Abstract: A tape printing device that is vertically long and can be operated by being handheld includes a handling portion including an operating portion on a front surface and is a part to be handheld, and a main mechanism portion connected to a tip end side of the handling portion, in which the printing mechanism portion is built, in which the handling portion is formed in a constricted shape of which an intermediate portion of a longitudinal direction is constricted.

Abstract: A tape printing device that is vertically long and can be operated by being handheld includes a handling portion including an operating portion on a front surface and is a part to be handheld, and a main mechanism portion connected to a tip end side of the handling portion, in which the printing mechanism portion is built, in which the handling portion is formed in a constricted shape of which an intermediate portion of a longitudinal direction is constricted.

Abstract: The characters on an on-screen keyboard are dynamically rearranged to facilitate text entry based on context. Specifically, a home position is established among a plurality of characters displayed on the screen. A user's selection of one of the characters is received by the system, and then the characters are rearranged with respect to the home position in response to the user's selection. The rearranging may be based on the next statistically most likely characters to be selected based on what characters the user has already entered. Statistical analysis of a word list may be applied to the text already entered by the user and then the characters displayed on the keyboard are reordered to place the most likely desired character under or near the cursor. The other characters may be arranged in order of probability of selection from the home or starting position for the cursor.

Abstract: A user creates a pattern in a two-dimensional grid by entering a password and enters a user name. This user name, password and pattern are stored locally on a computing device or are transmitted to a remote computer server for later authentication. Upon authentication, a choice of input grids is displayed. The user chooses a grid, enters the password into the grid in the form of the pattern, and also enters the user name. The computer retrieves the previously stored pattern and password with the user name. A match with the stored password indicates authentication. Each cell of the input grid may contain more than one symbol of the password. The input grid may also be filled with random characters to improve security. A grid may be a rectangular matrix, a circular region, an asymmetrical region, or other.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having 26 letters assigned to only 17 to 21 keys, and preferably 21 keys. This advantageous system of typing makes use of either one or two hands. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are all displayed. Five keys have two letters—those letters are PQ, JK, UW, VX and YZ for a total of ten letters. Sixteen keys have one letter assigned to each key—namely the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, O, N, R, S and T for a total of sixteen letters assigned to a specific key—for a total of 26 letters.

Abstract: A mathematical expression display control apparatus includes a mathematical expression input unit, a mathematical expression display control unit, a cursor display control unit, an inverse number function input unit, an inverse number target detection unit and an inverse number display control unit. The mathematical expression input unit recognizes a mathematical expression. The mathematical expression display control unit displays the recognized mathematical expression on a display unit. The cursor display control unit moves and displays a cursor in the displayed mathematical expression. The inverse number function input unit recognizes an inverse number function. The inverse number target detection unit detects a chunk region of the mathematical expression as a target of the inverse number function. The inverse number display control unit replaces the detected chunk region with a fraction having the detected chunk region as a denominator and 1 as a numerator to display.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.

Abstract: An operation apparatus includes image capturing device capable of capturing images of a plurality of mark members provided in assembled members in a compartment; determining device capable of determining individually whether each of the mark members is or is not shielded on the basis of the image data taken and outputted by the image capturing device; and operation instructing device configured to output an operation command to on-board devices in accordance with a result of the determining by the determining device. Accordingly, it is easy for an operator to understand operational steps, thereby effectively preventing an erroneous operation due to the operator's misunderstanding. Furthermore, it is possible to simplify a determination logic of the operation instructing device, and also possible to easily provide a retrofitted option.

Abstract: A specialty calculator for determining the chronological age of an individual based upon a birth date and a current date is herein disclosed. The device is also capable of performing standard arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The device comprises dedicated circuitry, programming, and keys designed to determine the age of an individual based upon their birth date. A battery-maintained present date is stored in memory or may be entered manually to determine the chronological age of the user. The resultant output is provided in the form of years, months, and days on a digital display. The calculating device saves the time required to perform a difficult manual calculation and insures a user a reliable calculation.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with text disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device includes a number of non-alphabetic characters that are assigned to keys and that can be accessed directly by the text disambiguation software without the need to activate a non-alphabetic input routine or to additionally actuate a <SHIFT> key or an <ALT> key, for instance.

Abstract: A USB converter circuit for converting electrical signals from a key scan circuit (in PS/2 or other formats) into USB signals for a computer while supporting N-key rollover (NKRO) functions. The converter circuit can be implemented as a stand-alone PS/2 to USB keyboard converter or as an integral component of a USB keyboard or KVM switch. The converter circuit includes a converter module that generates keyboard data packets in the USB format having a 16-byte, 64-byte, etc. format representing key press information for up to 8 modifier keys and 14, 62, etc. non-modifier keys, respectively. The converter circuit also includes a USB device controller module which transmits the 16-byte etc. USB keyboard data as one or multiple USB data packets to the host computer. When multiple USB data packets are needed to transmit each keyboard data packet (depending on the USB speed), they are transmitted in consecutive polling periods.

