Abstract: An alphanumeric keyboard has a plurality of alphanumeric keys and includes at least one built-in microphone. The at least one microphone is controlled by a processor such that the at least one microphone is able to be operated in an automatic mode. When in the automatic mode and an alphanumeric key is activated, the at least one microphone is deactivated for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is controlled by a timer. Also disclosed is the inclusion in the keyboard of one or more of: echo cancellation; a card reader; a wireless data receiver; and a contactless induction charger.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a vertically-oriented handheld housing and keys corresponding to keys of a horizontally-oriented keyboard of a personal computer divided into a plurality of groups, each group of keys being shifted in a vertical direction of the housing with respect to one another, to allow a mobile device to accommodate a key layout similar to the key layout of the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard having an input region that provides a set of input elements designed to complement a separate pointing device such as a computer mouse. These input elements enable both the dominant and non-dominant hand to work easily together to perform various functions, which in turn, makes “consumption” and “composition” tasks more efficient. The input region may be spaced laterally from the alphanumeric or “QWERTY” section of the keyboard. The elements include a scrolling member, first and second groups of keys, and an application switching device. The scrolling member may take the form of a rotatable member. The rotatable member may have an asymmetric outer profile and/or be frustum-shaped. The first group of keys preferably includes a Back key and a Forward key. The first group of keys and the scrolling member make performing “consumption” tasks more efficient. The second group of keys preferably includes a Cut key, a Copy key, and a Paste key.

Abstract: A computer keyboard to control a remote computer includes a housing that contains a printer assembly. The printer assembly includes a printhead support having a number of ink galleries and a pagewidth printhead supported by the printhead support and supplied by the ink galleries. A port to receive an ink cartridge is formed in the housing and communicates with the ink galleries in order to replenish them. In a preferred embodiment the pagewidth printhead comprises a multi-color printhead and each of the ink galleries is dedicated to store different color inks.

Abstract: A combination keyboard and printer apparatus includes a housing having a print media entry slot and a print media ejection slot. A printer assembly is located within a chamber defined by the housing on a print media transport path between the entry slot and the ejection slot. A print media exit tray extends outwardly from the ejection slot and is formed as a unitary piece with the housing.

Abstract: A printer includes a housing having an upper side bearing a computer keyboard comprised of a plurality of keypads. The keypads are arranged to interact with a keyboard circuit board located within the housing. A print media entry slot is formed through a first side of the housing and a print media ejection slot through a second opposite side. A print media transport assembly is located between the keyboard circuit board and an underside of the housing. The transport assembly operates to draw print media through the entry slot into the printer during use. Preferably the print media transport assembly includes a belt disposed about at least two rollers and arranged to transport print media from the entry slot to a printhead assembly. A planar member in the form of a sprung metal plate is biased to maintain planarity of the belt.

Abstract: A printing device for printing labels comprises a memory for storing one or more character sets, each character set including at least a principle character and an additional character which is associated with the principle character; user input means having character selection keys for selecting a character set to define an image to be printed by the printing device; and a controller for accessing characters from the memory to be displayed and printed which correspond to characters selected at the user input means. The first actuation of a character selection key selects the principle character in the selected character set and a subsequent activation of the character selection key in a predetermined time frame selects the associated additional character.

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: A computer keyboard is configured for navigation of a graphical user interface of a host computer. A keyboard includes a keyboard processor enclosed within a keyboard housing. The keyboard includes a remote control portion which laterally disposed from an alphanumeric section and having a set of keys for being in electrical communication with the keyboard processor. The remote control portion can be removably coupleable with the keyboard housing. A keyboard housing may include a receiving portion which is adapted to receive a remote control body therein.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard having a plurality of folding keyboard sections. Each keyboard section includes a frame carrying a key set having a plurality of keys. The key set may be movable laterally relative to the frame. The frame with the key set is foldable with respect to an adjacent frame. The frame provides a self-contained enclosure for the keyboard assembly when fully closed. When opened, the keyboard assembly can be a full-size standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard cover has a rectangular transparent film made of a soft material and having an upper side, a bottom side, two long sides and two short sides. Two first reinforcing strips are formed at the bottom side and respectively at the two long sides of the film. Two second reinforcing strips are formed at the bottom side and respectively at the two short sides of the film. Two elastic strips are respectively formed beneath the first reinforcing strips. Each of the elastic strips has two ends respectively bent upwards and inwards and fastened at the corresponding corners of the film. Whereby, a user's fingers will not directly touch a covered keyboard to prevent the keyboard from being contaminated by dirt or bacteria on a user's fingers.

