Author: claimsbot

1. A system for relaying presence information within a electronic chat environment, comprising:
an electronic chat client configured to detect a network presence change of a user of the electronic chat client and in response to detection of the network presence change, to send at least one presence alert message to at least one contact included in a contact list of the user, the contact list utilized in electronic chat communications by the electronic chat client, wherein the at least one presence alert message is pre-customized by the user and the at least one contact is pre-selected by the user, the presence alert message also being expressly addressed to the at least one contact from the user, the at least one presence alert message being structured as a chat message having a tag that indicates to the electronic chat client to receive the chat message without initiating a chat session; and
a database storing contact parameters, the contact parameters including settings defined by the user for sending presence alert messages to contacts on the contact list of the user,
wherein the electronic chat client is further configured to receive presence alert messages from other users, the electronic chat client configured to present the user an option of responding to a received presence alert message after an audio file of the received presence alert message is played and wherein the electronic chat client is configured to play the audio file contained in the presence alert message without opening a chat window.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the contact parameters include a plurality of designations of types of network presence changes with regard to the user that cause different presence alert messages to be sent to different identified contacts from the contact list.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the contact parameters include a plurality of designations of particular contacts that are to receive presence alert messages.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the contact parameters include a plurality of designations of audio files that are to be sent as presence alert messages for particular network presence changes.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein a particular change in presence of the user characterizes the user’s disposition for receiving electronic chat communication from other users.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the electronic chat client causes an operating system employing the electronic chat client to play a subtle sound in lieu of playing the audio file associated with the presence alert message when another application is in current operation when the presence alert message is received.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic chat client designates in the contact parameters a location of a particular audio file that is included in the presence alert message for a particular change in network presence status of the user.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic chat client is configured to generate a request for a contact of the user to be added to a contact list of another user, the electronic chat client further configured to send an audio file to a chat client of the another user such that the chat client of the another user plays the audio file upon receiving a presence alert message from the user.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the electronic chat client is configured to create the audio file that is included in the presence alert message, the audio file comprising a recording of the user announcing the network presence change.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the presence alert message is sent from the electronic chat client in addition to presence information that is sent from the electronic chat client to a presence server.
11. A method for relaying presence information within a electronic chat environment, comprising:
specifying settings defined by a user for sending network presence alert messages to contacts on a contact list of the user;
detecting a network presence change of the user of an electronic chat client; and
in response to detection of the network presence change, sending at least one network presence alert message to at least one contact included in the contact list of the user, the contact list utilized in electronic chat communications by the electronic chat client, wherein the network presence alert message is pre-customized by the user and the at least one contact is pre-selected by the user, the alert message also being expressly addressed to the at least one contact from the user, the at least one network presence alert message being structured as a chat message having a tag that indicates to the electronic chat client to receive the chat message without initiating a chat session,
wherein the electronic chat client is configured to receive presence alert messages from other users, the electronic chat client configured to present the user an option of responding to a received presence alert message after an audio file of the received presence alert message is played and wherein the electronic chat client is configured to play the audio file contained in the presence alert message without opening a chat window.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:
maintaining a plurality of designations of types of network presence changes with regard to the user that cause different network presence alert messages to be sent to different identified contacts from the contact list.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising:
maintaining a plurality of designations of particular contacts that are to be sent network presence alert messages.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
designating a contact that is to receive a network presence alert message by identifying a communication address where the network presence alert message is to be sent for a particular change in network presence status of the user, wherein the particular change in network presence status characterizes the user’s disposition for receiving communication from other users of a communications network.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the designations include a plurality of designations of audio files that are to be sent as network presence alert messages for particular network presence changes.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
creating an audio file that is to be sent as a network presence alert message, the audio file comprising a recording of the user announcing the network presence change.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
prompting the user to designate a particular change in the network presence status of the user that will initiate the sending of a network presence alert message to at least one other user.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
receiving a network presence alert message sent from another user; and
playing an audio file contained in the received network presence alert message without opening a new chat window.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
receiving a network presence alert message sent from another user; and
playing a subtle sound in lieu of an audio file contained in the received network presence alert message if the electronic chat client is not in current use by the user.
20. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
generating a request for the user to be added as a contact to a contact list of another user;
sending an audio file to a chat client of the another user as part of a process of adding the contact of the user to the contact list of the another user; and
playing the audio file upon receiving a network presence alert message from the user.
