Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed, including a hinge connecting to first and second housings as to enable foldability, a flexible display spanning at least a portion of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display is foldable and unfoldable along with folding and unfolding of the first and second housings, a first sealing member extending as to be disposed between an inner surface of the first housing, an inner surface of the second housing, and an outer surface of the flexible display and an elastic support member disposed between a portion of the flexible display, a portion of the inner surface of the first housing, and a portion of the inner surface of the second housing, within a folding area in which the first housing and the second housing are foldable and unfoldable.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a pair of speakers in a chassis. The pair of speakers are connected via a flat cable. The flat cable has a ridge fold line that is convex on one face and a valley fold line that is convex on the other face so that the ridge and valley fold lines extend in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the flat cable. The chassis has a flat shape, and the flat cable is placed along the flat surface and has a long extending portion partially overlaps a protrusion of a battery in a plan view.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a chassis with a top surface; a keyboard disposed on the top surface; and a pair of speakers in the chassis. The speaker is directed to emit sound upward, and at least includes a diaphragm below the keyboard to emit sound. The keyboard has a sound transmission hole that transmits sound from the speaker upward. The speakers are each fixed to the keyboard via a bracket. The bracket has a pin that supports the speaker; and a screw hole that is fixed to the lower surface of the keyboard at a position different from the pin.

Abstract: A fan assembly is disclosed. The fan assembly can include a first support frame. The fan assembly can comprise a shaft assembly having a first end coupled with the first support frame and a second end disposed away from the first end. A second support frame can be coupled with the first support frame and disposed at or over the second end of the shaft assembly. An impeller can have fan blades coupled with a hub, the hub being disposed over the shaft assembly for rotation between the first and second support frames about a longitudinal axis. Transverse loading on the shaft assembly can be controlled by the first and second support frames.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a computer system, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature, and a controller that controls an operation mode of the apparatus based on the temperature. The controller changes an operation mode of the computer system to a thermal protection mode in a case where the operation mode is a standard mode and the temperature exceeds a first reference temperature, changes the operation mode of the computer system to a dormant mode in a case where the operation mode is the thermal protection mode and the temperature exceeds a second reference temperature, and stops the operation of the apparatus in the case where the operation mode is the dormant mode and the temperature exceeds a third reference temperature. The thermal protection mode being an operation mode that consumes less power than the standard mode.

Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: two or more housings, a flexible display mounted to one or more housings among the two or more housings and configured to be expanded or reduced according to a sliding operation of one or more housings among the two or more housings, one or more sensors configured to acquire one or more pieces of temperature information from the electronic device, and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, operatively connected to the one or more sensors and the flexible display, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to: identify at least one of operation state information or one or more pieces of temperature information acquired from the electronic device, identify expanding state information of the flexible display, and control the electronic device to change a size of the flexible display by sliding the one or more housings based on at least one of the operation state information or the

Abstract: One or more environmental conditions within each of a plurality of server racks are received over time. One or more IT parameters representative of server load are received over time. A model is constructed that models how one or more of the environmental conditions within at least one of the server racks of the plurality of server racks responds to changes in one or more of the IT parameters. A future value of one or more environmental conditions within one or more of the plurality of server racks is predicted based at least in part on the model and the one or more subsequent received IT parameters. At least some of the environmental control equipment of the data center is proactively controlled based at least in part on the predicted future value of one or more of the environmental conditions within the one or more server racks.

Abstract: A circuit system includes a platform baseboard, an integrated circuit coupled to the platform baseboard, and an auxiliary control board mounted on the platform baseboard. The auxiliary control board includes an interface device that is in communication with the integrated circuit through the platform baseboard. The auxiliary control board can perform power sequencing functions for the circuit system. The auxiliary control board can also perform telemetry gathering, hardware security functions, and configuration of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first processor, a second processor, an execution management unit configured to select a processor corresponding to a program whose execution is instructed, based on setting information indicating an execution processor for each program, and a power control unit configured to control an operation state based on power consumption of the first processor and the second processor, according to a power control mode selected from a plurality of levels of power control modes that differ in rated power. The power control unit is configured to stop access to the second processor, when changing the power control mode from a high power control mode whose rated power is higher than or equal to a predetermined rated power to a low power control mode whose rated power is lower than the predetermined rated power.

