With Rollover Feature (i.e., Antidoublestrike) Patents (Class 341/25)
  • Patent number: 11630155
    Abstract: A keyboard with wire aging self-adaption, a self-adaption method for keyboard, an electronic computing device readable medium with a stored program, and an electronic computing device program product are provided. In the keyboard, a processor feeds a scanning signal to each scanning line in turn during a scanning round. In response to the conduction state of one of switching elements, the processor detects a return signal on the corresponding return line and selects one or more scanning lines as a testing line. During a first duration in which the testing line maintains the scanning signal, according to the time difference between the starting points of the first duration and the return signal and the response time parameter corresponding to the testing line that is stored in the memory, the processor determines whether to update the response time parameter corresponding to the testing line that is stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Tse Hung, Chien-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 8917192
    Abstract: A portable terminal has a keypad. The portable terminal includes the keypad including a plurality of key buttons in a predetermined pattern and forming an antenna pattern by using devices connected to both ends of predetermined key buttons among the plurality of key buttons, a Radio Frequency (RF) communicator connected to signal lines of the predetermined key buttons of the keypad, a digital circuit for recognizing a signal input to the keypad, and a controller for controlling the keypad to be selectively switched to one of the digital circuit and the RF communicator according to a signal generated in a resonance frequency region of a particular service band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 8754790
    Abstract: An input device with ghost key suppression includes a switch module, a comparator, an exchange unit, a bias voltage resistor, and a processing module. The switch module includes a plurality of strobe lines, a plurality of sense lines, and a plurality of switch units. Each of the switch units has a switch and a resistor connected in series between a corresponding one of the strobe lines and a corresponding one of the sense lines. The comparator is configured for comparing a signal received at an input end thereof with a reference signal for generating the comparison signal. The exchange unit is electrically connected to the sense lines and the comparator, and is operable in response to a control input for making and breaking electrical connection between each of the sense lines and the input end of the comparator. The processing module controls operation of the switch module and the exchange unit based on the comparison signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Sunrex Technology Corp., Gimbal Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 8749407
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Tong Liu, Chien-Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 8446299
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the encoding of data in a dataset, comprising the storage of the data in an i-th temporary code list (TCL(i)); generating an i-th folder (folder(i)) from the i-th temporary code list (TCL(i)) by replacing each value by an index that refers to the same value in a reference database; generating new temporary codes, using a predetermined formula F that always combines at least two values from the i-th folder (folder(i)), and placing thereof in an (i+1)-th temporary code list (TCL(i+1)); and the recursive repetition of actions b) and c) for subsequent values of i, so long as the (i+1)-th temporary code list (TCL(i+1)) or the (i+1)-th folder (Folder(i+1)) contains one or more values more than once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ipo Paulus Willem Marinus Maria van den Boom
  • Patent number: 8442578
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating feedback. In one aspect, a method includes receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is associated with a mobile device of a user; aggregating the received sensor data to generate aggregated sensor data; processing the aggregated sensor data to determine an aggregated metric; comparing the aggregated metric to a target associated with the user to determine a measure of performance; and generating feedback based on the determined measure of performance. Further, the mobile device can comprise a mobile personal services device that includes one or more of an audio sensor, a video sensor, an environmental sensor, a biometric sensor, a location sensor, an activity detector, and a health monitor. The feedback can be displayed on the mobile personal services device. The feedback also can be displayed in near real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Alex M. Kass, Lucian P. Hughes, Owen E. Richter, Dana Le, Daniel R. Farina
  • Patent number: 8350733
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for scanning a keyboard are disclosed. Actuation of each of the keys electrically couples one of a plurality of first lines and one of a plurality of second lines. A first signal is applied to a plurality of first lines. A second signal is applied to a plurality of second lines. Upon identifying at least one of the second lines as presenting a signal different from the second signal, a scan signal is applied to the identified second line. At least one first line is identified as presenting a signal indicating the at least one first line is contact with the identified second line applying the scan signal. At least one of the keys is identified as causing the identified second line and the least one identified first line to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Simon Siepmann
  • Patent number: 8350730
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for scanning a keyboard are disclosed. Actuation of each of the keys electrically couples one of a plurality of first lines and one of a plurality of second lines. A first signal is applied to a plurality of first lines. A second signal is applied to a plurality of second lines. Upon identifying at least one of the second lines as presenting a signal different from the second signal, a scan signal is applied to the identified second line. At least one first line is identified as presenting a signal indicating the at least one first line is contact with the identified second line applying the scan signal. At least one of the keys is identified as causing the identified second line and the least one identified first line to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Simon Siepmann
