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: An electronic device includes a flexible display panel having an intermediate extended display section that interconnects a normal display end section fitted in a panel-mounting frame movable along an outer surface of a housing, and a coupling end section disposed in the housing, that extends through a vertical slot in the housing, and that is guided around a guide roller. The normal display end section of the display panel serves as a normal display area when the panel-mounting frame is positioned at a normal position by a positioning unit. The normal display end section and the intermediate extended display section serve as an enlarged display area when the panel-mounting frame is positioned at an extended position. A biasing unit biases the intermediate extended display section to move into the housing.

Abstract: A mobile communication device configured to operate in at least a first mode and a second mode is provided. The mobile communication device includes a housing, a light emitting unit configured to emit at least a first color when the mobile communication device is operated in the first mode and to emit a second color when the mobile communication device is operated in the second mode, and a filtering unit having at least a first pattern associated with the first mode and a second pattern associated with the second mode. The filtering unit is configured to display the first pattern with the first color in the housing when the mobile communication device is operated in the first mode and to display the second pattern with the second color in the housing when the mobile communication device is operated in the second mode.

Abstract: A key input device combined with a key display unit and a digital appliance having the same are disclosed. The key input device includes a key display unit for displaying a character or an image that identifies a key, a touch sensing unit that moves down and up by a pressure applied to this key, and a signal generation unit for generating an electric signal in accordance with the pressure applied to the key, wherein the character or the image displayed on the key display unit can be changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing phone numbers and short messages is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing including electronics operable to receive an input and display a sequence of no more than seventeen characters in response to the input. The electronics include at least two electronic displays operable to display the sequence of no more than seventeen characters and a keypad operable to receive the sequence of no more than seventeen characters. The keypad includes twenty-six alphabetic keys, each alphabetic key representing a letter of the alphabet ranging from A to Z and ten numeric keys, each numeric key representing a single number ranging from zero (0) to nine (9). A clear key operable to clear the last character of the sequence of no more than seventeen characters and a processor is operably coupled to the at least two electronic displays and the keypad to convert the input into an alphanumeric character to be displayed by at least one of the two electronic displays.

Abstract: An electronic camera including an electronic imaging sensor providing an output representing an imaged field, a first imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for taking a picture of a scene in the imaged field, a second imaging functionality employing the electronic imaging sensor for data entry responsive to user hand activity and a user-operated imaging functionality selection switch operative to enable a user to select operation in one of the first and second imaging functionalities.

Abstract: Described is a zero-force key activation keyboard with individual key illumination. The keyboard includes a non-moving key for causing generation of an input signal when activated. The key has a depressed surface defining an approximately concave well with sides forming an open region sized to receive a tip of a finger. A light emitter positioned on one side of the well emits a beam of light across the open region to an opposite side of the well. A light detector is positioned on the opposite side of the well to receive the light beam and to signal activation of the key when the light beam is obstructed from being received by the light detector. Each key is illuminated from within the well. When the key is activated, its illumination color can change. Upon release, the illumination color returns immediately or gradually back to a previous color or unlighted state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a keypad for a mobile phone and the keypad manufactured thereby, in which a vacuum deposition layer and a cellophane paper are attached to a lower surface of a key in the keypad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hardware input devices provides context sensitive labels which can change according to an application running on a computer and/or the function assigned to an input element. An illustrative implementation of the method and apparatus includes employing ink having two or more electroluminescent pattern layers with an input device. Based on the context of a computer associated with the input device, an illuminated pattern identifies the current functionality of one or more of the inputs of the input device.

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: An information handling system keyboard assembly interfaces with an information handling system through a connector that communicates user inputs made at a keyboard and provides power for illumination. Illumination traces formed in a keyboard matrix extend between the connector and an illumination circuit coupling point located proximate the connector. The illumination circuit connects with the illumination traces with a conductive adhesive or mechanical connector so that power is provided from the connector through the illumination traces of the membrane to the illumination circuit to illuminate the keyboard. Keyboard matrix traces extend from the matrix to the connector so that keyboard communication and power are both made through the same connector.

