Device orientation sensor

Abstract

This specification relates to devices and / or device accessories. One example can include a Hall effect sensor configured to sense a magnetic field along a sensing axis and a pair of elongate magnets having coaxial and opposite magnetic axes perpendicular to the sensing axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0001] The implementations illustrated in the drawings transmit concepts conveyed by the accompanying description. Features illustrated in the drawings can be more readily understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit of each reference number conveys the particular figure in which that element is first introduced. For instance, a feature introduced in FIG. 1 is referenced in subsequent figures by the combination of the figure number (e.g., 1) and a unique reference number associated with that feature (e.g., 1-1). Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "above," "left," "right," "in front of," "behind," "on," "under," "lower," "upper," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like, can be used herein for ease of

[0002] Figures 1A-1C FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A, 5B, and 7-10 illustrate perspective views of example devices according to some implementations of the orientation sensing concept.

[0003] Figures 2A-2C FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate cross-sectional views of example devices according to some implementations of the orientation sensing concept.

[0004] Figure 6A FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example device according to some implementations of the orientation sensing concept.

[0005] Figure 6B FIG. 8 illustrates an elevation view of an example device according to some implementations of the orientation sensing concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The present concept relates to position or orientation sensors for devices such as computing devices having rotatable portions and / or accessories. These devices can be constrained in one or more dimensions (e.g., thickness). The sensors can be implemented as Hall effect sensors and an elongate magnet set sensed by the Hall effect sensors. The arrangement of the Hall effect sensors and the magnet set can allow positioning in a dimensionally constrained device that lacks the space for a traditional sensor configuration, while also providing more orientation data than a traditional sensor configuration.

[0007] INTRODUCTION: Figures 1A-1C Commonly shown is a system 100, which can include an example device 102 in the form of a foldable computing device having a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. The first and second portions can be rotatably fastened by a hinge assembly 108. The hinge assembly 108 can define one or more axes of rotation or hinge axes (HA). The hinge assembly 108 can facilitate rotation of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 over a range. In this case, the range of rotation includes 360 degrees of rotation (e.g., from a zero degree orientation in which the first portion is on top of and positioned against the second portion, through a 180 degree side-by-side orientation, to a 360 degree orientation in which the first portion is on the bottom of and positioned against the second portion). Figure 1A Figure 1B Figure 1C ​​the 355-degree orientation to the 360-degree orientation (where the first portion is under and against the second portion). For example, other implementations can have different ranges of rotation, such as a range of rotation from zero degrees to 180 degrees.

[0008] The first portion 104 and the second portion 106 can include a housing or chassis 110 and can define a first major surface 112 and a second major surface 114 (e.g., front and back surfaces). In this implementation, the thickness of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 is constrained in the z-reference direction. Moreover, many device components, such as displays, processors, batteries, heat pipes, etc., are competing for this thickness. In this scenario, the device 102 can also include a height-constrained sensor assembly 116 that can fit within the thickness constraints of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106.

[0009] The height-constrained sensor assembly 116 can sense the relative orientation of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 while conforming to this limited space. For example, the height-constrained sensor assembly 116 can distinguish between Figure 1A the zero-degree orientation, Figure 1B the 180-degree orientation, and Figure 1C the 355-degree orientation from one another. Figures 2A-2C is as described in Figures 1A-1CThe cross-sectional view shown, and collectively illustrates additional details of an example height-constrained sensor assembly 116. In this case, the height-constrained sensor assembly 116 includes a Hall effect sensor 202 located in the first portion 104 and a magnet array 204 located in the second portion 106. Note that the positioning can be reversed, with the magnet array 204 in the first portion and the Hall effect sensor 202 in the second portion. The Hall effect sensor 202 can be configured to sense a magnetic field along a sense axis (SA). In this case, the Hall effect sensor is oriented such that the sense axis is perpendicular to the first surface 112(1) and the second surface 114(1) of the first portion 104. This configuration can allow the Hall effect sensor 202 to have a height H1 that is less than the thickness T1 of the first portion 104. In this implementation, the magnet array 204 includes first and second elongated magnets 206. The elongated magnets can define a long axis (LA) that extends through their north and south poles. In this case, the long axes are arranged substantially parallel and coaxial with each other, and parallel to the major surfaces 112(2) and 114(2) of the second portion. As used herein, for example, "substantially parallel" can be defined as the long axes of the elongated magnets being parallel or within ten degrees of parallel. This magnet configuration can allow the magnets 206 to be mounted in a height H2 that is more constrained than the previous configuration, with the magnets aligned perpendicular to the first and second surfaces 112(2) and 114(2), e.g., the long axes perpendicular to the first and second surfaces. In other words, the opposing magnets 206 having long axes and magnetic axes that are coaxial with each other and arranged parallel to the first and second surfaces 112(2) and 114(2) can allow the magnet array 204 to have a height H2 that is less than the thickness T2 of the second portion 106.

