Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing Unicode support in legacy operating systems are provided. With the apparatus and method, a focus hook module, keyboard hook module, and keystroke conversion module are registered with the legacy operating system. The focus hook module determines the currently active application and whether the currently active application is Unicode capable. The keyboard hook module receives keyboard events from an input interface and sends those keyboard events to the keystroke conversion module. The keystroke conversion module converts the keyboard events into Unicode characters which are sent back to the keyboard hook module. The keyboard hook module then stores the Unicode characters in a temporary storage memory, e.g., the clipboard. The keyboard hook module then sends a command to the application to paste the contents of the temporary storage memory to the currently active application.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disabling the operation of a computer keyboard with respect to depressed keys as they are observed by the computer's CPU. Entry into, and exit from, the keyboard disabled state is made via specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys. In one embodiment of the invention a new software routing (31) is added to the existing keyboard software (12) to recognize specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys and alternately inhibit or allow transmissions from the keyboard to the computer CPU in response to depressed keyboard keys. In an alternate embodiment an apparatus (100) is added between an existing keyboard and the computer to similarly recognize specific, simultaneous combinations of depressed keys via a lock detection function (111) which alternately inhibits or allows transmission of keyboard clock (122) and data (123) signals, thus preventing depressed keyboard keys from being recognized by the computer CPU.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a keyboard apparatus which comprises a joystick, a switch mounted on the joystick, a scan board operative to input a switch signal of the switch-on action of the switch, a memory for memorizing a key code relevant to the switch, a plurality of numerical keys each having a key code inputted therein and outputting a key code signal indicative of the key-pushed actions of the numerical keys, a CPU having the switch signal and the key code signal inputted therein, and state setting means for selectively setting two operation states respectively having the switch signal and the key code signal outputted from the CPU.

Abstract: The specification discloses a woodworking and home improvement calculator particularly adopted for symplifying common home improvement calculations. The calculator includes a variety of special keys including a gravel, cement, tile, brick, block, 4×8 sheet, paint, wallpaper, stud and roof bundle keys which allow the user to quickly determine the amount of materials needed for projects involving the aforementioned keys.

Abstract: A method of inspecting and recording inspection data of machine components, the method including selecting a machine component among a plurality of machine components for inspection; identifying predefined areas of the selected machine component for inspection; identifying a fixed set of conditions allowed to be reported for the select machine component; inspecting the predefined areas of the select machine component; and recording inspection data as continuous numerical values to quantify entry for subsequent querying over a chosen set of machine components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection apparatus, an input apparatus, an individual identification apparatus, and a recording medium that utilize information about users' bodies which disables the fraud of impersonating authorized users and is extremely difficult to forge and is obtained without giving the users a sense of inhibitions, without restraining their bodies during use, and independent of their mental states and health. A FIFO memory outputs, as one set of features, a total of 60 voltage values, which are broken down as 20 voltage values sampled every 12.5 ms (80 Hz) before the instant when timing is inputted at the peak position of an amplitude waveform signal generated by one click operation, 39 voltage values sampled every 12.

Abstract: A multi-functional computing device that is configurable for a plurality of applications. The technique includes a space saving and configuration technique utilizing multiple joints disposed between multiple sections to facilitate rotational orientation of the sections to adapt to space limitations and other characteristics of a desired environment or application. The multiple sections include a display assembly and a housing assembly for computing components.

Abstract: An expression editor for creating and editing mathematical formulas is implemented as a computer software program. Using the editor, a keyboard and mouse are used to perform actions that build and traverse mathematical structures with a single visual cue, either for the purpose of displaying mathematics in a document, performing a scientific computation, or any combination of the two.

Abstract: A calculator comprises an input having an UNDO key for recovering cleared values. When displayed data or recorded data of memory is cleared by pressing one of deletion keys, the cleared data is pushed into a stack register. A flag register is set when the displayed data or recorded data is cleared by a deletion key. When the UNDO key is pressed and the flag register indicates that the displayed data or recorded data was cleared by the deletion key, a data entry is popped from the stack register, so as to recover the cleared value.

Abstract: A keypad structure of the present invention comprising a keypad and a magnetic unit within the keypad; wherein an inserting opening of the magnetic unit extends out of the keypad. Thereby, a user inserts a magnetic disk into the magnetic unit to pass through the keypad for writing data in the magnetic disk to a computer or reading data in the computer to the magnetic disk.

Abstract: A calculator device mainly adds an additional calculator device capable of processing numeric data to the circuits of a keypad. When the keypad is linked to a computer, the keypad can be used to enter operation commands to the computer to perform processes desired, also can be switched to calculator function to perform numeric calculation when a switch button key (or switch) on the keypad is depressed.

Abstract: A keyboard with interchangeable connection specification, comprises an input/output circuit board for DIN, PS/2 or USB connection specification and replaceably assembled within a main body of the keyboard. The input/output circuit board has signal transmitting end connected to the signal receiving end of a membrane circuit of the keyboard. The keyboard further comprises an openable cover on a panel of the main body of said keyboard and corresponding to the location of the input/output circuit board. The openable cover is opened to replace the input/output circuit board mounted within the keyboard for required connection specification. The keyboard further comprises a plurality of hot keys on the keyboard and at location corresponding to the openable cover. Each said hot key has a key top, a rubber dome and associated internal circuit.

