Rotatably coupled touch screen display

Abstract

Examples related to computing devices and methods for determining an angular orientation of a first planar substrate rotatably coupled to a second planar substrate are disclosed. In one example, a method includes receiving, at a three-axis magnetic sensor in the second substrate, a magnetic field emanating from a magnet array in the first substrate; determining a magnetic flux density at first and second sensing axes of the sensor over a range of degrees; and using the magnetic flux density to determine a plurality of angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Some computing devices include rotatably coupled substrates that allow the device to be folded and the substrates positioned at different relative angles. For example, in a dual-screen smartphone or laptop, two touchscreen displays can be rotatably coupled at a hinge so that the two displays can move relative to each other.

[0002] Overview

[0003] This disclosure is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts also described in the detailed description. This disclosure is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to the implementation of solutions to any or all the shortcomings mentioned in any part of this disclosure.

[0004] The disclosed examples relate to computing devices and methods for determining the angular orientation of a first planar substrate relative to a second planar substrate over a full degree range. In a first example, the first planar substrate includes a magnet array comprising a first magnet coaxially aligned with a second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets. Identical magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis. The second planar substrate is rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at a rotation axis, and the second planar substrate includes a triaxial magnetic sensor configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes.

[0005] The method includes: receiving a magnetic field emitted from a magnet array at a sensor over a full degree range; determining multiple magnetic flux densities of magnetic flux at a first sensing axis and a second sensing axis of the sensor over the full degree range; and using the magnetic flux densities to determine multiple angular orientations of a first planar substrate relative to a second planar substrate over the full degree range. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0007] Figure 1 An example of a computing device having a magnet array and a triaxial magnetic sensor according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An example of folding around a rotation axis according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Computing devices.

[0009] Figure 3 An example of folding in a back-to-back orientation according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Computing devices.

[0010] Figure 4An example of folding according to this disclosure into a display orientation is shown. Figure 1 Computing devices.

[0011] Figure 5 The illustration schematically depicts the generation of a magnetic field within an array plane according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 1 The magnetic array of the computing device, and the triaxial magnetic sensor oriented such that the two sensing axes are coplanar with the array plane.

[0012] Figure 6 The illustration schematically shows an example of a plurality of angular orientations of a first planar substrate relative to a second planar substrate according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 Computing devices.

[0013] Figure 7 A graph showing magnetic flux density measurements at the first (A) sensing axis (“A-Dir”), second (B) sensing axis (“B-Dir”), and third (C) sensing axis (“C-Dir”) of the sensor, according to an example of this disclosure, is presented by means of an angular orientation ranging from zero to 360 degrees.

[0014] Figure 8A and 8B A flowchart illustrating an example method for determining multiple angular orientations of a first planar substrate of a computing device relative to a second planar substrate, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0015] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example computing system according to various examples of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Detailed description

[0017] Some computing devices include two substrates, such as displays, that are rotatably coupled so that the two substrates can be positioned at different angles relative to each other. For example, in a dual-screen smartphone or laptop, two touchscreen displays can be rotatably coupled at a hinge so that the two displays can move relative to each other. In some examples, two touchscreen displays can be used together as a larger combined touchscreen display system. In some examples, the two displays can rotate approximately 360 degrees between a closed, display-to-display orientation and an open, back-to-back orientation.

[0018] In these devices, it may be desirable to estimate the relative angles between the substrates at different orientations. In some examples, multiple sensors are used to estimate such relative angles. For instance, in some devices, each substrate includes a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to estimate the relative angles by comparing the estimated relative orientations of each substrate.

[0019] However, these configurations have certain drawbacks. For example, when the device's hinge axis is aligned with gravity, the IMU accelerometer will cease to function effectively, and gyroscope errors will accumulate uncontrollably. This causes errors in the estimated hinge angle to accumulate over time. Furthermore, the performance and accuracy of these configurations degrade under high vibration conditions, such as when using the device for navigation in a car.

[0020] In some examples, a single-axis Hall sensor and a magnet are used to determine when the device is in one of three states: face-to-face, back-to-back, or somewhere in between. However, these configurations are limited to determining these three states and cannot determine, for example, the angular orientation between back-to-back and face-to-face states. Furthermore, in these examples, the magnet and sensor must be sufficiently spaced such that the magnetic flux from the magnet at the sensor is minimal or zero when the device is turned on. In these examples, the magnet is typically placed near the center of a substrate and away from the axis of rotation. In these configurations, this positioning of the magnet can create packaging problems for other components, such as printed circuit boards and batteries, also located near the center of the substrate.

[0021] Accordingly, the disclosed examples relate to computing devices and methods for determining multiple angular orientations of a first planar substrate relative to a second planar substrate over a full degree range. In one example, and as described in more detail below, a computing device capable of folding across a degree range at a rotation axis includes a first planar substrate comprising a magnet array. The magnet array includes a first magnet coaxially aligned with a second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets. Identical magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis.

