Abstract: A handheld controller configured to be held by a user's hand. The handheld controller comprising a main body, and a handle extending from the main body, wherein the handle has a palm side and a finger side. A control button is positioned on the main body or handle, and a detection sensor is on the handle. The detection sensor is positioned to detect the presence of the finger or palm of a user's hand engaging the handle. The detection sensor can be a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor or other detection sensor operative to detect the touch or spatial presence of the user's hand or fingers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method of selecting an entry in a database in an in-vehicle infotainment system. The method includes receiving a second single-character input after receiving a first single-character input, generating a multi-character search string in which the first character of the multi-character search string is the first single-character input and the second character of the multi-character search string is the second single-character input, searching a database stored in the in-vehicle infotainment system for entries that match the multi-character search string, and causing a number of entries that match the multi-character search string to be displayed by the in-vehicle infotainment system. An advantage of the disclosed embodiment is that a vehicle operator can effectively search through a large number of entries in an in-vehicle system with reduced distraction and without stopping the vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a keyboard PC includes a processor, a foldable keyboard, a housing, and an output terminal. The foldable keyboard comprises a first keyboard part and a second keyboard part. The housing that encloses the processor comprises a first housing part and a second housing part. The first housing part comprises the first keyboard part. The second housing part comprises the second keyboard part. The first housing part and the second housing part are configured to be opened or closed relative to one another by folding the housing. The output terminal supplies an image signal output from the processor to a display device.

Abstract: A text entry system for an electronic device comprising: an input subsystem receives user input operations, interprets them as letters, characters, symbols, commands or functions, where the said received user operations interpreted as letters are comprising: (1) single letter operations that select any possible letter from the alphabet, (2) letter group operations that select a group of possible letters from the alphabet; and a text prediction subsystem receives a sequence of the said single letter entries and letter group entries, and produces a list of possible words the user intends to enter based on a priori database of words; and a word processing subsystem, receives the said list of possible words, displays them to the user, receives the user selection of the desired word and further processes the text entry as required.

Abstract: A method of forming words utilizing a character actuator unit in which the character actuators are segregated into certain categories. First and second categories are employed and activated simultaneously to generate the beginning and ending of a word. First and second actuating categories may be combined with third and fourth categories of actuators to further form and modify words in any languages.

Abstract: A digraphic keypad includes a configuration of specific keys. These specific keys include an “S” key, an “O” key, a “U” key, an “A” key, an “N” key, an “I” key, a “T” key, an “E” key, an “R” key, an “H” key, a “D” key and an “L” key.

Abstract: An improved keyboard system and apparatus using keys spaced and sized to correspond to human hands provides rapid data entry applicable to all electronic devices. Each key combination provides a binary sequence, and each sequence is associated with an alphabetic, numeric or control character using standard ASCII coding. The preferred eight key embodiment is adapted to the back of a hand-held electronic device whereby data is readily input by a user holding the device with both hands.

Abstract: A polymer for a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed wherein the polymer comprises a phenolic monomeric unit wherein the H atom of the hydroxy group of the phenyl group of the phenolic monomeric unit is replaced by a group comprising a N-imide group and wherein the substitution of the polymer increases the chemical resistance of the coating of the printing plate precursor.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard having a Dvorak key layout. The keys are arranged in a V or U shape. The keyboard is tilted downward away from the user. The keyboard has a wrist rest, and a switch to change the key layout to QWERTY.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning a relatively large character set to a small keyboard. The apparatus includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys in a rectangular array. Each key is assigned to a stroke similar to handwriting strokes. A virtual keyboard is described with two alternate configurations. Combinations of keystrokes are used to resolve the characters with the order of keystrokes determined by analogy to scanning the character under the method.

