Abstract: A system allowing persons to operate their computer comfortably while lying in bed. The system has a user friendly keyboard, that provides preselection feedback indicating prior to a keystroke being entered, thus allowing the individual to verify the correct key before pressing down the key. Additional aspects of the system include the user of display goggles with panning control, and a see-through mode. Numerous additional system and methods are described.

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

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

Abstract: A key structure used in the user interface of an electrical device comprises a plate-like member (301) which comprises electrical couplings for transforming keystrokes into electrical signals, and an electrically conducting dome-like member (303) on the plate-like member. This dome-like member is arranged to have such suitable elastic characteristics that it is at least partly pressed against the plate-like member when a pressing force substantially perpendicular towards the plate-like member acts on the dome-like member, and to return to the dome-like position when the pressing force is removed. The key structure further comprises a button member (304) made of an electrically isolating material and being located on the dome-like member. The key structure is characterised in that the elastic deformation of the button member due to the pressing force is substantially similar to that of the dome-like member.

Abstract: A system and method obfuscates a reference voltage being applied to a touch screen to reduce the likelihood that location coordinates may be obtained from electrically coupling to the touch screen. The method is performed by applying a varying reference voltage to a first plane of a touch screen with a time of application duration being substantially less than a touch period and by measuring a voltage present on a second plane during a portion of the application duration of the voltage to the first plane. A system may include a controller for randomly varying the reference voltage level and coupling a reference source that generates the reference voltage to a first plane of a touch screen for an application period that is significantly less than the touch period.

Abstract: In a glass keyboard comprising a keyboard surface (4) made from a flexible thin glass pane (2) and at least one carrier material pane (6), each pane being provided with an electroconductive layer (8,10) on the faces facing each other, wherein the opposing electroconductive layers (8,10) are kept at a distance to each other with the aid of a spacer (12), and wherein the electroconductive layers (8,10) touch each other when pressure is applied to the flexible thin glass layer (2) at the essentially localized place of pressure application, it is provided that the electroconductive layers (8,10) on the thin glass pane (2) and the carrier material pane (6) are connected with conductors (62,66) which are led out at a side edge of the keyboard surface (4), that a flexible flat multiple cable (64,68) is connected with the conductors (62,66) of the electroconductive layers (8,10) via contacts (74,75), and that the flat multiple cable (64,68) comprising the contacts (74,75) is arranged between the thin glass pane (2) a

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to allow both a digital operation and an analog operation by using pressing operation continuously. An operating device has detecting elements (e.g., pressure-sensitive elements (12)) for outputting analog signals according to pressing operations of operators (11), and is configured such that analog signals output from the detecting elements are subjected to level dividing by a level dividing unit (15) and converted into multi-bit digital signals corresponding to the output levels thereof by an A/D converting unit (16), and is also configured so as to output single-bit digital signals according to change in analog signals output from the detecting element. A switching unit (18) outputs one or the other of the multi-bit digital signals and single-bit digital signals.

Abstract: A computer keyboard includes abase stand, a membrane circuit board installed on the base stand and a plurality of key mechanisms. The membrane circuit board has a plurality of pressure sensors for generating key-pressing signals and each of the key mechanisms is positioned above one of the pressure sensors. The rubber membrane includes a connecting membrane and a plurality of upwardly protruding rubber domes that can be easily detached from the connecting membrane. Each of the rubber domes is positioned above one of the pressure sensors of the membrane circuit board to support the key mechanism above it. When installing the rubber membrane, the rubber domes of the rubber membrane are placed above and glued to the pressure sensors of the membrane circuit board. Then the connecting membrane of the rubber membrane is torn away, leaving the rubber domes on the membrane circuit board.

Abstract: An operating apparatus and a signal-output modulating method therefor allow analogous operations to be implemented by use of press-operational operation elements that have conventionally been used for digital operations. In the operating apparatus, detecting elements are provided, each of which is formed of a resistant material and a conductive material. The detecting elements individually output analog signals corresponding to press-operations performed on the operation elements. An output-level range of an analog signal outputted from the detecting element is divided by a level divider into multiple levels, and an analog-digital (A-D) converter performs conversion thereof to digital signals corresponding to the output levels. In addition, the output levels of the individual digital signals outputted from the A-D converter are shifted by a level corrector 17 according to a predetermined corresponding reference, and the digital signals are thereby output.