Abstract: A key button switch structure for use in a handheld mobile phone, comprises an input button 1 having a push-down pressure transmitting projection A1 and a button inclination preventing projection B 3 both projected from a bottom surface of the input button, integrally with the input button. Two electrodes A9 and B 10 are formed on a substrate 8 fixed to a body casing 6. A dome-like switch contact 7 is provided to be pushed down by the push-down pressure transmitting projection A1 of the input button when the input button is depressed, thereby to electrically contact both the two electrodes.

Abstract: The design of typable devices, in particular, touch-typable devices embodying ambiguous codes, presents numerous ergonomic problems. Solutions for these problems are herein disclosed. This invention teaches methods for the selection of ambiguous codes from the classes of strongly-touch-typable ambiguous codes and substantially optimal ambiguous codes for touch-typable devices such as computers, telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, smart cards, television set-top devices and other information appliances, given design constraints such as the size, shape, and computational capacity of the device, the typical uses of the device, and conventional constraints such as respect of alphabetic ordering or Qwerty ordering.

Abstract: An expandable keyboard device includes a plurality of keytops arranged on a plurality of elastic webs. Each web corresponds to a single row of keytops.

Abstract: Disclosed is a “keyboard overlay” that sits on top of a touch-sensitive display screen of a computing device. After aligning the overlay on the display screen, the user types on the overlay. When the user presses a key on the overlay, the pressure is transmitted to the display screen below. That pressure is registered by the display screen as a touch. The keyboard overlay is formed to provide tactile finger-position feedback so that a user can keep his fingers oriented properly over the keyboard. The overlay may be opaque with keycap information displayed in the key areas. The overlay may be transparent, allowing a user to see a virtual keyboard painted on the display screen below. The computing device can detect the presence and type of an overlay. Applications may respond differently to different types of overlays. Different applications may be invoked depending upon the type of overlay detected.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys for entering information, a moving mechanism for descending and ascending each key in a direction different from a vertical direction and for maintaining an orientation of the key top, and a forcing member for forcing the moving mechanism to return the key to an original state.

Abstract: A portable foldable keyboard comprised of two housings, each of which contains a key assembly, and a central hinge. The two housings can be slid together when the keyboard is unfolded and they interlock to form a sturdy keyboard having the standard QWERTY keyswitch layout.

Abstract: A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ½ of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse.

Abstract: A key-board type input mechanism suitable for inputting large quantity of data is provided to a portable information technology device having a pen-input type display device. A keyboard (33 or 35) of the present invention comprises a key top panel portion (12 or 17) on which a plurality of input key portions (12a or 18) that are pressed down when carrying out a key input are integrally formed, a coordinate position information generating portion (13) and contact portions (16 or 19) for changing loads generated by pressing each input key portion of the key top panel portion down into a vertical load, a load distribution portion (14 or 20) for distributing unnecessary loads other than the vertical load changed by the coordinate position information generating portion and the contact portions, by deformation under a pressure. The key top panel portion, coordinate position information generating portion, contact portion, and load distribution portion are layered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard that comprises a plurality of touch areas that represent symbols such as letters of the Latin script, Greek script, Hebrew script, Arabic script, or Cyrillic script. The touch areas are arranged in groups that include at least two of the touch areas. Each of the groups includes touch areas that are arranged in a distinctive shape that incorporates one or more of the symbols or parts of the symbols. A user enters a symbol by touching a part of the distinctive shape that is recognized with the symbol.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly having a keyboard membrane and a set of electrical connections. The keyboard membrane includes conductors arranged on the membrane to convey electrical signals generated by depression and/or release of keyboard keys to electrical terminals affixed to the membrane. The electrical connections are made between the membrane terminals and corresponding mutually-opposing terminals of a printed circuit board affixed within the body of the keyboard. The connections are arranged in first and second linear rows. The first row of connections is arranged at a uniform spacing in a direction approximately parallel to a long dimension of the membrane. The connections of the second row are arranged at a uniform spacing in a direction approximately perpendicular to the long dimension. An inter-terminal pitch among the connections of the first row is substantially greater than a inter-terminal pitch among the connections of the second row.

