Abstract: A light emitting structure around a keyboard backlight module is disclosed to include a light guiding plate comprising a light source, a flat-shape reflecting layer disposed on one side of the light guiding plate, and a transparent film of a light blocking layer disposed on other side of the light guiding plate and comprising a light absorbing layer. A deflection portion is bending inwardly toward the reflecting layer and then extending outwardly to form a flat-shape positioning portion adhered to the reflection layer by an adhesive layer. The light source can project light toward the light guiding plate and pass part of the light from the light guiding plate to the deflection portion due to diaphaneity of the material of the transparent film. A light emitting area can be formed around the backlight module, lightening the connection port of the electronic device or other area needed to be lightened.

Abstract: A microphone array disposed on a two-piece computer is provided. The two-piece computer has a first piece with a keyboard disposed thereon and a second piece with a display screen disposed thereon. The microphone array has two microphones, which are both disposed on the first piece, wherein a connecting line of the two microphones is not vertical to a normal line of the display screen of the second piece.

Abstract: Embodiments provide context-aware inclusion of emoticon item sets in applications and/or services. The emoticon item sets include a plurality of emoticon images or other emoticons. A computing device creates custom emoticon item sets for each of the applications. Based on a determined execution context, the computing device selects the emoticon item set and presents the selected emoticon item set for use within the execution context by a user of the computing device.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a housing, a frame surrounding the housing, and a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. The keyboard is movable between a closed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the keys are accessible in both the closed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: Flexible hinge spine techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.

Abstract: An input device includes a casing, a first keyboard, and a second keyboard. The first keyboard is slidably connected to the casing. The second keyboard is connected to the casing in an obliquely slidable manner and slidably connected to the first keyboard. When the first keyboard slides toward an expanded position relative to the casing, the first keyboard drives the second keyboard to slide obliquely relative to the casing, so that the second keyboard slides upwardly relative to the first keyboard. When the first keyboard slides toward a folded position relative to the casing, the first keyboard drives the second keyboard to slide obliquely relative to the casing, so that the second keyboard slides downwardly relative to the first keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard/keyboard enclosure is provided. The keyboard/keyboard enclosure includes front and rear shells removably connected together and made of a polymer material such as Nylon 6. A keypad is positioned on the front surface of the front shell. The rear shell includes a cutout and a removable hatch covering the cutout.

Abstract: One exemplary aspect comprises a keyboard apparatus comprising: a collapsible keyboard comprising five substantially rigid frames, the frames comprising a central frame, two end frames, and two intermediate frames, each intermediate frame located between an end frame and the central frame; each pair of adjacent frames being relatively pivotably connected together along a folding axis, the folding axes being substantially mutually parallel; and a plurality of keys mounted on the frames. Another exemplary aspect comprises a keyboard apparatus as above, further comprising a collapsible cradle assembly detachable from the collapsible keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a stiffener having a plurality of recesses defined therein, a flexible printed circuit defining a plurality of venting holes, each venting hole in correspondence with one of the plurality of recesses, and a dome sheet provided on top of the flexible printed circuit and including a plurality of domes, each of the domes in correspondence with one of the plurality of venting holes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first rotating operation unit which is arranged in one end section of an instrument main body such that a portion thereof protrudes from the top surface of the instrument main body, and switch-operated by the protruding portion being rotated by the thumb of a left hand, and a second rotating operation unit which is arranged posterior to the first rotating operation unit such that a portion thereof is exposed on a side surface side of the end section, and switch-operated by the exposed portion being rotated by a finger other than the thumb. Accordingly, when the left hand is placed on the end section, the thumb is placed corresponding to the first rotating operation unit, and the other finger is placed corresponding to the second rotating operation unit, whereby these rotating operation units can be rotated separately by only the left hand.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer. The first substrate includes a first upper surface and a first lower surface opposite the first upper surface. The second substrate is positioned apart from the first substrate and includes a second upper surface and a second lower surface. The second upper surface faces the first lower surface. The first electrode layer is positioned on the first lower surface and includes a number of first conductive layers disposed apart from each other and including a carbon nanotube layer structure. The second electrode layer is positioned on the second upper surface and includes a second conductive layer. A number of keys is positioned on the first upper surface or the second lower surface.

