Abstract: A pointing device is provided for reporting motion information about the pointing device. Counts representing movement in two dimensions are processed so that a packet data stream may accommodate the motion information. One aspect of the invention utilizes the value of count to determine whether compression of the motion information should be performed. When it is determined that compression should be performed, a compression function is selected, the count is processed by the compression function, and an indicator is set to indicate that the count is processed by the compression function. Reporting information, which includes the processed count and the indicator, is then transmitted to computer system. A user input interface that is associated with the computer system recovers the counts using appropriate inverse functions in accordance with the indicators.

Abstract: In response to key operation, a portable terminal lights up an LCD unit, and also lights up keys only when it is dark around the portable phone by measuring external brightness.

Abstract: A keypad backlighting apparatus includes an electroluminescence layer for lighting an input device of an electronic apparatus. The input device may be a keypad and the electronic apparatus may be a mobile communications terminal. The terminal includes an upper case having a plurality of button holes formed in a predetermined pattern, electroluminescence (EL) keypad on a lower surface of the upper case and having buttons exposed through the button holes. A printed circuit board (PCB) installed adjacent the EL keypad includes a backlight driving circuit for supplying power to the EL keypad. A lower case of the terminal is coupled to the upper case and supports the EL keypad and the PCB.

Abstract: In a portable telephone including a plurality of input buttons 1 for inputting various indications, light emitting elements 7 which emit a light, when any one of the input buttons 1 is pushed on, diffusers 8 which are located under a plurality of input buttons 1 and which diffuse the light emitted from the light emitting element 7, the diffuser 8 has an incidence portion 5 which has a receiving plane positioned near the light emitting elements 7 and receiving the light emitted from the light emitting elements 7, and a projecting portion 6 which has a reflecting plane for reflecting the light received by the incidence portion 5 to an upper side of a plurality of input buttons 1.

Abstract: A multimeter instrument for measuring variables, such as electrical current, voltage, or resistance includes touch-sensitive zones for selection of the variable to be measured. The measurement circuit associated with the variable selected with the aid of touch-sensitive selection zones is activated by the zone selected.

Abstract: A keypad (7) of a mobile telephone handset comprises a keymat (17) beneath which are disposed capacitive sensing plates (20, 21). The keypad may be used in a conventional manner to enter alphanumeric data by pressing keys (18) or as a touch pad by sliding a finger over the surface of the keymat (17).

Abstract: A portable telephone of the present invention comprises a casing, a LCD 18 and a key input device 20 disposed on a surface of the casing. The casing has a microphone 17 for delivering speech, a speaker 16 for receiving speech, a backlight 19 for lighting a screen of the LCD 18, a key light device 21 for lighting a manipulation surface of the key input device 20, and a control circuit 15 incorporated therein. The control circuit 15 checks whether a speech delivery signal input from the microphone 17 is a voice signal. If the speech delivery signal is a voice signal, display operation of the LCD 18 is set to OFF and both the backlight 19 and the key light device 21 are turned off. If the signal is not a voice signal, display operation of the LCD 18 is set to ON. Consequently, useless power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: The computer of the present invention is provided with a main body on which keys to be operated by the user are disposed and a display unit that displays an image in accordance with each operation executed for the main body. Each key disposed on the main body is composed of its body having a key top and a light accumulator recess opened in the key top. The light accumulator recess is formed in a manner indicative of the character or symbol associated with such key. The light accumulator recess has embedded in it a light accumulating material such that the character or symbol associated with the key is illuminated by the residual light emission of the light accumulating material when the computer is operated in a location with little or no ambient light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating information to a user of a palmtop computer. Illuminatable hard buttons are disclosed that are operable for performing functions. The hard buttons are selectively illuminated to indicate information to a user that relates to the function performed when the bard button is pressed. The selective illumination of hard buttons to indicate information that relates to the function that is performed when the hard button is pressed conveys information to the user in a manner that is easily understood by the user. In one embodiment, whether or not the button is illuminated and the color of the illumination, convey information about the function that is to be performed when the button is pressed.

