Abstract: A touch sensing device for a kitchen or bath appliance includes a control panel. A sensing guide and a plurality of sensing function keys are provided on the control panel. The sensing guide and the plurality of sensing function keys operate via capacitive touch sensing. The plurality of sensing function keys correspond to a plurality of functions of the kitchen or bath appliance. The touch sensing device further includes a controller connected to the sensing guide, the plurality of sensing function keys, and the kitchen or bath appliance. The controller is configured to activate the control panel after the controller detects that the sensing guide has been touched in a predetermined manner. Activating the control panel can include enabling capacitive touch sensing for the plurality of sensing function keys.

Abstract: An interaction management module (IMM) is described for allowing users to engage an interactive surface in a collaborative environment using various input devices, such as keyboard-type devices and mouse-type devices. The IMM displays digital objects on the interactive surface that are associated with the devices in various ways. The digital objects can include input display interfaces, cursors, soft-key input mechanisms, and so on. Further, the IMM provides a mechanism for establishing a frame of reference for governing the placement of each cursor on the interactive surface. Further, the IMM provides a mechanism for allowing users to make a digital copy of a physical article placed on the interactive surface. The IMM also provides a mechanism which duplicates actions taken on the digital copy with respect to the physical article, and vice versa.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device having an improved keyboard provides enhanced usability with fewer keys by enabling the keys to pivot slightly to provide multiple functions to the keys. The improved keyboard may, for example, include internal strips of conductive carbon that are disposed adjacent the keys and are electrically engageable with contacts on a printed circuit board. Specifically, when a key is pressed directly downward it collapses a single dome and connects together a set of primary contacts to provide a first function. When the key is pressed at the side thereof, the key pivots slightly, collapses the dome and connects together the primary contacts, and also engages a carbon strip with a pair of secondary contacts to connect together the secondary contacts, all of which provide a second function. The keyboard may be configured to be of a QWERTY configuration while using only a relatively small number of keys.

Abstract: An overlay includes a sheet corresponding to a plurality of keys that are associated with an application for a portable electronic device. An identifier is associated with the application. The identifier is identifiable by the portable electronic device, such that the application is opened upon identification of the identifier.

Abstract: For each of multiple user inputs, multiple keys of a keyboard that are touched as part of the user input are identified. Additionally, for each of the multiple user inputs, multiple characters that are to be displayed concurrently are determined based on the multiple keys that are touched as part of the user input. Both a character input field and the multiple characters determined for each of the multiple user inputs are displayed. One or more suggested inputs can also be displayed, and a user-selected one of the suggested inputs identified as an input to the character input field.

Abstract: Techniques involving selective modification of keyboard presentation and functionality. A commanding mode is selectively activated on a virtual keyboard. Activating the commanding mode attributes commands to respective individual keys of the virtual keyboard. Also in response to the commanding mode, indicia suggestive of the command is presented on those individual keys to which the commands were attributed. The commands can be executed in an application in response to selection of the respective individual keys when in commanding mode.

Abstract: A computer keyboard comprises a touch control display panel comprising a display unit, a plurality of touch sensing units, and a display control unit. The display unit is utilized for displaying icons of control keys. The touch sensing units are utilized for sensing pressed status of the control keys, and transmitting pressure sensing signals and position signals to a host. The display control unit is utilized for receiving icons of the control keys from the host, and making the display unit display icons of the control keys. When an external force presses one of the control keys of the touch control display panel, a specific touch sensing unit senses pressed status of a position corresponding to the pressed control key, and make the host start or terminate an executable program according to link of the executable program corresponding to the pressed control key.

Abstract: Notification is sent to an upper layer via a control device 2 (a device for managing operation buttons) provided between operation buttons “A-1”, “A-2” and the like and devices for operation input “Device A”, “Device B” and the like such as a pointing device for executing application processing. Function assignment and the like are put under management by the control device 2, so that any modification or change is not required in the OS, drivers, and applications in association with change in key assignment, which is advantageous and effective for reduction of cost and time for product development.

