The invention relates to a combination of a computer keyboard and an extension unit for providing user input to a computing device, e.g. a computer, wherein the keyboard comprises: a housing; buttons and/or keys held by the housing; an electronic module accommodated inside the housing to convert engagement with a button or key into coded form and to transmit the coded form to the computing device as user input,
wherein the extension unit comprises: a housing; a button and/or key held by the housing; an electronic module accommodated inside the housing to convert engagement with a button or key into coded form and to transmit the coded form to the electronic module of the keyboard for further transmittal to the computing device as user input,
and wherein the keyboard and the extension unit are configured to releasably attach the housing of the extension unit to the housing of the keyboard at a plurality of different locations.

The invention relates to a combination of an input device for a computing device and a set of support elements, wherein the set of support elements includes at least two support elements, wherein the combination includes fasteners to fasten any number of support elements of the set of support elements to the input device, wherein the support elements are fastenable to the input device at a location on the input device to set a tilt angle of the input device, and wherein the set of support elements is configured such that a single support element can be fastened to the input device and such that a plurality of support elements can be fastened to the input device as a stack of support elements thereby allowing to set different tilt angles of the input device.

Systems and methods for using virtual keyboards for high dimensional controllers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a virtual keyboard system including a processor, and a memory, including a virtual keyboard application, where the virtual keyboard application directs the processor to display a plurality of 3D keys in a virtual environment, where each 3D key represents at least one symbol via a display device, display a cursor in the virtual environment, where the cursor is movable in at least three dimensions via the display device, obtain a user input data from an input device, move the cursor to a 3D key in the plurality of 3D keys based on the user input data, and record the at least one symbol represented by the 3D key.

A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.

An electronic device may have a reconfigurable keyboard. The keyboard may be formed from an array of keys coupled to a housing. Each key may have a movable key member and an associated key display. Control circuitry in the keyboard may direct the key displays to display dynamically adjustable key labels for the keys. Each key movable key member may be formed from a fiber optic plate. The fiber optic plate may be formed from a coherent fiber bundle with opposing first and second surfaces. The first surface may be adjacent to the key display and may receive key label images from the key display. The second surface may face outwardly towards a user and may receive key press input from the fingers of a user while presenting key label images for viewing.

A portable computer includes a display portion comprising a display, a base portion pivotally coupled to the display portion and including a glass top case. The glass top case defines an exterior surface and a keyboard opening through the glass top case from the exterior surface to an interior surface. The portable computer further includes a keyboard positioned at least partially within the keyboard opening and comprising a substrate, a key configured to move relative to the substrate, and a fabric cover disposed over the key and defining a user interface surface of the key.

Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments providing an ergonomic user interface keyboard. An embodiment operates by determining a baseline keyboard interface corresponding to a baseline mobility of a finger of a user. An indication that the finger of the user has sustained an injury with an expected recovery time is received. A new mobility of the finger of the user with the injury is measured. A deviation between the new mobility and the baseline mobility of the finger is determined. An injury keyboard interface is configured with a shifted plurality of keys of the baseline keyboard interface to new positions away from the finger with the injury and towards another finger without the injury based on the deviation. The injury keyboard interface is displayed during the expected recovery time, wherein upon an expiration of the expected recovery time the baseline keyboard interface is displayed.

A data entry system comprises a processor configured to receive a first data entry, make a first determination whether the first data entry is a first character entry or a first chorded entry, select a first output based on the first determination, and transmit the first output. The processor is further configured to receive, after transmitting the first output, a second data entry; make a second determination whether the second data entry is a second character entry or a second chorded entry; select a second output based on the second determination; and transmit the second output. The first data entry is the first character entry and the second data entry is the second chorded entry, or the first data entry is the first chorded entry and the second data entry is the second character entry.

One is to compose stratified keyboard for commands and symbols. Another is to compose corresponding system between screen displayed virtual keyboard and actual keyboard. For instance, one virtual key on the screen is endowed with certain function and when we touch one key on the actual keyboard whose position is corresponding to that one on the displayed screen, the function belonging to displayed one is executed.

All operations are executed through touching keyboard and thus manipulations get stereo typed and speedy. Furthermore, stratified stereo typed keyboard system for command, symbols, figures and characters propose us the chance to deliberate systematic formation for them.

The disclosure creates ergonomic input devices for computing devices by combining multiple modules. User interface modules are used to aggregate sets of switches or other input sensors or devices for providing feedback to the operator. These interface modules can then be mounted in a position comfortably within the range of motion for a specific part of the body, and oriented for ergonomic advantage while activating the sensor. Collections of interface modules are affixed to a framework or base so as to maintain relative positions. Adapters may be added to adjust the orientation or type of inputs connected to these modules. These interface modules are connected to a parent module that can translate activity for each input sensor on each interface module into a specific set of programmed actions and into input for the computing device.