Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080309522 | Keyboard with touch sensitive zones and corresponding computer user interface - A keyboard key has a key portion that forms a cantilevered beam pivotable about an axis. A switch is disposed relative to the cantilevered beam, such that rotation of the cantilever beam about the axis causes depression of the switch. The switch is offset from an applied force-receiving portion of the key portion. A touch sensitive key also includes a touch sensor detecting contact with the key portion of the key. The invention can be extended such that the key portion is formed of transparent or semi-transparent material. The invention can also be extended to include touch sensitive areas on any portion of an upper case of the computer keyboard. | 12-18-2008 |
20090046062 | POINTING DEVICE WITH CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS - A pointing device that can interface with a graphical user interface of a computer or other electronic device. The pointing device includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. Also included is a tracking assembly having at least one sensor to detect movement and output a control signal responsive to the detected movement. The pointing device further includes several customization features. The customization features include mechanical customization features and software customization features. At least some of the mechanical customization features are configured to be replaceable. Such replaceable customization features are releasably mechanically coupled to the pointing device body. | 02-19-2009 |
20090257912 | Self-Sterilizing Input Device - A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device. | 10-15-2009 |
20100060488 | CLUTCH-HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT IN AN OPTICAL TRACKING DEVICE - Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. When employing a D-shaped aperture, a threshold can be placed on the z-axis height tracking distance using dimensional characteristics of the shaped aperture, such as a knife-edge (the straight portion of the “D” shaped aperture), to impose a shadow across the image sensor. The aperture can be custom designed to occlude a portion of the emitted light from an LED. | 03-11-2010 |
20130229356 | Fabric Enclosure Backlighting - Fabric enclosure backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more translucent portions are formed within a plurality of layers of a fabric enclosure assembly. In one approach, regions within one or multiple layers are laser etched to form the translucent portions within the fabric enclosure assembly. A light source is then arranged to selectively transmit light through the layers via the translucent portions to provide backlight for one or more elements integrated with fabric enclosure assembly. The one or more elements may include representations of input keys and/or graphics associated with the fabric enclosure assembly. The backlight may be used to view the one or more elements in low light and/or provide backlight effects such as borders, side lighting, labels, and so forth. | 09-05-2013 |
20130252057 | Slidable Battery Door Assembly - A slidable battery door assembly is described. In implementations, the slidable battery door assembly (hereinafter “door assembly”) includes a door that is slidable to control access to a battery compartment for a device. Also included is a battery contact inside the battery compartment that is coupled to the door. When the door is closed, the battery contact holds a battery in place and serves as a portion of an electrical circuit that includes the battery. The door may be slidably opened such that the battery contact releases the battery, allowing the battery to be removed from the battery compartment. Thus, the door assembly enables easy installation and removal of a battery. Further, the door assembly can be positioned to hold a battery securely in place and provide an electrically conductive connection between the battery and an electrical circuit. | 09-26-2013 |
20130335330 | MEDIA PROCESSING INPUT DEVICE - Media processing input devices are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a connection portion having at least one communication contact configured to form a communicative coupling with a computing device and a magnetic coupling device to form a removable magnetic attachment to the computing device to secure the connection portion to the computing device. The input device also includes an input portion comprising a plurality of keys that are configured to generate signals to be processed by a computing device as inputs, the signals to specify processing of media to be performed by the computing device. The input device further includes a flexible hinge that is configured to flexibly connect the connection portion to the input portion, the flexible hinge having one or more conductors configured to communicatively couple the plurality of keys with the communication contact | 12-19-2013 |
20130342464 | Input Device with Interchangeable Surface - An input device with an interchangeable surface is described. In one or more implementations, an input device base includes a connection portion configured to provide a physical and communicative coupling to a computing device and a plurality of sensors configured to initiate respective inputs responsive to contact from a user. The input device also includes an interchangeable surface that is removable and connectable, physically, to the input device base, the interchangeable surface having a plurality of indications of inputs that are to be initiated via respective ones of the plurality of sensors. | 12-26-2013 |
