Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an electronic device having a proximity sensor for determining whether an object, such as a user's finger, is in proximity to or in contact with an input mechanism of the electronic device.
Abstract:
An electronic device having a housing structure that is configured to receive at least one glass cover is disclosed. The glass cover serves to cover a display assembly provided within the electronic device. The glass cover can be secured to the housing structure so as to facilitate providing a narrow border between an active display area and an outer edge of the housing structure. The enclosure for the electronic device can be thin yet be sufficiently strong to be suitable for use in electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for charging an electronic device include rotating a magnetically attractable element, or element, within the electronic device. Rotating a magnet external to the electronic device simultaneously rotates the element. Rotating the element causes an electrically generating device, such as a generator, to create an electric charge in the electronic device. The electric charge may be used to power the electrically generating device, or the electric charge may be transmitted to an internal power supply in order to charge another component or components. In another embodiment, the external magnet may wind a spring inside a device.
Abstract:
A system and methods to extending the overall display area for a device. At or near the borders of a device, pixel pitch between adjacent pixels may be increased such that overall pixel placement may be provided closer to a border of a display of a device. In one embodiment, pixel drive circuitry may be located in the spacing between adjacent pixels. Additionally, various optical systems and techniques may be utilized to provide an appearance of a lack of a border around the display such as decreasing the size of border pixels, overdriving the border pixels, or utilizing a light pipe on a surface above the border pixels.
Abstract:
A power source is configured to supply power to one or more components of an electronic device. A processing device that is in communication with the power source can be configured to determine an estimated power requirement of the mobile electronic device during a time period, to determine a charge state of the power source, and to produce an indication of the remaining use time of the electronic device based on the estimated power requirement and the charge state of the power source.
Abstract:
A first attachment structure of a first attachment element includes apertures and first attachment structure magnetic elements. A second magnetic structure of a second attachable element includes inner and outer magnetic elements. The second attachment structure is moveable between a first and a second position. Movement between the positions may rotate the inner and outer magnetic elements. In the first position, the first attachment structure magnetic element may not attract the outer magnetic element and magnetic force from the inner magnetic element may pull the outer magnetic element toward the inner magnetic element and out of the aperture. In the second position, the first magnetic structure magnetic element may exert magnetic force on the outer magnetic element to overcome the magnetic bond between the inner magnetic element and the outer magnetic element and pull the outer magnetic element toward the first magnetic structure magnetic element and into the aperture.
Abstract:
An electronic device for predicting or anticipating a user's operational desires. The electronic device is ready to perform the anticipated function without input from the user by using sensors to sense environmental attributes. The sensors can include an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient noise sensor, and a motion sensor. The electronic device also includes a control mechanism for switching between modes for the device.
Abstract:
Client devices with wireless functionality, but without wide area network or cellular network functionality, can obtain network access via a host device, where the host device has network access. Such network access can be obtained when a client device of a user is in local range of a host device, e.g., of a different user. The host device may enable network bandwidth sharing with settings that specify a threshold of resource usage (e.g., battery or bandwidth limit). An authentication process can confirm that either one or both of a client device and a host device are registered for the network bandwidth sharing. A server can monitor the amount of resources shared by the host device, and manage incentives to the user of the host device.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to several mechanical features of an electronic device. The electronic device may include a spring for simultaneously grounding several components. The electronic device may include several interlocking fences for protecting electronic device components from RF radiation. The electronic device may include an antenna assembly that includes distinct components for functional and aesthetic purposes. The electronic device may include a window for permitting RF transmissions. The electronic device may include a metal frame for stiffening the electronic device. The electronic device may include a bezel used for aesthetic purposes and to support numerous electronic device components. The electronic device may include a flexible housing operative to elastically deform to assemble the electronic device. The electronic device may include an unsupported button.