A keyboard detects press or release of keys using one or more ranging techniques. Targets are attached to keys of the keyboard. As keys are pressed or released, attached targets move into paths of distance measuring sensors. A range finder determines sensor-target distances and reports those distances to a microprocessor. Based on that distance data, the microprocessor identifies the moved keys. The keys and microprocessor are configured to determine the direction of key motion and to detect simultaneous press or release of keys in a single row or column. A slider control, and/or an integral pointing device tracking motion of a user's finger or other object, may also be included.

 
Web www.patentalert.com

< Plasma display panel with magnesium oxide protection layer including dopants

> Method of forming a composite containing a matrix component and at least one liquid crystal component

> Semiconductor device

~ 00517