[0010] The magnet configuration of the present implementation can also enable more deterministic sensing by the Hall effect sensor 202 than is possible with conventional magnet configurations, where the long axis of the magnetic field is parallel to the sense axis when the first and second portions are positioned against each other, such as at a zero degree orientation and / or a 360 degree orientation. The following discussion related to Figures 3A-3D These aspects are discussed in more detail.

[0011] In the illustrated configuration, the magnets 206 are spaced apart in the lateral direction by a distance equal to the width W of the Hall effect sensor 202. In this case, this distance is occupied by intervening material 208 in the form of air, although other intervening materials can be used. Other examples are described in the following discussion related to Figure 5A and 5B Other examples are described in the following discussion related to Figures 2A-2C The illustrated configuration can be spaced closer or farther apart.

[0012] In the illustrated configuration, the north poles of magnets 206 face each other. In other implementations, the south poles can face each other. Further, the illustrated implementation employs two coaxial magnets 206(1) and 206(2) positioned 180 degrees apart. Other implementations can use more magnets in magnet array 204. For example, some implementations can use four magnets (e.g., one to the left of magnet 206(2) and oriented the same as magnet 206(2), and one to the right of magnet 206(1) and oriented the same as magnet 206(1)). Relatedly Figure 8 One such example is illustrated. Another implementation can utilize another material in the magnet and magnetic array. For example, magnet 206(2) can be paired with another material, such as a metal block or rod in place of magnet 206(1). Relatedly Figure 10 One such example is illustrated. Other implementations can arrange the magnetic array differently than the illustrated 180 degree orientation. For example, the magnetic array can include three magnets 206 arranged 120 degrees apart in a plane parallel to first surface 112(2). Each magnet can have the same magnetic pole facing in (e.g., all north or all south). Similarly, magnet array 204 can include four magnets arranged 90 degrees apart between each magnet 206. Relatedly Figure 9 One such example is illustrated.

[0013] Figures 3A-3D Together, the current orientation sensing concept is shown to be able to provide more meaningful rotational orientation data than previous solutions, while occupying less height within a device than previous solutions.

[0014] Figure 3A A first portion 104 and a second portion 106 of device 102 are shown in close to zero degree orientation, with Hall effect sensor 202 directly above magnet array 204 (e.g., first portion 104 above second portion 106). In this scenario, the north poles of magnets 206(1) and 206(2) are physically facing each other. The magnetic fields (e.g., magnetic field lines) 302 of magnets 206 are also opposite each other (e.g., interacting with each other). For purposes of explanation, this opposite interaction of the two magnetic fields 302 can be viewed as creating a collective magnetic field (CMF) 304 that is different from either magnetic field 302 in isolation. Collective magnetic field 304 can create a magnetic flux that extends away from magnet array 204 at a right angle to first surface 112(2) and second surface 114(2) and the long axis of the magnets.

[0015] Note that Hall effect sensor 202 is directionally sensitive to flux, and thus when flux is moving from Figure 3D the top to the bottom of the device 102 and Figure 3ADifferent outputs can be generated as the magnet array 204 passes through the main surface 112(2) from bottom to top. In other words, the polarity generated by the magnet array 204 through the main surface 112(2) is different from the polarity through the main surface 114(2). When subjected to these two different polarities, the Hall effect sensor 202 can be sensitive to different outputs and produce different outputs. These aspects will be utilized in the explanation below.

