Including Keyboard Patents (Class 345/168)
  • Patent number: 9678536
    Abstract: A wearable computer may include a housing that rotates in relation to a rear cover to selectively allow access to a battery. The wearable computer may be secured to a user's extremity by a mounting strap extending from the rear cover. The housing is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the rear cover extends along the rear surface of the housing, and a latching assembly allows a user to selectively secure the housing to the cover. In the second orientation, the rear surface of the housing extends at an angle from the rear cover, allowing a user access to the battery without removing the housing from the user's extremity. A data cable connected to an input/output port on the rear surface can be routed out of a side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Deborah Lynn Harr
  • Patent number: 9672994
    Abstract: A device for operating multiple functions includes an operating element and a base. The base has side bearings with guide slots, hinge joints with pivot pins, and an actuator. The operating element is mounted in the guide slots to pivotably be mounted to the side bearings about an axis of rotation to thereby be movable between positions. At least one of the positions is assigned to a switching function. The operating element is mounted to the base on a centered bearing between the side bearings. The operating element is supported on the pivot pins. Upon the operating element being actuated to trigger a switching function, the actuator produces a haptic feedback by generating an actuating force on the operating element which causes the pivot pins to pivot in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation thereby causing the operating element to axially displace along this same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Bleckmann, Corinna Machatzke
  • Patent number: 9665276
    Abstract: Techniques are described for character deletion on a computing device that utilizes a gesture-based keyboard. The computing device includes a processor and at least one module operable by the processor to output, for display at a presence-sensitive display, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and a text editor field. In response to receiving an indication of a gesture that comprises a first path, the module outputs a first character, based at least in part on the first path, associated with a first key and a second character associated with a second key. In response to determining that the gesture further comprises a second path that retraces at least a portion of the first path, the module removes the second character from the text editor field of the presence-sensitive display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojun Bi, Kurt Edward Partridge, Yu Ouyang, Shumin Zhai
  • Patent number: 9668290
    Abstract: The wireless communication headset system is a point to point communication system that is adapted for local area use between nearby users. The wireless communication headset system comprises a plurality of headsets. Each headset selected from the plurality of headsets further comprises a transceiver that is linked to the transceivers of each of the headsets remaining in the plurality of headsets thus allowing communication between each of the plurality of headsets. The wireless communication headset system allows for private communications between nearby users in noisy or crowded environments. The wireless communication headset system comprises the plurality of headsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Snagg
  • Patent number: 9665278
    Abstract: Assisting input from a keyboard is described. In an embodiment, a processor receives a plurality of key-presses from the keyboard comprising alphanumeric data for input to application software executed at the processor. The processor analyzes the plurality of key-presses to detect at least one predefined typing pattern, and, in response, controls a display device to display a representation of at least a portion of the keyboard in association with a user interface of the application software. In another embodiment, a computer device has a keyboard and at least one sensor arranged to monitor at least a subset of keys on the keyboard, and detect an object within a predefined distance of a selected key prior to activation of the selected key. The processor then controls the display device to display a representation of a portion of the keyboard comprising the selected key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: James Scott, Shahram Izadi, Nicolas Villar, Ravin Balakrishnan
  • Patent number: 9652147
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for altering a key function of a software input panel (SIP) of an electronic device and a recording medium thereof are provided, wherein the SIP includes a plurality of keys, and the number and layout of the keys are fixed. In the present method, first, an operating interface of an electronic device is switched, wherein the operating interface includes the SIP. Then, each key of the SIP is switched to an input word corresponding to the operating interface. As a result, the input word corresponding to each key of the SIP is automatically altered according to the current operating interface, and accordingly inputting through the SIP is made very convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: HTC Corportion
    Inventors: Yu-Chuan Chen, Hung-I Weng
  • Patent number: 9652048
