Abstract: An injection molded component has a functional portion and a quality control portion. The quality control portion comprises a set of protrusions which are adapted to distort visibly in response to injection molding shrinkage, thereby to enable visual quality control inspection.

Abstract: An asset management mapping system including a microphone recording the audio of the asset inspector and a condition signal generator generating an condition signal based on asset inspector input from a keypad including condition selectors recorded into a global positioning system recorder that associates the audio, condition signal, and video with a gps location to create a pavement condition database. The database is interpreted to generate a condition output map of the areas inspected and provide associated video of each location on the map.

Abstract: A keyboard device and a backlight module of the keyboard device are provided. The keyboard device includes a casing, the backlight module, a keyboard module and an expansion module. The backlight module includes a main body region and an extension region. The main body region and the extension region are connected with each other. A first light beam is outputted from the main body region to plural keys of the keyboard device. A second light beam is outputted from the extension region to the expansion module.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to execute at least one wagering game, a credit input device configured to receive a wager, a first display configured to prompt a user to select a wagering game from the at least one wagering game executable by the game controller, and a second display. The second display includes a hybrid display area including a touchscreen input component and a dynamic button deck assembly configured to receive player input during play of a user-selected wagering game. The dynamic button deck assembly includes a button deck display area and a dynamic button deck having at least one mechanical push button including a lens cap.

Abstract: A casing having a light guide structure and an electronic device having the light guide structure are provided. The light guide structure includes a transparent decorative member and a light guide film which are attached together. At least one light entrance is provided on the light guide film for guiding light emitted by a light-emitting source into the light guide film. Screen printing processing is performed on a first surface of the transparent decorative member attached to the light guide film, so that the light entering at the light entrance of the light guide film uniformly exits from the transparent decorative member.

Abstract: A key structure includes a keycap, a pedestal and an elastic element. The keycap includes a main body and a coupling shaft. The pedestal includes a key slot. The key slot has an upper part and a lower part. The coupling shaft is penetrated through the upper part of the key slot and movable within the key slot upwardly or downwardly. The elastic element is installed in the lower part of the key slot. After an external force applied to the keycap is released, the elastic element is elastically restored, so that the keycap is returned to an original position. At the same time, the buffering elements in the key slot interfere with the coupling shaft. Consequently, an ascending speed of the keycap is reduced, and a click sound generated from the collision between keycap and the pedestal is reduced.

Abstract: A keyboard with a vibration function is provided. The keyboard includes a base member, an upper cover, a basic key structure and a vibration key structure. The vibration key structure includes a control module, a vibration keycap and an isolation element. The control module is fixed on the upper cover. When the control module is triggered, a vibration key signal is generated and a vibration action is provided. The control module is covered by the vibration keycap. The vibration keycap is exposed outside the upper cover. The isolation element is arranged between the control module and the upper cover. The vibration key structure is enclosed by the isolation element, so that the energy of the vibration action from the control module is isolated.

Abstract: A key structure includes a movable support element, a keycap, and a fitting portion. The keycap includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a rim, the bottom surface is jointed with the movable support element, and a periphery of the top surface extends downward to form the rim. The fitting portion is located on the rim, and operated by an operation body to separate the keycap from the movable support element.

Abstract: A protective member for an acoustic component includes a sound-transmissive sheet composed of an elastomer. The protective member for an acoustic component may further include an adhesive layer disposed on an edge region of the sound-transmissive sheet. The sound-transmissive sheet in the protective member may have waterproofness, and may be used with a waterproof case.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate, a connecting element and a keycap. The connecting element is connected with a hook of the keycap and the base plate. The keycap includes an elastic structure, a first hooking part and a second hooking part. The elastic structure hook is installed on an inner surface of the keycap. The first hooking part is arranged beside a first side of the elastic structure. The second hooking part is arranged beside a second side of the elastic structure. While the connecting element is assembled with the keycap, the first hooking part and the second hooking part are pushed by the connecting element and the keycap is bent in response to the elasticity of the elastic structure. Consequently, the first hooking part is moved away from the second hooking part.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to keyboards for computing devices. For example, rather than using a dome, the keycap may include one or more magnets. In one example, a second magnet may be placed adjacent to a switch or magnetic sensor on a circuit board. The magnets may be arranged so that they repel one another in order to force the keycap away from the switch. Webbing between the keycaps may be used to keep the keycaps from falling off of the device. To keep the keycap from moving laterally, the keycap may include two or more flanges held in place by rails. Other arrangements of magnets or magnetic plates may also be used. If a magnetic sensor is used, it may be calibrated to adjust the sensitivity of the keys, for example, how far a user must press the keycap in order to have the pressing register.