Abstract: A keyboard comprises a plurality of keycap-bearing physically-discrete segments that are hingeably coupled to one another. When in a non-deployed configuration, the keycap-bearing physically-discrete segments are disposed on a back side of a corresponding housing such that the keys face outwardly away from that back side of the housing. When in a deployed configuration, the keycap-bearing physically-discrete segments are disposed substantially planar with respect to that same housing and face outwardly away from a front side of the apparatus.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The first substrate includes a first upper surface and a first lower surface. The second substrate is located apart from the first substrate and includes a second upper surface and a second lower surface. The second upper surface faces the first lower surface. The first electrode layer is located on the first lower surface and includes a first conductive layer including a carbon nanotube layer structure. The second electrode layer is located on the second upper surface and includes a second conductive layer. A number of keys is located on the first upper surface or the second lower surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for protecting an Encrypting PIN Pad (EPP) against tampering. The apparatus provides an EPP comprising a first layer comprising at least two spaced apart electrode elements, and a second layer comprising at least one bridge element for electrically bridging a space between the at least two electrode elements when the first layer and the second layer are urged together.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard assembly and support mounts and keying layout are provided allowing a user to orient keying modules of the assembly in a variety of desired configurations. In one embodiment, the assembly includes pivoting support plates that allow the flexible adjustments. In another embodiment, at least one lift module is utilized to allow achieving multiple tenting angles expediently. In yet another embodiment, a modular support mount assembly is provided to allow the user to mount keying modules to a structure such as a chair using modular mounts that allow for easy and effective peripheral device supports and reconfiguration of the modular support mount assembly to support keying modules and peripheral devices of various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, a keying layout and assembly is provided to improve efficiency and intuitiveness of using a keying module and for programming the keying modules without use of a separate computer.

Abstract: A light guide is provided for illuminating innumerable constructions, but which is ideally suited for illuminating the keys of a keyboard. The light guide includes a translucent planar plate having a top, a bottom and sides. Further, the light guide includes one or more cavities which project upwardly into the translucent plate from its bottom surface. The cavities are hollow or filled with a translucent material so that the translucent plate and the one or more cavities form translucent interfaces where the cavities interface with the plate. The light guide also includes a reflector which covers the plate bottom and cavity openings.

Abstract: A key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

Abstract: A keyboard applied to an electronic device, includes a main body, a connecting panel, and at least one fixing member. The connecting panel and the main body are fastened together by the at least one fixing member. An electronic device using the keyboard is also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard includes a first keying module situated pivotably with respect to the second keying module for providing a keyboard having improved ergonomics and comfort, and promoting improved productivity of a user. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are pivotably mounted on a base assembly having fixed opposing tenting angles. In one embodiment the first and the second keying modules are mounted on a pivot link assembly configured to pivot the keying modules with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the first and the second keying modules are configured to also laterally separate. In one embodiment, first and second lift modules space a portion of the first and the second keying modules, respectively, from a supporting surface to form opposing tenting angles.

Abstract: A small size electron equipment keyboard, comprises a character area (101), a center key-press area (200), a left key-press area (103), a right key-press area (104) and a bottom key-press area (105), the letters in the center key-press area (200) which are arranged in regular trapezoidal shape according to the alphabet order, first from left to right, then from top to bottom.

Abstract: A wipeable keyboard cover may include a flat, flexible membrane surrounded by a rigid frame that closely fits a keyboard assembly. The wipeable keyboard cover may be securely attached to the keyboard assembly and may be easily removed from the keyboard assembly by a user. The wipeable keyboard cover may prevent foreign matter from contacting the covered portion of the keyboard assembly while allowing easy operation of the keyboard assembly. The flat nature of the wipeable keyboard cover may allow the cover to be cleaned effectively while it is attached to a keyboard assembly without subjecting the underlying keyboard assembly to potentially harmful treatment.

Abstract: A keypad mouse computer peripheral device of the present disclosure includes a housing on top of which is located a keypad having a number keypad. The input device has at least one clicker button operable by a user's thumb while the user's hand rests on a provided palm rest or wrist rest. Force exerted by the base or palm portion of an operating hand moves the present input device which permits the index, middle and ring fingers to be located on the 4, 5, 6 key positions of the number keypad. This maintenance of the resting or home position even while the user is engaged in movement of the present keypad mouse permits easy and fast entry of numbers. A position sensor on the bottom surface of the housing of the disclosed keypad mouse detects relative location information for positional information input for a computer's graphical user interface.