Abstract: A user interface apparatus and method of using a touch screen are provided. The apparatus includes a touch screen division unit for dividing a screen area of the touch screen into zones, an allocation unit for allocating a user interface unit to each of the zones and a plurality of user interface units for sensing job commands input through the zones according to the allocation result of the allocation unit, wherein an operation corresponding to each of the sensed job commands is performed. Accordingly, since a plurality of users can simultaneously use an image-forming device by dividing the screen area of the touch screen into two or more zones, job processing time can be reduced, and a usage rate of a high specification image-forming device can be increased.

Abstract: A portable information processing terminal 200 includes a display device 201 formed on a predetermined surface of a casing of the portable information processing terminal 200, operation keys 202 disposed on a surface of the casing, the surface being on the opposite side of the surface on which the display device 201 is formed, and a control device 203 that detects an operating state input to the operation keys 202 and performs processing according to the detected operating state. When the control device 203 detects a sequential operation performed on a plurality of the operation keys 202, the control device 203 accepts an input of information representing a predetermined direction corresponding to the sequential operation performed on the plurality of the operation keys 202.

Abstract: Information processor 1 includes display unit 30 for displaying an interface screen having function execution key unit 23 indicating a prescribed function for each function type, and interface screen change key unit 22 for switching each function type; interface screen control unit 20 for controlling display switching of the screen on the display unit 30 in response to an input operation signal; interface screen operation history recording unit 110 for recording, as continuous operation information, operation time and operation contents of the function execution key unit 23 or interface screen change key unit 22 in response to the input operation signal; likelihood value providing unit 120 for calculating and adding, to each function the function execution key unit 23 indicates, a likelihood value indicating a degree of a user desire from the continuous operation information recorded; priority recognition word setting unit 130 for outputting word information corresponding to the function whose likelihood valu

Abstract: An information input apparatus which displays a plurality of buttons on a display unit, detects an indicated position by a positional coordinate detection unit arranged on the display unit and inputs information corresponding to an indicated button includes: an incorrect input judgment unit for judging whether or not input information which is input when a to-be-selected button selected from the plurality of buttons is indicated is incorrect input; a pattern selection unit which makes a user select one button arrangement pattern from a plurality of button arrangement patterns including the to-be-selected button at a predetermined position when the incorrect input judgment unit judges that the input information is incorrect input.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a processor to at least perform or cause the apparatus to at least perform a number of operations. These operations include receiving pressure-measurement signals from a keyboard including an arrangement of keys, and a plurality of pressure sensors associated with a respective plurality of the keys. In this regard, the pressure sensors are configured to measure a pressure applied to the respective plurality of the keys, and produce the pressure-measurement signals representative of the measured pressure. The operations also include predicting one or more next keystrokes on the keyboard as a function of the pressure-measurement signals, and determining one or more commands or instructions for directing performance of one or more operations of an apparatus or software operating on the apparatus, where the command(s) or instruction(s) are determined as a function of the predicted next keystroke(s).

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

Abstract: A mobile terminal and an operation section display method are provided, in which predetermined display data can be displayed in both of key frame inside regions and key frame outside regions in an operation section of the mobile terminal. This is achieved by the mobile terminal including the operation section, a display device, an application control section and a display control section. The operation section has a plurality of keys. The display device displays operation section display data for the operation section. The application control section controls an application instructed by the user who operates the plurality of keys to start. The operation section display data is supplied to the display device when the application is started and the operation section display data is displayed on a region included in the operation section and in both of key frame inside regions and key frame outside regions of each of the plurality of keys.

Abstract: A virtual keyboard apparatus and method for forming the virtual keyboard apparatus are provided. The virtual keyboard apparatus may include a touch-sensitive display surface configured to detect a touch signal including at least a finger touch and a palm touch by a hand of a user, and a controller configured to generate a virtual keyboard having a layout determined based at least in part on a distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch. The method for generating a virtual keyboard may include detecting with a touch-sensitive display surface a touch signal including at least a finger touch and a palm touch formed by a hand of a user, and generating a virtual keyboard having a layout based at least in part on a distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch.