21. The method of claim 11, wherein the network presence alert message is sent from the electronic chat client in addition to presence information that is sent from the electronic chat client to a presence server.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1-96. (canceled)
97. A textile comprising:
a first material that exhibits a dimensional transformation upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the first material being concentrated at a first surface of the textile; and
a second material that is concentrated at a second surface of the textile, the second surface being opposite the first surface,
wherein a portion of the first material is absent in a defined area of the textile such that the second material is exposed through the first surface in the defined area.
98. The textile recited in claim 97, wherein the physical stimulus is water.
99. The textile recited in claim 98, wherein the first material is at least one of a filament and a fiber that absorbs the water.
100. The textile recited in claim 98, wherein the first material is a yarn that absorbs the water.
101. The textile recited in claim 97, wherein the physical stimulus is a change in a temperature of the textile.
102. The textile recited in claim 97, wherein the textile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments of the first material and the second material.
103. The textile recited in claim 97, wherein the textile is a non-woven material having a first layer formed from the first material and a second layer formed from the second material, the first layer being adjacent the first surface, and the second layer being adjacent the second surface.
104. The textile recited in claim 97, wherein the textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.
105. A textile comprising:
a first area formed from a plurality of substantially separate filaments that exhibit a dimensional transformation upon exposure to a physical stimulus; and
a second area at least partially formed from a plurality of melted and joined filaments that provide dimensional stability upon exposure to the physical stimulus, the separate filaments and the melted and joined filaments being formed from a common material.
106. The textile recited in claim 105, wherein the physical stimulus is one of water and a change in a temperature of the textile.
107. The textile recited in claim 105, wherein the textile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments of the first material and the second material.
108. The textile recited in claim 105, wherein the textile is a non-woven material having a first layer formed from the first material and a second layer formed from the second material, the first layer being adjacent the first surface, and the second layer being adjacent the second surface.
109. The textile recited in claim 105, wherein the melted and joined filaments are formed through a laser cutting process.
110. The textile recited in claim 105, wherein the textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.
111. A textile comprising:
a first material that exhibits a dimensional transformation upon exposure to a physical stimulus, the first material being concentrated at a first surface of the textile; and
a second material that is concentrated at a second surface of the textile, the second surface being opposite the first surface,
wherein the textile is embossed to limit the dimensional transformation of the first material upon exposure to the physical stimulus.
112. The textile recited in claim 111, wherein the physical stimulus is one of water and a change in a temperature of the textile.
113. The textile recited in claim 111, wherein the textile is a non-woven textile that includes a plurality of filaments of the first material and the second material.
114. The textile recited in claim 111, wherein the textile is a non-woven material having a first layer formed from the first material and a second layer formed from the second material, the first layer being adjacent the first surface, and the second layer being adjacent the second surface.
115. The textile recited in claim 111, wherein the textile is incorporated into an article of apparel.
116-142. (canceled)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or right is claimed are defined as follows. Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

1. A method in a magnetic sensor for decreasing variations in switching angles thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
configuring an angled face magnet to include a recessed portion into which at least one sensing element can be positioned for magnetic sensing thereof;
positioning said at least one sensing element within said recessed portion of said angled face magnet, wherein said angled faced magnet is adapted for use with said magnetic sensor for sensing a sensor target thereof; and
altering a magnetic signal generated by said at least one sensing element of said magnetic sensor utilizing said angled face magnet, thereby decreasing variations in switching angles associated with said magnetic sensor relative to said sensor target.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:
transmitting said magnetic signal from said at least one sensing element to a signal processing circuit, wherein said magnetic signal comprises an analog signal.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of:
converting said analog signal into a digital output signal via said signal processing circuit.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said digital output signal comprises a high digital output signal.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein said digital output signal comprises a low digital output signal.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said magnetic sensor comprises a geartooth sensor.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said geartooth sensor is adapted for use in automobile applications.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein said geartooth sensor is adapted for use in automobile engines to determine crankshaft positions.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein said geartooth sensor is adapted for use in automobile engines to determine camshaft angular positions.
10. A method in a magnetic geartooth sensor for decreasing variations in switching angles thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
configuring an angled face magnet to include a recessed portion into which at least one sensing element can be positioned;
angularly positioning said at least one sensing element within said recessed portion of said angled face magnet, wherein said angled faced magnet is adapted for use with said magnetic geartooth sensor for sensing a geartooth sensor target thereof; and
altering a magnetic signal generated by said magnetic geartooth sensor utilizing said angled face magnet, thereby decreasing variations in switching angles associated with said magnetic geartooth sensor relative to said geartooth sensor target;
transmitting said magnetic signal to said at least one sensing element to a signal processing circuit, wherein said magnetic signal comprises an analog signal; and
converting said analog signal into a digital output signal via said signal processing circuit.
