Abstract: An adaptive user interface device capable of implementing multiple modes of input and configuration may adapt to current user inputs, and may include configuration changes. In an aspect, an adaptive user interface device may be configured for a finger sensing in a touchpad mode, and configured for stylus sensing in a digital tablet mode. In another aspect, surface features of the adaptive user interface device may change shape, such as by raising buttons in response to entering a keyboard or keypad mode. Various mechanisms may be used for raising buttons, and may enable presenting buttons in a variety of shapes and locations on the interface. The configuration of the adaptive user interface device may depend upon the user actions and user identity. Configuration modes may be organized according to many levels enabling a single user interface to support a large number of input options functionality within a limited surface area.

Abstract: A display object controller includes a sensor elevated above the keys of a keyboard. The sensor is directed to view and monitor a user's first hand in a typing position on the keyboard. The controller includes a switch positioned adjacent the spacebar of the keyboard. The sensor and switch are connected to a processor which is connected to a computer system. The switch is arranged to enable or disable display object control. When the switch is engaged by the thumb of the user's second hand, the processor is responsive to the sensor to track hand motion for controlling display objects. When the switch is disengaged by the thumb, the processor communicates with the computer system to disable tracking hand motion so the fingers may type on the keyboard without controlling the display objects.

Abstract: A keyboard device and a related method of operation are provided. The keyboard device includes a compressible touch substrate having a plurality of keys, a support substrate underlying the touch substrate, and a plurality of electrodes between the touch substrate and the support substrate. The keyboard is adapted to detect movement of an object against the touch substrate and along the touch substrate. The keyboard is further adapted to classify such movement as a key selection or as a touch gesture based on the degree of deflection of the compressible touch substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments include a wireless keyboard having a plurality of keys and a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, wherein each of the plurality of RFID tags are coupled to one of the plurality of keys. Each of the RFID tags are configured to transmit a signal when one of the plurality of keys coupled to RFID tag is pressed.

Abstract: A keyboard that can be illuminated comprises a key array and a base element. Key buttons of the key array are held in modules arranged on a side, facing away from either the base element or a printed circuit board that is provided for delivering signals. The printed circuit board is arranged above the base element in a place close to but at a distance away from the base statement and made at least partially light-transmitting. At least one light source for emitting light is arranged on the underside of the printed circuit board that faces the base element. At least one light-scattering elements, which projects from the base element toward the printed circuit board, is arranged on the side of the base element facing the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An auxiliary input device for virtual keyboard sized on a displayed virtual keyboard of a capacitive touch panel, comprising: a membrane and a plurality of conducting keys. The membrane has a plurality of bulged supporting members arranged in correspondence to the plurality of virtual keys of the virtual keyboard, wherein a trough is arranged facing the virtual keyboard between every two adjacent supporting members. The conducting keys are arranged atop each of the supporting member, and kept at a predetermined distance from the capacitive touch panel, the conducting keys selectively operable to establish contact with the capacitive touch panel. The auxiliary input device for virtual keyboard is a thin structure which provides tactile feedback and pressure-sensitivity just like a physical keyboard, and is advantageous in its low cost construction, easy portability and the lack of additional power consumption.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing to carry a wireless transceiver, a display, a keyboard, and a processor cooperating with the wireless transceiver to perform at least one wireless communication function. The processor also cooperates with the display and the keyboard to permit selection of a keyboard mode from among a plurality of different keyboard modes, at least one of the keyboard modes having multiple different letters selectable from a given key. The processor generates a respective different cursor on the display based upon the selected keyboard mode.

Abstract: A signal line used in a key matrix is shared between a signal line used in a first display unit and a signal line used in a second display unit. Two types of periodical pulse signals are superimposed on a level signal which indicates data displayed on the second display unit. One type is a pulse signal for detecting key input and another type is a pulse signal which indicates data displayed on the first display unit.

Abstract: Provided is an automotive diagnostic tool including a tool body and a first projector connected to the tool body. The first projector is configured to project a diagnostic display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the tool body. An input detection sensor is connected to the tool body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the tool body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the tool body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with the onboard vehicle computer to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the diagnostic display image according to the received vehicle data and the input signal.