[0022] The second planar substrate is rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at a rotation axis and includes a triaxial magnetic sensor configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes. The triaxial magnetic sensor is oriented in the second planar substrate, and the magnet array is oriented in the first planar substrate such that, over a range of degrees at multiple angular orientations of the two substrates, (1) the first and second sensing axes of the sensor are coplanar with the magnetic field in the array plane, and (2) the sensor receives magnetic flux from the magnetic field along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor.

[0023] A computing device includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine multiple angular orientations of a first planar substrate relative to a second planar substrate over a full degree range using the magnetic flux at a sensor.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 1-4One example of a computing device is shown in the form of a dual-screen mobile computing device 104. In other examples, the computing device may take the form of a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, or any other suitable computing device. Figure 1-4 In one example, the mobile computing device 104 includes a housing having a first planar substrate 108A and a second planar substrate 108B rotatably coupled via a hinge 112. The first planar substrate 108A includes a first surface 110 containing a first touchscreen display 114A, and the second planar substrate 108B includes a second surface 111 containing a second touchscreen display 114C.

[0025] exist Figure 1-4 In one example, the first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114B are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis 116. In some examples, the hinge 112 includes one or more additional rotation axes about which the first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114B are rotatable relative to each other. In this example, the hinge 112 is configured to allow the first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114B to rotate relative to each other from the display orientation (…). Figure 4 ) to back-to-back orientation ( Figure 3 The first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114 can rotate through a range of degrees less than 360 degrees.

[0026] The computing device 104 includes a rear cover 144 extending on a hinge 112. Figure 1-4 In one example, the back cover 144 is a one-piece back cover that includes stretchable material in at least an expandable area located near the hinge 112. In this way, the back cover can expand and contract as the display device rotates through different angles and orientations. In other examples, the computing device according to this disclosure includes a left back cover rotatably coupled via the hinge 112 and a separate right back cover.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 2 The hinge 112 allows the first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114B to rotate relative to each other, enabling a user to decrease or increase the angle between the displays 114A and 114B by applying appropriate force to the first planar substrate 108A and / or the second planar substrate 108B. Figure 2 As shown in the angle orientation, the first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114B can be rotated until the displays 114A and 114B reach the angle orientation shown in the figure. Figure 3 The back-to-back angle orientation shown or as... Figure 4The display shown is oriented at an angle relative to the display. For the purposes of this disclosure and for description only, Figure 4 The display is oriented so that the orientation of the display corresponds to an approximately zero-degree angle orientation of the first planar substrate 108A relative to the second planar substrate 108B, and Figure 3 The back-to-back orientation corresponds to an approximately 360-degree angular orientation of the first planar substrate 108A relative to the second planar substrate 108B. In other examples, Figure 3 The back-to-back orientation corresponds to an angular orientation of approximately zero degrees, and Figure 4 The display is oriented to correspond to an angle of approximately 360 degrees.

[0028] Refer again Figure 1 Furthermore, as described in more detail below, the first planar substrate 108A includes a magnet array 130, while the second planar substrate 108B includes a triaxial magnetic sensor 150. The triaxial magnetic sensor 150 is oriented in a specific manner such that it can determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate over a full degree range. In this example, the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 includes a triaxial Hall sensor. In other examples, other suitable triaxial magnetic sensors may be used. For ease of description, Figure 1 An enlarged representation of the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 is also shown.

[0029] exist Figure 1 In the example, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (xyz) is defined relative to the first planar substrate 108A and includes a z-axis parallel to the rotation axis 116 of the computing device 104. As described in more detail below, the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 are arranged relative to each other such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet array is always coplanar with two of the three axes of the sensor throughout the entire rotational range of the two substrates. In this way, the magnetic field lines always point towards the centerline 132 of the magnet array 130, and the field incident on the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 will describe the vectors that always point towards the magnets on the two sensor axes. Advantageously and as explained below, this configuration allows the computing device 104 to estimate the angle of the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 relative to the magnet array 130 over the entire degree range between zero and 360 degrees, at any angular orientation of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate, thereby determining such angular orientation of the first planar substrate 108A relative to the second planar substrate 108B.

[0030] In this example, the magnet array 130 includes a first magnet 134 coaxially aligned with the second magnet 136 along an array axis 140 passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets. In this example, the north poles of the first magnet 134 and the second magnet 136 face each other. In this manner, and also with reference to... Figure 5The magnet array 130 generates a magnetic field 142 in an array plane 160 on the xy axis, the array plane 160 being perpendicular to the array axis 140 extending in the z-axis direction.

[0031] Additionally, and in this example, the magnet array 130 is positioned such that the array axis 140 is parallel to the rotation axis 116 at all angular orientations of the first planar substrate 108A relative to the second planar substrate 108B. Now, referring to a schematic diagram showing the second planar substrate 108B and a triaxial magnetic sensor 150 rotated relative to the first planar substrate 108A... Figure 6 It can be seen that the array axis 140 extending in the z-axis direction remains parallel to the rotation axis 116 (also extending in the z-axis) at all angular orientations from zero degrees to 360 degrees relative to the second planar substrate 108A. In some examples and in some hinge configurations, the rotation axis 116 can move in the x and / or y directions when the first planar substrate 108A and the second planar substrate 108B rotate relative to each other.

