Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a base, a top cover, a scale-adjustable component, an adjusting component, and a linked component. The top cover is connected to the base and is openable and closeable with respect to the base. The scale-adjustable component is disposed on the base. The adjusting component comprises an adjusting portion connected to the top cover and a sleeve connected to the adjusting portion and disposed on the base. The linked component is received in the sleeve and connected to the scale-adjustable component, having a spiral groove, in which the protrusion mounted on the inner wall of the sleeve is positioned. When the top cover is opened, the adjusting portion is expanded to drive the sleeve to rotate. Meanwhile, the protrusion slides with respect to the spiral groove to drive the linked component to move along an axis direction of the sleeve so as to expand the scale-adjustable component.

Abstract: A computer keyboard assembly includes a computer keyboard, in turn, having 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 the print media along a print media path between the entry and ejection slots. The feed mechanism includes an endless belt which extends around a pair of rollers and a planar member which bears against the inside of the belt. A printer is located within the housing and is configured to print upon the print media fed along the print media path.

Abstract: A shrunk keyboard for composite keys includes at least a first key and a second key that have respectively a touch panel attached thereon. The first key and second key have respectively a sense control segment to control switching of character definition of a character cluster corresponding to another key. Thereby users can perform character input operation of a complete keyboard on the shrunk keyboard, and total character number can be increased.

Abstract: A washable switch that may be used in a keyboard is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing of the keyboard may include a key opening and a support layer may be mounted in the housing. Key silos may be mounted on the support layer and input keys with support legs may be mounted in the key silos. In an embodiment the key silos may comprise an internally lubricated resin. An actuation unit and a keyboard circuitry may be in communication and encapsulated in a first and second barrier layer so as to provide a keyboard that may be safely placed in a dishwasher. If the keyboard is configured for wireless use, a sealable power source compartment sealably coupled to the keyboard circuitry may be provided with a removable door so as to allow the user, in operation, to access and replace a power source. The keyboard may include an externally exposed connector that may be sealed with a plug that may be attached to the housing by a tether.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard having a mount and a plurality of keys arranged in a plurality of unbroken adjacent rows is provided. Each row is comprised of an arcuate portion, a left portion, and a right portion. The left and right portions extend tangentially from the left and right sides of the arcuate portion, respectively. The arcuate portion, of each row is convex to the user side of the keyboard, and at least two keys in each arcuate portion are elongated. Alphanumeric indicia on the keys can be arranged in the QWERTY pattern.

Abstract: Wireless handheld mobile communication device including a housing with a display above a keyboard exposed for user actuation. A length of the device is greater than the width. Each key of a right-hand keyfield has a longitudinal axis oriented at a left-to-right inclined angle while each key of a left-hand keyfield has a longitudinal axis oriented at a right-to-left inclined angle from the vertical centerline. A left boundary of the keyboard is located adjacent the left lateral side edge of the device and the right boundary of the keyboard is located adjacent the right lateral side edge of the device so that the keyboard spans a substantial entirety of the width of the device.

Abstract: A keyboard comprising: at least a first keyboard portion and second keyboard portion, wherein the first keyboard portion is hingedly attached to the second keyboard portion to allow keyboard use in a flat position and an inverted V position.

Abstract: A computer keyboard with palm support surfaces, and controls providing mouse functions, added to each side of the keyboard. The palm support surfaces are downward sloping, and/or downward curved convex surfaces, on either side of the keyboard, descending from peaks near each top rear corner of the keyboard, laterally away from the keyboard, and towards the front of the keyboard. Outside edges of the palm support surfaces may narrow and curve inward toward the front of the keyboard to allow a more natural hand position. The controls include selection buttons, normally located on a mouse, to the left of the keyboard, and a positioning device normally located on a mouse, to the right of the keyboard, and are generally embedded to the rear of each palm support surface. The controls and palm support surfaces allow a more natural hand placement and avoid pressure on the carpal tunnel area.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a key module comprising at least one key cell with an output end which is selectively connected to a first voltage or a second voltage, a detect circuit electrically connected to the output end of the key cell for generating a control signal whenever the voltage on the output end of the key cell becomes the second voltage or the first voltage, a parallel-to-serial register electrically connected to the output end of the key module, and a processor electrically connected to the parallel-to-serial register and the detect circuit for controlling the parallel-to-serial register according to the control signal.

