Abstract: Various embodiments concern sensors and other components that can be disposed beneath a variable transparency layer of a mobile device. By modifying how much voltage is applied to the variable transparency layer, a component, such as a camera, can be readily hidden when not in use. More specifically, the variable transparency layer may be substantially opaque when the camera is not in use and at least partially transparent when the camera is in use and ready to capture an image. The opacity level of the variable transparency layer can be modified by a voltage source that is electrically coupled to the variable transparency layer. The various levels of opacity could also enable the variable transparency layer to act as an electronic aperture for the camera.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a mobile device with a light sensor overlaid under a display (e.g., a touchscreen). The mobile device can identify a command to capture an image. The mobile device can adjust at least a target portion of an opaqueness adjustable region of the display directly over the light sensor. The opaqueness adjustable region is capable of transforming from substantially opaque to substantially transparent. The mobile device can capture the image utilizing at least the light sensor while the target portion of the opaqueness adjustable region is substantially transparent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light sensor, such as a camera, records an image through the surface with the residue to produce a stained image. A processor associated with the camera identifies object outlines within the image using a machine learning model, and smooth the colors within the object outlines. In another embodiment, the light sensor is placed beneath a dual-mode region of a display containing the residue. The dual-mode region can be opaque and function as part of the display, or can be transparent and allow environment light to reach the light sensor. Initially, the processor determines the position of the residue by causing the dual-mode region to display a predetermined pattern, while the light sensor records the predetermined pattern. Using the determined position of the residue, the processor corrects the pixels within the residue in the recorded image, by interpolating the values of the pixels outside of the residue.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern techniques for intelligently switching between multiple sources of USB signals. More specifically, user devices are described that include a physical USB port for receiving a USB connector and one or more wireless transceivers that communicate with an accessory. The wireless transceiver(s) may communicate with the accessory using a USB-based protocol (e.g., Wireless USB). The user devices described herein can intelligently switch between these different sources of USB signals so that USB signals can be simultaneously or sequentially received from a peripheral (via the USB port) and an accessory (via the wireless transceiver(s)). In some embodiments, a switching routine is executed (e.g., by a processor or signal switch) that determines which peripheral and/or accessory is connected to a user device at a given point in time.

Abstract: Presented here are manufacturing techniques to create an irregularly shaped electronic display, including a hollow within which a sensor, such as a camera, can be placed. The manufacturing techniques enable the creation of the hollow anytime during the manufacturing process. The resulting electronic display occupies the full side of the mobile device, with the sensors placed within and surrounded by the display.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a wireless accessory bus for a user device that enables accessories to be easily and securely attached to the user device. More specifically, the wireless accessory bus enables data to be wirelessly transmitted between the accessory and the user device when the accessory and the user device are located within close proximity to one another (e.g., when the accessory is securely attached to the wireless accessory bus). Power could also be wirelessly transferred from the user device to the accessory (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the user device includes fastening component(s) (e.g., magnets) that allow the user device and the accessory to be magnetically secured to one another. The accessory typically enables the user device to readily utilize a new functionality or an improvement to an existing functionality.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern sensors and other components that can be disposed beneath a variable transparency layer of a mobile device. By modifying how much voltage is applied to the variable transparency layer, a component, such as a camera, can be readily hidden when not in use. More specifically, the variable transparency layer may be substantially opaque when the camera is not in use and at least partially transparent when the camera is in use and ready to capture an image. The opacity level of the variable transparency layer can be modified by a voltage source that is electrically coupled to the variable transparency layer. The various levels of opacity could also enable the variable transparency layer to act as an electronic aperture for the camera.

Abstract: A mobile device can include electronic circuitry and a chassis shell adapted to protect the electronic circuitry. The chassis shell includes an opening exposing a tray inside the mobile device. The tray can include an external card slot and a patterned wall. The tray can be disposed within a cavity of a support structure of the mobile device. An input/output (I/O) component, such as a speaker, and a card reader can also be disposed within the cavity. The I/O component can communicate via at least a hole in the patterned wall (e.g., a speaker grill).

Abstract: A mobile device can include electronic circuitry and a chassis shell adapted to protect the electronic circuitry. The chassis shell includes an opening exposing a tray inside the mobile device. The tray can include an external card slot and a patterned wall. The tray can be disposed within a cavity of a support structure of the mobile device. An input/output (I/O) component, such as a speaker, and a card reader can also be disposed within the cavity. The I/O component can communicate via at least a hole in the patterned wall (e.g., a speaker grill).

