Abstract: An apparatus includes a light guide. A first light input section receives light in a first direction into said light guide. First direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said first direction in said light guide. A second light input section receives light in a second direction into said light guide. Said second direction is different than said first direction. Second direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said second direction in said light guide.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for illuminating different graphical layouts in a component comprising an optical device, e.g., in a keyboard or in a liquid crystal display of an electronic device. The optical device uses a diffractive planar waveguide comprising diffraction gratings disposed on a lightguiding plate and the property that a short period diffractive grating has no diffraction orders at certain conical angles. Therefore, the out-coupling gratings on the waveguide are designed so that the optical beam coming from a certain direction can be effectively coupled out of the waveguide or be kept confined inside of the waveguide due to a total internal reflection. Then different graphical layouts can be disposed on the waveguide using, e.g., pixels having diffraction gratings with periodic lines at different orientations. Multiple substrate (waveguide) arrangements are described.

Abstract: A scent dispenser is integratable into a portable device, such as a mobile handset. The scent dispenser has a vibrating element configured to vibrate in an ultrasound frequency range for dispensing a scent material. Scent dispensing can be in response to an incoming signal received by a mobile handset, but scent dispensing can also be controlled by a user. The scent material is stored in a compartment having a channel with a valve and the vibrating element can be used to open the valve for replenishing the scent material when the vibration is in a low frequency range such as 1-10 Hz. The vibrating element can also be used to produce audio signals. Thus, the scent dispenser can also be integrated with a sound producing unit in a mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A device comprising a piezo element includes a piezo-electric material the piezo element including a piezo actuator, and at least one piezo sensor coupled to the piezo actuator, wherein the piezo actuator and the at least one piezo sensor include a common element.