Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100079426 | SPATIAL AMBIENT LIGHT PROFILING - A method for applying user experience effects to a displayed image. The method may sample data from sensors and create a profile based on the sampled data. The method may use the profile to alter the displayed image to reflect the environment of a computing system. | 04-01-2010 |
20100079468 | COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH PROJECTED DISPLAY - Computer systems and methods may provide a projection display as a primary visual output. In particular, a computer system may include an integrated projector output. Such a computer system may be substantially or even entirely externally wire-free. Methods of image processing may involve a computer system with an integrated projector output. Such methods may involve using raw presentation data for image processing, including adjustment and/or correction for brightness, color and/or geometry artifacts generated from aspects of the projection surface (such as geometry, texture, color or the like), the surroundings (such as ambient light), the relation of the computer system (or integrated projector output) to the projection surface (such as distance, orientation or the like), and/or the relation of a user/viewer to the projection surface (such as viewing angle, distance or the like). | 04-01-2010 |
20100079653 | PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM WITH A SECONDARY IMAGE OUTPUT - A system for image projection. The image projection system may include a portable computing system, which includes at least a secondary image output and a camera. The image projection system may correct images projected by the secondary image output for image distortion using images captured by the camera and measurements provided by sensors. | 04-01-2010 |
20100083188 | COMPUTER USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHODS - Systems and methods may provide user control of a computer system via one or more sensors. Also, systems and methods may provide automated response of a computer system to information acquired via one or more sensors. The sensor(s) may be configured to measure distance, depth proximity and/or presence. In particular, the sensor(s) may be configured to measure a relative location, distance, presence, movements and/or gestures of one or more users of the computer system. Thus, the systems and methods may provide a computer user interface based on measurements of distance, depth, proximity, presence and/or movements by one or more sensors. For example, various contexts and/or operations of the computer system, at the operating system level and/or the application level, may be controlled, automatically and/or at a user's direction, based on information acquired by the sensor(s). | 04-01-2010 |
20100300856 | WHITE POINT ADJUSTMENT FOR MULTICOLOR KEYBOARD BACKLIGHT - There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light. In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100301755 | LIGHT SOURCE WITH LIGHT SENSOR - There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source with a light sensor to provide a desired light output. In particular, in one embodiment, there is provided a light control system. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor that share a common light pathway. Additionally, the light control system includes a controller electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor. The controller operates the light source and the light sensor alternatively during a periodic cycle having a frequency of approximately 60 Hz or greater to achieve a desired visual effect based on ambient lighting conditions. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302169 | KEYBOARD WITH INCREASED CONTROL OF BACKLIT KEYS - Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing. | 12-02-2010 |
20100306683 | USER INTERFACE BEHAVIORS FOR INPUT DEVICE WITH INDIVIDUALLY CONTROLLED ILLUMINATED INPUT ELEMENTS - Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide user interface behaviors for input devices with individually controlled illuminated input elements. Some embodiments may include receiving a request for input device lighting from a program, determining illumination information for light sources coupled to input elements of an input device based on the request, and dynamically controlling illumination of the light sources based on the illumination information. The illumination information may include brightness, color, and/or duration. The input device may constitute a keyboard with individually controlled illuminated keys. In some embodiments, the illumination may present information related to the program, functionality of input elements, and/or notifications. The request for input device lighting from the program may be based on input selections received from the input device such as illuminating keys on a keyboard that are possible next letters in a word being typed or keys associated with a pressed command key. | 12-02-2010 |
20100328935 | MULTICOLOR LIGHTING SYSTEM - A system for displaying multiple colors individually or in combination with one another. The system may emit red, green and blue light from light emitting diodes and may additionally provide white light to brighten the color provided by the red, green and blue light emitting diodes. The white light source may also be used to increase the power efficiency of the system, thus increasing the lifetime of the system for displaying multiple colors. The white light source may be used to backlight the color provided by the red, green and blue light emitted by the light emitting diodes, or may also be used as an additional light source to the light provided by the red, green and blue light emitting diodes. | 12-30-2010 |