Abstract: An illumination structure includes an operation button having a front face on which is formed an identifying indication of ‘AUTO’ made by exposing an opalescent synthetic resin to easily penetrate light and the other parts are painted in black. It also includes an illuminating part provided on a back of the operation button, which illuminates a back of the identifying indication, and plural protrusions in a shape of ribs that regulate an intensity of light penetrating through the identifying indication. In this structure, the plural protrusions obstruct and diffuse the light beams that advance from the illuminating part toward the back of the identifying indication, thereby achieving uniform emission of the light beams from the whole identifying indication. Further in the manufacturing process of the operation button, contraction of a front face of the operation button accompanied with coagulation of the synthetic resin is dispersed by the plural protrusions.

Abstract: A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ½ of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are preferably placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are preferably placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) is provided with a plurality of activatable indicia (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 1102) that are located proximate keys buttons (108, 109, 110) that are used to control the communication device (100). The activatable indicia (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 1102) are activated in order to identify to a user one or more of the buttons (108, 109 110) to be pressed in order to in the course of entering a command, or to indicate to the user to reorient an antenna of the electronic device in order to improve signal strength.

Abstract: A data-entry device having manually operable input means arranged in zones for operation by corresponding fingers of a user. The device includes means for color coding such that each zone is assigned a color and successive zones display colors ordered according to their relative positions within a spectrum-ordered color pattern. In one embodiment the device includes a keyboard, such as for a computer or typewriter, wherein the keys of the keyboard are color-coded according to a spectrum-ordered color pattern. The invention also provides a method of color coding a data-entry device.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is configured by disposing an EL element inside a stationary housing including, about its top side, an operating part including a plurality of arranged push buttons as well as inside a movable housing openably mounted to the stationary housing and having a display part at its surface, and connecting a control circuit to the EL elements, the operating part and the display part. The control circuit controls light emission of the respective EL elements of the stationary housing and the movable housing to illuminate the operating part and the display part, so that the lighting apparatus simple in structure is capable of various illuminations.

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: A virtual data input device to optically interface with an operator to detect the position of objects within an input zone, i.e., an area defined as a “virtual keyboard” in which the operator may interact to enter character or other data into computing equipment. The input device includes a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone that reflects off the objects in a direction generally toward the input device. The device also includes an optical detector arranged to receive reflected sensor light as a light pattern, representing the position of the objects within the input zone, and converts the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal. A microprocessor then receives the electrical signal and correlates the electrical signal to character or other data. An image generator may be used to project an optical image that represents, for example, an image of a keyboard.

Abstract: An improved coordinates input apparatus for designating a particular set of coordinates in three-dimensional space has a substantially box-like frame, a first magnet, a second magnet, and a plurality of magnetoelectric transducers. The first magnet and second magnet are mounted on the frame and disposed so that sides thereof having identical magnetic poles are disposed opposite each other. The second magnet is disposed so as to be tiltable in response to a disposition of forces acting thereupon. The forces include a repulsive force arising between the first magnet and the second magnet and a pressing force exerted on the second magnet. The plurality of magnetoelectric transducers mounted on the frame opposite the second magnet and output voltage values that vary according to a change in a gap between the magnetoelectric transducers and the second magnet, such that the voltage values indicate a set of X,Y coordinates in two-dimensional space.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: A switch comprises a seat, a key body, a first elastomer, a second elastomer, and a cover. A neck portion of the key body has an assembling portion, and the assembling portion is installed with the light generator. As the key body is pushed, the second elastomer will contact the cover; the positive (negative) power connected to a conductive piece will be transferred to the positive (negative) end of the light generator. At the same time, the first elastomer contacts internal wires of a first receiving portion so as to provide negative (positive) power to the negative (positive) ends of the light generator. Then, electric signals are outputted and the light generator lights up.

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.

Abstract: A display lighting apparatus is disclosed, that comprises a first storing means for storing date information, a second storing means for storing color information correlated with the date information, a displaying means for displaying information, a lighting means for lighting said displaying means, and a controlling means for searching said first storing means for input date information, and when desired date information is obtained, reading color information correlated with the date information from said second storing means, and causing said lighting means to light corresponding to the color information.

