Abstract: Environmental sensor circuit for a portable connected wireless device. The circuit includes a capacitive proximity sensor that determines when a user is close to the portable device. The device also has a magnetic field probe that provides a signal that indicates the position of a permanent magnet. The sensor circuit integrates both a digitizing unit and digital signal processing for the suppression of noise and drive in signals coming from the proximity sensor and from the magnetic field probe.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first resonant circuit including a first coil mounted to a movable member; a second resonant circuit including a second coil facing the first coil and generating a magnetic field upon supply of an electric current and outputs a detection signal of a voltage level depending on a relative position of the second coil to a position of the first coil; and a first equivalent circuit equivalent to the second resonant circuit in a case where a distance between the first and second coils is infinite and a second equivalent circuit equivalent to the second resonant circuit in a case where the distance is zero. A processor corrects the detection signal based on an output signal output from the first equivalent circuit and an output signal output from the second equivalent circuit, and calculates, based on the corrected detection signal, a displacement amount of the movable member.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that further improve skills. A load weight control unit controls generation of a load weight that becomes a load with respect to motion when a keyboard is depressed by a pianist, and a keystroke recognition unit recognizes motion of the keyboard. Then, the load weight control unit performs control of starting generation of a predetermined load weight at a timing when the keystroke recognition unit recognizes that the keyboard started to be depressed, and ending generation of the load weight at a timing when the keystroke recognition unit recognizes that the keyboard ended to be depressed and started to return. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a performance skill improvement system that evaluates and trains pianists' force sense.

Abstract: There is provided an integrity monitor configured to monitor the integrity of a component protection device. The component protection device comprises a protective medium to protect at least one electronic component, and having associated therewith a magnetic element and a Hall Effect sensor. The at least one of the magnetic element and the Hall Effect sensor is embedded within the protective medium and the Hall Effect sensor is located, when in use, to sense a magnetic field generated by the magnetic element. The integrity monitor has an input for receiving an output of the Hall Effect sensor indicative of the sensed magnetic field and the integrity monitor is configured to identify from the received output any change to the sensed magnetic field and determine, based on the change to the sensed magnetic field, an integrity of the component protection device.

Abstract: An active stylus includes a stylus tip assembly and an elongate housing enclosing a portion of the stylus tip assembly. A winged bracket mounted within the elongate housing and affixed to a tip-distal end of the stylus tip assembly is configured to flex in response to pressure applied to the stylus tip assembly. A strain gauge disposed along the winged bracket is configured to measure strain along the winged bracket caused by pressure applied to the tip assembly.

Abstract: A slider structure for a keyboard comprising a housing, a depressible actuator disposed in the housing, and a chambered track configured to receive a balance bar structure, the balance bar structure operable to provide a structural support that resists a key cap coupled to the frame from tilting as a force applied at any point on the top surface of the key cap. When the depressible actuator is depressed, the depressible actuator is operable to push the balance bar structure causing the balance bar structure to rotate within the chambered track. The frame and depressible actuator are comprised of a rigid material and the chambered track is comprised of a compliant material that attenuates sound caused by the rotating of the balance bar structure within the chambered track.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an enclosure and a keyboard positioned within the enclosure. The keyboard includes a substrate and a key mechanism. The key mechanism includes a keycap support mechanism, a keycap supported by the keycap support mechanism and movable relative to the substrate, a ferromagnetic component attached to the keycap support mechanism, and a selectively magnetizable magnet. The selectively magnetizable magnet system may include a magnetizable material and a coil configured to selectively magnetize and demagnetize the magnetizable material. The key mechanism may include a collapsible dome biasing the keycap toward the extended position.

Abstract: A key assembly for a keyboard may include a key cap that includes a touch sensor that is communicatively coupled to a control device. When the touch sensor senses a touch event, the touch sensor may send a touch signal to the control device, and when the touch sensor senses an absence of touch, the touch sensor may send a control signal to the control device. The key assembly may further include a switch that is communicatively coupled to the control device and that is movable between a pressed position and an un-pressed position. When the switch is in the pressed position, the switch may send a closed signal to the control device, and when the switch is in the un-pressed position, the switch may send an open signal to the control device. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to improve thermal sensitivity of resonant circuits. One aspect utilizes tracking near-resonance complex impedance for a quartz resonator based calorimeter sensor to derive ultra-sensitive temperature measurement from the sensor. Another aspect includes a quartz resonant or -based calorimetric sensor placed close to but not touching the analyte being measured to eliminate mass loading effect on the temperature measurement.

