A proximity sensor configured to detect proximity of an object based on an electrostatic capacitance includes an electrode section comprised of a tubular body formed by using a metal material and having a connecting terminal on one side in an axial direction of the tubular body, a substrate having a land formed in correspondence in position to the connecting terminal, the connecting terminal being fusedly solder-bonded to the land, with the tubular body being disposed vertically, and a detecting section mounted on the substrate and configured to detect the proximity of the object according to a change that occurs in an electrostatic capacitance at the electrode section.

A rotation operation device includes: a rotation operation section having a cylindrical shape; multiple recessed and projecting sections arranged on an axial end surface or a peripheral surface of the rotation operation section; a conductive section having a protruding section protruding toward each recessed and projecting section and an elastic section biasing the protruding section to each recessed and projecting section, and movable in a recess-and-projection direction when the rotation operation section rotates; an electrode section changing a capacitance in accordance with a movement of the conductive section; and a detecting section detecting the change in the capacitance. The conductive section is moved in turn in the recess-and-projection direction at a different timing. The detecting section detects a rotation direction and a rotation quantity of the rotation operation section by means of a combination pattern of the change in the capacitance.

Embodiments are directed to a dome switch and methods related to the use thereto. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap. The embodiment may further include a domed structure having upper and lower portions. The domed structure may be configured to deform in response to an input force received at the upper portion by the key cap. The embodiment may further include a collar affixed to the lower portion and extending toward the key cap. The collar may resist deformation of the domed surface.

Systems and methods associated with modular computing environments are provided. For instance, a modular computing environment can include a control entity including one or more processing devices. The modular computing environment can include one or more modular components directly or indirectly coupled to the control entity. The one or more modular components can be configured to receive a module specifying one or more instructions to be performed by an external device. The one or more modular components include one or more processing devices. Each modular component is configured to determine state data associated with the modular component based at least in part on the received module and to provide the state data to the control entity. The state data includes an identification signature of the received module and a configuration context of the modular component within the modular computing environment.

Systems and methods associated for providing haptic feedback are provided. For instance, data indicative of a feedback scheme associated with an input mechanism can be accessed. The feedback scheme includes one or more feedback points associated with a position of a moveable portion of the input mechanism. The input mechanism is configured to change positions responsive to an actuation of the input mechanism by a user. One or more positions of the moveable portion of the input mechanism can be determined as the input mechanism is actuated by the user. Operation of one or more feedback motors can be controlled to provide feedback to the user in accordance with the feedback scheme based at least in part on the determined one or more positions of the input mechanism.

Disclosed herein is a control apparatus using a dial. The control apparatus includes a sensor panel installed to be rotatable and movable up and down. A plurality of first electrodes is disposed in a surface of the sensor panel. The plurality of first electrodes is spaced apart at a predetermined distance in a circumferential direction. A first sensing electrode faces the sensor panel. The first sensing electrode is configured to be capacitively coupled with the plurality of first electrodes to sense a change in capacitance.

Embodiments are directed to a dome switch and methods related to the use thereto. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap. The embodiment may further include a domed structure having upper and lower portions. The domed structure may be configured to deform in response to an input force received at the upper portion by the key cap. The embodiment may further include a collar affixed to the lower portion and extending toward the key cap. The collar may resist deformation of the domed surface.

Systems and methods associated for providing haptic feedback are provided. For instance, data indicative of a feedback scheme associated with an input mechanism can be accessed. The feedback scheme includes one or more feedback points associated with a position of a moveable portion of the input mechanism. The input mechanism is configured to change positions responsive to an actuation of the input mechanism by a user. One or more positions of the moveable portion of the input mechanism can be determined as the input mechanism is actuated by the user. Operation of one or more feedback motors can be controlled to provide feedback to the user in accordance with the feedback scheme based at least in part on the determined one or more positions of the input mechanism.

In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor including logic to determine from data received from one or more sensors, whether the apparatus is in physical contact with a user. The logic is further to set a power management policy of the apparatus based on a processor context, where the processor context is determined based at least in part on whether the apparatus is in physical contact with the user, and where the power management policy is used by the logic to determine a level of power consumption at which to operate the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor including logic to determine from data received from one or more sensors, whether the apparatus is in physical contact with a user. The logic is further to set a power management policy of the apparatus based on a processor context, where the processor context is determined based at least in part on whether the apparatus is in physical contact with the user, and where the power management policy is used by the logic to determine a level of power consumption at which to operate the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.