  • Patent number: 8339292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a key operation device for detecting an open/close state of key switches using row and column signal lines. The key switches include: 1st to 4th key switches each corresponding to a key for inputting a direction; and ten-key switches correspond one-to-one to keys of a ten-key pad. The 1st and 2nd key switches are both coupled to one of the row signal lines and each to a different one of two of the column signal lines. The 3rd and 4th key switches are both coupled to another one of the row signal lines and each coupled to a different one of the two column signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd key switches are respectively coupled. None of the ten-key switches is coupled to either of the two row signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd or 3rd and 4th key switches are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kamii, Yoshinori Kikui
  • Patent number: 8274410
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data input interface arranged to input data comprising a first set of keys, wherein all or a majority of the keys is adapted to indicate an input of a first set of symbols, arranged in a first structure, and a second set of keys, wherein all or a majority of the keys is adapted to indicate an input of a second set of symbols, arranged in a second structure, wherein the first set of keys and the second set of keys are integrated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Kristian Lassesson, Per Holmberg
  • Patent number: 8274408
    Abstract: A USB keyboard arrangement having N-keys rollover and the method thereof mainly make use of rearranging a keycode of a firmware program of the USB keyboard through sets of bit maps to control each key thereon. After modifying a matrix, each key within a certain key-area can favorably avert from key ghosting existed in the matrix circuit. Therefore, when all keys in the key-area are concurrently pressed, isolated signals of the keys can be simultaneously sensed. While alternatively adjusting the firmware program through the above methods and adapting the methods to the prior art to split the keys in the key-area of the matrix from the crosspoints of key ghosting, the key-area of the USB keyboard can be provided with concomitantly sending isolated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Hui-Hu Liang
  • Publication number: 20090281979
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and a method of processing keystrokes entered on an electronic device. The method comprises: monitoring for activation of two or more keys on the keyboard; evaluating whether the activation of those keys occurs within a set window of time; evaluating locations of those keys. After these evaluations, if the keystroke conflict is determined to not have been produced, then characters for those keys are generated in order of their activations. If the keystroke conflict is determined to have been produced, then the method arbitrates between those keys to select a key utilizing a dictionary to automatically determine the key to be selected. In the dictionary, its entries are related to each of those keys combined with any previously entered keystrokes. The method then processes the selected key to generate on a display one character, which is associated with the selected key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Piotr TYSOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20090002204
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes a keyboard in which a plurality of keys are arranged, detecting unit which detects a key press of the keyboard, determining unit which determines, when the detecting unit detects two or more key presses within a predetermined period of time, whether the two or more pressed keys satisfy predetermined conditions, and invalidating unit, when the determining unit determines that the two or more pressed keys mutually satisfy the predetermined conditions, inputs made by both of the key presses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA1
    Inventors: Tooru MAMATA, Hironori MOTOE
  • Patent number: 7453376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Cyrille de Brébisson
  • Patent number: 7386882
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeff Zentner, Frederic Charlier
  • Patent number: 7167107
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Patino, Russell L. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7056043
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Velimir Pletikosa
  • Patent number: 6985080
    Abstract: An analog flame sense circuit is provided that utilizes the flame rectification method of sensing flame. The circuit uses an AC voltage source and discrete components to provide the sensing of the flame current. Either a single-pole or a two-pole filter may be used to smooth the generated sense voltage. A DC bias is provided to the filter to ensure a positive voltage. The circuit also includes a high-gain, high-impedance amplifier to translate the high impedance voltage of the sensing portion of the circuit to a relatively low impedance voltage for use by an electronic control circuit. In one embodiment, a high-gain emitter-follower amplifier constructed from two bi-polar junction transistors (BJTs) is used. An integrated Darlington configuration may be used, as well as a single BJT having a high gain, and an integrated operational amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: John Kociecki, Yelena N. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6833825
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a digital processing system, comprising a housing, a scrolling detector, a cursor positioning detector, and a transmitter. The housing has a wall having an outer scrolling surface over which a finger of a person's hand is movable in a scrolling movement. The scrolling detector is located within the housing. The scrolling detector detects the scrolling movement remotely through the wall and generates a scrolling signal. The cursor positioning detector is secured to the housing and is actuable by the hand to generate a position signal. The transmitter transmits the scrolling signal and the position signal to the digital processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham S. Farag, Harold James Welch, Bartley K. André, Jeffrey B. Doar, William H. Bull, Benjamin B. Lyon