Abstract: A controlling device, such as a universal remote control, that uses visual, audio, and/or tactile cues, such as sounds, color, patterns, shapes, vibrations, etc., to indicate relationships. Relationships may be between a function key and an intended target appliance for a command transmitted in response to activation of the function key, a user and the controlling device, or a room and the controlling device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relatively inexpensive device 10 that can internally include on or more of the functions of a printer 30, fax machine 40, copier 50 or scanner 60 in combination with a built-in typewriter device 20. Preferably the device is an all-in-one type device 10 (20, 30, 40, 50, 60). That includes the features normally connected to a computer, but with an independently built-in operable typewriter function.

Abstract: A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys that are arranged in a regular grid of rows and columns. The columns include a first column, a last column, and at least one middle column. The keys in the first and last columns are smaller than the keys in the at least one middle column. A method for improving the ergonomics of a key arrangement on a keyboard of a fixed size is provided. A method for designing a key arrangement for a mobile communication device is also provided.

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 keyboard stiffening system comprising a keyboard assembly having a plurality of key assemblies coupled to a support plate, the support plate having at least one extension extending from a bottom surface thereof to engage a support pan of the electronic device to secure the keyboard assembly to the support pan of the electronic device.

Abstract: A keyboard with a recharge function for a computer system having a rechargeable wireless peripheral is described. The keyboard includes a charger and a charging dock. The charger is disposed inside the keyboard and charges the rechargeable wireless peripheral with power from the keyboard. The charging dock is a channel with an opening on a sidewall of the keyboard and can store the rechargeable wireless peripheral therein so as to electrically couple the rechargeable wireless peripheral to the charger.

Abstract: An absolute position of a rotating axis is sensed at a desired resolution by employing two or more absolute encoders of a resolution that is lower than the desired resolution. A first absolute encoder that rotates in concert with the axis being sensed and a second absolute encoder that rotates a number of times for each rotation of the first encoder are employed. While the second absolute encoder data is utilized directly, the first absolute encoder data, through an interpretation of the context of the second absolute encoder data, is translated to a quantity equivalent to the rotational count of the second absolute encoder. Additionally, the data from the first and second absolute encoders can be manipulated so as to make a mechanical misalignment between the encoders or a temporal misalignment between their readings to be essentially inconsequential to the operation and accuracy of the enhanced absolute position sensor system.

Abstract: A physical configuration of a keyboard is described. A first keypad portion is selectively connected to a first position or a second position of the keyboard base. A second keypad portion is connected to the keyboard base and adjacent to the first keypad portion. When the first keypad portion is connected to the first position of the keyboard base, the first keypad portion and the second keypad portion form a first position relation between thereof When the first keypad portion is connected to the second position of the keyboard base, the first keypad portion and the second keypad portion form a second position relation between thereof The first position relation is opposite to the second position relation.

Abstract: A method for a keypad assembly including a keycap layer 110 having multiple user interface key caps flexibly coupled to a carrier portion, a luminescent layer 120 disposed toward a backside of the plurality of key caps, the luminescent layer carrying a plurality of switch domes each aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of key caps of the key cap layer. In some embodiments, a backing material is applied to a backside of the user interface key caps.

Abstract: A portable computer is disclosed. A triple-hinged supporting assembly, which is employed to connect a display unit with a mainframe unit in the portable computer, can easily change various operation positions of the display unit and even rotate 180° to horizontal, so as to fill different requirements of a user.

Abstract: A keyboard for a computer. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys for providing both digital and analog inputs. Additionally, the keyboard comprises keys for functions such as activating a camera or a microphone, scrolling windows on a computer screen, and so forth. The keys are covered with a flexible keycap surface that provides resistance to elements such as water and dust.

