Abstract: A method is provided for operating an electro-optic observation device, in particular a thermal imaging device, which includes an electronic viewfinder, a proximity sensor and a position sensor. According to the method, a predefined distance range in front of the viewfinder is monitored for a presence of a user with the proximity sensor, a position variable which is characteristic of the orientation of the observation device is captured with the position sensor, information concerning a current use situation of the observation device is derived from the presence of the user within the distance range and/or the position variable, and at least one specific function of the observation device that influences an image display is activated or at least enabled depending on the information concerning the current use situation.

Abstract: A watering schedule control system (200) includes a power source (106), a power status sensor (108) to generate a signal indicative of remaining power with the power source (106), and a controller (204) communicably coupled to the power source (106), and the power status sensor (108). The controller (204) has access to a watering schedule. The controller (204) is configured to receive the signal from the power status sensor (108) and modify the watering schedule based on the received signal.

Abstract: A wireless communication terminal with a conventional keypad can be provided with a user exchangeable keypad. The wireless communication terminal and user exchangeable cover interface electrically, mechanically or via RF. The user exchangeable keypad can be part of a user exchangeable cover or part of a casing for receiving the wireless terminal. The user exchangeable keypad may have a reduced or adapted set of keys for e.g. facilitating the use of the terminal under special conditions or for visually impaired users. The user exchangeable keypad may be provided with identification means that allow the wireless terminal to identify the user exchangeable keypad and change its setting accordingly by e.g. increasing the font of the text on the display of the wireless terminal.

Abstract: Electroluminescent panels for use in battery operated devices include a driver circuit and a plurality of panel regions having a capacitance. Each panel region has a substitute capacitor with a capacitance substantially equal to the capacitance of the panel region concerned. The driver circuit switches between the panel region and the substitute capacitor, switching the panel region on and off. The capacitance of the load on the driver circuit does not change. The electroluminescent panels can have an elimination layer that eliminates noise produced by the emission layer in operation caused by changes in emission layer thickness. The elimination layer is added to the panel and operated in phase opposition to the emission layer. Changes in layer thickness occurring in operation in the emission layer are offset by changes in thickness in the elimination layer. Thus, the overall thickness of the panel is constant.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has light sources that can be controlled to produce decorative or informational effects. Each light source is controlled by the combination of an enable signal from a 1-bit port of a controller and a PWM signal from a PWM signal from the controller. Each PWM signal is used to control a plurality of light sources in parallel whereas each 1-bit enabled signal controls, generally, only one. The light sources are preferably arranged to shine through soft structures on the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus has light sources that can be controlled to produce decorative or informational effects. Each light source is controlled by the combination of an enable signal from a 1-bit port of a controller and a PWM signal from a PWM signal from the controller. Each PWM signal is used to control a plurality of light sources in parallel whereas each 1-bit enabled signal controls, generally, only one. The light sources are preferably arranged to shine through soft structures on the apparatus.

Abstract: Electroluminescent panels for use in battery operated devices comprise a driver circuit and a plurality of panel regions having a capacitance. Each panel region has a substitute capacitor with a capacitance substantially equal to the capacitance of the panel region concerned. The driver circuit switches between the panel region and the substitute capacitor, switching the panel region on and off. The capacitance of the load on the driver circuit does not change. The electroluminescent panels can have an elimination layer that eliminates noise produced by the emission layer in operation caused by changes in emission layer thickness. The elimination layer is added to the panel and operated in phase opposition to the emission layer. Changes in layer thickness occurring in operation in the emission layer are offset by changes in thickness in the elimination layer. Thus, the overall thickness of the panel is constant.