Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for displaying a document on a touch screen display, which belongs to the field of human computer interaction. The method for displaying a document on a touch screen display includes: displaying an edge region of an electronic document on the touch screen display where the edge region contains an edge of the electronic document and one or more display elements, detecting a movement of an object acting on the touch screen display, and in response to the movement of the object, stretching, for display, the one or more display elements in a direction away from the edge. Thereby, it reminds the user that the display has reached the edge of the electronic document, prevents the user from repeating move operation which is practically inapplicable, and thus improves efficiency of user operation.

Abstract: A keyboard having a sensor layer below a chassis layer is described. In one embodiment, the keyboard includes a keyboard chassis and a plurality of keycaps positioned above the keyboard chassis. Each of the plurality of keycaps has a touch surface for receiving a press force. A sensor substrate is positioned below the keyboard chassis and has sensor electrodes configured to sense that one or more of the plurality of keycaps is in a pressed position.

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 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 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 flexible touch-type keyboard includes a flexible keyboard module, a receiving assembly for receiving the flexible keyboard module, and a cover. The receiving assembly is connected to one end of the flexible keyboard module; and the cover connected to the opposite end of the flexible keyboard module. The flexible keyboard module is withdrawn from the receiving assembly and automatically rolled back into the receiving assembly by pulling the cover away from the receiving assembly different distances.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a keyboard. The keyboard includes a number of buttons set on a pedestal. The pedestal includes a number of resisting members and a number of returning members. Each of the resisting members is arranged between two of the buttons, the inclined sidewalls of each of the resisting members is capable of respectively engaging with the buttons adjacent to the resisting member, each of the returning members corresponding to one of the resisting members returns the corresponding resisting member to its original state after the movement. When a button is pressed, the depressed button drives the adjacent resisting members to the point under the adjacent buttons to stop the adjacent buttons being depressed.

Abstract: A keypad overlay device adapted for placement on top of a touch-sensitive, digital keypad of an electronic device is shown. The keypad overlay device includes a plurality of open key cells, each key cell having an open top, a bottom membrane defining an opening therethrough, a side wall member defining an opening therein, and an open, force sensitive membrane disposed between the opening of the bottom membrane and the side wall member. The open, force sensitive membrane being adapted to during use, provide a resistance to the fingers of the operator. Each open key cell may be placed on top of the corresponding key of the digital keypad and the key icons of the digital keypad are visible through the open key cells of the overlay device.

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 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 keyboard for use with a computing device and a method of manufacturing a keyboard key are provided. One disclosed keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each key having a key cap including a perimeter wall and a void positioned within the perimeter wall and opening to a top of the key cap. Each key further includes a cushion having a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user and a bottom portion configured to be fitted within the void in the key cap. The cushion being may be configured to absorb an impact force directed against the key during a keystroke.

Abstract: A cushioned attachment (30) for a user-manipulatable actuator (12) of a controller device (10) provides extra support and comfort for the user (60). A preferred embodiment is a joystick thumb cushion that fits over a conventional joystick actuator of a video game controller.

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: An input device of the present application includes a plurality of input portions. The input device of the present application has a protective sheet capable of covering at least regions between the input portions. The protective sheet is formed of a plurality of layers including at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer contains a material having elasticity. The second layer contains a material having a buffering property. With such a configuration, an input device can be realized, which includes a protective sheet that is unlikely to be broken even after the use for a long period of time.

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 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 linear sensor (101, 201) comprising electrically conductive textile fibers (103, 105, 205, 207) and electrically insulating textile fibers (106, 208). The sensor comprises at least two conductive elements (102, 104, 204, 206) having electrically conductive textile fibers (103,105, 205, 207). The sensor also has electrically insulating textile fibers (106, 208) spaced to separate the two electrically conductive elements when no pressure is applied to said sensor, and to allow electrical conduction between the two conductive elements under the application of pressure.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computing device and a method of manufacturing a keyboard key are provided. One disclosed keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each key having a key cap including a perimeter wall and a void positioned within the perimeter wall and opening to a top of the key cap. Each key further includes a cushion having a top portion configured to be contacted by a digit of a user and a bottom portion configured to be fitted within the void in the key cap. The cushion being may be configured to absorb an impact force directed against the key during a keystroke.

Abstract: In a miniature keyboard, keybuttons may shift their relative positions from a relatively smaller array when stored to deployment which results in a relatively larger array for active keyboard use. An application for this positional adjustment is the use of the keyboard for inputting data with fingertips when used with portable miniature electronic devices, e.g., small cellphones.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for communicating data to a remote device, the apparatus comprising a keyboard having a plurality of keys. The lower surface of the keyboard is attached to an object along at least a portion of the lower surface of the keyboard. The object is adapted for providing a cushioned region between the keyboard and a resting-place. The remote device comprises at least one of a personal computer (PC), television (TV), an organizer, cable box, satellite receiver, and radio or stereo equipment. The resting-place is typically a portion of a human body, such as a lap or thigh region, or palm(s) of a hand(s). The keyboard communicates to the remote device via a wired or wireless link to allow use at home, hotel, or office.