Abstract: A character input method enables mistake of character input to be diminished, and it is unnecessary to use a rotary type switch in the character input method, therefore it is economical. In a frequency scanning type receiver, when it causes character input to be performed according to a key board section, respective numeric-keys 1 to 0 of 10-key correspond to a plurality of character groups consisting of capital letter, small letter of an alphabet, and numerals arranged in accordance with prescribed order to be determined. CPU/memory section selects the corresponding character group according to a numeric-key which is pressed firstly, next, the CPU/memory section selects corresponding alphabet character, numeral from among character group according to numeric-key which is pressed secondly.

Abstract: An input device for inputting data into a computer or a video game is provided. The input device includes two keyballs mounted to a base. The keyballs may be swiveled relative to the base. Each keyball includes a plurality of switches for activation by the finger tips and thumb tips of a typist. By moving the keyballs and pressing the switches, the typist can enter data in a manner which mimics a conventional typing method. During operation, the typist's hands need not leave the keyballs. Therefore, the input device can reduce strains, and the likelihood of injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, to the wrists of the typist.

Abstract: An alphanumeric data entry system for chordic keyboards permits the entry of vowels with the thumb and digits of the left hand and the entry of consonants with the thumb and digits of the right hand in combination with vowel chords from the left hand. Only the thumb, index, middle and ring digits of the left and right hands, respectively, are necessary for manipulation of 2 four-key sets. The keyboard can either be a conventional side-by-side keyboard or, alternatively, an 8 dot braille keyboard in which the two sets are arranged in two rows in a substantially parallel relationship to each other. The number mode is initiated by depressing all four digits of the right hand and then entering numbers beginning with the ring digit of the left hand as the lowest integer and proceeding in a reverse binary fashion from left to right with the numbers 0 through 9 entered by the left hand.

Abstract: A data entry system (100, 100') has an ergonomic base (102, 102') including upper surface controls (104, 104') which generate a first set of electrical signals, and side surface controls (106, 106') which generate a second set of electrical signals when operated independently. A third set of electrical signals are generated when the side surface controls (106, 106') are operated in combination with the upper surface controls (104, 104'). Data entry system (100, 100') further includes mode selection controls (108) for establishing the first, second and third sets of electrical signals as device control signals responsive to a first mode being selected and respective sets of alphanumeric and keyboard control signals responsive to a second mode being selected.

Abstract: A computing assembly which comprises a hand held computer or PDA that contains a housing, a processor in said housing and an input/output arrangement in said housing coupled to said processor for inputting data to, and outputting data from the processor and a foldable keyboard electrically connected to the PDA. The foldable keyboard has first and second planar keyboard halves having a plurality of depressable keys arranged on a surface. The keyboard halves have complementary curved outer peripheral edges and are attached to one another by an intermediate hinge. When in the open position, the first keyboard half is substantially coplanar with the second keyboard half, and the peripheral edges of the first and second keyboard halves form a substantially continuous curvilinear path. When in the closed position, the first keyboard half is folded over, substantially congruent in shape with, and in a plane parallel to the plane of the second keyboard half.

Abstract: The invention is a system for encoding inputs and methods of operation thereof.

Abstract: A keyboard-type input apparatus has a main key area consisting of at least fifteen keys arranged in a three-line and five-column state to include a basic side either on right or left side of the column, of which two-column belongs to the basic side being provided as a vowel sound area to input vowel sounds and other columns composed of three-column being provided as a consonant sound area to input consonant sounds.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard utilizing ten keys which are activated in pairs to produced coding signal representing alphabetic symbols of a conventional computer keyboard. The keyboard is operated as a replacement or in parallel with a conventional computer keyboard. Each key corresponds in position with each finger on a hand. By pressing two keys, unique letters and functions are produced. As the number of unique binary combinations of ten elements is 45, the ten-key keyboard system is capable of representing at least 26 characters plus the function keys of a standard 101-key computer keyboard. The structure enables greater speed through efficiency in finger movement and easy learning.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand-attachable controller for providing command signals to control movement of at least one object responsive to hand movement. The ergonomic hand-attachable controller includes a base with a top surface configured to support a palm of a user's hand. A plurality of planar finger members may be provided which incorporate at least one finger pad which is operable to control movement of a remote object. At attachment member is provided to secure a hand of a user with the top surface of the controller. Electronics within the ergonomic hand-attachable controller convert movement of a user's hand and fingers to command signals for controlling the movement of a remote object.

