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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an effective keypad assembly and keypad layout for mobile computing devices. In particular, embodiments of the invention provide keyboard layouts and designs. Additionally, embodiments described herein provide for stack components to make keyboards operable on small-form factor devices.

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: A method of detecting communications errors by coding messages as pictures. A communications method useable to safely communicate a message or a signal from a first safety approved entity to a second safety approved entity via a third, non-safety approved entity including that each command is sent with the aid of a command message from the first to the second entity, an acknowledge message from the second to the first entity, and a go-ahead message from the first to the second entity.

Abstract: An slider electronic device includes a main body, a display body, two rotary members, and a resilient member. The main body includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The display body is movably mounted on the main body and includes a proximal end and a distal end opposite to each other. One end of each rotary member is rotatably connected to the main body, and the other end is rotatably connected to the display body. Two ends of the resilient member are connected to the second end of the main body the proximal end of the display body, respectively. When the display body covers the main body, the proximal end of the display body is adjacent to the first end of the main body, and the distal end of the display body is adjacent to the second end of the main body.

Abstract: A method is set forth for automatically adjusting keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, a keypad and a backlight for said keypad, comprising obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, turning the backlight from off to on in the event a current light level sample is less than a threshold value below which backlight illumination becomes necessary in order to read the keypad, and from off to on after a predetermined time period in the event the current light level sample is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control method for generating varying colored lights in a keyboard and a self-luminous keyboard for realizing the same method. The control method comprises steps: establishing a driving signal table storing a plurality of backlight driving signals; setting the conditions for outputting the backlight driving signals respectively; detecting a keying signal generated by pressing a key; outputting the backlight driving signal corresponding to the keying signal to drive a backlight unit, or sequentially outputting the backlight driving signals according to the keying signal to drive a backlight unit. The self-luminous keyboard for realizing the same method comprises a memory unit storing the driving signal table and a microcontroller unit detecting the keying signals. The microcontroller unit sequentially outputs the backlight driving signals to drive the backlight unit, or outputs the backlight driving signal corresponding to the keying signal to drive the backlight unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a user definable keyboard and a defining method adapted for the keyboard. The keyboard is connected to a computer and communicates with the computer, and the keyboard defines a plurality of keys and each key is associated with a backlight and a display unit. The method includes steps: receiving keyboard information from the computer, the keyboard information comprising key identifiers and key contents for defining a predetermined number of the keys; storing the keyboard information; illuminating with the backlight for each of the predetermined number of the keys according to the key identifiers; and controlling the display unit for each of the predetermined number of the keys to display a corresponding content according to the key contents.

Abstract: Mechanisms for controlling lighting activation by taking into account proximity and motion data are disclosed. Controllers can have cosmetic and/or functional lighting that can be controlled by proximity detectors and/or motion detectors, and such lighting can vary in color, intensity, and/or pattern. Proximity detectors can use capacitance, lighting, and/or sound data to determine the proximity of objects to the controllers, and motion detectors can use accelerometers and/or gyroscopes to determine the motion of such controllers. Additionally, controllers can start radio frequency communications with gaming consoles based on proximity and/or motion data. One benefit of such proximity and/or motion light control is battery conservation.

Abstract: There is provided a keyboard device with a lamination body, the lamination body comprising: a translucent touch panel; a symbol printing film on which arbitrary symbols are printed; a surface emission layer that illuminates the symbol printing film, wherein the touch panel is arranged on an upper surface side of the symbol printing film, the surface emission layer is arranged on a lower surface side of the symbol printing film, and an input operation surface that is placed on the outermost surface of the keyboard device is flat.

Abstract: A keypad includes a plurality of keys, and a processor that is coupled to control use of the keypad, including to enable use of the keypad in each of a letter entry mode or an alternative entry mode. The plurality of keys include a subset of keys, each key in the subset being (i) enlarged as compared to other keys of the keypad that are not part of the subset, (ii) assigned m letter values for when the keypad is operated in the letter entry mode, and (iii) assigned n numeric values, where 1?n<m, for when the keypad is operated in the alternative entry mode.

Abstract: An interface device includes at least one programmable device and a display portion coupled to the at least one programmable device. The display portion is configured to convey a hierarchical relationship of a plurality of screen images that at least partially overlap each other. The hierarchical relationship includes the plurality of screen images defined in a series of logically related, ordered, and ranked groupings.

