Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method that includes capturing images of a working area that includes indicia of a virtual keyboard having a plurality of keys and detecting a selected key of the plurality of keys. The detecting of the selected key includes detecting an object in the working area by analyzing the captured images for variations in light intensity in the captured images. The detecting of the object includes generating a first row histogram based on the light intensity in each of the rows in each of the captured images, generating a first column histogram based on the light intensity in each of the columns in each of the captured images, and determining an identification of the selected key based on the first row histogram and the first column histogram. The method also includes outputting the identification of the selected key to a host device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a position information inputting keyboard and a keyboard system including the same. A reference signal receiving unit and ultrasonic signal receiving units are installed on a side surface of a keyboard having thereon a keypad. A reference signal and ultrasonic signals generated from an electronic pen are received, so that a position of the electronic pen can be measured. Thus, a user can input both key input information and position information to an electronic device such as a smart pad or a notebook, using the keyboard.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device and a method for switching a user interface thereof are provided. The present method is suitable for a handheld electronic device having a first part and a second part. The first part comprises a screen, and the second part is slidingly disposed below the first part along a specific path. A part type of the second part is detected when the second part is slid out along the specific path relative to the first part. Then, the user interface is switched and displayed on the screen according to the part type, wherein the displayed user interface is corresponding to application programs relative to the part type. As a result, convenience of executing application programs on the handheld electronic device can be improved.

Abstract: A touch device with photovoltaic conversion function includes a main body divided into a touch zone and a non-touch zone located immediately around the touch zone. A photovoltaic conversion layer is provided on a top of the touch zone. By providing the photovoltaic conversion layer on the top of the touch zone of the touch device, the photovoltaic conversion layer can have an increased light-absorption area to enable conversion of more light into more electric current for use by the touch device and accordingly, enable the touch device to have extended standby and operation time.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive and far-field or proximity sensitive touchpad combined with a display, wherein the touchpad is formed as a touchstrip that is concealed inside the display, wherein a first function or interface such as a menu is enabled when an actuating device reaches a threshold distance from the touchpad, wherein a second function or interface is enabled when the actuating device makes contact with the touchpad, and wherein the first function may or may not continue after contact is made with the touchpad.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a meta touch interface (MTI) with multiple position indicators with each position indicator operating as a separate pointing tool that can be activated (i) using taps on a touchpad or other touch sensitive surface or (ii) by pressing certain keyboard keys. The MT pointer allows for adjacent UI elements to be selected without having to reposition the MT pointer for each selection or activation. Some embodiments provide a multi-device UI that comprises at least two UIs, wherein the first UI is presented on an essentially horizontal plane that is aligned with operational focus and the second UI that is presented on an essentially vertical plane that is aligned with visual focus of the user. Some embodiments provide a precision pointer that includes an adjustable magnified region to better present underlying on-screen content, thereby allowing the user to more precisely position the pointer.

Abstract: An input device and a portable terminal. The input device includes a tactile member which varies at positions of input keys, and a contact sensing layer which is disposed under the tactile member so as to detect an input operation through the tactile member. Further, the portable terminal includes a body which has an input/output unit, an input device which is detachably connected to the body so as to implement an input to the body, and a controller which controls an operation of the input/output unit and the input device, wherein the input device further includes a tactile member which varies at a position of a contacted input key, and a contact sensing layer which is disposed under the tactile member so as to detect an input operation through the tactile member.

Abstract: A touch keyboard includes a main touch keyboard and an auxiliary touch keyboard. The main touch keyboard includes a main touch sensing element and a main processor. The main touch sensing element is provided for touching to generate a user touching signal. The main processor electrically connected with the main touch sensing element and is provided for receiving user touching signal and switching the keyboard type which is indicated by the main touch sensing element. The auxiliary touch keyboard can detachable connected to the main touch keyboard. The auxiliary touch keyboard includes an auxiliary touch sensing element that is electrically connected with and is controlled by the main processor. The detachable main touch keyboard and the auxiliary touch keyboard are switched to other keyboard type by the main processor and the switched keyboard is provided for variety application to achieve the multifunctional intelligent keyboard.

