Abstract: A keyboard includes a stiffener having a plurality of recesses defined therein, a flexible printed circuit defining a plurality of venting holes, each venting hole in correspondence with one of the plurality of recesses, and a dome sheet provided on top of the flexible printed circuit and including a plurality of domes, each of the domes in correspondence with one of the plurality of venting holes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for improving the efficiency of text input by requiring more pressure to select keys on a dynamic keyboard that are improbable key presses. Examples include a text-entry device which has logic for resisting error while the user enters text on a keyboard of the text-entry device. Each key has a lever mechanism which varies the force required to press the key. Keyboard logic on the text-entry device is programmed to change the force required to enter each key within the dynamic keyboard based on the prior entry. The keyboard logic assigns a prediction value to each key based on a statistical probability that the key will be entered next.

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: In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The keys utilize contacts located on the bottom of the keys which may be conductive or nonconductive.

Abstract: A group keypad structure in compliance with a standard keyboard installation includes group keypads corresponding to characters of a standard keyboard input method; for example, the structure includes ten group keypads installed from left to right on a base, and the ten group keypads include characters of “Q, A, Z”, “W, S, X”, “E, D, C”, “R, F, V”, “T, G, B”, “Y, H, N”, “U, J, M”, “I, K, ,”, “O, L, .” and “P, ;, /” respectively, and further includes ten numeric characters “1˜0”, so as to achieve the effects of reducing the area of a keyboard, shortening the moving distance of a user's fingers, providing an easy and convenient carry, complying with the user's using habit, and improving the input speed.

Abstract: A groove-like recess, substantially V-shaped, extending vertically is formed on the outer circumference of an operation shaft, and a projection engaging the recess is provided on a guide hole, namely the inner circumference of a hollow pipe. Such makeup provides an automotive push switch that reduces an impactive force caused when the recess hits the projection within the movable range of the operation shaft, by decomposing or dispersing the force according to the inclination angle of the slope, and so does the hitting sound.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium having instructions for determining a key press from a current keyboard state at a current time is described. The system stores signals indicative of a last key press, a last key press time, and a last keyboard state. The system determines released keys and pressed keys on the keyboard at the current time based on comparison with the last keyboard state. The system determines a key press at the current time if the first determination determines a single key press and if either of: (a) a match exists between the determined key press and the last key pressed and if the elapsed time between the current time and the last key press time is larger than a preset bounce time; and (b) a match does not exist between the determined key press and the last key press.

Abstract: A keyboard with a recharge function for a computer system having a rechargeable wireless peripheral is described. The keyboard includes a charger and a charging dock. The charger is disposed inside the keyboard and charges the rechargeable wireless peripheral with power from the keyboard. The charging dock is a channel with an opening on a sidewall of the keyboard and can store the rechargeable wireless peripheral therein so as to electrically couple the rechargeable wireless peripheral to the charger.

Abstract: A keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The switches utilize contacts located on the bottom of the switches which may be conductive or nonconductive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a keyboard arrangement and a method for detecting an input character. In particular the invention relates to a method and arrangement for reducing the number of keys in a QWERTY-keyboard (20) or the like. One idea of the invention is to provide keys (210) with several characters and to provide alternative ways to press the key for entering a selected one of the alternative characters. The keys are preferably triangular or have three arms, and one of three characters can be selected by pressing the corresponding corner/arm of the key. The keyboard may preferably be formed of interlaced rows of keys. Linguistic disambiguation is advantageously used in addition to said mechanical disambiguation. The invention is well suited for mobile station keyboards.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry electroluminiescent (EL) device includes at least one depressible button segment for activating a vehicle function. The entry device includes an upper housing with at least one aperture in the upper housing. An EL film is integral to the upper housing for illuminating at least one display area. A printed circuit board is disposed under the upper housing. An electrical contact is provided for supplying a power source from the printed circuit board to the EL film for illumination. A lower housing is adjoined to the upper housing, the upper housing and the lower housing encasing the printed circuit board wherein the EL film is in-molded as part of the upper housing for forming a single component.

Abstract: This invention is a keyboard apparatus with front and back key functionality. The body of the apparatus is held in the hands, supported by the palms. This leaves both of the thumbs and all of the fingers free to operate the key functionality, while the apparatus is being held. Key functionality installed on the back is operated by the fingers; key functionality installed on the front is operated by the thumbs. When properly configured, the user may perform full touch-typing techniques while holding the apparatus. This configuration may reduce stress on the hands. Modifier keys are shaped, grouped and positioned so they may be operated by one thumb. Algorithms provide keyboard lock function and aid the user in locating the home row of keys needed for touch-typing.

