Abstract: An embodiment of the present application is directed to a method including providing a keyboard, including a plurality of keys, at least some of the keys including polysemous symbols which provide distinctive tactile feedback to a user; and accessing a word, phoneme or plural word message, based upon sequentially selected ones of the polysemous symbols providing distinctive tactile feedback. Another embodiment of the present application is directed to a system, including a keyboard, including a plurality of keys, at least some of the keys including polysemous symbols which provide distinctive tactile feedback to a user; and a processor to access a word, phoneme or plural word message, based upon sequentially selected ones of the polysemous symbols providing distinctive tactile feedback.

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

Abstract: A 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: Disclosed herein is an image display device having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can maintain a primary color which is desired to be expressed, and prevent an interference of other unwanted colors and a change of the primary color at the time of application of a light source of each light emitting diode. The image display device comprises: a first optical filter layer containing a violet wavelength-absorbing material having a wavelength range of from 380 nm to 450 nm such as Bi2O3 so as to prevent light having a wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 450 nm from being leaked out to an undesired region of an image display portion of the image display device; and a second optical filter layer such as a blue color filter layer so as to allow a white light to be expressed in a desired region of the image display portion.

Abstract: A system for adapting a keyboard display to a definable input language is provided. The system includes an adaptable keyboard comprising keys; a software application, operatively associated with the adaptable keyboard; and a computerized system enabling to receive data from the adaptable keyboard, process and present data and operate the application. Some of the keys of the adaptable keyboard may be language adaptable, where each adaptable key includes a screen enabling to present characters associated with various languages and other data, and a touch-sensing mechanism enabling to identify a typing movement applied onto each the screen, where each screen is operatively connected to the touch sensing mechanism. The software application enables defining a language and adapting the presentation of each character in each of the screens according to the defined language, by controlling the display in the screens.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus, method, and medium for expanding the number of input channels, more particularly, an apparatus and method for expanding the number of input channels, which can expand the number of input channels using a limited number of input code values. The apparatus includes a first input unit, a second input unit, and a control unit. The first input unit has a plurality of buttons arranged therein, the buttons each being assigned a predetermined input code value. The second input unit is formed on one side of the first input unit and has a plurality of buttons arranged therein, the buttons each being assigned a predetermined input code value and each being formed to be adjacent to neighboring buttons of the first input unit. The control unit performs predetermined functions depending on a combination of buttons manipulated in the first input unit and the second input unit.

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

Abstract: A computer keyboard optimized for generating multi-color text documents is described. A standard keyboard includes a plurality of selected function keys that are programmed to change the document text color when activated. The function keys are displayed on a computer display screen and each of the selected keys further includes color indicia to indicate the new text color that results from activation of that key and all color changes can be performed at the same normal typing speed.

Abstract: In a mixing console apparatus, an input section inputs a plurality of electric signals, a processing section processes the inputted electric signals, and an output section outputs the processed electric signals. A plurality of operators are provided in correspondence to a plurality of circuit components contained in those of the input section, the processing section and the output section, and are assigned with various functions in correspondence to the respective circuit components. The operators are manually operable to act on the corresponding circuit components for controlling the electric signals. The plurality of the operators are arranged to form at least one group operation section such that the operators having similar functions are grouped into the same group operation section. The group operation section is divided into subgroups with markings such that operators belonging to one subgroup is distinguished from operators belonging to another subgroup by the respective markings.

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: A computer keyboard designed to facilitate and simplify a user's interaction with medical software applications includes color-coded key groups and function specific icons. One key group is associated with medical image display tasks such as, for example, the display of Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and ultrasound scans of various portions of a patient's body. Another key group is associated with medical image navigation tasks such as moving to the next, previous, first or last image in a group of images. Each key in each key group has a function-specific indicator that identifies the key's function for a specified medical software application. For example, a key group associated with medical image acquisition for a radiographic software application may include keys having icons and/or text representing predetermined body regions such as the head, neck, lung, liver, knee, abdomen, bone, spine, mediastium, pelvis and/or whole body.

