Abstract: A sensor arrangement for an electronic device with user input means comprises a sensor. The sensor is adapted to generate an electric field in an area of the user input means and to enable a detection of a change in the electric field. The sensor arrangement further comprises a conductive web. The conductive web is arranged between the sensor and an external surface of the user input means, in order to concentrate the volume of the generated electrical field.

Abstract: In one example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more coils for establishing a magnetic field; a rotating permanent magnet, which has at least one extreme position depending on the magnetic field; and driving members, which are coupled to the permanent magnet and by means of which the members coupled to the actuator mechanism are driven. In another example, an actuator mechanism comprising: one or more wires, which are manufactured of a shape memory alloy that shrinks when heated; and driving members, which are coupled to said wire and by means of which the members connected to the actuator mechanism are driven.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the location of an object touching a touch pad. A light source is used to provide a light beam and a plurality of reflecting surfaces are disposed along an edge of the touch pad to partially reflect the light beam in order to provide a light sheet over the touch pad, such that the reflected intensity varies monotonously along the edge. A detector structure is disposed on the opposite edge to measure the light intensity of the light sheet, part of which is blocked when the object touches the touch pad. The reduction in the measured light intensity is used to calculate the location of the touching object in one direction. A second light sheet and a corresponding detector structure can be used to determine the location of the touching object in a different direction.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and apparatus for a touch actuation in an electronic device using a general purpose input board. The input board comprises of a grating of conductors running in one direction (y-lines). Between these conductors there are contacts connected to a grating running in the perpendicular direction a layer below (x-lines). The grating layers are separated by an insulating layer. Various known methods can be used to read the position of, e.g., a conductive actuator touching the input board. The input board can be used as a configurable UI board under a keymat. The input devices on the keymat can be a key, a joystick, a touchpad top membrane, etc. Also, the actuators can be made force-sensitive by detecting a contact surface area. In addition, all components of the general purpose input board can be made of materials substantially transparent to light.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for a haptic (tactile) feedback to a user of an electronic device having a touch display (screen) by utilizing an electrostrictive polymer as a combined haptic-seal actuator attached to the touch screen. In addition, the combined seal-actuator also makes a shock absorber. The electrostrictive polymer is a suitable material for haptic-seal-shock absorbing actuator because of its robustness and large stroke.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately determining the positioning of a lens system. The lens system includes a lens and a variable light reflecting surface. A position sensor includes a light source and a light detector. An initial signal is sent from the light source to the variable light reflecting surface. The light reflecting surface reflects the initial signal to the light detector at a reflection region. The intensity of the reflected signal is dependent upon the location of the reflection region. An electrical output signal is generated based upon the reflected signal from the light source, with the electrical output signal providing positioning information for the lens system.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for providing a haptic feedback to a user of a wireless portable device (e.g., a gaming device or a mobile terminal or phone) utilizing a hybrid magnet controlling a friction brake based haptic actuator. This novel hybrid magnet actuator uses a displacement of a permanent magnet assembly relative to a magnet yoke to actively control the friction between the magnetic yoke and an anchor plate made from a magnetic material. Said permanent magnet assembly displacement is achieved by means of a coil incorporated within said magnet yoke by applying an electric current of a predetermined direction and/or a predetermined pulse width or repetition rate to the coil.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the location of an object touching a touch pad. A light source is used to provide a light beam and a plurality of reflecting surfaces are disposed along an edge of the touch pad to partially reflect the light beam in order to provide a light sheet over the touch pad, such that the reflected intensity varies monotonously along the edge. A detector structure is disposed on the opposite edge to measure the light intensity of the light sheet, part of which is blocked when the object touches the touch pad. The reduction in the measured light intensity is used to calculate the location of the touching object in one direction. A second light sheet and a corresponding detector structure can be used to determine the location of the touching object in a different direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product comprising at least two parts (1, 2) attached to each other by at least one attachment means. In order to make automated disassembly of the product possible, said at least one attachment means (3 to 5) includes an element (5) made of an MSM material, which is shaped in a first shape allowing said at least one attachment means (3 to 5) to attach said parts (1, 2) to each other, and which is responsive to a magnetic field for entering a shape transition resulting in a second shape, whereby the attachment between said parts achieved by said at least one attachment means (3 to 5) is released.