Abstract: An electronic device can utilize one or more sensors and/or imaging elements to determine the relative position of at least one light source relative to the device. In various embodiments, occlusions can be used to cause shadows to be cast on certain sensors. By determining the relative position of each occlusion relative to the sensor, the device can determine an approximate direction of the light source. Utilizing the relative position of a light source, the electronic device can properly light or shade a graphical object to be rendered by the device or otherwise process image information captured by the device.

Abstract: An optically transmissive element of a computing device can be used to enable touch input. One or more light sources, such as infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LEDs), can direct radiation into an edge or side of the transmissive element and direct light to reflect from at least one other side or edge using total internal reflection (TIR). If a user places a finger at a position where the light reflects from an edge of the element, a portion of the light will be transmitted out of the element causing a reduction in the amount of light received to one or more light sensors. By monitoring losses for one or more light sources across one or more light sensors, locations at which losses occur can be determined. These locations can correspond to various types of user input.

Abstract: A cover glass element can extend to the edges of an electronic device while maintaining the optical flatness and thickness needed for the cover glass. A first glass sheet with the desired thickness and flatness can be thermally bonded to a second glass sheet machined to include an opening to be received by the edges of the electronic device. The resulting three-dimensional cover element forms a uni-body frame that is significantly stiffer than a single sheet of glass, and the larger surface area of the edge provides for enhances pressure distribution, particularly after chemical strengthening, thus enhancing the durability of the electronic device. Further, the thermal bonding process uses lower temperatures than processes such as slumping or pressing, which could potentially affect the flatness and optical clarity of the original sheet glass.

Abstract: A user of a computing device can be authenticated using image information captured by at least one camera of the computing device. In addition to analyzing the image information using a facial recognition algorithm, for example, variations in color of a portion of the captured image information corresponding to a user's face can be monitored over a period of time. The variations can be analyzed to determine whether the captured image information likely corresponds to an actual human user instead of a representation (e.g., photo) of a human user, such as where the chroma variations in at least a red channel occur with an oscillation frequency and amplitude consistent with changes due to a pulse or heartbeat.

Abstract: Stereo imaging can be provided on an electronic device without the need for two matched, high resolution, large format cameras. In various embodiments, two or more cameras of disparate types can be used to capture stereoscopic images. Various processing algorithms can be used to adjust aspects such as the effective pixel size and depth of focus in order to provide for sufficient information to generate three-dimensional images without significant artifacts resulting from differences in the mismatched cameras.

Abstract: The experience of a user of a computing device for tasks such as videoconferencing and video chat can be improved by integrating a camera in a display screen of the computing device, which can enable the user to appear to be looking at the camera (and thus other users on the video session) while still looking at the display screen. The camera can be configured to look in between and/or through pixel elements of the display screen. In at least some embodiments the camera can be synchronized with the duty cycle of the display screen to capture image information between duty cycles of the display screen, such that the light from the display does not saturate the camera. Microlens arrays, diffractive lenses, and other such elements can be used to capture the light available through the display screen.

Abstract: An electronic device can attempt to capture at least one image including at least a portion of a user's ear when the user utilizes the electronic device for certain purposes, such as to receive a call or listen to an audio file. In some embodiments, the device analyzes the captured information to determine whether the user is holding the device near the user's right ear or left ear, and adjusts functionality of the device based at least in part upon how the user is likely holding the phone. In other embodiments, the device attempts to recognize the user based on ear shape or other parameters, and can provide customized functionality of the device based at least upon that determination.

Abstract: Image information displayed on an electronic device can be modified based at least in part upon a relative position of a user with respect to a device. Mapping, topological or other types of positional data can be used to render image content from a perspective that is consistent with a viewing angle for the current relative position of the user. As that viewing angle changes, as a result of movement of the user and/or the device, the content can be re-rendered or otherwise updated to display the image content from a perspective that reflects the change in viewing angle. Simulations of effects such as parallax and occlusions can be used with the change in perspective to provide a consistent user experience that provides a sense of three-dimensional content even when that content is rendered on a two-dimensional display. Lighting, shading and/or other effects can be used to enhance the experience.

Abstract: The ability of a user to provide input when using a touch screen or other such element of a computing device can be improved by correcting for parallax errors. A camera of the computing device can determine the relative position of the user's head or eyes with respect to the device, and determine a viewing perspective of the user with respect to content displayed on the touch screen. Using the perspective direction and information about the dimensions of the touch screen, the device can determine an amount and direction of parallax error, and can make adjustments to remove or minimize that error. The device can cause the position of the displayed graphical elements to shift and/or can adjust the mappings of the touch sensitive regions that correspond to the graphical elements. Such an approach enables the graphical elements and touch mappings to align from the current perspective of the user.

Abstract: Devices such as electronic book readers, tablet computers, laptops, and so forth may use reflective liquid crystal display (“LCD”) technologies. Described herein are devices and methods for illuminating the reflective LCD with a light guide panel. The light guide panel is configured with diffractive or other optical features configured to distribute light to the reflective LCD. A directive reflector may be arranged behind the reflective LCD to improve overall reflectivity by directing impinging light such that optical obstructions such as transistors and electrical traces within the reflective LCD are avoided.