Abstract: Emoticon message composition is supported in a portable terminal. An edit window in the form of a lattice is displayed for message composition. During special character input selection, a list window including a plurality of special characters is displayed in the edit window. The list window is arranged such that a plurality of lines are shown in the edit window. The special characters displayed in the list window are arranged in a sequence of being stored in a queue that includes one of a special character queue for a message recipient or a basic special character queue.

Abstract: One or more buttons on an electronic device are mechanically coupled to actuators utilizing electroactive polymers. When active, the electroactive polymer deploys the button such that a height of the button above a substrate is increased. When inactive, the button returns to a stowed position having a lower height, and thus presents a lesser profile.

Abstract: An approach for modifying a size of a key on a keyboard displayed on a touch screen is presented. A fingertip of a user is determined to be aligned with the key or touch screen, and in response, the size of the key is enlarged by a first enlargement amount. Responsive to the fingertip moving closer to the key, a second, closer proximity of the fingertip to the key or touch screen is determined. The size of the key is further enlarged by a second enlargement amount to assist the user in touching the key and avoiding touching another, adjacent key on the keyboard.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the size, shape, and arrangement of keys on a virtual keyboard may be determined based on touchscreen contacts made by the user. Further, the actual contact patch made by the user may be analyzed to interpret which point of contact was intended, and other factors such as spelling and context may also be considered. These factors may be determined based on a calibration session and/or on continuing inputs during operation of the keyboard, and applied to future operational interpretations of the touchscreen contacts.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a touch panel, a display, a key detection module, a keyboard display module and a transmission module. The key detection module is configured to detect a touch and a release of a key of a software keyboard, based on touch detection on the touch panel. The transmission module is configured to transmit data indicative of key-down of a first key in accordance with touch detection of the first key, to transmit data indicative of key-down of a second key in accordance with touch detection of the second key in a state in which the first key is touched, and then to transmit data indicative of key-up of the first key and the second key in accordance with release detection of the first key and the second key.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the size, shape, and arrangement of keys on a virtual keyboard may be determined based on touchscreen contacts made by the user. Further, the actual contact patch made by the user may be analyzed to interpret which point of contact was intended, and other factors such as spelling and context may also be considered. These factors may be determined based on a calibration session and/or on continuing inputs during operation of the keyboard, and applied to future operational interpretations of the touchscreen contacts.

Abstract: This electronic apparatus having a software keyboard function includes a detection portion capable of detecting a key input position of an input operation performed by the user and a control portion performing control of changing a key determination range on the basis of at least either a correction operation performed on a prescribed key input or an input frequency of the prescribed key input.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an input device (100) comprising a plurality of keys, at least one detection structure (107), and at least one display (104), wherein: each of the plurality of keys have a depressible key cap (101) with an at least semi-transparent top surface, the at least one detection structure is configured for detecting individual depression of each of the plurality of key caps, and the at least one display (104) is configured for providing image information of individual labels (103) for each key of the plurality of keys. Furthermore, the at least one display is arranged between the at least one detection structure (107) and the plurality of key caps, such that the individual labels (103) of the plurality of keys are viewable via the transparent top surfaces of the respective key caps.

Abstract: A pointing device and method for providing both translational and rotational input to a computer, to manipulate graphical objects. In one embodiment, a pointing stick is cantilevered to a base. One or more translational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate translational signals in response to lateral forces applied to the pointing stick. One or more rotational sensors are coupled to the pointing stick to generate rotational signals in response to rotational forces applied to the pointing stick. The rotational sensor may sense torque, such as with a piezoelectric sensor configured to detect rotational strain on a fixed pointing stick. The rotational sensor may alternatively sense rotational displacement, such as with a potentiometer configured to detect rotation of a rotatable sleeve about a fixed shaft.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a computer program product, device, and method. In an example method, at least one of one or more processors of a device including one or more wired connectors and a wireless communication device receive a video output from a computing device via at least one of one or more wired connectors. At least one of the one or more processors send the video output to a wireless-enabled device via the wireless communication device using a wireless communication protocol. At least one of the one or more processors receive a keyboard or mouse input from the wireless-enabled device via the wireless communication device using the wireless communication protocol. At least one of the one or more processors send the keyboard or mouse input to the computing device via at least one of the one or more wired connectors.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate, a top touch panel, and an electrode supported by the substrate including a conductive compressible material extending from the substrate to the top touch panel. Another electrode is supported by the substrate and arranged to form an electric field coupling with the electrode including the compressible material. A touch sensitive region is transferred from the substrate to the top touch panel by the compressible material.