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

Abstract: The invention provides an input apparatus An input apparatus according to the present invention includes: an operating member, operable to move in at least X and ?X directions from a neutral position; first and second magnets, being arranged with spacing along an X and ?X direction and having opposite magnetic polarities to each other, wherein when the operating member moves in either one of the two directions, the first and second magnets moves in the same direction as the operating member; and a first magnetic sensor, provided at a position displaced from a middle point between the two magnets when the operating member is located in the neutral position, the position being equidistant from the two magnets. When the operating member moves in one of the two directions, the first magnetic sensor outputs a signal in accordance with the magnetic polarity of one of the first and second magnets.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling operation of a mobile device having a plurality of input devices, comprising associating groups of one or more keys of the input devices to define at least one input region and in response to an input received from said input devices, performing an associated action for operating the device, responding equally to any input from a same input region. A repeated input (multi-tap) to a same input region cycles through a plurality of actions associated with the input region. Auditory feedback comprising a vocalized description of the action is provided. The multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback may adapt a mobile device (e.g. PDA or smart phone) for use by visually impaired users.

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

Abstract: A method for express execution of multimedia playing with device group activation is provided. A device activation group table is provided to a multimedia computer system. The device activation group table defines, according to the functional features of each multimedia players connected to the computer, each hot key and its associated multimedia player, driver, and application program. To execute the express activation of the group function menu, the method includes the following steps: detecting the depression of a hot key; computer loading and executing the driver for the multimedia player associated with the depressed hot key in the computer by referring to the device activation group table; and loading and executing the application program for the multimedia player associated with the depressed hot key to activate the associated multimedia player. For those multimedia players associated with the hot keys that are not depressed, no action is taken.

Abstract: An image construction apparatus has functions of, based on an instruction from a user, creating a binary-coded program, creating a database, and associating the database with an image part. The use of those functions allows the user to easily construct an image including an image part associated with both the program and the database. Some embodiments enable easy association of information on an apparatus to be operated with image parts constructing an image displayed by a remote control apparatus. Some embodiments are suitable for constructing the screen of the remote control apparatus having a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A touch sensitive device implementing a routine that controls the device's baseline update procedure in certain circumstances, and associated methods.

Abstract: A control method of an alterable key is applied in a portable electronic device including switch a plurality of function modes. The portable electronic device has an opaque key portion, a pattern template layer, and a plurality of light emitting portions. A pattern template layer has many groups of operating patterns. Light emitting portions are corresponding to the operating patterns and emit the specific light, and the operating patterns are corresponding to the function modes. The control method includes the following steps of receiving a first command to switch the corresponding function mode, brightening the light emitting portion corresponding to the function mode to show the corresponding operating patterns on the opaque key portion, receiving a second command to switch another corresponding function mode, and brightening the light emitting portion corresponding to another function mode to show another corresponding operating patterns on the opaque key portion.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.

Abstract: Keypad keys for handheld mobile communication devices feature flexible key bodies and actuators extending from the key bodies. Switches below the actuators are connected in series circuits. All actuators beneath an intended key must be depressed in order for the circuit to be closed and the key to be recognized as actuated. The flexible nature of the key bodies allows one actuator on a given key to be depressed while other actuators remain non-depressed. This prevents the key from being recognized as actuated when a only a portion of the key is depressed as occurs, for example, due to finger overlap.

Abstract: A multifunction key pad display for an electronic device, including: a display panel including display regions arranged in a matrix, and bounded by non-display regions as boundaries; a printed circuit board positioned on the display panel, including openings facing the display regions, and keys disposed at sides of the openings, facing the non-display regions; and a pad positioned on the printed circuit board, having transparent windows facing the openings, and pressing units facing the keys. Two rows of the keys can be arranged between two other rows of the openings.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is configured to respond to a call initiation instruction from a user with a two dimensional array of pictures or diagrams that each represent a potential call destination. The user can scroll (left, right, up, down) to select the image representing the desired call destination and upon selection from the user the wireless communication device places a call (voice or data) to the selected call destination or allows editing of the corresponding contact record. The pictures or diagrams presented to the user may be from a dynamic (e.g., most frequent contacts) or persistent (e.g., My favorites) predetermined list.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a physical overlay that can be secured to a mobile device and that covers at least a portion of the mobile device's user interface. The overlay includes a front portion that has input areas, which may be openings or physical keys. The mobile device detects or is told that the overlay is installed, and the mobile device receives configuration data associated with the overly that tells the mobile device the locations of the input areas on the overlay so that the user interface can be adjusted accordingly. The overlay also includes side portions that allow the overlay to be secured to the mobile device.