Abstract: Disclosed are a chain code generating apparatus and a method thereof. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the chain code generating apparatus can include an image input unit, receiving an image signal from a camera and converting the received image signal to a digital image signal, and separating a synchronizing signal from the digital image signal and outputting the synchronizing signal; an image storing unit, storing image data corresponding to an active image section of the digital image signal in units of frame based on the synchronizing signal; and a code generating unit, reading the image data stored in the image storing unit and performing an outline search of the analysis portion, and generating a chain code according to a correlation between adjacent pixels forming an outline of the analysis portion in accordance with the searched result.

Abstract: An input device includes an input section formed of a display sheet and a coordinate input sheet, and a switch section allowing a push-input and placed on a substrate at a place corresponding to a display section of the display sheet. A foamed layer containing air and working as an insulating resin layer is placed between the input section and the substrate. The input section is supported via the foamed layer.

Abstract: A keyboard or keypad which can highlight symbols on the keys by illuminating them. The keys are backlit by two light sources, one visible and one ultraviolet, each of which illuminates multiple keys. One symbol on each key is designed to transmit the visible light, becoming highlighted when the visible light source is activated. A second symbol on each key is designed to fluoresce when illuminated by ultraviolet light, becoming highlighted when the ultraviolet light source is activated. If desired, both light sources can be activated, highlighting both symbols simultaneously. If desired, complementary light color and filter material may be used to reduce or eliminate transmission of light through the second symbol. A single pair of light sources may be used for the entire keyboard or the keyboard may be divided into segments with separate light sources for each segment.

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: An apparatus, including: a light source; a controller configured, in response to the occurrence of a first event involving the apparatus, to control the light source to produce a first, time-varying, illuminative effect that varies between maxima and minima of illumination intensity over a period of time following the occurrence of the first event, wherein the variation in the first illuminative effect is indicative to a user that the first event has occurred; and the controller being further configured, in response to the occurrence of a second event involving the apparatus, to control the light source to produce a second, time-varying, illuminative effect that varies between maxima and minima of illumination intensity over a period of time following the occurrence of the second event, wherein the variation in the second illuminative effect is indicative to a user that the second event has occurred.

Abstract: A user device comprising a keypad or a keyboard comprising one or more buttons; one or more light guides; one or more ultraviolet light emitting elements; and at least one of one or more fluorescently painted symbols or one or more fluorescent three-dimensional symbols, wherein the one or more ultraviolet light emitting elements are configured to expose ultraviolet light to the at least one of the one or more fluorescently painted symbols or the one or more fluorescent three-dimensional symbols via the one or more light guides.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to a leveled touchsurface with planar translational responsiveness to vertical travel. Examples of a touchsurface include a key of a keyboard, touchpad of a laptop, or a touchscreen of a smartphone or tablet computer. With the techniques described herein, the touchsurface is constrained to a level orientation and remains steady while a user presses the touchsurface like a button or key. Also, with the techniques described herein, a planar-translation-effecting mechanism imparts a planar translation to the touchsurface while it travels vertically (e.g., downward) as the user presses touchsurface. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: There is provided a technique which can reduce the entire thickness of a push-button switch while securing the brightness of the illumination and can increase the sensitivity and accuracy of a slide input. Use of a light guide sheet separating from a surface-type capacitance sensor is excluded, thereby being able to reduce the entire thickness of a sensor-integrated illuminated key sheet while a light guide sheet serves to secure the brightness of the illumination. A surface sheet is provided so as to contact the operation surface side of the light guide sheet as the substrate of the surface-type capacitance sensor. The distance between the operation surface of the surface sheet and the surface-type capacitance sensor can therefore decrease, which can enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of the slide input.

Abstract: An input processing device comprises a display screen and a pointing device for inputting corresponding 2-dimensional coordinates on the display screen. A 3-dimensional space is displayed on the display screen and the 2-dimensional coordinates inputted from the pointing device are detected. Next, shift amounts, per unit of time, of the detected 2-dimensional coordinates are calculated based on a predetermined calculation start condition. And the calculated shift amounts are converted to 3-dimensional coordinate shift amounts in the 3-dimensional space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a touch input device. The touch input device of the present invention comprises a cover unit 20 which is formed with a reflective coating layer 22 on a surface thereof and made of a transparent material; a selective transmission unit 24 which is provided on a rear surface of the cover unit 20, formed with light-emitting holes 26 indicative of their respective functions and made of an opaque material; and a touchpad module 30 which includes light emitting devices 33 provided on a rear surface of the selective transmission unit 24 to provide light to the light-transmitting holes 26 and detects whether a user's body is touched onto the surface of the cover unit 20 to receive a detection signal.

