Abstract: A keyboard is provided having 26 letters assigned to only 16 to 21 keys, and preferably 21 keys. This advantageous system of typing makes use of either one or two hands. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are all displayed. Five keys have two letters—those letters are PQ, JK, UW, VX and YZ for a total of ten letters. Sixteen keys have one letter assigned to each key—namely the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, O, N, R, S and T for a total of sixteen letters assigned to a specific key—for a total of 26 letters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart equipment and the display control method of the soft-operation interface thereof, wherein the display controlling method of the soft-operation interface of the smart equipment comprising: sensing the action changing information of the smart equipment by the gravity sensor; according to the action changing information, adjusting the soft-operation interface arrangement of the smart equipment on its display screen. By using the present invention, it is convenient for users to carry out one-hand operation on the smart equipment, and the convenience for the users is improved.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having 26 letters assigned to only 16 to 21 keys, and preferably 21 keys. This advantageous system of typing makes use of either one or two hands. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are all displayed. Five keys have two letters—those letters are PQ, JK, UW, VX and YZ for a total of ten letters. Sixteen keys have one letter assigned to each key—namely the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, O, N, R, S and T for a total of sixteen letters assigned to a specific key—for a total of 26 letters.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having 26 letters assigned to only 16 to 21 keys, and preferably 21 keys. This advantageous system of typing makes use of either one or two hands. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are all displayed. Five keys have two letters—those letters are PQ, JK, UW, VX and YZ for a total of ten letters. Sixteen keys have one letter assigned to each key—namely the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, O, N, R, S and T for a total of sixteen letters assigned to a specific key—for a total of 26 letters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: A key activation system for use in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises an activation mechanism associated with a key in the system, a first feedback system and a second feedback system. The activation mechanism is associated with the key activation system and provides a first feedback sense when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition. The second feedback system provides a second feedback sense indicating when the key triggers the second activation condition. In the system, the second feedback system operates independently from the activation mechanism and the first activation condition is triggered before the second activation condition when the activation mechanism is initially engaged. An activation mechanism may be centrally located for a set of keys.

Abstract: A character and function key input device comprises: a character button unit having character buttons, each of which is assigned to one or more characters of one or more languages or function key elements; a forward button which converts the character or function key element selected from among the characters or the function key elements into characters or function key elements assigned to the selected button or adjacent button in accordance with the dictionary order; and a backward button which converts the character or function key element selected from among the characters or the function key elements into characters or function key elements assigned to the selected button or adjacent button in accordance with the dictionary order, wherein said one or more characters or function key elements assigned to the character buttons are disposed adjacently to one other in the dictionary order, and the character or the function key element having the highest use frequency is used as a basic value.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

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

Abstract: In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The keys utilize contacts located on the bottom of the keys which may be conductive or nonconductive.

Abstract: A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2nd key to double functionality of the keys.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to employ contextual data in certain circumstances to prioritize output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

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 ultra compact mobile keyboard. The keyboard has a plurality of mechanical keys suitable for touch typing. Each such key has a travel distance sufficient to provide a touch type feel and a rigid cap for crisp actuation by a user. The keyboard has a deployed configuration for touch-typing use and a collapsed configuration for transport and storage. In the collapsed configuration, the keyboard fits within bounding volume of less than 180 cubic centimeters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: An exemplary control method includes the following steps. Judging if a hot key is pressed. Updating a data in a data field when the hot key is pressed. Judging if a first function key is pressed. When the first function key is pressed, outputting a first key code according to the data in the data field and the first function key. Executing a first service process according to the first key code. A control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A telephone keypad for one touch text messaging the QWERTY pattern of keys in a matrix of nine keys. Using the multi position biasing keys only one touch is needed for each character, so in use to input the letter “C” you touch one key one time, decreasing the time spend text messaging from cell phones or desk tops and dialing phone numbers advertised in letters. The keypad also has a shift key to get upper case included in the nine keys, and a 2nd key to double functionality of the keys.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys associated with alphanumeric characters including the letters A-Z. The keys are split into a left side section and a right side section. The left side section is oriented at least partially above the right side section, or the right side section is oriented at least partially above the left side section. The keyboard is stationary. A mobile communication device includes the keyboard.