    Abstract: A sectionable keyboard is described. A mobile device including the keyboard includes a processor. A memory is coupled to the processor. A software application capable of executing on the processor is stored in the memory. The keyboard is coupled to the processor and provides input from the user. The keyboard includes a plurality of keys that is separated into a plurality of sections. Each section includes a multiple of physically adjacent keys such that a selection of the input is chosen when two or more of the physically adjacent keys in each section are activated simultaneously. The physically adjacent keys in each of the sections correspond to a different input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benedict John Howard Kennedy, James Morley-Smith
  • Patent number: 9645608
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an expansion assembly and a tablet computer. The expansion assembly includes a hinge base, a rotating element, and a first magnet. The hinge base is located on the expansion assembly and has a first concave portion. The rotating element is pivoted to the first concave portion. The first magnet is located on the hinge base. The position of the first magnet corresponds to the position of the rotating element. The tablet computer includes a housing and a second magnet. The housing has a second concave portion. The position of the second concave portion corresponds to the position of the first concave portion and the second concave portion has an oblique wall. The second magnet is located on the oblique wall and the magnetic force of the second magnet is greater than the magnetic force of the first magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: Inventec (Pudong) Technology Corporation, INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yi-Ling Tsai, Kuo-Yang Cheng
  • Patent number: 9636582
    Abstract: Embodiments present a game in which an ordered plurality of characters is presented for entry by a user with a touch screen, a physical keyboard, or other key input layout. The game advances to each successive character when the user presses the intended character or a character adjacent thereto. Contact areas are determined for each press, and in some embodiments the contact areas are overlaid on the keyboard. The contact areas are used to adjust user-specific touch models to improve text entry by the user. In some embodiments, the contact areas indicate areas for improvement by the user. Game completion statistics are calculated including speed and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Dmytro Rudchenko, Eric Norman Badger, Timothy Seung Yoon Paek
  • Patent number: 9639172
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamically varying backlighting for mechanical keys. By one approach at least some of the individual mechanical keys each includes a capacitively-sensitive keycap. A plurality of light emitters are disposed behind the physical keyboard and are configured to provide backlighting for the individual mechanical keys. A control circuit operably couples to the plurality of light emitters and controls the plurality of light emitters to selectively provide dynamically-varied backlighting for at least some of the individual mechanical keys. By one approach the dynamically-varied backlighting comprises, at least in part, instructions regarding available touch-based gestures (for example, gestures that the user can employ in conjunction with the capacitively-sensitive keycaps). Examples of touch-based gestures include, but are not limited to, swipe-based gestures and tap-based gestures. By one approach the aforementioned instructions include non-alphabetic visually-symbolic instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Christofer Bengt Thure Leyon, Maria Christina Nathalie Freyhult
  • Patent number: 9639199
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for controlling a user interface. The method of controlling a user interface of an electronic device includes: displaying a drawing object formed by a path input into the electronic device on a screen, and controlling the user interface by applying different functions to a drawing object area and the remaining area excluding the drawing object area in the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-woo Jung, In-Sik Myung, Hye-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 9641989
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for selecting from various mechanisms for displaying a message directed to particular user(s) and/or user account(s). The mechanism by which the message may be displayed may be determined based at least in part on prediction of the importance and/or a prediction of a time criticality of the message to the user(s) to whom the message is to be delivered. The message may be received or generated by a hub user device. If the hub user device is not in the process of displaying any content on a primary display screen associated with the hub user device, then the received or generated message may be displayed on the primary display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Sim Dietrich, Shinjan Kumar Tiwary, Michael Patrick Bauerly
  • Patent number: 9632952
    Abstract: This application discloses an innovation which improves the flexibility and utility of a computer mouse by including interposing hardware into a computer/HID system providing hardware configurability and modification of mouse event data frames in real time to produce novel mouse events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Adam James McQuilkin
  • Patent number: 9632619
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recording method of touch information timing. The method comprises receiving a first touch point information, determining whether the first touch point is the beginning point of a trace; and recording a first timing with respect to the receiving of the first touch point information if the first touch point is the beginning point of the trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: EGALAX_EMPIA TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Po-Chuan Lin, Shun-Lung Ho
  • Patent number: 9625943