Abstract: A foldable touch screen display device made up of flexible or tiled display segments that can be folded from a compact state to an expanded state which also includes a power generation system. The form factor of the compact state is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller. The form factor of the expanded state is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer, which may also include the mechanical functionality of a laptop. The device form factor may also be a flip phone configuration. Both folded states may include an integrated speaker and microphone. The power generation system utilizes the force applied to the hinge of the device to ultimately recharge the batteries embedded within the device. The device may further include sensors to indicate the position of each display segment.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for techniques for supporting multiple PSUs. An apparatus includes a motherboard and a switch coupled to the motherboard for controlling power supply to the motherboard from a PSU. In response to detecting a single-rail PSU connected to the motherboard, the switch is closed in response to a power-on signal to provide main power from the PSU to the motherboard and the switch is opened in response to a standby signal to cut main power from the PSU to the motherboard. In response to detecting a dual-rail PSU connected to the motherboard, the switch is opened and bypassed such that main power to the motherboard is controlled by the PSU via transmission of the power-on signal and the standby signal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a power system comprising: a first converter comprising a first port electrically connected to the first port of a first power device, a second port electrically connected to the third port, and a third port electrically connected to the fourth port; a second converter comprising a first port electrically connected to the second port of the first power device, a second port electrically connected to the third port, and a third port electrically connected to the fourth port; a third converter comprising a first port electrically connected to the first port of a second power device, a second port electrically connected to the third port, and a third port electrically connected to the fourth port; a fourth converter comprising a first port electrically connected to the second port, a second port electrically connected to the third port, and a third port electrically connected to the fourth port.

Abstract: A terminal device includes: a tablet and a keyboard. The tablet includes: a first controller, a first charging port, and a battery. The keyboard includes: a second controller and a second charging port; and the keyboard includes no battery. The first controller communicates with the second controller through data lines in 3pin. When the first charging port is connected to a first external power supply, and the second charging port is connected to a second external power supply, when a charging power of the first charging port is greater than a charging power of the second charging port, the first charging port is selected to charge the tablet and power is supplied to the keyboard through a power line in the 3pin; otherwise, the second charging port is selected to supply power to the keyboard and the tablet is charged through a power line in the 3pin.

Abstract: The host device supplies power with a first voltage to the slave device through the first power supply line, instructs the slave device through the signal line to check compatibility with a power input with a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and instructs the slave device on voltage switch through the signal line when the slave device is compatible with the power input with the second voltage. When receiving a normal response from the slave device to the instruction for the voltage switch, the host device supplies the power with the second voltage to the slave device through the second power supply line, and stops supplying the power with the first voltage to the slave device through the first power supply line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are scientific instrument utilization tracking systems, as well as related methods, computing devices, and computer-readable media. For example, in some embodiments, a method of tracking utilization of a scientific instrument may include: receiving, at a computing system, first data from a power sensor associated with the scientific instrument, wherein the power sensor monitors power consumption by the scientific instrument; generating, by the computing system based on the first data, multiple power consumption ranges associated with corresponding operational states of the scientific instrument; receiving, at the computing system, second data from the power sensor associated with the scientific instrument; and outputting, by the computing system, indications of the operational states over time of the scientific instrument based on the second data and the power consumption ranges.

Abstract: A data processor core, which relates to a field of artificial intelligence technology, and in particular to a field of integrated circuit technology and a field of chip technology. The processor core includes: a control unit configured to generate a warm-up instruction in response to detecting a computing instruction to be processed; and a computing unit array including at least one computing unit sub-array, wherein the computing unit sub-array is configured to: receive the warm-up instruction configured to instruct the computing unit sub-array to perform a read operation and a computing operation; enter a warm-up state according to the warm-up instruction; and switch from the warm-up state to a computing state in response to receiving a target instruction corresponding to the computing instruction to be processed. The present disclosure further provides a data processor, a method of processing data, an electronic device, and a storage medium.