Abstract: A portable keyboard enables full QWERTY touch typing with both hands or full QWERTY typing with one hand without external support. The keyboard includes a number of keypads that are selectively positionable to configure the keyboard in different keyboard configurations for use.

Abstract: A compact input device (104), suitable for entering data in an electronic device (102), includes a cylindrical surface (202) that has a keyboard switch matrix (210) deployed on the outer body of the cylindrical surface (202) formed by a first extendable interlocking part (402) and a second extendable interlocking part (404). The first extendable interlocking part (402) includes a left half of a QWERTY keyboard (e.g., Q, W, E, R, T) while the second extendable interlocking part (404) includes a right half of a QWERTY keyboard (e.g., Y, U, I, O, P). When the compact input device (104) is in an extended and aligned configuration, the keys of the first extendable interlocking part (402) and the keys of the second extendable interlocking part (404) form a common QWERTY keyboard configuration.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for character entry on an electronic device, comprising: a keyboard with one row of keys; and an electronic device in communication with the keyboard; wherein one or more keys on the keyboard has a correspondence with a plurality of characters, wherein the plurality of characters on at least one of said keys includes at least one letter character and one non-letter character, and wherein the correspondence enables touch typing.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly comprises a housing structure and an air circulator apparatus attached to the housing structure. The housing structure has an interior space therein, a key opening within a housing wall thereof and at least one key movably extending through the key opening whereby a gap is provided between the key opening and the at least one key. The air circulator apparatus includes an air circulation device having an air inlet portion and an air outlet portion. The air inlet portion receives substantially an entire portion of air circulated by the air circulation device from outside of the housing structure and the air exits the air outlet portion into the interior space of the housing structure such that the interior space of the housing structure is pressurized thereby causing the air to flow though the gap provided between the key opening and the at least one key.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus with a keyboard coupled to a cable, comprises a housing including a wall on which the keyboard is mounted, the wall including an opening, a circuit board which is accommodated inside the housing, and to which the cable is coupled through the opening, a sheet which is arranged between the wall and the keyboard, and which covers the opening, the sheet including a cable insertion portion through which the cable is inserted.

Abstract: A computer game system uses an infrared sensor which produces an infrared light to produce pulse of infrared light. Optics focus reflections from the infrared light pulse from different portions of the environment to different detectors in a 2D array of detectors. The detectors produce indications of the distance of the closest objects. The indications can be used by a processor to determine each action. The determined action can be used as input to a computer game. The infrared sensor can also be used with a musical keyboard system.

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: A printer is disposed within a housing of a keyboard. The keyboard housing has an upper side bearing a plurality of keypads arranged to interact with a keyboard circuit board located within the housing. A print media entry slot formed through a first side of the housing and a print media ejection slot formed through a second side of the housing opposite the first side provide an entry and exit for a print media transport assembly located between the keyboard circuit board and a bottom side of the housing, the assembly extending across the width of the keyboard circuit board. The assembly is arranged to draw print media through the entry slot.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Abstract: A keypad assembly, the keypad assembly including a keycap layer 110 having multiple user interface key caps flexibly coupled to a carrier portion, a luminescent layer 120 disposed toward a backside of the plurality of key cap layer, the luminescent layer carrying a plurality of switch domes aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of key caps of the key cap layer. In some embodiments, a backing material is applied to a backside of the user interface keycaps.

Abstract: Input apparatus scaled for non-adult humans and adult humans having small hands. The input apparatus are especially well suited for use as computer keyboards for use by schoolchildren. Also disclosed is a computing system including the input apparatus.

