Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for electronic audio devices. In some examples, the operating mode of the device changes to various states of sound transparency.

Abstract: A touch screen or pen-based data entry apparatus and method. The data entry apparatus creates a continuous sheet or “lamina” of light in the free space adjacent a touch screen. An optical position detection device, optically coupled to the lamina of light, is provided to detect data entries to the input device by determining the location of interrupts in the lamina caused when data is entered to the input device. During the method of operation, a user makes a data entry to the device by touching the screen at a predetermined location using an input device, such as a finger, pen or stylus. During the act of touching the screen, the lamina of light in the free space adjacent the screen is interrupted. The optical position detection device detects the position of the input based on the location of the interrupt. Based on the determined position, the data entry is determined.

Abstract: A device including a wireless power transmitter is connected to a light fixture rather than a standard electrical outlet. Optionally, the device also includes at least one light source or includes at least one socket for a light source. Thus, the device connected to the light fixture can output power from the wireless power transmitter and light from the light source. In one embodiment, a power splitter enables independent control over powering the light and the wireless electricity transmitter. This feature allows, for example, the light to be turned off or on while the wireless electricity transmitter remains on. In some embodiments, the device including the wireless power transmitter has the form of a light bulb or light tube, whereas in other embodiments, the device does not have the form of a light bulb or light tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a transmitter assembly containing a light source is electrically powered. The light source receives electrical power and converts the electrical power to an optical power beam that is directed through free space to an optical-to-elect power converter for a device. The optical-to-electric power converter converts the optical power beam to electrical form, thus providing electrical power to a device. A safety subsystem assures that the emission beyond the hot zone between the transmitter and receiver do not exceed regulatory levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an inexpensive, simple to make, self-aligning molded waveguide made of an optically transparent material and that can be used to generate a grid or lamina of light for use with touch screen displays. The molded waveguide substrate includes a plurality of lenses and a plurality of waveguide grooves corresponding to the plurality of integral lenses respectively. After the substrate is molded, the grooves are filled with an optically transparent material to optically couple and align the plurality of lenses and the plurality of grooves respectively. In one application, the molded waveguide substrate is positioned adjacent a touch screen device. A light transmitter and an imaging device are optically coupled to the molded waveguide substrate, and a processing device is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an inexpensive, simple to make, self-aligning molded waveguide made of an optically transparent material and that can be used to generate a grid or lamina of light for use with touch screen displays. The molded waveguide substrate includes a plurality of lenses and a plurality of waveguide grooves corresponding to the plurality of integral lenses respectively. After the substrate is molded, the grooves are filled with an optically transparent material to optically couple and align the plurality of lenses and the plurality of grooves respectively. In one application, the molded waveguide substrate is positioned adjacent a touch screen device. A light transmitter and an imaging device are optically coupled to the molded waveguide substrate, and a processing device is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a power beam receiver that will not reflect light beyond the regulatory limits for human exposure, except along paths known to be without people. In one embodiment, a baffle is used to trap reflections from surfaces of the receiver. In a second embodiment, the power beam receiver is arranged so that reflections are reflected to another surface of the receiver. These surfaces may be designed as a retroreflector. In a third embodiment, an intentional scattering medium is added to the power beam receiver so that parallel light rays incident on the front surface of the power beam receiver are scattered through a series of angles. As a result, any light escaping the system is diffused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a lamina of light. The apparatus includes an optically transparent member having an input configured to receive light and one or more facets formed in the optically transparent member. As light enters and travels through the member, a lamina of light is created by the light reflecting off the facets. In one application, the lamina of light is provided in the free space adjacent a touch screen display. When the lamina is interrupted during a data entry operation to the screen, an optical position detection device is used to determine the data input based on the location of the interrupt in the lamina. In various other embodiments, the position and uniformity of the lamina may be controlled by selecting the angle, depth and tilt of a reflective surface of the facets in the optically transparent member.

Abstract: A touch screen or pen-based data entry apparatus and method. The data entry apparatus creates a continuous sheet or “lamina” of light in the free space adjacent a touch screen. An optical position detection device, optically coupled to the lamina of light, is provided to detect data entries to the input device by determining the location of interrupts in the lamina caused when data is entered to the input device. During the method of operation, a user makes a data entry to the device by touching the screen at a predetermined location using an input device, such as a finger, pen or stylus. During the act of touching the screen, the lamina of light in the free space adjacent the screen is interrupted. The optical position detection device detects the position of the input based on the location of the interrupt. Based on the determined position, the data entry is determined.

Abstract: A user input device for an electronic device is disclosed. The user input device provides positional information using a grid of light. The grid of light is produced from a light source and waveguides. The grid of light is also received and processed using waveguides and a light detector. Optionally, optics may be used to enhance the operation of the user input device. The user input device is particularly suited for use as a user input device for a computer system or the like.

Abstract: A user input device for an electronic device is disclosed. The user input device provides positional information using a grid of light. The grid of light is produced from a light source and waveguides. The grid of light is also received and processed using waveguides and a light detector. Optionally, optics may be used to enhance the operation of the user input device. The user input device is particularly suited for use as a user input device for a computer system or the like.

Abstract: XY position digitizer 10 has an X send substrate 11X with an associated X receive substrate 12X, and a Y send substrate 11Y with an associated Y receive substrate 12Y, defining free space region 10F therebetween. Send waveguides 13X are embedded in the X send substrate and send waveguides 13Y are embedded in the Y send substrate. The send waveguides sends an array of send light beams 15X across the free space region to the X receive substrate. The send waveguides likewise sends an array of send light beams 15Y across the free space region to the Y receive substrate. Receive waveguides 16X are embedded in the X receive substrate and receive waveguides 16Y are embedded in the Y receive substrate in correspondence with the X and Y send waveguides. Each receive waveguide receives at least a portion of the light beam from the corresponding send waveguide. An array of X send optical systems 18X are embedded in the X send substrate.

Abstract: A user input device for an electronic device is disclosed. The user input device provides positional information using a grid of light. The grid of light is produced from a light source and waveguides. The grid of light is also received and processed using waveguides and a light detector. Optionally, optics may be used to enhance the operation of the user input device. The user input device is particularly suited for use as a user input device for a computer system or the like.

Abstract: A suspension system for a seat for a vehicle having a base frame rigidly attached to the vehicle. The front of a seat support frame is pivotally moveable with respect to the base frame. Springs mounted between the seat support frame and the base frame cushion the seat from forces imparted while driving the vehicle on irregular surfaces. The springs further limit the pivotal movement of the seat support frame with respect to the base frame. There are shock absorbers for dissipating energy absorbed by the springs. The pivotal movement of the seat is around two different axes of rotation, one of the axes being a horizontal axis extending across the width of the vehicle and the other axis being a longitudinal axis extending from the front to the rear of the vehicle.