Magnetic Field Sensors in Portable Electronic Devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a magnetic field sensor in a portable electronic device. A portable computing device is disclosed herein, which includes a base portion carrying an audio module and a display housing carrying a display. The display housing is coupled to the base portion and can rotate relative to the base portion. The display housing includes a magnet, and the base portion includes a magnetic field sensor that detects an external magnetic field of the magnet. The magnetic field sensor provides a signal to deactivate the display. In order to reduce layout variations in the portable computing device, the magnetic field sensor is positioned in the audio housing carrying the audio module. However, the magnetic field sensor is designed and oriented to detect the magnetic field from the magnet in the display housing and effectively ignores the magnet associated with the audio module. In order to reduce the amount of electrical connections, the magnetic field sensor is electrically coupled to the audio module.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 27, 2019, application number 201910793032.4, and invention name “Magnetic field sensor in portable electronic device”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 736,878, filed on September 26, 2018, entitled “MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR IN APORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The following description relates to a portable electronic device. Specifically, the following description relates to a magnetic field sensor in a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device uses a magnetic field sensor to determine whether the portable electronic device is in an open position or a closed position. The magnetic field sensor can detect magnetic fields along a specific axis or a specific surface (of the magnetic field sensor) without detecting (or effectively ignoring) magnetic fields along other axes or surfaces. In this regard, the magnetic field sensor may include an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor, wherein the resistance value varies depending on the position at which the magnetic field is incident on the anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor. The use of these types of magnetic field sensors increases the number of locations where the magnetic field sensor can be placed in the portable electronic device, especially when the portable electronic device includes several magnets that should not be detected by the magnetic field sensor. Background Art

[0005] Portable electronic devices including laptop devices may include a display that can be rotated relative to the base portion to open and close the portable electronic device. In order to save battery power, the portable electronic device may turn off the display when the portable electronic device is closed. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a display housing carrying a first magnet that emits a first external magnetic field according to a first orientation. The portable electronic device may also include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing. The base portion may include a second magnet that emits a second external magnetic field according to a second orientation different from the first orientation. The portable electronic device may also include a magnetic field sensor located in the base portion. In some cases, when the first external magnetic field and the second external magnetic field are incident on the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor is capable of distinguishing the first external magnetic field from the second external magnetic field.

[0007] In another aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a display. The display housing may also carry a magnet that emits an external magnetic field. The portable electronic device may also include a base portion that is rotationally coupled to the display housing. The base portion may include an audio component that includes an audio module housing. The audio component may also include an audio module that is located in the audio module housing and is capable of generating acoustic energy. The audio component may also include a magnetic field sensor that is located in the audio module housing and is configured to detect an external magnetic field and provide a signal to deactivate the display when the external magnetic field is detected.

[0008] On the other hand, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a display. The display housing may also carry a first magnet that emits a first external magnetic field and a second magnet that emits a second external magnetic field. In some cases, the display is positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet. The portable electronic device may also include a base portion that is rotationally coupled to the display housing. The base portion may include an audio component. The base portion may also include a flexible circuit electrically coupled to the audio component. The base portion may also include a first magnetic field sensor configured to detect the first external magnetic field. The first magnetic field sensor can be located within the audio component. The base portion may also include a second magnetic field sensor configured to detect a second external magnetic field. The second magnetic field sensor may be located on the flexible circuit.

[0009] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be or will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after studying the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this specification and the present disclosure, be within the scope of these embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 illustrating an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device in an open position according to some described embodiments;

[0012] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 an isometric view of the electronic device shown showing the electronic device in a closed position;

[0013] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of an audio component for use in an electronic device according to some of the described embodiments;

[0014] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic field sensor according to some described embodiments;

[0015] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 an isometric view of the magnetic field sensor, further illustrating a magnet emitting an external magnetic field incident on the magnetic field sensor;

[0016] Figure 6 A plan view of the electronic device is shown, which illustrates the internal layout of several components in the base portion;

[0017] Figure 7 A plan view of the electronic device is shown, showing the location of the magnetic field sensor in the base portion;

[0018] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown taken along line 8-8;

[0019] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown taken along line 9-9;

[0020] Fig.10 An isometric view of an electronic device is shown showing a magnetic field sensor and a plurality of magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor; and

[0021] Fig.11 A block diagram of an electronic device according to some of the described embodiments is shown.

[0022] Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the sizes of the various features and elements of the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalent forms that may be included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, it is to be understood that these examples are not limiting and that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

[0025] The following disclosure relates to a portable electronic device, such as a laptop computing device, which includes a display housing rotatably coupled to a base portion. Specifically, the following disclosure relates to a magnetic field sensor used in a portable electronic device. The display housing carries a display assembly, and the base portion carries an input device, such as a keyboard and a touchpad. The magnetic field sensor described herein is used to detect an externally applied magnetic field. When a magnetic field is detected, the magnetic field sensor initiates and provides a signal that is used by the portable electronic device to determine whether the portable electronic device is in an open position or a closed position. The open position is associated with an active mode, in which the display assembly and other operating components are active, accessible and available for use, while the closed position is associated with a sleep mode, in which the display assembly and operating components are deactivated and the portable electronic device is in a transmittable configuration.

