Capture object bending mechanism

Abstract

A container is provided that includes a holding pad having a plurality of holders to hold an object. Each holder has an opening to receive an object (e.g., a marking pen tip). Each holder further includes a flexible blade surrounding an opening in the holder, where the flexible blade has an irregular but approximately conical shape having a diameter that narrows as the flexible blade approaches a stopper located beneath the flexible blade, and where the flexible blade has an irregular but approximately conical shape having a diameter that narrows as the flexible blade approaches the stopper located beneath the flexible blade. The holder is configured such that the stored object rests in a stopper in the holder. The flexible blade has two states: a first state that holds the stored object with sufficient firmness to store the object in the holder; and a second state in which the irregular but nearly conical shape of the flexible blade interferes with the housing of the object held in the holder to form a curved portion that enables removal of the held object from the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a container suitable for preserving and holding objects for storage and transport. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to a container for securely holding a replaceable marker tip for an active pen-stylus, allowing the replaceable marker tip to be easily attached to the active pen-stylus. Background Technology

[0002] Containers are typically needed to store and hold goods of various types, sizes, and sensitivities for both storage and transport. In particular, storing goods in a way that is easily accessible to end-user consumers is often helpful. Over thousands of years, various forms of containers have been developed to hold a wide range of goods for both storage and transport. While undoubtedly useful, these containers may not be ideally suited for all use cases.

[0003] A stylus (or simply "pen" or "pen") is typically a pen- or pencil-shaped tool whose position on a computer monitor (e.g., the tip position) can be detected electronically or physically. A stylus enables users to perform tasks such as drawing or making selections on a computing device. While devices with touchscreens (such as some computers, mobile devices (smartphones and PDAs), game consoles, and graphics tablets) can generally be operated with fingertips, styluses typically offer more accurate and controlled input. Essentially, a stylus functions similarly to a mouse or touchpad as a pointing device, but allows for much more precise input for certain drawing tasks. Using a stylus is sometimes referred to as "stylus computing."

[0004] A typical stylus pen is configured to detect "pen placement" information in addition to coordinate information on the pointing device. This placement information typically occurs when the stylus tip contacts the digitizer's panel. Typically, placement information is detected by a force (e.g., pressure) sensitive device that detects the vertical force applied to the stylus tip, and / or through an electrical connection between the stylus pen and the digitizer's panel. The position data can be smoothed and / or denoised, and then used to estimate the velocity and / or acceleration of the input object. This smoothing and / or denoising can be accomplished using appropriate techniques—for example, by applying a recurrent Bayesian filter or a smoothing method (such as a Kalman filter) to the position data.

[0005] An active stylus (also known as an "active pen" or "digital stylus") includes digital components and / or a circuitry system within the stylus that communicates with a digitizer on a touch device. This communication allows for advanced features such as force (e.g., pressure) sensitivity, tilt detection, programmable buttons, palm detection; eraser tip, memory settings, and write data transfer.

[0006] Active styluses typically employ different protocols from various manufacturers to communicate with the digitizers of graphics tablets or multi-touch devices. For an active stylus to function correctly, its digital component protocol must typically be compatible with the digitizer technology in the touchscreen it interacts with. Therefore, the stylus's digital protocol must be compatible with the device's digitizer; otherwise, input from the stylus will not be recorded on the device. Active styluses are typically powered by removable or rechargeable batteries.

[0007] The performance of a stylus pen is typically measured by four characteristics: 1) comfort, 2) resistance, 3) balance and overall weight, and 4) accuracy. "Accuracy" can sometimes be a vague characteristic, so it is often described by further characteristics such as: 1) responsiveness and speed, 2) jitter, 3) tilt, 4) force (e.g., pressure) level), and 5) palm protection or detection. This last accuracy element can prevent the touch device from recording or marking the screen when the hand or palm rests on the screen surface. Effective operation likely relies on a combination of stylus pen technology, operating system software, and screen digitizer technology.

[0008] To achieve improved performance for styluses, designers have determined that, in balancing improved performance with lifespan, it may be necessary to allow certain parts of the stylus to wear down. Therefore, these wear-prone parts may eventually need to be replaced. These parts should preferably be easily replaceable by the user without the need for specialized tools. Furthermore, wear-prone parts should also preferably be easily and quickly replaceable by the user to minimize downtime and productivity. As mentioned above, the world has witnessed tremendous advancements in stylus technology over millennia, but further improvements are still necessary. Moreover, the specific use cases of styluses may require levels of accuracy and additional functionality unattainable by conventional devices. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a container for holding multiple objects and include a retainer pad having multiple retainers, each retainer having an opening to receive an object from the multiple objects. Each retainer further includes a flexible blade surrounding the opening in the retainer, wherein the flexible blade has an interference shape, the diameter of which narrows as the flexible blade approaches a stopper located below the flexible blade to hold the retained object from the multiple objects within the retainer. The flexible blade has two states: a first state in which the retained object from the multiple objects is held with sufficient strength to retain the retained object from the multiple objects within the retainer; and a second state in which the interference shape of the flexible blade interferes with the outer shell of the retained object from the multiple objects within the retainer to form a curved portion, the curved portion enabling the removal of the retained object from the retainer pad.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a marker tip holder case comprising a marker tip holder pad having a plurality of marker tip holders for holding marker tip used with a stylus pen. Each marker tip holder has an opening for receiving a marker tip. Each marker tip holder further includes a flexible marker tip blade surrounding the opening in the marker tip holder, wherein the flexible marker tip blade has an irregular but nearly conical shape, the diameter of which narrows as the flexible marker tip blade approaches a marker tip stop located below the flexible marker tip blade, such that the held marker tip rests in the marker tip stop within the marker tip holder. The flexible marker tip blade has two states: a first state in which the marker tip is held securely in a marker tip holder; and a second state in which the irregular but near-conical shape of the flexible marker tip blade interferes with the shell of the marker tip held in the marker tip holder to form a curved portion that allows the held marker tip to be removed from the marker tip holder box. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features that will become more apparent from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. A brief description of the drawings follows.

