Abstract: The various methods and devices described herein relate to devices which, in at least certain embodiments, may include one or more sensors for providing data relating to user activity and at least one processor for causing the device to respond based on the user activity which was determined, at least in part, through the sensors. The response by the device may include a change of state of the device, and the response may be automatically performed after the user activity is determined.

Abstract: Feedback responsive input arrangements are presented where arrangements includes: a sensor in mechanical communication with a surface layer, the sensor configured to generate electronic signals in response to applied forces exerted upon the surface layer; a processing module configured to convert electronic signals into user-defined programmatic dimensions; and a tactile feedback response component configured to actuate in response to electronic signals. In some embodiments, user defined programmatic dimensions are selected from the group consisting of: a state dimension, a magnitude dimension, and a temporal dimension. In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to process user-defined programmatic dimensions into user-defined programmatic actions. In some embodiments, user-defined programmatic actions are coupled to graphical environments, the graphical environments configured to provide a graphic feedback response based on user-defined programmatic actions.

Abstract: A low power tracking device and a method of use thereof is described. The method includes receiving first tracking information from a first tracking device and periodically determining accuracy of the first tracking information. A second tracking device is activated and used to acquire second tracking information when said determining indicates that the accuracy of the first tracking information is inadequate. The first tracking device is substantially lower power device that the second tracking device.

Abstract: Mechanical overlays for placement over touch sensing devices are disclosed. The mechanical overlays include one or more mechanical actuators that provide touch inputs to the touch sensing devices.

Abstract: A light fixture for illuminating a specific target area is disclosed. The light fixture includes an extended light source that emits light from a surface. The light source emits light from the surface in directions towards the target area and away from the target area. The light fixture also includes a reflector arrangement configured to redirect the light that would otherwise be emitted from the surface of the light source in directions away from the target area to directions towards the target area such that substantially all the light emitted from the light source is made incident in or directed into the target area.

Abstract: Hand held devices with multiple touch sensing devices are disclosed. The touch sensing devices may for example be selected from touch panels, touch screens or touch sensitive housings.

Abstract: A user operated input device is disclosed. The user operated input device includes a housing and a rotary dial positioned relative to an external surface of the housing. The rotary dial provides a control function.

Abstract: Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

Abstract: A control indication assembly. A first control mounted on a surface of a computer is coupled to a first sensor, to a first sensing circuit to send an electrical signal to the first control when a user-touch occurs to the first sensor, and to a first indicator to indicate an occurrence of said user-touch. A second control mounted on a surface of a display which is coupled to the computer is coupled to a second sensor, to a second sensing circuit to send an electrical signal to said second control when said user-touch occurs to the display, and to a second indicator to indicate an occurrence of the user-touch. The first and second control are configured such that the first and second indicator are synchronized to exhibit identical behaviors when the user-touch occurs to either the first control or the second control.

Abstract: A touch panel having a transparent capacitive sensing medium configured to detect multiple touches or near touches that occur at the same time and at distinct locations in the plane of the touch panel and to produce distinct signals representative of the location of the touches on the plane of the touch panel for each of the multiple touches is disclosed.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computer having a display assembly coupled to a base assembly to alternate between a closed position and an open position. Palm rest areas are formed by a touchpad disposed on the surface of the base assembly. In an alternative embodiment, a touchpad disposed on the base assembly has a width that extends substantially into the palm rests areas of the base assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.

Abstract: A user interface method is disclosed. The method includes detecting a touch and then determining a user interface mode when a touch is detected. The method further includes activating one or more GUI elements based on the user interface mode and in response to the detected touch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.

Abstract: An illumination system for a computer system. In one exemplary embodiment, a light guide panel has a first end and a second end, wherein lights from a light source enter the light guide panel from the first end and exit through the second end. A light guide tube is coupled to the second end of the light guide panel. The light guide tube captures the lights that exit the second end and reflecting the lights downward illuminating at least a portion of a keyboard of the computer system. The chassis that houses the display assembly includes a plurality of holes created along the top edge of the chassis wherein the lights captured and reflected by the light guide tube exit through the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A user operated input device is disclosed. The user operated input device includes a housing and a rotary dial positioned relative to an external surface of the housing. The rotary dial provides a control function.