[0032] Refer again Figure 1 In this example, the magnet array 130 includes an intermediate material layer 144 between the first magnet 134 and the second magnet 136. In different examples, the intermediate material 144 may include steel or other suitable highly permeable materials. The intermediate material 144 may be used to guide the magnetic field 142 emitted perpendicular to the array axis 140, and / or may provide structural support for the magnet array 130. In other examples, the intermediate material may not be used, and the north poles of the first magnet 134 and the second magnet 136 may be adjacent to each other. In some examples, the magnet array 130 is configured such that the south poles of the first magnet 134 and the second magnet 136 face each other.

[0033] In this example, the magnet array 130 is cylindrical in shape. In other examples, the magnet array may take various other shapes and / or cross-sections, such as rectangular, hexagonal, rectangular, and wedge-shaped with a tapered thickness. In some examples, the magnet array may include one or more additional magnets to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis.

[0034] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The triaxial magnetic sensor 150 includes three orthogonal sensing axes—a first (A) sensing axis 152, a second (B) sensing axis 154, and a third (C) sensing axis 156. In some examples, the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 includes a magnetic sensor, a signal amplifier, and interface logic for independently detecting magnetic flux in each of the first (A) sensing axis 152, the second (B) sensing axis 154, and the third (C) sensing axis 156.

[0035] As mentioned above, the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 are oriented in the first planar substrate 108A and the second planar substrate 108B, respectively, in such a way that the computing device 104 can determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate 108 relative to the second planar substrate 108B over a full degree range. More specifically and also referring to... Figure 5 The sensor 150 is positioned within the second planar substrate 108B such that its first (A) sensing axis 152 and second (B) sensing axis 154 are coplanar with the array plane 160 and the magnetic field 142 emanating from the magnet array 130. Furthermore, reference is also made to… Figure 6 This coplanar relationship is maintained throughout the entire angular orientation range, which in this example is between approximately zero degrees and approximately 360 degrees. Therefore, in one of the potential advantages of this disclosure, this configuration enables the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 to receive magnetic fields 142 along its first (A) sensing axis 152 and its second (B) sensing axis 154 throughout the entire angular orientation range.

[0036] Furthermore, another advantage of this disclosure is that, utilizing this configuration, the combined readings from the first (A) sensing axis 152 and the second (B) sensing axis 154 of the sensor are unique for each angle within the angular orientation range. For example, now referring to... Figure 7 An example of a graph 190 is provided, showing the magnetic flux density measurements at the first (A) sensing axis 152 (“A-Dir”) and the second (B) sensing axis 154 (“B-Dir”) of the sensor across an angular orientation range from 0 to 360 degrees. As shown in the graph by line 180, which represents the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis 152 (“A-Dir”), remains positive across the range of degrees and angular orientations between the first planar substrate 108A and the second planar substrate 108B. More specifically, and as shown, in this example, the magnetic flux density at the first (A) sensing axis 152 of the sensor follows a U-shaped curve from 0 degrees to 360 degrees, where the minimum magnetic flux density value occurs at 180 degrees when the distance between the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 and the magnet array 130 is at its maximum.

[0037] Conversely, and due to the relative orientation of the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 with respect to the magnet array 130 in this configuration, the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis 154 (“B-Dir”) changes from negative to positive or from positive to negative (depending on the direction of rotation) through the range of degrees and angles between the first planar substrate 108A and the second planar substrate 108B. Figure 7This is illustrated by line 184, which represents the magnetic flux density along the second sensing axis 154 (“B-Dir”) at the sensor. More specifically, the magnetic flux density at the second (B) sensing axis 154 follows an inverted S-shaped curve from a maximum negative value at zero degrees to a minimum positive value at 360 degrees. Furthermore, as shown, the magnetic flux density at the second (B) sensing axis 154 transitions between negative and positive at a 180-degree angle orientation between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate.

[0038] Advantageously, because this configuration provides unique readings from the first (A) sensing axis 152 and the second (B) sensing axis 154 of the sensor for each angle across the entire angular orientation range, a simple attitude estimation algorithm can utilize the magnetic flux at the sensor to determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate across the entire degree range. In some examples, a lookup table containing the magnetic flux density at the first (A) sensing axis 152 (“A-Dir”) and the second (B) sensing axis 154 (“B-Dir”) across multiple angular orientations is pre-calculated and stored in the memory of the computing device 104. The attitude estimation algorithm can easily and quickly refer to such a lookup table to select the closest angle for a given A-Dir and B-Dir magnetic flux density value.

[0039] Figure 7 An example lookup table 192 is shown, showing values ​​for line 180 corresponding to the first (A) sensing axis 152 (“A-Dir”) and line 184 corresponding to the second (B) sensing axis 154 (“B-Dir”). In other examples, additional or fewer angles and corresponding magnetic flux densities may be included. In some examples, four or more angles and corresponding magnetic flux densities may be included in the lookup table.

