Abstract: A controlling device using a source of energy, such as light energy, to provide the controlling device with a user interface having multiple, different visual appearances.

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 input device for providing dynamic displays is disclosed. The input device can modify the appearance and/or location of graphics associated with an input area of a device. For example, the input device can have a button layout that shifts based on the orientation of the electronic device relative to the user, such that the button layout is consistently presented to the user in an upright orientation. The input device can rotate and/or rename a button input area region depending on the context of an application running on the electronic device. The input device can display dynamic graphic content in an input area which is distinct from a display screen of the electronic device.

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 dimmable keypad device (20) includes a plurality of dimming curves stored in memory where each dimming curve corresponds to a combination of background and foreground colors. The dimmable keypad device includes a backlight (203), an ambient light sensor (201) to adjust the illumination of the backlight, key capsules (102) fabricated from substantially transparent plastic and having an opaque paint layer coating their outer surfaces. Key capsule lettering (103) is formed by the removal of a portion of the opaque paint layer and the lettering color, as seen by an observer (42), is formed by backlight illumination of the substantially transparent plastic. The backlight illumination is relatively high under a low ambient lighting condition and relatively low under a high ambient lighting condition when the opaque paint layer is white.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile apparatus including: a plurality of input sections each configured to display at least one image that corresponds to an input value assigned thereto; a plurality of label areas provided correspondingly to the plurality of input sections, each of the label areas labeled with at least one characters associated with the input value that is assigned to a corresponding one of the plurality of input sections; a photosensor configured to measure ambient illuminance; and a display controller configured to control turn-off and turn-on of image-display at the plurality of input sections based on the ambient illuminance.

Abstract: A keyboard frame with induction light source is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, a light guide plate, a signal line, a thermal sensor, a light source, a control circuit and a switch. As the light guide plate having the signal line disposed thereon is received in the frame while the thermal sensor and the light source is further disposed on the signal line and connected thereto, temperatures of a hand detected by the thermal sensor is transmitted to the control circuit where it is converted into electric signals and then send to the light source for directing the same to perform a color changing operation accordingly and thus cause the keyboard frame to display various coloring/lighting effects. With the aforesaid structure, not only the keyboard frame is fun to play for its ability to display various lighting/coloring effects, but also it is able to act as a thermometer for measuring human body's temperature.

Abstract: A method for inputting commands to a holographic input system, includes the steps of generating a virtual image of an input device by illuminating a hologram of the input device by means of a corresponding reference beam, the hologram being prerecorded on a holographic support; optically detecting a position of at least one actuator for operating the input device with respect to the virtual image of the input device; and issuing at least one command signal corresponding to the position of that at least one actuator as optically detected.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a computer keyboard having keys that are each capable of individual illumination. An electronic dictionary is provided for determining a set of most likely keys to be needed for an application, wherein the electronic dictionary is updated to include new words typed on the keyboard. The keyboard is operated with a user enabled/disabled function of selective illumination of respective keyboard keys so that a set of most likely alphabet keys according to the electronic dictionary along with an enter key and space bar are illuminated if a word processor application is running. Numeric keys are illuminated if a calculator application is running. The selective illumination is automatically disabled if user identification and password fields are being filled. All of the keys are automatically illuminated after a configured timeframe in which none of the suggested keys have been pressed.

Abstract: A keypad panel assembly having a laterally-illuminated keypad surface is arranged on an electronic device. The keypad panel includes a light-guiding plate and a panel. The light-guiding plate has a carrier thereon. One side surface of the carrier is provided with a plurality of protruding strips. Each protruding strip is provided with a plurality of light-guiding particles at positions corresponding to the other side surface of the carrier. The top surface of the protruding strip is provided with a reflective layer. The panel is arranged on one side surface of the carrier, and is provided thereon with a plurality of rectangular keypads. One side surface of each keypad is provided with an icon, and a plurality of hollowed portions is provided between each keypad and the panel. Each hollowed portion encloses a rectangular shape and corresponds to the protruding strip of the carrier.

Abstract: A light guide member and a sensor that constitute a front light mechanism are bonded with a bonded sheet. A double-sided adhesive tape is provided on each surface of the bonded sheet. A repairing material is printed on a surface of the sensor so as to fill concave portions provided between the adjacent X-electrodes. This substantially increases the contact area with the double-sided adhesive tape, and increases the bonding strength between the light guide member and the sensor.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and keypad include tactile features that help a user to identify certain keys of the keypad. In the present exemplary embodiment, the keypad includes keys in a predetermined region that can be employed during a telephone operation. The keypad additionally includes other keys outside the predetermined region. The keys in the predetermined region include tactile features that enable the user to identify and actuate the keys in the predetermined region during a telephone operation with the user directing minimal visual attention to the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A computing device entertainment mode system comprises a computing device comprising at least one indicator element disposed thereon, the computing device configured to be placed into an entertainment mode of operation such that, in response to being placed in the entertainment mode of operation, an illumination intensity level associated with the at least one indicator element is automatically decreased.