20130342465 | Interchangeable Surface Translation and Force Concentration - An input device with an interchangeable surface is described. In one or more implementations, an input device base includes a connection portion configured to provide a physical and communicative coupling to a computing device and a plurality of sensors configured to initiate respective inputs responsive to contact from a user. The input device also includes an interchangeable surface that is removable and connectable, physically, to the input device base, the interchangeable surface having a plurality of indications of inputs that are to be initiated via respective ones of the plurality of sensors. | 12-26-2013 |
20130346636 | Interchangeable Surface Input Device Mapping - An input device with an interchangeable surface is described. In one or more implementations, an input device base includes a connection portion configured to provide a physical and communicative coupling to a computing device and a plurality of sensors configured to initiate respective inputs responsive to contact from a user. The input device also includes an interchangeable surface that is removable and connectable, physically, to the input device base, the interchangeable surface having a plurality of indications of inputs that are to be initiated via respective ones of the plurality of sensors. | 12-26-2013 |
20140049471 | Adjustment of an Optical Tracking Device - Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. User interfaces may also be employed to implement various aspects of the embodiments discussed herein. | 02-20-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140131000 | Metal Alloy Injection Molding Protrusions - Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein. | 05-15-2014 |
20140148938 | Object Profile for Object Machining - Techniques for object profile for object machining are described. In at least some implementations, an object profile is generated by measuring attributes of an object, such as its dimensions. The object profile can correspond to a data representation of object attributes. The object profile is employed to determine a machining path for machining the object based on a particular design and/or pattern. In at least some implementations, an alignment guide is generated that enables an object to be positioned for machining by a machining device. The alignment guide, for instance, can correspond to a particular position in a coordinate space. Aligning an object with the alignment guide includes moving the object (e.g., rotationally and/or translationally) to align with the alignment guide. When aligned with the alignment guide, the object can be machined according to a specified object profile and/or pattern. | 05-29-2014 |
20140150982 | Metal Alloy Injection Techniques - Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein. | 06-05-2014 |
20140154523 | Metal Alloy Injection Molding Protrusions - Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158317 | Metal Alloy Injection Molding - Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166227 | Metal Alloy Injection Molding Overflows - Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein. | 06-19-2014 |
20140248506 | Graphic Formation via Material Ablation - Techniques for graphic formation via material ablation described. In at least some implementations, a graphic is applied to a surface of an object by ablating layers of the object to form an ablation trench in the shape of the graphic. In at least some embodiments, an object can include a surface layer and multiple sublayers of materials. When an ablation trench is generated in the object, the ablation trench can penetrate a surface layer of the object and into an intermediate layer. In at least some implementations, height variations in an object surface caused by an ablation trench can cause variations in light reflection properties such that a graphic applied via the ablation trench appears at a different color tone than a surrounding surface, even if the ablation trench and the surrounding surface are coated with a same colored coating. | 09-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100145934 | ON-DEMAND SEARCH RESULT DETAILS - Search results and associated search-result details are provided in response to user queries. Embodiments include identifying a number of search-result details for different indexed search results, identifying one or more detail-attributes for each search-result detail, and identifying one or more user-attributes for a particular user. These search results, associated search-result details, and associated detail-attributes may be stored in a database. Upon receiving a search query from the user, search results may be generated. Search-result details specific to each search result and specific to the end-user may also be generated by identifying the detail-attributes associated with each search-result detail and the user-attributes associated with the end-user. These search results may then be presented to the end-user. Upon receiving an indication of interest in a particular search result, the search result details may then be presented to the end user. | 06-10-2010 |