Abstract: A keyboard having an first mode and an second mode, the keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys; a switching means for switching between a first mode and a second mode; a height adjustment means in communication with the switching means and the plurality of keys, wherein said height adjustment means raises and lowers the plurality of keys according to the switching means; wherein the keys when pressed individually in first mode have a first output and are at a first height and wherein the keys when pressed individually in second mode have a second output and are at a second height that is different than the first height.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device and its keyboard system that includes a plurality of keys, a keyboard matrix and a program. The keys include a plurality of first type keys and a plurality of second type keys; the keyboard matrix includes a plurality of keyboard positions. By scanning the keyboard positions, a character or a command typed by a user can be obtained; the program includes a first program code for setting the keyboard matrix to cause a portion of the matrix positions to correspond to the plurality of first type keys, wherein each matrix position corresponding to one first type key, and a second program code for setting another portion of the matrix positions corresponding to the plurality of second type keys, wherein each matrix position corresponding to more than one second type keys.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating input of data to an electronic device using selectively illuminated chambered keys is disclosed. A determination is made as to which of a plurality of chambers is to be illuminated. An indicia assigned to a region on the surface of the key above a selected chamber is highlighted by illumination(s), that is (are) based at least upon the determination.

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: An exemplary inflatable keyboard includes an inflatable bag, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), an inflating unit electrically connected with the FPCB, an inflating button and a USB interface connects to a host device. The inflatable bag includes a faceplate portion and at least one key. An inlet valve and an outlet valve mounted on the inflatable bag. The FPCB receives a startup signal and a shutdown signal via the USB interface, used as an inflate signal and a deflate signal respectively. The inflating button produce an inflate signal and a deflate signal respectively when the inflating button is actuated by a user. The inflating unit includes a pressure gauge, an air pump, and a valve control device. The inflating unit configured for inflating the inflatable bag to the inflated state upon receiving an inflate signal, and allowing deflation of the inflatable bag upon receiving a deflate signal.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus has two rows of multi-function keys that together bear actuation indicia for the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. The actuation indicia preferably defines four rows of characters, including a first row of characters that include the numerals 0-9, and further including second, third, and fourth rows of characters that together include the letters A-Z. Summarized differently, the keyboard apparatus has rows of multi-function keys bearing actuation indicia for the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. The keys in each row are vertically staggered, from the perspective of a top view in which the rows are horizontal, to define circular arrays of keys within the rows of keys. An independent feature of the keyboard apparatus is a circular array of at least six multi-function keys having triangular peripheral shapes pointing radially inward.

Abstract: A typing keyboard is provided for minimizing non-productive hand movements. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys for entering alphanumeric text, the keys being positioned according to a conventional keyboard layout, and at least one modifier key for assigning commonly-used keyboard functions to predetermined ones of the keys positioned near a normal resting position of a user's typing fingers.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device and an associated method are provided. The handheld electronic device includes a keyboard assembly, a display positioned adjacent the keyboard assembly, a processor structured to receive inputs from the keyboard assembly and to output to the display as a function of the inputs, the processor further structured to run a disambiguation routine. The keyboard assembly includes a printed circuit board, a primary conductor portion, a secondary conductor portion, and a keyboard assembly. The printed circuit board has a plurality of electrical contacts. The conductor assembly has a plurality of primary conductors and a plurality of secondary conductors, each the primary conductor and secondary conductor structured to correspond to, and engage and close, at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts. The keyboard assembly has a plurality of keys each having one or more indicia thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus has a keyboard panel with a QWERTY array of alphabetic key actuation indicia. The apparatus further has a QWERTY array of keys that are free of alphabetic key actuation indicia, and are located adjacent to corresponding alphabetic key actuation indicia on the keyboard panel. Other parts of the apparatus include an output device responsive to actuation of the keys, and a processing device operatively coupled between the keys and the output device. Summarized alternatively, the apparatus includes a keyboard with keys arranged in arcuate horizontal rows. The keys in each row have centerlines projecting radially from a respective common centerpoint.

Abstract: A keyboard of reduced size is provided in which multiple characters are assigned to each of the primary keys. The selection of the characters to be assigned to each specific primary key is based on the touch typing rules associated with a specific standardized keyboard, preferably allowing at least three rows of keys to be reduced to a single row of keys. A disambiguating system is used to interpret which of the characters and/or symbols assigned to a particular key is intended, typically by applying a set of disambiguating rules to generated input sequences.