Abstract: A method updates a low frequency count value at a first frequency in an active mode and maintains the low frequency count value in the low power mode. Updating the low frequency count value includes updating a fractional counter in response to a first clock signal, updating an integral counter in response to a second clock signal, and generating the second clock signal based on the fractional count and the first clock signal. The first clock signal has a second frequency. The first frequency is lower than the second frequency. Updating the low frequency count value may include adjusting the low frequency count value in response to exiting the low power mode based on a difference between a current value of a real time clock counter and a prior value of the real time clock counter stored upon entry into the low power mode.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, an electronic device is described. An example electronic device includes a processor, a port to receive a connector of a peripheral device, and a power supply. An example power supply is to supply power to the processor and the peripheral device when connected to the electronic device. The example electronic device also includes an electronic device controller. The electronic device controller is to alter an amount of power from a first value to a second value to supply to the peripheral device based on an amount of power available from the power supply and a lower threshold power level that enables data communication from the peripheral device. The example electronic device also includes a power delivery controller. The power delivery controller is to provide the amount of power having the second value to the peripheral device based on an output from the electronic device controller.

Abstract: Direct access to device functionality from a low power state of the device is provided. The direct access can be provided without an initial user input to wake the device or the display of the device before activating the desired functionality. The low power state of the device may include a low power state of the display in which the time is persistently displayed, and may include a low power state or an inactive state of a main processor of the device. The direct access can be provided by detecting a type, location, or other aspects of a user input received while the device is in the low power state.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to power management in memory. Memory devices with multiple input/output ports may have the ports separately managed to transfer data from the various to a host or other components of the module based on certain power management signaling or constraints. For example, a memory device with multiple ports may be managed to transfer data to a host from one set of ports in response to power management (or other) signaling, and the device may be managed to transfer other data to another memory device in response to different power management (or other signaling). Power management may be done onboard a memory module with or without direction from a host. Power management may be performed by a dedicated integrated circuit. Data may be transferred from or between different classes of memory devices, using different ports, based on power management, e.g., criteria.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently managing voltage transients on a power rail caused by current transients of an integrated circuit. In various implementations, a computing system includes a processing circuit that executes instructions of a compiler that includes a current transients mitigator. When executing the instructions of the current transients mitigator, the processing circuit generates an estimate of a time rate of current flow being drawn from or returned to the power rail based on instruction types of a first sequence of instructions. Based on the estimate exceeds a threshold, the processing circuit replaces the first sequence of instructions with a second sequence of instructions that provides a smaller estimate. The second sequence is issued to the one or more compute circuits that utilize the power rail, rather than the first sequence.

Abstract: The technology disclosed can provide capabilities such as using motion sensors and/or other types of sensors coupled to a motion-capture system to monitor motions within a real environment. A virtual object can be projected to a user of a portable device integrated into an augmented rendering of a real environment about the user. Motion information of a user body portion is determined based at least in part upon sensory information received from imaging or acoustic sensory devices. Control information is communicated to a system based in part on a combination of the motion of the portable device and the detected motion of the user. The virtual device experience can be augmented in some implementations by the addition of haptic, audio and/or other sensory information projectors.

Abstract: An activity care zone system includes: an image output module including a plurality of image output devices disposed at predetermined positions in an indoor care zone to project images onto multiple surfaces of six surfaces that constitute the indoor care zone except for an open rear side, in which installation positions and irradiation angles of the image output devices are set such that a shadow of a user is not generated within a field of view of the user located at least in a central area of the bottom surface and facing a front surface; a sensing module installed in one area of the indoor care zone to sense a position and a motion of the user; and a control module configured to control such that the image output devices output synchronized images according to a sensing result of the sensing module and a pre-stored scenario.

Abstract: An interface apparatus for providing a user with a board sport experience in a virtual space includes: a board on which the user is to board; a tilt mechanism that supports the board from below such that the board is tiltable; a force sensor that is provided to the board or the tilt mechanism and that detects a force and a moment which are applied from the user to the board; and an input and output section that provides a signal indicative of the force and the moment to a simulation apparatus configured to generate the virtual space and that acquires, from the simulation apparatus, a control signal for controlling the tilt mechanism so as to tilt the board.

Abstract: An interface apparatus for providing a user with a hang gliding experience in a virtual space includes: a control bar which the user is to grip; a tilt mechanism which supports the control bar from above such that the control bar is tiltable; a force sensor that is provided to the tilt mechanism and that detects a force and a moment which are applied from the user to the control bar; and an input and output section that provides a signal indicative of the force and the moment to a simulation apparatus configured to generate the virtual space and that acquires, from the simulation apparatus, a control signal for controlling the tilt mechanism so as to tilt the control bar.