Abstract: An improved keyboard layout for use with information handling systems such as ultra mobile information handling systems. The improved keyboard layout eliminates the numbered function key (F1-F12) row and maps all of the functions that have traditionally been function (Fn) options on the F1-F12 row (such as brightness, volume, battery meter, etc.) to other keys.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with text disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device includes a number of non-alphabetic characters that are assigned to keys and that can be accessed directly by the text disambiguation software without the need to active a non-alphabetic input routine or to additionally actuate and <SHIFT> key or an <ALT> key, for instance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for inputting characters in electronic equipment using a limited number of keys. A key input device may include a play/pause key (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘play key’), a repeat key, a record key, up/down/left/right arrow keys, and a confirm key. The key input device may generate key data corresponding to input keys. A flash memory may store a key table in which a character code, which may be a combination of certain key data, may be matched to a relevant letter. A display may display the relevant letter on a window. When key data are generated from the key input device, a central processing unit may confirm whether a combination of the generated key data is identical to a predetermined character code, based on the key table stored in the flash memory.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal for providing a content and its method are disclosed. The mobile communication terminal for providing content includes a transceiver for receiving a content from a server; a display unit for displaying the content received from the transceiver on a pre-set region; and a controller for controlling the transceiver to receive the displayed content and controlling the display unit.

Abstract: An input device is provided. The input device includes an operation unit. A coordinate input unit capable of detecting that an operating body is in contact with the operation unit and detecting a position coordinate on the operation unit of a position where the operating body contacted the operation unit. A data processing unit outputs an operation processing signal on the basis of a detection signal received from the coordinate input unit. The data processing unit outputs an operation confirmation processing signal for the input operation after an input operation is performed while the operating body is contacting the operation unit, when tapping is performed on the operation unit, with the operating body kept in contact with the operation unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a portable device. An apparatus for controlling a portable device includes: a touch sensor which comprises at least one touch cell which is chosen by a touch of a user; a first calculation unit which calculates a first probability value while taking dependency relationships among the chosen at least one touch cell into consideration; a second calculation unit which calculates a second probability value without taking the dependency relationships among the chosen at least one touch cell into consideration; a determination unit which determines whether a current touch cell combination of the chosen at least one touch cell is a registered touch cell combination or an unregistered touch cell combination with reference to the first probability value and the second probability value; and an output unit which outputs a function execution signal according to the results of the determining.

Abstract: A method for protecting an integrated circuit. According to the method, the start-up of all, or part, of the circuit is determined in the presence of a key which is recorded in a non-volatile manner in the circuit, following the production thereof, and depends on at least one first parameter which is present in a non-volatile manner in the circuit after the production thereof.

Abstract: A method for inputting characters in a mobile terminal is provided. The method involves the steps of detecting any key pressing event on a key input unit, storing the detected key pressing event and performing an operation corresponding to the key pressing event, determining whether a predetermined multi-click key is pressed after the previous key pressing event, and when the multi-click key is pressed, performing the operation corresponding to said key pressing event occurring repeatedly a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for inputting English alphabets, comprising: a keypad having five buttons of one central button, a left top button, a left bottom button, a right top button and a right bottom button arranged at each vertex of a square shape an d around the central button; a means for sequentially receiving signals input by operating the buttons on the keypad and creating the signals as button input signal sequences; a means for storing an alphabet list or a look-up table comprising alphabet sequences consisting of sequential sequences of any button input signals and English alphabet representation data, wherein one alphabet representation is associated with at least one alphabet sequence; and an alphabet search and display means for searching the alphabet list and displaying a corresponding alphabet representation, using the button input signal or a series of button input signals whenever one button input signal is received.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product that permits a user, using the fingers of a single hand, to produce defined outputs such as generating characters for text input and executing commands. In a data processing system having plural input detectors, the invention comprises permitting the user to perform sequential gestures with the fingers of one hand to produce the defined outputs.

Abstract: The method for automatic determination of validity or invalidity of input from miniaturized keypads or keyboards, in which more than one key is operated at the same time, includes designating a number of keys as principal keys and assigning each key neighboring each principal key as nearest neighbor or next nearest neighbor and then testing each signal produced by key operation. The signal is valid if it is produced by operation of only one single key. However testing continues if two or more keys produce the signal. Then the signal is valid when the two or more keys are correlated in an unambiguous principal key-nearest neighbor key relationship. If not, testing continues further and the signal is valid if the plural keys are correlated in an unambiguous principal key-nearest neighbor key-next nearest neighbor key relationship. Otherwise the signal is an invalid key input.