Abstract: A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2nd key to double functionality of the keys.

Abstract: A light-emitting keyboard is disclosed, which comprises: a light guide plate, configured with a light entrance surface, a light emitting surface and a via hole; a light source, disposed next to the light entrance surface of the light guide plate; a frame, disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate; an opaque material disposed on the via hole. With the aforesaid structure, light from the light source can be prevented from being emitting out from the via hole and thus can be evenly emitted out of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus that search for font data associated with an electronic document in a system in response to a font request are described. A font search is automatically activated when a requested font is determined not yet registered in a system. As a result of the font search, a requested font may be registered into a system. If a font search cannot locate a requested font in local storages and remote systems, a replacement for the requested font is selected from registered fonts. A replacement font may be one of the registered fonts most similar to the requested font according to a similarity measurement based on font attributes.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard device includes a keyboard unit having a plurality of pushbuttons with a light passing property and switches operating by pushing operation of the plurality of pushbuttons, a backlight unit emitting light toward the keyboard unit, and a sheet-shaped color changing part with a light passing property interposed between the keyboard unit and the backlight unit to change a color of light emitted from the backlight unit.

Abstract: A method of running an application in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. The method includes, if a predetermined key-value is input on a standby screen, analyzing the key-value to determine which application (or applications) to run; setting a parameter for running the application determined according to the key-value analysis result as the key-value; and running the application using the set parameter. A mobile communication terminal for running an application includes: a key input unit for receiving a predetermined key-value on a standby screen; a controller for if the key-value is input through the key input unit, analyzing the key-value to determine which application to run and setting a parameter for running the application determined according to the key-value analysis result as the key-value; and an application driver for running the application using the parameter set by the controller.

Abstract: A light-emitting keyboard is disclosed, which comprises: a light guide plate, configured with a light entrance surface, a light emitting surface, a bottom surface and a side surface in a manner that the light emitting surface is arranged opposite to the bottom surface, and the light entrance surface and the side surface are arranged respectively next and connecting to the light emitting surfaced and the bottom surface while being sandwiched therebetween; a light source, disposed next to the light entrance surface of the light guide plate; a frame, disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate; a first reflector, disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate; and a second reflector, disposed on the side surface of the light guide plate. With the aforesaid structure, light from the light source can be fully utilized so that the overall brightness of the light-emitting keyboard can be enhanced.

Abstract: A computing system includes one or more input-device user-interface runtime applications to dynamically display images on a dynamic input device. The one or more input-device user-interface runtime applications are executed in a currently active desktop. The computing system further includes a dominant application configured to execute in the currently active desktop. The dominant application is configured to specify an input-device user-interface runtime application corresponding to a current context of the dominant application. The specified input-device user-interface runtime application is configured to dynamically display virtual controls on the dynamic input device. The specified input-device user-interface runtime application is also configured to report activation of the virtual controls to the dominant application.

Abstract: A control method is to generate flickering color-light alteration of an illuminated keyboard which includes a plurality of keys depressed to provide at least one key-in signal, a plurality of backlight units and a control unit. The illuminated keyboard is divided into a plurality of illumination zones according to the backlight units. The control method includes steps of: first, setting multiple different illumination times corresponding to the backlight units through the control unit; next, detecting the key-in signal not being generated over a preset time or detecting the key-in signal matching a working condition to activate the control unit; and sending out a driving signal respectively by the control unit within the illumination time to the corresponding backlight units to generate illumination asynchronously in the illumination zones.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a character selecting system to select proper characters to edit a short message on the mobile electronic device. Selection of the proper characters by the character selecting system includes generation of a character list to edit a short message, generation of a number list corresponding to the character list, and activation of key-presses on the mobile device corresponding to numbers in the number list, to select the proper characters from the character list to edit the short message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object fixed relative to a frame of the device; a second object mounted in spaced relation to the first object and adapted for movement relative thereto; and a plurality of measuring cells for determining movement or displacement of the second object relative to the first object. Each measuring cell comprises a light-emitting element and a detector for detecting light from the light-emitting element. The invention provides a light shield for the optoelectronic device, the light shield comprising a plurality of channels which together define a non-planar or three-dimensional array of light beam paths between the first and second objects of the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A virtual user interface including: a display screen; a masking means for concealing at least part of said screen and revealing at least one preselected display area; at least one user-actuated control; and control means responsive to said user-actuated control for displaying information on said display area operatively associated with said user-actuated control.