[0040] In addition, such as Figure 7 As illustrated by the example and another potential advantage of this disclosure, in this particular orientation of the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 relative to the magnet array 130, the magnetic flux density of the magnet array from the third (C) sensing axis 156 (“C-Dir”) is very small or negligible over the degree and angular orientation range between the first planar substrate 108A and the second planar substrate 108B. In other words, since this configuration generates a magnetic field 142 in the array plane 160, and the first (A) sensing axis 152 and the second (B) sensing axis 154 of the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 are coplanar with the array plane 160 and the magnetic field 142 over the entire angular orientation range, the magnetic flux density of the magnet array from the third (C) sensing axis 156 (“C-Dir”) will be negligible or approximately zero. Figure 7 This is shown in lookup table 192 and illustrated by corresponding line 188 representing the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the third sensing axis (“C-Dir”).

[0041] Therefore, in the use case where the triaxial magnetometer 150 receives a magnetic flux whose magnitude along the third (C) sensing axis 156 of the sensor is outside the interference threshold range, the computing device 104 determines that the magnetic flux is interference from a source other than the magnet array 130. In different examples, the interference threshold range is between -1.0 mT and 1.0 mT, between -0.5 mT and 0.5 mT, and between -0.1 mT and 0.1 mT. In other examples, any other suitable range may be utilized. Advantageously, considering that magnetic interference from external sources may affect the accuracy and integrity of the readings generated by the triaxial magnetometer 150, the computing device 104 may use this determination to adjust the attitude estimation algorithm accordingly and / or utilize other sensors / functions to determine the angular orientation of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate.

[0042] in addition, Figure 7 Another potential advantage of this disclosure is that this configuration generates the largest rate of change of magnetic flux density within the degree range at the very end of the degree range. In this way, the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 provides magnetic flux readings with the highest fidelity in these extreme cases. Advantageously, this increased fidelity can be used to more accurately determine specific angles and angle changes in these extreme regions when the computing device is opened or closed from a display-to-display orientation to a display-to-display orientation, and when the device is opened or closed from a back-to-back orientation to a back-to-back orientation. In this way, the computing device 104 can initiate or trigger specific functions or user experiences at different angles in these extreme regions. In one example, when the relative orientation of the first planar substrate 108A and the second planar substrate 108B is determined to be 5 degrees, the computing device 104 initiates a "peep mode" user experience, in which the time, date, and notifications are displayed on both screens.

[0043] In one example, the foldable degree range of the computing device disclosed herein is between a minimum degree (e.g., zero) and a maximum degree (e.g., 360). The open range is between 0 degrees and approximately 10 degrees, the closed range is between approximately 350 degrees and 360 degrees, and the intermediate range is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 360 degrees. In this example, as... Figure 7 As illustrated, (1) the first set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first (A) sensing axis 152 and the second (B) sensing axis 154 within the open range, and (2) the second set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first (A) sensing axis 152 and the second (B) sensing axis 154 within the closed range, are both greater than the third set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first (A) sensing axis 152 and the second (B) sensing axis 154 within the intermediate range. In other examples, other open ranges, intermediate ranges, and closed ranges may be used.

[0044] Among other potential advantages of this disclosure, this configuration can eliminate the need for one or more additional sensors. For example, in a computing device that utilizes two IMUs to perform attitude estimation of first and second rotatable substrates, the current configuration of magnet array 130 and triaxial magnetometer 150 can be used instead of one or two IMU units to perform attitude estimation. Similarly, in other examples, the current configuration of magnet array 130 and triaxial magnetometer 150 can be used instead of one or more gyroscopes and / or one or more magnetometers required for estimating the attitude of the device. Furthermore, and in another advantage, this configuration uses less power than the corresponding IMUs, gyroscopes, or accelerometers, thus saving power resources.

[0045] Among some examples and another potential advantage of this disclosure, such as Figure 1-3 As illustrated, the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 can be located near the rotation axis 116, rather than near the center of the first touchscreen display 114A and the second touchscreen display 114B, respectively, depending on other configuration requirements. In different examples, the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 are positioned adjacent to the rotation axis 116 by being located within 20 cm, 10 cm, and 5 cm of the rotation axis, respectively. Advantageously, in these examples, positioning the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 near the rotation axis 112 saves valuable packaging space that could be used elsewhere in the computing device for the processor, battery, and other components. Furthermore, positioning the magnet array 130 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 close to the rotation axis 116 increases the incidence of the magnetic field 152 on the sensor, providing increased accuracy and more precise measurement of the angular orientation of the first planar substrate 108A relative to the second planar substrate 108B.

[0046] Although Figure 1 The example computing device 104 shows a magnet array 130 and a triaxial magnetic sensor 150 located near the top of the device. However, in other examples, the magnet array and sensor may be located at other positions along the z-axis, including near the bottom of the device, where the sensor's first (A) sensing axis 152 and second (B) sensing axis 154 remain coplanar with the array plane 160 and the magnetic field 142 emanating from the magnet array 130. In other examples, the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 is located away from the rotation axis 116, such that it is not adjacent to the rotation axis, while its first (A) sensing axis 152 and second (B) sensing axis 154 remain coplanar with the array plane 160 and the magnetic field 142 emanating from the magnet array 130.