Abstract: An electrically-assisted mechanical Braille writer includes a main solenoid to apply force to emboss Braille onto a printing medium, and advance an embossing mechanism to the next cell. A second solenoid engages a mechanical stop to prevent one or more embossing keys from being fully depressed, to prevent kickback from the keys mechanically coupling to the main solenoid. In unpowered operation, the mechanical stop is disengaged, and the embossing keys may be fully depressed to apply force to emboss Braille and advance the embossing mechanism. Accordingly, with electrical power, the user may supply a lesser amount of force and still fully emboss Braille cells, while without electrical power, the Braille writer remains fully operational.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which is associated with indicia corresponding to at least one of alphabetic characters, numbers, or commands. The keys of the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than 26 and greater than nine. No more than two alphabetic characters are associated with each of the keys associated with alphabetic characters. At least one of the keys associated with alphabetic characters is associated with two alphabetic characters and at least one number. The numbers are arranged and displayed in the format of a phone keypad and the letters are arranged and displayed in a keyboard layout.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for improving the efficiency of text input by requiring more pressure to select keys on a dynamic keyboard that are improbable key presses. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key has a lever mechanism which varies the force required to press the key. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the force required to enter each key within the dynamic keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical touch device, including a main body, a keyboard and a light emitting member. The keyboard, placed on the main body and having a first end portion and a second end portion, includes a supporting frame, a keycap and a stopping member. The keycap is connected to the supporting frame and moves between a first position and a second position. The stopping member is connected to the keycap and moves simultaneously with the keycap. The light emitting member generates a light beam to the keyboard. When the keycap is in the first position, the light beam passes through the first end portion to the second end portion, and when the keycap is in the second position, the light beam is terminated by the stopping member, such that the light does not reach the second end portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable keyboard comprising a plurality of sections, a flat cable electrically connected between the sections, and a folding component connected between the sections. The folding component comprises fixing parts corresponding to the sections, and a connecting part connected between the fixing parts. The sections are correspondingly fixed on the fixing parts of the folding component. The connecting part is located between the sections. The sections pivot about the connecting part therebetween for folding or unfolding the foldable keyboard. The present invention adopts a folding component to connect the sections of the keyboard for folding the sections of the keyboard thereby being portable. The folding component is easy to manufacture with low cost, effectively reduces the thickness of the keyboard and extends the service life of the keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard overlay for use on a touch screen is disclosed, as well as novel key structures for use on overlays. The keyboard overlay and key structures have novel structures which can provide finger resting resistance, deceleration during actuation, pre-actuation cues, finger positioning cues, key identification cues, and other desired aspects of a keyboard optimized for touch typing. Methods for stowing and deploying the keyboard overlay to align with the virtual keyboard of a touch screen are also disclosed. The disclosed keyboard overlay can provide optimal touch typing characteristics for use on all known types of touch screens.

Abstract: A method and computing system for suppressing noise in an audio signal, comprising: receiving the audio signal at signal processing means; determining that another signal is input to the signal processing means, the input signal resulting from an activity which generates noise in the audio signal; and selectively suppressing noise in the audio signal in dependence on the determination that the input signal is input to the signal processing means to thereby suppress the generated noise in the audio signal.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a base, a receiving module, and connecting assemblies. The base includes a number of touch panel units. The receiving module includes a number of plates. The plates are pivotably connected to each other in series. The connecting assemblies are for biasing touch panel units into the folded configuration when the base is covered by the plates.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is disclosed. The mobile computing device comprises a housing that includes a section to retain a keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes at least a keypad façade that carries a plurality of keys. The keypad façade of the keypad assembly is contoured to adjoin and be substantially flush with the section of the housing.

Abstract: A backlight module is used in a lighting keyboard. The backlight module includes a light guiding plate and a masking. The masking is disposed on the light guiding plate. The masking includes a support layer, a cover layer and a reflective layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cover layer is disposed on the first surface. The cover layer includes a first opening. The reflective layer is disposed on the second surface and faces the light guiding plate for reflecting light emitted from the light guiding plate, so as to enhance lighting efficiency on the first opening. The reflective layer includes a second opening. A shape and a position of the second opening are respectively corresponding to a shape and a position of the first opening.