  • Patent number: 6705783
    Abstract: A rugged keyboard and cursor positioning device with an inherent restiveness from external fluids to interior keyboard fluid contamination. The key interrupters and cursor positioning device block optical beams for key and cursor positioning detection thus eliminating contacts and contact actuation life. When a key is in the most depressed position the key cap is against the keyboard top surface protecting all internal parts from pressure, or force from harsh use or a vandals blow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: James H. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6417787
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for increasing the number of keys in a ready made key-matrix , it is necessary to increase some extra diodes and change the keyboard scanning method . To increase some extra keys in the key-matrix, the diodes are in series with the keys, and the keyboard scanning method is executed by detecting the conductive direction of the diodes. The method avoids redesigning any IC to increase I/O ports, therefore, it can save the cost of redesigning and advance the sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Jerry Shih-Pin Hsu
  • Patent number: 6198475
    Abstract: A touch operation information output apparatus is provided in a position at which a driver can operate it, and detects a touched position with respect to the input pad and outputs its coordinate data to the display device. Here, protruding brackets are provided at 16 positions on the input pad. A first group of protruding brackets that are in 4 positions at a center of the input pad are formed in a “+” shape, a second group of protruding brackets that are in four corners of the input pad are formed in an “L” shape and a third group of protruding brackets are formed in a “T” shape. Because of this, the driver can recognize the touched position with respect to the touch operation information output apparatus and blind operation becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kunimatsu, Minoru Morikawa, Satoshi Mori, Chikao Nagasaka, Masato Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 6104318
    Abstract: A method for entering a special mode of an electric device in which the special mode such as a test mode exists. According to the method, at least two coded keys are continuously inputted. From an initial key input, the coded keys are inputted in respectively predetermined amounts of time to enter the special mode. The special mode is not entered when: (1) only one of the coded keys is inputted; (2) the continuously inputted keys are not inputted in the respectively predetermined times; or (3) a combination of the continuously inputted keys is not the same with a combination of predetermined keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-soo Kim
  • Patent number: 5689247
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying authorized users of a secure system. A user of the secure system is prompted to enter a personal identification code which is then received into the secure system. The personal identification code entered by the user is then compared against a list of authorized personal identification codes. The user is identified to be an authorized user of the secure system only if the personal identification code entered by the user is present in the list of authorized personal identification codes. Each personal identification code on the list of authorized personal identification codes is arranged in a personal identification code format that includes a plurality of core digits and a plurality of check digits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Welner
  • Patent number: 5583498
    Abstract: In an input device, switches are disposed at points of intersection of an n.times.m matrix, a scanning signal is applied from rows or columns of the matrix, and an operated switch is detected by detecting the scanning signal output from rows or columns. In detecting the operated switch, the detected switches may include the actually-operated switch and a pseudo-operated switch. The input device can prevent the detection of a pseudo-operated switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiko Sukigara
  • Patent number: 5552781
    Abstract: A fault tolerant method of decoding an electronic key system includes the steps of reading a key return image from one or more actuated keys and comparing the read key return image to the previous key return image. The method also includes the steps of determining the actuated key from a net key return image between the read key return image and the previous key return image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Paul M. Progar
  • Patent number: 5539400
    Abstract: A keypad encoder is used with a keypad having an array of keys arranged in columns and rows. Depressing any key on the keypad closes a corresponding switch, coupling one of the columns to one of the rows. The keypad encoder includes a resettable logic circuit that generates a control signal having first and second states that control the mode of operation of the keypad encoder. A scanning circuit asserts a scanning signal on the columns of the keypad in a predefined sequence when the control signal is in the first state and asserts the scanning signal on all of the columns of the keypad simultaneously when the control signal is in the second state. An encoder circuit identifies which row, if any, has a closed switch in any of the keypad columns on which the scanning circuit has asserted the scanning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: James A. Mears
  • Patent number: 5523755
    Abstract: A n-key rollover keyboard having an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with a large number of pins, each pin directly connected to a key contact, with the other side of the key contact connected to ground. The direct wire arrangement allows use of a single sided circuit board. The keyboard has a reduced cost over prior n-key rollover designs by allowing removal of the series diodes and double sided circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corp.
