Abstract: An apparatus (100) including a pixel diffuser for a stretchable display is disclosed. The apparatus may include an elastic viewable display (110) that is stretched in a first viewable display area configuration and contracted in a second viewable display area configuration. The apparatus can also include a plurality of addressable picture elements (120 and 125) disposed on the elastic viewable display, an optical barrier (132) between each of the plurality of addressable picture elements, and an elastic diffuser (140) optically coupled to the plurality of addressable picture elements on the elastic viewable display. The apparatus can also include an electrical interface (150) coupled to the elastic viewable display.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) including a pixel diffuser for a stretchable display is disclosed. The apparatus may include an elastic viewable display (110) that is stretched in a first viewable display area configuration and contracted in a second viewable display area configuration. The apparatus can also include a plurality of addressable picture elements (120 and 125) disposed on the elastic viewable display, an optical barrier (132) between each of the plurality of addressable picture elements, and an elastic diffuser (140) optically coupled to the plurality of addressable picture elements on the elastic viewable display. The apparatus can also include an electrical interface (150) coupled to the elastic viewable display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile communication device and a method including a first housing including a first side and a second side, a display coupled to the first side of the first housing and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing, the second housing being coupled against the second side of the first housing when the second housing is in a closed position and extending the first side of the first housing when the second housing is in an open position.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device (100) having a first housing (102) and a second housing (104) is disclosed. The first housing and the second housing are interconnected by means of an extendable hinge mechanism (106). The first housing and the second housing are pivotally connected to the extendable hinge mechanism along a first axis A1 and a second axis A2, respectively. The extendable hinge mechanism enables the first housing to move between at least a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A handheld device (100) comprises a plurality of ambulation mechanisms (222-224, 1002-1008) that enable the handheld device (100) to perform translations, rotations or compound movements on a surface (502) on which the device (100) is placed. Using the ambulation mechanisms (222-224, 1002-1008), the device (100) is able to communicate the occurrence of various events to a user via ambulation gestures that are recognized by the user. Ambulation gestures can be programmed by the user. Disclosed ambulation mechanisms (222-224, 1002-1008) comprise linear (302, 700, 800) or rotary (1018, 1102) vibration transducers that are mechanically coupled to elastic feet (226-228, 606-608, 1110) that have an asymmetric tread (402). The asymmetric tread (402) is effective to convert vibration generated by the vibration transducers (302, 700, 800, 1018, 1102) to movement forces tangential to the surface (502) on which the device (100) is placed.

Abstract: A method of operating an ambulatory handheld electronic device includes reading an accelerometer in a first device (1506) in order to measure one or more movements of the first device, transmitting information as to the one or more movements through a cellular network to an ambulatory handheld electronic device, and driving at least one ambulation mechanism of the ambulatory handheld electronic device (1518) in order to move the ambulatory handheld electronic device according to the information as to the one or more movements of the first device. In this manner, the ambulatory handheld electronic device can mimic the one or more movements of the first device.

Abstract: An electronic device (400) has a second body (405) with an image generation apparatus (450) and an optical system (460) and, a first body (445) for providing a virtual image. The first body (445) is foldably attached to the second body (405). Further, the electronic device (400) can include a third body (465) for providing a standard display (470) that is foldable attached to the second body.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) has a first body (110) with an image generation apparatus (140) and an optical system (150); and, a display element (105) for providing a virtual image moveably attached to the first body (110) such that the display element (105) is capable of moving in at least one plane relative to the first body (110). Another embodiment relates to a mobile communications device (300) with a first body (305) having an image generation apparatus and an optical system; a second body (310) having a liquid crystal display (350) moveably attached to the first body (305); and, a display element (315) for providing a virtual image moveably attached to the first body (305) such that the display element (315) is capable of moving in at least one plane relative to the first body (305).

Abstract: An electronic device has a tactile joystick with a force sensing resistive layer (120) in an XY plane; a flexible mould (115) surrounding at least one portion of the force sensing resistive layer (120); a plunger (190) coupled to the flexible mould (115), mounted orthogonal to the XY plane; and, a tactile dome (110) disposed adjacent to one of a top surface (135) and a bottom surface (133) of the plunger (190). Further, a method of implementing a function using a tactile device includes actuating a tactile dome by applying a force (605); determining a distribution of the force in a plurality of sections in a force sensing resistive layer (610); and implementing the function (630, 635).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, method and apparatus including a first display screen component (302) configured to provide content in a real image display mode and a second display screen component (202) configured to provide content in a virtual image mode, a proximity sensor (318) and an automatic switching module (704) in communication with the proximity sensor (318) for activating the virtual image display screen component (202) and deactivating the real image display screen component (302) in the event the proximity sensor (318) detects an object such as a user (102) within a predetermined distance to the proximity sensor (318).

Abstract: A handheld device (100) comprises a plurality of ambulation mechanisms (222-224, 1002-1008) that enable the handheld device (100) to perform translations, rotations or compound movements on a surface (502) on which the device (100) is placed. Using the ambulation mechanisms (222-224, 1002-1008), the device (100) is able to communicate the occurrence of various events to a user via ambulation gestures that are recognized by the user. Ambulation gestures can be programmed by the user. Disclosed ambulation mechanisms (222-224, 1002-1008) comprise linear (302, 700, 800) or rotary (1018, 1102) vibration transducers that are mechanically coupled to elastic feet (226-228, 606-608, 1110) that have an asymmetric tread (402). The asymmetric tread (402) is effective to convert vibration generated by the vibration transducers (302, 700, 800, 1018, 1102) to movement forces tangential to the surface (502) on which the device (100) is placed.

Abstract: An electronic device with a force sensing key (200) has a switch (280), a first force sensing region (290) for acquiring a first force value, a second force sensing region (290) for acquiring a second force value, and a processor for determining a selected function for the key (200) based upon the first force value and the second force value when the switch (280) is activated. The first force sensing pad (290) and the second force sensing pad (290) use a partially resistive material (250) that exhibits a force-to-voltage response value. By forming the switch (280) as a dome (225) switch, the force sensing key (200) provides crisp tactile feedback to a user. The force sensing key (200) can be configured for a variety of applications and user preferences by varying the architecture of the actuator (270).

Abstract: A joystick that is retractable within a cellular telephone includes a multi-directional input device, and a shaft extending up from the multi-directional input device. The multi-directional input device is adapted to read a direction in which the shaft pushed. A handle is disposed over the shaft, wherein the handle is selectable between a retracted position and an extended position. A loudspeaker may be included within the handle.