Abstract: A floating button that may be used to replace a plurality of distinct buttons and/or a graphical pointing device. The floating button translates in a region defined by a housing. A sensor detects the location of the button in the region. The locations within the region may be mapped to a plurality of virtual buttons. This permits a button of a size appropriate for comfortable operation by a finger, while allowing the selection of a large number of functions in a space that is only somewhat larger than a single button. The location of the button within its translation region also provides an immediate tactile and visual reference as to the function to be selected.

Abstract: A keyboard type input device used in conjunction with a wristwatch or a portable telephone has multiple key positions provided as character entry keys. Each key corresponds to one key in the selected row of the conventional QWERTY keyboard. A second set of control buttons provide for the selection of which row of a conventional QWERTY keyboard are represented by the character keys in addition to other functions such as case shift, and alpha-numerical control functions. A selected row is shown on a display, as visual feedback. Alternatively the keys are implemented as LCDs with pressure sensors and the characters of the selected row are displayed directly on the corresponding key positions. The keyboard finds particular use in portable devices as it demands less space than traditional keyboards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communication device, with a casing and a keypad comprising a plurality of keys and a plurality of rotatable key elements comprising a protrusion. Each key element is adapted to depress a first key in a first direction, when rotated in a first rotating direction, and depress a second key in said first direction, when rotated in a second rotating direction. Each key element is adapted to be rotated in said first rotating direction upon application of a force onto the protrusion in a second direction. Each key element is adapted to be rotated in said second rotating direction upon application of a force onto the protrusion in a third direction. The second and third direction is opposite to each other, and the first direction is perpendicular to said second and said third direction.

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

Abstract: A touch-sensitive input device has an exposed, continuous surface defining a planar area, and a grid of sense elements coextensive with the area of the exposed surface and responsive to engagement of the exposed surface by an operator to establish a position of said engagement of the exposed surface. The exposed surface varies in elevation across its planar area to form a series of tactile features. The exposed, continuous surface is affixed to the grid of sense elements. An electronic circuit is configured to interpret large-scale capacitance variations of the grid as an intended input from the operator in a region identified by the capacitance variation, and to interpret small-scale capacitance variations of the grid as a position of engagement of the exposed surface by the operator.

Abstract: An ergonomically developed key input system for use with a computing or electronic handheld device that uses chording to type at increased speeds. The key input system includes a set of finger input keys corresponding to the fingers of a user's hands that are divided into at least three subkeys, each subkey adapted to be engaged simultaneously with any other subkey. Simultaneous engagement of the finger subkeys creates an input signal that corresponds to a grouping of input values, which are translated by software to display a word or perform a function. Thumb keys may be used in conjunction with the finger input keys to perform additional functions. The key input system disclosed utilizes a chording principle to type words and perform computing functions with only slight movements of a user's hands from an initial relaxed position.

Abstract: A keypad assembly used in a portable electronic device (100) includes at least one key button (40) and at least one fixing member (30). Each key button is slidingly received in a receiving hole (26) defined in a cover (20) of the portable electronic device. The at least one fixing member is fixed on the cover. Each fixing member includes at least one latching portion (34) and a plurality of curved portions (32). Each latching portion connects with the curved/bias portions. Each latching portion firmly connects with at least one key button. The corresponding latching portion of the fixing member is configured for selectably pressing into a chosen switch (12) in the portable electronic device, so as to form/prompt an electronic signal when the key button is given an appropriate horizontal force to initiate such contact with a given switch.