    Abstract: The computer keyboard operable in motion includes keys and control circuitry, and communication means to connect the keyboard to an in-motion operable mobile computer. The keyboard has one key column for the thumb; one key column for the index finger; and one key column for the middle finger; one key column for the ring finger; one key column for the little finger. The keys on which the tips of the fingers rest at the same time do not form a straight row of keys. The keyboard enables not only touch typing but also voice/key interface mode operation of the smartphone to which the keyboard is connected. In the voice/key interface mode, the computer uses voice and the user uses key inputs to interact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Masami Sakita
  • Patent number: 9628130
    Abstract: A multifunctional protective case for a tablet computer includes a front plate (110) with a sandwich structure (111), a holding plate configured to hold a back of the tablet computer and a supporting plate (130) connecting the front plate (110) and the holding plate (120) via a bendable portion (140) to support the tablet computer. A printed circuit board (112) with wireless router functionality is installed in the sandwich structure (111) in the front plate (110), therefore enabling the protective case with wireless router functionality. The printed circuit board (112) can be connected with an external wireless network card, and the tablet computer can get access to a cellular network once placed in the multifunctional protective case and connected to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Huizhou TCL Mobile Communication Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wenyi Ye, Wenliang Lu, Junhao Yuan, Wei Ma, Xuelong Ronald Hu, Vittorio Di Mauro
  • Patent number: 9621691
    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 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 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Michael G. Elizarov, Sergey V. Kolomiets
  • Patent number: 9621214
    Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with a handheld device (e.g., a cellular telephone) is provided herein. A protective shroud is configured to enclose the handheld device and protect it against incidents that commonly cause damage to handheld devices. Integral to the protective shroud is at least one of an input component configured to receive user input and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit signals to and/or receive signals from the handheld device. In one example, where both the input component and the wireless transceiver are integral to the protective shroud, signals related to received user input (e.g., where the shroud serves as a keypad) may be transmitted to the handheld device even if the protective shroud is removed from the handheld device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy S. Paek, Eric Norman Badger, Daniel Allen Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 9614989
    Abstract: A scanner with a detachable mechanism to release jammed paper includes a base a, a pickup roller, a pickup mechanism and a scanning module. The base includes an accommodating space and a feeding slot connected to the accommodating space. The pickup roller is rotatably disposed in the base and positioned between the accommodating space and the feeding slot. The pickup mechanism is disposed in the base and adjacent to the pickup roller. The scanning module is detachably disposed in the accommodating space. The scanning module forces the pickup mechanism against the pickup roller when the scanning module is placed in the accommodating space. A pressure exerted on the pickup roller by the pickup mechanism is released when the scanning module is removed out of the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD. & ASIA OPTICAL INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Hsien-Chi Lin, Shao-Kang Liu
  • Patent number: 9606704
    Abstract: In an implementation, a mobile communications device includes a display device having touchscreen functionality, a keyboard having a plurality of physical keys that include a dedicated key and letter keys arranged according to a QWERTY layout, and one or more modules. The one or more modules are configured to output a user interface on the display device responsive to selection of the dedicated key, the user interface having a plurality of portions that are selectable via the touchscreen functionality to cause input of a respective one of a plurality of emoticons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: David Henry Wykes, Catherine Sayim Kim, Audrey Louchart, Michael J. Kruzeniski, Kathleen W. Holmes, Jonathan D. Friedman, Joseph P. Marquardt
  • Patent number: 9609392
    Abstract: A controlling method for arranging a content list of a display apparatus is provided. The method includes storing at least one content selected by a user, displaying a content list including the at least one content, and in response to a location fixation command related to one of the at least one content included in the content list being input, fixing a location of the selected at least one content on the content list. Accordingly, the content list can be arranged efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-ki Kim, Yong-hwan Kwon
  • Patent number: 9600128
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a touch control device and touch determination method thereof. When a processor determines a capacitive coupling variation of a sensing point at a sensing panel of the touch sensitive device is smaller than a predetermined negative threshold or larger than a predetermined positive threshold, the processor then computes from local 2D sensing information of second 2D sensing information measured at the sensing point, to obtain a flatness index, The processor determine that the sensing point is not touched by any external object if the flatness index is between a predetermined flatness index negative reference value and a predetermined flatness index positive reference value that indicates the capacitive coupling amount at the sensing point is changed by the sensing point is not touched by any external object, whereby a false touch control determination due to removing water drop on the touch sensing panel can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: eGalax_eMPIA Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Chin-Fu Chang, Shang-Tai Yeh
