Abstract: The present invention presents an apparatus that can be manipulated to provide multiple views to a single camera module. The apparatus includes a cylindrical rotating prism assembly that can be rotated about its vertical axis. A first reflective surface reflects the field of view of a lens assembly 90° along the vertical axis of the cylindrical rotating prism assembly. The camera module is positioned beneath the cylindrical rotating prism assembly to capture an image reflected by the first reflective surface along the vertical axis of the cylindrical rotating prism assembly. An illumination source is positioned above the cylindrical rotating prism assembly and emits an illumination beam along the same vertical axis that is reflected by a second reflective surface through an illumination aperture that illuminates the field of view. The entire assembly can be rotated to take advantage of multiple lens assemblies.

Abstract: An electronic device includes circuitry for carrying out an operation unrelated to camera operation, and camera circuitry for carrying out a camera related operation, the camera circuitry including circuitry for providing autofocus control. The electronic device further includes a camera lens operatively coupled to the camera circuitry, a focus state of the camera lens being controlled by the camera circuitry. In addition, the electronic device includes an operator input operatively coupled to at least the camera circuitry for enabling an operator to provide an input unrelated to focus control of the camera lens in a first operating condition, and to provide a manual focus control input to the camera lens in a second operating condition.

Abstract: A method for providing battery charge current to a portable electronic device having a rechargeable battery. The method includes the steps of providing a power adaptor which connects to a power supply and converts power from the power supply into a battery charge current; providing a cable operative to deliver the battery charge current from the power adaptor to the portable electronic device to charge the rechargeable battery; and providing radio frequency (RF) signals induced onto the cable to an RF receiver input.

Abstract: A hands-free unit mounts to the sun visor in a vehicle and communicates with a remote hands-free unit. The hands-free unit includes a solar panel that is pivotally attached to a hands-free unit. The solar panel moves between a storage position in which the solar panel lies flat against the hands-free unit, and a deployed position in which the solar panel is pivoted away from the hands-free unit. A biasing mechanism urges the solar panel to the deployed position. A latch mechanism can be provided to hold the solar panel in the storage position when the hands-free unit is not being used in a vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic equipment, such as a mobile phone, includes a display for viewing content and/or information, a transducer operable to detect motion of the electronic equipment, and a control circuit for providing information to the display.

Abstract: A rotatable connector comprises a plurality of optically conductive light rings adapted to mount to a first rotatable component; a plurality of light emitters for illuminating said light rings; a plurality of light detectors adapted to mount on a second rotatable component for detecting illumination of the photoconductive rings on the first rotatable component over a predetermined range of rotation.