; displaying, if the active communications state is terminated before processing the inputted information, the unprocessed inputted information that exists; and processing the unprocessed inputted information. The inputted information can be input using various input modes such as a numeral, Korean character, English character, and special character input modes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods in a slider form factor device, and slider form factor devices, for ignoring a key depression when there is a change in the position of a first housing relative to a second housing that occurs between the key depression and the release of the key depression. The method may include detecting a key depression of the first housing, detecting a change in the position of the first housing relative to the second housing, and detecting a release of the key depression. The method may further include ignoring the key depression when there is a change in the position of the first housing relative to the second housing that occurs between the key depression and the release of the key depression.

Abstract: Method for decreasing the existence of externally detectable revealing signals, so-called {umlaut over (R)}Ö{umlaut over (S)}, from keyboards (1), e.g. for computers, where the keyboard is fed with signals, so-called matrix signals, which are detected for detection of activity regarding the keys (2) of the keyboard, whereby said matrix signals are generated by means of signal devices. The method is especially characterized in that the matrix signals are high-frequency filtered before they are fed to the keyboard.

Abstract: A method for providing debounce and jog control for a keyboard includes loading a first electronic storage register with a value indicative of a debounce period for the keyboard and loading a second electronic storage register with a value indicative of a jog period for the keyboard. The keyboard is scanned for a pressed key, and a signal indicative of the pressed key is debounced. The method further includes providing electronic signals for key status and jog and asserting an interrupt in accordance with the indicated debounce period and the indicated jog period while the debounced signal indicates the pressed key is down. Keys of the keyboard other than the pressed key are prevented from being scanned until the debounced signal indicates that the pressed key has come up.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device and a method of managing a virtual keyboard of the electronic device. The device comprises a touch pad (106), a processing unit (600) and a feedback unit (612), which provides tactile feedback unit (612) for the user. The processing unit (600) is configured to determine a virtual keyboard (104) for the touch pad (106) and a tactile appearance of the keyboard (104), receive information generated by the pressing of a keyboard (104) key and identify the key that was pressed on the basis of the information. The processing unit (600) is further configured to collect information on the key presses and carry out an analysis of them, and re-determine the tactile appearance of the keyboard (104) on the basis of the collected information and the analysis carried out so as to make the keyboard more ergonomic for the user, which makes it easier to use the keyboard (104) and/or the pressing of a wrong key less likely.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) of generating an array (100, 300, 400) having a reduced number of input/outputs (114, 314, 414). The method includes the steps of, for each array row input/output, grouping (212) at least one set of rows (124, 324, 424) in which the set of rows is coupled to the array row input/output and, for each combination of the array row input/outputs, selectively coupling (216) non-set rows (326, 426) to the array row input/outputs that comprise the combination. At least a portion of a number of rows (110, 310, 410) for the array is equal to the number of rows in each set of rows multiplied by the number of array row input/outputs plus the number of non-set rows coupled to the array row input/output combinations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for a keyboard. A removable part of a keyboard includes keyboard keys and stores identification data for indicating software for the particular removable keyboard or model of removable keyboard. The removable part of a keyboard can be combined with a fixed part of the keyboard. A computer system can include the keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard for use as an input device for a host computer comprising a removable part that comprises a set of specific of keys each of which having a contact and held by a foundation. The removable part is associated with a specific software application to be executed on the host computer using the set, and comprises a device for data-connection and a data storage device containing an Identification Data (ID) associated with the specific application. The keyboard also comprises a fixed part, into which the removable part is installed.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A crystal-less keyless entry system includes a microprocessor or micro controller, a timing circuit, and a radio frequency circuit. The timing circuit is a unitary part of the microprocessor. When configured to compensate for power up delays in the radio frequency circuit, the microprocessor outputs data having stretch times that compensate for power up delays in the radio frequency circuit. The stretch times do not substantially vary the substantially constant bit time periods of the output data. When configured to detect a switch activation, the microprocessor transmits a bit within a period that includes a debounce time interval. The method of transmitting data using a crystal-less remote keyless entry system includes selecting a bit from a data stream and encoding the bit with a Manchester like encoding process. The Manchester like encoding process debounces a switch between logic levels of the encoded data.

Abstract: Data processing apparatus (101 and 102) configured to receive signals from an input sensor (106) arranged to duplicate or replace operations of a keyboard, in which the signals correspond to positions of mechanical interactions with the sensor (106). The apparatus comprises processing means (1202) configured to process data derived from the input sensor including positional data corresponding to the position of a mechanical interaction with said input sensor (106) and a second data type corresponding to the absence of a mechanical interaction with said input sensor. The processing means (1202) is configured to generate data representing a first character in response to processing an item of data of said second type followed by positional data corresponding to a first position, and to generate data representing a different second character in response to processing positional data corresponding to a different second position followed by an item of data of said second type.