Abstract: A handheld device includes a housing and a keypad assembly configured within the housing. The keypad assembly includes one or more groups of keys configured for movable positioning between a first orientation in which a top surface of an individual key is exposed to a user, and a second orientation in which the top surface of the key pivotally retracts into the housing so as to expose an edge surface of the key.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a front light system which can be built with thin film light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or electro-luminescent light emitting diodes. The front light system may be built on a thin and flexible substrate and can generate lighting of satisfactory uniformity and with high efficiency. The system also can potentially be inexpensive. The front light system of the present invention is particularly suitable for keymat applications wherein a flexible reflective display on top of a touch sensitive surface or device, is used as an output device.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes a key, a light guide plate, a sensing circuit layer, and a light-transmissible elastic element. The light-transmissible elastic element is disposed under the key. The light-transmissible elastic element has a light-diffusing part. The light guide plate and the sensing circuit layer are disposed under the light-transmissible elastic element. The sensing circuit layer is used for generating a non-contact key signal. After the light beam transferred within the light guide plate is transmitted upwardly through the light guide plate, the light beam is transmitted through the light-transmissible elastic element. Moreover, since the optical path of the light beam is changed by the light-diffusing part, the light beam can be projected onto the whole keycap more uniformly.

Abstract: An input detecting method used for a virtual projecting input system includes: emitting an image light beam through a reflecting mirror, and the image light beam forming a projecting point on a projecting plane; enabling the reflecting mirror to swing, so as to enable the image light beam to swing, and the projecting point scanning back and forth on the projecting plane, and generating an input image; detecting a swing frequency of the reflecting mirror, and generating a frequency signal; judging whether an input action occurs, and if yes, generating a detecting signal; and analyzing a phase difference between the frequency signal and the detecting signal, and calculating an input position of the input action according to the phase difference.

Abstract: A backlight module is used in a lighting keyboard. The backlight module includes a light guiding plate and a masking. The masking is disposed on the light guiding plate. The masking includes a support layer, a cover layer and a reflective layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cover layer is disposed on the first surface. The cover layer includes a first opening. The reflective layer is disposed on the second surface and faces the light guiding plate for reflecting light emitted from the light guiding plate, so as to enhance lighting efficiency on the first opening. The reflective layer includes a second opening. A shape and a position of the second opening are respectively corresponding to a shape and a position of the first opening.

Abstract: Provided are a virtual optical input device capable of providing feedback and a method of controlling the same. In the method, a portion of an input means such as a finger, and a portion of a shadow of the input means generated by a light source are detected through image processing. Physical variations formed between them are used to detect the touch contact of the input means, calculate the position and motion of the input means, and provide the corresponding feedback.

Abstract: A keypad for an electronic device and manufacturing method thereof having at least one or more ink layers which selectively let pass or cut off a light wavelength of at least one or more light emitting diodes generating light in accordance with an opened or closed direction of a folder. At least one or more light emitting elements for generating light in various colors are provided, and a diffusion ink layer is arranged above the light emitting elements. At least one or more ink layers provided on the diffusion ink layer, wherein the ink layers selectively let passes or cut-off light wavelengths of the light emitting elements when the folder is rotated or slid in a longitudinal or perpendicular direction. A transparent or semi-transparent ink layer is provided on the ink layers, and a sheet film layer is provided on the transparent or semi-transparent ink layer.

Abstract: A system and method are used to provide a user control interface for controlling multiple device functionality. The system comprises a support structure, control regions, depressible interaction devices, and a controller. The control regions are formed on the support structure. Each of the control regions comprises one or more light emitting panels. The depressible interaction devices cover respective ones of the control regions. The controller is coupled to the control regions and controls which portion of the one or more light emitting panels is output from respective ones of the interaction devices based on one or more modes of operation of the user control interface.

Abstract: A light-emitting touch keyboard includes a reflecting sheet, a touch element, a plurality of scattering/reflecting points, and at least one light emitting element. The touch element includes at least one transparent material layer. A light ray emitted by the light emitting element penetrates the transparent material layer, and then is reflected outside the touch element by the reflecting sheet and the plurality of scattering/reflecting points.