[0016] The collective magnetic field 304 extends partially from the main surfaces 112(2) and 114(2) and is perpendicular to the main surfaces. Figure 3A In this zero-degree orientation, the collective magnetic field 304 extends along the sensing axis (SA) of the Hall effect sensor 202, with the Hall effect sensor positioned directly above the magnet array 204. In this orientation, the collective magnetic field 304 is sensed along the sensing axis of the Hall effect sensor 202. This sensing causes the Hall effect sensor 204 to generate an output voltage that determines the device orientation. For example, the output voltage can be mapped to a list or mapping table of known orientations and associated output voltages. For instance, tests can be performed on a device of a specific model to determine the output voltage at a defined orientation. This mapping can provide output voltages associated with a defined orientation of a device portion and / or with a defined distance between device portions of a highly constrained sensor assembly. These values ​​can be used to populate the mapping table. The mapping table can be stored on the device of that model and can be accessed in real time by a device, such as a processor or controller communicatively coupled to receive output voltages from a highly constrained sensor assembly.

[0017] Figure 3B This shows a rotation to an orientation of approximately 60 degrees (e.g., from...). Figure 3A The first part 104 and the second part 106 are rotated 60 degrees from the closed orientation. At this time, the collective magnetic field 304 generated by the magnet 206 is too far from the sensing axis and / or at an incorrect angle to the sensing axis (e.g., not on the same axis as the sensing axis), and therefore the Hall effect sensor 202 does not sufficiently sense the collective magnetic field 304 to generate an output voltage. This null output voltage can determine the orientation. For example, the null output voltage can be mapped to an indefinite angle (e.g., not a zero-degree orientation (or in the range close to zero degrees) and not a 360-degree orientation (or in the range close to 360 degrees)).

[0018] Figure 3C This shows a rotation to an orientation of approximately 180 degrees (e.g., from...). Figure 3Athe first portion 104 and the second portion 106 are proximate to the 360-degree orientation (e.g., relative to the zero-degree orientation, the 60-degree orientation, and the 180-degree orientation). At this point, the collective magnetic field 304 is too far from the sensing axis of the Hall effect sensor 202, and thus the Hall effect sensor 202 does not sense a magnetic field sufficient to generate an output voltage. This null output voltage can determine the orientation. For example, the null output voltage can be mapped to an indefinite angle (e.g., not a zero-degree (or within a range proximate to zero degrees) orientation and not a 360-degree (or within a range proximate to 360 degrees) orientation).

[0019] Figure 3D The first portion 104 and the second portion 106 of the device 102 are shown proximate to the 360-degree orientation (e.g., relative to the zero-degree orientation, the 60-degree orientation, and the 180-degree orientation). At this point, the collective magnetic field 304 is too far from the sensing axis of the Hall effect sensor 202, and thus the Hall effect sensor 202 does not sense a magnetic field sufficient to generate an output voltage. This null output voltage can determine the orientation. For example, the null output voltage can be mapped to an indefinite angle (e.g., not a zero-degree (or within a range proximate to zero degrees) orientation and not a 360-degree (or within a range proximate to 360 degrees) orientation). Figure 3A the zero-degree orientation by 360 degrees), with the Hall effect sensor 202 directly underneath the magnet array 204 (e.g., the first portion 104 is above the second portion 106). In this orientation, the collective magnetic field 304 is aligned with the sensing axis of the Hall effect sensor, but in the opposite direction as the zero-degree orientation. Figure 3A

[0020] The collective magnetic field 304 can be sensed by the Hall effect sensor 202 and cause the Hall effect sensor to generate an output voltage V H This output voltage determines the orientation of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106. For example, this output voltage can be mapped to a 360-degree orientation or a small range of orientations including 360 degrees, such as a range of 355-360 degrees. In other words, the output voltage at this 360-degree orientation is different than the voltage at other orientations including the zero-degree orientation, the 60-degree orientation, and the 180-degree orientation shown.

[0021] In contrast, conventional magnet and Hall effect sensor configurations do not produce a deterministic output voltage over a range of orientations. For example, in these previous solutions, the output voltage at zero degrees and 360 degrees is equivalent because the Hall effect sensor senses or “sees” the same polarity, whether it is above or below the magnet. Thus, the output of the Hall effect sensor is non-deterministic because it cannot distinguish between a zero-degree orientation and a 360-degree orientation.

