Abstract: A computer-implemented method for programming a universal control system includes generating a list of devices associated with a network; based on configuration data and statistical data associated with a first set of devices included in the list of devices, generating programming for a first activity to be performed via the network, wherein first activity is associated with the first set of devices included in the list of devices, and the programming is associated with a device configuration for the first set of devices and includes commands for transmission to the first set of devices by the universal control system; and causing the programming for the first activity to be stored, wherein, when the first activity is selected, the device configuration for the first set of devices is implemented.

Abstract: Presentation by a display is enhanced by placing the active elements of the display at or substantially proximate to the surface of an electronic device. A protective sheet of the display is extended to cover a front surface of the electronic device. Such placement improves image quality, reduces shadow on the display, improves spill resistance, and minimizes the overall profile of the device.

Abstract: Presentation by a display is enhanced by placing the active elements of the display at or substantially proximate to the surface of an electronic device. Such placement improves image quality, reduces shadow on the display, improves spill resistance, and minimizes the overall profile of the device.

Abstract: A card reader device is provided with a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is in the housing reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device for provides the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. A sourcing power device couples to an audio jack of the mobile device and sources power from the mobile device through the audio jack.

Abstract: An electronic device has a marking surface overlaid on a touch sensor. Marks made upon the marking surface create pressure that is transferred through the thickness of the marking surface to the touch sensor. Thus, the signals detected by the touch sensor correspond to the marks made on the marking surface. The marking surface may include a thin material that displays marks such as a pressure-sensitive cholesteric liquid crystal display or a conventional sheet of paper. The touch sensor may comprise a sensor capable of detecting an amount of incident force such as an interpolating force-sensitive resistance touch sensor. The electronic device may also have hardware and/or software to analyze the marks detected by the touch sensor and to communicate with other electronic devices.

Abstract: A reflective display, such as an electrophoretic display (EPD), and an emissive display, such as a backlit liquid crystal display, may be combined to form an amalgamated display. This combination may include layering one display atop the other, alternating reflective and emissive display elements, or otherwise interspersing reflective and emissive display elements with one another. Images on the amalgamated display may be presented using either reflective or emissive modes or a combination of the two, depending upon factors such as refresh rate, power consumption, presence of color and/or video, and so forth.

Abstract: One or more data signal interconnects arranged on a substrate of a dense array reduce overall size of a device incorporating the dense array, such as a touch sensor or display. The data signal interconnects on the substrate carry signals from printed circuits coupled to the array to a controller via interconnect tabs.

Abstract: Presentation by a display is enhanced by placing the active elements of the display at or substantially proximate to the surface of an electronic device. Such placement improves image quality, reduces shadow on the display, improves spill resistance, and minimizes the overall profile of the device.

Abstract: A card reader device is provided with a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is in the housing reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device for provides the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. A sourcing power device couples to an audio jack of the mobile device and sources power from the mobile device through the audio jack.

Abstract: A reflective display, such as an electrophoretic display (EPD), and an emissive display, such as a backlit liquid crystal display, may be combined to form an amalgamated display. This combination may include layering one display atop the other, alternating reflective and emissive display elements, or otherwise interspersing reflective and emissive display elements with one another. Images on the amalgamated display may be presented using either reflective or emissive modes or a combination of the two, depending upon factors such as refresh rate, power consumption, presence of color and/or video, and so forth.