[0012] Figure 1 The illustration shows an active stylus 100 configured to communicate with a tablet device, such as an e-paper tablet.

[0013] Figure 2 The illustration shows the outer casing 201 of a pen-type stylus 200 designed to fit the user's hand according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3 The illustration shows a cross-section of the front portion of an active stylus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which can be used by a user to perform tasks such as drawing lines on the display of a device (e.g., an electronic paper tablet).

[0015] Figure 4 The illustration shows a replaceable marker tip 303 of a stylus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The replaceable marker tip provides a good writing feel for the user of the stylus 300, while also providing a high-quality antenna function, specifically serving as the main antenna of the stylus 300.

[0016] Figure 5 The illustration shows a marker tip 303 comprising a core antenna 307 and an insulating material 305 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figures 6 to 7 The illustration shows a compression rib 309 holding the core antenna 307 to the writing axis 313 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 The illustration shows a container, marker tip holder box 800, configured to hold a replaceable marker tip (e.g., marker tip 303), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The marker tip holder box 800 includes a holder portion 803 and a drawer portion 805.

[0019] Figure 9 The illustration shows a marker tip holder box 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with its drawer 805 opened to reveal a holder 903 for replaceable marker tips.

[0020] Figure 10 This is an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the marker tip holder 903 in the marker tip holder pad 905 of the drawer 805 in the marker tip holder box 800 shown.

[0021] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a marker tip stopper 1009 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, which retains a replaceable marker tip 1103 in a marker tip holder 903.

[0022] Figure 12 The illustration shows a side cross-sectional view of a marker tip holder 903 according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a replaceable marker tip 1103.

[0023] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods shown herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The accompanying drawings (Figures) and the following description refer to preferred embodiments only by way of illustration. It should be noted that, from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily considered as feasible alternatives that can be employed without departing from the claimed principles.

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is worth noting that similar or identical reference numerals may be used in the drawings whenever feasible, and similar or identical reference numerals may indicate similar or identical functions. The drawings depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods shown herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

[0026] Overview

[0027] A system (and related process) is disclosed for holding a marker tip holder housing suitable for use with an active stylus pen. The description of this specific invention is as follows: Figure 8 The description begins by outlining the replaceable marker tip held in place by the marker tip holder. Before detailing the invention, a description of replaceable marker tips and active pen styluses using replaceable marker tips will be provided. Following this description, embodiments of the marker tip holder invention will be described.

[0028] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the design principles of the replaceable marker tip holder box described herein are applicable to containers used for storing and transporting other types of goods. Therefore, those skilled in the art will further recognize that, in containers embodying principles similar to those disclosed herein, the replaceable marker tip used for the stored object can be easily replaced by other types of stored objects. In short, the marker tip holder box disclosed herein includes embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Example: Active stylus with replaceable marker tips

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide a marker tip holder designed to hold a replaceable marker tip. For example, when a stylus is engaged with a tablet device (such as an e-paper tablet), the replaceable marker tip can be designed to provide a good (paper-like) writing feel for the user of the corresponding stylus. The replaceable marker tip can also provide other functionalities, such as high-quality antenna functionality. The active stylus is designed to operate with devices such as e-paper tablets, which receive input from the active stylus when the stylus makes physical contact with a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch-sensitive screen on an e-paper tablet).

[0031] An active stylus (or more commonly, an "active pen") is a pen-type stylus input device that allows a user to write, sketch, or draw on the display of a computing device, such as an e-paper tablet. An active stylus includes digital components and / or circuitry that communicate with the computing device (e.g., an e-paper tablet). This communication enables advanced features such as force (e.g., pressure) sensitivity, tilt detection, programmable buttons, palm detection, eraser tips, memory settings, and write data transfer. More broadly, the communication between the computing device and the active stylus allows for the placement of various peripheral sensors within the active stylus, with the resulting data reported to the computing device, such as an e-paper tablet. Such sensors placed within an active stylus can range from simple buttons to enhanced artificial intelligence features.