Abstract: A flexible membrane keyboard comprises opposed flexible plastic membranes having pressure sensitive switches embedded therebetween. Each pressure sensitive switch is individual to a particular letter, numeral, symbol, or function. A microprocessor is connected to each of the pressure sensitive switches and generates a keyboard output indicative of the pressure sensitive switch or group of pressure sensitive switches that is actuated at any particular time.

Abstract: A device and method for operating and controllling a cursor by a foot. The foot-operated input control device includes a first pedal for controlling a cursor along an x-axis and a second pedal for controlling a cursor along a y-axis. The first pedal is supported by a first base and further connected to a first motion detector which determines an angular motion of the first pedal. The second pedal is supported by a second base and further connected to a second motion detector which determines an angular motion of a second pedal. The angular motion of the first and second pedals are combined together and translated into the direction and velocity of motion of the cursor on a screen.

Abstract: A USB-compliant keyboard device is provided that is capable of preventing malfunctions, operation failure and the like due to static noise by a simple method. The keyboard device has a keyboard main body with a large number of key tops on its upper surface, an upper case and a lower case accommodating the keyboard main body, a control circuit board on which a control circuit to control the keyboard main body is mounted, and USB connectors connected to the control circuit board. Further, a shield plate covering the control circuit board from a lower position is provided. The shield plate is electrically connected to frame ground members of the USB connectors and a shield line of a cable connected to a personal computer main body.

Abstract: A joystick controller has a body (10), an operating shaft (12) and a ball-and-socket joint (14) mounting the operating shaft for universal pivotal movement relative to the body (10) about a pivot center. First and second and third carrier members (16, 17, 19) are movable relative to the body (10) about respective first, second and third, mutually perpendicular axes which pass through the pivot center of the ball-and-socket joint (14), and carry respective magnets (24, 26, 29). Rotary movement of the operating shaft (12) about its longitudinal axis causes movement of the third carrier member (19) about the third axis. Hall-effect devices (52, 54, 56) are mounted on a common planar circuit board (48) at the base of the body (10) and producing respective output signals indicative of the positions of the magnets (24, 26, 29) carried on the first, second and third carrier members (16), respectively.

Abstract: In place of a conventional n×m sense line/drive line matrix for keyboard key detection, discrimination between keyboard keys is carried out with one or more current divider or voltage divider circuits, with the result that the number of necessary IC pin connections may be reduced. The keyboard key switches are arranged into one or more current divider or voltage divider circuits. In a current divider embodiment, the key switches of each circuit are arranged in parallel with each other at respective points along a resistive switch line extending from Vcc to ground. When closed by key depression, the switches provide shortened paths from Vcc to ground, thus resulting in a current division effect. A voltage along the line is input to an A/D converter of a micro-controller which performs keyboard key discrimination.

Abstract: In a glass keyboard comprising a keyboard surface (4) made from a flexible thin glass pane (2) and at least one carrier material pane (6), each pane being provided with an electroconductive layer (8,10) on the faces facing each other, wherein the opposing electroconductive layers (8,10) are kept at a distance to each other with the aid of a spacer (12), and wherein the electroconductive layers (8,10) touch each other when pressure is applied to the flexible thin glass layer (2) at the essentially localized place of pressure application, it is provided that the flexible thin glass pane (2) is made from a drawn thin glass film.

Abstract: A touch sensor which is able to detect the touch of a finger with reasonable accuracy. In this touch sensor, the oscillator unit supplies a high-frequency signal to the electrode unit. If the item detected is a biological entity of a human body such as a finger, the impedance of the electrode unit will change. The impedance is initially matched to that on the input side of the electrode when the finger is in touch with the electrodes. The reflected wave will be smaller because of the matching of impedance when the finger is in touch with the electrode. By detecting this reflected wave and comparing it with a reference signal in the discriminator unit, it can be determined that the reflection level is lower and so a conclusion can be made that the electrode is touched by a person.

