Abstract: Computing devices and methods for adjusting a driving signal for a haptic trackpad are disclosed. In one example, a computing device comprises a trackpad that comprises a printed circuit board. An accelerometer is affixed to the printed circuit board and a haptic actuator is coupled to the trackpad. A memory stores instructions executable by a processor to drive the haptic actuator to cause a first trackpad acceleration. The accelerometer measures the first trackpad acceleration, and an acceleration variance is determined by comparing the first trackpad acceleration to a target acceleration. The acceleration variance is used to adjust a driving signal for the haptic actuator to an adjusted driving signal. The haptic actuator is driven with the adjusted driving signal to cause a second trackpad acceleration different from the first trackpad acceleration.

Abstract: The described technology provides an apparatus for a computing device. The apparatus includes a touchpad configured to receive a force input, a printed circuit board (PCB) configured below the touchpad, the PCB being supported by a spring mechanism on a backet, and a plurality of sensing pads configured between the PCB and the backet such that an airgap exists between each of the plurality of sensing pads the backet, wherein each of the airgaps between the sensing pads and the backet has a height different than other airgaps.

Abstract: Supplementing the movement stroke of a trackpad with a haptic response is one way to restore some or all of a reduced trackpad feel and overall performance caused by a reduction in the movement stroke. However, incorporating haptic responses in a clickable trackpad may interfere with accurate force measurement using physical movement of the trackpad as a proxy. The following describes haptic trackpads with anisotropic compliant spacers. The disclosed haptic trackpads permit selective haptic responses to a user, while also permitting accurate force measurement using displacement of a sensing surface caused by the user's finger(s) as a proxy.

Abstract: Supplementing the movement stroke of a trackpad with a haptic response is one way to restore some or all of a reduced trackpad feel and overall performance caused by a reduction in the movement stroke. However, incorporating haptic responses in a clickable trackpad may interfere with accurate force measurement using physical movement of the trackpad as a proxy. The following describes haptic trackpads with anisotropic compliant spacers. The disclosed haptic trackpads permit selective haptic responses to a user, while also permitting accurate force measurement using displacement of a sensing surface caused by the user's finger(s) as a proxy.

Abstract: An integrated processing and projection device suitable for use on a supporting surface includes a processor and a projector designed to provide a display on the supporting surface proximate to the device. Various sensors enable object and gesture detection in a detection area in the display area. Trigger zones are defined in the detection area such that interaction of an object or human limb in the detection zone provides object and zone specific feedback by the integrated processing and projection device. The feedback can be provided in the projection area or may be provided as audible or active feedback to a device having active feedback capabilities.

Abstract: An integrated processing and projection device adapted to rest on a supporting surface provides interactivity between users in a projected display area projected by the device on the supporting surface. The integrated processing and projection device includes a processor and a projector designed to provide a display in the display area. Various sensors enable object and gesture detection in the display area. An interactive service, provided using the device or a network connected host, enables users of companion processing devices to interact in the display area of the integrated processing and projection device using the companion devices, via an interface in the display provide by the projector. Users without companion devices can interact with users of companion devices using an interface provided in the display area.

Abstract: An integrated processing and projection device suitable for use on a supporting surface includes a processor and a projector designed to provide a display on the supporting surface proximate to the device. Various sensors enable object and gesture detection in a detection area in the display area. Trigger zones are defined in the detection area such that interaction of an object or human limb in the detection zone provides object and zone specific feedback by the integrated processing and projection device. The feedback can be provided in the projection area or may be provided as audible or active feedback to a device having active feedback capabilities.

Abstract: An integrated processing and projection device adapted to be supported on a supporting surface. The device includes a processor and a projector designed to provide a display on the supporting surface of the device and adjacent to the device. Various sensors enable object and gesture detection in the display area. The technology integrates the various available sensors in the integrated processing and projection device to detect active and passive objects, as well as user gestures, in the display area using various techniques to integrate all available sensors and provide an accurate identification of such objects and gestures. The object and gesture detection may be utilized to provide feedback in the display area regarding the real object in the display area.

Abstract: A portable device capable of drawing power from a battery is provided. In an embodiment, the portable device can be slideably adjusted to be positioned over the positive and negative terminals of any sized battery regardless of the distance or orientation of the positive and negative terminals of the battery. Once positioned over the positive and negative terminals of the battery, the device is capable of drawing power from the battery and stepping down the power or converting the power from DC power to AC power so that the stepped down power or AC power can be used to power a portable device.