[0022] ​To partially address this non-deterministic shortcoming of traditional Hall Effect sensor configurations, a magnetic shield is sometimes added above or below the Hall Effect sensor such that the sensor only senses a magnetic field of one orientation (e.g., when the magnet is on the unshielded side). This reduces the orientation information that a single Hall Effect sensor can provide. Thus, two Hall Effect sensors must be used to achieve similar functionality: one to sense zero degree orientation and the other to detect 360 degree orientation. Furthermore, the magnetic shield requires a thickness in addition to the height of the Hall Effect sensor. As noted above, this additional thickness is not available in many thickness-constrained devices. Thus, in the present implementation, the device orientation produces an output voltage from the Hall Effect sensor that is deterministic (e.g., unique for that orientation). For example, in the illustrated configuration, a zero degree orientation can produce a first output voltage, 5 degrees to 355 degrees can produce a null output voltage, and 356 degrees to 360 degrees can produce a second output voltage that is different from the first output voltage. In some cases, the second output voltage can be an equal but opposite value. Other implementations can have other output voltages than those provided herein for purposes of explanation. The point of the discussion is that the output voltage can determine at least three orientations: closed / almost closed; intermediate; and fully open / almost fully open. In the above example, almost closed to closed and almost fully open to fully open span five degrees. Other implementations can cover other orientation ranges, such as 3 degrees, 7 degrees, or 10 degrees, etc.

[0023] Figure 4A -4G collectively illustrates another example system 100A. (The suffix "A" is used to indicate that the elements of system 100A can be the same as or different from the elements of system 100 introduced above with respect to Figures 1A-1C The system includes a hinged device 102 that includes a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. A touch display 402 is located on the major surface 114.

[0024] The device 102 can interact with an accessory 404. The accessory 404 can be implemented as a keypad, a keyboard, a touchpad (e.g., a trackpad), a combination keyboard and touchpad, a game controller, an input device, etc. In this case, the accessory 404 can be removably rotatable with respect to the second portion 106. The accessory 404 can have one or more constrained dimensions, such as a thickness T3 (as shown), and thus can be referred to as a thickness-constrained accessory. Figure 4C

[0025] Figure 4A The accessory 404 is shown in a stowed or 360 degree orientation with respect to the portion 106. Figure 4B The accessory is shown rotated 90 degrees with respect to Figure 4A Figure 4C The accessory is shown rotated 90 degrees with respect to​​Figure 4A the orientation of the attachment relative to Figure 4D the orientation of the attachment relative to Figure 4A the orientation of the attachment relative to Figure 4E the orientation of the attachment relative to Figure 4A the orientation of the attachment relative to Figure 4F the orientation of the attachment relative to

[0026] The system 100A can use multiple height-constrained sensor assemblies 116. (Note that the height-constrained sensor assemblies 116 are shown in ghost to indicate that they are not actually visible in these views, as they can be covered by other components). In the illustrated implementation, four height-constrained sensor assemblies 116(1)-116(4) are employed. Other numbers and / or locations of height-constrained sensor assemblies are contemplated.

[0027] In this case, the height-constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) sense the orientation between the first portion 104 and the second portion 106. In this example, a Hall effect sensor 202 is located in the first portion 104, while a magnet array 204 is located in the second portion 104. The height-constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) can operate in a similar manner as the height-constrained sensor assembly 116 described above, and thus are only briefly described in this discussion. Figures 1A-3D

[0028] In this implementation, the height-constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) can operate redundantly to reduce / avoid false readings that can be caused by other magnets that can be in proximity to the device 102. Examples of other magnets can include any magnets that can be in the operating environment of the device. For example, there can be a magnetic paperclip holder on a user's desk or a magnetic power connector attached to the device. If such a magnet comes in proximity to the height-constrained sensor assembly 116(1) or 116(2), the corresponding Hall effect sensor can produce a false output voltage. By employing multiple redundant height-constrained sensor assemblies 116, the potential problems associated with this situation can be greatly reduced. Thus, if the height-constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) do not produce similar outputs (e.g., different output voltages), the output voltage can be temporarily ignored and resampled, among other potential responses.