[0026] The activation and deactivation described herein are based on an automated device, as opposed to a user providing a direct command to a portable electronic device. For example, a portable electronic device may include a magnet disposed in a display housing and a magnetic field sensor disposed in a base portion. When the display housing is rotated close enough to the base portion, the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field from the magnet and initiates a signal provided to a processor of the portable electronic device indicating that the portable electronic device is in (or close to) a closed position. Conversely, when the display housing is rotated sufficiently away from the base portion, the magnetic field sensor no longer detects a magnetic field and stops providing a signal indicating that the portable electronic device is in an open position. The display assembly and operating components are then activated in the open position.

[0027] Some design constraints in portable electronic devices limit the position of magnets in the display housing. For example, the display assembly may occupy a significant portion of the display housing, thereby limiting the position of the magnet to the position or space between the edge of the display housing and the display assembly. In order for the magnetic field sensor to detect the magnetic field from these magnets, the magnetic field sensor should be positioned at a corresponding position in the base portion (i.e., near the edge of the base portion). Therefore, the limited available positions for magnets in the display housing correspond to the limited available positions for the magnetic field sensor in the base portion. Therefore, the electrical connection (such as a flexible circuit) with the magnetic field sensor is limited or does not exist. In the latter case, additional electrical connections must be routed to the magnetic field sensor, which may require additional design specification changes and may increase production costs. In addition, the portable electronic device including the audio module subsequently includes one or more magnets, including permanent magnets. If the magnetic field from the audio module magnet is incident on a traditional magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field from the audio module magnet can cause false triggering through the traditional magnetic field sensor, thereby causing an undesirable signal and then deactivating the display assembly.

[0028] Fortunately, the portable electronic devices described herein address these challenges. For example, the magnetic field sensor can be connected to an existing flexible circuit used by another operating component (such as a microphone) in the portable electronic device. Therefore, the magnetic field sensor can rely on the existing electrical layout in the portable electronic device. For another example, the magnetic field sensor can be placed in an audio component. Therefore, the magnetic field sensor can rely not only on the existing space dedicated to the audio component, but also on the existing electrical connections present in the audio component.

[0029] The magnetic field sensor described herein may include an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor. In this regard, the magnetic field sensor includes a solid-state magnetic sensitive element that detects and measures a magnetic field. When a current is supplied, these magnetic field sensors generate an internal resistance in the magnetic sensitive element, and the value of the resistance changes under the influence of an externally applied magnetic field. In addition, the resistance value depends on the position of the externally applied magnetic field incident on the magnetic field sensor. Therefore, the orientation of the magnet, specifically, the magnetic field of the magnet relative to the associated direction of the magnetic field sensor affects the resistance value of the magnetic field sensor. For example, a magnet oriented in a manner such that its externally applied magnetic field is incident on one position of the magnetic field sensor may cause the resistance of the magnetic field sensor to increase to a value equal to or higher than a threshold resistance value, thereby causing the magnetic field sensor to provide a signal indicating that a magnetic field has been detected. On the other hand, when the magnet is oriented in different ways so that its externally applied magnetic field is incident on different positions of the magnetic field sensor, the resistance value of the magnetic field sensor changes little or no. Therefore, the resistance value remains below the threshold resistance value, and the magnetic field sensor does not initiate a signal. The portable electronic device described herein can use this feature of the magnetic field sensor to selectively detect the desired magnetic field and ignore other magnetic fields.

[0030] The audio component can be integrated into the base portion of the portable electronic device. When the magnetic field sensor is integrated into the audio component, the magnetic field sensor can be exposed to the magnetic field from the audio module magnet. However, the corresponding orientation of the magnets is such that the magnetic field from the display housing magnet is incident on the magnetic field sensor and detected by the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field from the audio module magnet is also incident on the magnetic field sensor, but is not detected by the magnetic field sensor or is ignored. Therefore, the orientation between i) the display housing magnet and the magnetic field sensor, and ii) the orientation between the audio module magnet and the magnetic field sensor can achieve the desired result.

[0031] The magnetic field sensor described herein may include a magnetosensitive surface. The "magnetosensitive surface" of the magnetic field sensor refers to the surface or plane on which the magnetic field is incident on the magnetosensitive element or magnetosensitive film, and the magnetic field causes a change in the resistance value of the magnetosensitive element, which is equal to or higher than the threshold resistance value. In addition, the incident angle (of the magnetic field) may be limited to a specific incident angle on the magnetosensitive surface. Compared with the aforementioned incident angle, the magnetic field incident on the magnetosensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor at different incident angles causes little or no change in the resistance value of the magnetosensitive element, so that the value remains below the threshold resistance value. By orienting the magnets in different ways relative to the magnetic field sensor, their respective magnetic fields are oriented in different directions, and therefore, the corresponding magnetic fields are incident on the magnetosensitive surface at different angles or orientations (which can be distinguished by the magnetic field sensor).