Abstract: A cover glass element can extend to the edges of an electronic device while maintaining the optical flatness and thickness needed for the cover glass. A first glass sheet with the desired thickness and flatness can be thermally bonded to a second glass sheet machined to include an opening to be received by the edges of the electronic device. The resulting three-dimensional cover element forms a uni-body frame that is significantly stiffer than a single sheet of glass, and the larger surface area of the edge provides for enhances pressure distribution, particularly after chemical strengthening, thus enhancing the durability of the electronic device. Further, the thermal bonding process uses lower temperatures than processes such as slumping or pressing, which could potentially affect the flatness and optical clarity of the original sheet glass.

Abstract: A user of a computing device can be authenticated using image information captured by at least one camera of the computing device. In addition to analyzing the image information using a facial recognition algorithm, for example, variations in color of a portion of the captured image information corresponding to a user's face can be monitored over a period of time. The variations can be analyzed to determine whether the captured image information likely corresponds to an actual human user instead of a representation (e.g., photo) of a human user, such as where the chroma variations in at least a red channel occur with an oscillation frequency and amplitude consistent with changes due to a pulse or heartbeat.

Abstract: Stereo imaging can be provided on an electronic device without the need for two matched, high resolution, large format cameras. In various embodiments, two or more cameras of disparate types can be used to capture stereoscopic images. Various processing algorithms can be used to adjust aspects such as the effective pixel size and depth of focus in order to provide for sufficient information to generate three-dimensional images without significant artifacts resulting from differences in the mismatched cameras.

Abstract: The visible presence of one or more cameras of a computing device can be minimized or otherwise reduced using a aperture. A front aperture can be used with one or more cameras, where the piece providing the aperture can be colored to match a color of a surrounding portion of the device, such as a portion of a display window or cover glass of the device. The aperture can enable the associated camera to capture light passing through the aperture, while hiding the camera from the view of the user to the extent practical. In cases where the user might want to know where to look, one or more indicia can be provided by the device to notify the user of the location of the camera(s).

Abstract: The ability of a user to provide input when using a touch screen or other such element of a computing device can be improved by correcting for parallax errors. A camera of the computing device can determine the relative position of the user's head or eyes with respect to the device, and determine a viewing perspective of the user with respect to content displayed on the touch screen. Using the perspective direction and information about the dimensions of the touch screen, the device can determine an amount and direction of parallax error, and can make adjustments to remove or minimize that error. The device can cause the position of the displayed graphical elements to shift and/or can adjust the mappings of the touch sensitive regions that correspond to the graphical elements. Such an approach enables the graphical elements and touch mappings to align from the current perspective of the user.

Abstract: A user interface can enable a user to control the display of content in a way that is natural for the user and requires little physical interaction. The gaze direction and/or viewing location of a user can be determined using any of a variety of imaging or other such technologies. By determining the location at which the user is gazing, an electronic device can control aspects such as the scroll rate or page turns of displayed content. In many cases, a device utilizes the natural reading or viewing style of a user to determine appropriate aspects for that user, and can update automatically as conditions change based at least in part upon the change in gaze location and/or viewing patterns.

Abstract: A cover glass element can extend to the edges of an electronic device while maintaining the optical flatness and thickness needed for the cover glass. A first glass sheet with the desired thickness and flatness can be thermally bonded to a second glass sheet machined to include an opening to be received by the edges of the electronic device. The resulting three-dimensional cover element forms a uni-body frame that is significantly stiffer than a single sheet of glass, and the larger surface area of the edge provides for enhances pressure distribution, particularly after chemical strengthening, thus enhancing the durability of the electronic device. Further, the thermal bonding process uses lower temperatures than processes such as slumping or pressing, which could potentially affect the flatness and optical clarity of the original sheet glass.

Abstract: Image information displayed on an electronic device can be modified based at least in part upon a relative position of a user with respect to a device. Mapping, topological or other types of positional data can be used to render image content from a perspective that is consistent with a viewing angle for the current relative position of the user. As that viewing angle changes, as a result of movement of the user and/or the device, the content can be re-rendered or otherwise updated to display the image content from a perspective that reflects the change in viewing angle. Simulations of effects such as parallax and occlusions can be used with the change in perspective to provide a consistent user experience that provides a sense of three-dimensional content even when that content is rendered on a two-dimensional display. Lighting, shading and/or other effects can be used to enhance the experience.

Abstract: A user interface can enable a user to control the display of content in a way that is natural for the user and requires little physical interaction. The gaze direction and/or viewing location of a user can be determined using any of a variety of imaging or other such technologies. By determining the location at which the user is gazing, an electronic device can control aspects such as the scroll rate or page turns of displayed content. In many cases, a device utilizes the natural reading or viewing style of a user to determine appropriate aspects for that user, and can update automatically as conditions change based at least in part upon the change in gaze location and/or viewing patterns.

Abstract: A device and method for optically converting a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image includes a camera, a lighting source and a concentric-shaped mirror positioned about a concentric inspection surface of an object to be inspected. A planar image of the object inspection surface about 360 degrees is generated and inspected for defects, marking indicia or other qualities of interest without having to rotate the camera or object.