[0047] Now for reference Figures 8A-8BThe diagram illustrates a flowchart of an example method 300 for determining multiple angular orientations of a first planar substrate relative to a second planar substrate for a computing device over a full degree range. The second planar substrate is rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at a rotation axis. The first planar substrate includes a magnet array comprising a first magnet coaxially aligned with a second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets. Identical magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis. The second planar substrate includes a triaxial magnetic sensor configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes.

[0048] Refer to the description in this article and Figure 1-7 The software and hardware components shown in Figure 9 provide the following description of method 300. For example, method 300 may be performed by computing device 104, the hardware, software and / or firmware of computing device 104, triaxial magnetic sensor 150, or a suitable combination of the components described herein.

[0049] It will be understood that the following description of method 300 is provided by way of example and is not intended to be limiting. Therefore, it can be understood that method 300 may include, compared to Figure 8A and 8B The steps illustrated herein may include additional and / or alternative steps. Furthermore, it should be understood that the steps of method 300 may be performed in any suitable order. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method 300 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that method 300 may also be performed in other contexts using other suitable components.

[0050] refer to Figure 8A In method 304, method 300 includes receiving a magnetic field emitted from a magnet array at a triaxial magnetic sensor over a full degree range. In method 308, method 300 includes receiving the magnetic field at the sensor along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor's three sensing axes. In method 312, method 300 includes determining multiple magnetic flux densities of the magnetic flux at the first and second sensing axes of the sensor over a full degree range. In method 316, method 300 includes using the magnetic flux densities sensed at the first and second sensing axes to determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate over a full degree range.

[0051] In 320, method 300 includes a magnet array whose array axis is parallel to the rotation axis at all angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate. In 324, method 300 includes a magnet array and a sensor located near the rotation axis. In 328, method 300 includes a degree range between approximately zero degrees and approximately 360 degrees, and through the degree range between the first and second planar substrates, (1) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis switches between negative and positive.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 8B In method 332, method 300 includes wherein the magnetic flux density is oriented at a 180-degree angle between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, switching between negative and positive along the second sensing axis. In method 336, method 300 includes receiving a magnetic flux at the sensor whose magnitude is outside an interference threshold range along the third sensing axis of the sensor. In method 340, method 300 includes determining, in the case that the magnetic flux whose magnitude is outside the interference threshold range is received along the third sensing axis of the sensor, that the magnetic flux is interference from a source other than the magnet array. In 344, method 300 includes a range where the degree is between a minimum degree and a maximum degree, an open range between the minimum degree and approximately 10 degrees, a closed range between approximately 10 degrees less than the maximum degree and the maximum degree, and an intermediate range between approximately 10 degrees and 10 degrees less than the maximum degree, and wherein (1) in the open range, a first set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor, and (2) in the closed range, both a second set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor are greater than a third set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the intermediate range.

[0053] In some embodiments, the methods and processes described herein may be associated with a computing system including one or more computing devices. Specifically, such methods and processes may be implemented as computer applications or services, application programming interfaces (APIs), libraries, and / or other computer program products.

[0054] Figure 9 A non-limiting embodiment of a computing system 400 capable of performing one or more of the methods and processes described above is schematically illustrated. The computing system 400 is shown in a simplified form. The computing system 400 may take the form of one or more personal computers, server computers, tablet computers, home entertainment computers, gaming devices, mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices (e.g., smartphones), wearable computing devices, and / or other computing devices. (Described above and...) Figure 1-4The computing device 104 and the triaxial magnetic sensor 150 described in the text may include the computing system 400 or one or more aspects of the computing system 400.

[0055] The computing system 400 includes a logic processor 402, volatile memory 404, and non-volatile storage device 406. The computing system 400 may optionally include a display subsystem 408, an input subsystem 410, a communication subsystem 412, and / or... Figure 9 Other components not shown.

[0056] The logic processor 402 includes one or more physical devices configured to execute instructions. For example, the logic processor may be configured to execute instructions that are part of one or more applications, services, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs. Such instructions may be implemented to perform tasks, implement data types, transform the state of one or more components, achieve technical effects, or otherwise obtain desired results.

[0057] A logic processor may include one or more physical processors (hardware) configured to execute software instructions. Additionally or alternatively, a logic processor may include one or more hardware logic circuits or firmware devices configured to execute hardware-implemented logic or firmware instructions. Each processor of logic processor 402 may be single-core or multi-core, and the instructions executed thereon may be configured for serial, parallel, and / or distributed processing. The individual components of the logic processor may optionally be distributed among two or more separate devices, which may be located remotely and / or configured for collaborative processing. Aspects of the logic processor may be virtualized and executed by remotely accessible networked computing devices configured for cloud computing. It will be understood that in such a scenario, these virtualized aspects run on different physical logic processors on various different machines.