Abstract: One exemplary system for configuring an adaptive input device includes a display and an adaptive input device having a plurality of depressible buttons. The system also includes a computing device operatively coupled to the display and the adaptive input device. The computing device includes a menu module to display a plurality of graphical images on the display, each graphical image associated with a computing function. The computing device also includes a detection module to detect a selected graphical image, from the plurality of graphical images, for display on a depressible button of the adaptive input device. The computing device also includes a presentation module to visually present the selected graphical image on the depressible button.

Abstract: An information exchange device contains the outside framework, the front panel and the back panel, a vacant space is formed inside of the outside framework. In the vacant space, a control circuit is disposed which includes a micro-control unit with the control procedure inside, a batter unit connected with the micro-control unit, a keyboard unit connected with the input of the micro-control unit, a RF unit having a two-way communication links with the micro-control unit, an antenna unit connected with the RF unit and used for receiving and sending at the working frequency of 2.45 GHz, a LCD display unit connected with the output of the micro-control unit, a near-distance RFID with a working frequency of 13.56 MHz. The information exchange device of the present invention adopts the 2.45 GHz as the working frequency and having a near-distance RFID disposed inside, as a result that the information exchange of long-distance, low-power, anti-collision achieves and the short distance RF communication achieves.

Abstract: Selectable communication interface configurations for motion sensing devices. In one aspect, a module for a motion sensing device includes a motion processor connected to a device component and a first motion sensor, and a multiplexer having first and second positions. Only one of the multiplexer positions is selectable at a time, where the first position selectively couples the first motion sensor and the device component using a first bus, and the second position selectively couples the first motion sensor and the motion processor using a second bus, wherein communication of information over the second bus does not influence a communication bandwidth of the first bus.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a keypad having a plurality of keys and a selection member; a display component; and a processor cooperating with the keypad and the display component to provide a display at the display component. The display includes a first representation of a plurality of the keys, and at least one of: (a) a second representation of an activated one of the input members, (b) a third representation including a plurality of diacritics disposed about an activated one of the input members, and (c) a fourth representation including a plurality of diacritics disposed about an activated one of the input members, and a direction of selection between the activated one of the input members and one of the diacritics. The processor cooperates with the selection member to adjust the direction of selection, and select one of the diacritics for display by the display component.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device 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 is systems and methods for trading. In accordance with these systems and methods, a plurality of trader work stations that are connected to a central server may be provided. Through the work stations and central server, the systems and methods may perform participant qualification, instrument creation, bid/offer entry and response, when hit and take, workup, price retention, price improvement, request for market, bid/off restoration, price generation, position conversion, marking to market, and delivery functions.

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

Abstract: A user interface device allocates each of functions for operating an instrument to fingertips in response to a hand movement and allowing an operator to intuitively comprehend the allocation of each of the functions to the fingertips. The device includes a GUI button allocation section that first allocates a GUI button, read out from a GUI button data storing section, to each fingertip in a hand shape acquired by a hand shape acquiring section when a contact position acquiring section detects a contact to an operation surface by the operator. Then, in accordance with a change of hand shape direction, the GUI button allocation section reallocates the GUI button to each fingertip of the hand shape.

Abstract: An input device including a frame in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped body which is supported by a base and which is movable between a first angular position in which an angle of a lower surface of the frame with respect to a horizontal upper surface of the base is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and a second angular position in which the angle of the lower surface of the frame as seen in the first angular position with respect to the horizontal upper surface of the base is not smaller than the threshold value, a first input portion disposed on an upper surface of the frame as seen when the frame has a horizontal posture in the first angular position, in which a lower surface of the frame is parallel to the horizontal upper surface of the base, a second input portion disposed on a side surface of the frame as seen when the frame has the horizontal posture; and a detecting portion configured to detect an operation by an operator of the input device on at least one of the first and second

Abstract: A mobile terminal device that executes a function setting operation is disclosed. When a memory card that stores various file types is inserted into the mobile terminal device, a decision processing portion reads identification information of the memory card and compares the identification information with stored identification information in a storing portion. If the read identification information and the stored identification information coincide, a function setting controlling portion executes a resetting of a display or of a sound function of the mobile terminal device by using the various file types stored in the memory card.

