Abstract: Architecture for a keyboard that supports the n-key rollover feature, while being compatible with well established, high volume, inexpensive manufacturing techniques. The design is a matrix design that uses resistors at each key rather than diodes, and employs novel circuits which allow any combination of simultaneous key presses to be detected using this resistive matrix. The resistors can be screen printed on the flexible sheets in a manner similar to the conductors. A resistive keyboard matrix employs circuit techniques that eliminate phantom key presses. The resistors can be created by screen-printing carbon ink. Additionally, various implementations of the decoder circuits can be employed to provide the n-key rollover feature on flexible sheets for inexpensive production.

Abstract: Architecture for a keyboard that supports the n-key rollover feature, while being compatible with well established, high volume, inexpensive manufacturing techniques. The design is a matrix design that uses resistors at each key rather than diodes, and employs novel circuits which allow any combination of simultaneous key presses to be detected using this resistive matrix. The resistors can be screen printed on the flexible sheets in a manner similar to the conductors. A resistive keyboard matrix employs circuit techniques that eliminate phantom key presses. The resistors can be created by screen-printing carbon ink. Additionally, various implementations of the decoder circuits can be employed to provide the n-key rollover feature on flexible sheets for inexpensive production.

Abstract: An apparatus measures a fluid level in a container. A light source emits a light beam. A light sensor can sense the light beam. An optical conduit is arranged in a container for holding fluid. The optical conduit is arranged between the light source and the light sensor along a path of the light beam, such that at least one part of the light beam passes through the optical conduit, and at least an other part of the light beam passes through the fluid when the container holds the fluid. The sensor senses the light beam when a level of the fluid coincides with the one part of the light beam passing through the optical conduit, and the sensor does not sense the light beam when the level of the fluid coincides with the other part of the light beam passing through the fluid due to internal reflection at the fluid level.

Abstract: A user interface is configured to detect an attempt to touch a virtual button. The interface includes a first concave mirror facing a second concave mirror. The second concave mirror includes an aperture. A physical control button is arranged proximate to the first mirror and aligned such that an image of the control button in a form of a virtual button appears at the aperture. An attempt to touch the virtual button is detected, and feedback is generated at the virtual button in response to detecting the attempt to touch the virtual button by a user.

Abstract: An appliance control panel detects on ON gesture by a user approximately near a set of electrodes in a surface of the appliance, in which the electrodes sense a capacitive coupling to the user. The appliance is turned on in ON in response to the detecting of the ON gesture by the user. A capacitive coupling substantially near a particular one of the set of electrodes by the user is detected to perform a control action.

Abstract: An apparatus measures a fluid level in a container. A light source emits a light beam. A light sensor can sense the light beam. An optical conduit is arranged in a container for holding fluid. The optical conduit is arranged between the light source and the light sensor along a path of the light beam, such that at least one part of the light beam passes through the optical conduit, and at least an other part of the light beam passes through the fluid when the container holds the fluid. The sensor senses the light beam when a level of the fluid coincides with the one part of the light beam passing through the optical conduit, and the sensor does not sense the light beam when the level of the fluid coincides with the other part of the light beam passing through the fluid due to internal reflection at the fluid level.

Abstract: An optical receiver is arranged at a location in a scene. The optical receiver includes a photo sensor configured to detect spatio-temporal modulated optical signals directed at the scene from a set of spatially dispersed optical transmitters, and to convert the optical signals from each of the optical transmitters to a corresponding electronic signal. The electronic signals can be analyzed to determine geometric properties of the location in the scene.

Abstract: An apparatus senses an object proximate to a laminar fluid flow by using the fluid as part of the sensing system. For more distant objects, an electrical system detects the capacitance between the proximate object and the flowing fluid via an impedance measurement. For objects touching the flow, an optical system detects the loss of total internal reflection. Together, the two systems allow the proximity to be determined over a wide range. A fluid flow is produced through a nozzle. An electrode is placed in the fluid. A complex impedance is measured between the electrode and an object due to capacitive coupling between the object and the fluid flow. The complex impedance is inversely proportional to a distance between the object and the fluid flow and proportional to an area of proximity of the object.