Abstract: A keyboard illumination system comprises a computer device having a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The system also comprises a display controller adapted to change an electrical state of at least one of the LCDs for providing a predetermined level of illumination by the at least one LCD for illuminating at least a portion of a keyboard of the computer device.

Abstract: A workstation for a surveillance system comprising a display, a user input device and a control unit in communication with the display and the user input device. The user input device has a plurality of keys and a light source to light the keys with a plurality of different colors. The control unit generates an image on the display that has a plurality of differently colored icons with each of the icons symbolizing a function to be performed by the control unit. The control unit generates a control signal to the user input device causing the light source to light the plurality of keys in the user input device in colors to correspond to the colors of the icons in the image on the display. The control unit performs the control function corresponding to a particular icon from the plurality of differently colored icons when a user activates a key from the plurality keys having the color that corresponds to the color of the particular icon.

Abstract: A terminal includes a terminal body, a data output interface, and a data input interface. The data output interface includes a display disposed on a face of the terminal body. The data input interface includes a keypad that is extractable from a storage space inside the terminal body. The keypad is disposed on a flexible film supported by a pulley that includes a retractor which is biased to retract the film into the storage space. The terminal body includes an activator that applies electrical current through the film. The film includes a material which is configured to change from a flexible mode to a stiff mode upon application of the current.

Abstract: A computer game system uses an infrared sensor which produces an infrared light to produce pulse of infrared light. Optics focus reflections from the infrared light pulse from different portions of the environment to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce indications of the distance of the closest objects. The indications can be used by a processor to determine each action. The determined action can be used as input to a computer game. The infrared sensor can also be used with a musical keyboard system.

Abstract: A keyboard system comprises a first plurality of keys. The first plurality of keys have top surfaces with fixed indicia disposed thereon. The keyboard system further comprises a recessed section. The keyboard system further comprises a programmable display key module disposed in the recessed section. The programmable display key module comprises a dynamically programmable flat panel display having a plurality of display areas. The programmable display key module further comprises a second plurality of keys. Each of the second plurality of keys has at least a first transparent surface and a switch engagement structure. At least a portion of each key overlays a corresponding display area of the dynamically programmable flat panel display. The programmable display key module further comprises a plurality of switches. Each switch is positioned adjacent to a corresponding switch engagement structure of a corresponding key.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal and a display method of the terminal which recognize the result of operating at least some of a plurality of buttons, and display a plurality of images corresponding to the recognized result on the buttons according to techniques which are preset for each of the images. Thus, operational convenience can be maximized for a user who operates the buttons on the terminal, which is compact and has various applicable functions, in order to indicate a certain function.

Abstract: An all-color light control switch that is used by an operator for free adjustment or control of a light emitting diode lamp set; using multiple sets of commands for light variations stored in a non-volatile memory unit in a microprocessor on the circuit board, and by switching a rotational encoder and a coaxial press knob, the operator can control the brightness and different colors of light variations of an LED lamp; special designed light guide member guides and mixes multiple-color LED light sources on the circuit and displays them on a panel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for illuminating selected keys on a computer keyboard. The illumination color, intensity, duration and the blink rate for each key are under the control of the computer. Key select codes from the computer are mapped onto the keyboard matrix such that any computer key code can select any key on the keyboard. Multiple keys can be illuminated by time multiplexing the illumination drivers to the key matrix in a manner such that the intensity of any key does not vary regardless of the number of keys that are illuminated.