Abstract: A miniaturized single-hand keyboard for computers, PDAs, cellular phones and other portable electronic devices. The keyboard has only four keys, each operated by one finger. Characters are generated by depressing a single key or a combination of two keys in a ‘composite keystroke’. A composite keystroke is performed by depressing a combination of two keys in a predefined order and then releasing them in a predefined order. In the normal mode, three simple keystrokes and 24 possible composite keystrokes are used to generate each of the 26 alphabetic characters and a space. One of the four simple keystrokes (optionally followed by another simple keystroke) is used to enter one of five other modes (Shift, Numeric, Language, Alternate and Control), which support generating uppercase, numeric, language specific and special characters and cursor control and editing control codes.

Abstract: A portable mobile unit, comprising: an input portion for inputting a letter or a numeral therethrough, wherein the input portion has at least fourteen (14) pieces of input keys; five (5) alphabetic letters of indicative vowels of Japanese language are assigned to five (5) input keys of said fourteen (14) pieces of input keys; and nine (9) alphabetic letters indicative of un-voiced consonants in consonants of Japanese language are assigned to nine (9) input keys, whereby an input of a voiced consonant or a half-voiced consonant is conducted by using an input key for use in inputting other consonant. With this, there is provided the portable mobile unit, which enables the input of Japanese language is possible even with a small number of key operations, in the manner similar to that of the Roman letter input method of Japanese language, with ease.

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: If data, which is irrelevant to recording data, is stored in a lower address of head word data of the run length compressed recording data stored in a receiving buffer unit, the irrelevant byte data of the lower address of the word data including the head byte data is nullified by masking to be developed by a decode circuit. Otherwise, in regard to a bitmap area of a local memory which is a DMA transfer destination, transfer addresses are individually set by a development processing controller in a DECU per one word of the developed recording data stored in the line buffer in order that data of one line is arranged and stored in a vertical direction, or data of one line is stored in image 1 and image 2 in turn. Otherwise, in regard to the development processing controller, when the recording data developed by the decode circuit is stored in the line buffer, it is stored from a first byte in a state where a 0-th byte of the line buffer is vacant.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for extending the functionality of application buttons on a limited resource computing device. Alternative application functions are launched based on the length of time an application button is pressed. A default function for an application is launched if the button is pressed for a short, i.e., normal, period of time. An alternative function of the application is launched if the button is pressed for a long, (e.g., at least one second), period of time. Still another function can be launched if the application button is pressed multiple times within a short period of time, e.g., double click.

Abstract: An alphanumerical keyboard which includes a plurality of numeral keys and function keys is programmed so that an alpha-character will always be generated when exactly two mutually adjacent keys are depressed simultaneously, and that a numeral will always be generated when only one numeral key is depressed.

Abstract: A method for inputting a plurality of characters in a wireless portable terminal of the type having a memory for storing a plurality of characters and a plurality of indices associated with each one of the plurality of characters, comprising the steps of: determining if a mode for inputting a character is selected; displaying at least one character along with at least one index associated thereto in response to the selection of the character-input mode; determining if the key data corresponding to the index is inputted; and, displaying and storing the associated character corresponding to the index when the key data corresponding to the index is inputted.

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: This apparatus is an add-on computer component peripheral for existing computer systems. The mouse/keyboard capture recorder (MCR) is capable of recording keyboard keystrokes, mouse coordinate movements, and mouse actions such as left, middle and right mouse clicks and/or mouse drag movements. The MCR has external cables that connect inline to a host computer's external keyboard and mouse without modification on the host computer system and its peripherals. The MCR apparatus operates independently of the hardware and software that is installed on a host computer system. A microprocessor monitors and controls all operations and stores mouse actions and keyboard actions in non-volatile memory during the MCR's record mode. In the MCR play mode, the apparatus will transmit the stored keyboard/mouse data by sending electrical signals representing the stored data to a host computer system via the mouse port and the keyboard port.

Abstract: When an instructor such as a finger moves along a flat surface of a touch-sensitive tablet, a touch-sensitive tablet generates an input signal indicative of information of points touched with the instructor on the flat surface. A frame is provided around the touch tablet with a predetermined gap measured from the edge thereof. A maximum moveable range of the instructor of the flat surface is defined by the frame. The predetermined gap is determined such that the instructor can touch the periphery of the flat surface even when the movement of the instructor is restricted by the frame.