[0032] Using a magnetic field sensor that is relatively sensitive in a specific location can provide several advantages. For example, the number of locations where the magnetic field sensor can be positioned in a portable electronic device is increased. As described above, the magnetic field sensor can be located in the audio component, thereby placing the magnetic field sensor in a position close to the audio module magnet while not affecting the desired function of the magnetic field sensor. When integrating the magnetic field sensor into the portable electronic device, the increase in the number of locations can achieve fewer design / layout changes. In addition, in some cases, Hall effect sensors that rotate in the same plane as the magnetic field can also be used.

[0033] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 11 However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0034] Figure 1An isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device 100 in an open position according to some of the described embodiments is shown. The electronic device 100 may be referred to as a portable electronic device, including a laptop computing device, or simply a laptop. As shown, the electronic device 100 may include a housing 102 or a casing. The housing 102 may include a metal, such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or another metal that does not generally interfere with magnetic flux. Alternatively, the housing 102 may include a rigid plastic.

[0035] The housing 102 may include a display housing 104 or cover designed to carry a display assembly 106 that presents visual information in the form of moving images (videos), static images (pictures), textual information, and software applications. The housing 102 may also include a base portion 108 connected to the display housing 104. Specifically, the base portion 108 is connected to the display housing 104 by one or more hinge assemblies ( Figure 1 The base portion 108 may be provided with a base portion 108 (not shown) connected to the display housing 104, thereby allowing the display housing 104 to rotate relative to the base portion 108, and vice versa. Although not shown, circuit boards, processor circuits, memory circuits, batteries, audio modules, microphones, and flexible circuits (as non-limiting examples) may be positioned within the space or volume of the base portion 108.

[0036] The base portion 108 may include a number of features designed to provide inputs that change the visual information presented on the display assembly 106. For example, the base portion 108 may include a keyboard 112 and a trackpad 114. Additionally, the base portion 108 may include an audio module ( Figure 1 100). To allow acoustic energy to leave the base portion 108, the base portion 108 may include openings 116a and 116b. In addition, the electronic device 100 may include a port 110 for receiving power and / or receiving and transmitting data. As a non-limiting example, the port 110 may include a universal serial bus ("USB") port, including a USB-C type port.

[0037] In the open position of the electronic device 100, the relative position (or spacing) between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 allows the user to interact with the keyboard 112 and / or the touchpad 114 and view the display assembly 106. However, in the closed position, the display housing 104 is fully rotated toward the base portion 108, and the display assembly 106 is no longer observable, and therefore, can no longer be provided for use by the user. The electronic device 100 includes a feature designed to close and deactivate the display assembly 106 in the closed position to save battery power. For example, the base portion 108 may include a magnetic field sensor 118a and a magnetic field sensor 118b, which is designed to detect the external magnetic field of the magnet 122a and the magnet 122b in the display housing 104 when the display housing 104 is rotated close enough to the base portion 108. The magnet 122a and the magnet 122b may include rare earth elements, such as neodymium. However, other magnetic materials are possible. As shown, both magnet 122a and magnet 122b are external to display assembly 106. In other words, display assembly 106 is positioned between magnet 122a and magnet 122b. When magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b detect an external magnetic field from magnet 122a and magnet 122b, respectively, magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b send a signal to processor circuit ( Figure 1 The input is used as logic to indicate that the display housing 104 is in close proximity to the base portion 108, and the processor circuit initiates a command to deactivate the display assembly 106.

[0038] In some embodiments, magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b are Hall effect sensors, tunneling magnetoresistive sensors, or giant magnetoresistive sensors. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b are anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors. In this regard, the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b respond with a change in resistance under the influence of a magnetic field. In addition, the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b are sensitive to an external magnetic field incident on the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b in a specific direction, and are insensitive to external magnetic fields from magnets in different directions, so the latter will not be detected. This allows the electronic device 100 to position the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b in close proximity to an audio module known to include one or more magnets, without the need for one or more magnets of the audio module to trigger one or more magnetic field sensors. This will be further shown and described below.

[0039] Figure 2 Shows Figure 11 is an isometric view of electronic device 100 shown, which shows electronic device 100 in a closed position. As shown, display housing 104 is positioned above base portion 108 and is parallel or at least substantially parallel to base portion. The closed position represents a position in which magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b detect an external magnetic field from magnet 122a and magnet 122b, respectively, resulting in each of magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b providing a means for closing and deactivating display assembly 106 ( Figure 1 Although display housing 104 is shown as being generally parallel relative to base portion 108, display housing 104 can be positioned at a non-zero angle relative to base portion 108 such that magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b detect external magnetic fields from magnets 122a and 122b, respectively. This will be shown below.

[0040] In the closed position of the electronic device 100, the magnets 122a and 122b are offset relative to the magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b, respectively. In other words, in the closed position, the magnets 122a and 122b are not aligned with the magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b, respectively, along the Z axis. Instead, the magnets 122a and 122b are offset relative to the magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b, respectively, along the X axis. Therefore, the external magnetic field from the magnets 122a and 122b is incident along the magnetically sensitive surfaces of the magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b, respectively, causing the resistance values ​​of the magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b to change by more than the threshold resistance value. In some embodiments ( Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , magnets 122a and 122b are offset relative to magnetic field sensors 118a and 118b, respectively, along the Y axis or a combination of the X axis and the Y axis.