Abstract: A handheld communication device having a reconfigurable keyfield and a display screen upon which characters are displayed. A plurality of actuable input keys makeup the keyfield, and each has at least one character associated therewith and an engageable top surface for actuation. A microprocessor is configured to receive data indicative of an actuated input key and to output data indicative of an associated character determined to correspond to the indicated input key. At least one of the plurality of actuable input keys is mounted to the handheld communication device by an adjustable interconnection configurable between at least first and second operating orientations. In the first operating orientation, the engageable top surface of the at least one input key faces a first direction and in the second operating orientation the engageable top surface of the at least one input key faces a second direction.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of character recognition wherein user input is received with a sensor. The user input includes movement on a first axis and movement on a second axis. The receiving of the user input also includes determining the amount of pressure of the movement on the second axis of the key, and/or the duration of the movement on the second axis of the key. A processor matches the movement on the first axis of the key with a first character and the movement on the second axis of the key with a second character. The first character followed by the second character are displayed when the amount of pressure of the movement on the second axis of the key is above a threshold pressure and/or the duration of the movement on the second axis of the key is above a threshold duration.

Abstract: Keys that structure the keyboard have a diamond-shaped form that is symmetrical in both the vertical and the horizontal directions, disposed so that none of the edges of the surface in which the keyboard is formed are parallel with any of the edges of the diamond shapes. To each key is applied a marking in one or two orientations depending on the orientation of use of the mobile communications terminal. In the keyboard, these types of keys are laid out in a staggered pattern, wherein the markings are applied in positions that are on a straight line that passes through each of the keys in two rows of keys that are adjacent in the vertical direction on keys that are used when the mobile communications terminal is used in the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a small form factor computer includes a number of keys and associated electrical contacts positioned between the top case portion of the computer and the feature plate. The attachment of the keyboard assembly during the manufacturing process can be accelerated by welding securing fasteners through small holes in the feature plate directly to the top case portion of the computer.

Abstract: A keyboard may include a base portion, a first keyboard portion, a second keyboard portion, and a connection component that couples the second keyboard portion with the base portion. The connection component allows a movement of the second keyboard portion, relative to the base portion and the first keyboard portion, between a first orientation and a second orientation. In some implementations, the keyboard has a longer length dimension when the second keyboard portion is positioned in the second orientation than when the second keyboard portion is positioned in the first orientation.

Abstract: A communication system automatically mutes a microphone in response to a key event detected from a coupled keyboard to prevent delivery of noise generated by the keyboard to a far end of the communication session. A timer is initiated for a time period when the key event occurs, and the microphone remains muted for the time period of the timer. The timer may be restarted to maintain the microphone mute in response to a subsequent key event detected while the timer is running. If the timer expires before a subsequent key event is detected, the microphone can be restored to its previous state (usually un-muted). The system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and a microphone and having a communication application operating on the computer. Alternatively, the system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and coupled to an external conferencing unit having a communication application.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.

Abstract: A computer keyboard system with alternative exercise capabilities for the prevention of repetitive stress injuries in a user. The computer keyboard system has a computer keyboard and first and second non-typing, laterally movable exercise mechanisms retained by the computer keyboard. The exercise mechanisms are intermittently actuable as an alternative physical exercise to typing movements to prevent repetitive stress injuries. Operation of the keyboard can be impaired after a period of operation as measured by a typing parameter, such as keystrokes or typing time, and restored through actuation of the non-typing exercise mechanism.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a first assembly and a second assembly, said first assembly being connected to said second assembly by and extendable mechanism, said extendable mechanism being configured to extend an input area when the first assembly is moved with respect to the second assembly from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard includes a main keyboard and a sub keyboard. The main keyboard includes a first edge, first keys, and a first housing on the first edge. The first housing defines a first recess with at least one inlet communicating with the first recess. The sub keyboard includes a second rotatably coupled to the first edge of the main keyboard, second keys, a second housing, a latching member, and at least one ejecting member. The second housing defines a second recess with at least one outlet and at least one cavity communicating with the second recess. The latching member is movably received in the second recess. The at least one ejecting member is respectively received in the at least one cavity and can be moved to eject the latching member out of the at least one outlet and into the at least one inlet of the main keyboard.

