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 key structure having an improved light emitting efficiency is provided. The key structure includes a light guide plate, an isolation sheet, a circuit board, an elastic member, and a key cap sequentially disposed one on another in order. A circuit and a plurality of first electrical contacts are distributed on a top surface of the light guide plate. An optical structure is disposed at a bottom surface of the light guide plate. The isolation sheet has a light reflective surface facing the light guide plate. A light source emits a light into the light guide plate. The light is reflected by the optical structure to pass through the through holes configured at the isolation sheet, thus allowing more light outputting through the through holes, so as to improve the illumination of the key cap, and improve the light emitting efficiency.

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 of the depressible keys has a top engagement surface of which an upper inboard portion is raised relative a lower outboard portion thereof. The top engagement surface of each of the depressible keys 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 the rest of the top engagement 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 self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps of the present invention comprises a baseplate, a substrate arranged above the baseplate, a plurality of keycaps coupled to the substrate and able to move up and down, a circuit board triggered by the contact of the keycap to output a signal, and a light emitting element. The substrate has a plurality of via-holes each corresponding to one keycap. There is a light transmission path from the light emitting element through the via-hole to the keycap. In each light transmission path, there is a light concentration member, and the light emitted by the light emitting element is concentrated by the light concentration member and then transmitted to the keycap. Thereby, the brightness of the keycaps is enhanced to be higher than the brightness of the gap between the adjacent keycaps, and the recognizability thereof is promoted.

Abstract: A data input arrangement may include a first array of input keys defining a first shape extending across a first typing surface thereof; and a second array of input keys defining a second shape extending across a second typing surface thereof. The first and second arrays are contiguous with one another so that the first and second shapes create a non-linear surface extending across the data input arrangement. The non-linear surface enables users to tactilely locate individual keys of the first and second arrays.

Abstract: This invention discloses a supporting structure for supporting a keycap of a switch. The supporting structure includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member. The first supporting member has a first arm, and the first arm forms a first shaft is perpendicularly protruded from the first arm. The second supporting member has a second arm including a first hook part. The first hook part forms a first containing space and a first opening connected to the first containing space. The first shaft can pass through the first opening and be rotatably contained in the first containing space by the first hook part. Accordingly, the first supporting member and the second supporting member can rotate relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: An electronic device with two keypads is provided. The electronic device includes a recessed portion and a pressable member rotatably attached to the recessed portion. A plurality of key switches is arranged on a surface of the recessed portion. A plurality of first pressable portions are formed on a first surface of the pressable member, and a plurality of second pressable portions are formed on a second surface of the pressable member. The first pressable portions and the key switches form the first keys, and the second portions and the key switches form the second keys. The electronic device further includes a switch unit and a processor. The processor is configured for assigning the key switches to correspond to the first pressable portions or the second portions according to the switch signal generated by the switch unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of masking audible sounds emanating from a keyboard in response to a stroking of keys on the keyboard, the method comprising, selecting components from a plurality of components with various masses, building the keyboard with the selected components, moving a movable mass within the keyboard, and energizing a driving transducer within the keyboard. Further disclosed herein is a keyboard for a computer, comprising a plurality of keys, a cover with the keys protruding therethrough, a base supporting the cover and the keys, and at least one selectable mass wherein the mass is selected from a plurality of masses, a movable mass supported by the base and movable relative to the base, and a driving transducer supported by the base.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a computer peripheral in which a display device produces images which may be viewed through a keyboard assembly that is disposed over the display device. Each the key of the keyboard assembly includes a keycap and a mechanical understructure that is configured to guide reciprocating movement of the keycap toward and away from the display device. The mechanical understructure is disposed away from a central portion of the keycap, to permit images produced by the display device to be viewed through the central portion of the keycap.

Abstract: An information processing system includes: a first information processing device including a first keyboard with a first key top; and a second information processing device including a second keyboard with a second key top, wherein a first character is denoted on the first key top, and a cold color is more similar to a color of the first character than to a background color, wherein a second character is denoted on the second key top, a warm color is more similar to a color of the second character than to a background color, and the second character is the same to the first character, and wherein an area of the first character is smaller than an area of the second character.