[0029] ​In a similar manner, the highly constrained sensor assemblies 116(3) and 116(4) can redundantly sense the relative orientation between the accessory 404 and the second portion 106. In this example, the Hall effect sensors 202 are located in the first portion 106, and the magnet arrays 204 are located in the accessory 104. However, the relative locations can change. For example, by way of illustration, all four Hall effect sensors 202 can be located in the second portion 106, and the associated magnet arrays 204 can be located in the first portion 104 and the accessory 404. In Figure 4A In the orientation of

[0030] In the orientation of Figures 4B-4D In the orientation of

[0031] In the orientation of Figure 4E In the orientation of

[0032] In the orientation of Figure 4FIn the orientation, both the highly constrained sensor assemblies 116(3) and 116(4) can generate an output indicating that the second portion 106 and the attachment 404 are in a 0-degree orientation. Both the highly constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) can generate an output indicating that the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 are in a substantially closed orientation. The highly constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) can be sufficiently sensitive to sense through the attachment 404 and / or through the gap between the first and second portions associated with the attachment. Thus, in this case, the substantially closed orientation can include, for example, an orientation range from about 0 to 5 degrees, and the closure of the first portion 104 and the second portion 106 on the attachment 404 can be sensed.

[0033] In the configuration shown, attachment 404 is the same width as the second part 104. Other implementations are envisioned where the widths differ. It should also be noted that in this case, the attachment device is wedge-shaped to allow the first part 104 and the second part 106 to close radially and uniformly on the attachment. See below. Figures 5A-10 Describe an example hinge array configuration. Figure 6A and 6B A magnet array configuration that is particularly well-suited to this wedge configuration is shown.

[0034] Note that this orientation information from the highly constrained sensor assembly 116 can be used for various purposes, such as controlling the display 402 and / or accessory 404. For example, when the output indicating device portion from the highly constrained sensor assemblies 116(1) and 116(2) is in an intermediate position, such as... Figure 4A As shown, content can be distributed across the two displays 402. If the displays are closed by touching each other at a zero-degree orientation, the displays can be turned off. If the displays are opened to a 360-degree orientation, for example, the same content can be copied on both displays. Similarly, when the accessory is in... Figure 4A In the 360-degree orientation, the user is not using any attachments and attachments can be closed. In the intermediate orientation, attachments can be opened and user input is accepted. For example... Figure 4E As shown, when the accessory is in a closed orientation, the bottom layer area of ​​display 402(2) can be deactivated, while the accessory is activated. Figure 4F In the sandwich closure orientation, the attachments can be closed and the display can be turned off. Of course, these are just examples of how orientation information from highly constrained sensor assemblies can be utilized, and other implementations are envisioned.

[0035] The above control functionality can be implemented by various device elements. In one configuration, control circuitry can receive an output of a Hall effect sensor. The control circuitry can be configured to determine whether (e.g., when) a device portion is positioned in a substantially open or closed orientation based at least in part on the output. For example, substantially open can be defined as the two device portions being in an orientation between, for example, 350 degrees and 360 degrees. Similarly, substantially closed can be defined as the two device portions being in an orientation between, for example, 0 degrees and 10 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, substantially closed or open can be a distance range, such as contact (e.g., zero millimeter spacing) to ten millimeter spacing. Other angular ranges and / or distances are contemplated.

[0036] In a similar manner, the control circuitry can determine whether (e.g., when) a device accessory is proximate to a front (e.g., first) surface or a back (e.g., second) surface of the device based on an output of a Hall effect sensor. In this case, "proximate" can be related to a particular rotational orientation range (e.g., a range of degrees that includes degrees in which contact occurs). For example, proximate can mean contacting the device (e.g., a surface of the accessory is adjacent to and contacts a surface of the device, or within, for example, five degrees of the contact surface). Alternatively or additionally, proximate can be a distance range, such as contact (e.g., zero millimeter spacing) to ten millimeter spacing. Other angular ranges and / or distances are contemplated.

[0037] The control circuitry can be configured to control one or more device parameters based at least in part on the orientation, such as powering on or off a display and / or what and how to display content on the display. The control circuitry can be embodied in various implementations of software, hardware, and / or combinations thereof. For example, the control circuitry can be implemented as software code executed by a processor of the device, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). Alternatively, the control circuitry can be implemented as a microcontroller or other special-purpose and / or limited-functionality processor, among other configurations.