Abstract: The subject system hardware and methodology combine disparate cameras into a cohesive gesture recognition environment. To render an intended computer, gaming, display, etc. control function, two or more cameras with non-coaxial axes are trained on a space to detect and lock onto an object image regardless of its depth coordinate. Each camera captures one 2D view of the gesture and the plurality of 2D gestures are combined to infer the 3D input.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique includes determining, at a computing device including one or more processors, one or more scripts in which a user is capable of inputting text. The technique includes determining, at the computing device, whether at least one of the one or more scripts is a script having a right-to-left (RTL) writing directionality. The technique also includes automatically outputting, at the computing device: (i) a first user interface when at least one of the one or more scripts is a script having an RTL writing directionality, wherein the first user interface is configured to allow the user to adjust the writing directionality at the computing device, or (ii) a second user interface when none of the one or more scripts is a script having an RTL writing directionality, wherein the second user interface is not configured to allow the user to adjust the writing directionality at the computing device.

Abstract: A touch press key inputting device includes: a plurality of character keys 21˜32 with at least 2 characters displayed on the surface of each key; an input judging means 72 for sensing the character keys touched and the first touched points in the area of the character keys, performing a movement longer than a specified length originally touched, and judging a moving direction in touch press inputting; a character selecting and outputting means 73 for selecting and outputting the characters displayed in the moving direction, corresponding to the moving direction judged by the input judging means, relative to the reference positions of the character keys. Since the characters on the positions are selected and output corresponding to the touch press inputting operations of the characters displayed on the key surfaces of respective character keys 21˜32, the inputting operations can be directly sensed and easily assured, and the inputting operability is improved.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for interacting with an omni-directionally projected display. The omni-directionally projected display includes, in some embodiments, visual information projected on a display surface by way of an omni-directional projector. A user is able to interact with the projected visual information using gestures in free space, voice commands, and/or other tools, structures, and commands. The visual information can be projected omni-directionally, to provide a user with an immersive interactive experience with the projected display. The concepts and technologies disclosed herein can support more than one interacting user. Thus, the concepts and technologies disclosed herein may be employed to provide a number of users with immersive interactions with projected visual information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing virtual keyboards. In one aspect, a system includes a camera, a display, a video feature extraction module and a gesture pattern matching module. The camera captures a sequence of images containing a finger of a user, and the display displays each image combined with a virtual keyboard having a plurality of virtual keys. The video feature extraction module detects motion of the finger in the sequence of images relative to virtual sensors of the virtual keys, and determines sensor actuation data based on the detected motion relative to the virtual sensors. The gesture pattern matching module uses the sensor actuation data to recognize a gesture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting letters by combining basic elements obtained by separating and symbolizing strokes of letters, so as to provide excellent letter intuitiveness and recognition. According to the present invention, a letter may be input by pressing one of or sequentially pressing two of keys to which basic elements , , , , , , , , , , and obtained by separating and symbolizing strokes of letters are assigned, and letters may be rapidly and conveniently input by minimizing key pressing paths.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a diagnostic software service that utilizes a subscription model to distribute diagnostic software to diagnostic tools. A diagnostic application is installed on a mobile device. The mobile device communicates with an adapter coupled to a vehicle. An application server provides software modules to which a technician subscribes and, once subscribed, are utilized via the diagnostic application. Subscription to software modules enable the technician to add and utilize specific diagnostic functionality in an a la carte manner.

Abstract: A gesture-enabled keyboard and method are defined. The gesture-enabled keyboard includes a keyboard housing including one or more keyboard keys for typing and a pair of stereo camera sensors mounted within the keyboard housing, a field of view of the pair of stereo camera sensors projecting substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the keyboard housing. A background of the field of view is updated when one or more alternative input devices are in use. A gesture region including a plurality of interaction zones and a virtual membrane defining a region of transition from one of the plurality of interaction zones to another of the plurality of interaction zones is defined within the field of view of the pair of stereo camera sensors. Gesture interaction is enabled when one or more gesture objects are positioned within the gesture region, and when one or more alternative input devices are not in use.

