Stylus with attachment detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a stylus with attachment detection. An input device, such as a stylus, may be operated to determine one or more conditions and select an appropriate mode of operation. For example, when the user does not perform the active use, the stylus may be attached to the host device. Attachment may be achieved in a reliable and releasable manner by magnetic coupling. In such configurations, the stylus may detect attachment based on the presence and modification of the magnetic field. Based on such detection, when it is determined that there is no need to actively operate certain components of the stylus, the stylus may select an operating mode that allows power savings.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 541,272, filed on September 28, 2023, entitled “STYLUS WITH ATTACHMENT DETECTION,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present specification relates generally to input devices, such as styluses, and more particularly to touch-based input devices that can detect conditions and adjust operation accordingly. Background Art

[0004] There are a variety of handheld input devices for detecting input from a user during use. For example, a stylus may be used to provide input by contacting a touch panel of an electronic device. The touch panel may include a touch-sensitive surface that generates signals that can be processed and used by other components of the electronic device in response to detecting a touch event. The display component of the electronic device may display text and / or graphical display elements representing selectable virtual buttons or icons, and the touch-sensitive surface may allow a user to navigate content displayed on the display screen. Typically, a user may move one or more input devices (such as a stylus) across the touch panel in a manner that the device converts into input commands. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the subject technology is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 2 Some embodiments according to the subject technology are illustrated including Figure 1 A system view of the stylus and host device.

[0008] Figure 3 Illustrated are some embodiments according to the subject technology Figure 2 Block diagram of the stylus and host device.

[0009] Figure 4 Illustrated are perspective views of a stylus and a host device in a separated configuration, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

[0010] Figure 5 Illustrate an example of an attachment configuration according to some embodiments of the subject technology Figure 4Front view of the stylus and host device.

[0011] Figure 6 Illustrated is a cross-sectional side view of a stylus and a host device in a separated configuration, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

[0012] Figure 7 Illustrate an example of an attachment configuration according to some embodiments of the subject technology Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of portions of a stylus and host device.

[0013] Figure 8 Illustrated is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a stylus in a split configuration relative to a host device, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

[0014] Fig. 9 Illustrate an example of an attached configuration relative to a host device according to some embodiments of the subject technology. Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a stylus.

[0015] Fig.10 A flow diagram illustrating example operations that can be performed by a stylus according to some embodiments of the subject technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The specific embodiments shown below are intended to be descriptions of various configurations of the subject technology and are not intended to represent the only configuration that the subject technology can be put into practice. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specific embodiments. The specific embodiments include specific details, which are intended to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details shown herein and can be put into practice without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology.

[0017] Some electronic devices that include display surfaces and / or touch panels receive tactile input from a user. A touch-based input device, such as a stylus, may be operated by a user to provide input to such electronic devices. Such interactions may be based on various types of user input provided through manipulation of the stylus. Thus, the stylus may provide various components to detect and receive user input when the stylus is actively used by the user.

[0018] It may be desirable to conserve power to an electronic device, particularly when the device is not being actively used by a user. There may be multiple conditions that indicate that a stylus is not being used. For example, where the stylus remains stationary, it may be determined that the stylus is not being used and that one or more components do not need to be operated. Additionally, where the stylus is attached to a host device, it may also be determined that the stylus is not being used and that one or more components do not need to be operated. However, such different conditions may be detected in different ways and / or using different components of the stylus. Therefore, it may be beneficial to optimize the detection operation so that power is conserved in an efficient manner without limiting the operation of the stylus when in use.

[0019] An input device, such as a stylus, may be operated to determine one or more conditions and select an appropriate operating mode. For example, the stylus may be attached to a host device when not in active use by a user. Attachment may be achieved in a reliable and releasable manner through magnetic coupling. In such a configuration, the stylus may detect attachment based on the presence and modification of a magnetic field. Based on such detection, the stylus may select an operating mode that allows power conservation when it is determined that certain components of the stylus do not need to be actively operated.

[0020] References below Figures 1 to 10 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.

[0021] A touch-based input device according to embodiments disclosed herein may include any device held, worn, or contacted by a user for providing input and / or receiving feedback. An example of a touch-based input device is a stylus, such as a stylus having one or more electronic components for performing functions during user operation.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, stylus 100 can support processing and operations performed by a user. Specifically, stylus 100 can receive input from a user and detect such input at tip 102. According to some embodiments, for example, Figure 1 As illustrated, stylus 100 may include housing 110 that provides an outermost covering along at least a portion of the length of stylus 100. A user may grip stylus 100 at a user gripping area along a portion of housing 110 during use of stylus 100. Housing 110 may define an outermost surface along a portion of stylus 100.