Abstract: A light module having 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 having 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 arrangement that assigns alphanumeric and special character symbols to keys based upon the shapes of the symbols in order to facilitate learning to type. Attribute classes are defined according to the number, position, direction, or contours of the line segments that comprise the symbols. As an aid to memorization of a keyboard arrangement, symbols are assigned to keys such that a substantial number of keys in a column of keys belong to the same attribute class. To convert any prior art or other kind of electronic keyboard to a keyboard arrangement within the scope of the invention, hardware and/or software components are provided that reassign the keys so that substantially all keys within the same column will correspond to symbols within the same attribute class.

Abstract: A data-entry device having manually operable input means arranged in zones for operation by corresponding fingers of a user. The device includes means for color coding such that each zone is assigned a color and successive zones display colors ordered according to their relative positions within a spectrum-ordered color pattern. In one embodiment the device includes a keyboard, such as for a computer or typewriter, wherein the keys of the keyboard are color-coded according to a spectrum-ordered color pattern. The invention also provides a method of color coding a data-entry device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the uses of polyester (Polyethylene Terephthlate) light reflecting characters on computer key caps, providing reflections from natural external light sources, providing human beings a luminous reflection thus enhancing human beings abilities to see and read computer key cap characters on a standard QWERTY computer keyboard in low lighting.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement that assigns alphanumeric and special character symbols to keys based upon the shapes of the symbols in order to facilitate learning to type. Attribute classes are defined according to the number, position, direction, or contours of the line segments that comprise the symbols. As an aid to memorization of a keyboard arrangement, symbols are assigned to keys such that a substantial number of keys in a column of keys belong to the same attribute class. To convert any prior art or other kind of electronic keyboard to a keyboard arrangement within the scope of the invention, hardware and/or software components are provided that reassign the keys so that substantially all keys within the same column will correspond to symbols within the same attribute class.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keypad having a plurality of keys, each having a predetermined function for a respective plurality of selective operations. An indicating arrangement is provided for identifying a selected one of the plurality of keys. As a special feature of the present invention, the indicating arrangement can include one or more virtual keys, selectively programmable to emulate the predetermined function of one or more of the plurality of keys.

Abstract: A combination printer is described. The combination printer includes a thermal head and an ink printing head, such as a thermal transfer printing head. The thermal head thermally prints on thermal paper by heating. The thermal transfer printing head prints ink on the thermal paper by thermally transferring ink from an ink film to the thermal paper. The thermal transfer head is preferably positioned downstream relative to the first head along a paper flow path of the thermal paper. The printer further includes a first platen that serves as a back support for the thermal head, and a second platen that serves as a back support for the thermal transfer printing head.

Abstract: A combination printer is described. The combination printer includes a thermal head and an ink printing head, such as a thermal transfer printing head. The thermal head thermally prints on thermal paper by heating. The thermal transfer printing head prints ink on the thermal paper by thermally transferring ink from an ink film to the thermal paper. The thermal transfer head is preferably positioned downstream relative to the first head along a paper flow path of the thermal paper. The printer further includes a first platen that serves as a back support for the thermal head, and a second platen that serves as a back support for the thermal transfer printing head.

Abstract: A computer keyboard consists of keys which are arranged in groups according to five different patterns for enhancing the key-in efficiency. The first and the second patterns are respectively composed of four sets of specific keys which are arranged in group and covered with four different colors. The third and fourth patterns consist respectively of five sets of specific keys which are grouped and covered with five different colors. The fifth pattern consists of seven sets of specific keys which are grouped and covered with seven different colors.

Abstract: A color coded electronic user interface system is provided for use between an end user and a computer system. The system includes a graphical user interface that presents information to the user from the computer system on a display device. This information preferably includes instructional icons having associated therewith a computer system procedure from different predetermined functional categories and a color. In addition, a user input device receives user instructions for initiating computer system procedures. The user input device includes a function key having a color which corresponds to each of the instructional icons. Also, the system includes a controller which initiates the computer system procedure based on which function key is actuated. As a result, the user can associate and initiate computer system procedures based on a uniform color coding scheme of associated instructional icons and function keys.