20100328936 | MULTICOLOR LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A device such as a multicolor light emitting diode that emits different colors of light and that may combine the different colors emitted by individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may include a common anode terminal that may be connected to each anode of the individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may be a five terminal multicolor LED. Additionally, the multicolor LED may include two anode terminals, in which the first anode terminal may be a common anode terminal connected to three of the individual color LEDs and the second anode terminal may be connected to an anode of a white LED. In this embodiment, the multicolor LED may be a six terminal multicolor LED. | 12-30-2010 |
20110012717 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCALIZATION OF HAPTIC FEEDBACK - In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location. | 01-20-2011 |
20110012727 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF CONNECTORS - In an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of ports and a proximity detection circuit to detect the presence of a connector relative to at least one port of the plurality of ports, prior to engagement of the connector with the port. Alternatives include a position sensor to determine the general distance of the connector from the port, and an orientation sensor to determine the orientation of the connector relative to the port. The system further includes a signal generator to provide at least one user-detectable signal representative of one or more of the proximity, position and orientation of the connector relative to the port to assist a user in engaging the connector with the port. | 01-20-2011 |
20110012838 | COMPUTER INPUT DEVICE INCLUDING A DISPLAY DEVICE - In an embodiment, an input device, such as computer mouse, includes an interface to communicate user interactions to a host system and a display assembly to display an image to a user. In some examples, the display device will include a collimated glass component. A method is disclosed that includes displaying an image at an input device, such as a mouse, and then displaying a second image in response to a user input through the input device. | 01-20-2011 |
20110037624 | SENSING CAPACITANCE CHANGES OF A HOUSING OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow measurement of a user's interaction with the housing of an electronic device. Some embodiments may measure the electrical characteristics of a housing of an electrical device, where the housing is capable of being temporarily deformed by the user's interaction. By measuring the electrical characteristics of the housing, such as the housing's capacitance, the user's interaction with the housing can be measured in a manner that is independent of the user's electrical characteristics and/or in a manner that may allow the pressure applied to the housing to be quantified. | 02-17-2011 |
20110037734 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOUSING AS ACOUSTIC INPUT DEVICE - There are provided systems, devices and methods for related to an electronic device housing having input functionality. Specifically, in one embodiment, the electronic device includes a housing and one or more acoustic transducers positioned within the housing each operative to generate an electrical signal in response to detecting a sound resulting from an impact with the housing. Additionally, the electronic device includes a microprocessor coupled to the one or more acoustic transducers and configured to receive the electrical signals generated by the one or more acoustic transducers. The microprocessor operative to interpret the generated electrical signals as input to the electronic device. | 02-17-2011 |
20110038114 | HOUSING AS AN I/O DEVICE - There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a housing for an electronic device as an input/output (I/O) device. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing configured to function as an integrated housing and I/O device and one or more sensors obscured by a panel of the housing. The one or more sensors being configured to sense via the panel of the housing. The electronic device further includes a processing unit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to interpret electrical signals generated by the one or more sensors. One or more output devices are communicatively coupled to the processing unit and configured to provide an output in response to the one or more sensors generating an electrical signal. | 02-17-2011 |
20110043227 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CAPACITIVE SENSING - The present disclosure addresses methods and apparatus facilitating capacitive sensing using a conductive surface, and facilitating the sensing of proximity to the conductive surface. The sensed proximity will often be that of a user, but can be another source of a reference voltage potential. In some examples, the described systems are capable of sensing capacitance (including parasitic capacitance) in a circuit that includes the outer conductive surface, and where that outer conductive surface is at a floating electrical potential. In some systems, the systems can be switched between two operating modes, a first mode in which the system will sense proximity to the conductive surface, and a second mode in which the system will use a capacitance measurement to sense contact with the conductive surface. | 02-24-2011 |
