Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for controlling a keyboard to provide automatic compensation for force variation in sensitivity over time for a force sensing keyboard. In certain embodiments, an information handling system includes a keyboard control system software which can automatically compensate for this variation in sensitivity over time.

Abstract: An input apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus are provided. The input apparatus includes a protection surface layer, and a sensing array through which an operation of a user on the protection surface layer can be determined. The information processing method can parse trigger information sent by the input apparatus for its corresponding parameter information and further switch the touchable keyboard to a first input mode or a second input mode according to the obtained parameter information. The information processing method and apparatus and the electronic device activate a keyboard to judge the demand of the user automatically in response to the trigger information entered by the user and further control switching of the input mode of the keyboard in response to the demand of the user.

Abstract: An input device is provided in the present application. The input device includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel is provided with multiple grooves; the second panel is located under the first panel or fused to a bottom of the first panel, and includes a sensing unit configured to sense a key. In the input device, each of the grooves is arranged to correspond to one key area, and a key command may be input by performing a touch key operation on a corresponding sensing unit under the groove. Compared with the conventional input device, in the input device of the present application, the input of the key command may be realized without key caps and scissor-shaped structures for supporting the key caps, thereby shortening the key travel and reducing the thickness of the input device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing that encloses a controller and/or other electronic components, a display viewable through a face of the housing that is configured to display an alphanumeric character list, and an input device adjacent the display that is movable by a user to highlight and select respective alphanumeric characters in a displayed character list. To highlight characters within a displayed character list, the input device is rotatable about an axis that is substantially normal to the display and is slidable within a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the axis. In some embodiments, the input device is rotatable and slidable within a plane that is substantially parallel with a plane defined by the housing face. To select a highlighted character, a user depresses the input device.

Abstract: A keyboard includes an input interface, a rotatable infrared emitter, a first counter, a second counter, an infrared receiver, and a processor. The rotatable infrared emitter emits infrared light across the input interface which represents a keyboard. The first counter starts a count at each beginning of the infrared light emission. The second counter starts a count when the infrared emitter rotates to reach a reference direction in each rotating period. The infrared receiver stops the counts of the first counter and the second counter when the infrared receiver receives infrared light reflected from an obstacle. The first counter defines a transmission time of the infrared light. The second counter defines a rotating time. The processor calculates a position of the obstacle on the input interface according to the transmission time, the rotating time, a rotating speed of the infrared emitter, and positions of the infrared emitter and infrared receiver.

Abstract: A keyboard overlay for use with a virtual touch screen keyboard, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present technology, a keyboard is overlaid over a plurality of virtual keys that have virtual key centers laterally spaced apart from each other. The keyboard can have a base configured to be coupled to the virtual touch screen keyboard and a plurality of overlay key structures corresponding to the virtual keys. The overlay key centers of the individual overlay key structures have overlay key centers, and at least a subset of the overlay key structures can be arranged such that the overlay key centers of the subset are offset relative to the virtual key centers of the corresponding virtual keys.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a port, an acquisition controller and a controller. The port is connectable to an extension unit with a keyboard. The acquisition controller is configured to acquire first information from the extension unit connected to the port. The controller is configured to control an operation of the device based on the first information acquired by the acquisition controller.

Abstract: A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area.

Abstract: A section for receiving a code from a keyboard including ordinary and special keys, a section for executing a predetermined command at reception of a code generated when the special and ordinary key are simultaneously operated, a display for displaying an. operation button, a section for detecting contact with the operation button, a section for displaying, operation menus including a predetermined operation menu items determined in advance, the operation menu items being assigned to the operation button, a command menu from which it is possible to select a command to be executed corresponding to a code generated in response to an operation in which one special and normal key are simultaneously operated is displayed as the operation menus at detection of the contact with the operation button, the predetermined command is executed when either one command is selected from the operation menus successively after the contact with the operation button.