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 provided by logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and 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. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special <NEXT> key of the keypad that enables a user to progressively select variants without changing the position of the user's hands on the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device (100) for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object (10) fixed relative to a frame (1) of the device; a second object (20) mounted in spaced relation to the first object (10) and adapted for movement relative thereto; and at least one measuring cell for determining movement or displacement of the second object (20) relative to the first object (10). In one aspect, the invention provides a stop arrangement (40) for limiting the movement or displacement of the second object relative (20) to the first object (10), wherein the stop arrangement (40) comprises a mounting part (44) to be fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100), and at least one generally elongate stop member (41) arranged laterally of and substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44).

Abstract: An illumination keyboard is provided and includes a base plate, at least one tortuous circuit, a plurality of light sources, a light guide plate and a plurality of keys. The tortuous circuit is disposed on the base plate in a nonlinear arrangement. The light sources are coupled to the tortuous circuit for emitting light towards at least one direction. The light guide plate is disposed on the base plate for uniformizing the light emitted by the light sources. The keys are disposed on the light guide plate and located in a keys area of the base plate. Each key has a light pervious region through which the light penetrates through the key. The tortuous circuit is not overlapped with the light pervious regions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image display device having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can maintain a primary color which is desired to be expressed, and prevent an interference of other unwanted colors and a change of the primary color at the time of application of a light source of each light emitting diode. The image display device comprises: a first optical filter layer containing a violet wavelength-absorbing material having a wavelength range of from 380 nm to 450 nm such as Bi2O3 so as to prevent light having a wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 450 nm from being leaked out to an undesired region of an image display portion of the image display device; and a second optical filter layer such as a blue color filter layer so as to allow a white light to be expressed in a desired region of the image display portion.

Abstract: A keyboard with lighting source provides two conductive sheets made of copper foil, tin foil or aluminum foil as electrodes of semiconductor light emitting components. Multiple through holes are provided at the upper conductive sheet electrode. The semiconductor light emitting components are attached to and connected to the lower conductive sheet electrode at the areas exposing from the through holes and the upper conductive sheet electrode at the areas near the through holes. No light guide plate or printed circuit board with complicated layout is necessary to meet the required features such as thinness, uniform luminance, and simplicities of structure and fabricating process.

Abstract: A generic input device built of Electro-optical camera, sensors, buttons and communication means, provides a measure for operating in absolute and/or relational mode, most software applications on many electronic platforms with display independent of the screen characters.

Abstract: An input device and mobile terminal having the same is provided. The input device includes a housing having at least one transmissive region, a touch board located substantially adjacent the housing, the touch board being configured to sense a touch applied to the housing, a plurality of light emitting units, each light emitting unit being at least partially located in or on the touch board, and a controller configured to selectively turn on at least one of the light emitting units to be visible through the at least one transmissive region when the touch board senses a touch applied to the housing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: a keyboard provided with a plurality of keys and a plurality of LEDs arranged around each of the keys; a storage unit configured to store information indicating relationship between the keys and corresponding LEDs; a detecting unit configured to detect a key input at one of the plurality of keys; and an LED controlling unit configured to light at least one of the LEDs corresponding to the one of the keys based on the information when the detecting unit detects the key input.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive momentary-contact switch has an optical sensor, particularly an infrared sensor, and an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit is able to identify a malfunction in the optical sensor, so that the momentary-contact switch can be switched off, for example, for safety reasons. Therefore, it is possible to identify a malfunction in the optical sensor.

Abstract: A keypad is provided for a computing device. The keypad includes one or more lighting devices or mechanisms for illuminating a plurality of keys structures. In an embodiment, the plurality of key structures are formed from a milky material.

Abstract: A light guide guides light from a light emitter that is adjacent to an aperture of an electronic device. The light is eventually emitted from the aperture, to thereby provide lighting. The light guide can include a plurality of prisms which can thereby permit reduction in the overall thickness of the electronic device.