Abstract: An ergonomic keyboard entry system (100) is provided. The system (100) includes a base (200) on which is provided a set of first control keys (120) for assigning an output function selected by simultaneously operating one of a plurality of multifunction character keys. In particular, alphabetic character output functions are selected utilizing one of a set of first character keys (220), the particular assignment of alphabetic characters to the particular character keys (222, 224, 226, 228 and 230) being made to provide QWERTY compatibility. Each of the sets of keys (120, 220) are irregularly arranged on the base (200) to be located under the fingertips of a user's bent hands. Further, each of the sets of keys (120, 220) are configured about respective axes (276, 286 and 278, 288), the two axes being disposed at different angles with respect to a horizontal reference, permitting a miniaturized keyboard to be implemented with full size keys.

Abstract: An improved children's computer keyboard includes enlarged keys that are color-coded according to function group. The enlarged keys provide wider top surface and area between keys, which provides each key with a larger error-free zone than a conventional computer keyboard, thus making the present invention more tolerant for human error. Characters on the keys of the improved children's computer keyboard are also enlarged for improved visibility. The keys are arranged in a conventional QWERTY layout.

Abstract: A keyboard arranged for efficiency in learning and in operating. The keyboard arrangement that has the distinct advantage of maximizing the speed and efficiency for either fight one-handed or left one-handed typing while allowing for a smooth and easy transition from the QWERTY keyboard arrangement to the keyboard arrangement A keyboard that increases speed of training of one-handed or two-handed operators by color matching the keys to be reached by a specific finger. A keyboard to allow disabled, arthritic, and/or limited hand use typists, e.g., the disabled with limited finger movement, to increase their speed and use of the computer keyboard, and to reduce body, head, neck, eye, and sensory stress. Hoe keys are assigned according to the frequency of use of the letters. A user can select a new format with thirteen or more keys in the same location as the conventional typewriter letter format The keyboard is suitable for typewriters, personal computer keyboards.

Abstract: A children's computer keyboard includes enlarged keys that are color-coded according to their functions, and a four directional arrow-key pad of unique configuration. Characters on the keys of the children's computer keyboard are also enlarged for improved visibility. The enlarged keys provide wider top surface dimension between keys which provides each key with a larger error free area than a standard sized keyboard thus more tolerant for human error. A keyboard connector/extension cord with separable parts is provided for easy keyboard changing.

Abstract: An improved keyboard assembly and method for typing for use with a device for processing symbolic information, such as a word processor, is disclosed herein. Generally, the improved keyboard assembly comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent keys, each of which is substantially covered by a visual pattern formed from a combination of shape and coloring. The visual pattern on each key is manifestly different from the visual pattern on each adjacent key in order to facilitate visual discrimination between keys. However, the visual patterns on keys in the same rows or columns share at least one distinctive design feature in order to assist the operator in properly orienting his or her hands over the keyboard. To further enhance both key discrimination and proper manual orientation over the keyboard, keys on every other row have different surface textures to provide distinctive tactile signals to the keyboard operator whenever the different-textured keys are touched.

Abstract: A keyboard is disclosed for an ideographic language, in particular for Japanese. The disclosed keyboard includes the positioning of up to eight similar descriptors on a single key. Combination of the descriptors to form compound or complex ideograms is accomplished by actuating two or more keys in the usual order of "writing" a Japanese character.

Abstract: A keyboard is disclosed having keys subdivided into one or more fields. Two keys from the same field concurrently actuated identify a particular character. Characters are also identified by the actuation of a single key independently of any other key. Pivot keys may be included which are a part of more than one field. A color coding arrangement makes the two key combination unambiguously suggested by the keyboard itself. These features make possible a reduction of the number of keys such that a full set of alphanumeric characters may be arranged on the keyboard for one handed operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for typing Japanese text is disclosed. The method is characterized by operator manipulation of a keyboard to produce input signals to a microprocessor. The input signals are in the form of kana, English alphabet, numerals, and punctuation, as well as delimiting signals which may be used in combination with kana input to produce corresponding text material in kanji. The microprocessor is responsive to combinations of the kana input signals and delimiting code signals to produce adjusting outputs which call up from memory signals which produce the desired kanji output. A CRT display is provided for displaying keyboard signals and, when called for, kanji symbols from memory.Where it is desired to type kanji symbols which cannot be called up by the operator through the use of kana and delimiting coding signals, alternative procedures using word analysis and graphic inputs are provided.