Abstract: A portable information processing apparatus including a main body which includes a display opening and a front panel surface surrounding the display opening, a display to display an image through the display opening, and a key button input unit including one or more horizontal key groups including a plurality of key buttons arranged in an outwardly direction from the display opening in a portion of the front panel surface; and a reference line to connect and extend across top end portions of referenced key buttons in the one or more horizontal key groups extending in the outwardly direction from the display opening, wherein at least a portion of the reference line forms an angle with respect to a plane including a viewing surface of the display unit.

Abstract: An input system comprises an optical device configured to transmit and receive one or more optical signals along a segment of fiber optic cable; an optical input device connected to the segment of fiber optic cable, the optical input including an input key configured to reflect a portion of an optical signal as a consequence of being actuated; and a signal decoder connected to the optical device, the signal decoder configured to select a first input code from a plurality of input codes, the first input code corresponding to the portion of the optical signal reflected by the input key.

Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a PCB, a light guiding board disposed on the PCB, a panel disposed on the light guiding board, a plurality of panel portions made of transparent material, set on the panel, a lighting device disposed on the PCB, and a sensing device disposed on the PCB. when an object touches or slides on/above the surface of the panel portion, the intensity of light sensed by the sensing device changes which causes the current of the four sensors to be changed, thus the sensing device generates a signal to complete a corresponding information input.

Abstract: A keyboard is able to illuminate particular keys and to detect keypresses in an efficient manner. The keys of the array are logically arranged into one or more two-dimensional arrays (e.g., row/column arrays) so that the illumination and keypress detection functions share a common set of electrical signal lines in one dimension of the array. By coupling both the lights and the key actuation switches of each key to a common set of signal lines in one dimension, the number of signal lines used in the keyboard can be reduced.

Abstract: A mechanical keypad with touch panel function includes a key set including a plurality of keycaps and a keytop covering the keycaps, a backlight layer under the key set, a capacitive touch unit selectively disposed under several keycaps, an elastic layer including an elastomer and a plunger corresponding to the keycaps and disposed under the capacitive touch unit as well as a circuit board including metal domes and dome sheets corresponding to the keycaps. Each metal dome provides a mechanical feedback force so that the keycaps are able to be in indirect contact with the metal domes and the dome sheets by means of the plunger.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a key input device including plural keycaps used to manipulate key switches, respectively, a backlight radiating a light from a back to the keycap, and a board on which a signal line pattern forming a contact point adapted to be opened or closed in accordance with an up-and-down motion of corresponding one of the plural keycaps, and an electric power line pattern through which an electric power is supplied to the backlight are printed.

Abstract: An electric capacitance-type touch switch, capable of reducing malfunction in switching operations and improving the degree of freedom in the visual design of switch, includes a detection circuit that can detect an electric capacitance change occurring when a human body approaches or contacts to an electrode. A sputter layer (i.e., a metallic thin film formed by sputtering) is provided on a surface of an upper lens (i.e., insulating base resin layer). The sputter layer can provide a beautiful metallic glossy appearance similar to a mirror surface. The sputter layer can be used as a panel surface providing a glossy appearance with iridescent or dichromatic effects obtainable from the hue of the base resin layer transmitted via the metallic layer. Furthermore, the sputter layer can be used as an electric capacitance detection electrode.

Abstract: A key input apparatus capable of displaying a key input using light and a method of emitting the light are provided. The key input apparatus includes: a display unit; a key input unit configured to output a key signal in response to pressing a particular key corresponding to the character or number among a plurality of the keys, and distinguish the particular key from the other keys using light; and a control unit configured to output information on the character or number to the display unit in response to the key signal, and control a period of time for which the particular key is distinguishable using light to be longer than a period of time for which the particular key has been pressed.