Abstract: A key switch-replaceable keyboard mounting arrangement. The arrangement includes a keyboard shell having an array of contacts on its inside. Rows of keys are suspended in the keyboard shell and adapted for triggering the contacts to produce a signal. Resilient locating plates are coupled to the keyboard shell at two sides of each row of keys and moved between a first position to hold down the keys in place for operation, and a second position to disengage the keys for a replacement.

Abstract: A Window keyboard comprises a keyboard body having a single-chip microprocessor or ASIC therein and three function key blocks thereon. The three function key blocks include a File & Clipboard block, an Office block and an Application-setting block. Those blocks are electrically connected to the single-chip microprocessor and each has a plurality function key, wherein each function key generates a composite-key code for user to execute specific functions.

Abstract: A keyboard having a housing, which is designed as one piece and wherein a top open housing shell is designed in conjunction with a keypad such that the top shell is traylike and is attached within the housing at an angle. A bottom base of the top open housing shell forms a bottom open housing shell. The bottom open housing shell has at least one recess provided for the installation of a card reader.

Abstract: In a personal digital assistant assembly, a coupling block disposed on an operating surface of a base module is rotatable about a pivot axle transverse to the operating surface. An elongated hinge unit interconnects pivotally a connecting end of a personal digital assistant and the coupling block such that the personal digital assistant is rotatable about a longitudinal axis parallel to the operating surface and transverse to the pivot axle and is movable to a desired angular position relative to the coupling block. The coupling block is movable between an expanded position, where the personal digital assistant uncovers a user input unit on the operating surface of the base module, and a closed position, where the personal digital assistant is capable of covering the user input unit.

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

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

Abstract: A light module comprising a first power line, a second power line, and light devices. The first power line is connected to a first power point. The second power line is connected to a second power point. Each light device comprises a first terminal coupled to the first power line and a second terminal coupled to the second power line. A first sum of a first line length between the first power point and the first terminal of any of the light devices and a second line length between the second power point and the second terminal thereof is substantially a first constant.

Abstract: A keyboard 10 includes a housing 12. An alphanumeric keypad 14 is carried by the housing 12. A printer 16 is arranged in the housing 12.

Abstract: A combination of a track ball mechanism and a scroll mechanism. The combination may be placed proximate a standard portion of a keyboard so that a user can access either the track ball mechanism or the scroll mechanism without removing either hand from the standard portion of the keyboard. The track ball mechanism and the scroll mechanism may be integrated with one another to some extent.

Abstract: A system for configuring keyboards using both frequency and alphabetical bases. The Keyboard Configuration System uses alphabetized frequency-based sets of keys in rows in order to fulfill the requirement that the keyboard must provide a key for each letter of the alphabet. The alphabet is analyzed for letter use on a frequency basis. The frequency-ranked list is then broken into rows according to the number of rows needed for the keyboard. Each row resulting from the frequency-ranked list is then alphabetized independently so that each resulting key row represents a certain segment of the frequency-ranked list. Each key row is alphabetized separately. Each key row may be of different length and the resulting keyboard may have a number of configurations depending upon the relative shift between each of the independently arranged key rows. Generally, the longest key row determines the number of key row shifts, or cases, as left or right justification rules generally apply.

Abstract: A keyboard (10) includes a housing (12). An alphanumeric keypad (14) is carried by the housing (12). A printer (16) is arranged in the housing (12).