Abstract: A keyboard control apparatus for a keyboard having a multicode key, to which are assigned a plurality of codes for characters and symbols, and a control key which is to be pressed at approximately the same time as the multicode key, has a key pressing time delay detection means that detects the times of pressing the multicode key and the control key, a threshold setting means, into which is stored a threshold value with regard to the delay time, a comparison means which compares the threshold value to the delay time between the pressing of the multicode key and the control key, and a key code generation means which, in response to the results of this comparison, validate a prescribed code data of the multicode key in the case in which the delay time is smaller than the threshold value.

Abstract: A plurality of keyboards are provided which are capable of inputting Japanese phonetic characters by letters and numerals and letters in English. In the Japanese phonetic character inputting mode, the numeric keys including “0” key 31 and “6” to “9” keys 26 to 29 are assigned as separator keys, the numeral keys including “1” to “5” keys 26 to 29 are assigned as code keys. In the English inputting mode, two symbol keys including “*” key 30 and “#” key 31 are assigned as code keys and the remaining keys are assigned as separator keys. Ten characters including M, Y, R, W, P, F, J, L, Q are input by sequential strokes of data keys following to a stroke of the “*” key, and letters G, Z, D, N, B, X, SPACE, <, >, <., >., and V are input by sequential strokes of data keys following to the strokes of the “#” key.

Abstract: A compact electronic keyboard having full-size keys arranged in the standard QWERTY or DVORAK pattern but with a reduced width of the keyboard due to the elimination of the standard modifier keys normally positioned at opposite sides of the alphanumeric keys. The function of such modifier keys are incorporated into some of the alphanumeric keys, or modifiable character keys, the function of which is controlled by means of separate portions of a split, thumb-operable spacebar below the lower row of alphanumeric keys. Such portions are the space key and the special key. The space key incorporates the standard shift function and can control the function of the modifiable character keys by simultaneous pressing of the space key and the desired modifiable character key. The special key can control the function of the modifiable character keys in a similar manner, but which can remain activated for a preset period of time such that simultaneous pressing of a modifiable character key is not necessary.

Abstract: The invention teaches remote control device for reassigning functions associated with one key to another key, wherein the functions are stored in memory. In one embodiment the remote control comprises a memory and a plurality of function instructions stored in the memory, including a first function instruction and a second function instruction. A plurality of keys, including a first key, is operably connected to execute the first function instruction. Reassignment programming is stored in memory and provides for connecting the first key such that it will execute the second function instruction instead of the first function.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic computing apparatus having an arithmetic processing function and an arithmetic processing method which allow an arithmetic expression to be readily inputted. A screen showing stored contents of an arithmetic expression menu table is displayed by specifying an arithmetic expression menu display command key. Then, selecting an arithmetic expression from the displayed plurality of arithmetic expressions by an input pen allows the selected arithmetic expression to be inputted. A controller executes arithmetic processing in accordance with the selected arithmetic expression and displays the result of the arithmetic processing as a graph on the display. Accordingly, the arithmetic expression may be readily inputted just by selecting the arithmetic expression from the predetermined plurality of arithmetic expressions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel way to use a twelve button telephone keypad for alphanumeric data entry. This invention also relates to a method of alphanumeric data entry using short duration or long duration binary key actuations using a simultaneous coding system and/or sequential coding system for communicating on a standard twelve key push-button telephone keypad. Two binary keys are used for an all capital letter mode or two binary keys for a lower-case letter mode, along with three binary keys for an upper-case letter mode, for producing full alphanumeric text, including punctuation, symbols and control.

Abstract: A method for expanding hot keys on a keyboard is provided wherein the standard key codes for alphabets A-Z, numbers 1-0, functional keys F1-F12, can be combined with E0 code of special key of the IBM keyboard, accordingly, a new expanding codes are established, These so defined extendible codes are supported by the application program of the Windows to increase the utilization of the hot keys. These extendible codes are completely compatible with IBM PC. Besides, interference resulted from expanding the utilization scope of the standard codes of the operating system can be avoided.

Abstract: A toothpaste extractor or dispenser having a pneumatic pump connected to a syringe assembly that injects compressed air inside a toothpaste tube thereby urging the phase out through a nozzle positioned above a carrier assembly where the user's toothbrush is engaged. The user's force pushing the carrier in actuates, through a linking assembly, the pneumatic pump. All of these elements are mounted within a housing assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for improved character input are described, wherein the method employs a keypad 100 comprising keys 102 able to display secondary characters 106 in addition to primary characters 104. The keypad has a default display state. A first key selection causes the keypad 100 to display secondary characters 106 associated with the first key on other keys 102, whereupon a second key selection causes the displayed character to be input, following which the keypad reverts to displaying the default state. Further secondary characters 200 may also be displayed after a first key selection. The method is particularly useful for handheld devices such as mobile radio telephones or handheld computers adapted to implement the method of the invention.