Abstract: A substantially standard layout keyboard for text input, having a plurality of standard keys, in a substantially standard layout (e.g. QWERTY, DVORAK, etc.), the keyboard having a plurality of word fragments associated with a selected subset of the plurality of standard keys, and a word input key adapted to input one of the plurality of word fragments, wherein one of the plurality of word fragments is input by activating the word input key in conjunction with one of the plurality of standard keys. Preferably, the word input key is set in a space adjacent the space bar.

Abstract: A portable telephone has a key operation unit in which a plurality of small keys is arranged close to each other. A user sometimes depresses a plurality of keys at the same time. The portable telephone stores data regarding frequency of key determination made by the user in the past when the plurality of keys was depressed at the same time, with regard to a combination of these keys. When the plurality of keys is depressed at the same time, a key which has been most frequently determined is selected, and a number or the like corresponding to the key is displayed. Further, once the key is determined, data regarding the frequency of determination of the key is updated.

Abstract: A keyboard for a computer system is provided. The keyboard comprises a housing having an upper surface defining an opening for a plurality of keys, a printer assembly positioned on a print media transport path within the housing, a print media entry slot defined in a first side of the housing, a print media ejection slot defined in a second side of the housing opposite the first side, a printer controller circuit positioned within the housing; and a serial bus for communicating with the computer system. The serial bus is operatively connected to the printer controller circuit. In use, print commands are received by the printer controller circuit from the computer system via the serial bus.

Abstract: An adjustable wearable ergonomic split keyboard and mouse data input device is provided that includes two hand modules. Data and command input keys are provided in each module and arranged on fingerlike components which are attached to a palm support structure . Each key mounted on top of a fingerlike component is generally adjustable to the operator's wish and may be locked at a preferred position. A thumb section, located adjacent to the operator forefinger position, comprises a thumb support structure, a pointing device and a relatively flat area which may include the spacebar key or a group of command keys. The palm support is shaped with angles and curves which provide counter pressure points to the palm. Straps and arm support components are optionally attached to the keyboards for wearability.

Abstract: A computer system is provided comprising a computer, a keyboard peripheral of the computer, and a pagewidth printer peripheral of the computer. The pagewidth printer is disposed within a housing of the keyboard.

Abstract: In an aspect of the present invention, methods and systems for providing an input device are disclosed. In an aspect of the present invention, the input device includes a symbol and a UV light source is provided to direct UV light on the symbol. The symbol includes an UV excitable compound. In an aspect of the invention, the UV light from the UV light source is directed onto the symbol with a light pipe. In operation, the UV light causes the symbol to glow so that the symbol is visible in a darkened environment.

Abstract: A keyboard having an improved function key section and an improved editing section. A row of keys is located behind the alphanumeric section. The row of keys includes individual predefined command keys. The groupings of the predefined command keys may be made based on the functionality of the keys, their use on common applications or programs, and/or other by other grouping techniques. Further, the keys within each group may be ordered based on chronological order of use, frequency of use, or by a correlation to a graphical toolbar. Each of at least two adjacent groupings of keys behind the alphanumeric region consists of exactly three keys, and each of at least three adjacent key groupings in the entire row consists of exactly three keys. The keys are each capable of functioning as predetermined command keys in a first mode and standard function keys in a second mode.

Abstract: There is a need to develop a more sophisticated educational system of keyboard set ups for not only the disabled population from their worker's compensation injuries but for the entire continuum of keyboard, keypad and mouse users nationally and internationally for the prevention of computer related injuries. Due to the rising medical costs associated with upper extremity sprains and strains and more importantly, carpal tunnel syndrome, design companies are making ergonomic changes in the mouse, keyboard design. However, these changes are being made without regard for the user's dominance. Now a long term solution has been invented based on two simple tests by noted researchers. The dual system of keyboard/keypad, mouse or calculator input device selection based on the computer users human factors of dominance will have a decided impact on the reduction of computer related work force injuries or for other people with disabilities.

Abstract: A switch configuration for use with a keyboard comprises a plurality of support structures positioned adjacent each other in spaced relation and a plurality of dome switches, with at least one dome switch being coupled to each of the plurality of support structures. A keyboard and mobile communication device incorporate the switch configuration.