Abstract: A string of symbols of a defined length from input text is arranged onto a display in a constellation, which corresponds to the configuration of the keys on a device's keyboard. In order to edit the string displayed in the constellation, the symbol of the string to be corrected at any one time is selected by pressing once the key that corresponds to it according to locational correspondence between the constellation and the configuration of the keys on the keyboard. The selected symbol may also be replaced. In addition, with each new use of the key the symbol is replaced with one other symbol and in this way the desired symbol is selected with sequential presses of the key.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that allows a number of 3D volumetric display or output configurations, such as dome, cubical and cylindrical volumetric displays, to interact with a number of different input configurations, such as a three-dimensional position sensing system having a volume sensing field, a planar position sensing system having a digitizing tablet, and a non-planar position sensing system having a sensing grid formed on a dome. The user interacts via the input configurations, such as by moving a digitizing stylus on the sensing grid formed on the dome enclosure surface. This interaction affects the content of the volumetric display by mapping positions and corresponding vectors of the stylus to a moving cursor within the 3D display space of the volumetric display that is offset from a tip of the stylus along the vector.

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light transmitting front-electrodes forming plural lines by wiring and plural back-electrodes forming plural lines by further wiring. The front-electrodes are angled relative to the back-electrodes and a light-emitting layer is disposed between the front-electrodes and the back-electrodes. The EL element combined with a controller works as a lighting unit, which controls light emission at any place, so that a variety of lighting is realized by the lighting unit.

Abstract: A computer keyboard provides for one or more of processing, interfacing, input/output control with respect to the computer and/or one or more devices coupled to the keyboard, and/or for control of one or more devices coupled to the keyboard. The keyboard comprises at least one processor, and may also include one or more busses and/or other devices, that, individually in cooperation, perform such functions. In one embodiment, the processor receives telephony signals from the computer and provides telephony signals to the computer, performing the processing necessary to support telephony functions such as conversion of audio signals. Audio signals from computer sound cards and other audio signal sources may be mixed with telephony signals in keyboards according to the invention. Displays and associated input devices incorporated by the keyboard are provided to control telephony and other keyboard processor functions.

Abstract: A computer keyboard arrangement has keys formed on one or more transparent sheets. A light distributing sheet extends beneath the keyboard sheet(s) and is illuminated by light from at least one light-emitting diode located laterally thereof. The sheets are sealed into a casing of the arrangement to prevent ingress of moisture into the casing. The keys may be illuminated by light of different colours such that respective sets of indicia are rendered visible thereon. The underside of the casing of the keyboard arrangement is shaped for conformity with a pair of human legs, to facilitate stable laptop operation.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard, in particular one to be used in a dark environment and which therefore requires illumination of the keys. The keyboard includes a rigid printed circuit on which are soldered switches which can be actuated indirectly by the finger of the user, each switch being surmounted by an at least partially transparent key and an illumination device designed to illuminate the key from the rear of the key. A flexible printed circuit, carrying supply conductors for light-emitting diodes, is interposed between the keys and the rigid printed circuit carrying the switches. The flexible printed circuit includes a rigid part between a key and the corresponding switch, and the light-emitting diode which is to illuminate each key from the rear is soldered on the rigid part of the flexible printed circuit, between the key and the switch. The key preferably includes a cavity in which the diode will be housed. A key bears on the switch by way of the rigid part without bearing on the diode.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic feedback projection from a hand held pointing device is provided. The system includes a hand held pointing device that is capable of two way communication with appliance interfaces associated with appliances that are controllable by the hand held pointing device. The hand held pointer is capable of transmitting signals to the appliance interfaces and receiving response signals from the appliance interfaces. The hand held pointing device further includes a visible light projection apparatus for projecting light onto a remote surface. The projected light is displaced on the remote surface by a light projection modification apparatus such that the projected light creates images corresponding to the response signals from the appliance interfaces.

Abstract: A computing device includes a keyboard controller that is adapted to convey an operator input from the keyboard controller along a communications channel. Also included is a battery module, which is interfaced to the communications channel, for receiving the operator input. The computing device further includes a memory element located within the battery module for recording the operator input.

Abstract: An image inputted from a camera input part 8 or the like is displayed on a display part 6 and converted through an analysis process such as latter recognition of the image in an image analysis part 7 to code data. A check is then made as to whether the code data obtained contains any identification code (or identification symbol or letter) registered in a memory 4, and data subsequent to each identification code is extracted and registered for each item in the data base. When the code data fails to contain identification code or data of each item, a key input part 9 edits the code data. Also, with data without any identification code, designation by cursor is made on display, and the data part is extracted and registered for the corresponding item.