[0032] The electronic components of an active pen typically include a power source that enables the device's electronics to provide lower latency and higher fidelity than other types of pens (e.g., passive pens). Active pens offer many advantages over passive pens, including hover latency; for example, an active pen can typically be activated only by being near a display (e.g., a display associated with an electronic paper tablet).

[0033] Once an active stylus touches or contacts the display screen of a device such as an e-paper tablet, the electronics associated with the display screen generate a signal, which the e-paper tablet device can process into a user gesture. When a stylus gesture is detected, the electronics within the touch-sensitive screen generate a signal that encodes instructions for displaying content or updating content previously displayed on the e-paper tablet device's screen based on the detected movement of the gesture on the screen.

[0034] Compared to active pens, passive pens typically have no internal power supply. A passive pen remains inactive until it touches the device's screen (e.g., a tablet screen), causing a signal to travel from the device through the passive pen and back. The electronics associated with a passive pen can be integrated into the pen-style stylus device or even housed in a small case placed inside a pen-shaped stylus cap designed to be more ergonomic than the smaller case containing the electronics and other components.

[0035] Figure 1 The illustration shows an active stylus 100, which includes a core component 102. The core component itself includes one or more antennas configured to communicate with a tablet device, such as an e-paper tablet. The active stylus 100 may include one or more force sensing systems 104 that detect force, such as the force applied when a user presses the tip of the stylus 100 against the display of the tablet device. Furthermore, this component can help mimic human interaction with conventional writing instruments such as pencils and paper, for example, providing a "pencil and paper feel." The active stylus 100 also includes a power source, such as a battery 106. In addition, the battery 106 allows the active stylus 100 to support a "hover" function, which allows the active stylus 100 to enter a sleep state to conserve battery power when it is not actively engaged with the display of the e-paper tablet, and to wake up from the sleep state when the core component 102 detects proximity to the display of the e-paper tablet. The active stylus 100 may not actually draw lines on the display of the e-paper tablet until the tip of the active stylus 100 physically touches the display of the e-paper tablet.

[0036] The active pen 100 typically includes a PCBA 105, which includes the electronics required to drive the signal lines associated with the core component 102. The PCBA 105 may alternatively be a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The PCBA 105 may include a suitable active pen PCBA or IC / ASIC / MCU that processes the data received from the core component 104 to sense force or displacement at high resolution during interaction between the active pen 100 and an object (e.g., the surface of a computing device, such as an electronic paper tablet).

[0037] The active pen 100 receives user input data associated with drawing on the screen of an associated computing device (e.g., an e-paper tablet). The active pen 100 may also include an erasing system that receives user input data associated with erasing a display portion of the screen of the associated computing device (e.g., an e-paper tablet). In a sense, for example, the erasing system operates exactly the same as an active pen stylus system, except that one is for drawing and the other for erasing.

[0038] During operation, when the marker tip engages with the display on a tablet device (e.g., an electronic paper tablet), the force sensing system 104 receives the force applied to the marker tip (e.g., when the marker tip engages with the display on the active pen 100). Figure 3 The physical force of the marker tip 303 (as shown) is received and converted into an electronic signal, which is transmitted to a PCBA 105. Components of the PCBA can perform various processes on the received signal. The PCBA 105 can then transmit the signal back to a flat panel device (e.g., an electronic paper board) for further action (e.g., drawing lines).

[0039] In an embodiment where the secondary antenna system in the active pen 100 implements the tail eraser function, the active pen 100 also includes a second antenna system 103 that enables the active pen 100 to transmit and receive signals with a computing device (e.g., a paperboard) via the tail eraser portion of the active pen 100 near the cap 108. In this embodiment, the active pen 100 also includes a second pressure sensing system 107 that controls the pressure applied to the display of the computing device from the erasing activity. Similarly, the PCBA 105 may include a suitable active pen PCBA or IC / ASIC / MCU that processes the data received from the second antenna system 103 associated with the erasing function.

[0040] The active pen 100 typically also includes an outer housing 101 as a stylus holder, which is typically cylindrical in shape and made of a non-metallic material (such as plastic), and contains internal electronics within the housing 101. A cap 108 may be provided at the top of the housing 101.

[0041] Figure 2 The illustration shows the outer housing 201 of a pen-type stylus 200 designed to fit a user's hand according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pen-type stylus 200 includes a marker tip 202 and an eraser 203. The marker tip 202 serves as... Figure 1 The core component 102 shown operates as a part of the device, while the eraser 203 acts as... Figure 1This illustrates a portion of the operation of the second antenna system 103. As discussed below, the marker tip 202 may include replaceable parts, such as a replaceable marker tip.

[0042] Figure 3 The illustration shows a cross-section of the front portion of an active stylus 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A user can use the active stylus to perform tasks such as drawing lines on the display of a device (e.g., an electronic paper tablet). The active stylus 300 includes a core (e.g., Figure 1 The shown core component 102 includes components such as a first antenna 307 and a second antenna 325. The active stylus 300 also includes a force sensor (e.g., Figure 1 The force sensing system 104 shown includes components such as a writing shaft 313, a first spring coil 331, a second spring coil 329, and a force sensor 323.