Abstract: A cushioning means for placement on a computer keyboard is provided for reducing the discomfort of a typist using a keyboard and to personalize the keyboard for a typist. A pad may be attached or applied to one or more keytops of a conventional keyboard, each pad being of a self-adhesive reusable translucent gel material. The pads may be attached to the individual keys without a separate adhesive layer. The pads are translucent allowing the key identifier to remain unobstructed to a user. The pads may be used not only to cushion the keyboard, but to allow a user to personalize or decorate her keyboard. The pads may be of an assortment of colors and predetermined sizes in order to fit over the different keyboard keys. The pads may also be used to cushion or decorate other office devices including a computer mouse and a telephone keypad.

Abstract: A keyboard key capable of lowering its overall height, which comprises a key cap body and a key cap base being coupled to the keyboard and disposed at the areas of four corners correspondingly having a displacing pillar and elevating groove, and an accommodating section of an electrically conductive cap body disposed at the corresponding central position of the key cap base and the key cap body, and a fixing section and a positioning section coupled to the key cap body and the key cap base respectively, and the displacing pillar and elevating groove are disposed separately at the four corners to reduce the moment of any point of the key cap body pressing the electrically conductive cap body in order to achieve the purposes of effectively lowering the overall height of the key and making the keyboard thin.

Abstract: A key sheet comprising a key top, a translucent resin film, and a symbol layer. The key top is made of resin and has a top surface and a rear surface. The key top includes a gate corresponding section in a position corresponded to a gate of a mold for injecting resin to form the key top. The translucent resin film is provided over the key top. The symbol layer is disposed to associate with the top surface of the key top. The gate corresponding section is located to prevent that gate corresponding section from being viewed through the symbol layer.

Abstract: A key array structure comprises a key array constituted by connecting a plurality of key members arranged in an array, it is characterized in that an elastic element is connected between each two adjacent key members and a positioning hole or position holes is or are disposed in the key member. The elastic member disposed between each two adjacent key members of the key array structure according to the present invention has a cushioning effect to adjust the deformation of the key array caused from the processes such as heat baking while manufacturing so as to allow the positioning hole in each key member to be precisely positioned with a corresponding position pin on a relative member.

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

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

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

Abstract: In a keyboard device, a substrate is formed with multiple positioning members, each of which includes an upright first wall portion extending from one side of a punched hole, and a second wall portion connected to the first wall portion, extending toward another side of the punched hole and cooperating with the first wall portion to confine a positioning groove. Multiple key units are assembled on the substrate. Each key unit includes a base plate disposed on a membrane circuit, which is provided on the substrate. The base plate is formed with an opening to permit extension of an upright biasing member therethrough. Positioning blocks at opposite ends of the base plate engage correspondingly positioning grooves in the substrate. Each key unit further includes a foldable retaining member provided on the base plate for retaining a key cap on the base plate.

Abstract: A device and method for implementing a key, in which a field applied to a layer comprising a material whose volume is responsive to the magnitude of field is altered at a specified position to create a key in said position; said field being one of the following: electric field, magnetic field, both of the above.

Abstract: A button apparatus with dual elastic elements includes a base, a key top located above the base, an elevation mechanism, and a complex elastic unit. The elevation mechanism is used to execute lifting and lowering operation between the base and the key top. The complex elastic unit, positioned between the base and the key top for providing resilience to the button apparatus, further includes a lower elastic element mounted on the base and an upper elastic element mounted under the key top. When the button apparatus is operated, an S-shaped resilience pattern can be provided by the complex elastic unit to generate a two-step punch feeling back to the user. Thereby, controllability of the button apparatus can be enhanced.

Abstract: A key unit of a keyboard apparatus having at least one bumper extending from the key unit for cushioning the impact of the key unit against the enclosure of the keyboard apparatus when the key unit assumes a depressed position and/or when the key unit resumes a non-depressed position, thereby eliminating or reducing the feedback noise, while retaining the benefits of a pre-loaded feature for the key unit.