Abstract: A one-handed keyboard comprising a plurality of keys representing one half of a standard keyboard, apparatus for assigning a pair of characters to each key of the plurality of keys, one of the characters being normally associated with the key in a standard keyboard and the other character being associated with a symmetrically opposite key of the other half of the standard keyboard. A modifier key is provided for controlling the aforementioned apparatus to switch between the one half and the other half of the keyboard, whereby one-handed operation of the keyboard is provided using standard touch-typing techniques for standard keyboard design.

Abstract: A method of encoding alphabetic characters and inputting electrical signals defining those characters to a computer includes the use of a keyboard having five individual alpha input keys, one alpha input key being operatively associated with an operator's thumb and the remaining keys each being dedicated for operation by one finger of the operator's hand. The keys are actuable either individually or in chord combinations for encoding the alphabetic characters and inputting electrical signals to the computer. Each of the alpha input keys are designated to represent one of the five vowels. Therefore, when these keys are actuated individually they generate electrical signals corresponding to the vowels. The consonants of the alphabet are designated to correspond to chord combinations of key actuations. Unique electrical signals are generated in response to the actuation of one or more of the alpha keys to selectively input the electrical signals defining the alphabetic characters to the computer.

Abstract: A keyboard operable by one hand includes a first group of four elongated finger keys extending vertically in parallel spaced relation so as to be accessible by the four fingers of a user's hand, and a second group of thumb keys extending laterally of the first group and spaced vertically with respect to each other so as to be accessible by the user's thumb. The keyboard may include a first section operable by one hand and having the above two groups of keys for selecting alphabetical characters, and a second section operable by the second hand having further keys for selecting numerical characters, punctuation and operational controls.

Abstract: A chordal keyboard method and apparatus for generating a key code using a plurality of keys coupled to a controller with a first set of registers and a second set of registers. A user depresses at least one of the plurality of keys. The controller detects, which of the plurality of keys are in a depressed position and which of the plurality of keys are released from the depressed position. The controller sets in the first set of registers and sets in the second set of registers, bit locations of respective depressed keys, and clears in the second set of registers bit locations of respective released keys. When the controller detects that all of the plurality of keys are in a released position, a key code is generated which corresponds to bit locations set in the first set of registers. After generating the key code, the controller clears the first set of registers.

Abstract: A keyboard, for use in a workprocessor or like electronic machine, includes multiple keys arranged in an array of rows and columns, a stationary base, a moveable operator connecting each key and the stationary base such that each key is moveable in four diagonal directions relative to the remaining keys, and spring strips and switch contacts disposed beneath each key and arranged such that movement of the key in any of the four diagonal directions closes a respective switch contact to produce a distinct function, e.g., an al0phanumeric character.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the operation of computer keyboards is disclosed. The invention allows touch-typing of nontouch-type keys by detecting a triggering sequence in the touch-type keys. For example, by holding down the Space Bar while depressing and releasing a second key and before release of the Space Bar, the Space Bar is seen to act as a Control key. Furthermore, the functions of nontouch-type keys may be superimposed upon touch-type keys and accessed in a similar manner. The invention interprets make codes which are generated by the keyboard when a key is depressed and a break code which is generated by the keyboard when a key is released. If a triggering sequence of codes is detected, then the normal function of one of the touch-type keys is altered.