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

Abstract: An input device with a housing which includes a displaceable cover wall attached to a circuit board to which is affixed a displaceable magnetic part, at least one sensor and a microprocessor; a second magnetic part which is permanently fixed relative to the housing cooperates with the displaceable magnetic part and, upon displacement of the cover wall, generates a haptically perceptible force; the position of the cover wall relative to the housing is detected by the at least one sensor in the form of a coil which varies its inductance value in response to the detected magnetic field of the two magnetic parts, whereby the coil is a frequency-determining component of an oscillator.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling human body contact of ground electrode, and a human body communication system using the same. The apparatus includes a resistance measuring unit for applying a predetermined voltage to a human body through a signal electrode, to measure a resistance value between the signal electrode and the ground electrode; a contact control unit for determining whether the ground electrode needs to contact the human body by using the measured resistance value, to provide control information associated with human body contact; and a contact performing unit for bringing the ground electrode into contact or out of contact with the human body according to the control information.

Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.

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.

Abstract: Provided are a touch screen and a method of operating the same. The touch screen includes a detecting part, a control part, and a tactile feedback part. The detecting part detects object's approach or contact. The control part receives a signal of the detecting part to output a feedback signal. The tactile feedback part receives the feedback signal of the control part to provide a tactile feedback to a contact position using a magnetic force. The tactile feedback uses the magnetic force of a magnetic dipole.

Abstract: A keyboard for use in an electronic device includes a circuit board, a switch connected to the circuit board and a button to actuate the switch. The keyboard further includes a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet. The first electromagnet is coupled to the button, and the second electromagnet is coupled to the circuit board and corresponding to the first electromagnet. When energized, the first and second electromagnets repel each other and the first electromagnet moves away from the circuit board, causing the distance between the button and the switch to become longer.

Abstract: A keypad structure comprises a plurality of dome switches. Each of the plurality of dome switches provides a first tactile feedback to a user when pressed. At least one vibratory element is electrically connected to the dome switches to actuate when one of the plurality of dome switches is pressed. The at least one vibratory element provides a second tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: An input device with a hollow portion therein at a neutral position includes a return member capable of self-returning to the neutral position upon deformation, a magnetic member movable in three mutually-orthogonal axial directions accompanied with the deformation of the return member, and a plurality of magnetic sensors individually detecting the position of the magnetic member in the three axial directions with respect to the neutral position. The three-dimensional operation of the magnetic member may be easily detected by a simplified structure and the magnetic member is located with high accuracy.

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: A mechanical keypad with touch panel function includes a key set including a plurality of keycaps and a keytop covering the keycaps, a backlight layer under the key set, a capacitive touch unit selectively disposed under several keycaps, an elastic layer including an elastomer and a plunger corresponding to the keycaps and disposed under the capacitive touch unit as well as a circuit board including metal domes and dome sheets corresponding to the keycaps. Each metal dome provides a mechanical feedback force so that the keycaps are able to be in indirect contact with the metal domes and the dome sheets by means of the plunger.

Abstract: A fastener (35) includes a base (33), an orientation block (36), a located block (37) and two magnets (38, 39). The base includes a mounting portion (40) and a securing portion (50). The orientation block is slidably and rotatably connected to the securing portion. The located block is rotatably engaged in the mounting portion. One of the two magnets is disposed adjacent to the securing portion, the other magnet is disposed in the located block. The two magnets are attracted to each other configured for adjusting a distance between the orientation block and the located block.

Abstract: A device for measuring the position of a first body relative to a second body comprising: a first body which further comprises an electrical intermediate device; a second body which further comprises at least two inductors energised with an alternating current and at least one of which is formed by a planar spiral winding on a printed circuit board normal to the measurement axis and attached to the second body; arranged such that displacement of the electrical intermediate device causes a change in inductance of the planar spiral winding and whereby measurement of the ratio of the inductances indicates the position of the first body relative to the second.