Abstract: Described herein are one or more techniques related to a touchsurface with level and planar translational travel responsiveness. One or more of the described implementations include an input device having a rigid body including a touchsurface configured to travel along a depression path in response to being depressed by a user. The input device also includes a leveling mechanism that operates in manner to keep the touchsurface substantially level as the touchsurface travels along the depression path in response to being depressed by the user. Furthermore, the input device has a planar-translation-effecting mechanism that defines a planar translation component of the depression path, such that the touchsurface exhibits planar translation as the touchsurface travels along the depression path.

Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a touch-enabled input device for a computing system. According to one embodiment, the touch enabled device includes a housing having an input surface and a plurality of identifiable key areas formed along the input surface. The input surface of the device is configured to detect individual presses of each key area in addition to touch-based input from a user.

Abstract: Methods of waking a portable electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: causing the portable electronic device to enter a sleep mode in which a touch-sensitive display is deactivated a force sensing transducer measures forces applied to the touch-sensitive display at a reduced rate relative to a rate of a full power mode when in the sleep mode; causing a force sensing transducer to measure forces applied to the touch-sensitive display at the rate of the full power mode in response to detection of an inertial event; causing the touch-sensitive display to be reactivated in response to detection of a force which is greater than a predetermined wake force threshold; and causing the portable electronic device to wake in response to detection of a touch event within a first predetermined duration of the detection of the force which is greater than a predetermined wake force threshold.

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.

Abstract: At least one embodiment takes the form of a computing device comprising a processor and a data storage comprising instructions that, if executed by the processor, cause the computing device to present a transition region and one or more input regions. Each input region comprises a respective symbol. The computing device further detects a movement through the transition region (i) originating from a first input region and (ii) exceeding a threshold movement. The computing device then receives an indication comprising the first-input-region symbol.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided to allow a user to perform finger gesture motions, such as making typing, swiping, tapping, or other types of finger motions to provide device input, such as typing, clicking, or selecting data into a webpage, application, operating system, or toolbar, that was normally performed by the user having to use a keyboard, mouse, stylus, microphone, touchscreen, or another input device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot (R), a medical work station, and a method for projecting an image (20) onto the surface of an object (P). The robot (R) comprises a robot arm (A) and a device (18) for projecting the image (20) onto the surface of the object (P), said device (18) being mounted on or integrated into the robot arm (A).

Abstract: A keyboard camera device has a key array forming a keyboard and at least one camera configured with the keyboard and positioned with a field of view to view a user of the keyboard. An interface unit includes a keyboard controller for interfacing with an array of keys of the keyboard to detect key operations, a camera controller for controlling the at least one camera to capture images, and a host interface for receiving indication of the key operations and the images and for communicating the key operation indications and the images to one communication port of a computer.

Abstract: A window is displayed on a display device. The window includes at least first and second portions thereof. In response to a user selecting the first portion of the window on the display device, a first set of keys are displayed on the display device. The first set of keys are operable by the user to specify a first type of information within the first portion of the window. In response to the user selecting the second portion of the window on the display device, a second set of keys are displayed on the display device. The second set of keys are operable by the user to specify a second type of information within the second portion of the window. The second type of information includes at least some information that is unsupported by operation of the first set of keys.

Abstract: Methods for activating multi-touch functionality by recognizing and processing multi-touch interactions on a touch surface of non-multi-touch computing devices. The computing device may detect a jump from the location of the first touch event to determine that a multiple touch gesture is being traced. Virtual touch events are detected and stored. Using mathematical formulae, parameters are calculated based on initial and subsequent virtual touch event locations. Based on these parameters the multi-touch functionality is determined, such as a zooming or rotating function. A transform factor may be determined and applied to the image display.

Abstract: A method is provided for recognizing input operations. The method comprises transmitting virtual key information defining a layout of virtual input keys. The method further comprises determining input position information based on a detected input member. The method also comprises determining a key input by comparing the virtual key information with the input position information.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operation input system including: an operation display device; and a display device, wherein in case that the operation display device receives input of security information, the operation display device sets input keys in the key arrangement on a screen of the display unit and displays the operation window in which the input keys or at least contents of the input keys cannot be visually recognized, and the operation detecting unit receives the operation for the set input keys, and the display device controls display contents of the second display unit so as to display a state in which a virtual image of the input keys is combined with a situation in which an operator operates the display unit in accordance with an image shot by the camera so as to match a position of the virtual image with the set input keys.