Abstract: A device for one-handed generation of alpha-numeric characters in an alpha or numeric mode including letters, numerals, punctuation marks and mathematical function symbols is provided, comprising a finger key section comprising a first array of four finger keys and a second array of four finger keys, respective keys of said first and second arrays arranged in adjacent pairs, said finger keys each operable individually to generate a single character at a time, said first array of finger keys in an alpha mode assigned to the generation of all of the consonants and said second array of finger keys in an alpha mode being assigned to the generation of all of the vowels, one of said arrays in a numeric mode being assigned to the generation of numerals and mathematical symbols, a thumb key section comprising at least one array of four thumb keys, said thumb keys of said array in an alpha mode assigning said first array of finger keys to the generation of consonants and in a numeric mode assigning to one of said arra

Abstract: A self-contained data terminal or typewriter keyboard completely operable by a single human hand for the input of information into a computer or other electronic device. The keyboard comprises five sets of keys, each set aligned respectively with the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and small finger of an extended hand. Complementary orientation and positioning of the sets are determined by whether the terminal is to be used by a right-handed or left-handed user. The control keys may be used to manipulate text or other information entered into the attached device and are operated by the thumb. The character keys consist primarily of letters of the alphabet, numbers, and punctuation sets and are positioned below the remaining four fingers. The terminal is operated in a single keystroke character input mode. Several data control keys can also be mounted to the terminal to perform additional text manipulation functions, similar to the control keys, or any other necessary commands.

Abstract: A data entry system comprising a one-handed keyboard having five data keys and five control keys which are used in combinations for entering data and control characters in the system. The system also comprises a cursor control assembly for controlling a cursor on a screen and controls for permitting a single keyboard to be operated with either the left or right hand.

Abstract: A quasi-steno keyboard permits text entry into a computer either by standard letter-by-letter typing or by stenotyping. The keys of the keyboard are arranged in three parallel rows with the tops of the keys in the first and second rows being substantially coplanar and the tops of at least four keys in the third row being coplanar and lower than those in the first and second rows. The four keys in the third row are laterally centered in the keyboard and are positioned, with respect to the keys of the first and second rows, such that a thumb can rest comfortably on each of these keys when an index or other finger of the same hand rests on a crack between adjacent keys in the first and second rows.

Abstract: Described is a data entry keyboard having a small number of keys, each key being a ternary device having three possible positions. In the preferred embodiment, each key is adapted to move towards or away from the operator, and has a central "off" position. A spring detent makes the key return to the central position in the absence of pressure from the finger. The three positions of each key are indicated electrically by switches which produce distinctive signals for each of the three states. The top of each key is formed to provide a secure grip. The preferred embodiment comprises eight ternary keys in two sets of four. The two sets are arranged so that the fingers of the operator's right hand rest on the keys of a rightmost set, and the fingers of the operator's left hand rest on the keys of the leftmost set. The only key combinations which represent valid characters are those in which one finger of the right hand operates its key, and one finger of the left hand operates its key.

Abstract: The present invention is a keyboard device for entering Japanese language text utilizing Romaji character notation and a method for entering the Romaji character notation.

Abstract: A keyboard entry system is disclosed which comprises a keyboard which includes a plurality of letter keys, one for each letter of a selected language. The entry system responds to conventional sequential activation of individual keys by providing output signals indicative of the respective individual letters associated with the activated keys to an application program such as a word processor or printer control program. The keyboard entry system also responds to chords of simultaneously activated multiple keys by using these chords to retrieve stored words from a dictionary. It is the stored words rather than the entered chords which are applied as inputs to the application program. This system allows an operator to use both conventional sequential key entry techniques and chorded entry techniques for rapid data entry. Chords are detected by comparing a stored constant with the elapsed time between a key release and the immediately preceding key depression of an overlapping key.

Abstract: A keyboard for a typewriter or a computer comprises two groups of keys for operation by the digits of the two hands of an operator. Each group has five home keys, and also some non-home keys, arranged in continuous rows. A decoder is provided for decoding the operation of the keys so that operation of each individual home key of the first group signals a respective vowel and simultaneous operation of a home key of the first group and a home key of the second group signals a consonant. Additional rows provide for output of a character and a space.