Abstract: A touch screen includes a transmitter capable of delivering an acoustic signal to the touch screen and a receiver adapted to detect acoustic signals on the touch screen and deliver a first signal representative of the detected acoustic signals. An automatic gain control amplifier has an input, output, and control terminal, and is adapted to receive the first signal on the input terminal and deliver an amplified version of the first signal on the output terminal. The control terminal is adapted to receive a control signal that varies the gain of the amplifier. An analog to digital converter is adapted to receive the amplified first signal and deliver a digital representation thereof. A first circuit is adapted to receive one of the amplified first signal and the digital signal, determine the difference between the received signal and a preselected value, and deliver a control signal to the control input of the amplifier. The control signal has a magnitude responsive to the determined difference.

Abstract: A transparent insulative liquid is sealed between two transparent plates that are coated with transparent conductor layers on their mutually facing surfaces of a touch panel input device. The facing surface of at least one of the transparent plates is roughened. Because the conductor layer is applied directly over the roughened surface of the transparent plate, the conductor layer is also roughened. When the entire device is tilted, the insulative liquid settles downward allowing the upper conductor layers to come into contact with each other, but because the surface is roughened only the protrusions of the conductor layer make contact. The overall contact resistance does not decrease sufficiently to be interpreted as a pressing operation. When a pressing operation is made, the insulative liquid flows into the depressions created by the roughened surface of the conductor layer.

Abstract: A method for inputting an access code via temporal variations in the amount of pressure applied to a touch interface is disclosed. The method facilitates the input of access codes such as passwords, personal identification codes, and the like in a manner that is indiscernible (via either sight or sound) to third parties thereby reducing the possibility that the access codes may be copied or stolen and used a third party to gain unauthorized access to a system or function.

Abstract: A remote control device for remotely controlling an AV (audio visual) device includes an analog switch (30) formed of an operating element (31 or 41) and a pressure-sensitive resistor (35) which outputs a signal with various levels depending upon a pressing force applied to the operating element (31 or 41). By employing the analog switch (30 ) in a control button of the remote control device, it becomes possible to output a signal having various levels depending upon a pressing force applied to the control button (31 or 41). This allows a single control button to be used for a plurality of functions. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of buttons, and a user can easily operate the remote control device in a simpler fashion.

Abstract: A keypad arrangement is used for providing electrical information to an electronic device in response to a manual pressing action of a user. The keypad arrangement comprises a number of depressable keys (803, 907) within a certain keypad area. It comprises also an arrangement of essentially continuous conducting means (301, 302, 901, 902, 1401, 1402) next to the depressable keys. Connection creating means (801, 908) are associated with each depressable key for providing, as a response to the depression of a key, an electrical connection through said essentially continuous conducting means. The electrical characteristics of the created electrical connection uniquely identify the location of the depressed key in relation to said essentially continuous conducting means.

Abstract: In a keyboard that comprises a membrane switch sheet having switch portions arranged all over it, a keyboard substrate and a keyboard frame having sandwiched therebetween the membrane switch sheet to provide therein rigidity, and actuators for ON/OFF control of the switch portions through openings made in the keyboard frame, the keyboard substrate and the keyboard frame are each formed by a thin aluminum sheet, the membrane switch sheet has plural through holes, and plural trapezoidal bumps or protrusions formed by stamping the keyboard substrate toward the keyboard frame are inserted through the plural through holes into surface-to-surface contact with the keyboard frame, the plural trapezoidal bumps being spot-welded in their flat top surfaces to the keyboard frame.