20110107958 | INPUT DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATION - The disclosure describes input devices for processor-based systems, including computing systems, to provide enhanced user experience. The described systems provide tactile sensations providing feedback to a user. In some systems, feedback is provided before actual contact with the key expelling air from the input device proximate the key when user selection is imminent. In other examples, the tactile sensation results from automatic movement of the key in response to detected user selection of the key. Additional examples and variations are described herein. | 05-12-2011 |
20110141052 | TOUCH PAD WITH FORCE SENSORS AND ACTUATOR FEEDBACK - Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters. | 06-16-2011 |
20110161074 | REMOTE CONFERENCING CENTER - Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for recording audio and video. In particular, in one embodiment, a method of recording audio signals is provided. The method includes recording audio signals with a plurality of distributed audio transducers to create multiple recordings of the audio signals and providing each of the multiple recordings of the audio signals to a computing device. The computing device combines each of the multiple recordings into a master recording and determines a source for each audio signal in the master recording. Additionally, the computing device stores each audio signal in separate audio files according to the determined source of each audio signal. | 06-30-2011 |
20110162035 | LOCATION-BASED DOCK FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE - One particular implementation conforming to aspects of the present disclosure takes the form of docking station for a computing device that maintains an indication of a docking station location. The location of the docking station may be utilized by the docking station and/or the computing device coupled to the docking station to configure the functionality and other aspects of the computing device. For example, the functionality of the computing device may be altered in response to the location of the docking station. Additionally, security features, display configurations and the availability of software applications may also be configured in response to the location of the docking station. In this manner, a single computing device may perform the functions of several computing devices based on the location of the docking station, without the need for the user of the device to configure the device manually. | 06-30-2011 |
20110164000 | COMMUNICATING STYLUS - A stylus for writing on any type of surface, such as a piece of paper or a whiteboard and subsequently displaying the written images or text on a display of a digital computing device. The stylus may likewise be moved in three-dimensional space and corresponding images displayed on a display of a computing device. The stylus tracks its different positions while a user is writing or drawing and then either stores the data to be uploaded later or transmits the data simultaneously to a computing device. The computing device then displays the images and text drawn on the surface. The computing device may be located anywhere, as long as it is able to communicate with the stylus, and be able to display the written text or images. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164047 | TRANSPARENT ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method and system for displaying images on a transparent display of an electronic device. The display may include one or more display screens as well as a flexible circuit for connecting the display screens with internal circuitry of the electronic device. Furthermore, the display screens may allow for overlaying of images over real world viewable objects, as well as a visible window to be present on an otherwise opaque display screen. Additionally, the display may include active and passive display screens that may be utilized based on images to be displayed. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164163 | SYNCHRONIZED, INTERACTIVE AUGMENTED REALITY DISPLAYS FOR MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES - A device can receive live video of a real-world, physical environment on a touch sensitive surface. One or more objects can be identified in the live video. An information layer can be generated related to the objects. In some implementations, the information layer can include annotations made by a user through the touch sensitive surface. The information layer and live video can be combined in a display of the device. Data can be received from one or more onboard sensors indicating that the device is in motion. The sensor data can be used to synchronize the live video and the information layer as the perspective of video camera view changes due to the motion. The live video and information layer can be shared with other devices over a communication link. | 07-07-2011 |
20110175813 | PIEZO-BASED ACOUSTIC AND CAPACITIVE DETECTION - One particular implementation conforming to aspects of the present disclosure takes the form of an input device for a computing system. The input device includes a input surface on which one or more input characters are shown and one or more sensors to detect which input character is pressed or selected by the user. In one example, the input device may include one or more piezo-electric sensors that detect an acoustic pulse created when the user taps on the input surface to indicate a selected input. Each character of the input surface of the input device creates a different acoustic pulse signature when tapped such that, upon detection and receiving of the acoustic pulse at the piezo-electric sensors, the input device or computer system may compare the received pulse to a database of stored pulse signatures to determine which character on the surface of the input device was tapped by the user. | 07-21-2011 |
