With Particular Key Scanning Feature Patents (Class 341/26)
  • Patent number: 8872676
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a capacitive switching system may include a plurality of capacitive switches and at least one processor. Each of the capacitive switches may include an activation surface offset from an energized conductor by a dielectric region and a capacitance that is dependent upon an electric field generated by the energized conductor. The at least one processor may execute machine readable instructions to transform a change in the capacitance of one of the capacitive switches into a first control signal indicative of a first active state. A rejection delay may be activated by the at least one processor after the change in the capacitance of the one of the capacitive switches. The rejection delay can remain activated for a predetermined time period. A second control signal may be prevented from indicating a second active state while the rejection delay is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Scott Sitarski, William Patrick Garrett
  • Patent number: 8866642
    Abstract: An electronic keyboard including a plurality of keys arranged as a matrix, each key including a plunger, and a conductive element on the bottom of the plunger, the conductive element having a characteristic resistance, an electronic circuit having an input current source, and mounted on a surface beneath the plurality of keys such that when a key is pressed its conductive element closes a switch in the circuit, an analog-to-digital convertor for converting an output voltage of the circuit to a digital signal, and a controller for determining from the digital signal when a key is pressed, and for identifying the key that is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Ron, Eyal Bychkov, Itay Sherman
  • Patent number: 8842025
    Abstract: A method of setting specific scan codes for a manual input device includes the steps of establishing a transmission channel between the manual input device and a scan code register of a computing device, receiving at least one scan code, which corresponds to at least one input key of the manual input device and is for setting a customized specific code for enabling the computing device to perform a specific function, from the manual input device, saving the customized specific code to the scan code register of the computing device, and closing the transmission channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Via Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yeh Cho, Chewei Kuo, Yuping Perng
  • Publication number: 20140266814
    Abstract: A capacitive touch keyboard includes a sensor layer, ground plane, a flexible sensed body, and a sensing circuit. The sensor layer includes a substrate and a key sensing cell which disposed on the substrate spaced apart from the ground plane. The flexible sensed body includes a sensed portion and a connected portion connected with the ground plane where the sensed portion obliquely extends to above the key sensing cell such that the flexible sensed body and the key sensing cell jointly form a capacitor structure. The sensing circuit is electrically connected to the sensing cell for probing a capacitance change. Therefore, features of more simplified structure design, tactile feel, and improved durability are provided in a capacitive keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Touchplus Information Corp.
    Inventor: Shih Hsien HU
  • Patent number: 8836665
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Vadim Fux
  • Patent number: 8786470
    Abstract: A computer system includes a wireless keyboard, a reader, and a computer. The wireless keyboard includes an antenna, an array of keys, a storage unit, a scanning unit, and a processing unit. The keys in the array are associated with tags. The storage unit stores a content of a pair of tags of each key. The scanning unit scans the keys to determine when one or more keys are pressed. When one or more keys are pressed, the processing unit acquires the tag content corresponding to each of the one or more keys and sends the content to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 8766824
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a detection circuit having at least a first contact point, a second contact point and a third contact point; an input key unit changes states of the individual contact points based on an accepted input operation, and a detection-circuit control unit obtains a detection signal corresponding to changed states of the individual contact points from the detection circuit, and detects the input operation from the obtained detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Yamasaki, Yukihiro Sato, Kazumasa Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20140176352
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a shared matrix of shared row pins and/or column pins between a first array of keys and a second array of lights of a keyboard. A keyboard controller addresses the first array of keys and the second array of lights during a scanning period using the shared row pins and/or column pins. Each key is backlit by one or more lights of the second array of lights that may be individually controlled. The keyboard controller may drive the desired lights of a respective row while detecting key presses of the same row during the row interval using the shared row pins and/or column pins. In some embodiments, the keyboard controller may drive the desired lights of a row during driving interval of the row interval, and scan the keys of the row separately during a sensing interval of the row interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Asif Hussain, Mohammad J. Navabi-Shirazi, Jingdong Chen, Manisha P. Pandya
  • Patent number: 8760321
    Abstract: A method for detecting and processing key scan codes of a computer keyboard is disclosed. At least one scan code table is established for a computer device in advance and is stored in a scan code table memory that is accessible by a keyboard controller so that the keyboard controller, after initialization, may load the scan code table from the scan code table memory to a scan code table load-in area within the keyboard controller. The keyboard controller, upon detecting the actuation of any key of the keyboard, generates a interrupt request signal to the south bridge, which in turn retrieves the scan code; or alternatively, the keyboard controller generates an interrupt signal to the south bridge, which in turn retrieves and transmits the interrupt query number of the interrupt signal to the computer operating system, which in turn executes a preset target program corresponding to the interrupt query number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chai-Chang Chiu