Abstract: A keyboard entry system is disclosed which comprises a keyboard which includes a plurality of letter keys, one for each letter of a selected language. The entry system responds to conventional sequential activation of individual keys by providing output signals indicative of the respective individual letters associated with the activated keys to an application program such as a word processor or printer control program. The keyboard entry system also responds to chords of simultaneously activated multiple keys by using these chords to retrieve stored words from a dictionary. It is the stored words rather than the entered chords which are applied as inputs to the application program. This system allows an operator to use both conventional sequential key entry techniques and chorded entry techniques for rapid data entry.

Abstract: A keyboard is disclosed having keys subdivided into one or more fields. Two keys from the same field concurrently actuated identify a particular character. Characters are also identified by the actuation of a single key independently of any other key. Pivot keys may be included which are a part of more than one field. A color coding arrangement makes the two key combination unambiguously suggested by the keyboard itself. These features make possible a reduction of the number of keys such that a full set of alphanumeric characters may be arranged on the keyboard for one handed operation.

Abstract: A touchbar or touchplate is supported on its edges by force-sensitive switches, such as push-button switches, each having a plurality of contacts opened or closed at different pressure thresholds. The pattern of which contact conditions of conduction or non-conduction is converted to logic ONES's and ZERO's and decoded to obtain indications to which a plurality of touchpoint regions on the touchbar or touchplate a user applies force.

Abstract: A transparent touchbar or touchplate is supported at its edges by a plurality of push-button switches. A plurality of valid touchpoints exist; and the touching of each can be distinguished, though the number of touchpoints is larger than the number of pushbuttons. This is done by logically combining the responses to the push-button switch closures occasioned by the application of force to any one of the valid touchpoints.

Abstract: U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,431 discloses a combinational keyboard in which keys are operated in combinations much as a piano is played. A combination being those keys which are depressed between two periods in which no keys are depressed. Each combination generates a coded character. The present invention covers a modification of this keyboard system in which the character keyed depends upon the sequence in which the keys of the combination are operated as well as upon the combination itself. The preferred system permits the character set of a six-key one-handed keyboard to be expanded to 198 characters. Cost of the keyboard--about sixty grams of silver.

Abstract: Generation of a character code for an alphabetic character is performed by depressing at least two keys in a sequence. The code is generated when the last key is depressed and the other keys in the sequence still are pressed, or when all keys in the sequence are released. Numerical character codes are generated by depressing only one key per character. A logic and storage means is provided having a number of registers, code converting tables and control circuits for storing the history of depressed keys and for generating character codes.

Abstract: Generation of a character code for an alphabetic character is performed by depressing at least two keys in a sequence. The code is generated when the last key is depressed and the other keys in the sequence still are pressed, or when all keys in the sequence are released. Numerical character codes are generated by depressing only one key per character. A logic and storage means is provided having a number of registers, code converting tables and control circuits for storing the history of depressed keys and for generating character codes.

Abstract: A "Binary Compatible Character" consisting of nine straight line segments and a dot is provided. Subsets of the ten elements of the character form digits of the base-16 numbering system, letters of several alphabets, punctuation marks, mathematical operators, and phonemes. The invention covers simplified apparatus for reading the characters and forming the characters. A ten key keyboard incorporating parity check, a ten hammer composite printing head, and a ten photodetector reading head are prime elements of the invention. The combination of printer, printed matter, and reader constitute a data storage system for which the data may be most easily edited by a human using only an eraser and pencil.

Abstract: A quasi-steno keyboard permits text entry into a computer either by standard letter-by-letter typing or by stenotyping. The keys of the keyboard are arranged in three parallel rows with the tops of the keys in the first and second rows being substantially coplanar and the tops of at least four keys in the third row being coplanar and lower than those in the first and second rows. The four keys in the third row are laterally centered in the keyboard and are positioned, with respect to the keys of the first and second rows, such that a thumb can rest comfortably on each of these keys when an index or other finger of the same hand rests on a crack between adjacent keys in the first and second rows.