Abstract: A versatile keyboard input and output device is described. The keyboard device includes a housing having a plurality of buttons, with each button individually clickable, and a capacitive sensing element under each button for touch sensing. The versatile keyboard input and output device further includes a lighting element under each button to provide selective lighting for each button, and a plurality of button glyphs for the plurality of buttons respectively, wherein the button glyphs are selectively visually changeable. The keyboard input device also includes a haptic feedback mechanism included in the housing for providing haptic feedback for the plurality of buttons.

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: A key pad apparatus includes a key top part; an illuminating part for introducing the light of a light emitting element and diffusing the same; a first variable color display part to be irradiated by the diffused light from the illuminating part for selectively transforming its color to be reflected or transmitted according to an electrical signal; a first base film provided with a laminate under the first variable color display part and formed with a first printed surface; a second variable color display part provided with the laminate under the first base film to be irradiated by the diffused light from the illuminating part for selectively transforming its color to be reflected or transmitted according to an electrical signal; and a second base film provided with the laminate under the second variable color display part and formed with a first printed surface.

Abstract: A portable telephone 1 is a portable terminal device in which a telephone receiving housing 2 is coupled to a telephone transmitting housing 3 by a coupling portion 4 such that they can be opened and closed. In the telephone receiving housing 2, a projecting portion 21 is formed on an end portion of a first face S1, which faces the telephone transmitting housing 3 in the closed state. In the telephone transmitting housing 3, a notched portion 22 is formed in an end portion thereof, in which the projecting portion 21 is arranged such that the projecting portion is rotatably coupled to notched portion 22. A switch is provided inside the projecting portion 21 and a sub-key capable of depressing this switch is provided to the projecting portion 21. The sub-key is provided on a surface of the projecting portion 21 in such a manner that a depression direction of the sub-key coincides with a depression direction of the main key in the opened state.

Abstract: A key switch to sense and give feedback to a computer of depth, acceleration, velocity, and lateral or vibrato movement. The key switch is suitable for computer keyboards, musical keyboards, foot pedals and the like. Lateral or sideward key movements can be for mouse functions or multi code output from multi directional key movement from one key outputting a single key code or key sequences.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for operating a touch keypad, the mobile terminal including a touch keypad, a touch sensor processor for sensing a signal inputted from a key selected by a user on the touch keypad and outputting location information corresponding to the selected key based upon the sensed signal, a Control Processor (CPU) for outputting at least one or more control signals based upon the outputted location information, and a light emitting diode controller for independently driving a light emitting diode corresponding to the selected key based upon the outputted control signals.

Abstract: A system and method for redistributing space in ink-to-text conversions is described. In stylus-based computing systems, users often desire to convert ink from ink into text. Sometimes the conversion is made such that an interaction region is made too small for effective recognition correction or interaction. A system and procedure is described that adjusts the spacing of text to allow easier interaction with the recognition results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable radio remote control transmitter with a splash-proof and dust-tight housing, which accommodates a control unit and comprises an operator control panel with a number of buttons for entering control commands. In order to develop the radio remote control transmitter in such a way that the risk of erroneous operation is reduced, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one button has an associated illuminating element for illuminating the button.

Abstract: By helping key input using a key backlight of a terminal apparatus to improve operability of the terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus comprises 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, wherein 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 computer enclosure is used to install a computer motherboard therein. The computer motherboard includes a number of peripheral component interconnect (PCI) sockets for mounting a number of PCI cards. When some of the number of PCI sockets are not used, the disclosure provides a data storage device bracket which is arranged neighboring some unused PCI socket in the computer enclosure. The data storage device bracket holds at least one data storage device therein, which can fully utilize a space of the computer enclosure.

Abstract: A state display device includes: a key operating section which receives input from a user; light sources which are formed by an R lighting element, a G lighting element, and a B lighting element, and which are provided in the vicinity of the key operating section; and a control unit which controls the lighting of each one of the RGB lighting elements of the light sources.

Abstract: New QWERTY key layout text entry method, which is designed to allow users to achieve high-speed text entry such as alphabet, numbers and symbols, on relatively small-sized devices such as cellular phones, smart phones, IP phones, landline phones, PDAs, watches, remote controllers, game controllers, Karaoke controllers, car navigation controllers, single-hand use assistive PC keyboard and other devices. Three different characters are assigned for each single keypad, and one extra character is assigned to the gap space in between two keypads, comprising manually operated two actuator elements beneath each keypad. Single key press operation at the position of left, right, or middle part of the key-top convert three different states including simultaneous activation of the two actuator elements.

