Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a touch-sensitive display movable with respect to the housing, and at least one piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal by moving the touch-sensitive display. The at least one piezoelectric actuator may move the touch-sensitive display, resulting in vibration or a single movement of the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, graphical user interfaces and computer readable mediums are described for a ticker. The present invention describes, among other things, various ways of processing and displaying data in the ticker, interacting with the ticker, altering characteristics of the ticker and preparing and transmitting data to the ticker.

Abstract: A method includes applying a lip, comprised of a first material, along at least a portion of an actuator of an electronic device, and applying a coating, comprised of an elastic material, to cover a part of the actuator, the coating disposed to facilitate actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A method includes detecting, at a first time, a first touch associated with a first touch value that meets one of a first touch threshold and a second touch threshold, detecting, at a second time, a second touch associated with a second touch value that meets one of the first touch threshold and the second touch threshold, providing first tactile feedback at the first time, and providing second tactile feedback at the second time when the time period between the first time and the second time meets a time threshold.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a touch on a touch-sensitive display, determining when a touch value associated with the touch meets a first touch threshold, determining a first period of time between detecting the touch and when the touch value meets the first touch threshold, and providing a first tactile feedback when the first period of time is meets a first time threshold.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a touch at a touch location on a touch-sensitive display, identifying a delay associated with the touch location, and when a force value related to the touch meets a first threshold value, providing a first tactile feedback after waiting the delay.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display, an actuator configured to impart a force on the touch-sensitive display to provide tactile feedback, and a controller configured to detect a touch based on input from the touch-sensitive display and to initiate the tactile feedback by the actuator.

Abstract: A method includes generating an actuation signal for tactile feedback, wherein the tactile feedback comprises a ramp-up segment that comprises at least one ramp-up characteristic that changes during the ramp-up segment and providing tactile feedback to a display in response to the actuation signal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric assembly is described. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a piezoelectric assembly comprising: an electrode assembly; a signal electrical connector electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a reference electrical connector electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a spacer positioned about a perimeter of the electrode assembly and disposed between the signal electrical connector and the reference electrical connector such that no electrical communication is provided between the signal electrical connector and the reference electrical connector through the spacer; wherein a humidity barrier space is defined between the signal electrical connector, the reference electrical connector and the spacer, and wherein the electrode assembly is disposed in the humidity barrier space.

Abstract: A piezoelectric assembly is provided, including an electrode assembly, a signal electrical connector, and a reference electrical connector. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric material. The signal electrical connector is in electrical communication with the first electrode and configured to be connected to the current or voltage source so as to provide electrical communication with a current or voltage source. The reference electrical connector is in electrical communication with the second electrode and configured to be connected to the reference source so as to provide electrical communication with a reference source. One of the signal electrical connector and the reference electrical connector includes a metal shim for supporting the electrode assembly. A flexible printed circuit board is provided including a trace. An interconnecting structure effects electrical communication between the trace and the metal shim.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses for managing the memory of an image storage device. Compressed image data is organized into multiple compression layers. The present invention takes advantage of the compression layers to free up additional storage space in memory when necessary.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator disposed and preloaded on a support and arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. The touch-sensitive display may be biased toward the piezoelectric actuator to preload the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing, a touch-sensitive display movable with respect to the housing, and at least one piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal by moving the touch-sensitive display. The at least one piezoelectric actuator may move the touch-sensitive display, resulting in vibration or a single movement of the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. A pad is disposed in alignment with a force sensor such that depression of the touch-sensitive display causes the force sensor to generate a force signal. A processor configured to receive the force signal and to generate the actuation signal based on the force signal.

Abstract: A method includes applying a lip, comprised of a first material, along at least a portion of an actuator of an electronic device, and applying a coating, comprised of an elastic material, to cover a part of the actuator, the coating disposed to facilitate actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A method includes determining an adjustable response setting for an electronic device, detecting a touch event on a touch-sensitive display of the electronic device, and imparting, by an actuator, a first force on the touch-sensitive display by increasing the first force over a ramp-up time period and reducing the first force over a depression time period, to simulate actuation of a switch based on the adjustable response setting.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods that encourage an agent to become a true agent of a principal by rewarding or penalizing an agent for exceeding or falling below a benchmark for a specific transaction set by, or on behalf of, the principal are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, a benchmark for each purchasable good and/or service in a plurality of purchasable goods and/or services may be calculated. Information about a good and/or service to be purchased may be compared to a relevant benchmark. The agent may be rewarded based on the result of the comparing step. The benchmark may be weighted based on parameters input by the principal, including, for example price, durability, quality, performance, and/or other preferences. A database of benchmarks may be maintained and/or updated periodically automatically, by the principal, and/or by an independent third-party.

Abstract: A device for temporarily securing a rolling assembly such as a shopping cart or children's stroller is disclosed. A support base is affixed to a surface such as automobile trunk interior or passenger compartment. A stabilizing arm is adjustably connected to the support base and includes attachment means on a distal end. A user extends the stabilizing arm such that attachment means is proximal the rolling assembly and temporarily connects the attachment means to the rolling assembly. In this manner, the rolling assembly is temporarily stabilized during loading or unloading to prevent unwanted movement.