Abstract: According to the present inventive concept there is provided a display assembly for a fuel dispensing unit, comprising: a display, a substantially transparent screen arranged between the display and an ambient environment such that the display is visible through the screen, comprising a first screen portion and a second screen portion movably arranged, in relation to the first screen portion, between a first position and a second position distinct from the first position. There is also provided a fuel dispensing unit.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an ergonomic computer keyboard with an integrated joystick pointing device. The keyboard incorporates a palm support and a key orientation that enables a user to rest his hand on the palm support and access keys. The joystick pointing device is situated on a portion of the keyboard that is closest to the user such that the user can manipulate the joystick pointing device without removing his hands from the keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes: a plurality of keys; a switching section that detects depression of each of the keys; a top cover that is integrally formed with a partitioning portion separating adjacent keys from each other; a frame member that includes a plurality of key receiving portions which, in a case where the frame member is attached to the top cover, support the keys in a manner that the keys are placed in spaces surrounded by the partitioning portion; a first coupling section that couples the top cover with the frame member; and a second coupling section that couples a first surface portion of the keyboard apparatus including the switching section, with a second surface portion of the keyboard apparatus including the top cover and the frame member with which the top cover is coupled by the first coupling section.

Abstract: A wipeable keyboard cover may include a flat, flexible membrane surrounded by a rigid frame that closely fits a keyboard assembly. The wipeable keyboard cover may be securely attached to the keyboard assembly and may be easily removed from the keyboard assembly by a user. The wipeable keyboard cover may prevent foreign matter from contacting the covered portion of the keyboard assembly while allowing easy operation of the keyboard assembly. The flat nature of the wipeable keyboard cover may allow the cover to be cleaned effectively while it is attached to a keyboard assembly without subjecting the underlying keyboard assembly to potentially harmful treatment.

Abstract: A compact alphanumeric keyboard providing the clock face familiarity for ease of learning and ease of use, with at least twenty eight alphanumeric keys, where the keys are arranged in a first set of twelve keys, a second set of twelve keys, and a third set of four alphanumeric keys. The first set and second set of keys are arranged to correspond with positions of a set of twelve hours on a clock face and the first set, second set, and third set are concentric with respect to a center, where the ratio of the radii of the first bounding circle, second bounding circle, and third bounding circle is substantially square root of seven, two, and one so that each of the plurality of key areas have substantially of equal area. Each of the at least twenty-eight alphanumeric keys has an indicia surface for being comfortably pressed by a finger.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement of keypads, entitled Cenky Keyboards, which are uniquely-designed keyboard layouts that utilize data entry keypads having the letters of the English language arranged in natural alphabetical order. This arrangement, or layout, is applicable to electronic hand-held or desktop computing, typing, and calculating devices, and assists users in locating letters and typing more efficiently. Letters A through Z are arranged alphabetically on the keyboard, either horizontally in rows or vertically in columns, thus facilitating quick typing. This product may be used in conjunction with any i-pad, smart phone, computer, or other devices, including those with fixed keyboards, touch screens, and slider keyboards.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard assembly and support mounts and keying layout are provided allowing a user to orient keying modules of the assembly in a variety of desired configurations. In one embodiment, the assembly includes pivoting support plates that allow the flexible adjustments. In another embodiment, at least one lift module is utilized to allow achieving multiple tenting angles expediently. In yet another embodiment, a modular support mount assembly is provided to allow the user to mount keying modules to a structure such as a chair using modular mounts that allow for easy and effective peripheral device supports and reconfiguration of the modular support mount assembly to support keying modules and peripheral devices of various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, a keying layout and assembly is provided to improve efficiency and intuitiveness of using a keying module and for programming the keying modules without use of a separate computer.

Abstract: Wireless handheld mobile communication device and keyboard therefore having a keyfield including a plurality of depressible keys arranged in rows that are distributed about a vertical centerline (Vc) of the keyboard. Each depressible key has a top engagement surface with an upper inboard portion that is raised relative a lower outboard portion thereof. The top engagement surface of each depressible key is ramped from the lower outboard portion toward the upper inboard portion. Each top engagement surface is generally crest shaped, with the apex of the crest running generally diagonally across the respective key with a remaining surface falling away from the crest toward the upper outboard portion and the lower inboard portion of the key. The top engagement surface of each of the depressible keys terminates at an upper edge thereof in an elevated ridge down from which the balance of the respective top engagement surface slopes.