  • Patent number: 9588681
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter is directed to providing feedback in a touch screen device in response to an actuation of a virtual unit in a virtual input device. Specifically, the claimed subject matter provides a method and system for providing visual feedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. One embodiment of the claimed subject matter is implemented as a method for providing luminescent feedback in response to an actuation of a virtual key in a virtual keyboard. User input in a virtual keyboard corresponding to a virtual key is received. The corresponding virtual key is actuated and registered in response to the user input, and a luminescent feedback is displayed to the user as confirmation of the actuation of the virtual key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Jan-Kristian Markiewicz, Manuel Clement, Jason Silvis
  • Patent number: 9582143
    Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a method is illustrated that allows a computing device to determine a user input. The method includes detecting one or more user input objects in a 3-dimensional field relative to a 2-dimensional surface. The method also includes determining coordinates for the one or more user input objects relative to the 2-dimensional surface. And, the method further includes determining a user input based on the coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventors: Lai Xue, Darren Lim
  • Patent number: 9569107
    Abstract: In one example, a method includes outputting, for display at a presence-sensitive display, a graphical user interface comprising a graphical keyboard that includes a group of keys, wherein each key in the group of keys is associated with a respective, different region of the presence-sensitive display. The method further includes receiving an indication of a gesture to select a sequence of one or more keys in the group of keys of the graphical keyboard. The method further includes determining, based at least in part on the indication of the gesture, that the gesture includes at least one feature associated with a cancellation of the selected sequence of one or more keys. The method further includes, in response to determining that the gesture includes the at least one feature associated with the cancellation, omitting the selected sequence of one or more keys from entry to a text input field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Shumin Zhai, Kurt Edward Partridge, Xiaojun Bi, Yu Ouyang
  • Patent number: 9557823
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques are provided for customization of a layout of keys based at least on position of a finger of an end-user of user equipment. The customization can be implemented dynamically in response to changes in actions associated with interaction between end-users and the user equipment. A customized layout of keys of a keyboard layout associated with the user equipment can be leveraged for implementation of a typing technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Steven Tamura
  • Patent number: 9559742
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a protective case for a tablet computer, includes: a front plate (110) having a first surface (111) configured to protect a display surface of the tablet computer, wherein a magnetic element (112) is installed on the first surface (111); a holding plate (120) being configured to hold a back of the tablet computer; a supporting plate (130) connecting the front plate (110) and the holding plate (120) to prop up the tablet computer; wherein the magnetic element (112) can be installed at different positions on the first surface (111), in order to enable the tablet computer to stand up at different angles. The magnetic element (112) installed on the first surface (111) of the front plate (110) is attracted with a bottom end of the tablet computer, thus a steady triangle frame is formed between the tablet computer and the folded protective case, further enabling the tablet computer to stand up at different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Huizhou TCL Mobile Communication Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wenyi Ye, Wenliang Lu, Junhao Yuan, Wei Ma, Xuelong Ronald Hu, Vittorio Di Mauro
  • Patent number: 9552411
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to paragraph snapping. In aspects, trending data is collected and prepared for sending to one or more target machines. Upon receiving the trending data, a target machines installs the trending data locally and deletes previously installed trending data. After installation, the trending data may be used to suggest text in response to input from a user. If a user selects suggested text, the text may be added to a local dictionary of the target machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Ethan Keller, David A. Stevens, Bryan Douglas Scott, David Earl Washington
  • Patent number: 9548012