20100146012 | PREVIEWING SEARCH RESULTS FOR SUGGESTED REFINEMENT TERMS AND VERTICAL SEARCHES - An embodiment of the current invention is directed to presenting a preview of search results for a suggested search. A search engine query is received. One or more search results are generated. One or more suggested, search terms are generated. A search engine results page is generated, including the one or more search results and the one or more suggested, search terms. An indication is received, indicating that a preview of search results related to a selected, suggested, search term is to be displayed. A preview window including a results section and a menu-bar section is generated. One or more search results related to the selected, suggested, search term are acquired. The one or more search results are presented in the preview window. The preview window allows interaction with the one or more search results. | 06-10-2010 |
20110060752 | TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR SEARCH QUERY REFINEMENT - Computer-implemented methods and a computing system are provided for presenting a new user interface paradigm which allows users to explore facets related to a search query term while maintaining the original state of the search query term or staying within the confines of the user defined topic. The methods and system present facets or categories of relevant topics of a user generated search query term. The user may then explore these facets in a number of embodiments while maintaining the state of the search. | 03-10-2011 |
20110320443 | Navigation to Popular Search Results - Systems, methods, and computer media for enhancing search results, as well as user interfaces for performing search queries and navigating search results, are provided. A search query is received from a user. A plurality of web pages relevant to the search query are identified. At least one of the relevant web pages is identified as popular. A search result page is generated including a search result listing and a search result page header. The search result page header includes a link to the popular web page to provide the user with a quick and easy way to select a popular web page relevant to the user's search query. | 12-29-2011 |
20130166543 | CLIENT-BASED SEARCH OVER LOCAL AND REMOTE DATA SOURCES FOR INTENT ANALYSIS, RANKING, AND RELEVANCE - A search engine that resides on a local computer to enable query intent analysis, results ranking, and relevance processing over data of both local and remote data sources. The architecture also employs a global access component, which is a unified interface to disparate data discovery paradigms. The global access component provides access to corresponding disparate datasets of the paradigms for creating aggregation of information. A local search engine creates the aggregations of information from the disparate datasets via the global access component and processes a query against the aggregations of information to return search results. | 06-27-2013 |
20130229440 | STATE AWARE TILE VISUALIZATION - One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for selecting images to represent tiles within a visualization and/or for creating a visually diverse visualization. That is, images for tiles within a visualization may be selected and/or modified based upon state information associate with such tiles (e.g., current time, current location, device resolution, current weather conditions, current image comprised within a tile, etc.). In this way, a set of visually diverse tiles may be created, such that adjacent tiles may be represented by visually diverse images. For example, tiles within a weather application may represent weather conditions for days of a week. If two adjacent tiles comprise visually similar images (e.g., images depicting a single cloud), then at least one of the images may be modified (e.g., to an image of four clouds) so that the two adjacent tiles may appear visually dissimilar within the weather application. | 09-05-2013 |
20130232148 | CONTENT MAPPING - One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for mapping content to a carousel interface in a manner that allows a user to more intuitively navigate through and/or interact with such content. The carousel interface may be associated with a domain (e.g., a map directions domain, a news domain, etc.). One or more categories associated with the domain may be identified (e.g., a sports news category, a health news category, etc.). In one example, entities (e.g., a Professional Sports Team and/or other proper nouns) and/or topics (e.g., 2012 Olympics) may be identified for respective categories. In this way, content associated with the one or more categories, entities, and/or topics may be retrieved and/or populated within one or more carousels of the carousel interface in an intuitive manner (e.g., sports articles may be populated within a sports carousel, health articles may be populated within a health carousel, etc.). | 09-05-2013 |
20140195521 | TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR SEARCH QUERY REFINEMENT - Computer-implemented methods and a computing system are provided for presenting a new user interface paradigm which allows users to explore facets related to a search query term while maintaining the original state of the search query term or staying within the confines of the user defined topic. The methods and system present facets or categories of relevant topics of a user generated search query term. The user may then explore these facets in a number of embodiments while maintaining the state of the search. | 07-10-2014 |