[0058] Volatile memory 404 may include a physical device containing random access memory (RAM). Volatile memory 404 is typically used by logic processor 402 to temporarily store information during the processing of software instructions. It will be understood that when power to volatile memory 404 is cut off, volatile memory 404 typically does not continue storing instructions.

[0059] The non-volatile storage device 406 includes one or more physical devices configured to retain instructions executable by a logic processor to implement the methods and processes described herein. When such methods and processes are implemented, the state of the non-volatile storage device 406 can be transformed—for example, to retain different data.

[0060] Non-volatile storage device 406 may include removable and / or built-in devices. Non-volatile storage device 406 may include optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), magnetic memory (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, MRAM, etc.), and / or other high-capacity storage device technologies. Non-volatile storage device 406 may include non-volatile, dynamic, static, read / write, read-only, sequential access, location-addressable, file-addressable, and / or content-addressable devices. It will be understood that non-volatile storage device 406 is configured to retain instructions even when power to non-volatile storage device 406 is cut off.

[0061] Various aspects of the logic processor 402, volatile memory 404, and non-volatile storage device 406 can be integrated together into one or more hardware logic components. Such hardware logic components may include, for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (PASICs / ASICs), application-specific standard products (PSSPs / ASSPs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).

[0062] The terms "module," "program," and "engine" can be used to describe aspects of a computing system 400 typically implemented in software by a processor to perform specific functions using portions of volatile memory, functions involving transform processing specifically configured to perform those functions. Thus, a module, program, or engine can be instantiated via a logic processor 402 executing instructions held in non-volatile memory 406, using portions of volatile memory 404. It will be understood that different modules, programs, and / or engines can be instantiated from the same applications, services, code blocks, objects, libraries, routines, APIs, functions, etc. Similarly, the same modules, programs, and / or engines can be instantiated from different applications, services, code blocks, objects, routines, APIs, functions, etc. The terms "module," "program," and "engine" are intended to encompass single or grouped executable files, data files, libraries, drivers, scripts, database records, etc.

[0063] When a display subsystem 408 is included, it can be used to present a visual representation of data held by the non-volatile storage device 406. Since the methods and processes described herein alter the data held by the non-volatile storage device and thus change the state of the non-volatile storage device, the state of the display subsystem 408 can also be changed to visually represent changes in the underlying data. The display subsystem 408 may include one or more display devices utilizing substantially any type of technology. Such display devices may be combined with the logic processor 402, the volatile memory 404, and / or the non-volatile storage device 406 in a shared housing, or such display devices may be peripheral display devices.

[0064] When the input subsystem 410 is included, it may include one or more user input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, electronic pen, stylus, or game controller, or interface with such user input devices. In some embodiments, the input subsystem may include or interface with selected Natural User Input (NUI) components. Such components may be integrated or peripheral, and the transduction and / or processing of input actions may be handled on-board or off-board. Example NUI components may include a microphone for speech and / or voice recognition; an infrared, color, stereo display, and / or depth camera for machine vision and / or gesture recognition; a head tracker, eye tracker, accelerometer, and / or gyroscope for motion detection and / or intent recognition; an electric field sensing component for assessing brain activity; and / or any other suitable sensor.

[0065] When a communication subsystem 412 is included, the communication subsystem 412 may be configured to communicatively couple the various computing devices described herein to each other and to other devices. The communication subsystem 412 may include wired and / or wireless communication devices compatible with one or more different communication protocols. As a non-limiting example, the communication subsystem may be configured to communicate via a wireless telephone network or a wired or wireless local area network or wide area network (such as HDMI over a Wi-Fi connection). In some embodiments, the communication subsystem may allow the computing system 400 to send messages to and / or receive messages from other devices via a network such as the Internet.

[0066] The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of this application. One aspect provides a computing device capable of folding through a range of degrees at a rotation axis, the computing device comprising: a first planar substrate; a magnet array in the first planar substrate, the magnet array including the first magnet coaxially aligned with the second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets, wherein like magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis; a second planar substrate rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at the rotation axis; and a triaxial magnetic sensor in the second planar substrate, the triaxial magnetic sensor being configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes. The triaxial magnetic sensor is oriented in the second planar substrate and the magnet array is oriented in the first planar substrate such that, over a range of degrees, at multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate, (1) the first and second sensing axes of the sensor are coplanar with the magnetic field in the array plane, and (2) the sensor receives magnetic flux from the magnetic field along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor; a processor; and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate over a range of degrees using the magnetic flux at the sensor. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the array axis of the magnet array is parallel to the rotation axis at all angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the magnet array and the triaxial magnetic sensor are located near the rotation axis.

[0067] The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the triaxial magnetic sensor receives magnetic fields along the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor over a full degree range. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the degree range is between approximately zero degrees and approximately 360 degrees, and that (1) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive over the degree range between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis transitions between negative and positive. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein along the second sensing axis, the magnetic flux density transitions between negative and positive at a 180-degree angle between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate.