[0041] Figure 3 An exploded view of an audio component 124 for use in an electronic device according to some of the embodiments described herein is shown. The electronic device may include an electronic device 100 (in Figure 1 ). As shown, the audio assembly 124 may include a speaker housing component 126a and a speaker housing component 126b. The speaker housing component 126a can be combined with the speaker housing component 126b to form an audio module housing for the audio module 128. In addition, the speaker housing component 126a and the speaker housing component 126b define a closed rear cavity in which the audio module 128 is used to drive air during operation. "Closed rear cavity" refers to an airtight rear cavity when the speaker housing component 126a is combined with the speaker housing component 126b and integrated with other sealing elements (described below).

[0042] The audio module 128 includes components known to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. In this regard, the audio module 128 may include a diaphragm 132 that is acoustically driven to generate acoustic energy. The audio module 128 also includes a magnet 134, which may include a permanent magnet. The magnet 134 may be referred to as an audio module magnet. The audio module 128 also includes a plate 136, which may include a metal (such as stainless steel) coupled to the magnet 134. The audio module 128 also includes a coil 138, which is coupled to the diaphragm 132 and at least partially surrounds the magnet 134. The coil 138 receives an oscillating current, which in turn forms an electromagnet with an oscillating polarity, thereby causing the coil 138 to be magnetically attracted to the magnet 134 and repelled by the magnet 134 according to the oscillation. The oscillation drives the coil 138, which in turn drives the diaphragm 132 to generate acoustic energy according to the frequency of the driving diaphragm 132.

[0043] The audio component 124 also includes a magnetic field sensor, such as magnetic field sensor 118b (also in FIG. Figure 1 ), the magnetic field sensor is positioned within the audio module housing formed by the speaker housing component 126a and the speaker housing component 126b. As described above, the magnetic field sensor 118b is designed to detect the display housing 104 ( Figure 1 ) to help determine whether the electronic device 100 is in an open position or a closed position (respectively in Figure 1 and Figure 2 When positioned in the audio module housing, the external magnetic field ( Figure 3 134 and the electromagnet formed by coil 138) is incident on magnetic field sensor 118b. However, magnetic field sensor 118b can be oriented in audio component 124 so that magnetic field sensor 118b is not triggered by the magnetic field from magnet 134 and the electromagnet formed by coil 138. However, magnetic field sensor 118b can be oriented in audio component 124 to detect magnetic field from magnet 122b (not shown) located within display housing 104. Figure 1 ), thereby triggering the magnetic field sensor 118 b. In this regard, the magnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented in the audio component 124 to detect the magnetic field along a single axis (in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate axis), and therefore, the magnetic field sensor 118 b can be referred to as a single-axis magnetic field sensor.

[0044] In order to receive current, the audio module 128 (including the coil 138) needs to be connected to a power source ( Figure 3 Thus, an electronic device (such as Figure 1The electronic device 100 shown includes a flexible circuit 144a that electrically couples the power supply to the audio module 128. The flexible circuit 144a is connected to a connector 142 that can be electrically coupled to a flexible circuit ( Figure 3 144a). In addition, in order to operate, the magnetic field sensor 118b also requires a power source. In order to provide power to the magnetic field sensor 118b, the flexible circuit 144a can be modified to provide an electrical connection to the magnetic field sensor 118b. For example, the flexible circuit 144b can be integrated into the audio component 124 and electrically coupled to the flexible circuit 144a, and therefore electrically coupled to the connector 142. The flexible circuit 144b can provide an electrical connection for the magnetic field sensor 118b, and in some cases, can provide an electrical connection for the audio module 128. Therefore, when the connector 142 is electrically coupled to the flexible circuit in the electronic device, the audio module 128 and the magnetic field sensor 118b are electrically connected to the circuit in the electronic device.

[0045] The magnetic field sensor 118b can be positioned within a protruding feature 146 that is part of the speaker housing component 126b, wherein the protruding feature 146 forms part of the back cavity. Once positioned within the protruding feature 146, the magnetic field sensor 118b can be encapsulated with a potting material ( Figure 3 144a and 144b. Although not shown, in order to secure the audio assembly 124 in the electronic device, adhesives and / or fasteners (screws) may be used.

[0046] Integration of the magnetic field sensor 118b into the audio component 124 provides several advantages that can result in fewer engineering and design changes, thereby achieving lower overall costs. For example, a flexible circuit ( Figure 3 144a). The magnetic field sensor 118b is already integrated into the electronic device and is routed from the circuit board (in the electronic device) to the connector 142 and the flexible circuit 144a. Therefore, the magnetic field sensor 118b does not require an additional separate flexible circuit from the circuit board because the flexible circuit 144b can be housed inside the audio component 124 and electrically coupled to the flexible circuit 144a. In addition, because the magnetic field sensor 118b is integrated into the audio component 124, the electronic device does not require a dedicated space for the magnetic field sensor 118b because the audio component 124 is already located in the electronic device.