[0038] Figure 5A and 5B An example magnet array 204B is shown collectively. Figure 5A A magnet array secured by a structural brace 502 is shown. Figure 5B An isolated magnet array 204B is shown. In this case, the magnet array is asymmetric because magnet 206(1) is shorter than magnet 206(2) when measured along their long axis (e.g., parallel to the y reference axis). Relative to Figures 2A-2C A symmetric magnet is shown.

[0039] In this example, the north poles of the magnets face each other and are separated by intervening material 208. In this case, the intervening material is a non-ferrous metal, such as stainless steel. Other materials can be used, such as plastic or foam. The north poles of the magnets 206 repel each other. Although the repulsive force pushes the magnets apart, a structural brace 502 can hold the magnets in their position against the intervening material. The structural brace 502 can maintain this relationship throughout the life of the device, whereas other fastening means, such as adhesives, can weaken over time and constant stress and allow the magnets to move away from each other. The structural brace, in turn, can be fastened to the device, such as to the first or second portion or to an attachment. For example, fasteners can be used to fasten the structural brace to the housing (110, Fig. 1). Various materials can be employed to form the structural brace. For example, metals, such as non-ferrous metals, can be used. Polymers and composites are alternative materials.

[0040] Figure 6A and 6B collectively show an example magnet array 204C. Figure 6A An exploded perspective view of the magnet array 204C is shown. Figure 6B A cross-section of an individual magnet taken transverse to the y reference axis is shown. In this case, the magnet array 204C includes magnets 206(1) and 206(2) separated by intervening material 208 and fastened by a two-part structural brace 502.

[0041] The magnet array 204C can be useful for applications in which the first and second surfaces are not parallel to each other. One such example is described above with reference to the attachment 404 of Figures 4A-4F In this case, the attachment is wedge-shaped. In the magnet array 204C, the magnets 206 can have a tapered thickness along the x reference axis to conform to the wedge shape of the attachment. Magnets with rectangular cross-sections are shown in relation to Figure 5A and 5B . Figure 6A and 6B show trapezoidal cross-sections. Additional example shapes are described below with reference to Figure 7 .

[0042] Figure 7 Another example magnet array 204D is shown. In this case, the elongated magnets 206(1) and 206(2) are generally cylindrical and have circular cross-sections.

[0043] Figure 8 Another example magnet array 204E similar to the magnet array 204D of Figure 7 is shown. In this case, the magnet array 204E includes four magnets 206(1)-206(4) arranged in series and coaxially. Any number of magnets can be combined in a similar arrangement.

[0044] Figure 9 Another example magnet array 204F is shown. In this case, the magnet array includes two or more magnets 206 oriented with matching pole faces facing inward in a plane. In this case, four equally spaced magnets 206(1)-206(4) are distributed at 90 degree intervals. A similar configuration can be achieved using three magnets spaced 120 degrees apart, for example.

[0045] Figure 10 Yet another example magnet array 204G is shown. In this case, the magnet array includes a magnet 206 arranged coaxially with a non-magnetic material 1002, such as wood, foam, or a non-ferrous metal. Such a configuration can produce a magnetic field that can be sensed by a Hall effect sensor positioned perpendicular to the long axis of the magnet 206.

[0046] The device orientation concepts can be particularly suitable for thickness-constrained devices, but can also be used with any type of computing device and / or associated accessories, such as but not limited to notebook computers, smartphones, wearable smart devices, tablets, and / or other types of existing, in-development, and / or yet-to-be-developed devices.

[0047] Various methods for manufacturing, assembling, and / or using such devices and associated accessories beyond those shown above with reference to Figures 1A-10 are contemplated.

