According to various embodiments, there is provided a method for identifying a user input in a user input device, the method including: detecting edges in an output signal generated by a switch in the user input device; identifying a first-to-second-state edge as being indicative of a transition from a first state to a second state; counting down to a first rest period upon identifying the first-to-second-state edge; before completion of the counting down to the first rest period, restarting the counting down upon each detection of a further edge in the output signal; detecting a second-to-first-state edge in the output signal that occurs after completion of the counting down to the first rest period; and identifying the second-to-first-state edge as being indicative of a transition from the second state to the first state.

Techniques for obfuscating user selections during user-input sessions in which potentially sensitive information is being identified, involving displaying several targets, such as keys of a virtual keyboard, on a display device, where each target corresponds to one of multiple options. While a current user target is associated with a visual indicator at a first time, a discriminatory signal indicating the visual indication displayed at the first time is for the current user target is provided, where the discriminatory signal includes one of a haptic signal generated by a device in physical contact with the user, an audio signal, and a modified image. Concurrently, the obfuscation system is configured to present another visual indication corresponding to a current distractor target. The current user target is thus obfuscated as two different visual indicators are presented and move through the group of options.

A data entry system having a plurality of keys to which substantially all of the letters of an alphabet are assigned based on their common characteristics in their shapes. The letters are divided in a plurality of groups of letters based on the characteristics. In order to enter a word the user interacts with the appropriate keys. A word predictive system predicts the desired word based on the key interactions.

A display device is provided, which includes a jog switch which performs a moving operation in a plurality of directions and a push operation, a display unit which displays a first user interface (UI) for adjusting a channel or a volume of the display device or a second UI for adjusting other functions of the display device in accordance with a first operation of the jog switch, and a control unit which adjusts a selected function of the display device in accordance with a second operation of the jog switch in which is performed in a state where the first UI or the second UI is displayed. The jog switch is formed to project for a predetermine height from a surface of the display device, and thus a user can find the jog switch easily and promptly even is the jog switch is obstructed from view.

A touch sensitive keyboard is disclosed. In one embodiment, a touch sensitive keyboard is provided that has a touchpad area separate from the keyboard keys. The keyboard is configured to disabled touchpad sensitivity when certain touch signals are received. In another embodiment, a touch sensitive keyboard is used as a controller. In a controller mode, keys on a touch sensitive keyboard are adapted to output a signal strength corresponding to a distance between the key and a finger operating as a control. In an embodiment, a touch sensitive keyboard includes a processor adapted to output a keystroke in response to one of the plurality of touch sensitive keys being pressed, and to output one or more touch points determined by interpolating signal strength for each of the plurality of touch sensitive keys on the keyboard.

A display device is provided, which includes a jog switch which performs a moving operation in a plurality of directions and a push operation, a display unit which displays a first user interface (UI) for adjusting a channel or a volume of the display device or a second UI for adjusting other functions of the display device in accordance with a first operation of the jog switch, and a control unit which adjusts a selected function of the display device in accordance with a second operation of the jog switch in which is performed in a state where the first UI or the second UI is displayed. The jog switch is formed to project for a predetermine height from a surface of the display device, and thus a user can find the jog switch easily and promptly even is the jog switch is obstructed from view.

Techniques for obfuscating user selections during user-input sessions in which potentially sensitive information is being identified, involving displaying several targets, such as keys of a virtual keyboard, on a display device, where each target corresponds to one of multiple options. While a current user target is associated with a visual indicator at a first time, a discriminatory signal indicating the visual indication displayed at the first time is for the current user target is provided, where the discriminatory signal includes one of a haptic signal generated by a device in physical contact with the user, an audio signal, and a modified image. Concurrently, the obfuscation system is configured to present another visual indication corresponding to a current distractor target. The current user target is thus obfuscated as two different visual indicators are presented and move through the group of options.

Techniques for obfuscating user selections during user-input of sensitive information, involving displaying targets, such as keys of a virtual keyboard, on a display device, where each target corresponds to one of multiple options. A visual indication for a current user target can move to a first target in response to a first input event at a first time, and the first target can be actuated in response to a second input event for actuation of the current user target at a second time. An obfuscation system is configured to present to a user, at approximately the second time, a discriminatory signal used to confirm actuation of a target. The discriminatory signal includes one of a haptic signal generated by a device in physical contact with the user, an audio signal, and a modified image.

Techniques for obfuscating user selections during user-input of sensitive information, involving receiving a user input entered via a user input device and, in response, causing a first visual indication to move over a period of time through a first subset of displayed targets to enter user selections of targets. In a concurrent process, control signals are generated to display a second visual indication in addition to the first visual indication. The second visual indication moves through a second subset of the displayed targets during the period of time in a manner that is different from the first visual indication moving through the first subset of the displayed targets. The current user target is thus obfuscated as two or more different visual indicators move through the displayed targets.

A method and an apparatus for recognizing different users in a household without having the users to register or enroll their biometric features are provided. The apparatus may leverage sensors integrated with a remote control device or connected to a media device and create pseudo-identity of a user when the user is consuming the content services from media device. When pseudo-identity is created, user's content preference, user's viewing habit, and user's viewing behavior with respect to the content, may be associated with more than one pseudo-identity to better identify the same user. In subsequent usage, personalized services, such as personalized guide & programs, user-selected preferences, targeted advertisement, or content recommendation, may be provided by service provider to user in a subtle and natural manner.