Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of masking audible sounds emanating from a keyboard in response to a stroking of keys on the keyboard, the method comprising, selecting components from a plurality of components with various masses, building the keyboard with the selected components, moving a movable mass within the keyboard, and energizing a driving transducer within the keyboard. Further disclosed herein is a keyboard for a computer, comprising a plurality of keys, a cover with the keys protruding therethrough, a base supporting the cover and the keys, and at least one selectable mass wherein the mass is selected from a plurality of masses, a movable mass supported by the base and movable relative to the base, and a driving transducer supported by the base.

Abstract: A keypad lifting mechanism includes a fixing board, a first board, a guiding frame and a second board. Two stopping members are fixed on the fixing board. The first board is slidable relative to the fixing board. A plurality of wedges are formed on the guiding frame. The second board includes a plurality of protrusions. The second board slides up or down relative to the first board by engagement of the protrusions of the second board and the wedges of the first board. When the first board is moved relative to the fixing board, the guiding frame is stopped by the stopping members and the second board moving relative to the guiding frame so as to move up or down the second board.

Abstract: A keypad lifting mechanism includes a first board, a guiding piece, a second board and a third board. The guiding piece defines a guiding hole. The guiding hole includes a transverse end portion. The second board includes at least one protrusion. A guiding post is formed on the second board for engaging in the guiding hole of the guiding piece. The third board includes at least one slope corresponding to the at least one protrusion. When the guiding piece is pushed away from the third board, the guiding post slides along the guiding hole of the guiding piece. The second board moves with the guiding piece when the guiding post reaching the transverse end portion of the guiding hole. The third board is raised by the at least one slope sliding up along the at least one protrusion of the second board.

Abstract: A keypad lifting mechanism includes a first board, a second board and a third board. The second board is positioned between the first board and the third board. The first board has a plurality of wedges. The third board has a plurality of protrusions. The second board has a plurality of resisting members. When the second board is pushed away the first board and the third board, the second board is raised relative to the first board by engagement of the wedges and the resisting member, and the third board is raised relative to the second board by engagement of the resisting members and the protrusions.

Abstract: A computer comprises an upper housing, a lower housing, and a flexible sheet disposed between the housings. The sheet covers and area of least one of the housings. The sheet comprises an outer skirt that fits within a receiving portion in at least one of the housings thereby forming a seal around an edge of the computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin keypad that includes an elastic sheet that is made of resin or elastomer, and a group of keys including a plurality of keys that are formed from one key sheet through laser-cutting, and that are fixed on the elastic sheet as a laser-cut configuration, wherein the plurality of keys is made of light curing resin with a thickness of 1.0 mm or less, and the narrowest spacing between the keys adjacent each other is equal to or less than 500 ?m.

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: An electronic device is provided with a device housing which includes an upper case and a lower case. A key input section is provided in the device housing and includes a key sheet disposed on an inner surface of the upper case. The key sheet has a plurality of key buttons exposed in an upper surface of the upper case and a plurality of pin holes provided at a plurality of positions excluding the key buttons. And, a plurality of fitting protrusions is provided on the inner surface of the upper case and inserted into and fitted in the pin holes of the key sheet.

Abstract: A keyboard for a mobile device 400 having a processor 618 for interpreting signals comprises a plurality of keys 410-424 and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to an array of letters A-Z. The keys 410-419 that are associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than twenty-six and correspond to one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK key arrangement. Each of the plurality of keys 410-424 have multiple input surfaces and are arranged in an array of rows and columns that include a first outer column, at least one middle column, and a last outer column. The first and last columns of keys are operable to input at least three different signals to a processor 618 of a mobile device 400 depending upon what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed. A middle column of keys is operable to input at least five different signals to a processor 618 depending on what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed.

Abstract: A keypad including a plurality of user interface key caps flexibly coupled to a carrier and forming a substantially planar unitary member. The user interface key caps defined by and located between nested slots formed in the substantially planar unitary member wherein the nested slots are devoid of a material from which the plurality of user interface key caps and the carrier are formed. A flexible web is disposed the slots between the plurality of user interface key caps, wherein the plurality of user interface key caps, the carrier and the flexible web constitute a unitary member.

Abstract: A folding keyboard is set forth with a numeric keypad, and one fold line located between the edge of a standard continuous space bar and the edge of the numeric keypad. Preferably, the keyboard further includes left and right top cases, supporting inexpensive rubber dome switches, left and right bottom cases, membrane sheets with circuit traces connecting keyboard electronics to contact points under each key, two hinge screws or rivets (or the like) that hold the left and right sides of the keyboard together at the hinges, and a locking mechanism to keep the case closed when folded shut.