[0048] Various examples are described above. Additional examples are described below. One example includes a device comprising: a first portion and a second portion rotatable relative to each other in a range of orientations from a closed orientation to an open orientation, the first portion defining a pair of major surfaces and the second portion defining another pair of major surfaces, the pair of major surfaces defining a thickness of the first portion, the other pair of major surfaces defining a thickness of the second portion, wherein in the closed orientation a first major surface of the first portion is adjacent to a first major surface of the second portion, and wherein in a fully open position a second major surface of the first portion is adjacent to a second major surface of the second portion; a first elongate magnet extending along a long axis through a north pole and a south pole of the first elongate magnet; a second elongate magnet extending along a long axis through a north pole and a south pole of the second elongate magnet, wherein the first elongate magnet and the second elongate magnet are positioned between the pair of major surfaces of the first portion such that the long axes of the first elongate magnet and the second elongate magnet are coaxial with each other and substantially parallel to the pair of major surfaces of the first portion, and wherein the north poles of the first elongate magnet and the second elongate magnet face each other or the south poles of the first elongate magnet and the second elongate magnet face each other; and a Hall effect sensor positioned between the pair of major surfaces of the second portion and configured to sense whether the first portion and the second portion are in the closed orientation, the open orientation, or an intermediate orientation based on magnetic field lines of the first elongate magnet and the second elongate magnet.

[0049] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the first major surface of the first portion is adjacent to the first major surface of the second portion when the first major surface of the first portion contacts the first major surface of the second portion or is within five degrees of contact of the first major surface of the second portion.

[0050] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the second major surface of the first portion is adjacent to the second major surface of the second portion when the first major surface of the first portion contacts the second major surface of the second portion or is within five degrees of contact of the second major surface of the second portion.

[0051] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the first and second elongate magnets are free of magnetic shielding between the pair of major surfaces of the first portion.

[0052] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the Hall effect sensor is free of magnetic shielding between the pair of major surfaces of the second portion.

[0053] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the south poles of the first and second elongate magnets contact each other or where the north poles of the first and second elongate magnets contact each other.

[0054] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the south poles of the first and second elongate magnets face each other and are spaced apart from each other.

[0055] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the south poles are spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to a width of the Hall effect sensor.

[0056] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the long axes of the first and second elongate magnets are parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second portions.

[0057] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where substantially parallel includes parallel or within 10 degrees of parallel.

[0058] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the closed orientation includes a range of angles from zero degrees to 10 degrees between the first major surface of the first portion and the first major surface of the second portion.

[0059] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the open orientation includes a range of angles from 355 degrees to 360 degrees between the second major surface of the first portion and the second major surface of the second portion.

[0060] Yet another example includes a system including a device having a housing defining a constrained thickness, a Hall effect sensor within the housing and having a sensing axis, and control circuitry within the housing configured to determine, based on an output of the Hall effect sensor, whether a device accessory is proximate a first surface or a second surface of the device. The device accessory includes a pair of opposing and coaxially arranged magnets that are sensable by the Hall effect sensor when positioned perpendicular to the sensing axis to determine whether the pair of opposing and coaxially arranged magnets are above or below the housing.

[0061] Another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the device accessory includes a keyboard, a touchpad, or a game controller.

[0062] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the housing includes first and second parallel surfaces and where the thickness is measured between and perpendicular to the first and second surfaces.

[0063] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the sensing axis is perpendicular to the first and second parallel surfaces.

[0064] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the axis through the north and south poles of the two magnets of the pair of coaxially arranged magnets is parallel to the first and second parallel surfaces when the device accessory is positioned against the first or second parallel surfaces.

[0065] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the Hall effect sensor occupies all of the constrained thickness within the housing.

[0066] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the control circuitry can distinguish when the accessory is within a defined range of rotation of the first surface or the second surface based on the output from the Hall effect sensor.

[0067] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the defined range of rotation relative to the first surface is zero to five degrees and the defined range of rotation relative to the second surface is 355 degrees to 360 degrees.

[0068] Yet another example includes a system comprising a Hall effect sensor configured to sense a magnetic field along a sensing axis and a pair of elongate magnets having coaxial and opposite magnetic axes perpendicular to the sensing axis.

[0069] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the system includes first and second thickness constrained devices, and where the Hall effect sensor is located in the first device and the pair of elongate magnets is located in the second device.

[0070] Yet another example can include any of the above and / or below examples where the system includes a thickness constrained device and a thickness constrained accessory, and where the Hall effect sensor is located in either of the device or the accessory and the pair of elongate magnets is located in the other of the device and the accessory.