Abstract: A keyboard having an arrangement of English letters and Japanese Kana (Hiragana) characters across keys of the keyboard. The keys are associated with more than two letters and/or characters. The key arrangements facilitate easier memorization. In one embodiment, an example keyboard includes a 6 key arrangement (3 keys in a top row and 3 keys in a lower row). This arrangement is useful for cellular phones and other small computing devices.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for explicit filtering in ambiguous text entry. The invention provides embodiments including various explicit text entry methodologies, such as 2-key and long pressing. The invention also provides means for matching words in a database using build around methodology, stem locking methodology, word completion methodology, and n-gram searches.

Abstract: A physical keyboard for a handheld mobile communication device having a plurality of keys with corresponding indicia including keys simultaneously presenting associated alphabetic indicia and associated numeric indicia. The alphabetic indicia correspond to letters A-Z that are arranged in a QWERTY pattern and the numeric indicia correspond to at least numerals 1-9 that are arranged in an ITU Standard E.161 phone keypad pattern. At least some of the numerals and at least some of the letters are presented on the same keys thereby establishing an overlaid relationship. The keys that present alphabetic indicia number fewer than 26.

Abstract: A key arrangement includes a plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters that include consonants and vowels. Each key within the plurality of keys is associated with a plurality of consonants and no more than one vowel. The plurality of keys is arranged in a grid pattern having at least five keys. The consonants are arranged in a standard keyboard format. Numbers may also be associated with the keys. A mobile communication device includes the key arrangement, a display, a processor, a housing, and a plurality of toggle switches associated with the keys. A method of using a key arrangement is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for telephony tone signal and character code generation for QWERTY keyboards includes a QWERTY style keyboard, a processor and a keyboard mode control software module. The QWERTY style keyboard has a plurality of letter keys, wherein each letter key is configured to generate a unique input signal. The processor is coupled to the keyboard and is configured to convert each unique input signal generated by the letter keys into a character code and/or a telephony tone signal. The keyboard mode control software module operates on the processor, and controls whether the processor converts the unique input signals from the letter keys into character codes or telephony tone signals.

Abstract: A key arrangement that includes a plurality of keys arranged in a pattern including a first column, a last column, and one or more middle columns. At least one of the middle columns includes a multidirectional navigational key. The first and last columns have keys in each row. A plurality of the keys and the multidirectional navigational input key have alphanumeric indicia. The multidirectional navigational input key may be integrated with the keys in a reduced QWERTY, QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK layout and may additionally be integrated with the keys in a telephony pad numeric layout. A touchpad or rotatable rim may also be disposed about the multidirectional navigational input key.

Abstract: A character entry method and apparatus in a terminal in which characters are grouped into a plurality of character sets and a representative character of each of the character sets is imprinted on a respective key are provided. In the character entry method, when a key imprinted with a representative character is pressed, characters belonging to a character set represented by the representative character are displayed. When a directional key is pressed, the number or duration of key presses of the directional key is counted or measured. A character corresponding to the number or duration of key presses is selected among the displayed characters and entered.

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 speed typing method and apparatus having multiple letters associated with each key of a keyboard. By utilizing multiple characters on each key, the number of keys would be fewer than the number of letters in the alphabet using this system. Each key on the keyboard is associated with a numerical code. The system uses the numerical code associated with a typed word to access a dictionary, table of words, or at least a beginning of words stored in memory at a memory location corresponding to the input numerical code. The system may display all of the possible words or beginnings of words available to the user in response to the input code.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys associated with alphanumeric characters including the letters A-Z and at least the numbers 1-9. The keys are split into a left side section and a right side section. The left side section is oriented at least partially above the right side section, or the right side section is oriented at least partially above the left side section. A mobile communication device includes the keyboard. A method for inputting alphanumeric characters into a mobile communication device is also provided.

Abstract: A key arrangement that includes a plurality of keys arranged in a pattern including a first column, a last column, and one or more middle columns. At least one of the middle columns includes a multidirectional navigational key. The first and last columns have keys in each row. A plurality of the keys and the multidirectional navigational input key have alphanumeric indicia. The multidirectional navigational input key may be integrated with the keys in a reduced QWERTY, QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK layout and may additionally be integrated with the keys in a telephony pad numeric layout. A touchpad or rotatable rim may also be disposed about the multidirectional navigational input key.