Abstract: A pen-sized keyboard arrangement of the present invention comprises a flexible keyboard member, a rolling mechanism and an electrical connection unit. The rolling mechanism includes a base and an elongated rolling pole pivotally connected to the base. The rolling mechanism defines a longitudinally extending an elongated groove. One end of the rolling mechanism is pivotally connected to the base. The other end thereof is used for being rotated by a user for rolling in and pull out the flexible keyboard member. The flexible keyboard member includes a buffer for absorbing the deformation of the flexible keyboard member when the flexible keyboard member is rolled in or pulled out. The rotating mechanism can rotate the electrical connection unit about a desired angle for being properly viewed by a user. Such a keyboard arrangement is apparently easy for being carried and provides a large area for each key-press thereby facilitating a rotating operation by a user.

Abstract: In a keyboard that comprises a membrane switch sheet having switch portions arranged all over it, a keyboard substrate and a keyboard frame having sandwiched therebetween the membrane switch sheet to provide therein rigidity, and actuators for ON/OFF control of the switch portions through openings made in the keyboard frame, the keyboard substrate and the keyboard frame are each formed by a thin aluminum sheet, the membrane switch sheet has plural through holes, and plural trapezoidal bumps or protrusions formed by stamping the keyboard substrate toward the keyboard frame are inserted through the plural through holes into surface-to-surface contact with the keyboard frame, the plural trapezoidal bumps being spot-welded in their flat top surfaces to the keyboard frame.

Abstract: An improved membrane keyboard includes a bottom layer, a second conductive membrane layer located above the bottom layer having an output section extended from one end thereof at a selected location linking to an interrupt device, an insulation layer located above the second conductive membrane layer, a first conductive membrane layer located above the insulation layer, a top layer located above the first conductive membrane layer having a jutting section formed at one end with the top layer bonding to the bottom layer and forming an opening end at the jutting section, and a button key layer located between the first conductive membrane layer and the top layer.

Abstract: An improved membrane keyboard includes a bottom layer, a second conductive membrane layer located above the bottom layer having an output section extended from one end thereof at a selected location linking to an interrupt device, an insulation layer located above the second conductive membrane layer, a first conductive membrane layer located above the insulation layer, a top layer located above the first conductive membrane layer having a jutting section formed at one end with the top layer bonding to the bottom layer and forming an opening end at the jutting section, and a button key layer located between the first conductive membrane layer and the top layer.

Abstract: A no-impact keyboard for decreasing the risk of a repetitive stress injury to the user. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys having a key cap and a stem, an impact absorbing mechanism which prevents any part of a key from striking a hard surface during a keystroke, and a sensor for sending an actuation signal from each key when the key passes a defined point in the keystroke. The impact absorbing mechanism may be a spring, a magnetic mechanism, or a hydraulic-pneumatic mechanism.

Abstract: A print engine chassis for supporting an imaging drum (14) and a printhead translation assembly (40) is fabricated by joining the interlocking rigid members using tab (36) and slot (38) junctions to form a sheet metal frame (12) and then coating the sheet metal frame with a plastic (39) to bond the rigid members in place. Additionally, a the rigid members may be predipped in plastic prior to joining.

Abstract: A keyboard, which may be made very thin and be suitable for notebook computers or personal digital assistants, has a substantially rigid base plate supported for movement between an extended position and a retracted position but biased to the extended position. The keyboard has a plurality of keys and a switch means associated with each key to register when the key has been pressed. When a key is pressed the base plate moves from the extended position to the retracted position, that movement providing for at least some travel of the pressed key. A sufficient degree of travel can be provided that the keyboard, even in a very thin form, can be used for touch-typing.

Abstract: A computer keyboard enhancement kit consists of detachable key replacements made to be larger and to have more shapes and colors than the letter keys of a standard computer keyboard so as to lessen the level of difficulty for children of preschool ages in locating such keys on the keyboard as they work on educational programs. Each of these key replacements takes a specific shape and color, and displays a specific letter that is on the keyboard in either uppercase or lowercase form. The shapes and colors follow a specific pattern scheme wherein the letters of the same hand and row keys have key replacements with the same color but with varied shapes. To be in use, these key replacements are attached to the top surface of a transparent plastic jacket that goes with the kit, and are positioned on top of their corresponding letter keys on the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A removable silicon cap mounted on the top of a cursor control device is provided. The silicon cap has an outer surface, which is covered with an adhesive layer, and an inner surface. A plurality of fibers are attached to the adhesive layer. The silicon cap characterizes in that each fiber has a column portion and a base portion. The base portion is embedded in the adhesive layer to enhance the detachment-resistant capability of the fiber during use of the cursor control device.

Abstract: A key signal-generating device has a thin film circuit board to generate key signals and a plurality of hollow rubber domes set on the thin film circuit board that are compressed by their corresponding keys to activate the thin film circuit board to generate corresponding signals. The rubber domes have a predetermined space that is filled with air. The thin film circuit board has a top surface and a trench on the top surface. One end of the trench extends into the predetermined space so that the predetermined space is in communication with the atmosphere. When a key is pressed, the corresponding rubber dome is squeezed by the key, causing the air in the predetermined space to exit out to the atmosphere through the trench.