[0043] Due to the interaction between the first antenna 307 and the second antenna 325, and partly due to the placement of the first antenna 307 and the second antenna 325 relative to each other and relative to the active stylus 300 itself, the active stylus 300 provides high accuracy for various drawing tasks. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the second antenna 325 surrounds the first antenna 307, but the second antenna 325 and the first antenna 307 do not overlap horizontally in the active stylus 300, but are further separated from each other by the insulator 305.

[0044] The active stylus 300 also provides advanced force (e.g., pressure) sensing, such as low activation force, high maximum force, and high dynamic range. To translate the detected force applied by the stylus 300 onto the display of the e-paper tablet, the writing axis 313 is designed to move toward and / or away from a force sensor 323 that records activity between the replaceable marker tip 303 and the display (e.g., the e-paper tablet's display), including pressure applied to the display by the user of the stylus 300. Additionally, a bottom support 319 prevents the writing axis 313 from rotating about its central axis. As discussed above, the writing axis 313 is designed to move toward and / or away from the force sensor 323 that records activity between the replaceable marker tip 303 and the display (e.g., the e-paper tablet's display), including force (e.g., pressure) applied to the display by the user of the stylus 300. According to embodiments of the invention, the active stylus 300 has been designed with a minimal set of components.

[0045] Replaceable marker tip

[0046] In the stylus 300, the first antenna 307 is formed as a portion of a removable marker tip 303, which also includes an insulator 305. According to an embodiment of the invention, the marker tip 303 is removably attached to the writing axis 313 via a series of compression ribs 309 located in an internal cavity on the marker tip 303.

[0047] Figure 4 The illustration shows a replaceable marker tip 303 of a stylus 300 according to an embodiment of the invention. This replaceable marker tip provides the user of the stylus 300 with a good writing feel (e.g., paper imitation) while also providing high-quality antenna functionality, specifically acting as the main antenna of the stylus 300. The marker tip 303 creates a high-quality writing feel (e.g., paper imitation) by providing a consumable element in the interface between the stylus 300 and a device such as an electronic paper tablet. Many marker tips in the prior art are based on conventional technology. In contrast, the marker tip 303 has been customized for operation with devices such as electronic paper tablets to replicate the feel of paper, which is achieved in part by allowing the marker tip 303 to be slowly consumed during use.

[0048] While perhaps more common in passive pens than active pens, only a handful of marker tips have previously been designed as consumable parts. However, since the primary purpose of e-paper tablets is to mimic paper, particularly the feel of its texture, this goal must be achieved with exceptional care. The mimicry of the paper feel often requires some components (e.g., the tip of the stylus 300) to be easily worn down (e.g., consumed), as a trade-off for providing the user with a paper-like experience. When such a trade-off exists, replacing a component like the marker tip is generally easier and cheaper than replacing another component like the display surface. Of course, it might be possible to construct marker tips that help mimic paper without wearing down using novel materials; however, such materials are not currently readily available on the market.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, the marker tip 303 includes a core antenna 307 and an insulating material 305. The core antenna 307 serves both as an antenna for the stylus 300 and has a specific and well-defined geometry designed to provide good signal transmission properties and to provide the user with a tactile feel that mimics the feel of writing on paper during operation, especially when combined with the special texture on the display of the electronic paper tablet.

[0050] The marker tip 303 has been designed to be pushed onto the stylus 300, and specifically onto the writing axis 313, without the need for special tools. As mentioned, the ease of replacing the marker tip 303 on the stylus 300 stems from its replaceable nature. The marker tip 303 is held firmly on the writing axis 313. The marker tip 303 is also designed not to rotate on the writing axis 313. Furthermore, if the marker tip 303 were to rotate, the signal between the stylus 300 and the display of the electronic paper tablet would become unstable.

[0051] like Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the compression rib 309 is crucial for holding the core antenna 307 to the writing axis 313. By employing the compression rib 309 in the core antenna 307 to connect the marker tip 303 to the stylus 300, specifically to the writing axis 313, the compression rib presses the core antenna 307 against and around the inner side of the writing axis 313, rather than against the outer side of the writing axis 313. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, it can be said that the marker tip 303 reaches onto, rather than is within, the writing axis 313. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the marker tip 303 may be designed to reach into the writing axis 313, as discussed above, which is the primary container for transmitting force to the force sensor 323.

[0052] As mentioned, according to embodiments of the invention, the material composition of the marker tip 303 will wear down (e.g., slowly deplete) and will require replacement from time to time. More specifically, the core antenna 307 and the insulating material 305 will wear down and require replacement. The operational lifespan of a given core antenna 307 depends on user behavior and preferences. For some users, the core antenna 307 may last longer than six months, while for others it may only last one month.

[0053] As mentioned, the lifespan of the marker tip 303 depends on a variety of factors related to its use, such as the force applied when using the stylus 300, the degree and frequency to which the user tilts the stylus 300, the frequency to which the user rotates the stylus 300, and the user's own individual sensitivity. In other words, when the marker tip 303 is almost worn down to the marker tip clearance 311 (even if some parts of the core antenna 307 are still retained at that time), some users may consider the marker tip to be intact, while others may consider the fidelity of the marker tip 303 unsuitable for their needs, even before the wear of the marker tip 303 wears down the core antenna 307 to the beginning of the insulating material 305.