[0068] The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the sensor receives a magnetic flux quantity along a third sensing axis of the sensor that is outside an interference threshold range, and the instruction may be executed by the processor to determine, in the case that the magnetic flux quantity is received along the third sensing axis of the sensor and the value is outside the interference threshold range, that the magnetic flux quantity is interference from a source other than the magnet array. The computing device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the degree range is between a minimum degree and a maximum degree, the open range is between the minimum degree and approximately 10 degrees, the closed range is between approximately 10 degrees less than the maximum degree and the maximum degree, and the intermediate range is between approximately 10 degrees and 10 degrees less than the maximum degree, and wherein (1) in the open range, a first set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor, and (2) in the closed range, both of the second set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor are greater than the third set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the intermediate range.

[0069] On the other hand, a method is provided for determining multiple angular orientations of a first planar substrate of a computing device relative to a second planar substrate over a full degree range, wherein the first planar substrate includes a magnet array comprising a first magnet coaxially aligned with a second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets, wherein like magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis; and the second planar substrate is rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at a rotation axis, the second planar substrate including a triaxial magnetic sensor configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes, the method comprising: receiving a magnetic field emitted from the magnet array at the sensor over a full degree range; determining multiple magnetic flux densities of the magnetic flux at the first and second sensing axes of the sensor over a full degree range; and using the magnetic flux densities sensed at the first and second sensing axes to determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate over a full degree range.

[0070] The method may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the array axis of the magnet array is parallel to the rotation axis at all angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate. The method may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the magnet array and the sensor are located near the rotation axis. The method may additionally or alternatively include: receiving the magnetic field at the sensor along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor's three sensing axes. The method may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the degree range is between approximately zero degrees and approximately 360 degrees, and through the degree range between the first and second planar substrates, (1) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis transitions between negative and positive. The method may additionally or alternatively include: wherein along the second sensing axis, the magnetic flux density transitions between negative and positive at 180-degree angular orientations between the first and second planar substrates.

[0071] The method may additionally or alternatively include: receiving a magnetic flux quantity outside an interference threshold range along a third sensing axis of the sensor, and determining that the magnetic flux quantity is interference from a source other than the magnet array when the magnetic flux quantity outside the interference threshold range is received along the third sensing axis of the sensor. The method may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the degree range is between a minimum degree and a maximum degree, the open range is between the minimum degree and approximately 10 degrees, the closed range is between approximately 10 degrees less than the maximum degree and the maximum degree, and the intermediate range is between approximately 10 degrees and 10 degrees less than the maximum degree, and wherein (1) within the open range, a first set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first and second sensing axes of the sensor, and (2) within the closed range, both a second set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first and second sensing axes of the sensor are greater than a third set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first and second sensing axes of the sensor within the intermediate range.

[0072] On the other hand, a display device is provided that can be folded at a rotation axis through a degree range between approximately zero degrees and approximately 360 degrees. The display device includes: a first display; a magnet array in the first display, the magnet array including the first magnet coaxially aligned with the second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets, wherein like magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis; a second display rotatably coupled to the first display at the rotation axis, wherein the first and second displays are rotatable through a degree range between approximately zero degrees and approximately 360 degrees; and a triaxial magnetic sensor in the second display. A triaxial magnetic sensor is configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes, wherein the triaxial magnetic sensor is oriented in the second display and the magnet array is oriented in the first display such that (1) the first and second sensing axes of the sensor are coplanar with the magnetic field in the array plane at multiple angular orientations of the first display relative to the second display over a whole degree range, and (2) the sensor receives magnetic flux from the magnetic field along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor; a processor; and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to determine multiple angular orientations of the first display relative to the second display over a whole degree range using the magnetic flux at the sensor. The display device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive over the degree range (1) between the first and second planar substrates, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis switches between negative and positive.

[0073] The display device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein along the second sensing axis, the magnetic flux density is oriented at a 180-degree angle between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, switching between negative and positive. The display device may additionally or alternatively include: wherein the sensor receives a magnetic flux quantity outside an interference threshold range along a third sensing axis of the sensor, and the instruction is executable by the processor to determine, in the case that the magnetic flux quantity received along the third sensing axis of the sensor is outside the interference threshold range, that the magnetic flux quantity is interference from a source other than the magnet array.

[0074] It should be understood that the configurations and / or methods described herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Thus, the various actions explained and / or described may be performed in the explained and / or described order, in a different order, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the processes described above may be changed.

[0075] The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various processes, systems and configurations disclosed herein, as well as other features, functions, actions and / or attributes, and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A computing device capable of folding through a range of degrees at a rotation axis, the computing device comprising: First planar substrate; A magnet array in the first planar substrate, the magnet array comprising the first magnet being coaxially aligned with the second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the same magnetic poles of the first magnet and the second magnet face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis. A second planar substrate, which is rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at the rotation axis; A triaxial magnetic sensor in the second planar substrate, the triaxial magnetic sensor being configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes, wherein the triaxial magnetic sensor is oriented in the second planar substrate and the magnet array is oriented in the first planar substrate such that, over a range of degrees at multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate, (1) the first and second sensing axes of the sensor are coplanar with the magnetic field in the array plane, and (2) the sensor receives magnetic flux from the magnetic field along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor; processor; as well as The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the processor to determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate over a full degree range using the magnetic flux at the sensor.