    Abstract: Techniques are described for adapting a keyboard arrangement to be personalized for a user, based on detected gestures made by the user while employing the keyboard arrangement. An adaptable keyboard arrangement may be provided for the user as part of a device, projected onto a surface near the user, or rendered abstractly into a space near the user. Sensor and/or contextual data may be employed to identify mistypes or near-mistypes of the user, and a statistical model may be developed of the user's typing habits. Keyboard modifications may be determined that adapt the keyboard to minimize potential typing errors and/or provide a more ergonomic keyboard arrangement for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Sjoberg, Christopher D. Coley
  • Patent number: 9540702
    Abstract: Methods for stabilizing an enzyme by storing the enzyme in the presence of a stabilized coenzyme are disclosed. In addition, an enzyme stabilized with a stabilized coenzyme as well as the use thereof in test elements for detecting analytes are also disclosed. Other aspects include unique compositions, methods, techniques, systems and devices involving enzyme stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Roedel, Carina Horn, Nelli Steinke, Nadine Bucci, Thomas Meier, Rainer Schmuck, Rolf Nagel, Dieter Heindl
  • Patent number: 9542018
    Abstract: A touch panel including a transparent substrate and a first sensing layer is provided. The transparent substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface has a light exporting pattern. The first sensing layer is disposed on the first surface. An electronic apparatus with the touch panel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Chieh Hu, Chih-Kuang Wang
  • Patent number: 9541955
    Abstract: A system is provided, in which a mobile computing system in a wristwatch form factor incorporates a computing element, a display element, and a belt or strap-like band. A method is proposed, making use of the strap element as a base for expanding the functionality of the system by providing both a mechanical and a data interface between the base system and the expansion module(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Raphael Holtzman
  • Patent number: 9538676
    Abstract: A protective cover includes a first housing configured to receive an electronic device therein, a second housing and a connecting assembly coupling the first housing with the second housing. The connecting assembly includes a first connector assembly including a first connecting shell rotatably coupled to the first housing and a first conducting member capable of coupled to the electronic device, and a second connector assembly including a second connecting shell rotatably coupled to the second housing and two second conducting members electrically coupled to the display screen respectively. When the first conducting member is electrically coupled to one second conducting member, the second housing is capable of rotating relative to the first housing about a first direction. When the second housing is capable of rotating relative to the first housing to a predefined position, the first conducting member is thus electrically coupled to the other second conducting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Chen, Chih-Huang Lien, Hui-Ting Shen, Chien-Yu Tseng
  • Patent number: 9535546
    Abstract: A cover device having an input unit and a portable terminal having the cover device are provided. The cover device includes a cover unit divided into a plurality of areas, each area having an electrode. A connection surface is provided in the cover unit and configured to be detachably engaged with a terminal to which the cover unit is mounted. The input unit including an electrode line is configured to transmit a touch input signal to a touch panel of the terminal through an electrode of a touched area among the plurality of areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chi-Hyun Cho, Hee-Sung Kim, Chang-Ryong Heo, Hyun-Ju Hong
  • Patent number: 9535603
    Abstract: A method and system of inputting text having a virtual keyboard on a touch sensitive input panel or display screen. The virtual keyboard includes a set of key elements such that each letter of the alphabet may be input by at least one key element. The present method arranges and sizes the virtual keys in a columnar layout organized around the size, shape, and angle of the user's fingers. The columnar layout overlays a background containing additional keys. The user can interactively adjust the layout to adapt to changes in hand properties. For smaller screens having space restrictions, the layout may be strategically masked to efficiently use available space while still preserving various benefits of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Carl F. Andersen
  • Patent number: 9535598
    Abstract: A method and system for tracking a hover event on a digitizer sensor that treats hover and touch events differently comprises configuring at least one parameter of the digitizer sensor for hover tracking; wherein the at least one parameter is configured differently than for touch tracking, and detecting a pattern of input signals from a plurality of conductive lines on the digitizer sensor defining a tracking point responsive to the pattern of hover input signals detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ori Rimon, Ariel Kerner
  • Patent number: 9529523
    Abstract: A method for controlling an input from a user to a computerized system including a touchpad is presented. The method includes obtaining data from the touchpad. The data is associated with the location and movement of a finger and/or a hand of the user and not associated with an image of the finger from an image sensor, when the user operates the computerized system using the touchpad. The method further includes communicating the data from the touchpad to the computerized system and analyzing the data in accordance with a model of a human hand. The method further includes determining, using the model, that at least one finger of the user is positioned above but not touching a first control region of the touchpad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Handscape Inc.