Abstract: A keycap including a body and an ink layer is provided. The ink layer is disposed on the body, and has a blind hole and a through hole.

Abstract: A keypad including a plurality of user interface key caps flexibly coupled to a carrier and forming a substantially planar unitary member. The user interface key caps defined by and located between nested slots formed in the substantially planar unitary member wherein the nested slots are devoid of a material from which the plurality of user interface key caps and the carrier are formed. A flexible web is disposed the slots between the plurality of user interface key caps, wherein the plurality of user interface key caps, the carrier and the flexible web constitute a unitary member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device, such as a laptop PC, with a keyboard having specialized keys. The specialized keys according to embodiments of the invention are chamfer-less, configured with a larger, “D” shaped striking surface having a concavity therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electronic device, such as a laptop PC, with a keyboard having specialized keys. The specialized keys according to embodiments of the invention are chamfer-less, configured with a larger, “D” shaped striking surface having a concavity therein.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for operating a touch keypad, the mobile terminal including a touch keypad, a touch sensor 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: The invention discloses a transmission apparatus set in a data processing system. The data processing system includes a display device and an input device. The display device is connected to the input device through a connecting member. The transmission apparatus includes a pivot, a fixed plate, a movable plate, a sliding member, a pulley, and a cable. When the pivot revolves along with the connecting member, the pivot drives the cable to slide the sliding member, and then moves the movable plate along with a predetermined direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a keyboard unit that includes a keyboard body having a key top and a detecting unit detecting water. The detecting unit is positioned on the keyboard body so as to facing to an under side of the key top.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly configured for converting keystroke activation into electrical signals. The keyboard assembly includes a plurality of key caps, each of the plurality of key caps being configured to transition between a rest position and a depressed position. The keyboard assembly also includes a web-like structure having a plurality of interconnected ribs defining a plurality of apertures. The plurality of key caps are disposed such that the plurality of key caps move within the plurality of apertures and traverse a plane formed by an upper surface of the web-like structure when the plurality of key caps transition between the rest position and the depressed position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a keyboard includes keytops supported on a substrate and a membrane switch placed between the keytops and the substrate. The membrane switch has an electrically insulating membrane sheet on which a plurality of contacts operated by the keytops are formed. A light source is mounted on the membrane sheet. A conductor pattern configured to supply an electric current to the light source is formed on the membrane sheet. Further, a lightguide plate configured to lead light emitted by the light source to the keytops is stacked on the membrane sheet.

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 which includes a plurality of key caps is provided. Each of the key caps includes a surface respectively and the surfaces of the key caps are coplanar substantially. Therein a pattern which includes a plurality of ink dots is formed on each surface of the key caps. The pattern formed by the ink dots could be a symbol, a character, a graph, or a combination thereof and several patterns could form a combination pattern. Additionally, the patterns could be covered with a protection layer.

Abstract: An operation key 3 is fitted in a guide hole 4 of an operation section cover 2 while making contact with support pieces 12 of a film member 10a. Thus, the support pieces 12 are pressed, widened, and then bent by an operation section 3b, thus sandwiching the support pieces 12 between the operation section 3b and the guide hole 4. Here, the film member 10a has an elastic force; thus, the operation key 3 is positioned at a substantially vertical center of the guide hole 4 by restoring forces of the support pieces 12.

Abstract: A decorative molded body can be structured such that an inside thereof looks three-dimensional from a surface thereof, the decorative molded body being a substituted for a decorative molded body of the related art. An example of a decorative molded body can include a three-dimensional base pattern layer having, on a bottom surface of a transparent molded body, a transparent printing layer and a brilliant layer containing brilliant particles, in which the brilliant layer is raised brightly and three-dimensionally on the transparent printing layer as a background. The decorative molded body is excellent in design, and structured so that irregular shapes formed of portions where the transparent printing layer is provided and other portions can look three-dimensional from a surface of the molded body.