    Inventor: David R. Wooten
  • Patent number: 5486824
    Abstract: A data processor (50) includes a hardware keyscan circuit (54) to interface to an external keypad matrix (80). In one embodiment, the data processor (50) has a first register (62) for driving data to rows of the keypad matrix (80), and a second register (63) for inputting signals from columns of the keypad matrix (80). A set of weak pullup elements (71) connected to the columns is always conductive. A set of strong pullup elements (75) connected to the columns is conductive only after the hardware keyscan circuit (54) detects that a key (89) is depressed and disables the driving of the rows. Thus, pullup time and power consumption are minimized. The hardware keyscan circuit (54) also includes a data direction register (61) which has a shift control input terminal so that in response to a local state machine (64), the data direction register (61) acts as a shift register to sense the row with the depressed key (89), without intervention from a central processing unit (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Kinerk, Hoang K. Quan, Joseph P. Magliocco
  • Patent number: 5448236
    Abstract: An N-key rollover circuit including a matrix of crossing drive and output lines, switch elements connected between the drive and output lines, series resistors connected to the switch elements and current detectors connected to the output lines. A grounded current detection resistor is connected to an input terminal of each current detector, each current detection resistor having a resistance value which is smaller than the resistance value of the series resistors such that most of the drive transmitted through a selected switch element onto an output line passes through the current detection resistor, even if more than one switch element is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadakazu Shiga
  • Patent number: 5424730
    Abstract: A method differentiates simultaneous and sequential key strokes by detecting simultaneous key strokes if two keys are pushed within a judging time T.sub.L. The method includes the steps of (a) measuring a first time T.sub.1 from a time when a first key is pushed to a time when a second key is pushed, and a second time T.sub.2 from the time when the second key is pushed to a time when one of the first and second keys is released, (b) comparing the first and second times T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 with an arbitrary threshold function T.sub.C which is set within the judging time T.sub.L, and (c) differentiating whether key strokes of the first and second keys are simultaneous or sequential based on a comparison result of the step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., Ascii Corp., Sanyo Electric Co. Ltd., Sony Corp., PFU Limited
    Inventors: Kazuko Sasaki, Takashi Hazui, Hitoshi Ebihara, Shuichi Sakaguchi, Akira Kamakura, Sadayoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 5371498
    Abstract: A circuit for recognizing double key inputs includes a key input part, a key signal generating part, a comparing circuit and a detecting part, the key signal generating part operates simultaneously with the key input of the key input part and generates a key signal which is provided to the comparing circuit which outputs a high level only at the time of two or more key inputs. A high level output of the comparing circuit is added to an output voltage of the key input part when two or more keys are pressed. The circuit provides the advantage that double key inputs can be easily recognized with a minimum number of key input lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon D. Kwon, Byeong S. Yoon
  • Patent number: 5264845
    Abstract: A key scan circuit and the method thereof in a microcomputer is disclosed which requires no diode for preventing circuit short and performs key check or automatic operations with a simplified circuit structure. The key scan method includes a step of designating the input/output mode of a bilateral port by a data direction register in a microcomputer which includes an input/output bilateral port and an input only unilateral port, so as to prevent circuit shorts when more than one key are pushed. Further, by using first and second memories, the key scan method includes a step of determining whether the number of logic low states in the first memory is greater than one, and determining whether the number of logic high states stored in the second memory is greater than one, thus indicating the pressing of multiple keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-don Kwon, Hyeon-su Kim
  • Patent number: 5177330
    Abstract: A key board switch capable of permitting all key switches to exhibit an N-key rollover function at a low cost while preventing an increase in thickness of the key board switch. For this purpose, a thin film diode is used for a contact of the key switch. The thin film diode may form at least one of the contacts of each of the key switches. Alternatively, the thin film diode may be connected in series to at least one of the contacts of each of the key switches. Alternatively, the thin film diode may be connected in series to at least one of the contacts of each of the key switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hisamitsu Takahashi, Tatsuo Yamaura, Masao Miyagishima, Takao Kishino
  • Patent number: 5059974
    Abstract: A method of determining a phantom key condition in an encoder array (10) including (1) enabling each row (R1-R14) of the encoder to a high position; (2) pulling the first row (R1) to be scanned to a low position; (3) scanning the first row (R1) of which in the low position finding whether there is a first key being closed, (4) determining whether there is second key being closed in the first column (C2) of which the first key has been closed, if there isn't a second key being closed, then outputting the signal, if there is a second key being closed, then (5) determining whether there is a third key being closed in the second row of which a second key has been closed before, if there isn't a third key that exists, output the signal, if a third key exists in the second row, (6) then the phenomenon of a phantom exists and the inputting signals will be invalid and beeper sound is emitted to warn the typist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis Wu
  • Patent number: 5053585