  • 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: 8711025
    Abstract: A method for configuring a plurality of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) keys includes: utilizing a processor for determining a plurality of divided-voltages respectively corresponding to the Keys according to a plurality of voltage variation ranges respectively corresponding to the Keys; and calculating a plurality of resistive values of a voltage dividing model according to at least the divided-voltages, wherein the voltage dividing model has a plurality of voltage dividing configurations respectively corresponding to the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun Lan, Yingyi Liu, Yu-Kai Chou
  • Patent number: 8704683
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes: a key row including a reference resistor, switches separately connected to the reference resistor, and a plurality of resistors connected to the switches, respectively; a reference voltage unit connected to the reference resistor and providing a reference voltage; and a first comparator and a second comparator dividing the reference voltage from the reference voltage unit by the reference resistor and at least one resistor connected to an activated switch, and receiving an analog key input signal corresponding to the divided reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min Hyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 8692694
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Conor O'Neill, Christopher James Grant
  • Patent number: 8648736
    Abstract: A key input device for data input means of a device is provided. The key input device includes a first terminal for outputting a key input signal, a second terminal spaced apart from the first terminal and having at least two divided parts, wherein all the divided parts contact the first terminal during a key input operation, at least one resistor allocated to each of the divided parts of the second terminal, connected in parallel to each other, and having respectively different resistance values, and a processor chip for controlling a corresponding key input operation according to respectively different voltage values outputted from the first terminal, by at least one corresponding resistor that is electrically and selectively connected to each of the divided parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn-Hyoung Kim, Jin Sagong
  • Publication number: 20140022097
    Abstract: A single-wire keypad modular structure provided with keys used in electronics device and comprising: a keypad module and a data signal transformation module; and said keypad module further comprising a number of resistances electrically connected to each other in series and a number of keys electrically connected to each other in parallel wherein (1) each of the keys links a live end and a ground end and is situated between two resistances for forming a voltage change between distinct keys and (2) the live ends are electrically connected to each other; a data signal transformation module which is based on single-wire input circuits for electrically connecting the keypad module's ground end and transform the changed input voltages to digital data signals and output to a control module for execution of corresponding functions when any of the keys is pressed down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Cheng-Yi TSAI
  • Publication number: 20130293399
    Abstract: An ultra-low power wakeup circuit device includes a keyboard, a key scan circuit, a storage unit, and a comparator unit. The key scan circuit sequentially outputs scanning signals from the first scan line to N-th scan line for acquiring N key scan data. The key scan circuit performs an XOR operation on the N key scan data to generate a current key scan data. The storage unit is connected to the key scan circuit for receiving the current key scan data and storing the current key scan data as a previous key scan data. The comparator unit is connected to the key scan circuit and the storage unit for comparing the current key scan data with the previous key scan data. When the current key scan data is different from the previous key scan data, the comparator unit generates a wakeup signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Generalplus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Tung-Tsai LIAO, Hsin-Chou LEE, Hsin-Lung LAI
  • Patent number: 8564539
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides an improved text case feature. 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 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 enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Jason T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8564460
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes multiple key switches, a scan memory that temporarily stores a result obtained by scanning keyboard as scan data, a confirmed data memory that stores a confirmed key input, a first determination mechanism that determines whether the scan data stored in the scan memory indicates that multiple keys on a single scan line are on, a readout mechanism that reads out a data of a scan line immediately preceding the scan line that is currently scanned from the data memory, a second determination mechanism that compares the data stored in the scan memory with the readout data from the readout mechanism and determines whether a single detection line includes two keys that are on, and a key confirmation mechanism that determines a current sneak when the second mechanism detects that the single scan line includes two key switches that are on and confirms the key input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8515740
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to analyze the combinations of language objects in light of N-gram data stored on the device to avoid proposing low-probability compound language solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Michael G. Elizarov
  • Patent number: 8493327