Abstract: A method, including presenting, by a computer system executing a non-tactile three dimensional user interface, a virtual keyboard on a display, the virtual keyboard including multiple virtual keys, and capturing a sequence of depth maps over time of a body part of a human subject. On the display, a cursor is presented at positions indicated by the body part in the captured sequence of depth maps, and one of the multiple virtual keys is selected in response to an interruption of a motion of the presented cursor in proximity to the one of the multiple virtual keys.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, having a processor configured to automatically format monetary expressions.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging and display system is provided in which input is optically detected in an imaging volume by measuring the path length of an amplitude modulated scanning beam as a function of the phase shift thereof. Visual image feedback concerning the detected input is presented.

Abstract: A mounting device includes a base member, an attaching mechanism disposed on the base member and configured to detachably attach the base member to a first electronic apparatus, and an accommodating part disposed on the base member and configured to hold a second electronic apparatus placed therein.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus includes a casing; a lid is rotatably engaged in one side of the casing to open and close the casing. The receiving apparatus further comprises a supporting portion and a transmission mechanism. The supporting portion is engaged in the bottom of the casing for receiving an input and output interface. The transmission mechanism rotates the supporting portion to be in between vertical and horizontal relative to the casing by cooperation with the lid; wherein when the receiving apparatus is in a closed state, the supporting portion is inclined to the bottom of the casing; and when the casing is in an open state, the supporting portion is perpendicular to the bottom of the casing. An electronic device employing the receiving apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Improved approaches for users to with graphical user interfaces of computing devices are disclosed. A rotational user action supplied by a user via a user input device can provide accelerated scrolling. The accelerated nature of the scrolling enables users to scroll or traverse a lengthy data set (e.g., list of items) faster and with greater ease. The amount of acceleration provided can be performed in successive stages, and/or performed based on the speed of the rotational user action. In one embodiment, the rotational user action is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. The resulting acceleration effect causes the linear action to be enhanced such that a lengthy data set is able to be rapidly traversed.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a morphable pad and display configured for tactile control. The system comprises a display for displaying a user interface comprising a layout of vehicle control features. The display is configured to highlight a portion of the layout associated with a received highlight input, and to update the layout based on a received selection input. A morphable pad is connected to the display and comprises an array of switches. Each switch is configured to receive highlight input and selection input. The switches are also configured to adjust in tactile feel to match the layout, and to reconfigure in tactile feel responsive to a change in the layout.

Abstract: Embodiments of a soft input panel (SIP) for an electronic device are disclosed. The SIP can be configured for entering text in a non-English language that uses a more numerous character set than does English. The characters used in the language that are available to be entered using the SIP can be available to be entered using keys on a single page of keys without switching to a different page of keys or using function keys. At least one of the keys of the SIP is a base key that is configured to open a picker window when activated. The picker window comprises plural picker keys that allow a user to select from plural different characters associated with the base key.

Abstract: A projection display device (100) capable of providing a virtual keyboard function to the user, using a light source of a pico projector, is discussed. According to an embodiment, the projection display device includes a light source unit (110) configured to emit lights; a light combining unit (120) configured to generate a leakage light from the lights emitted by the light source (110) unit and to selectively combine the lights from the light source unit (110); an image projection unit (130) configured to project an image using the combined light from the light combining unit (120); and a virtual input unit (140) configured to project an input unit image (150) using the leakage light from the light combining unit (120).

Abstract: Input device layer and nesting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a pressure sensitive key assembly including a substrate having a plurality of hardware elements secured to a surface. The input device also includes one or more layers disposed proximal to the surface, the one or more layers having respective openings configured to nest the one or more hardware elements therein.

Abstract: A display device comprising a display panel and a display cover plate positioned between the display panel and an observer. The display cover plate is housed within a protective frame (edge bracket) that protects edges of the display cover plate from damage. The edge bracket supports the edge portions of the display cover plate that are most likely to have flaws resulting from such operations as cutting and grinding, and minimizes flexing of the display cover plate, particularly at an edge, which could result in the formation of cracks at the flaw site and propagation of those cracks.