Abstract: A system adaptively orients a display image on a device for presenting data acquired via one or more cables connected to a particular side of the device. The system includes a sensor for detecting orientation of the device and providing a device orientation representative signal indicating whether the device is in a first orientation or a second orientation substantially different to the first orientation. A display screen presents display images on the device. A display generator automatically generates a display image on the display screen oriented to be upright in the first and second orientations of the device, in response to the orientation representative signal. A command processor adaptively selects functions assigned to user selectable buttons positioned on both sides of the display screen of the device, in response to the orientation representative signal.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an interactive viewer for an input device interface. Specifically, some embodiments provide a Keyboard Enhanced Interface (KEI) system that includes a KEI viewer. The KEI viewer includes multiple graphical keys that correspond to keys of a key based input device. The KEI viewer also includes multiple symbols that identify different output actions and logic for presenting a set of symbols over a set of graphical keys to identify a set of keys of the key based input device that are usable to directly invoke a set of output actions based on an active operational mode of the KEI system. A symbol identifies a particular output action that is directly invocable with a press of a key of the key based input device that corresponds to a graphical key over which said symbol is presented.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus having a plurality of functions relating to an image processing and configured to selectively realize one of the plurality of functions, including: a plurality of operation keys which are operated by a user so as to control the multi-function apparatus; a display device configured to display an operation view for assisting the user in operating the plurality of operation keys; and a display control section configured to control the display device to display the operation view in which a plurality of images respectively representing the plurality of operation keys are displayed, such that an image of each of at least one active key each as an active one of the plurality of operation keys is displayed in the view in a first manner, while an image of each of at least one inactive key each as an inactive one of the plurality of operation keys is displayed in the view in a second manner which is different from the first manner.

Abstract: Architecture for enabling continuous operation of a control command issued by a control input (e.g., a control key on a computer keyboard or game controller). For example, for a user of a software application (e.g., a gaming application), an activation modifier is used for enabling continuous operation of the control command. The activation modifier can be a lock key or other type of input used in combination with the control key. During continuous operation of the control command, one or more alternate control inputs (e.g., from alternate control keys) are enabled to concurrently issue alternate control commands to the software application.

Abstract: A method of providing geographic information for a navigation system comprises obtaining a request for a geographic region and accessing geographic data corresponding to the geographic region from a geographic database. The method also comprises providing a plurality of first map images generated from the geographic data. Each of the first map images represents a unique portion of the geographic region. When the first map images are displayed together, they provide a first map depicting the geographic region.

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

Abstract: A display for a multi-function keypad and an electronic device including the display. The display for a multi-function keypad includes: a display panel having a plurality of display regions arranged in a matrix pattern and a non-display region surrounding the plurality of display regions; a circuit board on the display panel and including a plurality of openings corresponding to the display regions, and a plurality of keys near peripheral edges of the openings and corresponding to the non-display region; and a pad on the circuit board and including a plurality of transparent windows corresponding to the openings, and a plurality of pressing units near peripheral edges of the transparent windows and corresponding to the plurality of keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting characters and a device thereof. The method comprises the steps of sensing a touch on a first key, which has a plurality of characters marked thereon; confirming the touch and displaying the plurality of characters associated with the first key on a display unit; sensing a shifting motion of the touch on the first key; and selecting one of the plurality of characters associated with the first key in response to the shifting motion of the touch. The present invention further provides a character input module and an electronic device for implementing the character selection method.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a storage unit, a format generating unit, a character recognizing unit and an assigning unit. The storage unit is configured for storing a plurality of codes, each of the codes corresponds to a character assigned to a key on the keyboard. The format generating unit is configured for analyzing a digital picture reflecting a desired layout of keys on the keyboard and generating a location matrix of the desired layout according to the digital picture and the location matrix. The character recognizing unit is configured for recognizing the characters in the desired layout according to the digital picture and the location matrix. The assigning unit is configured for assigning the codes stored in the storage unit corresponding to the recognized characters to the corresponding keys, based upon the location matrix of the desired layout.

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

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