Abstract: A self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps of the present invention comprises a baseplate, a substrate arranged above the baseplate, a plurality of keycaps coupled to the substrate and able to move up and down, a circuit board triggered by the contact of the keycap to output a signal, and a light emitting element. The substrate has a plurality of via-holes each corresponding to one keycap. There is a light transmission path from the light emitting element through the via-hole to the keycap. In each light transmission path, there is a light concentration member, and the light emitted by the light emitting element is concentrated by the light concentration member and then transmitted to the keycap. Thereby, the brightness of the keycaps is enhanced to be higher than the brightness of the gap between the adjacent keycaps, and the recognizability thereof is promoted.

Abstract: A method of operating a key input apparatus having one or more pressable keys, and a key input apparatus to perform the method, the method including selectively controlling an electromagnetic force to support at least one of the one or more pressable keys, wherein a height of the at least one pressable key is controlled by selectively supplying electric current to an electromagnet to control the electromagnetic force.

Abstract: A user interface component for use in an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a first part and a second part. The user interface component may include a structural part configured to provide structural stiffness for the user interface component. The structural part may include an aperture. The aperture may allow a fastener to pass through the structural part to couple the first part with the second part without removing the structural part from the electronic device. The aperture may also allow the fastener to be removed from the electronic device through the structural part without removing the structural part from the electronic device. The user interface component may also include a cover detachably coupled with the structural part. The cover may cover the aperture and may receive user input.

Abstract: The disclosed relates to a light-guide-sheet used in operation panel of a various electronic equipment, and a movable-contact-unit and a switch using the same, which have a simplified structure free from uneven illumination and a cheap cost price. Therefore, the light-guide-sheet is provided with the light-guide-member including an inlet, a generally strip-shaped guide-path coupled with the inlet, and generally circularly and irregularly shaped light-emitters coupled with the guide-path, each formed from a polymer having an index of refraction different from that of base-film and formed in grooves provided on a base-film.

Abstract: A keypad having three-dimensional patterns and a method for manufacturing the same. The keypad includes a base layer, a light-guiding plate, a pattern layer, a shielding layer and a keycap layer. The light-guiding plate is overlapped on the base layer. The pattern layer is provided on the light-guiding plate. A plurality of three-dimensional patterns is provided on the front surface of the pattern layer. The shielding layer is coated on the back surface of the pattern layer, and is formed with a plurality of hollowed regions to correspond to the three-dimensional patterns. The keycap layer is overlapped on the pattern layer and formed with a plurality of keycaps to correspond to the three-dimensional patterns. In addition, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing keypad having three-dimensional patterns. Via the above arrangement, the recognition and aesthetic feeling of each three-dimensional pattern can be increased.

Abstract: A multicolor transparent computer keyboard for operating a computer in a dark environment includes transparent keypads each on a top including spaced transparent color layers occupying four corners and being different in color from each other, an opaque layer on the color layers and having portions overlapped with the color layers being removed, and characters printed on the opaque layer; bridges pivotably interconnecting the key caps and an underlying transparent frame plate; a PCB under the frame plate; and a luminescence panel under the PCB and including cells each below the key cap, each cell including regions of different colors and adapted to electrically activate to upward emit light which is adapted to show multi-color when passing a gap between the color layers and show a backlit color when passing one of the color layers. The backlit color of each color layer is different from that of another color layer.

Abstract: A keyboard. A membrane circuit assembly is disposed on a base plate. A key base is disposed on the membrane circuit assembly and comprises a first metal conducting portion and a second metal conducting portion. The first and second metal conducting portions are connected to a power source. An activating body is movably connected to the key base and comprises a third metal conducting portion and a fourth metal conducting portion. The third and fourth metal conducting portions are detachably connected to the first and second metal conducting portions, respectively. A light-emitting element is disposed on the activating body and connected to the third and fourth metal conducting portions. A keycap is disposed on the light-emitting element and connected to the activating body. The keycap drives the activating body to move, enabling the third and fourth metal conducting portions to respectively connect to the first and second metal conducting portions.

