A voice-assisted restocking system includes: a first compartment for storing a plurality of consumable items; a restocking suggestion unit that is configured to receive voice-based restocking suggestions from a remotely located digital assistant server over a network communication interface; a voice output interface configured to output the voice-based restocking suggestions to a user; and a first hardware button that is located in the interior of the first compartment, wherein the first hardware button is configured to: after a first voice-based restocking suggestion from the digital assistant is output by the voice output interface, prompt the user to provide a confirmation input regarding the first voice-based restocking suggestion; and send a respective confirmation signal to the remotely located digital assistant when the first hardware button is activated by the user. A corresponding voice-assisted restocking method is also disclosed.

Key assemblies are disclosed herein that are retractable and/or that present a variable key assembly depression force to a user. In one example, one or more key assemblies may be provided that each employ one or more electro-permanent magnets (EPMs) together with permanent magnet and/or magnetically permeable (e.g., ferromagnetic) key assembly components to control key retraction and extension, and/or to control peak depression force (e.g., typing force) required to depress and displace a key assembly from an extended position to a lower position that causes the key assembly to produce a digital or analog output signal.

A luminous pressure sensor comprises a feedback assembly capable of emitting light when pressure is applied thereto, and a pressure sensing layer. A sensing plate is provided between the feedback assembly and the pressure sensing layer, and is connected to the feedback assembly and the pressure sensing layer via a connecting adhesive layer. The sensing plate is provided with at least one pressing structure thereon for concentrating pressing force. A touch control button may comprise the luminous pressure sensor, and an electronic device may comprise the touch control button. The luminous pressure sensor has a simple structure and a low manufacturing cost, and is easy to assemble and to commercialize.

A method and apparatus for human-machine interaction, a terminal, and a computer-readable storage medium are provided. The method for human-machine interaction of the present disclosure includes: receiving interaction information of a user acquired by a sensor, wherein the sensor includes a sensor that acquires the interaction information by means of a touch manner; determining a reply control signal corresponding to the interaction information, wherein the reply control signal includes a tactile reply control signal and a visual reply control signal; and generating a tactile reply response according to the tactile reply control signal, and generating a visual reply response according to the visual reply control signal, wherein the tactile reply response is used to provide the user with a response action for a tactile stimulus, and the visual reply response is used to provide the user with a visible response action.

Systems and methods are disclosed that may be implemented to indicate real time availability of individual key assemblies for user input to an information handling system. In one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to retract an individual key assembly of a user input device (e.g., such as keyboard matrix, game controller, game pad, computer mouse, etc.) when the key assembly is, or becomes, unavailable for input to a user application (e.g., such as a computer game) that is executing on a host programmable integrated circuit (e.g., such as host CPU) of an information handling system. Such a retracted key assembly may then be extended when it becomes available for input to the user application.

An electronic device such as a voice-controlled speaker may have an array of strain gauges and light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes may be configured to display dynamically adjustable button icons overlapping the strain gauges. Force measurements from the strain gauges may be used to adjust speaker output and other device operations.

A number of user interface devices are described. In one example, a user interface device includes a lens having a graphic visible through the lens, a transparent circuit film comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a reflector film bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, the reflector film including an embossed area which defines a pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, a light emitting diode (LED) bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film and positioned within the pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, and a layer of transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed between the bottom surface of the lens and the top surface of the transparent circuit film.

The present disclosure relates to an input device comprising a flat panel defining an array of control surfaces, a support disposed on a side of the panel, and a substantially flat film layer placed between the panel and the support defining an array of capacitive sensors, wherein each control surfaces comprises backlightable luminous surfaces and are disposed on a surface of the panel facing towards an operator, wherein each capacitive sensor forms a measuring capacitance assigned to one control surface, wherein the panel has a light-conducting layer covering the luminous surfaces, wherein a lighting means is provided for each control surface for backlighting the associated luminous surface of the control surface while transmitting light through the light-conducting layer, wherein the support forms a web which protrudes towards the panel and is connected to the panel in order to fix the film layer structure between the panel and the support.

A switch assembly comprising a housing configured to operably couple to a trim panel and defining a cavity, a feedback device operably coupled to the housing and positioned within the cavity, a printed circuit board operably coupled to the feedback device, a proximity sensor operably coupled to a connector and configured to actuate the feedback device, and a light source operably coupled the printed circuit board and configured to luminesce in response to actuation of the proximity sensor. The trim panel comprises a panel substrate operably coupled to a backup layer, an icon layer positioned within the cavity and operably coupled to the backup layer, an outline positioned about a periphery of the backup layer, and a translucent panel skin bonded to a foam layer positioned over the panel substrate, wherein the panel skin stretches over the panel substrate and the backup layer.

A vehicle user interface apparatus for a vehicle including a light emitting unit configured to emit light; a touch sensor configured to sense a touch; a processor configured to control the light emitting unit to emit the light in response to an event, activate the touch sensor when the light is emitted, and provide a signal to control a vehicle device corresponding to a touch input received through the activated touch sensor; and a cover covering the light emitting unit, the touch sensor, and the processor, the cover configured to transmit the light into a passenger compartment with a specific shape when the light is emitted.