20110222466 | DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTABLE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AND COMMUNICATIONS LINKS - User equipment may be used in forming communications links between users. A virtual communications channel may be maintained between users while adjustments are made to the type of communications traffic that is being conveyed over the link, the nature of the physical channels being used in the link, link bandwidth and other link attributes, user requirements, and other factors. Monitoring circuitry may be used to monitor factors such as the location of a device and other operating parameters. As circumstances dictate, the operation of the device may be adjusted in real time, while maintaining the virtual communications channel intact. User devices may automatically advertize their presence and may automatically detect nearby devices. Content items may be shared using online services. | 09-15-2011 |
20110278923 | MULTI-OUTPUT POWER SUPPLY - An apparatus for providing power to an electronic device may include a power input configured to receive an input voltage from a power supply, and a rectifier operatively connected to the power input and configured to convert the input voltage to a first voltage. The rectifier may further be configured to transmit the first voltage to a first power output operatively connected to the rectifier. The apparatus may further include a power converter operatively connected to the rectifier and configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage different than the first voltage and a first relay operatively connected to the rectifier to selectively prevent the first voltage from being transmitted through the first power output. The power converter may further be configured to transmit the second voltage to a second power output operatively connected to the power converter. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280042 | MICROPERFORATION ILLUMINATION - Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. A visual display element may include a base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guide coupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacent the base layer and include one or more microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforations along at least one vertical axis. | 11-17-2011 |
20120012448 | KEYBOARD ILLUMINATION - Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. One embodiment may take the form a keyboard including at least one keycap, a dome switch layer underlying the keycap, and an encapsulation layer underlying the dome switch layer. The encapsulation layer may include a first printed circuit layer configured to transmit a signal corresponding to the at least one keycap. The keyboard may further include a light emissive layer underlying the encapsulation layer. The light emissive layer may include at least one emissive area corresponding to the at least one keycap and a second printed circuit layer configured to supply a voltage to the at least one emissive area. | 01-19-2012 |
20120013490 | ILLUMINATION OF INPUT DEVICE - Input devices having backlighting for associated input mechanisms. The backlighting may be supplied by a light source coupled to a light guide. Both the light guide and light source may be located completely beneath the input mechanism and above a mechanical support for the mechanism. Each input mechanism generally has its own dedicated light guide and light source. | 01-19-2012 |
20120021619 | PROGRAMMABLE MAGNETIC CONNECTORS - Connectors and methods of coupling electronic devices and cables are provided. In one embodiment, a connector has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The second coded magnet is configured to provide identifying information regarding the device on which it is located. | 01-26-2012 |
20120023597 | MAGNETICALLY-IMPLEMENTED SECURITY DEVICES - Security devices and methods of securely coupling electronic devices and peripherals are provided. In one embodiment, a peripheral has a first coded magnet on a first surface of a first device. The first coded magnet has at least two different polarity regions on the first surface. A second coded magnet on a second surface of a second device is also provided. The first coded magnet is configured to securely provide data to a device associated with the second coded magnet, if the first and second coded magnets' patterns are keyed to one another. | 01-26-2012 |
20120028480 | ALIGNMENT AND CONNECTION FOR DEVICES - A plug or connector including a coded magnet and an electrical contact. As the plug approaches a corresponding port, the coded magnet interacts with a magnet within the port. The interaction between the plug coded magnet and the port coded magnet provides a force to connect and/or align the plug with the port. Once the plug is received within the port, if a process is completed, the coded magnets polarities are altered to eject the plug from the port. | 02-02-2012 |
20120032765 | MAGNETIC FASTENERS - The various embodiment provide fastening devices, systems and methods that utilize two or more maxels in respective correlated magnetic structures provided in a first structure and at least one second structure to fasten or repulse the first structure to or from, as the case may be, the at least one second structure. In at least one embodiment, each maxel is programmable and may vary either or both the polarity and magnetic strength of the given maxel. The variance of the polarity and/or magnetic strength of the given maxel may be programmable and may be varied to attract or repulse a second magnetic structure which desirably also contains one or maxels forming a correlated magnetic structure. | 02-09-2012 |