Abstract: A method displays information content received from a remote host system on a display controlled from a first processor that is separate from the remote host system and identifies, in the displayed content, at least one predetermined prompt field that prompts an operator response. A received event signal corresponds to the operator response from an input device that is in signal communication with the first processor. In response to the prompt field identification and to the received event signal, a pre-determined remapping re-interprets the event signal received from the operator at the first processor as a remapped signal that is the response to the predetermined prompt field. The remapped signal is transmitted from the first processor to the remote host system as the response to the predetermined prompt field and the remapping of the event signal is reset.

Abstract: An example system for training a subject to perform an MRI guided procedure includes a virtual reality (VR) headset; a sensor configured to detect respiration; and a controller operably coupled to the VR headset and the sensor, the controller including a processor and a memory, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to display, on the VR headset, a view from a perspective of a subject lying on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) linear accelerator, where the view includes information for assisting the subject in breath-holding to localize a tumor in a desired position.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires space information indicative of a position of a physical object in a first space around a first user, a space construction unit that constructs, on a basis of the space information, a shared space in which movements of the first user and a second user who exists in a second space different from the first space are reflected, and a determination unit that determines a position of the second user in the shared space.

Abstract: An interface apparatus includes: a plurality of force plates provided over a floor of a real space; and an output section that provides, with respect to a plurality of users, a simulation apparatus configured to generate a virtual space with an output signal from a force plate 11 that has detected a foot pressure of a user and a signal indicating a position of the user on the floor and a posture of the user, the position and the posture each having been specified on the basis of a position of the force plate on the floor.

Abstract: The invention is an augmented reality-based system for generating and displaying a continuous and real-time augmented reality view corresponding to a current orientation of a user. The system has a head-mountable device worn by a user, with a mount to stably affix on the head, sensors for detecting physical characteristics of the user and their environment, a display for displaying an augmented reality view, and an integrated computing and communication unit. The system has a database with reference data from sonar images and/or 2-dimensional camera images with different spatial orientations, wherein the data detected by the sensors in one spatial orientation can be matched with reference data in one spatial orientation. The invention further relates to a method for generating and displaying a continuous and real-time augmented reality view according to a current orientation of a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for imaging a body part of a user according to a predetermined positioning instruction, comprising the following steps: a first step of acquiring a first image, a step of characterizing, in said first image, a first position of the body part, a step of determining a second position of the body part, a processing step in which doctored video feedback of the body part is displayed to the user so as to generate a self-correction by the user of the positioning of said body part according to the predetermined positioning instruction, a second step of acquiring a second image, during the processing step.

Abstract: Wearable electronic devices can provide user-facing sensors to track facial features of a person wearing the wearable electronic device. Detections can be transmitted to other wearable electronic devices so that avatars of the person can be displayed thereon. The users observing such avatars can respond to the selected level of realism, and the wearable electronic devices worn by such users can detect or otherwise receive feedback from the users, for example with sensors to track facial features. Such reactions can be used to determine whether the avatar should be adjusted, for example to be more cartoonlike or lifelike. Additionally, reactions over time can be tracked to determine a user's overall responsiveness to cartoonlike or lifelike avatars, and futures avatars can be generated based on such determinations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for guiding a user in calibrating a wearable eye tracking device is disclosed. The method comprises determining a calibration point and an initial gaze point of a user wearing the eye tracking device. The method further comprises displaying a calibration marker on a remote display device at the initial gaze point, wherein the calibration marker is configured to indicate a direction. The method further comprises, in response to a movement of the gaze point in relation to the calibration point caused by movement of the user's head and/or movement of the remote display device, determining a current gaze point, and updating the calibration marker in accordance with a calculated direction and/or the distance from the current gaze point to the calibration point.

Abstract: An image processing method is applied to an electronic device with a display screen. The method includes obtaining a plurality of frame rates in at least one first time period, the electronic device being configured with a first preset frame rate in the first time period; determining a second preset frame rate of the electronic device in a second time period after the first time period based on the plurality of frame rates in the at least one first time period; and rendering an image in the second time period based on the second preset frame rate to display the rendered image through the display screen.