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: A device comprising at least one cover, wherein the at least one cover is operative to be formed into a stand for at least one computing device at least one computer peripheral device integrated with the at least one cover, and at least one biometric reader integrated with the at least one cover, wherein the at least one biometric reader is operative to be used to log into the at least one computing device.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a response received from an electronic device is generated by a person or by an automated software. The method receives a set of capabilities of the electronic device for detecting a group of actions that include at least a gesture or a device movement. The method selects a set of actions based on the device capabilities. The method sends a request to the electronic device for performing the set of actions in the plurality of actions. The method, based on a result of the set of actions performed on the electronic device, determining whether the set of actions are performed by a human.

Abstract: An example method for inputting data into a device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes detecting, by a sensor, an object in an area on an input device, generating input device data indicating a function responsive to the detected object, and providing the input device data to an output device. The output device displays a digital input device in response to receiving the input device data, and the digital input device has a specified area corresponding to the area on the input device.

Abstract: An input system includes at least one base portion. A plurality of multi-function keys, a function lock key, and a function activation key are located on the at least one base portion and coupled to a key function engine. The key function engine is configured to provide the plurality of multi-function keys in a first function mode. The key function engine may then change the function mode of the plurality of multi-function keys from the first function mode to a second function mode in response to receiving a first input through the function activation key that is followed by a second input that is received through the function lock key. The key function engine may then change the function mode of the plurality of multi-function keys between the second function mode and the first function mode in response to each subsequent input that is received through the function activation key.

Abstract: An input system includes a first base portion and a second base portion that each include a keying surface. A base portion manipulation mechanism couples the first base portion to the second base portion. The base portion manipulation mechanism includes a moveable coupling that is configured to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into at least one of a tented orientation and a splayed orientation. A locking mechanism provides a biasing force that causes an engagement between portions of the moveable coupling that resists relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion absent an unlocking force, wherein the locking mechanism is responsive to the unlocking force that overcomes the biasing force to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into the at least one of the tented orientation and the splayed orientation.

Abstract: An input system includes a first base portion including a keying surface and a second base portion including a keying surface. For example, the input system may be a keyboard with a first keyboard segment and a second keyboard segment. A base portion manipulation mechanism couples the first base portion to the second base portion. The base portion manipulation mechanism includes a first moveable coupling that is configured to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into at least one of a side-by-side tented orientation and a side-by-side splayed orientation. For example, the first base portion and the second base portion may be moved into an ergonomic, side-by-side, tented and splayed orientation. A second moveable coupling is configured to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into a stacked orientation for storage and travel.

Abstract: An electronic device having an input unit and a display unit which displays an input screen corresponding to the input unit. When a user's input is received through the input unit, the device predicts the next input, based on the received input, and then adjusts a size of a key region for receiving the next input in the input unit.

Abstract: A touch input device that includes a touch panel stacked with a display or integrally disposed with a display, and a controller. During a state of the display displaying a designated image, upon detecting that a specific location in the image has been touched with the touch panel, the controller detects a velocity by which a touch position changes and a direction in which the touch position changes while the touch continues, and determines an input instruction.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided that includes an arrangement of keys, circuitry and a first processor configured to generate a signal in response to a keystroke in which a respective key of the arrangement of keys is depressed, and determine how to interpret the keystroke. The keyboard also includes one or more sensors and a second processor configured to measure a relationship of an object to the sensor(s), and produce a gesture signal based upon a signal representative of the measured relationship. This gesture signal is interpretable into one or more commands or instructions for directing performance of one or more operations of an apparatus or software operating on the apparatus. A related apparatus and computer-readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for improving the efficiency of text input by requiring more pressure to select keys on a dynamic keyboard that are improbable key presses. 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 has a lever mechanism which varies the force required to press the key. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the force required to enter each key within the dynamic keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for multitasking with an electronic device. After operating the device in a first operational context, information is received providing the user the option to switch to operation in a second context. Responsive to user input indicating a control switch to the second context, the device may be operated in the second context. Additionally, the device can be reverted back to the first operational context after operation in the second context.