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Vadim Fux
  • Patent number: 8477049
    Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently embedding information in a keyboard membrane. Information can be embedded in the keyboard membrane by integrating an information embedding circuit with a switch matrix used to identify location of a key press event. The information is embedded by either hardwiring a column to a selected row, or a row to a selected column. In order to access the embedded information, the row (column) is asserted resulting in the hardwired column (row) to also be asserted. The identification of the asserted column (row) is used to point to the embedded information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Quan Tan, Harold J. Welch, Wing Kong Low, Chad Bronstein
  • Patent number: 8471733
    Abstract: A first current is driven through a first current path from a first common node, through a key matrix, and to a second common node when a key is pressed. A first measurement of the first current path resistance is made. A second current is then driven through a second current path from the second common node, through the key matrix, and to the first common node. A second measurement of the second current path resistance is made. The first and second measurements are used to identify the key that was pressed. Each key corresponds to a unique pair of first and second measurement values. In one example, non-linear resistance circuits are disposed at the ends of the row and column conductors of the key matrix such that a row resistor in the first current path is measured independently of a column resistor in the second current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: George Alan Wiley
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130069805
    Abstract: Disclosed is keypad circuitry operable to detect a pressed key while reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI). The keypad circuitry is operable to reduce EMI in two ways: a) reducing the voltage swing occurring at the row circuitry and column circuitry of the keypad, and b) reducing the number of signal transitions by restricting the signal transitions to occurring at the column and row corresponding to a pressed key. By limiting signal transitions to occurring only at the row and column corresponding to a pressed key, fewer signal transitions occur, and thus, less EMI is produced. Additionally, reduced voltage swings at the row circuitry and column circuitry results in reduced EMI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Hong Chean Choo, Kien Beng Tan, Gee Heng Loh
  • Patent number: 8384566
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a processor to at least perform or cause the apparatus to at least perform a number of operations. These operations include receiving pressure-measurement signals from a keyboard including an arrangement of keys, and a plurality of pressure sensors associated with a respective plurality of the keys. In this regard, the pressure sensors are configured to measure a pressure applied to the respective plurality of the keys, and produce the pressure-measurement signals representative of the measured pressure. The operations also include predicting one or more next keystrokes on the keyboard as a function of the pressure-measurement signals, and determining one or more commands or instructions for directing performance of one or more operations of an apparatus or software operating on the apparatus, where the command(s) or instruction(s) are determined as a function of the predicted next keystroke(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Radu Catalin Bocirnea
  • Patent number: 8368565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power saving method in a sleep mode and a keyboard controller using the same. The method is adapted for a triangular-type scan keyboard controller including a plurality of input/output (I/O) pins. The method includes the steps of: providing a first clock source and a second clock source, wherein the frequency of the second clock source is much lower than the frequency of the first clock source. In a normal mode, a scan pulse is sequentially outputted from the I/O pins according to the frequency of the first clock source. In a sleep mode, the scan pulse is sequentially outputted from the I/O pins according to the frequency of the second clock source. When a specific one of the I/O pins outputs the scan pulse, the other I/O pins are used for detecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Generalplus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Horng-Bin Wang, Hsin Chou Lee
  • 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: 8346295
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for implementing a dual-mode keypad for a mobile device. The keypad may operate in a telephony mode and a text-entry mode. The keypad may include a plurality of dual-mode keys that each include an associated telephony character and at least one associated text-entry character. The dual-mode keys may include one or more toggle keys, with each toggle key having a plurality of associated text-entry characters and one associated telephony character. The dual-mode keys may be partially covered by the keypad surface so that a plurality of key surfaces extend from the key and protrude through the keypad surface. In text-entry mode, the dual-mode keys are operable to input text-entry characters. In telephony mode, the dual-mode keys are operable to input telephony characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, Mihal Lazaridis, Frank M. Tyneski
  • Publication number: 20120326897
    Abstract: A computer system includes a wireless keyboard, a reader, and a computer. The wireless keyboard includes an antenna, an array of keys, a storage unit, a scanning unit, and a processing unit. The keys in the array are associated with tags. The storage unit stores a content of a pair of tags of each key. The scanning unit scans the keys to determine when one or more keys are pressed. When one or more keys are pressed, the processing unit acquires the tag content corresponding to each of the one or more keys and sends the content to the reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SONG-LING YANG
  • 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: 8330628
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Jason T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 8314723