Abstract: An input device is disclosed that includes keys on a first surface and a second surface of the input device. At least some of the keys are operably coupled to a matrix including a switch for each key therein. When one of the keys is pressed, the corresponding switch is activated to provide a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A glove-based key entry apparatus and method for are provided. The apparatus includes at least one pair of gloves, a plurality of sensors disposed on a first side of the at least a pair of gloves, and at least two screens disposed on each side of the gloves, the second side of the at least one glove being opposite to the first side of the at least one glove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard apparatus with a font display, comprising a keyboard main body having a plurality of keys and a display module provided thereon and a processing module electrically connected to the keys and the display module to be actuated correspondingly. The display module further comprises a lighting module and the keyboard main body further comprises a switch key for switching the input type thereof. With the aforementioned structure, as the keyboard apparatus is physically connected to a data processing device, the user is able to switch the input type via the keys, to adjust the angle of the display module and to verify the input content during typing. As a result, the merits of present invention including such as fast switch of the input types, facilitated verification of the input content, enhanced typing efficiency and reduced typing mistakes can be advantageously achieved.

Abstract: A method of controlling a touch screen of an electronic device includes the following steps: switching the touch screen from a normal state into a shrunk state; and confining a touch interactive region of the touch screen to a sub-region of the touch screen and positioning a non-interactive region of the touch screen away from an edge of the touch screen to be partially covered by a finger performing an operation when the touch screen is in the shrunk state. The touch interactive region is a region within which the touch screen displays an interactive frame, and when the touch screen is in the normal state, the touch interactive region extends beyond the sub-region.

Abstract: Text input may be identified from a combination of key stroke information and handwriting gesture information. In one example, a touch screen displays an on-screen keyboard. A user then draws a character on the keyboard over the key that represents the character. In this way, two types of information are provided that identify the character that the user intended to enter: the particular drawing gesture that the user provided, and the location on the keyboard at which the user drew that gesture. These two pieces of information may be used, in combination, to determine which character the user intended to enter, and may help to interpret the input accurately in the case where either the gesture or key information, individually, would have been ambiguous.

Abstract: A device displays a text entry area with an insertion point and detects activation of a first physical key in a physical keyboard. In response to a determination that the activation of the first physical key lasts more than a first predefined time period, the device displays a character selection area; while displaying the character selection area, the device detects activation of a second physical key in the physical keyboard; in response to a determination that the activated second physical key is an arrow key, the device moves a current character focus in accordance with a direction of the arrow key; and, in response to a determination that the activated second physical key is the first physical key, the device enters in the text entry area a single instance of a character that has the current character focus, and ceases to display the character selection area.

Abstract: A method enabling keystroke acceleration includes: receiving a signal indicating a key is kept pressing; obtaining a current acceleration start time; perform an operation corresponding to the key pressed when the current acceleration start time arrives, judging whether the key is still being pressed; performing the step of obtaining the current acceleration start time when the key is still being pressed. The apparatus includes: a receiving module, an obtaining module, a first processing module and a second processing module. According to the present invention, after a signal indicating a key is kept pressed, a current acceleration start time is obtained, and the keystroke is responded when the current acceleration start time arrives. Therefore, the user does not have to press a key repeatedly, and the key operation can be automatically performed, which reduces the number of keystrokes needed and makes the operation simpler and less time-consuming.

Abstract: A method of inputting characters includes: generating a character display area, displaying characters in a first direction sub-region or a second direction sub-region of the character browsing region according to a direction indicating action in a first direction or a second direction, upon detecting a change in directions indicated by two successive direction indicating actions, displaying, in an input character display region, the character currently displayed in the character browsing region, switching between the first direction sub-region and the second direction sub-region of the character browsing region according to the direction indicated by the latter direction indicating action, and performing an action of selecting a next character corresponding to the latter direction indicating action in the switched direction sub-region. The invention also provides a device of inputting characters.