Abstract: A light emitting keyboard is provided. The keyboard includes: a plurality of keys, wherein each of the keys has a light source; and a controller, for controlling the light sources of a plurality of designated keys to be turned on or off.

Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus includes an approach sensing electrode unit including a plurality of first approach sensing electrode arrays disposed on a substrate and a plurality of second approach sensing arrays disposed adjacent to the first approach sensing electrode arrays, a voltage supply unit to supply a voltage to any of the first approach sensing electrode arrays and the second approach sensing electrode arrays, a signal generation unit to generate an approach sensing signal by detecting a variation of capacitance generated between the first approach sensing electrode arrays and the second approach sensing electrode arrays, the variation of capacitance occurring in a 3-dimensional (3D) approach sensing region, and an information generation unit to generate contact information corresponding to the approach sensing signal generated by the signal generation unit.

Abstract: A keyboard device provided by the present disclosure comprises a key layer, a dome layer, and a light guide film layer positioned between the key layer and the dome layer. The light guide film layer comprises a light guide film and a rubber layer fixed on a lower surface of the light guide film. The light guide film and the rubber layer are integrally formed together by molding. The rubber layer has an upper surface facing the light guide film and a lower surface facing away from the light guide film. The lower surface of the rubber layer defines at least one receiving groove. A light guide film layer applied to a keyboard device is also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: Enhanced camera-based input, in which a detection region surrounding a user is defined in an image of the user within a scene, and a position of an object (such as a hand) within the detection region is detected. Additionally, a control (such as a key of a virtual keyboard) in a user interface is interacted with based on the detected position of the object.

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus includes: a first casing including a display unit having a backlight; a second casing being connected to the first casing, and having an input unit; a condition detecting unit that detects whether a condition is changed from a first condition to a second condition, the first condition in which the first casing is overlapped with the second casing, the second condition being different from the first condition; and a control unit that controls the backlight to illuminate the display unit by turning on the backlight in a certain turn-on condition when the condition detecting unit detects that the first condition is changed to the second condition. The backlight is turned on in a lower value than a normal value in at least one of luminance and illuminance.

Abstract: A web configurable human input device is provided. The device includes at least one mechanical control element having a dynamically alterable appearance. In some embodiments, the appearance of the at least one mechanical control element is dynamically altered in response to the execution of an input device web script. An example of such a web configurable human input device is an active keyboard in which the at least one mechanical control element having a dynamically alterable appearance is one of an array of keys of the active keyboard. When the active keyboard is connected to a web-enabled device, at least one key of the array of keys is configured to alter its appearance in response to the execution of the input device web script.

Abstract: An apparatus configured as a virtual user interface and including: a display screen; a masking element for concealing at least part of said screen and revealing at least one preselected display area; at least one user-actuated control element; and a controller responsive to said user-actuated control element and configured to display information on said display area operatively associated with said user-actuated control element.

Abstract: One or more sensors are disposed to sense user inputs in an active display area as well as user inputs in an extended area that is outside of the active display area. Data for user inputs, such as gestures, may include data from user inputs sensed in both the active display area and outside of the active display area. The user inputs can begin and/or end outside of the active display area.

Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for internal components for portable computing devices relating to keyboard components and keyboard backlighting. In one embodiment, a keyboard module can include a rectangular light guide panel and a driver board including discrete light sources mounted on the driver board where the driver board is disposed along one edge of the light guide panel and light emitted for the discrete light sources is captured by the light guide panel and distributed to predetermined locations.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a position acquisition unit for obtaining a display position of an input area in a display area, and a display control unit for controlling, based on the display position of the input area, in the display area a display position of an input operation area in which a character to be displayed in the input area is input. The display control unit displays the input area near the display position of the input area, and makes the input operation area follow the movement of the input area when the display position of the input area is moved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for track-pad input are disclosed. In one embodiment, a track-pad device includes a center sensor and a plurality of radial sensors. The center sensor senses electrical characteristic change at a center of the track-pad device. The plurality of radial sensors sense electrical characteristic changes in the respective vicinity of each of the plurality of radial sensors. The plurality of radial sensors can be configured in concentric rings about the center sensor.