    Inventor: Tong Luo
  • Patent number: 9529396
    Abstract: A heat dissipation structure of intelligent wearable device includes a wearable mobile device main body and a hard wearable body. The wearable mobile device main body has a receiving space for receiving therein multiple electronic components. The electronic components have at least one heat source. The hard wearable body is made of thermosetting polymer material or thermoplastic polymer material. The hard wearable body has a chamber having a capillary structure. A working fluid is contained in the chamber. The hard wearable body has a heat absorption section and a heat dissipation section. The hard wearable body is connected with the wearable mobile device main body. The heat absorption section is in contact with the electronic components or the heat source to conduct heat to the heat dissipation section to dissipate the heat at a remote end. Accordingly, the heat dissipation efficiency of the intelligent wearable device is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Hang Shen
  • Patent number: 9529449
    Abstract: A first touch input can indicate a selection of a character from a first virtual keyboard configured for an Indic script. A modified first virtual keyboard can be displayed in response to the first touch input when the selected character is a consonant, the modified first virtual keyboard including diacritic forms of vowels from the first virtual keyboard. A second virtual keyboard can be displayed in response to the first touch input when the selected character is a vowel and a duration of the first touch input is greater than or equal to a predetermined duration, the second virtual keyboard including at least one of (i) diacritic forms of the selected character and (ii) vowels having similar sounds as the selected character. A second touch input can indicate a selection of (i) a vowel from the modified first virtual keyboard or (ii) a vowel from the second virtual keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ruiyi Chen, Fan Yang, Manish Bhargava
  • Patent number: 9524656
    Abstract: A sign language image input method and a device are illustrated. The sign language image input method is provided for a computer device which has a database. The database has a plurality of sign language images, wherein each of the sign language images correspondingly has a code combination. Steps of the sign language image input method are described as follows. The computer device generates at least one key combination by pressing a plurality of key blocks which are disposed in the computer device, wherein the key combination is formed based on at least one hand shape, at least one position, and/or at least one hand action of an input sign language image. The key combination is compared with all code combinations of the database. The input sign language image is outputted according to a comparison result of the key combination and the all code combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SABUZ TECH. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien Chiang Peng, Cheng Yi Yeh, Yu Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9513403
    Abstract: A method (and system for practicing the method) for processing and reporting a characteristic of a resource for a domain (e.g., weather forecast for a flight route). A request is sent to a server for customized data for the resource, preferably containing at least a unique application identifier. Customized data is received from the server, wherein said data contain a plurality of customized conditional result values of characteristics of the resource at a multiplicity of domain values, generated using values of the characteristics of the resource at various domain values and conditionals specific to the application identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PECK LABS, INC
    Inventor: Phillip George Apley
  • Patent number: 9511294
    Abstract: An electronic device may be configured to present a user interface via which a user can select from a plurality of commands associated with a particular video game, wherein the video game runs on a game console separate from the electronic device. In response to a selection of one of the plurality of commands, the electronic device may transmit the selected one of the plurality of commands to a user interface device. The selected command may cause said user interface device to transmit a corresponding one or more simulated user inputs to the game console. The selection of the command may occur automatically in response to detection, by audio processing circuitry, of an occurrence of the particular audio clip in an audio signal output by the game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Shobha Devi Kuruba Buchannagari, Kevin Arthur Robertson
  • Patent number: 9513929
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves methods and devices, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a foldable computing device that provides multiple operating modes and is especially adaptable in size to particular functions of the operating modes. In one aspect, a foldable mobile computing device for establishing a connection with a network or for displaying an electronic document, comprising: a processor; a foldable display including a bendable material configured to emit light and including a folding axis, wherein the bendable material extends across the folding axis and the foldable display is configured to be folded with respect to the folding axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventor: Tatjana Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 9507928