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 luminous keyboard module uses a luminous material to produce keys of the keyboard module, or uses the luminous material to produce a backlight plate under the keys. When an UV light source irradiates UV light on the keys or the backlight plate containing the luminous material, the keys or the backlight plate can illuminate visible light to show the character symbols on the corresponding keys clearly under environment with insufficient light.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, method, and article to provide a virtual user interface are described. The apparatus may include a processor to receive a control signal from a navigation controller and to define a virtual user interface on a display device. Based on the control signal, the processor is to locate an indicator from a first location to a second location in accordance with a first navigation rule. Or, based on the control signal the processor is to locate the indicator within the second location in accordance with a second navigation rule. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An input apparatus and method using optical masking which enable a user to intuitively manipulate a menu by mapping light sources of an optical masking sensing unit and icons displayed on a display panel to corresponding positions. The input apparatus includes a display panel displaying a plurality of icons and functions of the icons, and an optical masking sensing unit including a plurality of optical devices as light sources, turning on optical devices located at positions corresponding to positions of the displayed icons.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a hot spot is normally centered in an area of contact between a user's finger and a touch screen to position the hot spot on an icon or other feature thereby selecting a program or function corresponding to the icon or feature. When the contact area is near an edge, the hot spot is offset toward the edge so that it coincides more closely to the center of the users finger, thus allowing an icon or other feature adjacent the edge of the screen to be more easily selected. In another embodiment, a cursor is displayed on a touch screen at a location that is offset from the contact area between a finger and the screen. The cursor, which is used as the hot spot of the computer, is normally offset above the contact area except when the contact area is close to the bottom of the screen.

Abstract: An air conditioning system thermostat includes a visual display and plural switch actuators, respectively backlit by an electroluminescent lamp and LED light sources mounted on a circuit board disposed in a thermostat housing. A control circuit causes at least one switch actuator to be illuminated continuously and the light sources for the display and the remaining switch actuators are illuminated in response to actuation of any one of the switch actuators. Switch contact elements mounted on the switch actuators and the circuit board provide advantageous positioning of the LED light sources for the switch actuators. An energy savings switch actuator allows the control circuit to directly assume setback temperature settings in response to a first actuation and a second actuation resets the thermostat to the initial user set temperature settings.

Abstract: A digital keyboard has a plurality of keys having a top key surface having means for displaying images and indicia thereon. While the images/indicia can be composed of any picture, illustration, words or combination thereof, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to display predetermined images and/or words on key caps representing shortcut key sequences for performing functions related to a user's current in process computer software applications as opposed to using a mouse to perform those same function through activation and selection from drop down menus or icons. Alternatively, a digital display screen forming an integral part of a keyboard whereupon information related to software applications can be displayed.

Abstract: A light-indicating input device has a housing having a plurality of function keys and control keys, with the control keys being divided into a first group of control keys and a second group of control keys, with a first function key controlling the first group of control keys, and a second function key controlling the second group of control keys. The input device also includes a micro controller, and first and second light sources coupled to the micro controller, with the micro controller and the light sources located within the housing. Activation of the first function key causes the micro controller to illuminate the first light source to illuminate only the first group of control keys, and activation of the second function key causes the micro controller to illuminate the second light source to illuminate only the second group of control keys.

Abstract: A method for making a luminescent key. The key has a 3-dimensional shape and is extraordinarily thin. Besides, the key evenly emits luminescence. The key can be used in a mobile phone to save space so that more components can be put in to the mobile phone.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for soft keys that have multiple states of activation potentially associated with each soft key and are illuminated by light coming from the display.

Abstract: An LED keyboard of a notebook computer comprises a plurality of interlaced slots, each having a cluster of retaining holes. Roughly at the center of the cluster of retaining holes, there is a flexible body wherein a light-emitting body is installed. Each of the light-emitting bodies has a set of conducting feet extended thereunder, which is kept at a distance from a base. The base further includes a conducting film and a plurality of retaining rings. A scissored foot set is mounted above within each of the slots, having a key cap mounted on the scissored foot set. Thereby, as the key cap is stroked, the scissored foot set will shift downward and the conducting feet will contact with a copper-foil wire on the conducting film, activating the light-emitting body. As the key cap is not stroked, the flexible body will restore the original configuration.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive pushbutton switch includes an optical sensor, in particular an infrared sensor, and an evaluation circuit. The evaluation circuit is able, through the use of a reference device, to set a sensitivity of the optical sensor in dependence on a detected basic level of an evaluation signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to a keypad with an EL device for a backlight united with a keypad rubber and a method for fabricating the same for improving a click sensitivity and visibility of keys and preventing a wrong operation of the keys by using a silicon injection process. The method for fabricating a keypad used in a portable terminal, comprises the steps of: fabricating a light-emitting device for a backlight; printing an adhesive on a front side and a back side of the light-emitting device; performing an injection process to form a silicon layer, the silicon layer united with the light-emitting device through the adhesive; cutting the light-emitting device united with the silicon layer in a regular shape suitable to the portable terminal; and attaching keys to portions of the silicon layer corresponding to a light-emitting portion of the front side in the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A keyboard and display for a computer includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front wall. A processor is mounted within the housing. A plurality of keys defining a computer keyboard is positioned in the top wall and is substantially flush with the top wall. Each of the keys comprises a touch sensitive key and each is electrically coupled to the processor. A display is mounted in the top wall and is substantially flush with the top wall. The display is electrically coupled to the processor. An interface is electrically coupled to the processor and selectively coupled to the computer for communication between the processor and the computer. The computer may receive input from the plurality of keys and a video signal received from the computer may be displayed on the display.