Abstract: A plurality of keyboard keys are grouped into at least a first group of keyboard keys and a second group of keyboard keys. Webbing serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the first group of keyboard keys. Similarly, but discretely, webbing also serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the second group of keyboard keys. So configured, the keyboard keys of the first group are not physically coupled via such webbing to any keyboard keys of the second group. By one approach the aforementioned webbing comprises an integral part of the keyboard keys and comprises, for example, a part of a film that conformally overlies adjacent ones of the keyboard keys. These teachings will accommodate forming such a film and the main body of the keyboard keys using thermoforming and injection molding processes to form-in-place such keys.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided with a base member, moving members provided on the base member and unit parts. Each of the unit parts includes a contact which is electrically connected when depressed and an elastic member. The moving members include a first moving member which engages with one unit part, and a second moving member which engages with plural unit parts. The second moving member has a structure where the second moving member pushes the elastic member of one unit part and avoids pushing the elastic member of the other unit part.

Abstract: An input device featuring a representation means with a transparent keypad situated above a representation means, wherein the keypad consists of a multitude of transparent keys and functions are mapped to the keys of the keypad, the functions being represented by means of symbols which are displayed within an area on the representation means assigned to the respective keys.

Abstract: A button structure is provided for installing to a casing of an electronic device having a button opening. The button structure is flexible and comprises an engaging portion, a button portion, a first alignment portion, a second alignment portion and a hollow sleeve. The engaging portion is disposed at a fixing end of the button structure. The button structure is connected to the inward side of the casing through the engaging portion. The button portion is disposed at a free end of the button structure for aligning with the button opening of the casing. The button portion has a light guiding portion for neighboring to a light emitting diode. The first alignment portion and the second alignment portion are mounted on a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion of the casing respectively. The hollow sleeve is disposed axially movably to the fixing sleeve of the casing.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus to provide improved visibility to user input devices, such as keys, are disclosed. In low light conditions, key legends can be difficult to distinguish. For example, often keys have legends on them to visually distinguish them from one another, but in low light conditions it can be difficult for users to visually identify the different keys. The legends can be textual and/or graphic. Hence, according to one embodiment, light from a nearby (e.g., attached) display device can be used to provide illumination to the user input devices (e.g., keys). The user input devices can be configured to include reflective optical components to enhance reflection of light and thereby improve visibility of the keys or the legends thereon.

Abstract: Handheld devices are described herein with display portions and with key input portions having curved form factors. The key input portions have form factors that are concave or convex with respect to a plane formed by two edges of a surface of the display portion.

Abstract: A plurality of keyboard keys are grouped into at least a first group of keyboard keys and a second group of keyboard keys. Webbing serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the first group of keyboard keys. Similarly, but discretely, webbing also serves to physically couple together the keyboard keys of the second group of keyboard keys. So configured, the keyboard keys of the first group are not physically coupled via such webbing to any keyboard keys of the second group. By one approach the aforementioned webbing comprises an integral part of the keyboard keys and comprises, for example, a part of a film that conformally overlies adjacent ones of the keyboard keys. These teachings will accommodate forming such a film and the main body of the keyboard keys using thermoforming and injection molding processes to form-in-place such keys.

Abstract: A key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

Abstract: A wipeable keyboard cover may include a flat, flexible membrane surrounded by a rigid frame that closely fits a keyboard assembly. The wipeable keyboard cover may be securely attached to the keyboard assembly and may be easily removed from the keyboard assembly by a user. The wipeable keyboard cover may prevent foreign matter from contacting the covered portion of the keyboard assembly while allowing easy operation of the keyboard assembly. The flat nature of the wipeable keyboard cover may allow the cover to be cleaned effectively while it is attached to a keyboard assembly without subjecting the underlying keyboard assembly to potentially harmful treatment.

Abstract: A glass keyboard includes a patterned glass sheet having a plurality of glass keys arranged in a keyboard layout. Each of the glass keys includes one or more cantilevered glass tabs integrally formed in the patterned glass sheet. Each glass tab is deflectable from a plane of the patterned glass sheet. A conductive layer is arranged in opposing and spaced-apart relation to the patterned glass sheet. The conductive layer has a plurality of contact pads in positions corresponding to the glass tabs. A plurality of pressure pads is disposed between the cantilevered glass tabs and the contact pads and configured to selectively transfer contact pressure from the cantilevered glass tabs to the contact pads when the cantilevered glass tabs are selectively deflected from the plane of the patterned glass sheet.