Abstract: A virtual space image generation device generates a virtual space image including a visibility change region in which a visibility changes based on movement of a viewpoint of a user. The virtual space image generation device includes an image generation unit that generates the virtual space image in which a transition completion time period required for transition of a visibility of the visibility change region between a first state and a second state different from the first state changes based on a predetermined condition, when the viewpoint of the user moves. Accordingly, the virtual space image that achieves visibility close to that of the appearance of a real space can be generated when the viewpoint of the user moves.

Abstract: Various implementations provide views of 3D environments (e.g., extended reality (XR) environments). Non-eye-based user activity, such as hand gestures, is associated with some types of eye-based activity, such as the user gazing at a particular user interface component displayed within a view of a 3D environment. For example, a user's pinching hand gesture may be associated with the user gazing at a particular user interface component, such as a button, at around the same time as the pinching hand gesture is made. These associated behaviors (e.g., the pinch and gaze at the button) may then be interpreted as user input, e.g., user input selecting or otherwise acting upon that user interface component. In some implementations, non-eye-based user activity is only associated with types of eye-based user activity that are likely to correspond to a user perceiving what they are seeing and/or intentionally looking at something.

Abstract: An information processing system determines motion of a hand of a user on the basis of inertial information of a controller held in or mounted on the hand. The information processing system controls a display unit to display a virtual space in which a virtual interface is placed in a real space. The information processing system determines, on the basis of an image-captured image in which the hand is image-captured, whether or not a position of the virtual interface and a position of the hand are in a particular relation. In a case in which the position of the virtual interface and the position of the hand are determined to be in the particular relation in the virtual space, the information processing system changes the display of the virtual interface on the basis of the motion of the hand.

Abstract: The following embodiments relate to a method of controlling an electronic device to implement virtual smoke in a virtual display device. An operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment includes sensing a muscle movement based on an input signal received from the electronic device, predicting a virtual smoke implementation timepoint by analyzing a result of the sensing, and displaying a virtual image in which cigarette smoke is generated, based on the virtual smoke implementation timepoint.

Abstract: A wearable plurality of data communication devices comprising haptic energy generators operable to output a haptic energy toward skin of a limb of a wearer; an electrical network spanning between the data communication devices to transmit data and power between the haptic energy generators; a physiological sensor operable to output physiological data associated with the limb of the wearer when positioned against the skin; a sleeve that is removably engageable with the data communication devices, capable of maintaining a spacing therebetween, and wearable around the limb of the wearer to position the data communication devices, the electrical network, and the physiological sensor on or adjacent to the skin; and a control system operable to cause the haptic energy generators to output the haptic energy responsive to one of the physiological data from the physiological sensor and an external data source in data communication with the control system.

Abstract: An electronic device that can include a device main body, a button on the device main body and at least partially exposed out of the device main body, and an external force recognition and tactile feedback component inside the device main body and opposite to the button. The external force recognition and tactile feedback component can recognize a magnitude of an external force and perform a corresponding tactile feedback action based on the recognized magnitude of the external force, when the button is subjected to the external force. An external force recognition and tactile feedback method for an electronic device includes recognizing a magnitude of an external force, and performing a corresponding tactile feedback action based on the recognized magnitude of the external force.

Abstract: An electronic device may include touch input components and associated haptic output components. The control circuitry may provide haptic output in response to touch input on the touch input components and may send wireless signals to the external electronic device based on the touch input. The haptic output components may provide local and global haptic output. Local haptic output may be used to guide a user to the location of the electronic device or to provide a button click sensation to the user in response to touch input. Global haptic output may be used to notify the user that the electronic device is aligned towards the external electronic device and is ready to receive user input to control or communicate with the external electronic device. Control circuitry may switch a haptic output component into an inactive mode to inform the user that a touch input component is inactive.

Abstract: An apparatus for the contactless triggering of at least one function of a motor vehicle comprising a sensor system which is configured to recognize gestures of a user and which is configured to monitor at least a sub-area of an environment of the motor vehicle for a predetermined gesture being performed by a user of the motor vehicle and, if the sensor system recognizes a performance of the gesture, to trigger a performance of a function of the motor vehicle to be performed. The gesture may include a hand movement.