Abstract: A user input panel dynamically expands to accommodate user input, such as handwritten or keyboard input. Expansion may occur in one or two out of four possible directions, depending upon the language to be written or typed. For example, when writing English words, the input panel may expand to the right as the user writes and then downward when the input panel has fully expanded rightward.

Abstract: A method of providing a password to a handheld electronic device having a reduced keyboard and a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, wherein the reduced keyboard is of a particular keyboard type and the non-predictive keystroke interpretation system is of a particular system type. The method includes receiving a first character string in an electronic device, such as, without limitation, a PC, that is separate from the handheld electronic device, generating one or more second character strings in the electronic device based on the particular keyboard type, the first character string, and, possibly, the particular system type, and transmitting the one or more second character strings from the electronic device to the handheld electronic device as the password.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for evaluating onscreen keyboards. The method comprises receiving a first set of parameters and a second set of parameter associated with a first onscreen keyboard and a second onscreen keyboard, respectively. The method further comprises determining a first cognitive score for the first onscreen keyboard using the first set of parameters. The method further comprises determining a second cognitive score for the second onscreen keyboard using the second set of parameters. The method further comprises validating the first cognitive score and the second cognitive score using an Electroencephalography (EEG) signal of the user. The EEG signal of the user is captured while the user is using the first onscreen keyboard and the second onscreen keyboard.

Abstract: An integrated mouse and keyboard intended to be used to type with only one hand. The mouse is contoured so that the wrist is in a neutral position during typing. The characters associated with any individual key can be changed through the use of one of two joysticks. The user may define the relationship between the joysticks, keyboard keys, and character sets.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to entering text into a computing device via eye-typing are disclosed. For example, one embodiment provides a method that includes receiving a data set including a plurality of gaze samples, each gaze sample including a gaze location and a corresponding point in time. The method further comprises processing the plurality of gaze samples to determine one or more likely terms represented by the data set.

Abstract: A computer with an input device having a labeled region including a host, a first monitor, a first touchpad and a cover is provided. The first monitor is electrically connected to the host and serves as a display media of the host. The first touchpad is electrically connected to the host and serves as an input media of the host. The first touchpad includes a touch keypad region, wherein a plurality of touch keys is disposed in the touch keypad region. The cover encloses the first touchpad and includes a labeled region. When the device is power on, the labeled region is corresponding to the touch keypad region of the first touchpad, and the user can distinguish positions of each of the touch keys of the touch keypad region when inputting data by means of the touch keypad region.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies that facilitate decoding a continuous sequence of gestures set forth in the air by a user. A sensor captures movement of a portion of a body of the user relative to a keyboard displayed on a display screen, and a continuous trace is identified based upon the captured movement. The continuous trace is decoded to ascertain a word desirably set forth by the user.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying inadvertent user input, such as inadvertent touch contact or air input, are described. The techniques may include classifying a touch contact or air input as intentional or unintentional based on contextual information related to the touch contact, the air input, or a device via which the touch contact or air input was received. In some examples, the contextual information may indicate how a user is interacting with the device, such as a position of the user's hand, a location of the touch contact on a touch surface, a path of user's touch trajectory, an application with which the user may be interacting, keyboard input history of the user, and so on. When the user input is classified as unintentional, the techniques may refrain from performing an action that is generally triggered by the user input.

Abstract: A test system and method for testing keys of a virtual keypad are applied to a touch screen which includes a plurality of keys. The test system includes a reading unit, a determination unit, and a display unit. The reading unit records the electrical performance when a key is touched and the determination unit calculates an error value as between the actual electrical performance obtained and a preset and required parameter associated with the key, and determines whether a key performs acceptably according to the calculated error value. The determination unit also determines whether the keypad itself is acceptable according to the performance of each of the keys, and the display unit displays a table recording the calculated error value, the status of each key, and the acceptability of the keypad overall.