[0054] As mentioned, according to embodiments of the invention, the removable marker tip 303 should be removable by hand and no special tools are required for its removal. Conversely, the marker tip 303 should not slip or fall from the stylus 300. Similarly, the marker tip 303 should not spin and / or cause wear to other components of the stylus 300.

[0055] According to embodiments of the invention, depending on the specific design and materials used, the force required by a user (e.g., by hand rather than a tool) to remove the marker tip 303 can be set in the range of 2 Newtons to slightly less than 8 Newtons. Experiments have shown that the marker tip 303 should have at least 2 Newtons to prevent it from being able to spin about its axis. According to embodiments of the invention, a value of 2 Newtons is preferred, but it can be close to 8 Newtons.

[0056] Finally, according to an embodiment of the invention, the security feature of the stylus 1400 involves a removable marker tip 303. Specifically, Figure 3 The stop 327 shown prevents the writing axis 313 from being removed from the stylus 300. The stop 327 may be included in the writing axis catcher 315. As discussed, the removable marker tip 303 is designed to be removed manually by the user without the use of tools. During this replacement process, the writing axis 313 may be subjected to some force, which, without the stop 327, could disrupt its position; in other words, if the force applied by the user when replacing the marker tip 303 exceeds the range of 2N to 8N specified above, the marker tip 303 will detach from the stylus 300.

[0057] According to embodiments of the invention, the marker tip 303 can be manufactured inexpensively and is designed to be interchangeable with replacement marker tips. Despite its low cost, as a custom-made device, the marker tip 303 requires careful handling during its manufacture and storage. Consequently, the marker tip 303 can be difficult to manufacture without care.

[0058] For example, through comparison Figures 4 to 7 As shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, the marker tip 303 includes an overmolded design. The core antenna 307 is overmolded with an insulating material 305 to create a more attractive visual geometry and to serve as an insulator for constrained components (e.g., the writing system portion of the stylus 300).

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the inscribed diameter of the marker tip 303 is provided with a tolerance of 20 micrometers. Otherwise, the inscribed diameter on the extrusion rib 309 of the marker tip 303 might be too loose or too tight on the outer diameter of the writing shaft 313. According to an embodiment of the invention, the volume of material in the extrusion rib 309 determines the pull-out force, and a good force range can be achieved by having tight manufacturing tolerances.

[0060] Example of a container – marker tip holder box

[0061] As mentioned, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the enclosure of the marker tip retainer box (e.g., Figure 8 The replaceable marker tip 303 in the marker tip holder box 800 shown is essentially an object held in a container. This container has been designed to hold these held objects in a manner intended to satisfy the following conditions—specifically, the container:

[0062] • Protect the preserved object during transportation (e.g., replaceable marker tips).

[0063] • Restrict the objects to be saved to a specific orientation (e.g., the tip of a replaceable marker is held tip-down for easy replacement), and

[0064] • Facilitates easy removal of objects (e.g., replaceable marker tip).

[0065] An embodiment of such a container specifically designed to hold the tip of a replaceable marker pen will now be described.

[0066] As described above, the marker tip 303 degrades over time and needs to be replaced. Accordingly, users of the stylus 300 may benefit from the readily available availability of at least a small quantity of new marker tips 303. As described, the marker tip 303 is a relatively small part, typically dark in color, and may be somewhat difficult to see on its own, and the attachment point of the marker tip's compression rib 309 to the stylus's opening is very small in many embodiments. Therefore, for many users, it may be helpful to keep their replacement marker tips 303 in a safe and convenient location.

[0067] Figure 8 The illustration shows a container, marker tip holder box 800, configured to hold a replaceable marker tip (e.g., marker tip 303), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The marker tip holder box 800 includes a protective cover 803 and a drawer portion 805 configured to hold a replaceable marker tip.

[0068] The marker tip holder 800 can be made of many materials, but a hard and durable plastic material may suffice. The marker tip holder 800 does not need to be made waterproof, but should be configured to prevent dust and other contaminants that may interfere with the ease of sliding open the drawer section 805.

[0069] As discussed above, a user of the stylus 300 is unlikely to require many replacement marker tips in a short period of time, or even over a longer period. Accordingly, the marker tip holder case does not need to be large. For example, a case of 38.5mm by 45mm may be sufficient, as this provides enough space to hold at least six replaceable marker tips for the handheld stylus 300. Another consideration according to embodiments of the invention is that the marker tip holder case 800 should be small enough that a user of the stylus 300 is unlikely to lose or misplace it, and that the size of the marker tip holder case 800 is suitable for carrying the number of replaceable marker tips a user might need over a longer period.

