Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses enabling a wearable haptic device for the visually impaired. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, both to receive information, such as through haptic projections providing Braille symbols from their devices, and to make selections for their devices, such as through haptic guides. The techniques may also enable users to better move from place to place by providing haptic output indicating objects and impediments to the user of the wearable haptic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adjust portable electronic device operation based on ambient temperature. A user input of a desired performance mode of a portable electronic device can be received. An ambient temperature in an environment surrounding the portable electronic device can be determined. A device temperature mitigation threshold value can be set based on the ambient temperature and based on the desired performance mode. Portable electronic device operation can be adjusted based on the portable electronic device temperature exceeding the device temperature mitigation threshold value.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling haptic guides for a touch-sensitive display. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, including to make touch selections for their devices.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a pliable casing that enables the electronic device to be configured in at least two different shapes. The two different shapes include a first shape that aligns the electronic device to a second electronic device having a set physical shape and a second shape that has at least one different physical configuration of the casing relative to the first shape. Electronic circuitry is located within the pliable casing that operates to provide at least one functional feature associated with the electronic device. A display screen is embedded in the pliable casing and displays data or images corresponding to the functional feature. A communication mechanism enables information exchange with the host device when the electronic device is brought in communication range of the host device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a wearable haptic and touch communication device. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, both to receive information from their devices and to make selections for their devices. The techniques may also enable users to interact with mobile devices without the aid of visual display or audio output.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a pliable casing that enables the electronic device to be configured in at least two different shapes. The two different shapes include a first shape that aligns the electronic device to a second electronic device having a set physical shape and a second shape that has at least one different physical configuration of the casing relative to the first shape. Electronic circuitry is located within the pliable casing that operates to provide at least one functional feature associated with the electronic device. A display screen is embedded in the pliable casing and displays data or images corresponding to the functional feature. A communication mechanism enables information exchange with the host device when the electronic device is brought in communication range of the host device.

Abstract: A device includes a tray including first and second support plates and a body having first and second surfaces. A portion of the body electrically isolates the first support plate from the second support plate and a first recess is defined in the body. A circuit board includes first contacts positioned proximate the first recess.

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a wearable haptic device for the visually impaired. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, both to receive information, such as through haptic projections providing Braille symbols from their devices, and to make selections for their devices, such as through haptic guides. The techniques may also enable users to better move from place to place by providing haptic output indicating objects and impediments to the user of the wearable haptic device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling a wearable haptic and touch communication device. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, both to receive information from their devices and to make selections for their devices. The techniques may also enable users to interact with mobile devices without the aid of visual display or audio output.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and apparatuses enabling haptic guides for a touch-sensitive display. The techniques enable users to interact with their mobile devices using haptics, including to make touch selections for their devices.

Abstract: In embodiments of battery charging interrupt, a device (102) includes a capacitive touch interface (104), a battery (110), and a charging circuit (108) that charges the battery when the device is coupled to a power supply (114). A touch detection system (106) detects a conductive contact on the capacitive touch interface of the device, and the touch detection system determines a level of noise on the capacitive touch interface. The level of noise may increase due to the conductive contact on the touch interface while charging the battery. A device controller (126) determines a charge level of the battery. The device controller can then interrupt charging the battery when the level of the noise exceeds a noise level threshold (128) and when the charge level of the battery exceeds a minimum charge level.

Abstract: A rechargeable touch sensor equipped device (102) is adapted to identify (1008) each of multiple external charging devices (118, 120, 122, 602) by an ID or other information received through an interface (230, 630) or to infer the identity (1020) based on location information derived from received wireless signals, the time and/or day. The rechargeable touch sensor equipped device (102) determines (1026) and records (1028) a touch screen operating frequency to be used when coupled to each external charging device (118, 120, 122, 602) at each battery charge state (or other indication of power draw) and in this way mitigates the adverse effect of variable charger generated noise on the operation of the touch screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adjust portable electronic device operation based on ambient temperature. A user input of a desired performance mode of a portable electronic device can be received. An ambient temperature in an environment surrounding the portable electronic device can be determined. A device temperature mitigation threshold value can be set based on the ambient temperature and based on the desired performance mode. Portable electronic device operation can be adjusted based on the portable electronic device temperature exceeding the device temperature mitigation threshold value.

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

Abstract: A rechargeable touch sensor equipped device (102) is adapted to identify (1008) each of multiple external charging devices (118, 120, 122, 602) by an ID or other information received through an interface (230, 630) or to infer the identity (1020) based on location information derived from received wireless signals, the time and/or day. The rechargeable touch sensor equipped device (102) determines (1026) and records (1028) a touch screen operating frequency to be used when coupled to each external charging device (118, 120, 122, 602) at each battery charge state (or other indication of power draw) and in this way mitigates the adverse effect of variable charger generated noise on the operation of the touch screen.

Abstract: A user interface (301) comprises a layered structure defining one or more keys (302,303,304). The layers can include a top layer (331), a base layer (335), and an interior layer (332) disposed therebetween. One or more layers are pliant and can be compressed. Magnetically permeable materials (308,309) form a closed loop (310). A corresponding coil (311) is operable with the loop. Electrical properties of the closed loop change in response to user input. A control unit (312) is then configured to detect a change in the electrical properties when the pliant material is compressed. Where the change is greater than a predefined threshold, the control unit (312) discharges an energy storage device into the coil to provide a haptic response (109).

Abstract: Touch-screen controllers, particularly those in mobile telephones, are prone to erratic behavior when the mobile telephone is plugged into devices, such as AC power adapters, that create electrical noise. To more intelligently mitigate noise in these and other electronic devices that include capacitive touch-screen displays, the present inventors devised, among other things, a touch-screen controller that measures noise level in the touch-screen display and increases its drive voltage only when necessary to exceed the measured noise level, thereby reducing the chance of noise signals being misinterpreted as touch events while also reducing power consumption over prior techniques. Moreover, for electronic devices that include radio receivers, intelligently increasing the touch-screen voltages based on measured noise, avoids the sensitivity-reduction (desense) issues that providing constant higher operating voltage creates.

Abstract: In embodiments of battery charging interrupt, a device (102) includes a capacitive touch interface (104), a battery (110), and a charging circuit (108) that charges the battery when the device is coupled to a power supply (114). A touch detection system (106) detects a conductive contact on the capacitive touch interface of the device, and the touch detection system determines a level of noise on the capacitive touch interface. The level of noise may increase due to the conductive contact on the touch interface while charging the battery. A device controller (126) determines a charge level of the battery. The device controller can then interrupt charging the battery when the level of the noise exceeds a noise level threshold (128) and when the charge level of the battery exceeds a minimum charge level.