20120082317 | ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITH IMPROVED AUDIO - An electronic device having an enclosure including an upper panel and a bottom panel operably connected to the upper panel. A transducer is operably connected to the enclosure and the transducer is configured to mechanically vibrate the enclosure. The transducer includes an electromagnet, a magnet in communication with the electromagnet and a bracket substantially surrounding the electromagnet and the magnet, the bracket substantially secures the transducer to the bottom panel. | 04-05-2012 |
20120127088 | HAPTIC INPUT DEVICE - One embodiment of a haptic input device may include a receiver configured to receive a signal from a touch-based user interface device. The signal may include a control signal or a look-up value. The haptic input device may also include a decoder coupled to the receiver and configured to decode the signal from the touch-based user interface device, at least one sensor configured to determine at least one characteristic of the haptic input device, a controller coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to transmit a control signal, a haptic actuator coupled to the controller, and a transmitter coupled to the at least one sensor. | 05-24-2012 |
20120176773 | MULTICOLOR LIGHTING SYSTEM - A multicolor light source including a first light source operably to emit a first light of a first color and a second light source operably to emit a second light of a second color. The multicolor light source also includes a first wave guide optically connected to the first light source and a second wave guide optically coupled to the second light source and to the first wave guide. The combination of the first wave guide and the second wave guide couples the first light to the second light to create an outputted light having at least one aspect, other than hue, different from the first light and the second light. | 07-12-2012 |
20120250928 | AUDIO TRANSDUCER - An electronic device having an enclosure including an upper panel and a bottom panel operably connected to the upper panel. A transducer is operably connected to the enclosure and the transducer is configured to mechanically vibrate the enclosure. The transducer includes a magnet, an electromagnetic coil and a retention element maintaining a relationship between the magnet and the electromagnetic coil. | 10-04-2012 |
20120306823 | AUDIO SENSORS - One embodiment may take the form of an audio detection system having a display assembly. The display assembly may include a screen and at least one electromagnetic energy emitter configured to direct energy at an inside surface of the screen. At least one sensor is configured to sense the emitted energy after it is reflected from the inside surface of the screen and generate electrical signals corresponding the sensed reflected energy. A processor coupled to the at least one sensor generates an audio signal representative of sound waves that impact an outer surface of the screen. | 12-06-2012 |
20120319827 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK DEVICE - A haptic feedback device configured to provide tactile or haptic feedback for an electronic device. The haptic device includes a platform operably secured to the electronic device to allow rotation about a center axis. An activating member is operably associated with the platform and configured to selectively cause the platform to rotate in a first direction. Also, the haptic feedback device includes a restoring member operably associated with the platform and configured to selectively return the platform to a first position after it has rotated for at least one of a select period of time or a select distance. | 12-20-2012 |
20130028443 | DEVICES WITH ENHANCED AUDIO - A system for enhancing audio including a computer and an output device. The computer includes a sensor configured to determine a user location relative to the computer. The sensor is also configured to gather environment data corresponding to an environment of the computer. The computer also includes a processor in communication with the sensor and configured to process the user location and the environment data and adjust at least one of an audio output or a video output. The output device is in communication with the processor and is configured to output at least one of the audio output or the video output. | 01-31-2013 |
20130063972 | Microperforation Illumination - Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. A visual display element may include a base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guide coupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacent the base layer and include one or more microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforations along at least one vertical axis. | 03-14-2013 |
20130093330 | White Point Adjustment for Multicolor Keyboard Backlight - There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light. In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed. | 04-18-2013 |
20130102097 | MULTICOLOR LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A device such as a multicolor light emitting diode that emits different colors of light and that may combine the different colors emitted by individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may include a common anode terminal that may be connected to each anode of the individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may be a five terminal multicolor LED. Additionally, the multicolor LED may include two anode terminals, in which the first anode terminal may be a common anode terminal connected to three of the individual color LEDs and the second anode terminal may be connected to an anode of a white LED. In this embodiment, the multicolor LED may be a six terminal multicolor LED. | 04-25-2013 |