[0023] First, reference is made to certain physical and operational characteristics of stylus 100. Stylus 100 may take a variety of forms to facilitate use and manipulation by a user. Figure 1As shown, the stylus 100 has the general form of a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 can define two end portions that define the longitudinal ends of the stylus 100. The housing 110 can define at least half of the overall length of the stylus 100. In this example, one end of the housing 110 terminates in a tip 102. Either end of the housing 110 (e.g., the tip 102) can be removable, can be attached to the housing 110, or can be an integral part of the housing 110.

[0024] Stylus 100 may include a tip 102 for contacting a surface. Stylus 100 may include one or more sensors that detect when tip 102 contacts the surface and applies force or pressure to the surface. Such sensors may include one or more contact sensors, capacitive sensors, touch sensors, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensors, electric field sensors, photodiodes, and / or other sensors operable to detect contact with the surface. Tip 102 may have one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or other features to provide desired aspects of interaction between stylus 100 and a surface, as further described herein.

[0025] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the tip 102 may be formed in a specific shape at the distal end of the stylus 100. Figure 1 102 is illustrated as a cone, but the tip 102 need not take a conical shape or a frustoconical shape in all embodiments. The tip 102 or a portion thereof can present a constant or adjustable size and / or shape, as further discussed herein.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 110 and the tip 102 of the stylus 100 can extend along a longitudinal axis 104 of the stylus 100. The longitudinal axis 104 of the stylus 100 can be a central axis and / or a longitudinal axis extending along a length defining a maximum dimension of the stylus 100. For example, the longitudinal axis 104 can extend through opposite ends defined by the housing 110 and the tip 102, and the housing 110 can include a wall extending parallel to a portion of the longitudinal axis 104 and circumferentially surrounding a portion of the longitudinal axis.

[0027] A touch-based input device may be used alone or in conjunction with another device. For example, Figure 2 Illustrated is a system 2 that includes a stylus 100 and a host device 10 having a housing 12 and a display 50, in accordance with some embodiments of the subject technology. Stylus 100 may be held by a user and operated as a touch-based input device for use with host device 10.

[0028] Stylus 100 can be operated to contact display 50 of host device 10 with tip 102. Such contact can be detected by host device 10 and / or stylus 100. For example, stylus 100 can include one or more sensors that detect when tip 102 contacts and applies pressure to display 50. In some embodiments, the sensor can optionally operate in conjunction with host device 10 to detect contact with display 50.

[0029] The display 50 may include or be coupled to a touch panel for interacting with the stylus 100 when contacted by it. The host device 10 may operate the display 50 to present images to convey information to the user. The display 50 may be configured to display text, color, line drawings, photos, animations, and videos, etc. The display 50 of the host device 10 may be implemented using any suitable technology, including but not limited to a multi-touch and / or multi-force sensing touch screen using liquid crystal display technology, light emitting diode technology, organic light emitting display technology, organic electroluminescent technology, electronic ink, or another type of display technology or a combination of various display technology types. One or more specific implementations may include a device that acts as both an input device and an output device, such as a touch screen. For example, the display 50 may be configured to receive user input, such as a tap input and a swipe input. The display 50 may be, may include, or may be connected to a touch-sensitive surface that detects touch input from a user (e.g., with a finger) and / or from the stylus 100 (e.g., with a tip 102). In some examples, the display 50 and the touch-sensitive surface form a touch-sensitive display to operate as a user interface for the user to interact.

[0030] Reference now Figure 3 , the stylus and host device may include components that support operations performed by the user.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, stylus 100 may include a controller 120 (e.g., including a processor) and a memory 122 (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium). Memory 122 may include, for example, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an erasable programmable memory, a flash memory, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, controller 120 may execute one or more instructions stored in memory 122 to perform one or more functions. For example, memory 122 may store one or more tips or other profiles that an actuator of stylus 100 may utilize to modify or otherwise control the characteristics of tip 102. In some cases, stylus 100 may utilize one or more inputs from a user and / or a signal from host device 10 to retrieve a specific tip or other profile.

[0032] The stylus 100 may include a communication interface 124 for communicating with the host device 10 and / or another device. The communication interface 124 may include one or more wired or wireless components, WiFi components, near field communication interfaces, Bluetooth components, and / or other communication interfaces. The communication interface 124 may include one or more transmitting elements, such as one or more antennas. Alternatively or in combination, the communication interface 124 may include an interface for wired connection with the host device 10 and / or another device.

[0033] The stylus 100 may include a battery 126, such as one or more batteries and / or a power management unit. The stylus 100 may include components for charging the battery 126. The battery 126 may include a lithium polymer battery pack or a lithium ion battery. However, in other embodiments, alkaline batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, or any other suitable rechargeable or disposable batteries may be used.