Abstract: A computer keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged in a pattern contained within a plane, a webbed structure defining openings for each of the keys, an illumination source, and one or more light pipes positioned along the webbed structure and arranged to deliver light from the illumination source to the keys, wherein each of the keys is illuminated thereby. Although the keys have the appearance of being backlit similar to traditional illuminated keyboards, the illumination source is actually located along at least one side of and within the same plane as the pattern of keys, rather than beneath the keys. The keyboard can thus be made thinner in such arrangements where the illumination source does not need to be located beneath the keys.

Abstract: A method (300 or 400) of key press prediction on a touch-based device or an apparatus (501) can entail registering (302, 402) a position of a touch press attempt on an icon among a plurality of icons presented on the touch-base device, calculating (304, 404) a distance from a center of the icon, calculating (306, 406) a psychomotor probability for each icon in the plurality of icons, calculating (312, 408) a linguistic probability for each icon in the plurality of icons, calculating (314, 410) a predictive index for each icon in the plurality of icons based on the psychomotor probability and the linguistic probability, and registering (310,416) as a user selected icon, an icon with one among a highest predictive index (316, 412) or a probability higher than a predetermined absolute value (308).

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with a disambiguation routine that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to perform a spell check routine during input of a text entry, with the output from the spell check routine being visually integrated into the output from the disambiguation routine.

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: A keypad assembly (100) provides improved backlighting in a slim-line from factor with a minimal number of LEDs (130). The keypad assembly (100) utilizes side-firing LEDs (130) mounted to a keypad flex (112) which protrude through subsequent thin layers of substrates. A light-guide film (104) disposed over the layers includes corresponding cut-outs through which the side-firing LEDS partially protrude. The light-guide film includes light dispersion areas (114) formed thereon. A cover (102) seals the side-firing LEDs (130) protruding through the light-guide film (104). An interconnect flex (132) couples to the keypad flex (112) to provide flexible coupling of the keypad assembly to an electronic device. The light-guide film (104) provides both light dispersion and sealing to the keypad assembly (100).

Abstract: An information-processing device includes: multiple keys; a memory that stores key arrangement data indicating an arrangement of said multiple keys; an identification part that identifies each display position of multiple windows displayed on a screen; an allocation part that compares an arrangement of the windows obtained by comparing the display position of each window identified by said identification part with the arrangement of keys displayed by said key arrangement data, and uniquely allocates to said each window a key for selecting the relevant window from among said multiple keys so that the arrangement of said windows and the arrangement of said keys are identical or similar; a notifying part that notifies of the keys allocated by said allocation part; and a selection part that selects the window to which an operated key is allocated when any of the keys notified by said notifying part is operated.

Abstract: Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.

Abstract: A film layer for a mobile station that allows the appearance of the mobile station to be easily changed. The layer is thin enough to allow it to be positioned between the plungers on a plunger mat and the keys on a key mat of the mobile station. Flexibility of the film layer allows a key press to be transmitted through the film insert to one of the plungers, which in turn compresses a contact on a printed wiring board. Flexibility may be due to perforations around the keys of the key mat. Preferably, the film layer includes some visually detectable characteristic, such as a color, that is visible through openings or translucent portions of the key mat. The film layer may be constructed of various materials, such as paper, elastomer, polymer or electric luminescent materials which can be interchangeably inserted into the mobile station to change its appearance.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. The device is structured to identify and output representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input. The device is additionally structured to identify and output representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a known spelling substitution particular to a language active on the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: Fabric enclosure backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more translucent portions are formed within a plurality of layers of a fabric enclosure assembly. In one approach, regions within one or multiple layers are laser etched to form the translucent portions within the fabric enclosure assembly. A light source is then arranged to selectively transmit light through the layers via the translucent portions to provide backlight for one or more elements integrated with fabric enclosure assembly. The one or more elements may include representations of input keys and/or graphics associated with the fabric enclosure assembly. The backlight may be used to view the one or more elements in low light and/or provide backlight effects such as borders, side lighting, labels, and so forth.