[0071] Although the technology, methods, devices, systems, etc. relating to orientation sensing have been described in languages of structural features and / or method acts, it can be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: A first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being rotatable relative to each other in an orientation range from a closed orientation to an intermediate orientation and then to an open orientation, the first part defining a pair of main surfaces and the second part defining another pair of main surfaces, the pair of main surfaces defining the thickness of the first part and the other pair of main surfaces defining the thickness of the second part, wherein in the closed orientation, a first main surface of the first part is adjacent to a first main surface of the second part, and wherein in the open orientation, a second main surface of the first part is adjacent to a second main surface of the second part; A first elongated magnet extends along a long axis passing through the north and south poles of the first elongated magnet; A second elongated magnet, the second elongated magnet extending along a long axis passing through the north and south poles of the second elongated magnet, characterized in that the first elongated magnet and the second elongated magnet are positioned between the pair of main surfaces of the first portion such that the long axes of the first elongated magnet and the second elongated magnet are coaxial with each other and parallel to or within 10 degrees parallel to the pair of main surfaces of the first portion, and wherein the north poles of the first elongated magnet and the second elongated magnet face each other, or the south poles of the first elongated magnet and the second elongated magnet face each other; as well as A Hall effect sensor is positioned between a pair of main surfaces of the second portion and configured to sense whether the first and second portions are in the closed orientation, the open orientation, or the intermediate orientation based on the magnetic field lines of the first and second elongated magnets.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is no magnetic shielding between the first elongated magnet and the second elongated magnet and the pair of main surfaces of the first portion.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is no magnetic shielding between the Hall effect sensor and the pair of main surfaces of the second part.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The south pole of the first elongated magnet and the south pole of the second elongated magnet are in contact with each other, or the north pole of the first elongated magnet and the north pole of the second elongated magnet are in contact with each other.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The south poles of the first elongated magnet and the second elongated magnet face each other and are spaced apart.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distance between the Antarctic poles is equal to the width of the Hall effect sensor.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The long axis of the first elongated magnet and the long axis of the second elongated magnet are parallel to the rotation axis of the first part and the second part, respectively.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The closed orientation includes a range from 0 degrees to 10 degrees between the first primary surface of the first portion and the first primary surface of the second portion.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening orientation includes a range from 350 degrees to 360 degrees between the second main surface of the first portion and the second main surface of the second portion.

10. A system comprising: Equipment accessory, the equipment accessory including a pair of magnets arranged coaxially and facing each other with the same poles; as well as The device, the device having: A shell with a limited thickness, A Hall effect sensor, housed within the housing and having a sensing axis, is configured to generate an output based on the polarity of the pair of magnets, sensed by the Hall effect sensor, when the pair of magnets is positioned perpendicular to the sensing axis of the Hall effect sensor. The control circuitry within the housing is configured to determine whether a device accessory is approaching a first or second surface of the device based on the output of the Hall effect sensor.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device accessories include a keyboard, touchpad, or game controller.

12. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The housing includes first and second surfaces, and the thickness is measured between and perpendicular to the first and second surfaces.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sensing axis is perpendicular to the first and second surfaces.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the device accessory is positioned against the first or second surface, the axis passing through the north and south poles of the two magnets arranged coaxially is parallel to the first and second surfaces.

15. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The Hall effect sensor occupies the entire constrained thickness within the housing.

16. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The control circuit system can distinguish when the accessory is within a defined rotational range on the first surface or the second surface based on the output of the Hall effect sensor.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The defined rotation range relative to the first surface is zero to five degrees, and the defined rotation range relative to the second surface is 355 to 360 degrees.

18. A system comprising: A pair of elongated magnets having coaxial magnetic axes perpendicular to the sensing axis and having the same magnetic poles facing each other, the pair of elongated magnets generate a magnetic field. as well as A Hall effect sensor configured to sense a magnetic field along a sensing axis, the Hall effect sensor being able to distinguish whether the pair of elongated magnets are adjacent to or opposite surfaces of the Hall effect sensor based on the polarity generated by and sensed by the Hall effect sensor.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The system includes first and second thickness-constrained devices, wherein the Hall effect sensor is located in the first device and the pair of elongated magnets are positioned in the second device.

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