    Abstract: A ghost key detecting circuit includes at least first and second scan lines, at least first and second return lines, a plurality of switch elements, and a level detecting circuit. The level detecting circuit is used for performing level detection upon measured voltage values at the first and second return lines. When a measured voltage value at a return line is greater than or equal to a reference voltage value, the level detecting circuit generates a logic signal for indicating that a switch element corresponding to the return line at a current scan line is turned off. When the measured voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value, the level detecting circuit generates a logic signal for indicating that the switch element is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chiung-Chih Huang, Wen-Tong Liu, Kuo-Fu Kuo
  • Patent number: 8314720
    Abstract: Provided is a method and a terminal for executing a function of a terminal according to data transmitted and received through a human body, which includes detecting a touch in a human body communication signal input unit, wherein the human body communication signal input unit is in a human body communication key mode; determining a number detected touches and determining a number pulse signals transmitted during a time in which the touch is maintained when the touch is detected; and executing a function corresponding to the human body communication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung Tae Kim, Hee Chan Choi
  • Patent number: 8284078
    Abstract: An exemplary control method includes the following steps. Judging if a hot key is pressed. Updating a data in a data field when the hot key is pressed. Judging if a first function key is pressed. When the first function key is pressed, outputting a first key code according to the data in the data field and the first function key. Executing a first service process according to the first key code. A control system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Hao Lin
  • Patent number: 8284080
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for scanning an array of sensors. More particularly, the invention is directed towards scanning an array of sensors to accurately determine actuated sensors on a contact-sensitive surface. In one embodiment, three sets of sensing lines can be incorporated into the sensing area for ghost-free detection of up to two keys. Further in other embodiments, n sets of sensing lines can be incorporated into the sensing area for ghost free detection of up to n?1 keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Chee Yu Ng, Giuseppe Noviello, Eng-Siong Goh
  • Patent number: 8279093
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting bus connection is provided for determining whether an electrical connector of a peripheral device is connected to an electrical connection port. In the apparatus, a detection capacitor is electrically coupled to a detection pin in the electrical connection port, and a controller is provided to transmit a detection signal to the detection pin. According to the signal fed back by the detection capacitor, the occurrences of the charge and discharge phenomena in the detection capacitor are determined, and then the controller is able to determine whether the detection pin of the electrical connector is electrically coupled to the electrical connector, so as to initiate a system event. The detection pin is not electrically charged when the detection pin is not electrically coupled to the electrical connector, so as to prevent the detection pin from being electrolyzed in the water or in a humid circumstance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Hsin Chih Lin
  • 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: 8274411
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement (1) comprises a current source (10), a comparator (50) and a control device (90). The current source (10) serves for supplying a light-emitting diode (41). The comparator (50) may be coupled to the light-emitting diode (41) at a first input (51) via a push-button (101). The comparator (50) may be fed with a reference voltage (VREF) at a second terminal (52). The control device (90) selectively puts the current source (10) into a first operational state (A) for polling a push-button position of the push-button (101) or into a second operational state (B) for emitting radiation by means of the light-emitting diode (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Austriamicrosystems AG
    Inventor: Peter Trattler
  • Patent number: 8269655
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kiyomi Minato, Satoru Ueyama
  • Patent number: 8264231
    Abstract: A switch circuit includes: a first charge/discharge circuit having a fixed first time constant; a second charge/discharge circuit having a second time constant associated with the operation statuses of a plurality of switches; first and second input/output ports to which the first and second charge/discharge circuits are connected, respectively; and a control section adapted to measure the first and second time constants by charging or discharging the first and second charge/discharge circuits and determine the operation statuses of a plurality of switches based on the ratio of the measured first and second time constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Nakada, Masaaki Takesue
  • Patent number: 8264384
    Abstract: A keyboard control circuit for a keyboard having P keys includes an array module that includes P key switches, and a key-matrix having N scan lines that intersect M return lines to form N×M intersections, where P<N×M. The intersections include ghost key positions free of the key switches, and safe key positions being of a number at least equal to P. Each key switch is disposed at a corresponding safe key position. Each ghost key position cooperates with a corresponding group of first, second and third ones of the safe key positions to constitute four corners of a rectangle in the key matrix. A processing unit provides a scan signal to each scan line during a scan period, receives at least one scan line from the return lines in response to operation of at least one key switch, and outputs an input signal corresponding to operation of the at least one key switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd., Lite-On Tehcnology Corp.