Abstract: A keyboard type input device has multiple key positions provided as character entry keys. Each key corresponds to one key in the selected row of the conventional QWERTY keyboard. A second set of control buttons provide for the selection of which row of a conventional QWERTY keyboard are represented by the character keys in addition to other functions such as case shift, and alpha-numerical control functions. A selected row is shown on a display, as visual feedback. Alternatively the keys are implemented as LCDs with pressure sensors and the characters of the selected row are displayed directly on the corresponding key positions. The keyboard finds particular use in portable devices as it demands less space than traditional keyboards. The keyboard type input device is implemented with various electronic appliances, including portable phones.

Abstract: A key activation system for use in a handheld communication device is provided. The system comprises an activation mechanism associated with a key in the system, a first feedback system and a second feedback system. The activation mechanism is associated with the key activation system and provides a first feedback sense when the activation mechanism has triggered the first activation condition. The second feedback system provides a second feedback sense indicating when the key triggers the second activation condition. In the system, the second feedback system operates independently from the activation mechanism and the first activation condition is triggered before the second activation condition when the activation mechanism is initially engaged. An activation mechanism may be centrally located for a set of keys.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and media for generating characters for electronic devices using condensed keyboards are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of manipulating a set of keys adapted to be manipulated using fingers of a left hand and a right hand of a user, each of the keys capable of generating multiple characters. A variation of the method includes using one or more keys adapted to be used by thumbs of the user to generate other characters and/or control characters. Other embodiments comprise keyboards, apparatuses, and portable electronic devices that comprise two sets of keys for manipulation and desired character generation. The keyboards generally have four or more keys for each hand, and the keyboards may be located on the back and/or sides of portable the systems.

Abstract: A computer keyboard is provided having keys that vary in size based on the keys' frequency of use. The keyboard may, for example, be modeled after the standard QWERTY keyboard, but modified such that keys for letters of the most-commonly used letters in the alphabet (such as ETOANIRSH) are larger, and keys corresponding to seldom-used letters (such as YWGBVKXJQZ) are smaller. Such a keyboard may advantageously increase overall ease-of-use and accuracy compared to a keyboard of similar size with constant-sized keys.

Abstract: A key array for a keyboard is provided having an input key section including a plurality of input keys. Each input key has a left key part, a central key part, and a right key part. A left control key is positioned on a left side of the input key section so as to convert a mode of the keyboard into a right key input mode so that the right key part is operated when a user presses the key input section. A right control key is positioned on a right side of the input key section so as to convert the mode of the keyboard into a left key input mode so that the left key part is operated when the user presses the key input section. A shift key section including two shift keys is aligned on both sides of the keyboard adjacent to the left and right control keys in order to attain additional functions of the keyboard when the shift keys are pressed simultaneously with the input key section.

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: Methods and materials useful for applying pharmacologic agents to the ear are described. The methods involve delivering a composition that contains at least one viscogenic agent and at least one pharmacologic agent to the epidermal surface of the tympanic membrane via the ear canal. The composition is delivered to the tympanic membrane in a flowable form and, after delivery to the tympanic membrane, becomes sufficiently viscous such that the pharmacologic agent is localized against the tympanic membrane. Such compositions can be used to prophylactically and/or therapeutically treat middle and inner ear conditions, including otitis media.

Abstract: Multiple methods of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in a one dimensional environment, a two dimensional environment or a three dimensional environment. A method of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in a secondary mode and edit data in a third mode. A method of using only two sensors to edit changes. A method of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in graphic arts programs. A method of using only two sensors to control the state of an object in two states, three states, four states, eight states, ten states or fourteen states. A method of using only two sensors to increase or decrease control of an object.