Abstract: A display method for distinguishing multiple linking target aims to switch data transmission link between an input device and at least two information processing systems through a plurality of transmission channels in a wireless transmission fashion. The input device includes a display module with a first display zone and a second display zone. The display method comprises steps of: detecting linkable information processing systems, setting transmission channels, determining a linking target and displaying information of linked transmission channel. Through the steps of detecting linkable information processing systems, setting transmission channels and determining a linking target, a data transmission link can be established with one of the information processing systems. Users can further display the device identification code through the step of displaying information of linked transmission channel to be informed of the information processing system currently linked to the input device.

Abstract: In some examples, input received from an input device, such as a keyboard, is modified by a component associated with an operating system before the input is delivered to an application. For instance, a component associated with the operating system may become registered for modifying input. In some situations, the input is modified based at least in part on metadata associated with the input device. For example, a location of a fingertip on a touch-sensitive display may be used to modify the input before delivery to an application.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a key input unit including a plurality of keys or buttons. A plurality of key backlight LEDs are arranged right below or close to predetermined keys or buttons of the plurality of keys or buttons. The key backlight LEDs are capable of selecting and setting a plurality of colors for light emission. A light emission control unit provides a notification of a state of the portable electronic device with a lighting pattern of the plurality of key backlight LEDs.

Abstract: A tablet computer device comprises a overlay membrane detachably couplable to the tablet computer device to protect a display element of the tablet computer device, the overlay membrane having an integrated keyboard.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems for obtaining contextual information at least in part from a keyboard, to improve typing efficiencies and user experience. The contextual information may include keyboard attributes, typing metadata, user actions, and the like. The keyboard may be configured to detect an input event at the keyboard. A human interface device (HID) stack is configured to receive the contextual information, and a keyboard manager is configured to determine an output based at least in part on the input event and the contextual information. The output may be a most probable function (non-text-based output), or character or word (text-based output) that can be suggested or used to auto-correct application data. In some embodiments, the user action received in the contextual information may be translated to a gesture to manipulate application data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inputting tone and diacritic marks by gesture are provided. A method may include displaying a keypad for text input. Selection of a key and a gesture may be received. The gesture input may be semantically linked to a phonological property, a diacritic property, and/or a tone. A gesture input may include a substantially horizontal movement to the right associated with a first tone, a movement up and to the right associated with a second tone, a movement down and to the right, then up and to the right associated with a third tone, and a movement down and to the right associated with a fourth tone. A grapheme may be displayed based upon the selected key and the received gesture. With the diacritic and/or tone information, a grapheme may be predicted which may help to reduce the effort and speed of input.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a main body, a handwriting pad, and a fixing member. The main body defines a receiving space. The handwriting pad is rotatably received in the receiving space and includes a frame body and a protrusion located on the frame body. The handwriting pad is rotatable and secured to the main body by the fixing member. In addition, the handwriting pad is rotatable about the fixing member to remove the handwriting pad from the receiving space.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by measuring the angle of each key press and rejecting improbable keys pressed at an off-center angle. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key determines the angle at which the key is pressed. Logic on the text-entry device assigns a range of acceptable angles to each key. If a key is pressed within the range of acceptable angles, then the entry is permitted. If a key is pressed outside the range of acceptable angles, then the entry is denied. Once text is entered, logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next. The keyboard logic then adjusts the range of acceptable angles based on that statistical probability.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus including a display unit displaying information on a display screen, an operation unit including a text input key, and a control unit. The control unit displays text in response to input from the operation unit in a state of displaying an initial screen on the display screen, shows an application using text to a user for selection, starts up the application in accordance with the user's selection, and executes the application, using the text inputted from the operation unit.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard having a number of keys is formed in at least two segments which are mutually movable relative- to one another using a hinge or joint. Each of the segments of the keyboard has keys mounted thereon. The adjustable nature of the keyboard reduces stress and discomfort to the user by reducing contortion to the user's wrists. More particularly, discomfort to the user caused by pronation of the wrists and/or ulnar deviation of the wrists is reduced. The hinge or joint is in the form of a ball and socket-type joint with a locking mechanism, which preferably includes a pivoted handle, in the form of a lever, used for locking and unlocking the hinge or joint. The surface of at least one of the ball and socket of the joint define a plurality of recesses or a plurality of projections, to provide increased resistance to joint movement.