Abstract: A haptic module using a magnetic force and an electronic apparatuses having a magnet arrangement frame arranged so that polarities of adjacent magnets are alternate; shielding screens positioned on uppers of each of frame elements of the magnet arrangement frame and formed in a window arrangement to shield any one polarity of the frame elements; linear movement apparatus fixed to outside portions of the shielding screens to move the shielding screens in a longitudinal direction of the frame element; a magnet frame positioned on an upper of the magnet arrangement frame through the shielding screen and taking on the same polarity on the whole of one surface thereof; and a controller that controls the linear movement apparatus to provide various and dynamic force feedback and tactile sensation to a user, as well as reduce complexity of a constitution as compared to a related art and further accomplish miniaturization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a touch sensing device, touch screen device, mobile device and method for sensing a touch and, in particular, to a touch sensing device usable as user interface for controlling various functions in different devices to provide additional and more flexible input operations. The touch sensing device comprises a cover layer defining a touch area, a first winding placed on one side of said cover layer and extending over at least a part of said touch area, and a second winding placed on the same side of said first winding, being spaced apart from said first winding, wherein said first and second windings and said cover layer are arranged so that a coupling of a magnetic field generated by a current supplied to said first winding varies in response to a force onto the touch area.

Abstract: A magnetic induction keyboard that can also be used as a charger for rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.

Abstract: A position-data converter and a motor-drive control device are connected. The position-data converter receives two-phase, sine-wave analog signals da and db from two first magnetic detectors, respectively, and converts these signals da and db to position data. On receiving a positioning instruction, the motor-drive control device calculates the value of current, from the current position signal generated by the position-data converter. The permanent magnets incorporated in a linear motor are used as components of a linear scale, as well.

Abstract: A method of operating a key input apparatus having one or more pressable keys, and a key input apparatus to perform the method, the method including selectively controlling an electromagnetic force to support at least one of the one or more pressable keys, wherein a height of the at least one pressable key is controlled by selectively supplying electric current to an electromagnet to control the electromagnetic force.

Abstract: A holder (35) includes a base (33), an orientation block (36), a located block (37) and two magnets (38, 39). The base includes a mounting portion (40) and a securing portion (50). The orientation block is fixed in the mounting portion. The located block is slidably engaged in the securing portion. One of the magnets is disposed adjacent to the securing portion, the other of the magnets is disposed in the located block. The magnets are attracted to each other and configured for adjusting a distance between the orientation block and the located block.

Abstract: A computer data entry includes a key frame including at least a top plate and a bottom plate, a key motion mechanism for enabling a range of vertical movement of the key, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field affixed to the key frame, and an electromagnet affixed to the key motion mechanism. The permanent magnetic field repels the electromagnetic field when current is introduced into the electromagnet such that upon key depression, a disturbance in the electromagnetic field occurs as a result of like polarity of the magnetic fields, the disturbance analyzed to dynamically select a specific input function for the key.

Abstract: A control system comprising a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet and positioned therein at least two magnetic flux sensors for sensing movement of the magnet in a given direction. The control system further comprises a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of the sensors and permits the input device to control the system only when the output of the sensors are within a predefined range. This multiple sensing provides a fail-safe in the event that one of the sensors generates an erroneous signal.

Abstract: A variable capacitance unit is formed between one portion of a human body and an opposed electrode facing it through a casing of a robot toy (electronic device) when the one portion of the human body such as a hand or a finger approaches the surface of the casing of the robot. Since the capacitance of the variable capacitance unit varies according to the facing area and the facing distance of the one portion of the human body and the opposed electrode, it is possible to detect the one portion of the human body approaching or touching the robot toy by detecting this change. Since the opposed electrode forming the touch sensor can be provided within the casing, the touch sensor cannot be seen directly from the outside of the robot toy.

Abstract: An input device includes a magnet to be worn by a user on one fingertip of either a right hand or a left hand, a first magnetic sensor to be worn by the user on a wrist of either the right hand or the left hand to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnet at a corresponding position, a second magnetic sensor to be worn by the user on the same wrist on which the first magnetic sensor is worn and at a position that is farther from the magnet than the first magnetic sensor and eliminates effects of geomagnetism, and an output unit to output a difference between an output signal from the first magnetic sensor and an output signal from the second magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A motor-kinetic identification apparatus includes a pliant material, a source of a magnetic field embedded in the pliant material and a magneto metric element embedded in the material. The pliant is adapted to be gripped by a user. The pliant material has a normally biased rest shape and the shape becomes deformed upon the material being gripped. The magnetic field has a field contour dependent on said shape of said material. The magneto metric element is disposed within the field and has a detectable state commensurate with the magnetic field contour.