    Abstract: An example method includes determining a size at which to display one or more keys of a virtual keypad and determining a symbol to display on the one or more keys of the virtual keypad. The method also includes displaying the one or more keys of the virtual keypad on a computing device in accordance with a key's determined size and symbol, where a first displayed key is displayed at a different size than a second displayed key. The method further includes receiving a user input corresponding to the one or more keys and comparing the user input with a sequence of symbols. The method also includes authenticating the user in accordance with the comparison of the user input and sequence of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Fuerth
  • Patent number: 9501271
    Abstract: An electronic device displays a first application. The device detects a user input requesting an operation of a first type, and displays a user interface with application icons. Each application icon in the application icons corresponds to a respective application that is capable of performing the operation of the first type when stored in the memory of the device. The application icons include one or more application icons that correspond to one or more applications that are stored in the memory of the device and one or more application icons that correspond to one or more applications that are not stored in the memory of the device. The device detects activation of an application icon, in the application icons, that corresponds to a second application that is not stored in the memory of the electronic device, and installs the second application in the memory of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Ragavan Srinivasan, Ievgenii Nazaruk
  • Patent number: 9501810
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a touchless interactive environment. An input device may be configured to capture electronic images corresponding to physical objects detectable within a physical three-dimensional region. A computer system may establish a virtual three-dimensional region mapped to the physical three-dimensional region, with the virtual three-dimensional region defining a space where a plurality of virtual objects are instantiated based on the plurality of electronic images. The computer system may select a virtual object from the plurality of virtual objects as one or more commanding objects, with the one or more commanding objects indicating a command of a graphical user interface to be performed based on a position of the one or more commanding objects. The computer system may then perform the command of the graphical user interface based on the position of the one or more commanding objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Andre de Almeida Maximo
  • Patent number: 9491280
    Abstract: A phone, comprising: a touch panel; a voice receiver; and a controller, coupled to the touch panel and the voice receiver, and operable to disable a touch function of the touch panel when the voice receiver detects a conversation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MEDIATEK INC.
    Inventor: Ching-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 9487020
    Abstract: A stenographic machine including a housing, a stenographic processing unit in the housing, and a stenographic keyboard at the housing and operatively connected to the stenographic processing unit to record stenographic dictation by a user. The stenographic keyboard has a plurality of adjustable key assemblies pivotally connected thereto. Each key assembly has a key cap having a first removable securing portion and a stenographic keyboard key lever having a second removable securing portion cooperating with the first removable securing portion to removably hold the key cap thereat over a variety of different positions, a lever connection end having a pivoting connection attached to the stenographic keyboard to move between a steady-state raised position and a depressed lowered position, and an extension portion extending away from the second removable securing portion and to the lever connection end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Greg Seely, Kent Lu
  • Patent number: 9489070
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus that controls a display to display first layer data, detects movement of the information processing apparatus, and controls the display to display second layer data corresponding to the first layer data together with the first layer data based on a movement detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reiko Miyazaki, Yasushi Okumura
  • Patent number: 9483668
    Abstract: Capacitive sensing electrodes may be placed in strategic locations inside, outside or inside and outside of a card reader, wherein touch sensor circuitry is then used to take mutual capacitance or self-capacitance measurements that are saved in non-volatile memory as a reference intrusion measurement that is not deleted when power is removed, wherein the reference intrusion measurement may then be used during subsequent intrusion measurements to determine if a skimming device has been disposed adjacent to the card reader, and if a skimming device is detected, appropriate action may be taken such as the automatic disabling of the card reader, the display of a message indicating that the card reader should not be used, or any other action that may prevent a financial card from being compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CIRQUE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jared G. Bytheway