Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes an optical device that receives a reflection of an optical signal, wherein the force affects the reflection.

Abstract: A device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes one or more wavelength selective optical carriers that carry optical signals. The force affects one or more optical paths of the optical signals.

Abstract: A stylus pen cap has at least one camera disposed at least partially therein. The pen cap can further include a light source (such as an infrared light source) that directs light outwardly of the pen cap to the stylus. The pen cap can further include an electrical connector that operably couples to the camera(s) and conveys captured-image data to an outboard device of choice. The pen cap can include a pocket clip that comprises the electronic connector. The pocket clip can include a flexible joint (such as but not limited to a universal joint) to thereby permit the camera(s) to be oriented and aimed as desired even while electrically connected to an outboard device.

Abstract: A stylus body has two opposing ends (where a first one of these two ends includes an exposed writing tip) as well as a first sphere and a second sphere. The first sphere is fixed on the stylus body between the two opposing ends thereof. The second sphere is also fixed on the stylus. These two spheres and the exposed writing tip are disposed axially co-linear one to the other. By one approach the foregoing spheres have a reflective external surface. By another approach the foregoing spheres are at least translucent (if not transparent). In this case at least one light source can be disposed internal to the apparatus and configured to emit light through each of the spheres.

Abstract: A stylus pen cap has at least one camera disposed at least partially therein. The pen cap can further include a light source (such as an infrared light source) that directs light outwardly of the pen cap to the stylus. The pen cap can further include an electrical connector that operably couples to the camera(s) and conveys captured-image data to an outboard device of choice. The pen cap can include a pocket clip that comprises the electronic connector. The pocket clip can include a flexible joint (such as but not limited to a universal joint) to thereby permit the camera(s) to be oriented and aimed as desired even while electrically connected to an outboard device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes an optical device that receives a reflection of a pattern on a surface of the touch-sensitive display, wherein the force affects the reflection.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes an optical device that receives a reflection of an optical signal, wherein the force affects the reflection.

Abstract: A device includes a touch-sensitive display and a sensor configured to detect a force that results in depression of the touch-sensitive display. The sensor includes one or more wavelength selective optical carriers that carry optical signals. The force affects one or more optical paths of the optical signals.

Abstract: A device includes a touch-sensitive display having a first location associated with a first threshold and a second location associated with a second threshold. A sensor is configured to detect depression of the touch-sensitive display by detecting a force exerted at a location on the touch-sensitive display The force exerted effects a characteristic of an optical signal. The characteristic is compared to the first threshold when the force is exerted in the first location, and the characteristic is compared to the second threshold when the force is exerted in the second location.

Abstract: An electronic device is described comprising a touch-sensitive display movable, relative to a base, between a first position and a second position. The electronic device includes a deflector that moves the touch-sensitive display at least laterally to the second position when the touch sensitive display is depressed.