Abstract: The invention refers to electrically controlled optical switching devices which are based on the use of a layer of dielectric and transparent viscoelastic material (C) located between transparent first (ES1) and transparent second (ES2) electrode structures. According to the invention, the first (ES1) and second (ES2) electrode structures are arranged in a manner that the thickness of the layer of the viscoelastic material (G) can he electrically altered maintaining the thickness of said layer substantially equal. This makes it possible to realize a generic, electrically controlled variable thickness plate (30). The generic variable thickness plate (30) can be further used to create optical switching devices based on a Fabry Perot Interferometer or a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the displaying of information in an electronic device comprising means for displaying visual information. In the method, the distance between the user and the electronic device is measured, and the size of information to be displayed on the display is changed when the distance between the user and the electronic device is changed. The invention also relates to an electronic device comprising means for displaying visual information. The electronic device also comprises means for measuring the distance between the user and the electronic device, and means for changing the size of displayed information when the distance between the user and the electronic device is changed.