Abstract: The invention is a thin, light, touch sensitive, typically portable keyboard for an electronic device, which uses walls between most adjacent keys to prevent one finger activating more than intended key. This enables packing keys extremely close to each other, yet negligible chance of false activation. Round, hexagonal or wave shaped walls enable more keys for same working surface area, compared to square keys. Variations are detachable, externals, removable walls formed by a layer over the keyboard. Sizes can be from wrist worn watch like, credit card, cell phone, pocket and more. Foldable versions enable more keys for less stowage space.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a control method are provided that are capable of reducing power consumption. The electronic apparatus having a normal mode in which first electric power is consumed and a power-saving mode in which second electric power lower than the first electric power is consumed includes a first sensor and a second sensor whose power consumption is lower than that of the first sensor. In the power-saving mode, supply of power to the first sensor is restricted, the second sensor is set to the power-saving mode, a trigger for restoring the power-saving mode to the normal mode is detected by using the second sensor set to the power-saving mode, and the power-saving mode is restored to the normal mode based on the detected trigger.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining a deflection of a moveable conductive plate that is moved over a capacitive sensing device. The method may include moving the moveable conductive plate over sensor elements of the capacitive sensing device, and determining the deflection of the moveable conductive plate. In determining the deflection, a deflection magnitude and a deflection direction may be determined by calculating a vector of x- and y-directions or a vector of a radius and an angle.

Abstract: A keyboard device with switchable connection path includes a keyboard, a device controller, a first switch, a second switch and a wireless communication module. The device controller is electrically connected to the keyboard. A wireless communication module is electrically connected to the device controller. The first switch is electrically connected to a system controller and the device controller. The second switch is electrically connected to the keyboard and the wireless communication module. The method of switching connection paths of the keyboard includes: connecting a system controller to a keyboard and a wireless communication module; disconnecting the system controller from the keyboard and the wireless communication module; and connecting the keyboard to the wireless communication module. This disclosure allows one keyboard to be shared between a system device and an external mobile device.

Abstract: An adjustable ergonomic keyboard includes keyboard segments coupled by a joint allowing the keyboard segments to pivot relative to one another. A retainer secures a corresponding keyboard segment with respect to a base support and allows the corresponding retained keyboard segment to rotate thereabout and to travel laterally with respect to the base support. The base support may be part of a portable laptop chassis or body or may be a stand alone base for use of the keyboard as a peripheral data input device.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a character input device includes a display unit, an input detecting unit, and a control unit. The display unit displays a screen having a character entry area and a virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which corresponds to a character. The input detecting unit detects a touch by an operator. The control unit detects a key selection operation and an input determination operation through the input detecting unit. Upon detecting the key selection operation for the first key, the control unit displays the first key in the character entry area as a character to be input. Upon detecting the input determination operation, the control unit displays the first character in the character entry area as an input character.

Abstract: A user control input system for a host with a display. A controller establishes a communication link with the host and includes a first motion sensor. At least a second motion sensor is also in communication with the host. First user movement induces the first motion sensor to generate a first signal that is communicated to the host such that the host induces movement of a cursor on the display to move with respect to control objects at a first resolution. Second user movement induces the second motion sensor to generate a signal that is communicated to the host such that the host processing unit induces movement of the cursor at a second coarser resolution. The cursor can include first and second indicia such that the second indicium is moved proportional to the second motion at a finer resolution than movement of the first indicia.