Abstract: A proximity sensor for determining an approaching direction of an object is provided. Relative detection sensitivity is established in a first detection unit and a second detection unit such that a detection level of the first detection unit is greater than a detection level of the second detection unit when the object approaches from a first electrode in a direction of arranging the first electrode and a second electrode, and that the detection level of the second detection unit is greater than the first detection unit when the object approaches from a direction perpendicular to the direction of arranging the first electrode and the second electrode. A proximity position determining section is adapted to determine the approaching direction of the object based on the detection level of the first detection unit and the detection level of the second detection unit.

Abstract: An optical transmission hinge apparatus includes a first hinge portion for pivotally interconnecting a first casing and a second casing about a first axis, a first optical device provided in the first casing, a second optical device provided in the second casing and an optical guide path member for interconnecting the first optical device and the second optical device to enable optical transmission therebetween. The optical guide path member includes a bent portion, a first portion formed on one side of the bent portion and a second portion formed on the other side of the bent portion. The first portion is provided in the first casing to be coaxial with the first hinge portion, with a terminal end of the first portion being in opposition to the first optical device. The second portion is provided in the second casing, with a terminal end of the second portion being in opposition to the second optical device.

Abstract: The invention provides a headset which has a service environment adaptability. The headset 1 has: a first microphone 3 which picks up a voice sound emitted from the mouth; an earphone/microphone unit 5 in which a built-in speaker 4 functions also as a second microphone which picks up a voice sound generated in the ear; and a mode switchover switch circuit 41 which switches over between a first call mode where the first microphone 3 and a speaker function of the earphone/microphone unit 5 are caused to operate, and a second call mode where a microphone function and speaker function of the earphone/microphone unit 5 are caused to operate.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for determining an approaching direction of an object is provided. Relative detection sensitivity is established in a first detection unit and a second detection unit such that a detection level of the first detection unit is greater than a detection level of the second detection unit when the object approaches from a first electrode in a direction of arranging the first electrode and a second electrode, and that the detection level of the second detection unit is greater than the first detection unit when the object approaches from a direction perpendicular to the direction of arranging the first electrode and the second electrode. A proximity position determining section is adapted to determine the approaching direction of the object based on the detection level of the first detection unit and the detection level of the second detection unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer mouse which is one kind of coordinate input devices for a computer, and more particularly to a computer mouse which is suitably used for a portable computer. The mouse has: a thin mouse case in which an upper face portion opposing a palm when the mouse is used is formed into a downward-concaved shape; and a plate-like member having a shape which extends along the downward-concaved upper face of the mouse case, and the plate-like member is attachable to the downward-concaved upper face of the mouse case in both an upward-convex direction and a downward-concave direction.

Abstract: An optical transmission hinge apparatus includes a first hinge portion for pivotally interconnecting a first casing and a second casing about a first axis, a first optical device provided in the first casing, a second optical device provided in the second casing and an optical guide path member for interconnecting the first optical device and the second optical device to enable optical transmission therebetween. The optical guide path member includes a bent portion, a first portion formed on one side of the bent portion and a second portion formed on the other side of the bent portion. The first portion is provided in the first casing to be coaxial with the first hinge portion, with a terminal end of the first portion being in opposition to the first optical device. The second portion is provided in the second casing, with a terminal end of the second portion being in opposition to the second optical device.

Abstract: A touch panel input device of the invention has a panel, an X-line electrode (first electrodes) arranged on a front surface side of the panel, a Y-line electrode (second electrodes) disposed on the back surface side and shifted in planar position relative to the X-line electrode. The device detects whether or not a finger has touched the vicinity of a zone between the X-line electrode 20 and the Y-line electrode on the front surface of the panel. An electrostatic capacitance of the X-line electrode and an electrostatic capacitance of the Y-line electrode are made equal by way of increasing the area of the Y-line electrode with respect to that of the X-line electrode or by way of selecting an appropriate material and/or thickness of the panel and/or the coat.

Abstract: An electret-condenser microphone according to the present invention includes a vibrating diaphragm and a back electrode which compose a condenser; a cylindrical case which houses the vibrating diaphragm and the back electrode; a circuit board which is housed in an opening of the cylindrical case, is fixed to the opening by crimping a crimp edge formed by bending an opening end of the cylindrical case inward, and covers the opening; and a substrate fastened to an outer surface of the circuit board. A circular pattern and annular pattern are formed on the outer surface of the circuit board and a circular pattern and annular pattern are formed on that surface of the substrate which is farther from the circuit board. The circular pattern and annular pattern are connected with the circular pattern and annular pattern via thru-holes in the substrate, and that surface of the substrate on which and are formed serves as a reflow-soldering surface.

Abstract: An EL-illuminated switch which restrains the deterioration of an EL element resulting from outside pressure without causing unevenness of illumination, including an EL sheet, a rubber sheet, a dome switch, and a substrate. In the EL sheet, a luminescent part is formed at a position directly under a key top. The size of the luminescent part is smaller than the key top. A transparent electrode is disposed on the front surface side of the luminescent part, and a back surface electrode is disposed on the rear surface side. The transparent electrode is larger than the luminescent part. The back surface electrode includes an electrode principal part that is in contact with the back surface of the luminescent part and isolated from the lower sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer mouse which is one kind of coordinate input devices for a computer, and more particularly to a computer mouse which is suitably used for a portable computer. The mouse has: a thin mouse case in which an upper face portion opposing a palm when the mouse is used is formed into a downward-concaved shape; and a plate-like member having a shape which extends along the downward-concaved upper face of the mouse case, and the plate-like member is attachable to the downward-concaved upper face of the mouse case in both an upward-convex direction and a downward-concave direction.

Abstract: An electret-condenser microphone according to the present invention includes a vibrating diaphragm and a back electrode which compose a condenser; a cylindrical case which houses the vibrating diaphragm and the back electrode; a circuit board which is housed in an opening of the cylindrical case, is fixed to the opening by crimping a crimp edge formed by bending an opening end of the cylindrical case inward, and covers the opening; and a substrate fastened to an outer surface of the circuit board. A circular pattern and annular pattern are formed on the outer surface of the circuit board and a circular pattern and annular pattern are formed on that surface of the substrate which is farther from the circuit board. The circular pattern and annular pattern are connected with the circular pattern and annular pattern via thru-holes in the substrate, and that surface of the substrate on which and are formed serves as a reflow-soldering surface.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a ferroelectric liquid crystal cell which includes ferroelectric liquid crystal sealed between a pair of opposed but spaced plates, each having formed on one surface a pattern of conductive layer, the plates being disposed with their conductive layers facing each other, comprises the step of rubbing the surfaces of the plates in at least two directions prior to the sealing of the ferroelectric liquid crystal.