Abstract: An integrated keymat or keyboard to be used on an electronic device. The integrated keymat includes a plurality of individual emissive keypads each having a legend or symbol provided thereon. The emissive keypad has a light-emitting source and a plurality of electrodes, operatively connected to a power source, to activate the light-emitting source in order to illuminate the keypads, wherein the connection of the electrodes is controllable so that one or more keypads can be illuminated causing the key indicating marks on said one or more keypads to become more visible. Furthermore, the light-emitting source may include a plurality of segments of pixels which are individually addressable so that they can be selectively activated to form an alphanumeric symbol or pattern. Moreover, the integrated keymat further comprises one or more lens-like pads provided on the keypads to make the legend or symbol on the keypads more visible.

Abstract: A keyboard with a numbers of keys disposed on the base is capable of showing the three-dimensional characters. Each key includes a shell and a three-dimensional character embedded in the shell. Combined with an illuminant module positioned between the base and keys for providing the light source, the three-dimensional characters can be shown clearly and distinguishably by utilizing the color contrast relation with light between the light-colored transparent three-dimensional characters and dark-colored or opaque shells.

Abstract: An integrated light guide for use in an electronic device having a plurality of key buttons to allow a user to input signals in the device, the light guide having a plurality of domes used as touch areas of the key buttons and a plurality of light escapement areas disposed at the domes. When coupled to a light source, a portion of the light received by the light guide from the light source escapes from the light escapement areas to illuminate the key buttons. Preferably, each dome has one or more electrically conducting patches provided under the dome such that when a touch area is pushed by the user, these patches are caused to interact with an electronic circuit placed under the light guide for activating a key.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for determining differences between an existing graphical user interface (GUI) mapping file and a current GUI is provided. Specifically, under the present invention, a first list of objects based on an existing GU mapping file (i.e., pertaining to a previous version of a software program) is recursively generated. A second list of objects based on a current GUI (i.e., pertaining to a current version of a software program) is also recursively generated. The two lists are then compared to determine if any GUI objects have been changed (added or removed) between the previous and current versions of the software program.

Abstract: A gel cushion that can be attached to an existing cursor pointing device (control stick) on a computer or keyboard, or be integrally formed with the cap during manufacture. The gel cushion is flexible enough to prevent tissue damage to the user's fingers due to repetitive motions over an extended period of use, yet firm enough to transmit the desired pressure to the control stick. The gel cushion designed to be used on an existing control stick can be applied with an adhesive to a cap, or with a frictional fit directly to the control stick. The gel cushion is designed to be easily installed and replaced when worn.

Abstract: A virtual data input device to optically interface with an operator to detect the position of objects within a particular input zone, i.e., an area in which the operator may interact to enter character data into associated computing equipment. Each character data corresponds to a unique arrangement and position of the objects within the input zone, e.g., operator's fingers on a virtual keyboard. The input device includes a source of optical sensor light illuminating the input zone with sensor light, which reflects off the operator's fingers. The data input device also includes an optical detector to receive the reflected sensor light as a reflected light pattern representing the position of the operator's fingers within the input zone. The optical detector converts the reflected light pattern to an electrical signal representing the particular character data. A microprocessor then receives the electrical signal and correlates the electrical signal to character data.

Abstract: A system and method implement a virtual reality (VR) keyboard generated in a display device viewable to a user, with the VR keyboard simulating a physical keyboard with keys and simulating the depression of a physical key on the physical keyboard indicating a key input. The system and method address numerous difficulties of physical and/or hardware-based input devices.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes an illuminated keyboard. The computer system has an enclosure including a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The keyboard subassembly is mounted in the base. The keyboard subassembly includes a plurality of key mechanisms mounted on a first side thereof. A light panel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough in a pattern generally corresponding to the plurality of key mechanisms is provided. The light panel is mounted adjacent the first side of the keyboard subassembly with each one of the key mechanisms extending through a respective opening in the light panel. A key cap is mounted on each one of the key mechanisms. In one embodiment, each key cap includes a body formed of a non-opaque material having an opaque character indicia portion formed thereon. Light is transmitted through body such that the character indicia portion may be viewed in low light conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lighting unit that comprises at least a trough, a plurality of slots on a light penetration member attached at the bottom of a base, and at least a LED disposed in the trough. Fasteners are attached to the end of the feet of each key to join the key to the slots on the light penetration member. Each key is capable to move up and down freely with respect to the base. The LED connects to a power supply, the LED lights. All relevant keys will have an appropriate luminosity.