[0070] Of course, these considerations are based on the assumption that the replaceable marker tip does not need to be replaced too frequently, and that the relative size of the replaceable marker tip is comparable to that of the stylus 300, roughly the size of a regular pencil or pen. For example, if the replaceable marker tip needs to be replaced more frequently and / or the stylus 300 is larger than a regular pencil, then the marker tip holder box 800 could be made in another size, such as larger.

[0071] If the use case of the object container includes objects that need to be replaced more or less frequently than the replaceable marker tip here, or if different sizes of the objects being stored are taken into consideration, then according to embodiments of the invention, the container can have different sizes and can store different numbers of objects.

[0072] Figure 9 The illustration shows a marker tip holder case 800 according to an embodiment of the invention, with a drawer 805 opened to reveal a marker tip holder pad 905 having a plurality of marker tip holders 903 for holding replaceable marker tip. Figure 9 As shown, the marker tip holder box 800 includes space for holding six replaceable marker tips.

[0073] As discussed above, the design decision to construct the marker tip holder 800 to hold six replaceable marker tips is based on a number of factors, such as the assumed average lifespan of the replaceable marker tips and the size of the replaceable marker tips used in the stylus 300, combined with the idea that the marker tip holder 800 should be a practical size for the user. Changes to these assumptions may necessitate a reconsideration of the size of the marker tip holder 800 if the container is designed to hold a different type of object. Similarly, if the container is intended to hold a different type of object, it may be optimal to hold fewer or more objects. In other words, the number of objects held is a design consideration based on the specific use case and the characteristics of the objects being held.

[0074] The material composition of the marker tip holder pad 905 may include a variety of materials. Flexible plastic materials are well suited to at least some embodiments of the invention. The general objective of the marker tip holder pad 905 is to hold (e.g., fully confined) the replaceable marker tip vertically within the marker tip holder 903, with the marker tip pointing downwards toward the bottom of the marker tip holder 903 and the extrusion ribs 309 of the marker tip facing toward the opening of the marker tip holder 903; and to simplify the replacement or insertion process for the user when replacing the replaceable marker tip on their stylus 300. Accordingly, flexible plastic materials may be well suited for this purpose, as discussed below, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0075] The above discussion regarding the removal of the marker tip 303 from the stylus 300 also applies to placing a new marker tip on the stylus 300. When the user adds the new marker tip 303 to the writing axis 313, the user should preferably not require any special tools. As mentioned, the marker tip 303 will be held to the writing axis 313 by the compression ribs 309.

[0076] To add a new marker tip 303 to the stylus 300 using the marker tip holder 800, the user can simply insert the writing shaft 313 into one of the marker tip holders 903 on the marker tip holder pad 905. The marker tip holder 903 is designed to hold the marker tip downwards toward its bottom and to hold the compression rib 309 toward its opening. According to an embodiment of the invention, the upright position of the marker tip 303 simplifies the process of engaging the writing shaft 313 to the compression rib 309 of the marker tip 303 and then removing the now-replaced marker tip 303 from its corresponding marker tip holder 903.

[0077] For a container designed to hold objects other than replaceable marker tips, the container design should consider how the stored object is used relative to other objects and how the stored object interacts with these other objects. Here, the replaceable marker tip 303 includes compression ribs 309 in its rear portion, which are designed to fit onto the writing axis 313 of the stylus 300. Therefore, the stored object (marker tip 303) is stored upright with a downward orientation, such that its connector (e.g., compression ribs 309) faces the portion to which it is attached (e.g., writing axis 313). For example, if the stored object is attached to another object from its front portion, the stored object may be held upright, but with its front portion facing top rather than bottom. Similarly, for example, if the stored object is attached to another object from a side position, the stored object may be stored in a position other than upright. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the stored object should preferably be held in an orientation that facilitates its easy removal and use.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the invention, each marker tip holder 903 is designed to hold only one replaceable marker tip. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the marker tip holder 903 can be designed to stack replaceable marker tips, such that more than one replaceable marker tip can be found in each marker tip holder 903, although this may not be the optimal solution for all use cases, and is not... Figure 9 The example shown.

[0079] Therefore, the container should preferably store the objects in a manner that protects them during transport and in an orientation that facilitates their removal. Considering the wide variety of objects that may be stored in the container, according to embodiments of the invention, designers may find it appropriate to store more than one object in a single holder within the container.

[0080] Figure 10The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of a marker tip holder 903 in a marker tip holder pad 905 within a drawer 805 of a marker tip holder case 800 according to an embodiment of the invention. The marker tip holder 903 includes several components, primarily a flexible marker tip blade 1003 and a marker tip stopper 1009. The approximately conical marker tip blade 1003 surrounds an opening in the marker tip holder 903, and the diameter of the marker tip blade narrows as it reaches the marker tip stopper 1009. The marker tip blade 1003 is disclosed to have a nearly conical shape; however, the nearly conical shape of the marker tip blade is not important—what is important is that the marker tip blade 1003 has a shape capable of interfering with the casing of the object being held, specifically, the replaceable marker tip 303 having a particular shape that mates with the nearly conical blade 1003 to form a curved portion when needed. Therefore, the marker tip blade 1003 has an interference shape, that is, a shape that can interfere with the object being stored to form a curved portion, as described below. Thus, the marker tip blade 1003 here has an approximately conical shape because this specific shape allows for proper interference with the object being stored, and the marker tip blade 1003 can interfere with the housing of the marker tip 303, thereby creating a curved portion that facilitates and enables the removal of the marker tip 303 from the marker tip holder 800. Furthermore, the marker tip blade 1003 prevents the marker tip from making a rattling sound when the marker tip holder 800 is shaken.

