Abstract: A method includes executing a gesture with a user-manipulated physical object in the vicinity of a device; generating data that is descriptive of the presence of the user-manipulated object when executing the gesture; and interpreting the data as pertaining to at least one object, such as an object displayed by the device.

Abstract: Apparatus including a first surface electrode and an arrangement of second insulated surface electrodes; a display configured to display an image; and a controller configured to apply a potential difference between the first surface electrode and the arrangement of second insulated surface electrodes and configured to control at least a variation in the applied potential difference in dependence upon the displayed image.

Abstract: A method includes executing a gesture with a user-manipulated physical object in the vicinity of a device; generating data that is descriptive of the presence of the user-manipulated object when executing the gesture; and interpreting the data as pertaining to at least one object, such as an object displayed by the device.

Abstract: Apparatus including: a face including a first surface electrode and a second insulated surface electrode; and a controller configured to apply a time varying potential difference between the first surface electrode and the second insulated surface electrode and configured to control at least the time variation in the potential difference.

Abstract: An apparatus including a body portion having a surface; at least one feedback electrode configured to provide to a user a feedback stimulus when the user contacts the surface; and a touch sensor arrangement for discriminating different user contacts on the surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment an apparatus includes a graphical display panel and a loudspeaker. The panel has a display layer for displaying images and defines a plurality of apertures penetrating through at least the display layer. The loudspeaker includes a diaphragm arranged substantially parallel to the display layer. Sound from the loudspeaker diaphragm is directed outside a host device through the apertures. The speaker may be an electret or a piezo-electric speaker for thinness. There may be apertures on an opposed side of the host device housing to achieve a dipole pattern which is directed and gives acoustic privacy to the user, or a rear acoustic cavity for a monopole pattern which more broadly disperses the sound. One illustrated embodiment is selectable between monopole and dipole. Size and total area of the holes determines acoustic resistance and so a method is described to determine those from physical parameters of the display panel.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for providing flexible audio communication solutions using ear-devices utilizing, e.g., electrode transducers with one or more sensors comprising a surface resonator cavity sensitive to a predetermined acoustic frequency range for using, for example, in headsets and hearing aids. The ear-device can be configured for inserting it into a human ear for a handsfree operation and the sensors can be configured to detect human tissue vibrations using the surface resonator cavity. The acoustic communication solutions with these ear-devices may include: providing two-way communications in normal conditions as well as in noisy conditions, providing protection of hearing, recording the true sound field bin-aurally, providing a playback capability, providing volume enhancement and equalization for persons with hearing defects, etc.

Abstract: A trap Including: an inlet configured to receive a fluid conveying nanostructures; ionic liquid configured to trap the nanostructures; and an outlet for the fluid.

Abstract: A battery cell including: an anode configured to operate as a source of cations during discharge of the battery cell; and an electrolyte configured to transport the cations from the anode to the a cathode during discharge of the battery cell, wherein the cathode includes material that is configured to enable the reversible insertion of transported cations during discharge of the battery cell and that has optical properties that are dependent upon cation insertion and that is viewable by a user.

Abstract: Apparatus including: a body portion having a surface comprising a first surface electrode and a second surface electrode, spaced from the first surface electrode, and a controller configured to apply a time varying potential difference between the first surface electrode and the second surface electrode and configured to control at least the time variation in the potential difference.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optically transparent sheet having an electrically conductive layer, an electrode element, and electro-vibration circuitry configured to provide a time-varying voltage signal across the electrically conductive layer and the electrode element so as to cause a user to experience electro-vibration in a first body part of the user when the first body part is moved across an exterior surface of the optically transparent sheet while a second body part of the user is in contact with the electrode element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method where sleep sensor signals are obtained to a mobile communication device from sensor devices. The mobile communication device checks the sleep sensor signals for a sleep state transition, determines the type of the sleep state transition, forms control signals based on the type of the sleep state transition and sends the control signals to at least one electronic device.

Abstract: A user interface comprising a display arranged to display visual content and a tactile surface arranged to convey a tactile representation, wherein said tactile representation is based on said visual content. This has the advantage of enabling a user to perceive content being displayed to him with less cognitive effort.

Abstract: A method includes capturing at a first device electrical energy of electromagnetic waves transmitted by a second device. The method further includes using the captured electrical energy for causing a modification of a visual appearance of a display component. In addition to the wireless power, the visual appearance may depend on a data transmission.

Abstract: A portable oxygen delivery device for increasing the oxygen content in the air inhaled by a user. The device includes solar cells that harvests energy over longer period of time and power instantaneously an electrolysis unit on user-demand for purpose of oxygen refreshment. The oxygen gas produced by the electrolysis unit is conveyed by tubing to an area in the vicinity of the users mouth and nose. The solar cells and the electrolysis unit are integrated in a garment worn by the user.

Abstract: An input device (1, 25) for a user interface comprises means to monitor movement of a user by mapping and recording deformations of their skin. The input device (1, 25) comprises conformable/reversibly stretchable material for placement onto the skin of a user. A plurality of sensors (30) are mounted on, or embedded in, the stretchable material and arranged to undergo, and track in-plane and out-of-plane deformations corresponding to stretching and flexure of the underlying skin. A signal for controlling another device (26) is then generated, based on the detected movement, gesture or positioning of the user based on the detected deformations. In wearable electronics applications, the other device may be mounted on the same stretchable material. The sensors (30) may be arranged to provide active feedback, by selectively applying vibrations or pressure to the user's skin.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device with a virtual input device. The virtual input device includes an optical sensor for detecting movement of a user's fingers over a work surface and an acoustic or vibration sensor, for detecting an impact of the user's fingers on the work surface. A processor, coupled to the optical sensor and to the acoustic sensor, processes the detected signals as input for the electronic device. The user's fingers can be shown on the display overlaid by a virtual mask. The virtual mask may show a keyboard of menu items.

Abstract: An example embodiment there is provided an electroluminescent device comprising: an electroluminescent component, a first piezoelectric component, an alpha electrode and a first beta electrode, the electroluminescent component being located between the alpha electrode and the first piezoelectric component, the first beta electrode being in electrical contact with the alpha electrode and in electrical contact with the first piezoelectric component, the alpha electrode, first beta electrode, first piezoelectric component, and electroluminescent component being configured to generate a potential difference across the electroluminescent component responsive to a mechanical stress applied to the first piezoelectric component.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an optically transparent electrode configured to provide transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to a user contacting a portion of an exterior surface of said apparatus proximal to said optically transparent electrode.

Abstract: An automatic personal warning system including: a first moving radio frequency transmitter apparatus; a first movable radio frequency receiver apparatus configured to receive first radio frequency signals originating from the first moving radio frequency transmitter apparatus and thereby obtain an indication of a kinematic parameter of the first moving radio frequency transmitter apparatus and configured to automatically generate a personal warning alert to a user of the first movable radio frequency receiver apparatus if the kinematic parameter of the first moving radio frequency transmitter apparatus satisfies a defined criterion.