    Abstract: A multipurpose keyboard incorporating an electronic pressure sensing device, a digitizer pad featuring spatial minimization of a pressure contact area capable of locating the leading and trailing edges of the pressure contact area is described. A processor coupled to the electronic pressure sensing device is programmed to sense when various regions on a simple, fully interchangeable template overlay and the underlying electronic pressure sensing device are depressed. The sensed region is associated by the processor with a particular key identification on the template overlay. The variation of the resistance in the digitizer pad enables the processor to detect the actuation of more than one key on the template overlay at the same time, thereby defecting key rollover. A method of fabrication for a multipurpose keyboard is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Interlink Electronics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Stuart I. Yaniger
  • Patent number: 4994634
    Abstract: A sheet switch comprises a pair of flexible insulative films, one of which is provided with a plurality of electrodes, resistances connected to the electrodes, respectively, and line patterns for externally connecting the electrodes via the resistances. The other insulative film is also provided with a plurality of second electrodes at positions corresponding to the first electrodes, respectively, and a space is defined between each of the facing electrodes. The line pattern is a laminated structure consisting of an underlayer formed of a low resistance paste and an upper layer formed of a high resistance paste coated over the underlayer. The underlayer formed of a low resistance paste is partially disconnected to define a gap, so that the resistance is formed integrally with the upper layer formed of a high resistance paste at a position corresponding to the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shigeo Tanji, Kazutoshi Hayashi, Hideo Yamada, Norio Endoh
  • Patent number: 4988997
    Abstract: In a keyboard operation two sequential keystrokes are used for generation of a character code. A rule is set up according to which some preset combinations of two sequential keystrokes are valid and others are not. The rule is implemented by storing the validity conditions into a table in a control unit. According to a preferred rule the second key to be operated must be located in a column to the right of the column where the first key is located, otherwise an error signal will be generated. The method is preferably used for a one hand keyboard with three times four keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: IBM Corporation
    Inventor: Eric S. Prame
  • Patent number: 4929944
    Abstract: An input key apparatus comprises a keyboard including a plurality of keys and generating key signals when keys are pressed and a key input decoder receiving the key signals from the keyboard for generating decoded key signals. The key input decoder also generates a single key depression signal when a key of the keyboard is pressed one time, and a multi-key depression signal when two or more keys of the keyboard are simultaneously pressed. A chattering prevention circuit receives the single key depression signal and the multi-key depression signal for determining on the basis of the received signals whether or not the key signal received by the decoder is valid, for the purpose of generating a key input valid signal. An output circuit receives the decoded key signals for latching the decoded key signal in response to the key input valid signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Nakajima
  • Patent number: 4922248
    Abstract: A keyboard with N-key rollover has a matrix of key columns and lines for successively issuing key codes for depressed keys. When first and second keys on the same column are detected as being depressed and then a third key on the same line as one of the first and second keys is detected as being depressed, or when first and second keys on the same line are detected as being depressed and then a third key on the same column as one of the first and second keys is detected as being depressed, a key code for the third key or a key code for a fourth key detected in error upon depression of the third key are prevented from being issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadakazu Shiga
  • Patent number: 4918444
    Abstract: A key-depression data input device for detecting a depressed key in a plurality of keys arranged in a key matrix, the device including phantom key detection unit for detecting an occurrence of phantom key state, andkey release checking circuit for checking a released key among depressed keys, the releasing of the released key causing a cancellation of the phantom key state. Code data corresponding to the depressed keys being generated and delivered when the key release checking circuit detects that the released key is the key satisfying a predetermined depression-release sequence condition and an error warning being delivered when the key release checking circuit detects that the released key is not the key satisfying the predetermined depression-release sequence condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Norio Matsubayashi
  • Patent number: 4878056
    Abstract: A plurality of key switches are provided, each of which is connected, at one end, to the ground, and at the other end, to a power supply, by means of a resistor. The key switches are coupled, at the connection point with the resistor, to input buffers. Each input buffer outputs an electrical signal when the corresponding key switch is turned on. A counter circuit is provided for counting clock signals supplied from a CPU at predetermined intervals. The output data of this counter circuit is supplied to selectors, which select one of the input buffers, in accordance with the output data of the counter circuit, and supply the output signal of the selected input buffer to the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Topre Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Isoda, Yuji Okamoto
  • Patent number: 4833447
    Abstract: An input device relating to the manipulation of data indicating the depressed state of key switches and to the transmission of data and adapted for picking up on-off data on switches provided at the points of intersection of conductors disposed in the form of a matrix and for transferring these data to a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiko Sukigara
  • Patent number: 4817010
    Abstract: A vending machine control with an improved vendor selector switch detection and decoding circuit is described which detects and decodes the closure of selector switches in a vending machine utilizing a low cost decoding arrangement. Each selector switch is associated with a corresponding impedance in a keyboard network so that a unique impedance is presented on a keyboard decode line from the keyboard network. Decode circuitry and a decode algorithm are also disclosed for a period based decoding scheme which compensates for various tolerances and environmental affects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventor: Bob M. Dobbins