Abstract: A handheld mobile communication device having a physical keyboard with a first set of keys having indicia associated with the letters A-Z arranged in a standard alphabetic keyboard arrangement and a second set of keys having indica for the numerals 0-9. The numerals are arranged in a numeric phone key arrangement which is at least partially overlaid on the standard alphabetic keyboard arrangement. The second set of keys is differentiated from the keys of the first set using color.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a housing defining a dust opening, a plurality of rows of keys mounted in the housing with two of the a plurality of lines of the keys forming a horizontal gap and at least one cleaning device. Each of the cleaning devices is secured in one of the horizontal gaps. The cleaning device includes a driving rod and a cleaning brush. One end of the driving rod is rotatably fixed to the sidewall of the housing, and the other is driven to rotate the driving rod. The driving rod defines an outer threading thereon. The cleaning brush includes a sleeve and a plurality of arms fixed on the outer surface of the sleeve. The sleeve defines an inner thread cooperated with the outer thread of the driving rod. The driving rod rotates to move the cleaning brush along the driving rod.

Abstract: A keyboard support system includes a chassis. A keyboard base is mounted to the chassis. A keyboard is coupled to the keyboard base. A tensioning device is coupled to the chassis and the keyboard base, and the tensioning device is adjustable to produce a tension in the keyboard base in order to reduce the deflection of the keyboard that occurs when keys on the keyboard are depressed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a keyboard unit that includes a keyboard body having a key top and a detecting unit detecting water. The detecting unit is positioned on the keyboard body so as to facing to an under side of the key top.

Abstract: The present invention relates to making data entry on a handheld device quicker and easier, while still being able to interact with the software/firmware in a familiar way. In particular, we disclose a device and method for text entry that uses a combination of keys on the front and back of a device held in two hands. Keys on the back are utilized in a manner that takes advantage of the muscle memory associated with QWERTY keyboards. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A multi-functional user interface for electronic devices includes a hand-operable controller for providing an interface through which a user can command a peripheral electronic device to perform multiple actions. Such a controller includes an ergonomic housing including a communication link electrically matable to the electronic device. The housing includes a plurality of controls for generating a plurality of control signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user inputs respectively. The housing includes front and rear faces, each including a plurality of controls for generating a plurality of signals based upon a plurality of corresponding user inputs respectively. The device is selectively interchangeable between Internet Mode, Applications Mode, and Word Mode, conveniently enabling a user to use a single input device for a variety of different functions.

Abstract: A multi-positional, multi-level user interface system including a keyboard hinged over a base surface for a pointing device such as a mouse. The keyboard and base rotate relative to each other about a hinge axis to reveal the surface, providing a portable keyboard and pointing surface. A kickstand can support the keyboard above the base while in an open position. The keyboard and pointing device can be used with two hands with the system resting in a user's lap. The keyboard can also swivel about an axis other than the hinge axis. The keyboard can swivel 180 degrees for left-handed use, and can be positioned at other detent angles. A mouse can also be stowed on the base with a magnetic, friction, or other coupling. The interface system can further act as a communication hub for other peripheral devices, such as a joystick, to communicate with a computing device.

Abstract: A computer keyboard assembly includes a computer keyboard. The computer keyboard includes a housing on which a keypad is arranged. The housing defines oppositely disposed print media input and ejection slots though which print media can pass. A print media feed mechanism is located within the housing and is configured to feed print media along a print media path between the entry and ejection slots. A printer is located within the housing and is configured to print upon print media fed along the print media path.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a main keyboard and a numeric keyboard. The main keyboard includes a first connector formed on a first end surface and a second connector formed on a second end surface. The numeric keyboard includes a third connector formed on a first side surface and a fourth connector form on a second side surface. When the numeric keyboard is located at the first end surface of the main keyboard, the fourth connector is connected to the first connector. When the numeric keyboard is located at the second end surface of the main keyboard, the third connector is connector is connected to the second connector.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a keyboard includes keytops supported on a substrate and a membrane switch placed between the keytops and the substrate. The membrane switch has an electrically insulating membrane sheet on which a plurality of contacts operated by the keytops are formed. A light source is mounted on the membrane sheet. A conductor pattern configured to supply an electric current to the light source is formed on the membrane sheet. Further, a lightguide plate configured to lead light emitted by the light source to the keytops is stacked on the membrane sheet.

Abstract: An electronic handheld device includes: a case that is formed in a longitudinal boxed shape; a first operation key that is provided on a front face of the case at a position that is located at an approximate center of the front face; and a first concave portion that is formed on a back face of the case at a first position opposite the position of the first operation key, the first concave portion being arched toward a top end of the case.