Abstract: A mobile station for receiving and generating wireless communications signals. The mobile station includes layers of translucent materials each having a visual characteristic and overlapping portions that define another visual characteristic. The layers can be used to define keys overlying pressure sensitive regions of a wireless communications signal processing assembly (e.g., dome contacts on a printed wiring board). Keys constructed of two layers have a first and second visual characteristics defined individually by the first and second layers, respectively, and a composite visual characteristic defined by the overlapping portions of the layers. For instance, the first and second visual characteristics may be two different colors that in the overlapping region form a composite color that is aesthetically attractive and distinguishes that portion of the key for easy identification during use.

Abstract: Mobile telephone handset navigation functions are integrated into certain of the alphanumeric keys of the mobile keypad. Up, down, right, and left navigation functions are integrated into four alphanumeric keys. The mobile automatically toggles between the navigation and alphanumeric functions of these keys based on where the user is within the interface routine of the mobile. Optionally the user can manually toggle between the navigation and alphanumeric functions by pressing a menu key.

Abstract: Systems for initiating the execution of a macro by simultaneously depressing multiple keys and for reducing the misclassification of keyboard input by distinguishing between rollovers in normal typing and the simultaneous depression of two keys. Only keystrokes that follow a pause are considered candidates for macro initiation. Keystrokes not separated by a pause are dispatched to the operating system for normal processing. If a user types in a normal fashion, no macro is recognized, and the user experiences no unexpected behavior. A user dictionary of macro definitions is used to determine whether the first keystroke is part of a macro input pair.

Abstract: Images displayed on a display device are animated to reflect a user's selection of the images. According to one embodiment, the displayed images include keyboard characters that are selected when the user touches the display at the locations of the display where the images are shown. Selection of the displayed images can also be made through any combination of audio, optical, mechanical and electrical input devices. A plurality of selected images can also be animated simultaneously and by varying degree to reflect a sequence in which the images were selected by the user.

Abstract: The invention provides a key input device comprising a plurality of key tops 7 arranged on a surface of a main body case, each of the key tops 7 having a body 73 of transparent resin, the key body 73 being provided with a light blocking film 71 formed over a front surface thereof, the light blocking film 71 being partly cut out to form a light transmitting pattern 72 representing a character. LEDs 8 are arranged below the key tops 7. Each of the key tops 7 has a semitransparent screen 9 formed on a rear surface thereof in an area to be illuminated with LEDs 8 and extending only over a region opposed to the light transmitting pattern 72.

Abstract: A user interface is disclosed which may take a data stream, or file having hyperlinks or functional text embedded therein. The CPU of the user interface may select distinct colors for each hyperlink so that such links are distinguishable. The color selection may be made so that each link has a button that that has a matching color for at least one hyperlink. The user interface associates a button having a color with a hyperlink having the same color, such that when the button is actuated, programmed execution of the function associated with the hyperlink occurs. Thus a mapping of button, to color, to hyperlink, to function may be established.