Abstract: Various embodiments concern fingerprint sensors for mobile devices. By modifying one or more layers of a display assembly, a fingerprint sensor can be positioned directly beneath the display. For example, the air gap within the backlight structure could be replaced by an optically clear adhesive that allows waves emitted by a fingerprint sensor to properly propagate through the display assembly. In some embodiments, a fingerprint sensor is set within a recess in the display assembly. For example, a depression could be created in the protective substrate, and the fingerprint sensor could be set within the depression using an optically clear adhesive. The functionality of a fingerprint sensor could also be replicated by increasing the density of touch-sensing elements in certain areas of a display assembly that utilizes in-cell technology.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an imaging device having a wide field of view configured to connect to another device. According to one embodiment, the wide field of view camera can include an array of cameras for recording a wide view (e.g., 360° view) of the surrounding environment and generate a 360° image of the surrounding environment. The wide field of view camera can be configured to connect and/or attach to another device, including a mobile device. Embodiments include a wired or wireless connection mechanism to facilitate communication between the wide field of view camera and another device. The connection mechanism may enable transmission of data associated with the wide field of view camera to another device. Embodiments include an attachment mechanism to fasten the wide field of view camera to another device.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include generating a virtual sound field based on data from an ambisonic recording device. The ambisonic device records sound of a surrounding environment using at least four microphones having a tetrahedral orientation. An omnidirectional microphone having an audio-isolated portion can be used to isolate sound from a particular direction. Sound received from the plurality of microphones can be used to generate a virtual sound field. The virtual sound field include a dataset indicating a pressure signal and a plurality of velocity vectors. The ambisonic recording device can include a wide angle camera and generate wide angle video corresponding to the virtual sound field.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern fingerprint sensors for mobile devices. By modifying one or more layers of a display assembly, a fingerprint sensor can be positioned directly beneath the display. For example, the air gap within the backlight structure could be replaced by an optically clear adhesive that allows waves emitted by a fingerprint sensor to properly propagate through the display assembly. In some embodiments, a fingerprint sensor is set within a recess in the display assembly. For example, a depression could be created in the protective substrate, and the fingerprint sensor could be set within the depression using an optically clear adhesive. The functionality of a fingerprint sensor could also be replicated by increasing the density of touch-sensing elements in certain areas of a display assembly that utilizes in-cell technology.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light sensor, such as a camera, records an image through the surface with the residue to produce a stained image. A processor associated with the camera identifies object outlines within the image using a machine learning model, and smooth the colors within the object outlines. In another embodiment, the light sensor is placed beneath a dual-mode region of a display containing the residue. The dual-mode region can be opaque and function as part of the display, or can be transparent and allow environment light to reach the light sensor. Initially, the processor determines the position of the residue by causing the dual-mode region to display a predetermined pattern, while the light sensor records the predetermined pattern. Using the determined position of the residue, the processor corrects the pixels within the residue in the recorded image, by interpolating the values of the pixels outside of the residue.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a mobile device with a light sensor overlaid under a display (e.g., a touchscreen). The mobile device can identify a command to capture an image. The mobile device can adjust at least a target portion of an opaqueness adjustable region of the display directly over the light sensor. The opaqueness adjustable region is capable of transforming from substantially opaque to substantially transparent. The mobile device can capture the image utilizing at least the light sensor while the target portion of the opaqueness adjustable region is substantially transparent.

Abstract: Presented here are devices and methods to correct ambient light measurements made in the presence of optical elements, such as the curved edge of the cover glass associated with the mobile device. In one embodiment, a film with optical properties is placed within the ambient light sensor to diffuse the high-intensity light beam coming from the optical element. In another embodiment, an aperture associated with the ambient light sensor is disposed to prevent the high-intensity light beam from entering the ambient light sensor. In another embodiment, a processor coupled to the ambient light sensor smooths the peak associated with the high intensity light beam produced by the optical element.

Abstract: The technology disclosed here maximizes the size of the display area associated with the mobile device by various camera placement. In one embodiment, the camera is placed inside the mobile device, and can pop outside the mobile device when the camera is activated. When the camera is inactive the camera retracts inside the mobile device, and becomes unnoticeable to the user. In another embodiment, the camera is integrated into the mobile device display as a camera icon. The integrated camera serves two purposes: to record pictures, and to act as a camera icon, that when selected activates the camera. By removing the camera from the front side of the mobile device, or by integrating the camera into the display screen of the mobile device, the size of the mobile device display screen can be increased.

Abstract: Presented here are manufacturing techniques to create an irregularly shaped electronic display, including a hollow within which a sensor, such as a camera, can be placed. The manufacturing techniques enable the creation of the hollow anytime during the manufacturing process. The resulting electronic display occupies the full side of the mobile device, with the sensors placed within and surrounded by the display.

Abstract: The technology disclosed here integrates a light sensor with a dual-mode display, thus increasing the size of the dual-mode display. The light sensor can be a camera, an ambient sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. The light sensor is placed beneath the dual-mode display and can detect incoming light while the dual-mode display is displaying a display image. The dual-mode display and the light sensor can operate at the same time. For example, a camera placed beneath the dual-mode display can record an image of the environment, while at the same time the dual-mode display is showing the display image. Further, multiple light sensors can be placed at various locations beneath the dual-mode display.

Abstract: Techniques are described for mounting a display and/or display cover to a housing of a display device, such as a mobile phone. In an embodiment, the housing and display cover include chamfered edges at complementary angles to allow for an “edge-to-edge” display. The display cover and housing are affixed to each other at the chamfered edges using curable liquid adhesive.