Abstract: A wink gesture based control technique for entering text, selecting, controlling and manipulating virtual objects and smart applications on a display using facial gestures of the user, in particular winking, blinking and squinting movements of the eyes. The wink gesture based control technique utilizes wink gestures of a user to select, control, and manipulate virtual objects on a display. A head mounted device is adapted to allow detection and classification of specific wink gestures. The head mounted device in some embodiments may also be adapted to recognize certain characteristics of the wink gestures, such as duration or amplitude, to allow enhanced navigation of a computer interface.

Abstract: Techniques for improving the convenience of activating different computing applications on a mobile computing device are disclosed. Sensors associated with a mobile computing device (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, light sensors, microphones, image capture sensors) may receive inputs of various physical conditions to which the mobile computing device is being subjected. Based on one or more of these inputs, the mobile computing device may automatically select a content presentation mode that is likely to improve the consumption of the content by the user. In other embodiments, image analysis may be used to access different mobile computing applications.

Abstract: Collaborative sessions in which access to a collaborative object and added virtual content is selectively provided to participants/users. In one example of the collaborative session, a participant crops media content by use of a hand gesture to produce an image segment that can be associated to the collaborative object. The hand gesture resembles a pair of scissors and the camera and processor of the client device track a path of the hand gesture to identify an object within a displayed image to create virtual content of the identified object. The virtual content created by the hand gesture is then associated to the collaborative object.

Abstract: Electrodes that can be formed in a flexible band of a wrist-worn device to detect hand gestures are disclosed. Multiple rows of electrodes can be configured to detect electromyography (EMG) signals produced by activity of muscles and tendons. The band can include removable electrical connections (e.g., pogo pins) to enable the electrode signals to be routed to processing circuitry in the housing of the wrist-worn device. Measurements between signals from the active electrodes and one or more reference electrodes can be obtained to capture EMG signals at a number of locations on the band. The measurement method and mode of operation (lower power coarse detection or higher power fine detection) can determine the location and number of electrodes to be measured. These EMG signals can be processed to identify hand movements and recognize gestures associated with those hand movements.

Abstract: Example systems, devices, media, and methods are described for controlling virtual elements or graphical elements on a display in response to hand gestures detected by an eyewear device that is capturing frames of video data with its camera system. An image processing system detects a series of hand shapes in the video data and determines whether it matches a predefined series of hand gestures. Each predefined series of hand gestures is associated with an action. The system controls movement of the virtual element, relative to the display, in accordance with the associated action. In an example hand shape that includes a thumb sliding along an extended finger, the system establishes a finger scale along the extended finger, calibrates a graphical scale with the finger scale, and controls movement of an interactive graphical element, such as a slider, according to the current thumb position relative to the calibrated graphical scale.

Abstract: Input mechanisms can employ a case for an electronic device that provides input capabilities to enhance the user experience when using the case in concert with the electronic device. For example, a case can provide an electromechanical touch sensor to provide the user with an input mechanism that does not require actuation of the button of the electronic device. The electronic device, upon detecting the presence of the case, can disable one or more buttons and perform actions corresponding to the buttons when signals are received from the case.

Abstract: An input key assembly including: a keycap; a substrate; an elastic deformable shell-like structure disposed between the substrate and the keycap; and an optical sensing arrangement disposed on the substrate to transmit a light beam and sense an interruption to the light beam. The elastic deformable shell-like structure includes a peripheral base portion in abutment with the substrate; an apex portion in abutment with the keycap; and a plunger-like element extending away from underneath the apex portion, wherein a free-end of the plunger-like element is opaque. The elastic deformable shell-like structure and the optical sensing arrangement are arranged in a manner such that the free-end of the plunger-like element interrupts the light beam when the keycap is depressed to deform the elastic deformable shell-like structure for collapsing the apex portion relative to the peripheral base portion to move the plunger-like element along a longitudinal axis of the plunger-like element.

Abstract: A peripheral sharing device includes an optical switch, a first signal interface, and a plurality of second signal interfaces. The first signal interface is coupled to the optical switch via a first optical fiber cable. The first signal interface is configured to be coupled to at least one peripheral device, such as a keyboard, pointing device, or video display. A first one of the second signal interfaces is coupled to the optical switch via a second optical fiber cable. A second one of the second signal interfaces is coupled to the optical switch via a third optical fiber cable. The first one of the second signal interfaces is configured to be coupled to a first computing device, and the second one of the second signal interfaces is configured to be coupled to a second computing device.