Abstract: A computer keyboard incorporates a base member, a keying module and a spacing member coupled therebetween. The spacing member is pivotable over a range of angles to allow the keying module to be retained at a range of discrete, desired angles above a support structure such as a desktop. An embodiment incorporates two such assemblies linked together by a sliding member, further allowing the keying modules to be spaced apart laterally from each other by a desired distance. Another embodiment incorporates a hinged linking member, allowing the keying modules to also be angled with respect to each other about an axis normal to the support plane.

Abstract: A keyboard for one-handed data input is disclosed. The keyboard includes a primary keypad including a first set of keys. The primary keypad is defined by a first side and an opposed second side. The keyboard also includes an auxiliary keypad including a second set of keys, as well as an input selection pad with a multiple position switch. The switch is used to selectively map the keyboard to various input value sets. The auxiliary keypad is attached to the first side, while the input selection pad is attached to the second side. There is also a rest pad centrally mounted to the primary keypad.

Abstract: A physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-functional keys with a reduced column QWERTY key arrangement overlaid with a numeric phone key arrangement for use in both text entry and telephony. Another physical keyboard includes a plurality of multi-functional keys having an array of alphabetic characters and an overlaid numeric array of numbers. A handheld mobile station has a first user interface having a standard alphabetic key arrangement and a second user interface having a numeric phone key arrangement. The space key of the keyboard may be taller than the remainder of keys in the row.

Abstract: An alphanumeric keyboard that is easy to learn, easy to use, and mountable on a handset for one-hand operation, comprises a virtual clock face having the center for the rotation of virtual hands, first set of twelve hourly radial positions, from one o'clock to twelve o'clock, surrounding the center, second set of twelve hourly radial positions, from one o'clock to twelve o'clock, surrounding the center and nearer to the center than the first set of twelve hourly radial positions, twenty four key areas, each key area being uniquely associated with one hourly radial position of the first and second sets, wherein each key area is substantially of 30 degree annular sector shape and contiguous to the adjacent key areas associated with the adjacent hourly radial positions, wherein all twenty four key areas are substantially of equal area, at least thirteen alphabetic keys placed at predetermined hourly radial positions of the first and second sets, and wherein each key has an indicia surface that is within the asso

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having user-manipulable components for multi-media applications and additional computer interface and control purposes that are desirably designed for ease of manufacturing and cost effectiveness. A preformed roller module has a small top cover and base forming an enclosure to hold the entire roller mechanism, including the electronic components. The roller module is then attached to the keyboard. A volume control dial is provided for audio volume control. The dial desirably is also preformed and then attached to the keyboard. Keyboard feet may be provided on the rear edge of the keyboard for tilting the keyboard without taking up space at the bottom of the keyboard, so that the keyboard height profile can be kept low. An opaque keyboard frame may be placed over the key mechanisms of the keys to hide them from sight, and a translucent top case may be placed over the opaque keyboard frame.

Abstract: A portable information handling system keyboard cable integrates keyboard and point stick conductors in a common membrane to communicate user inputs from a keyboard and point stick to processing components. The cable terminates at a motherboard end with a ZIF connector to connect with processing components at the motherboard and terminates at keyboard end with a connector for keyboard and point stick conductors. In one embodiment, the keyboard and point stick conductors terminate in a common connector having conductive pads arranged in a V shape to connect with conductors extending from a keyboard membrane. In alternative embodiments, the point stick conductors extend out from the common membrane to align with point stick conductors extending from a keyboard assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a plurality of keys each having an in-use configuration and a stowed configuration, wherein a key when in the in-use configuration is configured to travel between a first relatively raised position and a second relatively lowered position under a user applied force and is configured to return to the first relatively raised position after removal of the user applied force and wherein a key when in the stowed configuration is unable to travel to the first relatively raised position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a reconfigurable keyboard is provided. One implementation involves a row mounting mechanism for mounting each row of keys on a row frame, the row mounting mechanism allowing one or more keys of each row to be moved and locked in a certain row position, whereby the spacing of one or more keys in each row on the keyboard can change. The apparatus also includes a column mounting mechanism for mounting each column of keys on a column frame, the column mounting mechanism allowing one or more keys of each column to be moved and locked in a certain column position, whereby the spacing of one or more keys in each column on the keyboard can change. As such, one or more keys can be moved in row or column and to lock or unlock key positioning for arranging the keys on a keyboard according to a reconfigurable layout.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting key actuation in a keyboard assembly, which, in one embodiment, is used as a conductor to electrically communicate with an information appliance. The rows in the keyboard assembly are electrically isolated from one another, and each row contains keys bridging a two-wire bus. Each key has a switch that is closed during key actuation, a diode to polarize the key, and a resistor to provide a resistive load when the switch is closed and the diode is biased with the current flow. Alternatively, each key has a switch that is closed during key actuation, a timer with an output that goes high after a predetermined time period, and a resistor that provides an identifying load when the switch is closed and the output of the timer is high. Other features of the invention include a linear matrix coupled to a row of keys to allow the row to be scanned by sections and individual keys, and a flexible circuit that provides the electrical pathways for the linear matrix.