Abstract: A key assembly applicable in an electronic device for performing preset functions is provided. The key assembly includes a control member and at least one sensor, wherein the control member selectively enables any sensor to sense the external operation, and when an external operation is sensed, the sensor outputs a triggering signal for performing the corresponding function.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus comprises a display module, a detecting module, a keyboard module and a processing module. The detecting module is capable of detecting a position of the display module. The keyboard module comprises a key portion and a plurality of light guide structures. The key portion comprises at least one physical key. Each light guide structure comprises a light source and a light guide element having at least one icon corresponding to the at least one physical key formed on a surface of the light guide element. The processing module can select a different light guide structure according to the position of the display module to show the at least one icon on the key portion corresponding to the position of the display module.

Abstract: One exemplary method embodiment herein can run an operating system on a processor and executes one or more applications on the operating system (sometimes simultaneously) that causes different input requests to be dynamically displayed on a visual display. If more than one application is being executed at a time, only one currently selected application can be available for user input at a time. These input requests can dynamically change depending upon the current state of the currently selected application. The method controls the keys with the operating system to dynamically illuminate only valid keys that correspond to input requests of the currently selected application being currently displayed on the visual display.

Abstract: An input device and a mobile terminal including the same is provided. The input device includes a housing formed of a non-conductive material and having at least one transmissive region, a touch board spaced from the housing, a displaceable conductive member located between the housing and the touch board, and a plurality of light emitting units, each light emitting unit being located on the touch board.

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: This invention provides a flash lighting input apparatus and driving method. According to this invention, the flash lighting input apparatus can be a flash lighting keyboard. The flash lighting apparatus comprises a micro control unit, a pulse width modulation unit electrically connects to the micro control unit, a light control unit electrically connects to the pulse width modulation unit, and a lighting unit electrically connects to the light control unit. The micro control unit produces a control signal to the pulse width modulation unit, and the pulse width modulation unit produces a modulation signal according to the control signal. The lighting control unit receives the modulation signal and produces a driving signal according to the modulation signal, and transfers the driving signal to the lighting unit to drive the lighting unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a process of staging a live or pre-recorded performance that follows a schedule, optionally before a mass audience. The performance involves electronic and/or mechanical media that is computer controlled, preferably so as to create a virtual reality of one or more events. In the course of the performance, when an action that is not normal to the schedule occurs, the timing, speed, or sequence of one or more electronic and/or mechanical media activities are adjusted, whereby to compensate for the action so that the action does not adversely affect the continuity and totality of the performance to the audience. The present invention also encompasses an apparatus that comprises a sensory stimuli device(s), a mass audience area substantially within a space for reception of the sensory stimuli device(s), and computer hardware and software.

Abstract: A controlling device using a source of energy, such as light energy, to provide the controlling device with a user interface having multiple, different visual appearances.

Abstract: A key switch to sense and give feedback to a computer of depth, acceleration, velocity, and lateral or vibrato movement. The key switch is suitable for computer keyboards, musical keyboards, foot pedals and the like. Lateral or sideward key movements can be for mouse functions or multi code output from multi directional key movement from one key outputting a single key code or key sequences.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the visual effect of a video display. Such a system includes a video display that displays moving images and a light source connected to the video display for providing a light effect that softens visual boundaries of the video display and enhances overall visual effect, wherein the light source illuminates one or more surfaces adjacent to the video display.

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 mobile communication terminal adapted for being connected to an external display device through a wired or wireless link is provided. The mobile communication terminal has an input section which receives an input for operating the mobile communication terminal, a storage section which stores a manual of the mobile communication terminal, the manual including a procedure for an operation performed through the input section, an external output controller which provides the external display device with the manual so as to display the manual on the external display device, and a navigation section which introduces a series of operations to be input through the input section in accordance with the procedure displayed on the external display device.

Abstract: A keypad backlighting device includes a light source having an emission chip and a fluorescent material applied to the emission chip. The emission chip and the fluorescent material interact with each other and generate white light. The light source can realize white light by means of interaction between the emission chip and the fluorescent material applied thereto. This improves the reproduction properties of the backlight color of the keypad. In addition, the device has an elastic pad configured for guiding light from the light source to key tops attached to the pad. This reduces the number of light sources and saves on the cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: A function input method for providing in advance to a user information on a function to be executed when the user presses a button to execute a specific function in a portable terminal, such as a cellular phone, and a button input apparatus using the same. The method includes: receiving a button input when the user presses one of a plurality of buttons; determining whether a mode of the button input is a touch mode or a click mode; and displaying a preview image of a function corresponding to the pressed button if the button input mode is the touch mode and executing the function corresponding to the pressed button if the button input mode is the click mode.