Abstract: A light keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keyswitches and a backlight module. The keyswitches are disposed on the base. The backlight module includes a light shielding plate, a light guiding plate and a reflecting plate. The light shielding plate is disposed under the base. The light guiding plate is disposed under the light shielding plate. The reflecting plate is disposed under the light guiding plate. The light shielding plate, the light guiding plate and the reflecting plate are stacked with each other so as to form a middle area of the backlight module. An edge of one of the light shielding plate and the reflecting plate is folded and stacked with the other one of the light shielding plate and the reflecting plate so as to form an edge area of the backlight module. The middle area and the edge area are at equal height.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides a default output and a number of variants. The output is based, for example, upon the likelihood that a user intended a particular output. But various features of the device provide additional variants that may not be based on likelihood. 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.

Abstract: Various improvements for video production switchers are disclosed. In a user input module, a Link button is operable to link key functions with a user controllable input device. A multicolor lighting arrangement may be provided, and possibly calibrated, for illuminating each button of a switcher with a controllable color and/or intensity. In an improved Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) scheme, a PWM output is dependent on a pseudo-random number and a threshold. A display on a keyer module may be used to provide indications of a key source and type currently associated with the keyer module. A switcher menu system may be enhanced by providing a first display for accessing a full menu system, and a second display for accessing at least a portion of the full menu system. In a modular switcher panel, a panel structure carries button modules, at least one of which is interchangeable without displacing other button modules.

Abstract: An electronic device employs a display window, which includes a substrate, a paint layer, and a background color layer. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The second surface has a central portion and a peripheral portion. The paint layer is formed on the peripheral portion and partially covers the peripheral portion. The portions of the peripheral portion not covered by the paint layer are roughened. The background color layer is formed on the peripheral portion and at least covers the roughened portions.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive and luminous keyboard includes at least one key, a pressure detecting circuit, an illumination module and a controlling unit. When one of the plural keys is depressed in response to a first pressure, the pressure detecting circuit generates a pressure-strength sensing voltage. According to the pressure-strength sensing voltage, the controlling unit will judge the strength of the first pressure and control the illumination module to emit either the first light beam or the second light beam.

Abstract: This patent relates to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling an operation of the same. The method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal includes displaying a file list and scroll arrows for scrolling the file list on a touch screen. When the scroll arrow is touched and entered, the file list is scrolled at a scroll speed previously set in response to a time when the scroll arrow is touched and entered. A vibration signal to identify at least one of a scroll speed and a current scrolling position of the file list is provided. Accordingly, when a file list is scrolled, a scroll speed or a current scrolling position can be easily identified by a tactile sense.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes an optical shutter configured to shield or transmit light according to a voltage applied thereto; a light guide panel configured to guide an internal light generated inside of the keypad assembly and coupled to the interior of the light guide panel; and a symbol pattern layer including at least one symbol pattern illuminated by both the internal light irradiated from the light guide panel and an external light from outside of the keypad assembly that has passed through the optical shutter.

Abstract: The terminal apparatus includes input keys configured to detect pressing conducted thereon respectively, key backlights each of which emits a plurality of colors of light to shine corresponding one of the input keys, and a backlight controller configured to control the plurality of colors of light independently for each of the key backlights. The backlight controller causes the key backlights to emit light of a first color in a case where an input key out of the input keys detects pressing thereon, and changes an emission color of a key backlight corresponding to the input key detecting the pressing from the first color to a second color when a state of the pressing becomes a predetermined state.

Abstract: A circuit including a first pin connection, a second pin connection, a first diode-switch arrangement and a second diode-switch arrangement. The first diode-switch arrangement is connected in series and configured to allow a current to pass from the second pin connection to the first pin connection. The second diode-switch arrangement is connected in series and configured to allow a current to pass from the first pin connection to the second pin connection. An energized state of the first and second diode-switch arrangements is determined according to a voltage detected on the first or second pin connection.