    Inventors: Mao-Ta Tsao, Wen-Tong Liu
  • Patent number: 8264383
    Abstract: A group keypad structure in compliance with a standard keyboard installation includes group keypads corresponding to characters of a standard keyboard input method; for example, the structure includes ten group keypads installed from left to right on a base, and the ten group keypads include characters of “Q, A, Z”, “W, S, X”, “E, D, C”, “R, F, V”, “T, G, B”, “Y, H, N”, “U, J, M”, “I, K, ,”, “O, L, .” and “P, ;, /” respectively, and further includes ten numeric characters “1˜0”, so as to achieve the effects of reducing the area of a keyboard, shortening the moving distance of a user's fingers, providing an easy and convenient carry, complying with the user's using habit, and improving the input speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Fong-Gong Wu, Han-Chi Hsiao, Yun-Yu Wu, Chia-Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 8265926
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to analyze the combinations of language objects in light of N-gram data stored on the device to avoid proposing low-probability compound language solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Michael G. Elizarov
  • Patent number: 8258985
    Abstract: A scanning circuit includes n input ports K1˜Kn arranged in n rows L1˜Ln; and m?2 output ports W2˜(m?1) arranged in m columns P1˜Pm. The n rows and the m columns define a switch matrix including n*m switches. Ends of the switches in the same row are connected to one of the n input ports K1˜Kn, respectively. The ends of the switches in the column P1 are connected to ground. The ends of the switches in the same column of the columns P2˜P(m?1) are connected to a power supply VCC via resistors R2˜R(m?1) and the m?2 output ports W2˜W(m?1), respectively. The ends of the switches in the columns Pm are connected to ground via a resistor Rs and the power supply VCC via the resistors R2˜R(m?1) and diodes D2˜D(m?1), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ren-Wen Huang, Jun Zhang, Lin-Kun Ding, Tsung-Jen Chuang
  • Patent number: 8253604
    Abstract: A keyboard scanning circuit, comprising N wires, and [(2N?1)+(2N?1?1)N] switches divided into two switch groups, therein N is a natural number. Each switch includes a first contact and a second contact. The first contacts of the (2N?1) switches in the first switch group are connected to ground, the second contacts of the (2N?1) switches in the first switch group are connected to the wires in (2N?1) connectors. The first contacts of the (2N?1?1)N switches in the second switch group are connected to one of the wires, the second contacts of the (2N?1?1)N switches in the second switch group are connected to the nodes between the switch in the first switch group and the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Yung Peng
  • Patent number: 8248275
    Abstract: A key coding circuit includes N keys, a signal processing unit, a bus, and a ground wire, and each key includes an input end and a ground end electrically connected to the ground wire. The signal processing unit includes M signal lines, where M is the smallest positive whole number not less than Log(N+1, 2), and at least one signal line is electrically connected to the corresponding input end. Each key is coded for M-bit binary, the floating signal lines correspond to the binary code 1, and the signal lines corresponding to binary code 0 are electrically connected to the input end of the corresponding keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Jian-Hui Li
  • Patent number: 8248276
    Abstract: A scanning circuit includes n rows L1˜Ln, 2n columns P1-1˜P1-n and P2-1˜P2-n, and the n rows L1˜Ln and the n columns P1-1˜P1-n cooperatively form a switch matrix comprising n*n switches S1-1˜Sn-n, with ends of the switches in the same row electrically connected to one of n I/O ports K1˜Kn, respectively, the ends of the switches in the same column are electrically connected to ground via one resistor R1-1˜R1-n, respectively, each of resistors R2-1˜R2-n is electronically connected in one column of the columns P2-1˜P2-n, and connected between one of the I/O ports K1˜Kn and ground via one of the resistors R1-1˜R1-n, respectively. A keyboard and a scanning method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin-Kun Ding, Xiang-Ping Zhou, Ren-Wen Huang, Li-Sheng Shu, Tsung-Jen Chuang
  • Patent number: 8237658
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides an improved text case feature. 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 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 enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Jason T. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20120154181
    Abstract: A key input method and apparatus allow efficient typing on a keypad. A pressing of a first key followed by a pressing of a second key is detected. One of input values corresponding to one of the first and second keys is selected according to the other key of the first and second keys. The selected input value is entered as a key input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bong-Jae Rhee