Abstract: An electronic device is formed at least partially from a deflectable material that generates an electrical signal in response to contact. The first material is integrated with a display module to provide a shaped feature on the exterior surface of the display module. The shaped feature detects contact with an external object on one or more contact points, where contact with the contact points corresponds to a defined input for a processor of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a fast, low power consumption, detection of at least one depressed key in a resistive matrix keyboard. The common contact of each row of a resistive matrix is connected to a first input of each of a plurality of analog/digital comparators capable of switching between high and low voltage states. A common predetermined reference voltage is applied to a second input of each analog/digital comparator using a digital to analog converter. The output of a analog/digital comparator is in a first state if the voltage level applied to the first input is higher than the reference voltage, and in a second state if the voltage level applied to the first input is lower than the reference voltage. The reference voltage is varied to identify which analog/digital comparator has experienced a change of state.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for reducing the impact of tangential forces on touch location in a touch location device. For example, in one aspect, shunt connections are provided that impede lateral motion of the touch surface structure at the level of the touch plane, thereby reducing to insignificant magnitude reactions to tangential force passing through the sensing connections. In another aspect, sensing connections incorporate elastic means so adjusted as to turn that connection's reaction to tangential touch force perpendicular to its axis of sensitivity. In another aspect, sensing connections incorporate sensing means so adjusted as to turn that connection's axis of sensitivity perpendicular to its reaction to tangential force.

Abstract: The inventive code key comprises a bendable element and a strain gauge connected to the bendable element. The strain gauge changes resistance when the bendable element is moved.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for translating spatial movements of a finger of the user of said device, into spatial movements of an object in wired or wireless connection with said device, said device comprising a command part which is connected by electrical connections to a transmission part, wherein said command part is in physical contact only with the first phalanx of said finger and comprises means which allow it to be held against an essentially rigid surface, during operation of said device.

Abstract: Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thin electronic data input device. Some versions of the input device may be foldable, and some versions are capable of being rolled up. Still other versions are capable of being disintegrated into smaller sub-parts. Other versions have one or more of these properties. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a thin electronic data input device for generating electrical signals for transmission to an electronic device, such as a computer, in response to an operator's finger strokes is provided. The data input device comprises a thin circuit board made of a material on which thin electronic circuitry can be affixed. The electronic circuitry includes at least one node, electrically coupled to the circuit board, so that when touched by a finger, a unique signal associated with that node is transmitted to the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing tactile feedback to a user moving his/her finger across the touch-sensitive surface of a touchpad or tablet. Different regions of the touch-sensitive surface are differentiated from each other by providing a different human perceptible textural surfaces within the regions. A different texture provides immediate tactile feedback to the user through the finger making contact with the touchpad. Increased functionality is important because it solves problems which are inherent to the small touchpad surfaces used as computer input devices. Particularly, it is a problem to drag an object from one side of a display to another without repeatedly raising a finger to repeat the dragging motion because of the limited surface area of the touchpad surface. Providing increased functionality such as a drag extend function solves the movement problem.

Abstract: A space keyboard system, which informs a user whether or not a character is input using a force feedback method, and a method for inputting information therefor. The method of inputting information in a virtual space, comprising detecting a motion of a finger in space, interpreting the motion information detected and determining the location of the finger, and inputting a character information corresponding to the location of the finger that is determined and applying a force to the finger.

Abstract: An improved multi-function key assembly (12) is provided. The multi-function key assembly includes a printed circuit board substrate (28) having a popple dome switch array (26) mounted thereto. Attached to the substrate is a button member (22) adapted for use as a data input device for an electronic device. The button member has a central area or region (48) and a contoured peripheral surface (30) serving as a plurality of perimeter key regions (32-46). The contour of the peripheral surface provides a user with tactile feedback in determining the location of the various key regions. The button member additionally includes a plurality of plungers (54-68, 72) extending from its bottom surface (70). Each plunger corresponds to a specific key region and is capable of actuating a popple dome switch (154, 156) for that specific key region. The assembly may include a base (76) having a plurality of legs (90).