Abstract: An electronic device with a guiding mechanism for guiding a flexible printed circuit board includes a base, a cover, two guiding members, a pushing member, the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and a rotating member. A through hole is formed on the base. The cover is movably disposed on a first side of the base. The two guiding members are disposed on the second side of the base in parallel. The pushing member is slidably disposed on the two guiding members and has a guiding surface. An end of the FPC is connected to the cover and an other end of the FPC passes through the through hole and surrounds the guiding surface of the pushing member so as to be connected to the base. The rotating member is rotatably disposed on the second side of the base and has a pushing portion abutting against the pushing member.

Abstract: A touch sensor integrated with a keyboard spacebar. A touchpad zone can be defined on a portion of a planar surface of a spacebar. The touchpad zone can be configured to detect movement of a human appendage across the touchpad zone, or above the touchpad zone, and generate a corresponding signal from the keyboard that causes corresponding movement of a cursor presented on a display. In another embodiment, a touchpad can be positioned over the spacebar. The touchpad can be slidably engaged to the keyboard to facilitate user positioning of the touchpad over a desired portion of the spacebar.

Abstract: An authentication string, such as a password, consists of characters. Each of the characters in the authentication string is randomly associated with a defined location on a device. For example, an area on a touch screen can be associated with a character in the authentication string. When a user selects a location associated with the character, feedback is provided that identifies the character. When the user selects a location that is not associated with the character, feedback is provided that does not identify the character. If the user responds by indicating that the associated location matches the character, the character is authenticated. If the user responds by indicating that a location not associated with the character is a match, the character is not authenticated. This process is then repeated for each character in the authentication string.

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. Keyboard 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, which is typically around the center, then the entry is permitted. If a key is pressed outside the range of acceptable angles, which is typically on the edges, then the entry is denied. Once text is entered, the keyboard 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: Provided is an input apparatus including an input operation section, a capacitive sensor, and an output section. The input operation section includes an operation member configured to mechanically receive an input operation, and a first detection circuit configured to detect the input operation of the operation member. The capacitive sensor includes a plurality of electrodes which are arranged around the operation member, and each of which has a capacitance variable due to an approaching of a detection target, and a second detection circuit configured to detect the capacitance of each of the plurality of electrodes. The output section is configured to output an output of the first detection circuit and an output of the second detection circuit.

Abstract: A password input device includes a display unit, an input unit and a control unit. The display unit includes a group of LCD displays for display numerals. The input unit includes a group of keys corresponding to the LCD displays. The keys are positioned on the corresponding LCD displays; the control unit creates a group of numerical key sequences, and controls the LCD displays to display the numerical key sequences through the keys.

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.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to improving the efficiency of text input by dynamically generating a visually assistive virtual keyboard. Exemplary variations display a soft keyboard on a touchscreen of a text-entry device. The touchscreen works with the soft keyboard as a form of text input. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the visual appearance of each key within the soft keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next. The touchscreen displays a visually enhanced keyboard based on these prediction values. Enhancements include resizing keys relative to their prediction value, rearranging the keys a distance from the previous key entered inverse to its prediction value, etc.

Abstract: A portable information handling system, user interface components thereof, and methods of user control interface and assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment a keyboard assembly, including a large plurality of contacts for a keyboard matrix, connects directly to a palmrest assembly. The palmrest assembly includes a keyboard controller, which decodes keystrokes and then passes the decoded keystrokes to, e.g., an I/O controller on the motherboard of the portable information handling system. This arrangement can greatly improve layout and usage of the motherboard routing spaces, can improve reliability, and can simplify assembly, among other advantages.