Abstract: A control unit comprising a light guide is formed and positioned in a circuit board for providing visual indication to a user of an appliance, such as a cooktop. The light guide receives light from a source, typically in the form of an LED on the circuit board, typically positioned laterally to the light guide, and the light guide receives and directs the light to the user. In some embodiments, the light guide is positioned behind a cover, which may have indicia thereon for providing operating information to the user. Portions of the light guide may be coated with an electrically conductive coating so as to also form a portion of a capacitance touch switch for detecting user input for controlling operation of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a digital device, which controls the digital device by using a sensor sensing a touch of a human body, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling a digital device, which controls a digital device via a touch sensor and provides feedback information based on touch information of a sensor.

Abstract: A key assembly for an electronic device that includes a keycap defining a key that has a non-opaque portion to identify the key that is backlit. The assembly includes a light guide positioned in spaced relation to the keycap. An optical radiation source, such as top-fire light emitting diode, is mounted below the lower surface of the light guide. A mask is disposed on the top surface of the optical radiation source. The mask includes an aperture to allow light from the optical radiation source to pass into the light guide, and the mask blocks at least a portion of the light from the optical radiation source. The mask blocks a portion of the top surface of the optical radiation source that emits tinted light. The light guide is affixed atop the opaque mask such that it is nearly directly affixed to the optical radiation source.

Abstract: A lighting control desk includes a housing with a cavity provided within the housing and a control surface. The control surface includes digital displays, encoders, faders, pushbutton switches and a keyboard to assist in controlling different aspects of the light fixtures that are communicably coupled to the lighting control desk. A multitude of light-emitting visual indicators are positioned around one or more of the encoders. The visual indicators provide a visual indication of the color, hue, color saturation, or color intensity of the light fixtures being controlled by that particular encoder as well as the changes that will be effected to the color, hue, color saturation, or color intensity based on how the user may adjust the encoder. One or more light emitting diodes positioned in the cavity are optically coupled to each visual indicator to generate the color of light to be emitted through that particular visual indicator.

Abstract: An input-key control device is mounted on an apparatus having a plurality of operating modes and controls a plurality of input keys that receive input provided by a user. The input-key control device includes: a key-related-information storage unit that stores the operating modes and key-identifying information in association with each other, the key-identifying information being information for identifying an operable input key; an input-key identifying unit that identifies, when the operating mode is switched, an input key which has newly become operable as a result of the switching of the operating mode by comparing the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode before the switching and the key-identifying information associated with the operating mode after the switching; and a light-emission control unit that causes a lighting manner of a light-emitting element that illuminates the input key identified by the input-key identifying unit to differ.

Abstract: An operating device for controlling an apparatus as an object of control, in accordance with an instruction by a user includes a panel having a main surface, a hardware key provided on the main surface, and a display unit formed of electronic paper, provided in relation to the hardware key on the main surface of the panel or on the hardware key, allowing rewriting of displayed contents.

Abstract: It is presented a method for providing a user interface of a portable electronic apparatus. The method comprises: detecting an actuation of a mode switch actuator associated with switching operational modes of the apparatus; determining a switching direction by determining whether the actuation is associated with a first switching direction or a second switching direction; determining a current operational mode; determining a new operational mode considering the switching direction and the current operational mode; and switching operational modes of the portable electronic apparatus from the current operational mode to the new operational mode. Corresponding portable electronic apparatuses and computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are a display device and a front cover thereof. The display device includes a display module to form an image, a front cover to cover a rim of a front surface of the display module, a keypad display provided at the front cover, at least one light emitting unit to emit light to the keypad display disposed between the display module and the front cover, and at least one light guide channel provided at the keypad display, the light guide channel having a cross-sectional area decreasing away from the light emitting unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing.

Abstract: The present invention is an illuminated computer keyboard that includes a computer keyboard, a plurality of computer keyboard keys disposed on the computer keyboard and a plurality of phosphors coatings that coat the computer keyboard keys. The keyboard also includes a plurality of lights that are disposed behind the computer keyboard keys to enhance illumination of the computer keyboard keys and an on and off toggle switch disposed on the computer keyboard that turns the lights on or off.