Abstract: A digital displacement encoder that includes a mechanical actuator constructed and arranged to be displaced to one of a null and a plurality of activation positions in response to an externally-provided force. Also included is a conductive member constructed and arranged to be positioned to one of a plurality of intermediate positions in response to the change in position of the mechanical actuator. A contact array comprising a plurality of activation signal contacts is fixedly disposed proximate to the conductive member. Also included is a digital signal generator comprising one or more electrical circuits electrically coupled to the plurality of activation signal contacts, and one more terminals at which output signals are provided. The conductive member electrically contacts a predetermined one or more of the plurality of activation signal contacts when the mechanical actuator is in each of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A foldable membrane keyboard has folding lines for the keyboard to fold and pack in a holding case. The keyboard includes a bottom layer, a second conductive membrane layer (silver paste) located above the bottom layer, an insulation layer located above the second conductive membrane layer, a first conductive membrane layer located above the insulation layer, a top layer located above the first conductive membrane layer, and a transparent membrane layer. The insulation layer has a plurality of openings formed therein. The first and second conductive membrane layers have respectively a conductive circuit. The transparent membrane layer, top layer, first and second conductive membrane layers, insulation layer and bottom layer are bonded together at the peripheries by heat fusion to seal the first and second inductive membrane layer inside, except the transparent membrane layer which is bonded by heat fusion at three sides with one side opened. The foldable keyboard thus formed is watertight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pointing stick device for use with a computer. The pointing stick device has a base plate having an aperture, a stick having a lower portion, at least one strain gauge attached on the lower portion, and a binding compound filling the space between the lower portion of the stick and the aperture of the base plate. The lower portion of the stick is tapered. The binding compound covers the strain gauges and fixes the lower portion of the stick vertically in the aperture of the base plate. When the stick is vertically depressed, the strain gauge installed on the lower portion of the stick senses the vertical downward pressure from reaction forces transmitted through the binding compound and generates the corresponding sensing signals.

Abstract: A remote controller, methods of use and manufacture thereof, for controlling electronic devices or host devices, the controller including a housing, electronic circuitry, power source and structuring for communicating with the electronic device to be controlled. A plurality of finger depressible buttons are exposed and interfacing with sensors associated with the circuitry. The buttons are for user selection of communication information sent to the host. At least one sensor is a pressure-sensitive analog sensor structured for varying electrical conductance through at least three readable states dependent upon user selected varying depressive pressure levels applied to the associated button. The circuitry reads the states of the analog sensor and information representing the state or value of the sensor is communicated to the host. A user can select any of a plurality of selectable pressure levels associated with analog sensor.

Abstract: A keyboard system is provided for use in data entry. The keyboard generates signals indicative of key closures, and also generates signals indicative of the pressure with which the user has pressed the keys. If the pressure exceeds a threshold, such as 200 grams, for a pressures averaged over a predetermined interval, such as three minutes, then this event is annunciated. In a single-user environment the annunciation is to the user. In a multi-user environment the annunciation is to a system manager. Optionally wrist support pads are also provided in front of the keyboard, each of which is equipped with a pressure sensor. The system monitors the wrist pad pressure readings to detect unfavorable combinations of wrist pad pressure and key depressions. The support pad may be shaped with a hole through which the operator places the hand, which is thus useful for teaching proper technique and assisting a user in avoiding injury.

Abstract: A touch control input method and a device is disclosed for controlling cursor movement on a computer screen or for controlling object movement of an apparatus such as a machine or a robot. A user-manipulable member having an exterior contact surface of known configuration is provided to sense the motion of a user through the physical contact with the contact surface. User contact on the contact surface is transmitted to a force sensing means disposed between the user-manipulable member and a support. The movement of the user contact on the contact surface are derived from the signals output from the force sensing means. The contact force may be used as a means to determine the object's motion and response sensitivity simultaneously, while providing kinesthetic and tactile feedback to the user.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for drawing or writing using an input device in computer systems. The system provides an absolute-coordinate drawing mode, in which the user may draw written strokes to which the computer system display is responsive, and a relative-coordinate repositioning mode, in which the user may figuratively “pick up the pen” and reposition the beginning of a following written stroke. The system enters the drawing mode in response to a user command, and remains in the drawing mode in response to continued written strokes. The system enters the cursor mode after a selected time period occurs with no written strokes, or in response to other user commands. In the drawing mode, a coordinate system for the touchpad is mapped to a coordinate system for a selected window on the display.

