Abstract: A user input device for an electronic device includes an illumination source and image sensor module. A translucent layer is disposed above the illumination source and the image sensor module. The translucent layer includes at least a first set of patterns disposed thereon. A deformable layer is disposed above the translucent layer. The deformable layer includes at least a second set of patterns. The illumination source is configured to illuminate at least the portion of the translucent layer. The image sensor module includes a field of view that corresponds to at least a portion of the translucent layer. The image sensor module being configured to detect a third set of patterns when the first set of patterns and the second set of patterns are displaced with respect to each other.

Abstract: A user input device for an electronic device includes an illumination source and image sensor module. A translucent layer is disposed above the illumination source and the image sensor module. The translucent layer includes at least a first set of patterns disposed thereon. A deformable layer is disposed above the translucent layer. The deformable layer includes at least a second set of patterns. The illumination source is configured to illuminate at least the portion of the translucent layer. The image sensor module includes a field of view that corresponds to at least a portion of the translucent layer. The image sensor module being configured to detect a third set of patterns when the first set of patterns and the second set of patterns are displaced with respect to each other.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device having a touchscreen and a method of using a touchscreen of a handheld electronic device are provided.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base, a touch screen display, a shape memory alloy and operational components. The touch screen display is connected to the base and moveable relative to the base and includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device and connected to a controller for determining a touch event to the touch-sensitive input surface. The shape memory alloy is disposed between the base and the display device and is configured to change shape in response to conduction of an electric current to cause movement of the display device relative to the base. The operational components include a processor between the base and the touch screen display. The processor is operatively connected to the controller, the display device and the shape memory alloy for causing conduction of current through the shape memory alloy in response to the touch event, resulting in movement of the display relative to the base.

Abstract: A steam ironing device (10) provides an ionized steam output using an ionizing arrangement (30). The ionization process, in particular the high energy electric discharge used for ionization, breaks down steam particles into finer particles. As a result, a greater proportion of the steam particles generated can penetrate into the fabric of the garment being ironed, to improve fabric treatment and fabric moistening. Air ionization can also be used. The ionization process is improved by limiting the temperature of the steam.

Abstract: A touch screen display includes a display, a touch-sensitive overlay disposed on the display, and a controller operably coupled to the overlay. At least one force sensor is disposed between the display and the overlay and is arranged and constructed to determine a value of an applied force to the overlay.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device having a touchscreen and a method of using a touchscreen of a handheld electronic device are provided.

Abstract: A touch screen display unit includes a base, a touch-sensitive display and an actuating arrangement. The touch-sensitive display includes a display device and a touch-sensitive overlay connected to a controller and disposed on the display device for detecting a touch event thereon. The touch-sensitive display is connected to and moveable relative to the base. The actuating arrangement includes a magnetic field applicator for controlling application of a magnetic field and a magnetostrictive member for changing shape in the magnetic field for movement of the touch-sensitive display relative to the base in response to detection of the touch event.

Abstract: A method includes displaying an image of a key on a touch-sensitive display and detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive display at a first location. When the first location is located in a predetermined area related the key, tactile feedback is provided that simulates a characteristic of a physical key. The touch-sensitive display may be part of a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A steam ironing device (10) provides an ionized steam output using an ionizing arrangement (30). The ionization process, in particular the high energy electric discharge used for ionization, breaks down steam particles into finer particles. As a result, a greater proportion of the steam particles generated can penetrate into the fabric of the garment being ironed, to improve fabric treatment and fabric moistening. Air ionization can also be used. The ionization process is improved by limiting the temperature of the steam.

Abstract: A touch screen display includes a display device, a resistive touch-sensitive overlay disposed on the display device and including a pair of touch-sensor layers separated by a gap, a resistive touch screen controller connected to each of the pair of touch-sensor layers for determining a position of a touch event on the touch-sensitive overlay and a capacitive controller connected to an outer one of the pair of touch-sensor layers for receiving input for determining changes resulting from capacitive coupling with the outer one of the pair of touch-sensor layers.

Abstract: A touch sensor for mounting over a display screen of an electronic device is provided. The touch sensor includes: an elongate input pad formed in a layer of transparent conductive material on a transparent substrate, the input pad tapering from a broad end to a narrow end to provide an input pad capacitance that varies with location of a touch over the input pad; and, a contact for coupling the input pad to a processor.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base, a touch screen display, a shape memory alloy and operational components. The touch screen display is connected to the base and moveable relative to the base and includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device and connected to a controller for determining a touch event to the touch-sensitive input surface. The shape memory alloy is disposed between the base and the display device and is configured to change shape in response to conduction of an electric current to cause movement of the display device relative to the base. The operational components include a processor between the base and the touch screen display. The processor is operatively connected to the controller, the display device and the shape memory alloy for causing conduction of current through the shape memory alloy in response to the touch event, resulting in movement of the display relative to the base.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device features a haptic, touch-sensitive display screen. The handheld wireless communication device is constructed such that it has a hand cradleable body and a display screen disposed on the body. The display screen is configured to display images of buttons, icons and/or other graphical user interface items. Additionally, a touch-sensing assembly with components disposed on or adjacent to the display screen is provided in the handheld device. Furthermore, a haptic assembly is disposed on an upper surface of the display screen. The haptic assembly provides tactile stimulation to the user when the user touches the display screen at a location corresponding to the image of a button, icon, or other graphical user interface item.

Abstract: An integrated display for an electronic device, comprising: a liquid crystal display having a first polarizing layer coupled to a colour filter layer; and, a first transparent conductive material layer disposed between the first polarizing layer and the colour filter layer to thereby form a capacitive touchscreen sensor.