[0081] The marker tip blade 1003 allows the replaceable marker tip to be held in place in the marker tip stopper 1009 until the user inserts a suitable tool (e.g., the tip of the writing shaft 313) to remove the replaceable marker tip. The marker tip blade 1003 in the marker tip holder 903 is designed to hold the marker tip securely enough that if the user happens to invert the marker tip holder box 800 while the drawer 805 is in the open position, the replaceable marker tip held in the marker tip stopper 1009 will not fall out of the marker tip stopper 1009. Similarly, the marker tip blade 1003 avoids play and eliminates the rattling problem associated with the replaceable marker tip it holds.

[0082] To further simplify the mounting of the replaceable marker tip 303 on the stylus, the marker tip stopper 1009 holds the replaceable marker tip 303 upright in the marker tip holder pad 905. According to an embodiment of the invention, holding the replaceable marker tip upright in the marker tip stopper 1009 facilitates easy removal using a tool (such as the tip of the writing shaft 313) for insertion into the compression rib 309 on the replacement marker tip 303.

[0083] The marker tip blade 1003 can perform multiple functions within the marker tip holder housing 800. The marker tip blade 1003 acts as a curved portion with two states. In a first state, the marker tip blade 1003 securely holds the marker tip 303 at rest. In a second state, the marker tip blade 1003 interferes with the housing of the marker tip 303, allowing the marker tip 303 to be released immediately after it begins to engage with the writing axis 313. This interference also provides sufficient clearance to prevent the marker tip 303 from colliding with the marker tip blade 303 when removed from the marker tip holder housing 800.

[0084] In other container embodiments, a blade similar to the tip blade 800 of a marker pen should have a suitable shape that surrounds the opening of a holder for the object being held, and the diameter of this shape narrows as the blade reaches the object stopper. According to embodiments of the invention, such a container blade can include various shapes, but the selected shape of the container blade (blade interference shape) should be able to interfere with the outer shell of the object being held, thereby creating a curved portion that facilitates and enables the removal of the held object from the container. Thus, the blade can perform multiple functions within the container. The blade acts as a curved portion with two states. In a first state, the blade firmly holds the held object when stationary. In a second state, the blade interferes with the outer shell of the held object and is able to release the held object just after it begins to engage with any device to which it is attached for removal. This interference also provides sufficient clearance so that the held object can avoid colliding with the blade when being removed from the container. Furthermore, the blade prevents the held object from rattling when the container is shaken (e.g., during transport).

[0085] According to an embodiment of the invention, the marker tip holder pad 905 further includes a marker stop wall 1007 that prevents the flexible marker tip blade 1003 from extending too far outward when the replaceable marker tip is inserted into or removed from the marker tip holder pad 905. The marker stop wall 1007 surrounds the marker tip blade 1003.

[0086] According to embodiments of the invention, other embodiments of the container may also include some form of stop wall to prevent the blades from extending too far outward.

[0087] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a marker tip stopper 1009 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, which retains a replaceable marker tip 1103 in a marker tip holder 903. Figure 11 The marker tip 1103 is also shown in cross-section. As discussed above, according to an embodiment of the invention, the marker tip holder 903 is designed to keep the replaceable marker tip 1103 upright so that the replaceable marker tip can be more easily removed by a suitable tool (e.g., writing axis 313) when the user of the stylus 300 needs a new marker tip.

[0088] Figure 12 The illustration shows a side cross-sectional view of a marker tip retainer 903 according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating a replaceable marker tip 1103. A marker stop wall 1007 may be shown next to the material gap 1201. While the marker tip blade 1003 should not bend too far (hence the marker stop wall 1007), it needs to bend by applying just the right amount of force; otherwise, the user would have to use excessive force to insert the marker tip 1103 into the marker tip stopper 1009.

[0089] Additional considerations

[0090] As discussed, these styluses can be equipped with a tail eraser, allowing users to erase content from the display of a computing device (e.g., an e-paper tablet). Active pens include electronic components that enable them to send and receive signals from the computing device. This configuration provides users with additional precision and options when erasing portions of drawings on the e-paper tablet. This should improve the efficiency of user interaction with e-paper tablets while also giving them more precise functional capabilities.

[0091] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and descriptions of this disclosure have been simplified to illustrate elements relevant to a clear understanding of this disclosure, while many other elements present in typical systems have been omitted for clarity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other elements and / or steps are desirable and / or necessary when implementing this disclosure. However, because such elements and steps are well-known in the art and because they are detrimental to a better understanding of this disclosure, discussion of such elements and steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein relates to all such variations and modifications of these elements and methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0092] Some of the foregoing descriptions describe embodiments in terms of the algorithms and symbolic representations of information operations. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the art of data processing to effectively communicate the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. While these operations are described functionally, computationally, or logically, they should be understood as being implemented by computer programs or equivalent circuits, microcode, etc. Furthermore, it has sometimes proven convenient, without loss of generality, to refer to these operations as an engine. The described operations and their associated engines can be embodied in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof.