Abstract: A graphing calculator (10) having a user interface that allows the user to easily select mathematical objects from the history screen and incorporate those objects as inputs. The user interface preferably includes a sub-expression selection mode that allows the user to manipulate a selection box over the desired mathematical object.

Abstract: A keyboard control system that contains a manufacturer's identification code and a multiple selection matrix. This invention utilizes all the existing LED leads on a keyboard controller. Using the period between initial setting and normal operation together with triggering signals, user or customer is able to pick up suitable data from a single keyboard controller. In addition, the invention is capable of using the same leads for connecting to external serial EEPROM so that new data not included among the preset data within the keyboard controller can still be input to the controller. Furthermore, the same type of technique can be used to increase the number of combinations in different application areas as long as more keyboard controller input/output ports are available.

Abstract: A multi-functional computing device that is configurable for a plurality of applications. The technique includes a space saving and configuration technique utilizing multiple joints disposed between multiple sections to facilitate rotational orientation of the sections to adapt to space limitations and other characteristics of a desired environment or application. The multiple sections include a display assembly and a housing assembly for computing components.

Abstract: A keyboard having fewer keys than the characters available utilizes linked sequences of keystrokes in generation of some characters. Other characters may be produced with one keystroke. The difference between linked keystrokes and independent keystrokes both made in sequence is determined by either the length of the interval between keystrokes or use of a delimiting key. A threshold level for the interval between keystrokes which decides whether two sequential keystrokes are linked or not may be set by the user or may be automatically determined with the use of an adaptive predictive algorithm. It is generally suggested that pairs of keys be linked, particularly adjacent pairs of keys in a fixed configuration, and that the characters generated by either a single keystroke of a given key or the characters generated by two linked keystrokes be represented upon the keyboard in a disposition which facilitates intuitive learning of the keyboard.

Abstract: A combination exercise gripper and calculator includes an electronic calculator, with a keypad, a power source, a visual display means, such as a liquid crystal display, and a calculating computing means, which is responsive to manual input from sequential depression of selected keys of the keypad for determining mathematical calculations. A switch is used to calculate these mathematical inputs. The manual griping means, including a pair of depressible handles, which are forcibly separated by a compressible spring wherein compression of the handles towards each other compresses this spring to provide a resistance against the compression. The switch includes a physical condition sensor, communicating with the calculating means. The switch is responsive to the calculating means upon compression of the handles. A counter is used to count the number of compressions the user has made by squeezing the handles.

Abstract: A multimedia computer keyboard is provided having one or more high fidelity, diaphragm-type speakers mounted within the keyboard. Mono or stereophonic wiring to each speaker is achieved using existing keyboard cable extending from the keyboard to a keyboard connector arranged upon a host computer. A terminal at the end of the keyboard cable can plug directly into the keyboard connector, such that the terminal can receive an audio output signal generated from a sound card placed within the computer. Accordingly, audio output can be sent to the computer keyboard as an integrated system in order to achieve multimedia function.

Abstract: A keyboard with a simplified structure, which is connected to a main computer having a microcomputer in which a key map is stored therein and which generates first and second scanning signals via respective scan input lines and receives first or second scanning codes via respective scan output lines upon a key on the keyboard being operated. The keyboard includes first and second keyboard frames separated from each other, and a first key matrix assigned to the first keyboard frame and disposed adjacent thereto, for generating the first scanning code in response to the first scanning signal, and a second key matrix assigned to the second keyboard frame and disposed adjacent thereto, for generating the second scanning code in response to the second scanning signal.

Abstract: A predictive data entry method permits a user of a device to efficiently enter data using a keypad where each of a plurality of keys represents a plurality of different characters. When the user presses one of the keys representing multiple characters, the predictive data entry method determines the character within the multiple characters most likely desired by the user. Thus, in most instances, a single key stroke is sufficient to select the desired character.

Abstract: In an apparatus with a limited keypad (100, 300) several characters can be associated with each key. Characters associated with a key are determined on the basis of the language selected (200) as the operating language of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a memory element (302) which includes a certain part (302a) for storing information indicating which set of the possible characters entered as push-button commands is in use as well as character set tables (302b-n) for selectively associating certain characters with each key on the basis of the information in said part (302a).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for outputting data from a device, such as a portable keyboard, directly to a keyboard interface 40 of a destination computer 42. The device may be detached from the computer and operate remotely therefrom, in an “active mode” wherein keystroke data is stored in internal memory thereof, for subsequent transfer to the destination computer. Alternatively, the device may be attached to the computer and function in a “bypass mode” (or in a keyboard emulation routine of the active mode) as a standard input keyboard therefor. The destination computer 42 may be a personal computer or a terminal of a mainframe computer. The internal circuitry of the device includes a programmable processor 28, a program memory 30, a working memory 32, an input switch device 34, a display 36 and an output interface 38. A bypass switch device 24 permits the device to operate in the bypass mode.