Abstract: A digital processor having a key input unit and a key input method are disclosed. The key unit includes: a base that is fixed at the central position of the key unit; a slider that horizontally moves in parallel to the horizontal plane of the base by the user's operation; a frame that supports the slider so as to horizontally move; and a restoration unit that gives a resistive force against the horizontal movement of the slider and restores the horizontally-moved slider to an original position. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of keys by increasing the number of information to be input by the use of a single key.

Abstract: A method includes displaying keys of a keyboard in a keyboard area on a touch-sensitive display, at least one of the keys being associated with multiple letter characters, the keyboard area located adjacent to a first side of the touch-sensitive display, detecting a touch in a keyboard area of the touch-sensitive display, the touch being associated with a character input, detecting a gesture in a gesture input area of a touch-sensitive display, the gesture area located adjacent to a second side of the touch-sensitive display, the second side opposite to the first side; wherein the gesture is associated with a keyboard-related function at the processor and the keyboard-related function is operable on the character input or a next character input.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include a rigid member comprising a plurality of keycaps and a proximity sensing member comprising a plurality of proximity sensors and a plurality of illuminators disposed proximate the rigid keycap member. The apparatus can also include a backing member comprising a switch disposed proximate the proximity sensing member. A displacement of the rigid member and the proximity sensing member can activate the switch.

Abstract: A multiple mode display apparatus and methods of use. An apparatus includes a display surface with a first and a second display area. A housing pivotally attached with the display proximate a first edge of the housing is displaceable from a coplanar position with the surface of the display device to a position wherein an angle of at least 90 degrees between the surface of the display and the housing is formed along said first edge. In the first position, the first display area is visible and activated to receive user input or to display output. The second display area is covered by the housing and placed in a mode of reduced power consumption. In the second position, the second display area is visible and activated to display output.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an apparatus body including a body having a keyboard and a display unit attached to the body so as to be opened and closed; an acceleration sensor mounted on the apparatus body; a gesture motion determination unit mounted on the apparatus body and determining a reference posture of a holding state of the apparatus body taken when a user executes a given gesture function while holding the apparatus body based on acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor as well as determining a gesture motion executed by the user by detecting posture change of the apparatus body from the reference posture based on acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor; and an operation execution unit mounted on the apparatus body and executing a given operation corresponding to the gesture motion executed by the user based on the determination result in the gesture motion determination unit.

Abstract: A set of handheld, adjustable panels including a plurality of ergonomic keys which function as a keyboard and mouse to allow a user to easily input data to an electronic device. The handheld keyboard and mouse includes two handheld components. Each component comprises a base that fits into the user's palm, a plurality of adjustable finger panels, and an adjustable thumb portion adjacent to the finger panels. The finger panels include a plurality of keys so as to function as a keyboard, and the thumb portion also includes a plurality of keys and acts like a mouse. Each component may also include clips or straps for securing the component to the user's hand, as well as a stand for supporting the component when it is not in use. In addition, at least one of the components may include a display means.

Abstract: An input device with parallel multi-tasking capabilities is disclosed. The input device comprises a controller, a data assigning unit and a plurality of first communication end-points. The input device declares the plurality of first communication end-points as virtual peripheral devices with equivalent performance. When the input device is electrically connected to a host for data communication, the virtual peripheral devices with equivalent performance and a plurality of second communication end-points are respectively establish communication link of point-to-point correspondingly, so that the plurality of second communication end-points receive a plurality of operation slave data for reducing data communication time.