20130135213 | SENSING CAPACITANCE CHANGES OF A HOUSING OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow measurement of a user's interaction with the housing of an electronic device. Some embodiments may measure the electrical characteristics of a housing of an electrical device, where the housing is capable of being temporarily deformed by the user's interaction. By measuring the electrical characteristics of the housing, such as the housing's capacitance, the user's interaction with the housing can be measured in a manner that is independent of the user's electrical characteristics and/or in a manner that may allow the pressure applied to the housing to be quantified. | 05-30-2013 |
20130154814 | Method and Apparatus for Localization of Haptic Feedback - In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location. | 06-20-2013 |
20130155307 | SYNCHRONIZED, INTERACTIVE AUGMENTED REALITY DISPLAYS FOR MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES - A device can receive live video of a real-world, physical environment on a touch sensitive surface. One or more objects can be identified in the live video. An information layer can be generated related to the objects. In some implementations, the information layer can include annotations made by a user through the touch sensitive surface. The information layer and live video can be combined in a display of the device. Data can be received from one or more onboard sensors indicating that the device is in motion. The sensor data can be used to synchronize the live video and the information layer as the perspective of video camera view changes due to the motion. The live video and information layer can be shared with other devices over a communication link. | 06-20-2013 |
20130163223 | Illumination of Input Device - Input devices having backlighting for associated input mechanisms. The backlighting may be supplied by a light source coupled to a light guide. Both the light guide and light source may be located completely beneath the input mechanism and above a mechanical support for the mechanism. Each input mechanism generally has its own dedicated light guide and light source. | 06-27-2013 |
20130201111 | Keyboard with Increased Control of Backlit Keys - Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that provide increased control of backlit keys for a keyboard. Some embodiments may include controllers within the keyboard that are capable of dynamically programming illumination of the keyboard based upon interaction, where each key of the keyboard may be individually programmed in a dynamic manner. For example, a spell checking function may be executing on a computer system, and as the user types various words, the keyboard may dynamically program the illumination of keyboard controllers such that the next letter of the word being typed is illuminated by the keyboard. Also, different keyboard illumination schemes may be generated based upon mouse movements by the user and/or based upon which application is currently executing. | 08-08-2013 |
20130265276 | MULTIPLE TOUCH SENSING MODES - A touch controller of a computing device can adjust various modes of operation of a touch panel in order to conserve resources on the device. The touch controller can dynamically adjust a rate at which touch sensors are scanned, or can scan touch sensors for the display panel using a different mode than for a single input button or other such element. The touch controller can also operate in a low power mode while the device is in standby, and then activate a high power mode of operation upon detecting an input such as a double tap. The touch controller can also alternate between low and high power modes of operation based at least in part upon a current application executing on the device. | 10-10-2013 |
20140009441 | TOUCH PAD WITH FORCE SENSORS AND ACTUATOR FEEDBACK - Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters. | 01-09-2014 |
20140055483 | Computer User Interface System and Methods - Systems and methods may provide user control of a computer system via one or more sensors. Also, systems and methods may provide automated response of a computer system to information acquired via one or more sensors. The sensor(s) may be configured to measure distance, depth proximity and/or presence. In particular, the sensor(s) may be configured to measure a relative location, distance, presence, movements and/or gestures of one or more users of the computer system. Thus, the systems and methods may provide a computer user interface based on measurements of distance, depth, proximity, presence and/or movements by one or more sensors. For example, various contexts and/or operations of the computer system, at the operating system level and/or the application level, may be controlled, automatically and/or at a user's direction, based on information acquired by the sensor(s). | 02-27-2014 |
20140092064 | Touch Pad with Force Sensors and Actuator Feedback - Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters. | 04-03-2014 |
20140111547 | SYNCHRONIZED, INTERACTIVE AUGMENTED REALITY DISPLAYS FOR MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES - A device can receive live video of a real-world, physical environment on a touch sensitive surface. One or more objects can be identified in the live video. An information layer can be generated related to the objects. In some implementations, the information layer can include annotations made by a user through the touch sensitive surface. The information layer and live video can be combined in a display of the device. Data can be received from one or more onboard sensors indicating that the device is in motion. The sensor data can be used to synchronize the live video and the information layer as the perspective of video camera view changes due to the motion. The live video and information layer can be shared with other devices over a communication link. | 04-24-2014 |