Abstract: An attachment to or a keyboard itself or other devices which require extending the fingers and hands so as to reach keys of the device. The invention includes at least one key pillow. The key pillow either replaces or fits over at least one key of a keyboard or other such device to advantageously alter the consistency, texture, shape, or height of the traditional key to which the key pillow corresponds. The key pillow is shaped so as to extend into the comfort zone of a user to thereby minimize the stretching and twisting required of the user's fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. The key pillow may be applied to a keyboard of a portable computer, where the at least one key pillow is inflatable. The at least one key pillow may also be applied to devices such as a computer mouse. The key pillow must extend into a comfort zone of the user. Also, a palm rest is designed so as to maintain the user's hands at a certain height above the lip of the keyboard, which may or may not include key pillows.

Abstract: An inflatable keyboard having a base and a keypad is provided. The base includes an embedded conduit having apertures or valves extending from a top surface of the base and pressure transducers surrounding the valves. Conductors connect the pressure transducers to an output mounted on the base.Each aperture or valve and pressure transducer corresponds to and communicates with individual inflatable keys. Each inflatable key forms a separate air tight compartment. The inflatable keys are made of a thin flexible and preferably polymer like material and may be formed on a single premolded sheet which is hermetically sealed to the base in order to form the separate air tight compartments.During the inflated state, the inflatable keys are in an extended upright position and are rigid enough so that a user can use the inflatable keys for typing thereon.

Abstract: A pattern sheet, an insulation sheet and a frame made of sheet metal are successively built up on a plate made of sheet metal, a pair of links pivotally connected together intermediate their opposite ends to form a pantograph mechanism are movably engaged at their one ends with respective bearings formed on the frame by a drawing process while the other ends of the links are movably engaged with respective bearings formed on the bottom surface of a key top.

Abstract: A low-impact keyboard for decreasing the risk of a repetitive stress injury to the user, having a plurality of keys and an impact absorbing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard includes a flexible circuit board beneath the keys and a circuit board support plate beneath the flexible circuit board. The impact absorbing mechanism is an impact sheet of a resilient material between the flexible circuit board and the circuit board support plate, below the contact point of each key.

Abstract: An ergonomic adaptation to a keyboard, including a plurality of pads, or key pillows, preferably formed together into a key pillow tablet. The key pillows either replace or fit over keys of a keyboard to advantageously alter the consistency, texture and/or shape of the traditional keys. In alternative embodiments, each of the key pillows may be formed individually to replace or fit over some or all of the keyboard keys. The key pillow tablet further includes raised pads at the front of the keyboard on which the palms may rest during typing to maintain a satisfactorily low angle of the fingers with respect to the elbow. The adaptation may either be an attachment to a keyboard or may be integrally formed to a keyboard during the keyboard's manufacture.

Abstract: A cushioned key including a top face, a bottom face, and four side faces. Each key has a hollow cushion compartment defined by the top face of the key, the side faces of the key and further a divider.

Abstract: An improved key unit of a keyboard comprising a key top, a keyboard plate and a conductive film; the conductive film being mounted beneath the keyboard plate; the keyboard plate has a mounting base comprising a hollow cylinder mounted thereon and the key top being mounted on the mounting base through the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A cushioning apparatus for reducing the impact felt by the fingertips of a typist using a keyboard. A conventional keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each corresponding to at least one character or number, and each having a hard keytop. According to the invention, a pad is attached or applied to each keytop, each pad being substantially softer than the associated hard keytop. Each pad has a flat top surface, with a legend thereon indicating the keytop to which it is attached. Each pad also has a flat bottom surface, with adhesive applied thereto, and a single sheet of release paper removably applied to the adhesive for all the pads, the adhesive being provided for attaching the pad to the respective keytop, or to the top of another pad, to provide additional thickness of padding.

Abstract: A system for converting graphic symbols on a computer data entry keyboard to another set of graphic symbols such as a foreign language or scientific symbols or mathematical notations is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of individual keycaps, each keycap being sized for fitting over the upper surface of a single data entry key on the computer data entry keyboard. Each keycap has two indicia inscribed thereon. The first indicia, corresponding to the graphic symbol to be displayed upon the skriking of the data entry key is inscribed on the upper exterior surface of the keycap. The second indicia, corresponds to the graphic symbol on the upper surface of the data entry key over which the keycap is positioned. A cabinet having a columnar orientation for receiving the keycaps in a stacked relationship when the keycaps are not in use and operation is also disclosed. A lid protects the keycaps when they are stored in the cabinet.