Abstract: A remote resource access interface apparatus is provided. A key input unit has keys for generating input key values. A communication unit transmits a connection establishment request message including screen resolution information to, and receives a connection establishment response message including supportable key information from, a portable device. The communication unit transmits input key information to and receives video information from the portable device after establishing the connection. A pixel information processing unit converts the video information to pixel signals for a video output unit to display as a visual image. A key advisor unit extracts supportable key information from the response message and outputs the supportable key information to the video output unit. The video information is video data adjusted in resolution based on the screen resolution information, and the input key value is mapped to one of key values indicated by the key information of the portable device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: detect an angle of tilt of a device comprising a touch-sensitive display, the touch-sensitive display configured to provide visual content associated with an application and a virtual keyboard for inputting characters in connection with the application, wherein the virtual keyboard is provided on top of the visual content; and adjust the opacity of the virtual keyboard according to the angle of tilt such that the underlying visual content is visible to a greater or lesser extent.

Abstract: Techniques are described to transmit commands to a display device during vertical or horizontal blanking intervals. The commands can be transmitted using fields that would otherwise be used to transmit color information. A Low Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) compliant interface can be used to transmit the commands.

Abstract: A pointer control method and device applicable to a computer system with a keyboard are provided. The keyboard includes control keys and non-control keys arranged in a matrix and each has an X coordinate and a Y coordinates. In the method, after a first key event that more than two non-control keys are pressed simultaneously is detected, a first coordinate is calculated, in which the first coordinate includes an average value of X coordinates and an average value of Y coordinates. A second key event that one non-control key is pressed is then detected, and a second coordinate is calculated, in which the second coordinate includes an X coordinate and a Y coordinate. Finally, a vector defined by the first and second coordinate is calculated, and a moving direction and a moving speed of the pointer are controlled according to the vector.

Abstract: An interface, apparatus, circuit and method for interfacing with an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, are disclosed. The interface includes a key pad with a number of keys, each operable for providing a unique input to the electronic device, and a actuator for selectively actuating one or more of the keys. A controller, coupled to the key pad, scans the keys according to a mode of operation of the electronic device. A mode selector, operable with the controller, selects a first or second operating mode. In the first, useful for instance in performing telephonic functions, each key provides its unique input discretely. In the second mode, useful for instance for providing a game related function, certain of the keys are selectively chorded to function for providing their respective inputs together, effectively simultaneously, according to a manipulation of the actuator by the user.

Abstract: An electronic device can include a keyboard, and a projection module. The projection module can include an installation bracket and a projector engaged with the installation bracket. The installation bracket can be engaged with the keyboard. The installation bracket can rotate about a first axis relative to the keyboard, and the projector can rotate about a second axis relative to the installation bracket substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of identifying and selecting characters from among a plurality of characters. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer processor electronically enables identification of each of a plurality of characters arranged in a one-dimensional array. Each character is identified by an integer value that corresponds to the number of positions the character is offset from a reference position of the one-dimensional array. The computer processor electronically enables selection of any of the characters by receiving input resulting from activation of selection keys that specify the integer value of a character desired for selection. In one further embodiment, each selection key has an assigned integer value, and the integer value that identifies the selected character is calculated by summing the assigned integer values of each selection key activated for each instance that each selection key is activated within a selectable-length time period.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for providing additional functionality using multi-function keys. The device includes key assemblies for receiving a contact input or a press input. A processing system is coupled to the key assemblies and configured to determine a number of objects contacting a key assembly. The processing system provides a first response when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and provides a second response when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects. The method includes determining a number of objects contacting a key assembly and whether the key assembly has received a contact input or a press input. A first response is provided when the key assembly has received the press input from a first number of objects and a second function is provided when key assembly has received the press input from a second number of objects.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems related to having an input device configured according to a position of a user's hand relative to the input device. In particular, in some embodiments, a method of operating a computing system is provided that includes determining an operational context of the computing system utilizing a processor of the system and configuring an input device for the system based on the operational context. The input device includes a plurality of discrete input members. The method also includes displaying a virtual image representative of the input device on a display of the system. A position of a user's digits relative to the input device is sensed and the input device is reconfigured based on the sensed position of the user's digits. An image of the user's digits overlaying the virtual image representative of the input device is provided on a display of the computing system.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device may include a housing and a display supported by the housing. The handheld electronic device may further include a slider element slidably mounted to housing. The slider element may be configured to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. A keyboard may be coupled to slider element, and may move between a stowed position behind the display and a fully deployed position.