Abstract: An active edge user interface includes dynamically configurable flexible touch areas positioned near the perimeter of a display to support interactive communication between a user and a user environment for flexible active touch areas surrounding a display. The interface allows for multiple levels of sensitivity, texture, key travel, and varying widths of active touch areas based on the user environment.

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

Abstract: An instruction input device contains a baseboard having a set of pivot-jointing portions formed with two correspondent pivot holes for penetratingly disposing a shaft with a free end assembled and jointed to an instruction output switch. A flexible layer is assembled and jointed on surface of the shaft, and a coaxial force-bearing layer is further overlapped onto the flexible layer, wherein an instruction actuation switch is disposed on the baseboard at a proper position within reachable action range of the force-bearing layer. By applying the abovesaid simplified architecture, a mouse or a notebook computer with reduced weight, thickness, and size in a relatively lower cost is achievable.

Abstract: A keypad for a portable electronic device comprises a number of pressable keys (402). Associated with each key, there are switching means (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 801, 1106) for realizing a switching function as a response to the key being pressed. Additionally there are illumination means (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201, 1302) for illuminating at least a part of the keypad. The illumination means (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201, 1302) comprise light sources (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201) such as semiconductor light-emitting devices made of layered foil structures. At least one of said light sources (503, 601, 610, 623, 704, 803, 1201) is located in the immediate vicinity of the switching means (501, 502, 611, 612, 620, 621, 622, 801, 1106) associated with at least one key.

Abstract: A wireless identification device comprising a housing; circuitry in the housing configured to provide a signal to identify the device in response to an interrogation signal; and a selectively actuated switch supported by the housing and permitting operation of the circuitry only while the switch is actuated. A method of manufacturing a wireless identification device, the method comprising configuring circuitry to provide a signal to identify the device in response to an interrogation signal; coupling the circuitry to a selectively actuated switch, such that the circuitry provides the signal only while the switch is actuated; and encasing the circuitry in a housing such that the switch is actuable from outside the housing by touching a portion of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.

Abstract: A portable computer apparatus for assisting a cognitively impaired person to perform tasks in the person's particular living environment is disclosed. The portable computer apparatus presents a plurality of first level virtual buttons on a display for selection by the person. Each first level virtual button corresponds to a different selectable domain or selection type. The first level virtual buttons are configured to correspond to the abilities and life needs of a particular person. When selected, a first level virtual button causes a category, sub-category, task, task element or content element to be presented. A hierarchical content structure, custom-tailored to the life needs and abilities of the particular cognitively impaired individual is provided. A means is provided, by an authoring facility hosted on a separate PC, to develop the user's content and download it to the portable computer apparatus.

Abstract: A remote controller, methods of use and manufacture thereof, for controlling electronic devices or host devices, the controller including a housing, electronic circuitry, power source and structuring for communicating with the electronic device to be controlled. A plurality of finger depressible buttons are exposed and interfacing with sensors associated with the circuitry. The buttons are for user selection of communication information sent to the host. At least one sensor is a pressure-sensitive analog sensor structured for varying electrical conductance through at least three readable states dependant upon user selected varying depressive pressure levels applied to the associated button. The circuitry reads the states of the analog sensor and information representing the state or value of the sensor is communicated to the host. A user can select any of a plurality of selectable pressure levels associated with analog sensor.

Abstract: A keyboard 11 with the function of examining user's physical condition to make a computer 12 to be able of generating a message for reminding the user of his (her) physical condition. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys 111, a sensing unit 112, wherein the sensing unit 112 senses keystrokes of the keys 111 and produces corresponding physical parameters, whereby the computer 12 generates the message according to the physical parameters. The keyboard 11 will make the computer 12 to be able of alarming the users when their keystroke count, rate, or force exceed a corresponding predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating user interaction with a measurement instrument displays a control knob glyph corresponding to a user-adjustable parameter of the measurement instrument, the control knob glyph having an indicator and a partially circular drag area through which the indicator can be rotated. Inputs indicating amounts of rotational movement for the indicator can be received, and the location of the indicator within the drag area and the value of the parameter changed in response to such inputs.

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.