Abstract: A keyboard overlay for use on a touch screen is disclosed, as well as novel key structures for use on overlays. The keyboard overlay and key structures have novel structures which can provide finger resting resistance, deceleration during actuation, pre-actuation cues, finger positioning cues, key identification cues, and other desired aspects of a keyboard optimized for touch typing. Methods for stowing and deploying the keyboard overlay to align with the virtual keyboard of a touch screen are also disclosed. The disclosed keyboard overlay can provide optimal touch typing characteristics for use on all known types of touch screens.

Abstract: A press key includes: a base plate; a key cap including a top plate and a frame, the frame having a frame wall that surrounds a frame opening and that is formed with upper journal retention members and upper slide retention members; and a restoring unit including first and second support members. The first and second support members have upper end portions and lower end portions. The first and second support members extend through the frame opening. The upper end portion of the first support member is pivotally retained between the upper journal retention members and the top plate. The upper end portion of the second support member is slidably retained between the upper slide retention members and the top plate.

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 keyboard having improvements to the combination wave and curve keyboards of the prior art. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wave shape on a keyboard palm rest. In another embodiment, the invention provides a unique combination of a QWERTY keyboard, with both a wave and a curve, where the D and K keys are the low points of the wave. In another embodiment, a combination of more than one lateral waves and a constant radius curve is provided. Yet another embodiment provides the combination of a curved keyboard and a straight number pad.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.

Abstract: An operation unit has an operation surface for accepting an input operation. In a plan view, the operation surface has a rectangular contour including a plurality of sides and a plurality of corner portions. When each point at which extensions of adjacent two of the plural sides cross each other is defined as a virtual intersection, and when an intersection at which respective diagonals linking the virtual intersections cross each other is defined as a virtual center, the contour of the corner portion crosses the diagonal that passes through the virtual intersection and the virtual center, at a point between the virtual intersection in the vicinity of the corner portion and the virtual center. The corner portions is a specific corner portion having an intersection with the diagonal at a position closer to the virtual center than the adjacent two corner portions.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.

Abstract: A key structure with a scissors-type connecting member is provided. The scissors-type connecting member includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a rotating shaft and a pushing bulge. After the first frame is stacked on the second frame, if the second frame may be pushed by the pushing bulge, the second frame is subject to deformation to facilitate combining the first frame and the second frame together.

Abstract: A key structure with a scissors-type connecting member is provided. The scissors-type connecting member includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a bulge. The second frame has a recess. The height of the bulge is smaller than the length of the recess entrance. The length of the recess bottom surface is greater than the length of the recess entrance. After the bulge of the first frame is introduced into the recess of the second frame, since the length of the recess bottom surface is greater than the length of the recess entrance, the possibility of detaching the bulge from the recess during the operation of the scissors-type connecting member will be minimized.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.

Abstract: A key device includes a casing having a base plate and a frame disposed on the base plate, and a key cap having a press plate and a limiter. The press plate is disposed between the frame and the base plate and exposed from an opening of the frame. The press plate has a pivotal side connected pivotally to the frame or base plate and is movable between unpressed and pressed positions. The limiter is disposed at or near a non-pivotal side of the press plate opposite to the pivotal side and engageable with the base plate or frame to prevent the non-pivotal side from escaping out of the casing. A resilient unit is disposed on the base plate to bias the press plate to the unpressed position.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.

Abstract: Wireless handheld mobile communication device and keyboard therefore having a keyfield including a plurality of depressible keys arranged in rows that are distributed about a vertical centerline (Vc) of the keyboard. Each depressible key has a top engagement surface with an upper inboard portion that is raised relative a lower outboard portion thereof. The top engagement surface of each depressible key is ramped from the lower outboard portion toward the upper inboard portion. Each top engagement surface is generally crest shaped, with the apex of the crest running generally diagonally across the respective key with a remaining surface falling away from the crest toward the upper outboard portion and the lower inboard portion of the key. The top engagement surface of each of the depressible keys terminates at an upper edge thereof in an elevated ridge down from which the balance of the respective top engagement surface slopes.

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: The keyboard assembly is suitable for use as a keyboard of a hand held computing device. The assembly has a base layer of a printed circuit board and includes a carrier layer having snap domes set out in an array aligned with keys of a keypad layer. An electroluminescent layer generates light in areas aligned with the keys to backlight the keys. An actuator layer having projections is aligned with the keys and snap domes. Pressing a key causes a snap dome to be deformed, closing a switch for the key and providing a snap action press and release feedback for the user.