11. A system for decreasing variations in switching angles associated with a magnetic sensor, said system comprising:
an angled face magnet comprising a recessed portion into which at least one sensing element can be positioned for magnetic sensing thereof;
at least one sensing element positioned within said recessed portion of said angled face magnet, such that said angled faced magnet is adapted for use with said magnetic sensor for sensing a sensor target thereof; and
wherein said angled face magnet alters a magnetic signal generated by said at least one sensing element of said magnetic sensor, thereby decreasing variations in switching angles associated with said magnetic sensor relative to said sensor target.
12. The system of claim 11 further comprising the step of:
transmitting said magnetic signal from said at least one sensing element to a signal processing circuit, wherein said magnetic signal comprises an analog signal.
13. The system of claim 12 further comprising the step of:
converting said analog signal into a digital output signal via said signal processing circuit.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein said digital output signal comprises a high digital output signal.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein said digital output signal comprises a low digital output signal.
16. The system of claim 11 wherein said magnetic sensor comprises a geartooth sensor.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein said geartooth sensor is adapted for use in automobile applications.
18. The system of claim 16 wherein said geartooth sensor is adapted for use in automobile engines to determine crankshaft positions.
19. The system of claim 16 wherein said geartooth sensor is adapted for use in automobile engines to determine camshaft angular positions.
20. The system of claim 11 wherein said at least one sensing element comprises at least one Hall sensing element.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A touch type input device comprising:
a touch panel having a piezoelectric sensor and an electrostatic sensor;
a touch position detector that detects an operation input from a touch position detection voltage of the electrostatic sensor;
a displacement detector that detects a pressing amount from a detection voltage of the piezoelectric sensor;
a sound emission controller that provides a sound emission signal to the piezoelectric sensor;
a switch unit that switches connection of the displacement detector and the sound emission controller to the piezoelectric sensor; and
a controller that receives an operation input detection result from the touch position detector and controls the switch unit such that the displacement detector and the piezoelectric sensor are connected to each other.
2. The touch type input device according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric sensor and the electrostatic sensor are integral and share a main body.
3. The touch type input device according to claim 2, wherein the main body of the piezoelectric sensor and the electrostatic sensor is a single piezoelectric film, and an electrostatic capacitance detecting electrode and a displacement detecting electrode are positioned on an identical surface of the piezoelectric film.
4. The touch type input device according to claim 3, wherein the piezoelectric film is made of poly lactic acid.
5. The touch type input device according to claim 4, wherein the piezoelectric film is uniaxially drawn in a predetermined direction.
6. The touch type input device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined direction is at a predetermined angle with respect to a length and a width direction of the piezoelectric film.
7. A touch type input device comprising:
a touch panel having a piezoelectric sensor and an electrostatic sensor;
a touch position detector that detects an operation input from a touch position detection voltage of the electrostatic sensor;
a displacement detector that detects a pressing amount from a detection voltage of the piezoelectric sensor;
a sound emission controller that includes a source playback unit and a sound emission amplifier, the source playback unit generating a sound emission signal provided to the piezoelectric sensor, the sound emission amplifier amplifying the sound emission signal to output the amplified sound emission signal to the piezoelectric sensor;
a switch unit that switches between a first path and a second path; and
a controller that outputs a switch control signal to the switch unit instructing the switch unit to switch between the first path and the second path,
wherein the displacement detector and the controller are connected to each other in the first path, the source playback unit and the sound emission amplifier are connected to each other in the second path, and
the controller receives an operation input detection result from the touch position detector, and generates the switch control signal switching from the second path to the first path.
8. The touch type input device according to claim 7, wherein the piezoelectric sensor and the electrostatic sensor are integral and share a main body.
9. The touch type input device according to claim 8, wherein the main body of the piezoelectric sensor and the electrostatic sensor is a single piezoelectric film, and an electrostatic capacitance detecting electrode and a displacement detecting electrode are positioned on an identical surface of the piezoelectric film.
10. The touch type input device according to claim 9, wherein the piezoelectric film is made of poly lactic acid.
11. The touch type input device according to claim 10, wherein the piezoelectric film is uniaxially drawn in a predetermined direction.
12. The touch type input device according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined direction is at a predetermined angle with respect to a length and a width direction of the piezoelectric film.