[0047] Figure 4An isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic field sensor 218 according to some of the described embodiments is shown. The magnetic field sensor 218 may include any of the features previously described for magnetic field sensors used with electronic devices. For example, as non-limiting examples, the magnetic field sensor 218 may include an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor or a Hall effect sensor. In addition, the magnetic field sensor 218 can be integrated into the electronic devices described herein.

[0048] As shown, the magnetic field sensor 218 is electrically coupled to the flexible circuit 244. The flexible circuit 244 includes a positive line 260a and a negative line 260b for transmitting power from a power source ( Figure 4 260d) is relayed to the magnetic field sensor 218. The magnetic field sensor 218 includes a magneto-sensitive element 256. In some embodiments, the magneto-sensitive element 256 includes a permalloy film. When the magnetic field sensor 218 is powered, the magneto-sensitive element 256 includes an associated resistance value. In addition, when an externally applied magnetic field is incident on the magneto-sensitive element 256 in a specific direction, the resistance value changes. The flexible circuit 244 also includes a ground wire 260c, which provides a ground reference to the magnetic field sensor 218. The flexible circuit 244 also includes a signal wire 260d, which is used by the magnetic field sensor 218 to send a signal to the electronic device when a magnetic field is detected. The detection of the magnetic field is based on the change in the resistance value of the magneto-sensitive element 256. For example, when the resistance value increases to be higher than the threshold resistance value, the magnetic field sensor 218 uses the signal wire 260d to provide a signal.

[0049] When the resistance value (corresponding to the externally applied magnetic field) reaches or exceeds the threshold resistance value, the magnetic field sensor 218 can provide an output in the form of a switching current via the signal line 260d. In some embodiments, for a range of values ​​of the externally applied magnetic field, the magnetic field sensor 218 responds to the magnetic field with a corresponding linear change in resistance value. In this regard, the magnetic field sensor 218 can use the signal line 260d to provide an analog current proportional to the resistance value.

[0050] As shown, the magnetic field sensor 218 includes multiple surfaces. For example, the magnetic field sensor 218 includes a surface 274a, a surface 274b, and a surface 274c. Surface 274a is parallel to or approximately parallel to the main surface of the magnetic sensitive element 256. The magnetic field sensor 218 is designed to respond to an externally applied magnetic field with a change in resistance when the magnetic field is incident on the magnetic sensitive element 256 at a specific angle or a specific set of angles (relative to the magnetic sensitive element 256). As a non-limiting example, the specific angle may include an angle approximately in the range of 30 degrees to 80 degrees. However, in some cases, the specific angle may be an orthogonal or vertical angle or some other predefined angle. However, the magnetic field sensor 218 is insensitive to an externally applied magnetic field, and when the magnetic field is incident on the magnetic field sensor 218 at an angle different from one or more specific angles, the magnetic field sensor will not respond with a change in resistance. Based on its position relative to the magnetic sensitive element 256, surface 274a (along the YZ plane) defines the magnetic sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor 218. When the magnetic field ( Figure 4 When a magnetic field is incident on surface 274a at a specific angle or a predefined angle (not shown in the figure), magneto-sensitive element 256 responds with a change in resistance, and magnetic field sensor 218 subsequently initiates a signal indicating that a magnetic field is detected. However, when the magnetic field is incident on surface 274a at some other angle, the change in resistance in magneto-sensitive element 256 is relatively minimal, and magnetic field sensor 218 does not initiate a signal. In addition, when the magnetic field is incident on surface 274b (along the XY plane) and / or surface 274c (along the XZ plane) (each of which defines a non-magneto-sensitive surface), the change in resistance in magneto-sensitive element 256 is relatively minimal, and magnetic field sensor 218 does not initiate a signal. Although not labeled, the remaining surfaces of magnetic field sensor 218 may also define non-magneto-sensitive surfaces.

[0051] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 2 is an isometric view of magnetic field sensor 218, further illustrating magnet 222 and magnet 234 emitting an external magnetic field incident on magnetic field sensor 218. For simplicity, flex circuit 244 is removed. Figure 4). The magnetic field sensor 218 is oriented relative to the magnet 222 so that the external magnetic field 272a from the magnet 222 is incident on the surface 274a, specifically, on the magnetic sensitive element 256. Therefore, corresponding to the detection of the external magnetic field 272a by the magnetic field sensor 218, the resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element 256 changes significantly (or rises to above the threshold resistance value). In order to achieve this orientation, the magnet 222 is offset relative to the magnetic field sensor 218. In other words, the magnet 222 is not directly above the magnetic field sensor 218, that is, the magnet 222 is not aligned with the magnetic field sensor 218 along the Z axis, and is offset along the X axis. In some cases, the offset distance along the X axis is in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. In contrast, the magnetic field sensor 218 is oriented relative to the magnet 234 so that the external magnetic field 272b from the magnet 234 is incident on the surface 274b. Therefore, the resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element 256 does not change significantly, and the magnetic field sensor 218 does not detect the external magnetic field 272b. Thus, magnetic field sensor 218 effectively ignores magnet 234 despite external magnetic field 272b being incident on surface 274b.Although magnetic field sensor 218 is offset along the Y-axis relative to magnet 234, other offset positions and orientations may be used to achieve the desired effect. Figure 5 2 , although multiple external magnetic fields from different magnets are incident on the magnetic field sensor 218 , the magnetic field sensor 218 can distinguish the multiple external magnetic fields and initiate a signal output corresponding to the magnetic field detection only when an external magnetic field from a specific magnet is detected.