Abstract: Characters are easily input using a direction indicating device. The device provides a direction indicating device which outputs a rotated direction of lowering, or the direction inclination and its strength, a display device, a key input means, a memory that stores a plurality of character sets, and a control means which selects characters a character set and characters comprising this character set which are stored in memory according to the output of the direction indicating device, and displays them on the display device, and which accepts the output of the direction indicating device as circumferential position information, and selects a specified character from a chart of characters that associates the previously provided position information with the output of the direction indicating device.

Abstract: An optoelectronic keypad and a method for controlling an optoelectronic keypad for a measuring instrument, require a transparent touch screen, at least two touch-sensitive control buttons, at least two light emitters and at least two photodetectors, where said control buttons are located next to each other on one side of the surface of the touch-screen, the light emitters and the photodetectors are situated next to each other on the other side of the touch screen and each one control button, light emitter and photodetector are functionally associated with one another in a way as to constitute one action key, whereby pressing the control button of an action key causes the light emanating from the light emitter of that action key to be reflected at the actuated key and to impinge on the photodetector of that key.

Abstract: When a user selects an arbitrary symbol 75 (word, phrase, sentence, graphic, image, etc.) from an arbitrary application 3 on a client computer 3, and copies this symbol 75 to a clipboard 79, a linker 23, being a terminate-and-stay-resident-type process, automatically captures that symbol 81 from the clipboard 79. Similarly, when a user types at a keyboard from an arbitrary application 207, those typed characters are first passed to an input method editor 201, where they are temporarily stored within a buffer 211, and when the user enters a prescribed “okay” key sequence the characters within that buffer 211 are converted as necessary and passed to the application 207, but if the user enters a prescribed “link” key sequence, a character string determining component 213 of the input method editor 201 passes the characters within the buffer 211 to a linker 209. In either case, the linker 23 sends the captured symbol to a URL server 5.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: A display screen switch of the present invention includes: a plate-like case arranged on a display screen and provided with a transmit-light window part in which switch information displayed on the display screen is transmitted; a switch body fixed to the case; a cover arranged on an upper side of the case and having a hole part; a transmit operational member including a transparent display part which transmits a visible light and on which the switch information is displayed, and a switch push-down part which makes the switch body operate; and an elastic member interposed between the transmit operational member and the case along a circumference part of the transmit operational member. The transmit operational member being arranged such that the transparent display part and the switch push-down part are arranged in a protruding way from the hole part between the cover and the case. Especially, the elastic member and the transmit operational member are bonded by an adhesive.

Abstract: An optical laser numeric keypad (100) provides a digital signal indicative of which of a plurality of key locations is selected. The optical laser numeric keypad (100) comprises a plurality of optical sensors (132 and 134) each configured to respond to a change in a received light quantity and to provide an electrical signal in response to a selection of a key at a key location. The received light quantity of at least one of the plurality of optical sensors (132 and 134) is changeable by selection of a key location.

Abstract: A keyboard control system that contains a manufacturer's identification code and a multiple selection matrix. This invention utilizes all the existing LED leads on a keyboard controller. Using the period between initial setting and normal operation together with triggering signals, user or customer is able to pick up suitable data from a single keyboard controller. In addition, the invention is capable of using the same leads for connecting to external serial EEPROM so that new data not included among the preset data within the keyboard controller can still be input to the controller. Furthermore, the same type of technique can be used to increase the number of combinations in different application areas as long as more keyboard controller input/output ports are available.

Abstract: An improved keyboard illumination structure comprises a base board, a circuit board, an elastic member, a bridge mechanism, and a key cap, and a centralized lighting element located in the keyboard. The lighting element may generate light to pass through the keyboard for indicating the positions of the button keys, vital keys or function keys so that users may locate the required keys rapidly.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a keypad and a sensor that indicates proximity of a user to the electronic device, whereupon the keys of the keypad are illuminated. In particular, when the distance between the user and the sensor is less than a predetermined threshold, the keypad is illuminated in anticipation of the user providing keypad input to the electronic device. The sensor can be an infrared, an ultrasonic or a capacitive sensor. Alternately, the sensor can indicate contact between the user and the sensor, wherein the contact does not provide keypad input to the electronic device, for example, when the user touches but does not push a key of the keypad.