Abstract: A keypad unit for an access system including an outer housing having an integral bezel. A carrier is mounted within the housing, and an overlay including key zones is mounted to the carrier. A PCB assembly is suspended within the carrier by a non-compressive, but compliant encapsulating compound. The PCB assembly includes a foam layer sandwiched between a top PCB and a bottom PCB. LEDs are electrically coupled to a top surface of the top PCB. Piezoelectric transducers are mounted to the top PCB and are backed by the foam layer. The carrier may include carrier projections are in register with the key zones on the overlay and the transducers. When an operator pushes a key zone, the corresponding projection transmits the force via the carrier and the encapsulating compound to the carrier adjacent the corresponding transducer causing it to generate a voltage indicative of the pressure zone at which the force was applied.

Abstract: A novel keyless keyboard uses membrane switches or touch screen to generate keystroke signals, without traditional keycaps. The keyless keyboard can be folded to further reduce its size during storage. The keyless keyboard unfolds into a keyboard of normal desktop keyboard size for easy use. When touch screen is used, the keyboard is also a display screen.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling a keypad or a keypad module to a processing portion of an electronic device is described. The keypad module is a sealed unit connectable to the pre assembled processing portion through a common interface. The keypad module includes a bezel substrate that has a locally thin region where an accessory can be placed. For example, a speaker may be included in the keypad module. The keypad module itself may be its own an electro-mechanical entity.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys arranged in at least one continuous row and formed of a key member and a cover member. These members are combined by inserting positioning pins of the cover member into holes of the key member. Curved portions are provided at a plurality of positions in side support portions of the key member. Even if the cover member and the key member are produced with manufacturing errors in alignment, the curved portions may be deformed to prevent misalignment between openings on the cover member and key top portions on the key member when the positioning pins are inserted into the holes. Elastically deformable arms extending from the side support portions of the key member support the key tops and enable the key tops to move up and down.

Abstract: A foldable input apparatus for inputting data to an electronic device is provided. The foldable input apparatus includes a connection part, a first input part, a second input part, a first housing and a second housing. The connection part includes a first pivot, a second pivot, a third pivot and a fourth pivot. The first housing pivotally connects to the first pivot, and the second housing pivotally connects to the third pivot. The first input part pivotally connects to the second pivot, and the second input part pivotally connects to the fourth pivot. The first input part and the first housing rotate with respect to different pivots, and so do the second input part and the second housing. Therefore, when the first input part, the first housing, the second input part and the second housing rotate with respect to the connection part, a relative position of the first input part and the first housing as well as that of the second input part and the second housing are correspondingly changed.

Abstract: A customizable computer keyboard having a plurality of keys, of which each can be assigned any symbol or letter of any alphabet, or alphanumeric indicia in any sequence, not limited to standard QWERTY. Assignment of the symbols can be achieved by variety of methods, including replaceable keys, replaceable key tops, keys fitted with active display, or touch screen. Customization can be done by the user, as often as desired. Recognition of the custom pattern and symbols is achieved by employing a separate software, which enables the user to program custom symbols and fonts, to select them from a library thereof, or to select default patterns corresponding, for example, to foreign keyboard systems. This not only enhances flexibility of keyboard use and scope of its symbols in general, but also enables users of different background instantly convert to their keyboard patterns when using computers abroad, for example in internet cafes.

Abstract: A shiftable keyboard tray comprising a base, a carriage for support of a keyboard movable on the base, and a palm rest movable on the base offset from the carriage and operably connected to the carriage through a coupler configured to enable movement of the carriage in a second direction when the palm rest is moved in an opposite first direction. The coupler comprises a motor mounted in engaging relationship between the carriage and the base and at least one actuation switch coupled to the palm rest and operably connected to the motor. A positioning device is mounted in engaging relationship between the carriage and the base and operably connected to the motor so as to provide data to the motor regarding the position of the carriage. In an alternative embodiment, the positioning device itself serves as the coupler operably connecting the palm rest to the carriage.

Abstract: A keyboard which includes a housing that defines a media feed path. A pagewidth printer is arranged in the housing operatively with respect to the media feed path to carry out a printing operation on media passing through the feed path. A feed mechanism is arranged on the housing for feeding media through the feed path.