[0052] When implemented in an electronic device, magnet 234 and magnetic field sensor 218 may be mounted on a base portion, such as base portion 108 ( Figure 1 ). The magnet 234 may be an audio module (such as Figure 3 In some cases, the magnetic field sensor 218 is integrated into an audio component including the audio module, and the magnetic field sensor 218 is similar to Figure 5 The illustrated arrangement is oriented relative to magnet 234. Additionally, when implemented in an electronic device, magnet 222 is secured to a display housing, such as display housing 104 ( Figure 1 When the display housing is close enough to the base portion, the external magnetic field 272a is incident on the surface 274a, such as Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic field sensor 218 detects the external magnetic field 272a and provides a method for deactivating a display component, such as the display component 106 ( Figure 1 Regardless of the position of magnet 222, magnet 234 has no effect on magnetic field sensor 218, and magnetic field sensor 218 does not respond with a change in resistance due to the external magnetic field 272b from magnet 234.

[0053] Figure 6 A plan view of the electronic device 100 is shown, which shows the internal layout of several components in the base portion 108. For the purpose of illustration, the housing portion of the base portion 108 is removed. In addition, for simplicity, several components are removed from the base portion 108. As shown, the base portion 108 includes a battery module 152a, a battery module 152b, and a battery module 152c. The base portion 108 also includes a circuit board 154, which is electrically coupled to the battery module 152a, the battery module 152b, and the battery module 152c. The circuit board 154 includes a processor circuit 155. Although not shown, the circuit board 154 may include several processor circuits, such as a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit.

[0054] The base portion 108 also includes a flexible circuit 156a electrically coupled to the circuit board 154, wherein the flexible circuit 156a carries a microphone 158 designed to receive and convert acoustic energy generated external to the electronic device 100. In addition, the flexible circuit 156a may carry a magnetic field sensor 118a (also Figure 1 154 ), and thus, is able to route power (from the aforementioned battery module) to the microphone 158 and the magnetic field sensor 118a. The flexible circuit 156a is also able to carry the signal generated by the magnetic field sensor 118a. In this way, no additional separate flexible circuit is required, because the magnetic field sensor 118a communicates with the circuit board 154 via the flexible circuit 156a.

[0055] The base portion 108 also includes a flexible circuit 156b that is routed to the audio component 124. As shown in the enlarged view, the flexible circuit 156b is electrically coupled to the connector 142. The flexible circuit 156b can route power (from the aforementioned battery module) to the audio module 128 and the magnetic field sensor 118b via the flexible circuit 144a and the flexible circuit 144b. The flexible circuit 156b can also carry the signal generated by the magnetic field sensor 118b. Although not shown, the audio component can be positioned adjacent to the flexible circuit 156a so that the electronic device 100 includes at least two audio components.

[0056] When the electronic device 100 is in the closed position (eg Figure 2 When the electronic device 100 is closed (as shown) or at least substantially closed, both the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b detect the corresponding magnetic field and provide signals to the circuit board 154. The processor circuit 155 can use these two signals to determine that the electronic device 100 is closed. Therefore, the signals generated by the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b provide redundancy, i.e., the electronic device 100 is closed or at least substantially closed, and avoid false triggering due to the signal provided by only one of the magnetic field sensor 118a or the magnetic field sensor 118b.

[0057] Figures 7 to 9 The relative position between the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b in the electronic device 100 is shown. Figure 7 1 shows a plan view of the electronic device 100, which shows the location of the magnetic field sensor in the base portion 108. As shown, the magnetic field sensor 118b is elevated along the Y axis relative to the magnetic field sensor 118a. This may be due to design constraints and / or positioning the magnetic field sensor in a desired location (i.e., from Figure 1 A magnet in the display housing 104 is shown detecting the magnetic field).

[0058] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100 taken along line 8-8. As shown, the base portion 108 includes a housing portion 162a and a housing portion 162b coupled to the housing portion 162a. The flexible circuit 156a carrying the magnetic field sensor 118a is connected to the housing portion 162b by an adhesive ( Figure 8 ) is coupled to the housing portion 162b.

[0059] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100 taken along line 9-9 is shown. The audio component 124 carrying the magnetic field sensor 118b is coupled to the housing portion 162a. In addition, the speaker housing component 126b includes a through hole 164 to allow access to the magnetic field sensor 118b. In addition, the potting material 166 fills the audio component 124 and surrounds the magnetic field sensor 118b. The potting material 166 can protect the magnetic field sensor 118b and provide an airtight seal for the audio component 124.

[0060] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , magnetic field sensor 118b is elevated along the Z-axis compared to magnetic field sensor 118a. In addition, magnetic field sensor 118a faces housing portion 162a, while magnetic field sensor 118b faces housing portion 162b. This may be due to design considerations, including electrical considerations. Although not shown, other configurations and orientations are possible.