Abstract: A key system utilizes two operation nodes to detect the status of a plurality of keys, and each operation node can output and read a high, a low, and a clock signal. When an operation node outputs a high signal and reads a return signal and then outputs a low signal and reads a return signal, the other operation node outputs a clock signal. Therefore, the two operation nodes can detect the status of six keys.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for data entry on an electronic device, comprising: a keyboard with only one row of keys used to type letters of an alphabet; and an electronic display device in communication with the keyboard; wherein each key of the one row of keys has a correspondence with a plurality of characters, and wherein the correspondence enables touch-typing consistent with touch-typing on QWERTY or other standard keyboard configurations.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device that incorporates a flexible carrier for the keys. The flexible carrier has cutouts or slots that aid in decoupling the actions of one from its neighbors. Moreover, in addition to or instead of cutouts or slots, the flexible carrier optionally has cutouts around its outer perimeter. In some embodiments, the keys are molded as part of the flexible carrier. In other embodiments, the keys are attached to or inserted in the flexible carrier during manufacture. Various embodiments of the invention employ various key shapes to aid the user's tactile experience while typing.

Abstract: We discovered that a) a single key can support a multiplicity of ordered groups, b) only a subset of each group needs to be visually represented on the face of a key, c) either multi-tap or predictive methods, or both, can be used to input members of each of the groups, and d) auxiliary keys are a convenient, effective and user-discoverable method to select ordered groups, and to perform the multi-tap function. The objects of: limiting multi-tap depth, reducing keystrokes per symbol, unifying focus, increasing discoverability, graduated discoverability, power, compact presentation, and seamless integration of multi-tap and predictive text methods, can all be achieved by exploiting these discoveries.

Abstract: A housing (100) of portable electronic devices includes a main body (10) and a decorative layer (16). The main body defines a through groove (12) therein and a recessed portion (14) sunken from an outer surface thereof. The groove is formed adjacent to the recessed portion. The decorative layer is formed on the outer surface of the main body and extending in the groove and the recessed portion. A method for manufacturing the housing is also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a keyswitch, which includes a keycap and a balance member. The keycap thereof defines a lower surface, which has at least one mounting portion. The balance member has an axle thereof defines a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. Additionally, the axle is folded with a first angle and elongated from the first end to form a first side, and folded with a second angle and elongated from the second end to form a second side. The axle is mounted in the at least one mounting portion. Particularly, the second angle is between 30° and 60°.

Abstract: A light-emitting keyboard comprises: a light guide having a light entrance surface, a bottom surface and a light exit surface; a light source provided on one side of the light entrance surface of the light guide; a first reflector disposed underneath the bottom surface of the light guide; a second reflector disposed on top of the light exit surface of the light guide; a membrane circuit board disposed on top of the second reflector; an elastic contact body provided on the membrane circuit board; a supporting plate disposed on top of the membrane circuit board; a scissor assembly engaged with the supporting plate and disposed thereon; and a keycap supported by the scissor assembly; wherein the second reflector permits a portion of the light emitted from the light exit surface of the light guide to pass therethrough and reflects another portion of the light back towards the light exit surface of the light guide; and wherein the light guide is provided with a second opening corresponding to the elastic contact b

Abstract: A key extender includes an elongated member, e.g., a deformable metal rod, having a first end portion secured to a contact member, e.g., a circular disc having a contact area greater than the available touch plate surface area of the key. An opposite second end portion of the elongated member is secured to a first part of a fastening arrangement, with the other part of the fastening arrangement on a key of a keyboard. Mounting an extender on each of the keys of a keyboard and shaping the metal rod to position the discs adjacent to and spaced from one another allows a disabled person to depress the closely adjacent keys of the keyboard, e.g. and not limited to, the keys of a piano or keys of a typewriter.

Abstract: An electronic device interface provides three different physical user interfaces. Users may fold or unfold the device to reveal one interface and hide the other two. A first module includes a first portion of a first interface. A second module includes a first portion of a second interface. A third module includes a second portions of the first and second interfaces. The second and third modules are folded together to hide the second interface and expose the first interface. The first and third modules are folded together to hide the first interface and expose the second interface. The third interface is exposed when the first and third modules and the second and third modules are folded together, hiding the first and second interfaces. The first modules can include a concave portion matching a convex portion of the third module to maintain a flush profile for the first and second interfaces.