20140118309 | Piezo-Based Acoustic and Capacitive Detection - One particular implementation conforming to aspects of the present disclosure takes the form of an input device for a computing system. The input device includes a input surface on which one or more input characters are shown and one or more sensors to detect which input character is pressed or selected by the user. In one example, the input device may include one or more piezo-electric sensors that detect an acoustic pulse created when the user taps on the input surface to indicate a selected input. Each character of the input surface of the input device creates a different acoustic pulse signature when tapped such that, upon detection and receiving of the acoustic pulse at the piezo-electric sensors, the input device or computer system may compare the received pulse to a database of stored pulse signatures to determine which character on the surface of the input device was tapped by the user. | 05-01-2014 |
20140173758 | Local Device Awareness - Certain embodiments may take the form of a method of operating an electronic device to find and determine an identity of other local devices. The method includes transmitting electromagnetic signals from a first electronic device to find devices within a prescribed distance of the first device and receiving electromagnetic response signals from a second electronic device within the prescribed distance from the first electronic device. The method also includes identifying the second electronic device using information received in the electromagnetic response signals. Additionally, the method includes determining if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices and, if the second electronic device is aware of other electronic devices, obtaining identifying information of the other devices from the second electronic device. | 06-19-2014 |
20140197432 | MULTICOLOR LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A device such as a multicolor light emitting diode that emits different colors of light and that may combine the different colors emitted by individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may include a common anode terminal that may be connected to each anode of the individual light emitting diodes. The multicolor LED may be a five terminal multicolor LED. Additionally, the multicolor LED may include two anode terminals, in which the first anode terminal may be a common anode terminal connected to three of the individual color LEDs and the second anode terminal may be connected to an anode of a white LED. In this embodiment, the multicolor LED may be a six terminal multicolor LED. | 07-17-2014 |
20140218853 | Housing as an I/O Device - There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a housing for an electronic device as an input/output (I/O) device. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing configured to function as an integrated housing and I/O device and one or more sensors obscured by a panel of the housing. The one or more sensors being configured to sense via the panel of the housing. The electronic device further includes a processing unit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to interpret electrical signals generated by the one or more sensors. One or more output devices are communicatively coupled to the processing unit and configured to provide an output in response to the one or more sensors generating an electrical signal. | 08-07-2014 |
20140247248 | Methods and Apparatus for Capacitive Sensing - The present disclosure addresses methods and apparatus facilitating capacitive sensing using a conductive surface, and facilitating the sensing of proximity to the conductive surface. The sensed proximity will often be that of a user but can be another source of a reference voltage potential. In some examples, the described systems are capable of sensing, capacitance (including parasitic capacitance) in a circuit that includes the outer conductive surface, and where that outer conductive surface is at a floating electrical potential. In some systems, the systems can be switched between two operating modes, a first mode in which the system will sense proximity to the conductive surface, and a second mode in which the system will use a capacitance measurement to sense contact with the conductive surface. | 09-04-2014 |
20150070276 | Transparent Electronic Device - A method and system for displaying images on a transparent display of an electronic device. The display may include one or more display screens as well as a flexible circuit for connecting the display screens with internal circuitry of the electronic device. Furthermore, the display screens may allow for overlaying of images over real world viewable objects, as well as a visible window to be present on an otherwise opaque display screen. Additionally, the display may include active and passive display screens that may be utilized based on images to be displayed. | 03-12-2015 |
20150077373 | Method and Apparatus for Localization of Haptic Feedback - In an embodiment, a haptic feedback system includes a plurality of actuators to provide tactile feedback associated with an input surface. Each actuator is adapted to be activated independently of the other actuators. The system further includes a controller to activate a first actuator of the plurality of actuators to induce a first vibration at a selected input location of the input surface and to activate one or more additional actuators to induce at least a second vibration to localize the first vibration at the selected input location. | 03-19-2015 |