Abstract: A portable handheld computer or input device (FIG. 8) (10) that allows rapid data entry and better screen (12) (FIG. 13) real estate by putting the primary input keys (38), (40) on the back side. Recessed side areas (FIGS. 8, 13) (22), (24) and inserts (50), (52) allow easy positioning of the hands for automatic alignment to a “home row” set of back side keys (38), (40). Certain keys and other input can be put on the back side, such as a split QWERTY keyboard (38), (40) and mouse device, while other keys can be put on the front, such as a numeric keypad (16), cursor movement and control input (20), Shift, Space, Backspace, Enter keys (18) and special keys (14).

Abstract: In a personal computer, preferably a lap-top-type personal computer, first latch members (or sections) and second latch members (or sections) are provided on a bezel surrounding a periphery of a keyboard. The first and second latch members serve to support one side of the keyboard. By having a bottom surface of the second latch members made a sloping surface, when a user pushes the keyboard upward with a finger from below the keyboard slides backward at a slope without interfering with the first latch members. As such, the front part of the keyboard is released from the latching by the first latch members and the second latch members and can be easily and simply removed.

Abstract: A system for configuring keyboards using both frequency and alphabetical bases. The Keyboard Configuration System uses alphabetized frequency-based sets of keys in rows in order to fulfill the requirement that the keyboard must provide a key for each letter of the alphabet. The alphabet is analyzed for letter use on a frequency basis. The frequency-ranked list is then broken into rows according to the number of rows needed for the keyboard. Each row resulting from the frequency-ranked list is then alphabetized independently so that each resulting key row represents a certain segment of the frequency-ranked list. Each key row is alphabetized separately. Each key row may be of different length and the resulting keyboard may have a number of configurations depending upon the relative shift between each of the independently arranged key rows. Generally, the longest key row determines the number of key row shifts, or cases, as left or right justification rules generally apply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Arabic-Persian Alphabet input apparatus having ten or more basic keys on which basic figures extracted from analyzed forms of the Arabic Alphabet are inscribed, respectively. The basic key input signals are combined to easily and simply input the Arabic Alphabet to miniaturized and multi-functional electronic appliances such as cell phones whose buttons (keys) are limited in number. Further, the Arabic characters are inputted in the same manner as handwriting without having to particularly remember the Persian Alphabet.

Abstract: A keyboard of multiple common keys with each common key providing multiple operation points; wherein, the keyboard being provided with three or more than three common keys and each common key, with three or more than three operation points; each point being respectively given with an independent definition; a specific spatial arrangement being provided among all common keys; and each operation point from each common key being available for giving an alphabetic, numeric or phonetic definition.

Abstract: A keyboard with a paper holder structure, placed in a sliding mechanical structure below a computer tabletop, comprises a retaining area for accommodating the keyboard, and a paper holder installed on the retaining area for clipping papers above the retaining area to the working space and facilitate users to read the information from the paper at an appropriate distance in order to input the data into the computer accurately.

Abstract: A novel keyless keyboard uses membrane switches or touch screen to generate keystroke signals, without traditional keycaps. The keyless keyboard can be folded to further reduce its size during storage. The keyless keyboard unfolds into a keyboard of normal desktop keyboard size for easy use. When touch screen is used, the keyboard is also a display screen.

Abstract: A keyboard for a small, portable computing device includes a pair of mating sections that can be folded together after they are pulled apart. The sections are releasably held together by a spring and by a sliding attachment structure that holds them in alignment. When the sections are pulled away from one another to release the sliding attachment structure, they are held together by a pivoting sliding attachment structure that allows folding.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard with supporting structures for an electronic device. The collapsible keyboard comprises a body, a first supporting structure and a second supporting structure. The body comprises a first section and a second section rotatably connected thereto. The first supporting structure rotatably connects to the first section. One end of the second supporting structure rotatably connects to the second section, with the other end connecting to the first supporting structure. When the first and second sections rotate to expand the body, the first and second supporting structures extend therewith to support the electronic device.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computer includes a housing that defines an input formation for the input of sheets of media. The housing carries a keypad. A pagewidth printer is arranged in the housing. A feed mechanism is positioned in the housing for feeding the sheets of media from the input formation through the housing along a print media feed path so that the printer can carry out a printing operation on the sheets of media. The feed mechanism includes a moving feed member that defines a substantially planar support surface along the media feed path.