Abstract: A modular laptop computer for accommodating selective placement and customization of user interface components. The computer includes a cavity having a connection or interface or coupling region, such as a universal serial bus jack for connecting to or mating with a corresponding interface on each component. The interface connections in the cavity are connected to one or more buses for providing an interface between the attached components and a computer processor. In this manner, the components such as keyboards, trackballs, drives, music players and so forth, can all be rearranged within the cavity in the positions of the user's preference.

Abstract: A system and method for determining which key value in a set of key values is to be assigned as a current key value as a result an object intersecting a region where a virtual interface is provided. The virtual interface may enable selection of individual key values in the set. The position is determined using a depth sensor that determines a depth of the position in relation to the location of the depth sensor. A set of previous key values that are pertinent to the current key value may also be identified. In addition, at least one of either a displacement characteristic of the object, or a shape characteristic of the object is determined. A probability is determined that indicates the current key value is a particular one or more of the key values in the set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hardware input devices provides context sensitive labels which can change according to an application running on a computer and/or the function assigned to an input element. An illustrative implementation of the method and apparatus includes employing ink having two or more electroluminescent pattern layers with an input device. Based on the context of a computer associated with the input device, an illuminated pattern identifies the current functionality of one or more of the inputs of the input device.

Abstract: A keypad is disclosed which has a plurality of keys (12) for the input of information. Each key has a first switch (80) and a second switch (90). The first switches (80) are all connected to a common electrical interconnection (120) and the second switches (90) are connected into a matrix electrical interconnection (62, 100). The microprocessor (66) detects a global signal on the common interconnection (120) and supplies scan signals to the matrix interconnection (62, 100) to enable detection of a particular key. The processor (66) may also selectively change the state of lines (62, 100) of the matrix and also maintain particular lines in a predetermined state by open drain ports of the processor to which the lines of the matrix are connected.

Abstract: Provided are a movable contact element used in a panel switch on the operation panel of various electronic devices and a panel switch using the movable contact element, which provide excellent operation feeling and simplify the production and integration processes. Between base sheet and the center of the outer surface of domed part of movable contact point is disposed spacer piece. Base sheet has a small protrusion swollen upward on its top surface, and the small protrusion serves as pressed part. This structure can eliminate the detachment of spacer piece from base sheet, and can also both simplify and improve reliability of the production and integration processes of the movable contact element and the panel switch. Providing pressed part ensures that the center of movable contact point is fully pressed down to a predetermined level, thus providing the user with excellent operation feeling.

Abstract: A method for indicating status on a programmed communication device wherein each of one or more backlights is associated with a respective key of a plurality of keys. Status information to be communicated to a user of the communication device is then generated, and one or more backlights are illuminated according to a pattern corresponding to the status information. Thus, a visual graphical display is not necessary, cost is reduced, volume is conserved, and reliability is increased.

Abstract: A system for controlling an apparatus (11, 21, 31), which system comprises a control unit (13, 23, 33) adapted to transfer control signals to the apparatus dependent on the control data. Said control unit comprises data input means (14, 24, 34, 44) to input said control data, and said apparatus comprises interpreting means adapted to translate said control signal into an action. Aiming to indicate for a user of the control unit, which action the apparatus is arranged to take when activating the data input means, a visual indicator is arranged on said data input means. The invention is characterized in that said data input means comprises a variable presentation means (45, 57), arranged to realise said indicator, wherein said control unit comprises a first storage means (53) adapted to store the visual data presentable with said presentation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A keypad for a mobile phone includes a circuit board having a fixed contact point; a dome switch disposed on the circuit board; a base pad member having a projection for pressing the dome switch to generate signal; an upper pad member having a key top, the upper pad member being integrally formed with the base pad member, and an EL element disposed surface-contacting between the base pad member and the upper pad member.

Abstract: A user input device employs a number of legends that are selectively illuminable to indicate an active one of alternative input values of a user selectable key.

Abstract: A data input device including an optically generated image of a data input device, the image including at least one input zone actuable by an action performed thereon by a user, a sensor operative to sense the action performed on the at least one input zone, and to generate signals in response to the action, and a processor in communication with the sensor operative to process the signals for performing an operation associated with the at least one input zone.