Abstract: A mobile actuating device including a two shell housing, an interior chamber delimited by the shells, an electronic unit for data communication, an actuating member inside an opening of the first shell, a gap between the actuating member and the first shell, a carrier element, and a switching element connected to the electronic unit and associated with the actuating member, wherein the first shell includes a display having an opening in the first shell from which a light signal is emitted, the carrier element being translucent and made of a first material having a low modulus of elasticity, wherein the opening is completely filled by the carrier element, which conducts the light signal through the opening, and wherein the actuating member is made out of a second material with a larger modulus of elasticity than the first material.

Abstract: An input device includes detection parts detecting operation from the outside, a cap member receiving operation from the outside, and an operation part including an operating shaft. The cap member is locked to one end of the operating shaft and a flange portion, which transmits the operation received from the outside, is formed at the other end of the operating shaft. The operating shaft includes an engaging hole formed at one end-side end face of the operating shaft. The cap member includes a first fitting portion having elasticity, and a protruding portion formed at the first fitting portion so as to protrude toward the outside of the cap member. The one end of the operating shaft is press-fitted to the first fitting portion and the protruding portion of the cap member is positioned in the engaging hole, so that the cap member is locked to the operation part.

Abstract: A label having an identifier 41L is applied to the upper left corner of the key top of each character key in a left hand region of a keyboard device. A label having an identifier 41R is applied to the upper right corner of the key top of each character key in a right hand region. The identifier 41L is a mark of a reversed L shape and the identifier 41R is a mark of a mirror image pattern of the identifier 41L. Further, different colors are applied to the identifiers 41L and 41R depending on regions for individual fingers. As a consequence, the identifiers 41L and 41R have a function to visually display information representing which hand is to be used to press a key and information representing which finger is to be used to press the key. The keyboard device enables a user to naturally understand the arrangement of the keys and the use of the fingers.

Abstract: A computer peripheral is provided in which depressible keys are situated over a display device. A region on the display device is associated with each key. Each key includes a keycap with a central viewing window for viewing changeable display imagery produced by the display region associated with the key. Each key has a mechanical understructure that guides and constrains movement of the keycap toward and away from the display device. The mechanical understructure is configured to not optically obstruct through-keycap viewing of changeable display imagery produced on the associated region of the display. In many examples, the mechanical understructure is positioned outside of the display region to provide such unobstructed viewing.

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: An interface for retrofitting to a portable computer such as a notebook or laptop computer, the interface for covering the keyboard and having a plurality of jumbo buttons, each jumbo button for covering more than one key of the keyboard.

Abstract: A key structure of a keyboard, comprising: a backplane and a plurality of key caps. The backplane is concaved a plurality of grooves. A frame is deposed on the groove, and outside of the frame two fixed bases and two positioning columns are correspondingly deposed on the opposite sides. A clamp is deposed on the fixed base. A link bar, consists of a cross bar and two struts. The cross bar and the struts are mutually perpendicular and shown as an upside-down U shape. A key cap, in which a convex column is extended from the inside of the key cap, and two clips are protruded respectively on the opposite sides of the convex column, as well as a slot is deposed on the clip. The clips are adapted to position the cross bar of the link bar to a clamp of a fixed base on the backplane. And two struts are adapted to be held by the positioning column, so that the two struts only can be moved up and down and will not mismatch.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keyswitches and a protective cover. The keyswitches are disposed on the base. Each of the keyswitches includes a key cap. The protective cover includes a plurality of hollow protruding portions and a plurality of surface structures. Each of the surface structures is formed on one of the hollow protruding portions. When the protective cover is disposed on the base, each of the hollow protruding portions covers one of the key caps correspondingly.

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

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for operating a touch keypad, the mobile terminal including a touch keypad, a touch sensor processor for sensing a signal inputted from a key selected by a user on the touch keypad and outputting location information corresponding to the selected key based upon the sensed signal, a Control Processor (CPU) for outputting at least one or more control signals based upon the outputted location information, and a light emitting diode controller for independently driving a light emitting diode corresponding to the selected key based upon the outputted control signals.

Abstract: A keyboard and key structure thereof includes a keycap, an elastic element, a supporting element, a base and a frame. The elastic element is located below the keycap. The supporting element has a supporting part, a connecting part and an end part, wherein the supporting part supports the keycap and the connecting part connects the supporting part and the end part. The base supports the elastic element. The frame secures the end part on the base. A keyboard includes a plurality of key structures.

Abstract: A key comprising a light transmitting key base; a three-dimensional cured resin layer disposed on a lower surface of the base; and a pattern layer disposed on a lower surface of the three-dimensional cured resin layer is provided. The three-dimensional cured resin layer may be formed with a microstructure on a lower surface facing the upper surface of the pattern layer. Further, a keyboard comprising the same is also provided.