[0061] Fig.10 An isometric view of the electronic device 100 is shown, which shows a magnetic field sensor 118b and a plurality of magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor 118b. As shown, the display housing 104 is positioned at an angle 170 relative to the base portion 108. The angle 170 can be approximately in the range of 0 to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 170 is 2 degrees.

[0062] An angle 170 between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 causes the external magnetic fields from the magnets 122a and 122b to be incident on the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b, respectively. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, the external magnetic field 172a from the magnet 122b in the display housing 104 is incident on the surface 174a of the magnetic field sensor 118b. The surface 174a defines the magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor 118b, so that the magnetic field incident on the surface 174a is also incident on the magnetically sensitive element ( Fig.10 In addition, when the magnetic field is incident on the surface 174a at a specific angle or a set of predefined angles, the resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element changes, so that the magnetic field sensor 118b is triggered. In addition, from the audio module (such as Figure 6 The external magnetic field 172b of the magnet 134 associated with the audio module 128 shown in the figure is incident on the surface 174b of the magnetic field sensor 118b. However, the magnetic field from the magnet 134 incident on the surface 174b will not change the resistance value of the magneto-sensitive element to trigger the magnetic field sensor 118b. Therefore, the orientation of the magnet 122b and the magnet 134 within the electronic device 100 causes the magnetic field sensor 118b to detect the magnetic field generated only by the magnet 122b. In addition, the orientation of the magnetic field sensor 118b relative to the magnet 134 allows both the magnetic field sensor 118b and the magnet 134 to be included in an audio component (such as Figure 3 124) because the magnetic field sensor 118b is not affected by the magnetic field from the magnet 134. In addition, it should be noted that in the event that the external magnetic field from the magnet 134 is incident on the surface 174a at an angle other than one or more specific or predefined angles, the magnetic field sensor 118b will still not change the resistance value of the magnetosensitive element to trigger the magnetic field sensor 118b. Therefore, the magnetic field sensor 118b can be oriented relative to the magnet 134 (or vice versa) so that any magnetic field generated by the magnet 134 will not trigger the magnetic field sensor 118b.

[0063] It should be noted that when an external magnetic field from magnet 122a is incident on the magnetically sensitive surface of magnetic field sensor 118a, magnetic field sensor 118a can operate in a manner similar to magnetic field sensor 118b. Therefore, magnetic field sensor 118a is able to detect an external magnetic field incident on one surface and effectively ignore external magnetic fields incident on another surface or surfaces. In addition, in some cases, electronic device 100 is configured such that signals from both magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b are required in order to turn off and deactivate display assembly 106.

[0064] Additionally, while angle 170 represents a deactivation angle or an angle at which display assembly 106 automatically turns off without direct user input, it is generally desirable that electronic device 100 also automatically activates display assembly 106. For example, when display housing 104 is rotated away from base portion 108 and the angle between display housing 104 and base portion 108 is greater than angle 170, the external magnetic field from magnets 122a and 122b is no longer incident on magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b, respectively. As a result, each of magnetic field sensor 118a and magnetic field sensor 118b may stop providing signals to processor circuit ( Fig.10 106. The display housing 104 and the base portion 108 may be provided with a signal (not shown) and the processor circuitry subsequently provides a command for activating the display assembly 106. This angle between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 may be referred to as an activation angle.

[0065] In addition, it may be desirable to integrate a hysteresis gap, which represents a switch gap (i.e., the magnetic field sensor is turned on and off) between the activation angle and the deactivation angle, so that the activation angle is different from the deactivation angle. When the angle 170 or the deactivation angle is 2 degrees and the angle between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 is or less than 2 degrees, the display assembly 106 is deactivated in the above manner. In order to activate the display assembly 106, the display housing 104 must be rotated away from the base portion 108 so that the angle between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 is greater than the deactivation angle of 2 degrees. In this regard, the activation angle may be 4 degrees (as a non-limiting exemplary angle). This prevents the display assembly 106 from repeatedly closing and opening when the display housing 104 is angled 170 relative to the base portion 108. It should be noted that if the angle 170 is greater than 2 degrees, the corresponding increase in the activation angle required to activate the display assembly 106 should be used to ensure the hysteresis gap.

[0066] Although several magnetic field sensors are shown in the electronic device 100, the number of magnetic field sensors may vary. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a single magnetic field sensor. In addition, the microphone 158 and the audio component 124 ( Figure 6104. In some embodiments (not shown), the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b can be positioned at different positions of the base portion 108, so the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b can also be located at different positions according to the positions of the microphone 158 and the audio component 124, respectively. The magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b can also be located at different positions according to the positions of the magnet 122a and the magnet 122b, respectively. In addition, in some embodiments (not shown), the magnet 122a and the magnet 122b are located in the base portion 108, and the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b are located in the display housing 104. In some embodiments (not shown), one of the magnet 122a and the magnet 122b is located in the display housing 104, and the remaining magnet is located in the base portion 108, and one of the magnetic field sensor 118a and the magnetic field sensor 118b is located in the display housing 104, and the remaining magnetic field sensor is located in the base portion 108.

