A mobile device for determining a handling condition of the mobile device and a method of use thereof. One embodiment of the mobile device includes: at least one left capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a left side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, at least one right capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a right side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, an accelerometer disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect an orientation of the mobile device, an ambient light proximity sensor disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect a proximity of a user's head, and a processor operable to execute an application configured to gain access to and employ the hold condition, the orientation, and the proximity of the user's head to determine a handling condition.

A mobile device for determining a handling condition of the mobile device and a method of use thereof. One embodiment of the mobile device includes: at least one left capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a left side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, at least one right capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a right side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, an accelerometer disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect an orientation of the mobile device, an ambient light proximity sensor disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect a proximity of a user's head, and a processor operable to execute an application configured to gain access to and employ the hold condition, the orientation, and the proximity of the user's head to determine a handling condition.

A method for controlling operation of a power switch includes obtaining, by one or more processors of a power switch, data indicative of one or more non-contact gestures. The method includes determining, by the one or more processors, a control action based at least in part on the data indicative of the one or more non-contact gestures. The method includes implementing, by the one or more processors, the control action.

There is provided an electrical socket apparatus 200 comprising a slot 210 for receiving a pin 310 of a corresponding electrical plug 300. The apparatus 200 comprises a light sensor 212 arranged relative to the slot 210 and configured to receive light emitted by a light source 312 of a said electrical plug 300. The slot 210 is movable to a position in which the slot 210 is aligned with the pin 310 of a said electrical plug 300 on the basis of light emitted by a light source 312 of a said electrical plug 300 and received by the light sensor 212.

A method for controlling operation of a power switch includes obtaining, by one or more processors of a power switch, data indicative of one or more non-contact gestures. The method includes determining, by the one or more processors, a control action based at least in part on the data indicative of the one or more non-contact gestures. The method includes implementing, by the one or more processors, the control action.

A mobile device for determining a handling condition of the mobile device and a method of use thereof. One embodiment of the mobile device includes: at least one left capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a left side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, at least one right capacitive proximity sensor disposed on a right side of the mobile device and operable to detect a hold condition, an accelerometer disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect an orientation of the mobile device, an ambient light proximity sensor disposed in the mobile device and operable to detect a proximity of a user's head, and a processor operable to execute an application configured to gain access to and employ the hold condition, the orientation, and the proximity of the user's head to determine a handling condition.

The device has an input element, which can be used for resetting the device. The input element has at least one first photodiode arranged in series to at least one second photodiode. A voltage is applied over the photodiodes. When the user blocks light to only the second photodiode, the voltage at the interconnection between the photodiodes changes, which can be used to trigger the input element. The input element has low power consumption and high reliability.

A physical keyboard includes a plurality of light-sensing electrodes, where individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes correspond to an individual key of the keyboard. The physical keyboard also includes a microprocessor electrically coupled to individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations including determining that light is obstructed to a first particular light-sensing electrode of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes and sending a signal indicating a selection of a first key corresponding to the first particular light-sensing electrode. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising determining that the light is obstructed to a second particular light-sensing electrode, and sending a second signal indicating a second selection of a second key corresponding to the second particular light-sensing electrode. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising predicting a word based on the first and second key.

In some examples, a first keyboard includes a plurality of light-sensing electrodes, where individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes correspond to individual keys of the first keyboard. The first keyboard includes a microprocessor electrically coupled to individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes. A second keyboard comprised of light-transmitting material may be placed on top of the first keyboard. The second keyboard may include a plurality of keys, with individual keys including a keycap having opaque material attached to a bottom surface and a scissors mechanism to lower the opaque material when a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the keycap. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations including determining that the opaque material is obstructing light to a first particular light-sensing electrode of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes and sending a signal indicating a selection of a first key corresponding to the first particular light-sensing electrode.

A physical keyboard includes a plurality of light-sensing electrodes, where individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes correspond to an individual key of the keyboard. The physical keyboard also includes a microprocessor electrically coupled to individual ones of the light-sensing electrodes. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations including determining that light is obstructed to a first particular light-sensing electrode of the plurality of light-sensing electrodes and sending a signal indicating a selection of a first key corresponding to the first particular light-sensing electrode. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising determining that the light is obstructed to a second particular light-sensing electrode, and sending a second signal indicating a second selection of a second key corresponding to the second particular light-sensing electrode. The microprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising predicting a word based on the first and second key.