Abstract: A method at a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive display includes: displaying a text entry region and a soft keyboard with default keys; detecting a contact at a first location on the touch-sensitive display that corresponds to an activation region associated with a respective default key, and detecting an immediate subsequent movement of the contact on the touch-sensitive display; in response to detecting the immediate subsequent movement, displaying an array of keys including alternate keys for the respective default key; detecting liftoff of the contact at a second location on the touch-sensitive display; and, in response to detecting the liftoff: when the second location corresponds to an activation region associated with a respective alternate key, ceasing to display the array and inserting a character associated with the respective alternate key into the text entry region.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical touch device, including a main body, a keyboard and a light emitting member. The keyboard, placed on the main body and having a first end portion and a second end portion, includes a supporting frame, a keycap and a stopping member. The keycap is connected to the supporting frame and moves between a first position and a second position. The stopping member is connected to the keycap and moves simultaneously with the keycap. The light emitting member generates a light beam to the keyboard. When the keycap is in the first position, the light beam passes through the first end portion to the second end portion, and when the keycap is in the second position, the light beam is terminated by the stopping member, such that the light does not reach the second end portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable storage mediums encoded with computer programs executed by one or more processors for detecting a keyboard event and generating a network event are disclosed. In an embodiment, an input event generated by a keyboard operatively connected to a computing device is detected. It is determined that the input event corresponds to an actionable input event of a network-based application independent of which local application of one or more local applications is active on the computing device as indicated by an input focus. A location of a visual indicator corresponding to the actionable input event is determined on a visual interface of the network-based application. The visual indicator is selected at the location of the visual interface and corresponding signal is transmit to the network-based application.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling key operations of a mobile device comprising one or more hard keys and one or more touch keys are disclosed. An operation of one or more hard keys is detected, and measuring an operation time is started in response to detecting the operation. Operations of one or more touch keys are invalidated until the operation time exceeds a certain period of time.

Abstract: A keyboard with a thumb-controlled curser. In a preferred embodiment a circular aperture about one centimeter in diameter is provided in the spacebar of the keyboard. A keyboard user controls the position of the computer curser by moving a portion of his thumb across the port. A light source illuminates an exposed surface of the user's thumb as it moves across the port. Light patterns reflected from the user's thumb are focused on a sensor. The output from the sensor is transmitted to the computer processor where the thumb movements monitored by the sensor are turned into control signals for controlling the position of the curser on a computer monitor.

Abstract: A folding keyboard has two parts which are hinged together and form the whole keyboard. An interlocking device which comprises a sliding block and a sliding vane is provided at the bottom surface of one part. One end of the sliding block is provided with a raised tongue which fits with a stopper provided inside the keyboard base. The sliding block is provided with a sliding rail and an inclined sliding groove provided along the sliding direction of the sliding vane, and a sliding axis arranged in the sliding groove is provided on the surface of the sliding vane. A fixing block is fixed at the bottom surface of one part and connected with a sliding rail block via an offsetting spring, and the sliding rail block is provided inside the sliding rail of the sliding block and slides in a direction perpendicular to that of the sliding vane.

Abstract: A computing device is described that outputs, for display, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys. The computing device receives, an indication of a gesture detected at a presence-sensitive input device. The computing device determines, based at least in part on the indication of the gesture and at least one characteristic of the gesture, one or more keys from the plurality of keys. The computing device determines a character string based on the one or more keys from the plurality of keys. In response to determining that the character string is not included in a lexicon and a spatial model probability associated with the one or more keys from the plurality of keys exceeds a probability threshold, the computing device outputs, for display, the character string.

Abstract: A haptic feedback keyboard structure includes a base plate, a keyboard frame, a haptic feedback device, a touch sensor and a plurality of touch units. The keyboard frame is disposed on the base plate. The haptic feedback device is disposed between the base plate and the keyboard frame, and the haptic feedback device includes a vibrating plate. The touch sensor is disposed under the keyboard frame for triggering the vibrating plate to vibrate. The plurality of touch units is respectively connected to the keyboard frame and adjacent to a side of the touch sensor. The touch sensor triggers the vibrating plate to transmit a vibrating force to one of the plurality of touch units as the one of the plurality of touch units is pressed.

Abstract: A work surface is configured to provide user interaction with a computer. The work surface includes a substrate that provides a structural base for the work surface. The work surface also includes one or more input devices installed on the substrate. The input devices can be operable to detect a user touch and/or tap, and to generate a signal based on the touch/tap. The work surface also includes a protector film covering the at least one input device. An adhesive material, such as a double-sided adhesive tape, attaches the protector film and the input devices in a manner that allows the input devices to detect a user touch through the protector film and the adhesive material.