[0067] Fig.11 1 shows a block diagram of an electronic device 300 according to some of the embodiments described. The components shown in the block diagram for the electronic device 300 may be incorporated into the electronic device 100 ( Figure 1 ). The electronic device 300 can include a processor 302, which represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device 300. The electronic device 300 can also include an input 308. Some of the inputs 308 allow a user of the electronic device 300 to interact with the electronic device 300. For example, the input 308 can take the form of a variety of user input devices, such as buttons, keypads, dials, touch screens, audio input interfaces, visual / image capture input interfaces, input in the form of sensor data, etc. The input 308 may include a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor or an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor, which provides an input (in the form of an electrical signal) to determine whether the display 310 of the electronic device 300 should be activated or deactivated.

[0068] The display 310 (screen display) can be controlled by the processor 302 to present visual information to the user. The electronic device 300 may also include a controller 313, which can be used to interact with and control different devices through a device control bus 314. The data bus 316 can facilitate data transfer between at least the processor 302, the controller 313 and the storage device 340. The electronic device 300 may also include a network / bus interface 311 coupled to the data link 312. In the case of a wireless connection, the network / bus interface 311 may include a wireless transceiver.

[0069] The storage device 340 may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., a hard drive), and a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device 340. In some embodiments, the storage device 340 can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid-state) memory, etc. The electronic device 300 can also include a random access memory 320 or RAM, and a read-only memory 322 or ROM. The random access memory 320 can provide volatile data storage and store instructions related to the operation of the electronic device 300. The read-only memory 322 can store programs, utilities, or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner.

[0070] The various aspects, embodiments, specific implementations or features of the embodiments may be used individually or in any combination. The various aspects of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The embodiments may also be implemented as computer readable code for controlling production operations on a computer readable medium, or as computer readable code for controlling a production line on a computer readable medium. A computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which data can then be read by a computer system. Examples of computer readable media include read-only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, HDD, DVD, magnetic tape and optical data storage devices. Computer readable media may also be distributed in a network coupled computer system so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0071] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without specific details. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a first portion, the first portion comprising a first magnet, the first magnet emitting a first external magnetic field; and A second portion, the second portion being rotationally coupled to the first portion, the second portion comprising a component assembly, the component assembly comprising: Component assembly housing; an operable component, the operable component being located within the component assembly housing; a second magnet emitting a second external magnetic field; and A magnetic field sensor, wherein the magnetic field sensor is configured to: distinguishing the first external magnetic field from the second external magnetic field; and A first incident angle of the first external magnetic field is distinguished from a second incident angle of the first external magnetic field. 2 . The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic field sensor is configured to distinguish between a third incident angle of the second external magnetic field and a fourth incident angle of the second external magnetic field. The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the operable component comprises an audio module.

4. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising an electrical connector coupled to the operable member and to circuitry in the second portion, wherein the electrical connector comprises a flexible electrical connector. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the first incident angle is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees.

6. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises an anisotropic magnetic field sensor.

7. The portable electronic device of claim 6, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises an anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor.

8. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first angle of incidence is different from the second angle of incidence.

9. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The magnetic field sensor detects a first orientation of the first external magnetic field when the first portion is in a first position relative to the second portion; and The magnetic field sensor detects a second orientation of the first external magnetic field when the first portion is located at a second position relative to the second portion that is different from the first position.

10. A portable electronic device, comprising: a first portion, the first portion comprising a first magnet, the first magnet emitting a first external magnetic field; and A second part, the second part being rotationally coupled to the first part, the second part comprising: a second magnet emitting a second external magnetic field; Operable parts; and A magnetic field sensor, wherein the magnetic field sensor is configured to: distinguishing the first external magnetic field from the second external magnetic field; and A first incident angle of the first external magnetic field is distinguished from a second incident angle of the first external magnetic field. 11 . The portable electronic device of claim 10 , further comprising a second magnetic field sensor configured to detect the second external magnetic field. 12 . The portable electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the magnetic field sensor initiates a signal in response to the first incident angle, and wherein the magnetic field sensor does not initiate a signal in response to the second incident angle.

13. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the magnetic field sensor is carried by the operable component.

14. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the operable component comprises an audio component.

15. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a magnetoresistive sensor.

16. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the first incident angle is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees.

17. A portable electronic device, comprising: a first portion, the first portion comprising a first magnet, the first magnet emitting a first external magnetic field; A second portion, the second portion being rotationally coupled to the first portion, the second portion comprising a component assembly, the component assembly comprising: a second magnet emitting a second external magnetic field; Component assembly housing; an operable component located within the component assembly housing; and A magnetic field sensor is used to distinguish the first external magnetic field from the second external magnetic field and to distinguish a first incident angle of the first external magnetic field from a second incident angle of the first external magnetic field.

18. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the magnetic field sensor transmits a first signal when the magnetic field sensor detects the first incident angle, and wherein the magnetic field sensor transmits a second signal when the magnetic field sensor detects the second incident angle.

19. The portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein: The first angle of incidence comprises a predefined angle; and The second incident angle comprises a different second predefined angle.

20. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the magnetic field sensor defines a plurality of magnetically sensitive surfaces.

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