Abstract: A durable unitary lens filter is provided for use with a touch sensitive display device for associated control process equipment. A front cover secures the unitary lens filter to the machine. The lens assembly includes a mounting bezel that supports an intermediate lens securing an integral rear lens filter through which a responsive display shows process information to an operator. The front cover captivates the integral bezel to secure the lens to the associated process device. The lens is molded from a semi-rigid material composition including glass fibers. An internal retainer compressibly captivates the bezel against the front cover. The bezel periphery extends substantially beyond the outermost peripheral edge of the rear lens so that forces thereto are transferred and dissipated to the machine housing.

Abstract: A wireless data input system has one or more switches on a keypad or the like and a number of individually addressable RFID tags. Each switch operates to enable a corresponding subset of the individually addressable RFID transponder tags, such that a unique permutation of tag codes recognized by a RFID reader identifies actuation of each particular switch or key.

Abstract: A device and method for implementing a key, in which a field applied to a layer comprising a material whose volume is responsive to the magnitude of field is altered at a specified position to create a key in said position; said field being one of the following: electric field, magnetic field, both of the above.

Abstract: A conventional light plate for a systems control panel is mounted on a machined front plate which, in turn, is maintained a predetermined uniform distance from a front printed wiring assembly (PWA). A plurality of systems control devices including one or more of switches (toggle switches, rotary switches, push button switches), rheostats and annunciators are mounted on the front plate and front PWA. Each of the systems control devices has one or more solid state elements mounted on the PWA. For example, the switches carry small magnets which, by manipulation of operating switch levers or knobs, move into and out of close proximity to magnet sensitive switching devices mounted on the front PWA.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement, with which pressure point characteristics can be simulated, such that a key stroke typical of a cembalo, as well as the key characteristics of an organ can be as near as possible approached and permits the replication of a dynamic key stroke, as well as multiple pressure points during a single key operation. At least one sensor (3) is rigidly arranged for each key (1), from which positional data, about the key, is sent to an analog signal preparation unit and a programmable analytical unit (6), which generates data for an externally connected digital signal processor (7). Each key is coupled to an electromagnet (2), which is controlled by the analytical unit, depending upon the positional data and a current program. The arrangement for the creation of pressure points in keyboards is suitable for piano-like electronic keyboard instruments, electronic cembalos and electronic organs.

Abstract: A key structure comprises base plate, elastic member, frame and cap wherein the conductive membrane thereof is single-film structure, the contact of the conductive membrane corresponding to each key is of meshed-hook shape (), a venting aperture is provided at the center of the contact. A transparent and insulating layer is arranged upon the conductive membrane to prevent the short circuit of the circuit in the conductive membrane. An opening is provided at the transparent and insulating layer and corresponding to the conductive membrane. Both ends of the elastic member are attached to the cap and the transparent and insulating layer by adhesive. A conductive bump with a conductive layer is provided on the elastic member such that the conductive bump of the elastic member is connected to the contact of the conductive membrane and a closed loop is formed within the key when the cap is pressed down, whereby the signal generated by key stroking action is transmitted to the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically transferring control information from a rotary knob with a knob mounted in a manner which facilitates rotation, a magnetic material about the circumference of the knob with alternating field lines perpendicular to the direction of knob rotation, a magnetic detector, an electronic circuit for decoding the detected magnetic variations corresponding to knob rotation, and a frame upon which the knob and magnetic sensor are mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the knob is designed in such a manner as to provide an environmental seal between the front and rear side of the frame to which it is mounted.

Abstract: A sensing system for detecting the position of a manually operated shift lever in an automatic transmission. The sensing system includes a plate member movable in response to movement of a shift lever. The plate member includes a generally flat contact surface having a predetermined pattern of electrically conductive and non-conductive areas. An electrical sensor unit is mounted in the transmission and positioned to communicate with the contact surface of the plate member. At least five electrical contact members engage the conductive and non-conductive areas on the contact surface generate binary codes having combinations that are indicative of the shift lever position in each of the predetermined operating modes. The engagement between the contact members and the contact surface further generates at least four unique binary codes indicative of the transitions between the predetermined operating modes.