Abstract: A thin keypad assembly with a keypad panel of a smooth surface, a mist surface or a lines layer includes an elastic layer, a carrier and a keypad layer. The elastic layer includes a plurality of support portions, and each support portion has a protrusion. The carrier is installed on a surface of the elastic layer, and the joint surface of the carrier and the elastic layer sequentially includes a ground color layer, a function color layer and a font color layer. The keypad layer has a holder disposed on a surface of the carrier, and a plurality of protruding or flat keycaps are disposed on the holder, and a smooth surface is formed on the surface of the keycap, and the surface of the holder is a mist surface, or the surfaces of both keycap and holder are a lines layer.

Abstract: A key assembly for a keyboard. The key assembly includes a plunger assembly having an impact flange and a mantle coupled to the plunger assembly. The mantle includes a gel deformable by an actuation force.

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

Abstract: A keypad including a plurality of user interface key caps flexibly coupled to a carrier and forming a substantially planar unitary member. The user interface key caps defined by and located between nested slots formed in the substantially planar unitary member wherein the nested slots are devoid of a material from which the plurality of user interface key caps and the carrier are formed. A flexible web is disposed the slots between the plurality of user interface key caps, wherein the plurality of user interface key caps, the carrier and the flexible web constitute a unitary member.

Abstract: A method and configuration for a display key, a display-equipped keyswitch and a keyboard or keypad having a plurality of display keys and/or display-equipped keyswitches where key display images are configurable, editable, dynamically deliverable to a corresponding designated key display, including key display image data embedded in a document that preferably is a web page that is read, delivered to a display of a display key where the image corresponding to the image data is displayed thereon.

Abstract: A data input arrangement may include a first array of input keys defining a first shape extending across a first typing surface thereof; and a second array of input keys defining a second shape extending across a second typing surface thereof. The first and second arrays are contiguous with one another so that the first and second shapes create a non-linear surface extending across the data input arrangement. The non-linear surface enables users to tactilely locate individual keys of the first and second arrays.

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

Abstract: A luminous key mechanism. A keycap moves with respect to a base plate and includes a transparent window. A light-emitting element is disposed under the keycap. A condenser is connected to the transparent window and opposes the light-emitting element. Light output from the light-emitting element is condensed by the condenser and output via the transparent window.

Abstract: A keyboard structure includes a base, a circuit board, at least two keycaps and at least two linkages. The circuit board is disposed on the base. The two keycaps are adjacent to each other and disposed on the circuit board. Each keycap has a soft and a hard film. The soft film covers the hard film, the soft film has a pressing part penetrating the hard film, and the two soft films of the two keycaps are connected to each other. The two linkages are respectively disposed between the two keycaps and the base. Each of the linkages has two bars connected to each other, and each of the bars has one end connected to the base and the other connected to the hard film. The two keycaps can move up and down via the two linkages and press the two pressing parts to trigger the circuit board.

Abstract: A one-piece keyboard includes a compressible body having a plurality of depressible key areas, each associated with a first spring constant, and a wrist support area of the body associated with a second spring constant. By selecting appropriate spring constants, stresses on a user's fingers, hands and wrists may be reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of masking audible sounds emanating from a keyboard in response to a stroking of keys on the keyboard, the method comprising, selecting components from a plurality of components with various masses, building the keyboard with the selected components, moving a movable mass within the keyboard, and energizing a driving transducer within the keyboard. Further disclosed herein is a keyboard for a computer, comprising a plurality of keys, a cover with the keys protruding therethrough, a base supporting the cover and the keys, and at least one selectable mass wherein the mass is selected from a plurality of masses, a movable mass supported by the base and movable relative to the base, and a driving transducer supported by the base.

Abstract: An input key of the present invention, which is assigned a plurality of information items to be inputted, and which is assigned each of the information items to be inputted, according to a direction of a force exerted on the input key. And the input key includes a push detecting means for detecting a push on the input key, and a direction detecting means for, when the push detecting means detects a push on the input key, detecting a strain occurring in the input key and thereby detecting a direction of a force exerted on the input key.