2. The computing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The array axis of the magnet array is parallel to the rotation axis at all angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate.

3. The computing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnet array and the triaxial magnetic sensor are located near the rotation axis.

4. The computing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The triaxial magnetic sensor receives magnetic fields along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor over the entire degree range.

5. The computing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The degree range is between zero and 360 degrees, and the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive (1) through the degree range between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis switches between negative and positive.

6. The computing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Along the second sensing axis, the magnetic flux density is oriented at a 180-degree angle between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, switching between negative and positive.

7. The computing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor receives a magnetic flux value outside the interference threshold range along the third sensing axis of the sensor, and the instruction can be executed by the processor to determine that the magnetic flux is interference from a source other than the magnet array when the magnetic flux value outside the interference threshold range is received along the third sensing axis of the sensor.

8. The computing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The degree range is between the minimum degree and the maximum degree, the open range is between the minimum degree and 10 degrees, the closed range is between 10 degrees less than the maximum degree and the maximum degree, and the intermediate range is between 10 degrees and 10 degrees less than the maximum degree, and wherein (1) the first set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the open range, and (2) the second set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the closed range are both greater than the third set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the intermediate range.

9. A method for determining a plurality of angular orientations of a first planar substrate of a computing device relative to a second planar substrate over a full degree range, characterized in that, The first planar substrate includes a magnet array, the magnet array including a first magnet coaxially aligned with a second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein like magnetic poles of the first magnet and the second magnet face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis; and the second planar substrate is rotatably coupled to the first planar substrate at a rotation axis, the second planar substrate including a triaxial magnetic sensor configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes, the method comprising: The magnetic field emitted from the magnet array is received at the sensor over the entire degree range; Determine multiple flux densities of the magnetic flux at the first and second sensing axes of the sensor over the entire degree range; and The magnetic flux density sensed at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis is used to determine multiple angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate over a full degree range.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The array axis of the magnet array is parallel to the rotation axis at all angular orientations of the first planar substrate relative to the second planar substrate.

11. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The magnet array and the sensor are located near the rotation axis.

12. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes receiving the magnetic field at the sensor along the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the three sensing axes of the sensor.

13. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The degree range is between zero and 360 degrees, and the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive (1) through the degree range between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis switches between negative and positive.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, Along the second sensing axis, the magnetic flux density is oriented at a 180-degree angle between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, switching between negative and positive.

15. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, Further includes: The magnetic flux received at the sensor along the third sensing axis of the sensor is outside the interference threshold range; as well as If the magnetic flux received along the third sensing axis of the sensor is outside the interference threshold range, it is determined that the magnetic flux is interference from a source other than the magnet array.

16. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The degree range is between the minimum degree and the maximum degree, the open range is between the minimum degree and 10 degrees, the closed range is between 10 degrees less than the maximum degree and the maximum degree, and the intermediate range is between 10 degrees and 10 degrees less than the maximum degree, and wherein (1) the first set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the open range, and (2) the second set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the closed range are both greater than the third set of magnetic flux density change rates at the first sensing axis and the second sensing axis of the sensor in the intermediate range.

17. A display device capable of folding at a rotation axis through a range of degrees between zero and 360 degrees, the display device comprising: First display; The first display has a magnet array comprising a first magnet coaxially aligned with the second magnet along an array axis passing through the north and south poles of the first and second magnets, wherein the same magnetic poles of the first and second magnets face each other to generate a magnetic field in an array plane perpendicular to the array axis. A second display is rotatably coupled to the first display at the rotation axis, wherein the first display and the second display are rotatable through a range of degrees between zero degrees and 360 degrees; A triaxial magnetic sensor in the second display, the triaxial magnetic sensor being configured to sense magnetic flux along three sensing axes, wherein the triaxial magnetic sensor is oriented in the second display and the magnet array is oriented in the first display such that, over a range of degrees at multiple angular orientations of the first display relative to the second display, (1) the first and second sensing axes of the sensor are coplanar with the magnetic field in the array plane, and (2) the sensor receives magnetic flux from the magnetic field along the first and second sensing axes of the sensor; processor; as well as The memory stores instructions that can be executed by the processor to determine multiple angular orientations of the first display relative to the second display over a full degree range using the magnetic flux at the sensor.

18. The display device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, (1) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the first sensing axis remains positive through the degree range between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, and (2) the magnetic flux density at the sensor along the second sensing axis switches between negative and positive.

19. The display device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, Along the second sensing axis, the magnetic flux density is oriented at a 180-degree angle between the first planar substrate and the second planar substrate, switching between negative and positive.

20. The display device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The sensor receives a magnetic flux value outside the interference threshold range along the third sensing axis of the sensor, and the instruction can be executed by the processor to determine that the magnetic flux is interference from a source other than the magnet array when the magnetic flux value outside the interference threshold range is received along the third sensing axis of the sensor.

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