Abstract: Various embodiments of inductor coils, antennas, and transmission bases configured for wireless electrical energy transmission are provided. These embodiments are configured to wirelessly transmit or receive electrical energy or data via near field magnetic coupling. The embodiments of inductor coils comprise a figure eight configuration that improve efficiency of wireless transmission efficiency. The embodiments of the transmission base are configured with at least one transmitting antenna and a transmitting electrical circuit positioned within the transmission base. The transmission base is configured so that at least one electronic device can be wirelessly electrically charged or powered by positioning the at least one device in contact with or adjacent to the transmission base.

Abstract: The technology provides a mobile communication device having separable components, including a control module configured for only short-range wireless communication and a docking station module configured for both long-range wireless communication and short-range wireless communication. The control module includes a touch-sensitive display, a short-range wireless transceiver and a processor that electrically couples the touch-sensitive display and the short-range wireless transceiver. The docking station module includes a docking area that receives the control module, a docking short-range wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the control module, a long-range wireless transceiver that is configured to communicate with a long-range network and a docking processor that electrically couples the docking short-range wireless transceiver and the long-range wireless transceiver. The technology provides a sleek light-weight control module having full functionality of the docking station module.

Abstract: A wireless electrical energy transmission system is provided. The system comprises a wireless transmission base configured to wirelessly transmit electrical energy or data via near field magnetic coupling to a receiving antenna configured within an electronic device. The wireless electrical energy transmission system is configured with at least one transmitting antenna and a transmitting electrical circuit positioned within the transmission base. The transmission base is configured so that at least one electronic device can be wirelessly electrically charged or powered by positioning the at least one device external and adjacent to the transmission base.

Abstract: A backward compatible five-contact audio plug and jack system that provides for connecting to five separate channels of an audio accessory including two speaker channels and two microphone channels. The audio plug includes an added smaller diameter ring contact positioned within a longitudinal position normally occupied by tip contact of a conventional 4-contact audio plug and specifically located within 5.1 mm of a tip of the five-contact audio plug. The jack contact for the tip contact of the plug and the jack contact for the added smaller diameter ring contact are within 4.75 mm of each other, preferably at a distance between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mmm. The smaller diameter ring contact has a maximum diameter that is smaller than a maximum diameter of the tip contact specified in ITU P.381 standard which is 3.05 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method in an electronic device provide for controlling a camera, wherein the camera can selectively operate in a first focus mode and in a second focus mode. The first focus mode is initially selected. In response to detecting a state of the electronic device, the second focus mode is selected. The first focus mode can be an autofocus mode. The second focus mode can be an extended depth of field mode, wherein software processing is used to extend the focus range of the camera. The detected state of the electronic device can be a previous user selection, a low power mode, or a continued request for taking photographs following taking a photograph in the autofocus mode.

Abstract: An input device includes an electrical isolator disposed on a base, the electrical isolator comprising at least a first element extending away from the base. A first actuator is disposed on the base and on a first side of the first element and is configured to provide first tactile feedback. A second actuator is disposed on the base and on a second side of the first element and is configured to provide second tactile feedback. A touch sensor is disposed with the first actuator and the second actuator and is arranged to provide touch data such that input is provided based on the touch data.

Abstract: A backward compatible five-contact audio plug and jack system that provides for connecting to five separate channels of an audio accessory including two speaker channels and two microphone channels. The audio plug includes an added smaller diameter ring contact positioned within a longitudinal position normally occupied by tip contact of a conventional 4-contact audio plug and specifically located within 5.1 mm of a tip of the five-contact audio plug. The jack contact for the tip contact of the plug and the jack contact for the added smaller diameter ring contact are within 4.75 mm of each other, preferably at a distance between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mmm. The smaller diameter ring contact has a maximum diameter that is smaller than a maximum diameter of the tip contact specified in ITU P.381 standard which is 3.05 mm.

Abstract: A keypad apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example keypad apparatus includes an electrical switch and a carrier composed of a plastic resin. The carrier has conductive traces printed thereon to couple the electrical switch to a circuit board via interference.

Abstract: A user input device, a portable electronic device including the user input device, and an operating method therefor, manages multiple modes of the user input device based on detected force and direction of tilt. The user input device includes a base member with top surface. A sensor touchpad module is disposed above the top surface of the base member. A plurality of pressure sensors is disposed between the base member and the sensor touchpad module. A processor manages a set of user input modes based on whether at least one of a first set of signals associated with a first user input mode and a second set of signals associated with a second user input mode has been detected.

Abstract: UICC apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example UICC apparatus disclosed herein includes a contact pad having a plurality of electrical contacts positioned or oriented to define a plurality of electrical contact patterns. The plurality of electrical contact patterns defining at least a first electrical contact pattern to communicate with a first input device and a second electrical contact pattern to communicate with a second input device, where the first input device has a dimensional profile that is different than a dimensional profile of the second input device.

Abstract: A keypad apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example keypad apparatus includes an electrical switch and a carrier composed of a plastic resin. The carrier has conductive traces printed thereon to couple the electrical switch to a circuit board via interference.

Abstract: UICCs are disclosed herein. An example UICC includes a body a body having a height between approximately 10.9 millimeters and 11.1 millimeters and a width between approximately 8.9 millimeters and 9.1 millimeters.

Abstract: Optical touch sensors are disclosed herein. An example optical touch sensor includes a plurality of optical transmitters arranged to emit light generally in a first direction and a plurality of optical receivers. At least one optical transmitter corresponds with each of the plurality of optical receivers. The sensor also includes an optical guide comprising a plurality of optical channels arranged in the first direction, where the optical guide provides a protective cover for the plurality of optical transmitters and the plurality of optical receivers.

Abstract: UICC apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example UICC apparatus disclosed herein includes a contact pad having a plurality of electrical contacts positioned or oriented to define a plurality of electrical contact patterns. The plurality of electrical contact patterns defining at least a first electrical contact pattern to communicate with a first input device and a second electrical contact pattern to communicate with a second input device, where the first input device has a dimensional profile that is different than a dimensional profile of the second input device.

Abstract: UICCs are disclosed herein. An example UICC includes a body a body having a height between approximately 10.9 millimeters and 11.1 millimeters and a width between approximately 8.9 millimeters and 9.1 millimeters.

Abstract: Keypad apparatus and methods are described herein. An example keypad includes a dome-switch assembly having a dome aligned relative to a first trace pattern and a second trace pattern of a printed circuit board and a key aligned with the dome. The key is depressible between an initial position, an intermediate position and a depressed position, where the key is to deflect the dome to electrically couple the first and second trace patterns when the key is in the depressed position. A touch sensing film detects a touch on a keycap of the key when the key is in the initial position and a pressure sensing film detects a force on the keycap when the key is in the intermediate position.