Abstract: An autoclavable remote control unit for controlling the operation of a surgical device. The remote control unit has a plurality of Hall effect sensors arranged on a printed circuit board hermetically encased within a polymeric housing molded from an autoclavable material. Each Hall effect sensor may be activated by an associated magnet which is resiliently supported within a panel which can be closed against the housing or hinged away from the housing. In the closed position, the magnets may be momentarily depressed to activate the associated Hall effect sensor to thereby control the operation of a selected function of the surgical device. The disclosure also includes the method of remotely controlling a surgical device by providing at least one non-contiguously activatable switch element in a hermetically sealed housing and activating the element by bringing into its proximity an activating element.

Abstract: A wire/wireless keyboard and a control method therefor. The keyboard can be used as a wire keyboard if a main body connecting section of the keyboard is connected to a computer body, and the keyboard can be used as a wireless keyboard if the main body connecting section of the keyboard is disconnected from the computer body. The connection status between the computer body and the main body connecting section of the keyboard is automatically judged. If it is judged that they are connected, then the power of the computer body is selected, and the wire mode is executed. On the other hand, if it is judged that they are disconnected from each other, then the internal battery is selected to supply the power from the battery, and the wireless mode is executed. Therefore, the keyboard can be used as both a wire keyboard and as a wireless keyboard.

Abstract: Input apparatus for a data processing system. An input apparatus, for example a mouse or a track ball, comprises a member which is rotatable by manipulation by a user. The rotation causes a change of a magnetic field, which change is detected by a detector. The member in the apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a non-homogeneous distribution of a soft-magnetic material which, upon rotation, changes a magnetic field externally applied to the member by a magnet.

Abstract: A modular computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives. The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays. Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition. In some embodiments function modules are provided for communicating with separate input means, such as voice, keyboards, and pen-pads. In one aspect the module bays and the function modules are configured according to dimensional and connective standards of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association. In another aspect a modular portable computer has a flexible, rollable, keyboard with a system for transmitting keystroke signals by magnetic induction.

Abstract: A computer system has a cordless keyboard having an on-board power supply and a magnetic field generator with the keyboard adapted for coding keystrokes made on the keyboard in a dynamic magnetic field broadcast by the magnetic field generator. There is also an electronic card module having an induction coil for receiving the coded keystrokes in the dynamic magnetic field and having decoding circuitry connected to the induction coil for converting the coded keystrokes in the dynamic magnetic field into standard serial bus data. A computer as part of the system has a docking bay adapted for receiving and engaging the electronic card module and connecting the decoding circuitry in the electronic card module by means of multi-pin connectors to an internal bus of the computer.

Abstract: A personal digital assistant module with a local CPU, memory, and I/O interface has a host interface comprising a bus connected to the local CPU and a connector at a surface of the personal digital assistant for interfacing to a bus connector of a host general-purpose computer, providing direct bus communication between the personal digital assistant and the host general-purpose computer. In an embodiment, the personal digital assistant also stores a security code. The personal digital assistant according to the invention forms a host/satellite combination with a host computer having a docking bay, wherein upon docking a docking protocol controls access by the host to memory of the personal digital assistant based on one or more passwords provided by a user to the host. In another embodiment the personal digital assistant also has an expansion port connected to the local CPU, and expansion peripheral devices may be connected and operated through the expansion port.

Abstract: A low-profile keyboard (5) each switch (3) having a dished keybutton (3) held upward by a rubber dome (49) and having ribs (55) which depress extension (43 and 31) which carry electrical traces (45 and 33) to activate the switch. The assembly is mounted on post (15). A lower recess (21) permits excess travel to a quiet stop. The rubber sheet (47) provides spill resistance.

Abstract: A self-contained keyboard for computer transmits keystroke data to a host computer via scan codes encoded in a variable magnetic field. In a preferred embodiment the keyboard generates magnetic bursts by electrical current bursts in a loop of a electrical conductor. A receiving loop connected to demodulator circuitry in the body of the computer produces emf spikes according to the magnetic bursts transmitted from the keyboard. The demodulator circuitry reproduces digital scan codes in a register for communication to the computer CPU according to the emf spikes monitored from the receiving loop.