Abstract: This invention provides novel keyboards comprising keys disposed such that they minimize the distance a finger typically must travel to effect a keystroke and the force that is applied to effect a keystroke. Accordingly the keyboards require less arm and finger movement to and thereby reduce the likelihood of an operator developing a repetitive stress injury (RSI). In one embodiment the keyboards comprise a plurality of keys disposed such that the alphanumeric keys form a continuous key array defining a key array surface having at least two concave regions wherein a plurality of keys present irregular and/or non-rectilinear striking faces.

Abstract: A key switch includes a guiding and supporting mechanism for guiding and supporting a key top. The guiding and supporting mechanism is so constructed that a substantially ring-shaped stabilizer and a substantially U-shaped stabilizer are pivotally connected by shafts and bearing parts each having a semi-circular sectional shape.

Abstract: A key switch used for a keyboard incorporated as an input device in electronic equipment. The key switch includes a support plate; a key top arranged above the support plate; a pair of link members interlocked to each other to support the key top above the support plate and direct the key top in a vertical direction; and a switch mechanism capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electric circuit in accordance with a vertical movement of the key top. The switch mechanism includes a membrane switch sheet carrying the contact section at a position corresponding to the key top and placed on the support plate. Each of the link members includes a sliding part slidably engaged with the support plate. The membrane switch sheet is provided with a through-hole in a region where the sliding part of each link member is engaged with the support plate, the sliding part of the link member being slidably placed on the support plate through the through-hole in the membrane switch sheet.

Abstract: A button, knob or control key with an etchable support plate which is engraved on the backside with a fine symbol by laser, erosion or mechanical engraving, which only cuts into the material of the support plate, but not through the support plate. The backside of the support plate is optionally coated. A foil is applied on the laminated layer and affixed thereto. The front side of the support plate is treated with a material-removing substance. The material removal with the material-removing substance is performed until the engraving extending into the support plate is at least partially or completely exposed on the front side. Application of a protective layer to the front side of the support plate from which the material was removed. A function symbol is provided on the button such that it can be backlit. It is engraved in a fine line width providing a sharp optical definition erosion, mechanical engraving.

Abstract: In a keytop in which a mark indicating a function of the corresponding key switch is printed on the top surface of a keytop body made of a synthetic resin, the mark being a letter, a character, a numeral, a word, a symbol, a sign, a figure, a pattern or the like, or any combination thereof, and the mark is coated with a resin coating, a transparent or semitransparent coating that is soft, not slippery, and lusterless, is applied on the whole surface of the keytop body including the resin coating. Such transparent or semitransparent coating gives a soft feeling to the tip of an operator's finger as well as the tip thereof is hard to slip off the keytop, and hence the feeling thereof on operation is comfortable and the operativity thereof is satisfactory. Moreover, a line of the contour of the resin coating becomes disappeared and it is possible to completely take off the luster thereof. Accordingly, a grade in the external appearance of the keytop can be improved.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a keyboard includes a barrier layer. The barrier layer may be mounted between an upper and lower housing portion of the keyboard so as to provide a substantially water impermeable pocket about a keyboard circuit. The barrier layer includes at least one key aperture that allows the barrier layer to attach to a key, the attachment providing a substantially water impermeable seal between the barrier layer and the key. Thus, the barrier layer acts to prevent liquids that are spilled on the keys from contacting and damage an electrical keyboard circuit provided below the barrier layer. In an embodiment the keyboard may be rinsed under running water without damaging the keyboard circuit.

Abstract: Keyboard keys using a marked elastic dome and the fabrication method thereof. The method for fabricating elastic domes first includes providing a mold having a plurality of mold cavities with a markable surface. Next, a plurality of different marks is formed on the markable surface of each of the mold cavities. An elastic membrane with a plurality of marked elastic domes is formed by the mold. The marks on the elastic domes represent the position with respect to the mold cavities on the mold and the parameters of fabricating the elastic membrane. Finally, the marked elastic domes are separated from the elastic membrane and used in keys of a keyboard.

Abstract: This invention concerns an element for identifying functions associated with the keys of a computer keyboard, characterized by the fact that it features an edging surround (14) in the shape of an elastic band intended to tightly surround the four side faces of a single key, and a flat top section (15) carrying an indication of a function associated with the key and intended to be at least partially superimposed on the upper face of the key to which it is fitted.