Abstract: A keyboard sustainer used in an electronic device includes a metal body having a base portion with a first sustaining surface thereon for sustaining a keyboard, and an insulative body engaged with the metal body. The insulative body defines a second sustaining surface for sustaining the keyboard. The metal body includes a plurality of retaining tabs extending from a side edge of the base portion and embedded in the insulative body by insert-molding to get a firmly engagement therebetween. The first sustaining surface is coplanar with the second sustaining surface so that the keyboard can be sustained steady without any invalid connection to the sustainer.

Abstract: The invention discloses a membrane cable including several metal wires, a cover body and a reinforcement plate. The cover body covers the metal wires, and the reinforcement plate is adhered to an external surface of the cover body. The cover body and the metal wires are bended toward the reinforcement plate, and the reinforcement plate can prevent the cover body and the metal wires from being over-bended.

Abstract: The invention shows the effective input of a target word or phrase by applying a Full Input Method and by using an index storing full code. In addition, this invention proposes an input system for inputting various objects (alphabet characters, special characters, functions, etc) by combination of a long stroke of a button and a short stroke of the button, and by combination of a long stroke of a button and a short stroke of a control button.

Abstract: A keyboard with intervals-adjustable keys has a baseboard, plural pairs of key modules, at least one piezoelectric device and a differential mechanism. The plural pairs of key modules are symmetrically arranged on the baseboard between the vertical axis of the baseboard. The piezoelectric devices connected with the plural pair of key modules are used to output electrical signal. The differential mechanism has at least one differential gear and at least one migration controller. When one of these pairs of key modules is forced to move, the pair of key module drives the corresponding migration controller to propel all of the differential gears. Then the other migration controllers and key modules are driven to move.

Abstract: A method for recording shadow keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes the steps of sensing an extent of an actuation of a subset of the keys as a stenographic keystroke, recording values selected from the group consisting of a full value and at least one intermediate value corresponding to the extent of the actuation of each of the subset of keys, and determining a first subset of possible translations of the stenographic keystroke based upon a second subset of possible combinations of the recorded values of the subset of the keys. Also, an extent of an actuation of at least one key can be sensed and at least one intermediate value corresponding to the extent of the actuation of the at least one key can be recorded.

Abstract: A keyboard for a handheld electronic device comprises ten keys arranged in four rows in a DTMF keypad format. Three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 1, 2 and 3 arranged in a first row, three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 4, 5 and 6 arranged in a second row, three of the keys respectively bearing numerals 7, 8 and 9 arranged in a third row, and a tenth key bearing a 0 located in a fourth row. The keys of the first second and third rows also bear letter characters which, either alone or in conjunction with additional letter character-bearing keys in the rows, are positioned relative to the letter characters on adjacent keys so as to form a QWERTY or Dvorak layout.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a host computer is disclosed. The keyboard has a main portion with a processor and a driver; and an auxiliary portion releasably connected to the main portion and being operatively connected to the processor by a cable. The processor and the driver of the main portion are used for the operation of the auxiliary portion.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard for inputting data into a portable electronic device is provided. The foldable keyboard includes an upper cover, a lower cover, a first keyboard portion, and a second keyboard portion. A space is formed, as the upper and the lower cover are in closed relationship to each other, for accommodating the first and second keyboard portions. As the upper and lower covers are opened from the closed relationship and the second keyboard portion, relative to the first keyboard portion, is rotated pivotally, said first and second keyboard portions are allowed to be substantially on a common plane.

Abstract: A laptop computer with an attached printer unit. The printer unit is a detachable unit that normally is attached to the base of the laptop computer and includes an input slot, an output slot, a USB connection port, a power cord selection slot, and a pair of slots for ink cartridges. The input slot allows for a single piece of paper to be inserted into the printer unit, while the output slot emits the paper after it has been printed on by the printer unit. The top surface of the printer unit has a plurality of mounting holes, while the bottom of the laptop has a plurality of mounts, allowing the printer unit to be securely attached to the laptop, yet at the same time, allowing it to be easily detachable. An included USB connection port allows the printer to be electronically connectable to the laptop unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a unit supported on the housing, and a mounting section which is provided on the housing and on which the unit is placed. The mounting section includes an opening, a support wall which surrounds the opening and supports the unit, a cut portion which is provided in the support wall, and a lid which is fitted in the cut portion and is a part of the support wall.