[0093] As used herein, any reference to "an embodiment" or "embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Throughout this specification, the phrase "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment in all instances.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” means inclusive or rather, not exclusive. For example, condition A or B is satisfied in any of the following cases: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0095] Additionally, the terms "a" or "an" are used to describe elements and components in the embodiments herein. This is merely for convenience and to give the general meaning of the invention. This description should be understood to include one or at least one, and the singular includes the plural, unless it is obvious otherwise. While specific embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise constructions and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container for storing multiple objects, the container comprising: A retainer pad having a plurality of retainers, wherein each retainer has an opening for receiving an object from the plurality of objects, and each of the plurality of retainers further includes: A flexible blade surrounding the opening in the retainer, wherein the flexible blade has an interference shape, the diameter of which narrows as the flexible blade approaches the stopper; and A stopper, located below the flexible blade, holds the object to be stored within the holder of the plurality of objects. The flexible blade has two states. A first state, wherein the first state holds the saved object among the plurality of objects with sufficient robustness to preserve the saved object among the plurality of objects in the holder, and In the second state, the interference shape of the flexible blade interferes with the shell of the object being stored among the plurality of objects in the holder to form a curved portion, which enables the object being stored among the plurality of objects to be removed from the holder pad.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The object being stored among the plurality of objects has a front end and a back end, the back end having a connector, wherein the object being stored among the plurality of objects is held upright in the stopper, wherein the back end of the object among the plurality of objects is closest to the opening in the retainer.

3. The container as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The connector on the preserved object of the plurality of objects is attached to a tool inserted into an opening in one of the retainers of the plurality of objects. The tool also engages the second state of the flexible blade to form a shape that allows the bent portion of the preserved object of the plurality of objects to be removed from the retainer pad.

4. The container as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The connector on the saved object among the multiple objects is attached to the tool during the removal of the saved object among the multiple objects.

5. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of retainers further includes a stop wall that prevents the flexible blade from extending further outward when the curved portion is formed in the flexible blade.

6. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible blade is made of flexible plastic material.

7. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of these multiple retainers holds only one of the saved objects.

8. The container as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The retainer pad is located in the drawer section of the container.

9. The container as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The drawer section is sealed tightly enough to prevent dust from entering the retainer pad when the drawer section is closed.

10. A marker tip holder housing for holding a marker tip for a stylus pen, the marker tip holder housing comprising: A marker tip holder pad having a plurality of marker tip holders, wherein each of the plurality of marker tip holders has an opening for receiving a marker tip, and each of the plurality of marker tip holders further includes: A flexible marker tip blade surrounding the opening in the marker tip holder, wherein the flexible marker tip blade has an irregular but nearly conical shape, the diameter of which narrows as the flexible marker tip blade approaches the marker tip stopper; and A marker tip stopper is located below the flexible marker tip blade, in which the preserved marker tip rests within the marker tip holder. The flexible marking pen tip blade has two states. A first state, which holds the marker tip with sufficient firmness to retain it in the marker tip holder, and In the second state, the irregular but near-conical shape of the flexible marker tip blade interferes with the shell of the marker tip stored in the marker tip holder to form a curved portion, which allows the stored marker tip to be removed from the marker tip holder box.

11. The marker pen tip holder box as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The preserved marker tip has a front end and a rear end, the rear end having a cavity, wherein the preserved marker tip rests in the marker tip stopper, and is held upright in the marker tip stopper, wherein the rear end is closest to the opening in the marker tip holder.

12. The marker pen tip holder box as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The cavity on the preserved marker tip is attached to a tool inserted into the opening in the marker tip holder. The tool also engages the second state of the flexible marker tip blade to form a curved portion that allows the preserved marker tip to be removed from the marker tip holder box.

13. The marker tip holder box as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The cavity on the preserved marker tip includes a compression rib attached to the tool.

14. The marker pen tip holder housing as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The tool includes the writing axis of a pen-style stylus.

15. The marker pen tip holder box as claimed in claim 10, wherein, Each of the plurality of marker tip holders further includes a marker stop wall that prevents the flexible marker tip blade from extending further outward when a curved portion is formed in the flexible marker tip blade.

16. The marker tip holder housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The flexible marker pen tip blades are made of flexible plastic material.

17. The marker pen tip holder box as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The marker tip holder box includes six marker tip holders.

18. The marker tip holder box as claimed in claim 10, wherein, Each of the multiple marker tip retainers holds only one marker tip.

19. The marker pen tip holder box as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The marker tip retainer pad is located in the drawer section of the marker tip retainer case.

20. The marker pen tip holder box as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The drawer section is sealed tightly enough to prevent dust from entering the marker pen tip retainer pad when the drawer section is closed.

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