Abstract: An alphanumeric keyboard has a plurality of alphanumeric keys and includes at least one built-in microphone. The at least one microphone is controlled by a processor such that the at least one microphone is able to be operated in an automatic mode. When in the automatic mode and an alphanumeric key is activated, the at least one microphone is deactivated for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is controlled by a timer. Also disclosed is the inclusion in the keyboard of one or more of: echo cancellation; a card reader; a wireless data receiver; and a contactless induction charger.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a method for inputting different characters by multi-directionally pressing one single key of a portable electronic device more than one time, the key having a plurality of protuberances on an underside and a circuit board having a plurality of pads being equal in number to the protuberances and disposed correspondingly thereto, the method comprises determining the conduction periods of time by a control circuit, while one key being multi-directionally pressed a plurality of times to cause the protuberances to contact the corresponding pads at different conduction periods of time; reading a corresponding character sequentially from a built-in character database based on a longer one of the conduction periods of time; and displaying the read character. By utilizing this method, it is possible of effecting a fast input on the keypad.

Abstract: A keypad assembly utilizes touch-detecting apparatus such as force sensors or touchpad assemblies for registering key presses. In exemplary embodiments, the keypad assembly is suitable for use in electronic devices such as a mobile telephones, calculators, hand-held computers, or the like, having single piece molded housings wherein the keypad assembly is at least partially encapsulated within the housing.

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: The present invention relates to a stroke-limited key structure and a keyboard including the key. The key structure includes a base, a scissors-shaped member, and a cap. The scissors-shaped frame is disposed on the base, and the cap is disposed on the scissors-shaped member. The scissors-shaped frame includes a first frame and a second frame that is rotatably coupled to the first frame. The first and second frames include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The stroke of the key is limited by using the engagement between the first and second protrusions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable keyboard, and more particularly, to a foldable keyboard adapted for a point stick and/or at least one hot key. Two or more keypad portions are hingably connected by a connection board on which a point stick or at least one hot key is disposed. When the keyboard is in a deployed configuration, the keypad portions slide along the keyboard plane to combine with the point stick or the hot keys so that a complete keyboard is formed. The connection board of the present invention may further include a circuit board to be electrically connected with each key and the point stick or the hot keys in order to receive and decode the signals from each key and the point stick or the hot keys.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus, a pressing of keys other than a print key is detected when the key is continuously in a pressed state for at least two periods in a key scan period. The pressing of the print key is detected when the print key is continuously in the pressed state for at least ten periods in the key scan period. This structure prevents the print key from triggering a print operation if it is accidentally pressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard with a direction controller, the direction controller setting on a proper position on the keyboard. In the keyboard, there is a sensor close to the direction controller to detect the direction and movement of the controller and then convert the direction and movement of the controller into the changing of the position of the cursor on the screen. So that, the keyboard has the mouse's operation function on position movement.

Abstract: A form factor for use in the manufacture of a portable computer includes a U-shaped member having at least two distinct elements attached together. In one form factor, the U-shaped member includes two distinct elements: a unitary wall element having a first wall, a second wall, and at least one spacing element to physically separate the first and second walls; and a base element attached to one end surface of the wall element. In another form factor, the U-shaped member includes three distinct elements: a first wall element; a second wall element; and a base element attached to the first and second wall elements. The form factors may also include bosses to facilitate the attachment of computer system components such as printed circuit boards, storage units, and battery units.

Abstract: Keyboard for one-handed touch typing derived from a normal Sholes keyboard, where each character-key is assigned two characters (for instance T/Y), thereby reducing the number of keys to approximately half the number of keys on a normal Sholes keyboard. The choice between the two alternative characters of a specific key is based on the mode of depression of that particular key, and hence no separate key for choise between the two alternatives is needed. The characteristics of the keyboard can either be set once and for all or can be particularly adapted to the specific user of the keyboard, such as for instance to the user's writing speed.

Abstract: A computer keyboard with Z-axis input means is characterized in that at least one scrolling means compatible with that of a mouse, a cursor moving means and at least one mouse button are integrated on a keyboard with or without multimedia hotkeys. The novel keyboard consists of a traditional key matrix, a control unit, and a mouse equivalent unit. The mouse equivalent unit further consists of scrolling means, pointing means, and mouse button means, all of which are electricaly connected to the control unit. Through the all-in-one keyboard, user not only can perform typing task, operate mouse functions, but also scroll windows client area up and down, and left and right if a second scrolling means is provided.

Abstract: A keybaord which is capable of varying the pressure required for the keystroke is provided and comprises an inflatable arrangement being a variable pressure bladder which fits over the keyboard between the base plate and the keys. The operator may vary the pressure delivered to the system as desired and may also preset a cycle of time intervals with pressure "on" and pressure "off". Alternatively, the pressure supply may be linked to a number of keyboards and a programmed variable pressure cycle will be delivered to all the keyboards.