Abstract: The method simplifies the formation of groups of devices in secure spaces. Such spaces may be passenger compartments of vehicles, and the passenger compartments can additionally be partitioned into zones. Each zone can be allocated a group. For instance, driver and front-seat passenger can be allocated to one group. The travelers in the rear seat-rows can be allocated to another group. This allows data exchange with driver and front-seat passenger that relates to the vehicle route or even relates to vehicle assistance systems. The other group, for instance, children travelling in the vehicle, can share other data, for instance, for entertainment purposes. The acceptance of systems offered in the vehicle can be increased by simple group formation.

Abstract: System and method for detecting an input for an apparatus inside a vehicle, wherein at least one moving user device generates a changing electromagnetic field. A detection unit detects at least one field parameter of the electromagnetic field, wherein the detected field parameter is a function of the geometric arrangement of the user device relative to the detection unit. A radio signature of the user device is determined based on the detected field parameters, and a signature sequence is determined based on a sequence of time-sequentially determined radio signatures of the user device. The determined signature sequence is then assigned to an input gesture, and whereby, based on the input gesture, a signal is generated and output.

Abstract: The method simplifies the formation of groups of devices in secure spaces. Such spaces may be passenger compartments of vehicles, and the passenger compartments can additionally be partitioned into zones. Each zone can be allocated a group. For instance, driver and front-seat passenger can be allocated to one group. The travelers in the rear seat-rows can be allocated to another group. This allows data exchange with driver and front-seat passenger that relates to the vehicle route or even relates to vehicle assistance systems. The other group, for instance, children travelling in the vehicle, can share other data, for instance, for entertainment purposes. The acceptance of systems offered in the vehicle can be increased by simple group formation.

Abstract: System and method for detecting an input for an apparatus inside a vehicle, wherein at least one moving user device generates a changing electromagnetic field. A detection unit detects at least one field parameter of the electromagnetic field, wherein the detected field parameter is a function of the geometric arrangement of the user device relative to the detection unit. A radio signature of the user device is determined based on the detected field parameters, and a signature sequence is determined based on a sequence of time-sequentially determined radio signatures of the user device. The determined signature sequence is then assigned to an input gesture, and whereby, based on the input gesture, a signal is generated and output.

Abstract: A physical keyboard having a plurality of individual keys temporarily overlays a touch-sensitive display. Each individual key selectively provides either of a first level of capacitive coupling and a second, different level of capacitive coupling to the touch-sensitive display. By one approach the key provides that first level of capacitive coupling to the touch-sensitive display when a user asserts the key (for example, by pressing upon the key) to thereby communicate to the touch-sensitive display a selection of that individual key. The key can provide that second level of capacitive coupling when a user touches, but does not assert, the individual key. So configured, this second level of capacitive coupling serves to communicate to the touch-sensitive display an input instruction other than a selection of that individual key.

Abstract: A physical keyboard having a plurality of individual keys temporarily overlays a touch-sensitive display. Each individual key selectively provides either of a first level of capacitive coupling and a second, different level of capacitive coupling to the touch-sensitive display. By one approach the key provides that first level of capacitive coupling to the touch-sensitive display when a user asserts the key (for example, by pressing upon the key) to thereby communicate to the touch-sensitive display a selection of that individual key. The key can provide that second level of capacitive coupling when a user touches, but does not assert, the individual key. So configured, this second level of capacitive coupling serves to communicate to the touch-sensitive display an input instruction other than a selection of that individual key.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism (10) for opening and closing an appliance, said mechanism comprising at least one first (15) and a second (16) base part which are arranged so as to move relative to one another around a common axis of rotation (D, d) and can be put into a first and a second end position, where the path of motion of the base parts, which is situated between the two positions, is covered automatically by means of a spring tension which is exerted by a spring element (17) and which is initially set up manually, one end of the spring element being fixed on a first base part and the other end being fixed on a second base part. It is an object of the invention to provide a relatively simple and relatively small-construction mechanism for opening and closing an appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding mechanism for portable appliances, comprising a first appliance part, for example a lower shell, and a second appliance part, for example an upper shell, the lower shell and upper shell being mutually movably arranged such that they can occupy a first and a second end position in relation to each other under the guidance of a control mechanism defining the direction of movement. At least one spring element is also provided, said spring element having a first articulation point associated with the lower shell and a second articulation point associated with the upper shell, optionally by means of intermediate components. The relative movement of an appliance part from an end position to a force reversal point creates a spring tension of the spring element which drives the appliance part into the other end position thereof. The aim of the invention is to create a novel sliding mechanism for portable appliances with a compact structure.

Abstract: A pressure contact for making an electrical connection with another contact has two end parts spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, a central spring section having a midpoint lying on the longitudinal axis, a plurality of side spring sections at least one of which extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of loops between and connecting the spring sections. The central and side spring sections together with the loops form a meander spring so that displacement of one of the end parts longitudinally toward the other end part tensions the meander spring.

Abstract: A portable device has a pair of parts shiftable relative to each other between two offset end positions and connected together by a spring mechanism having the invention respective pivots on the parts and a C-shaped spring having opposite ends. One of the ends is secured to one of the pivots, and the other of the spring ends is directly or indirectly connected to the other pivot such that the spring is pivoted about the one pivot on movement of the parts between the end positions and is more tensioned as the parts move through a metastable position between the end positions than when the parts are in the end positions.

Abstract: A pressure contact for making an electrical connection with another contact has two end parts spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, a central spring section having a midpoint lying on the longitudinal axis, a plurality of side spring sections at least one of which extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of loops between and connecting the spring sections. The central and side spring sections together with the loops form a meander spring so that displacement of one of the end parts longitudinally toward the other end part tensions the meander spring.