Abstract: A light guide is provided for illuminating innumerable constructions, but which is ideally suited for illuminating the keys of a keyboard. The light guide includes a translucent planar plate having a top, a bottom and sides. Further, the light guide includes one or more cavities which project upwardly into the translucent plate from its bottom surface. The cavities are hollow or filled with a translucent material so that the translucent plate and the one or more cavities form translucent interfaces where the cavities interface with the plate. The light guide also includes a reflector which covers the plate bottom and cavity openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby a two-dimensional touchpad control for selecting color is implemented via a touch sensitive surface with a graphical attachment on its surface to select both an intensity and a color. The graphical attachment having two regions, one region being a rectangular shape to select the intensity via a Y-axis and the other being a two dimensional X/Y-axis control surface with color Hue on one axis and color Saturation on the other axis. Software running in a control device monitors touchpad regions for user inputs and converts the raw selected parameters on the touchpad into the Hue, Saturation and Intensity information, used in the preferred embodiment to control light fixture color and intensity.

Abstract: A keyboard with illuminating architecture includes a keyboard portion and a substrate carrying the keyboard portion, wherein the keyboard portion includes a plurality of pressing elements for receiving a pressing force from the user and inter-dependent mechanisms respectively under a force receiving surface of each pressing element for providing a moving stroke of the pressing element following the force direction, and the substrate has an assembling portion for assembling with the other end of the inter-dependent mechanism. Moreover, the surface of the substrate has at least one light guiding groove, which forms a light channel for transmitting light, and at least one inner sidewall of the light guiding groove is a light reflecting surface, so that the light in the light guiding groove is reflected by the light reflecting surface to the keyboard portion, thereby providing the pressing elements the brightness, and reducing whole keyboard thickness and thinning.

Abstract: A keyboard comprises a key module and a backlight module in which the key module comprises a light-transmissive key part and an electric circuit substrate, and the backlight module comprises a light guide plate, a reflection unit and at least one light source. The backlight module is disposed between the key part and the electric circuit substrate. Thus, lights emitted by the light source are projected into the light guide plate from the lateral side of the light guide plate, and the lights are reflected by the reflection unit for directly passing through the light output surface of the light guide plate and the key part.

Abstract: A key module includes a key, a light emitting component, and a drive circuit. The key is operable between on and off states. The light emitting component is disposed adjacent to the key, and is capable of providing indicating light for the key. The drive circuit is electrically connected to the key and the light emitting component. The drive circuit is triggered upon switching of the key from the off state to the on state to provide a drive signal for driving the light emitting component to provide the indicating light. The drive signal has an intensity that gradually decreases over time once the key switches from the on state to the off state such that the indicating light provided by the light emitting component has a luminance that gradually decreases over time.

Abstract: A mobile terminal communication method, which includes activating a touch screen of the mobile terminal, entering into an inactive touch screen mode preventing information from being entered on the touch screen of the mobile terminal while a function is executed on the terminal, receiving an input signal through a specified key arranged on the terminal during a time when the inactive touch screen mode is entered, and entering into an active touch screen mode allowing information to be entered on the touch screen in accordance with the received input signal.

Abstract: An illuminated computer input device includes a microprocessor; a touch pad module comprising a flexible, optically transmissive touch pad and a touch pad controller electrically interconnecting the touch pad and the microprocessor; a virtual keys sheet functioning as a flexible, rectangular, optically transmissive characters printing membrane and disposed under the touch pad; and a FOLED module comprising a FOLED sheet disposed under the virtual keys sheet, and a light controller electrically interconnecting the FOLED sheet and the microprocessor for adjusting brightness of the FOLED sheet.

Abstract: An appliance including a top plate has its operability improved and prevents an operation error. The appliance includes electrostatic touch keys provided on a lower surface of the top plate, the electrostatic touch keys including electrodes made of conductive films having predetermined light-blocking property, respectively, operation-unit illuminators emitting light toward the electrodes, which are partially cut, from a direction opposite to the top plate, respectively, and an illumination controller controlling illumination of the operation-unit illuminators. The illumination controller changes the illumination state of the shapes of key indicators above the electrodes to allow a user to identify function and validity of the electrostatic touch keys. The illumination controller controls the illumination state of operation-unit illuminators, such as lighting-on, blinking, lighting-off, and adjusting the brightness, to provide information required for operation.