[0034] Stylus 100 may include power receiver 128. For example, power receiver 128 may receive power, for example, from host device 10, for charging battery 126. In some embodiments, power receiver 128 may receive power wirelessly (e.g., inductively). In some embodiments, power receiver 128 may receive power via a physical connector (e.g., a lighting connector, a USB connector, etc.). It should be understood that power may be received and sent in either or both directions between stylus 100 and host device 10. It should be understood that such a charging link may also serve as a communication link between stylus 100 and host device 10.

[0035] The stylus 100 may include one or more input devices 132 to receive input from a user. In some embodiments, the input device 132 may detect a user's contact with a gripping area of ​​the housing 110 of the stylus 100. In some embodiments, the input device 132 may include a capacitive touch sensor, such as a self-capacitive sensor. In some embodiments, the input device 132 may include a plurality of sensing elements (such as conductive electrodes) to detect contact and contact changes at a plurality of locations. When a user gesture is detected, the gestures detected by each separate touch sensor may be interpreted as different user inputs according to a preprogrammed function to be performed by the stylus 100 and / or the host device 10. In some embodiments, the input device 132 may include other components, including but not limited to sensors, capacitive touch sensors, switches (e.g., dome switches), buttons, keys, crowns, voice coils, and / or microphones, etc.

[0036] The stylus 100 may include one or more output devices 134 to provide output to the user. In some embodiments, the output device 134 may include a display, a speaker, a tactile feedback component and / or a light, etc. In some embodiments, the output device 134 may provide tactile feedback with a sense of touch to the user. The tactile feedback may be implemented as force feedback, vibration feedback, and tactile sensation, etc. For example, the output device 134 may include a linear actuator configured to provide intermittent tactile feedback, such as tapping or knocking.

[0037] Stylus 100 may include one or more attachment sensors 180. Attachment sensor 180 may include a Hall effect sensor, a magnetometer, a magnetic encoder, a reed switch, a compass, and / or another sensor configured to detect a magnetic field and / or changes therein. For example, attachment sensor 180 may detect the magnitude, orientation, or other characteristics of a magnetic field emitted by and / or affected by a magnet of host device 10, as further described herein. By way of further example, attachment sensor 180 may distinguish between a magnetic field in the absence of host device 10 (e.g., including a magnetic field emitted by and / or affected by a magnet of stylus 100) and a magnetic field in the presence of host device 10 (e.g., including a magnetic field emitted by and / or affected by a magnet of host device 10).

[0038] Detections performed by attachment sensor 180 may form the basis for determining one or more other operations of stylus 100. For example, stylus 100 may select one of a plurality of power modes based on one or more detections performed by attachment sensor 180. In some embodiments, detections performed by attachment sensor 180 may indicate whether stylus 100 is attached to host device 10. Under such detectable conditions, it may be inferred that stylus 100 is not being operated as an input device by a user. Thus, attachment sensor 180 may indicate when stylus 100 may deactivate one or more of its components, as further described herein. In one or more modes of stylus 100, attachment sensor 180 may remain actively operating to perform detections that form the basis for transitioning to different power modes of stylus 100.

[0039] Stylus 100 may include one or more activity sensors 138 for detecting one or more conditions. In some embodiments, activity sensor 138 may detect motion characteristics of stylus 100 using motion sensors (such as accelerometers, speedometers, gyroscopes, compasses, global positioning sensors (e.g., satellite-based positioning components), tilt sensors, etc.) for detecting movement and acceleration of stylus 100. In some embodiments, one or more activity sensors 138 may be configured to detect motion, position, orientation, speed, and / or acceleration of stylus 100. For example, activity sensor 138 may include an inertial measurement unit ("IMU") that provides information about characteristics of stylus 100 (such as its inertial angle). By further example, the IMU may include a six-degree-of-freedom IMU that calculates the position, speed, and / or acceleration of the vehicle based on six degrees of freedom (x, y, z, θx, θy, and θz). The IMU may include one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and / or a magnetometer.

[0040] The detections performed by activity sensor 138 may form the basis for determining one or more other operations of stylus 100. For example, stylus 100 may select one of a plurality of power modes based on one or more detections performed by activity sensor 138. In some embodiments, the detections performed by activity sensor 138 may indicate whether stylus 100 is moving. Under such detectable conditions, it may be inferred that stylus 100 is not being operated as an input device by a user. Thus, activity sensor 138 may indicate when stylus 100 may deactivate one or more of its components, as further described herein. In one or more modes of stylus 100, activity sensor 138 may remain actively operating to perform detections that form the basis for transitioning to a different power mode of stylus 100.

[0041] Stylus 100 may include one or more additional sensors 139. In some embodiments, additional sensors 139 may utilize environmental sensors (such as ambient light sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, air pressure sensors, humidity sensors, etc.) to detect environmental conditions and / or other aspects of the operating environment of stylus 100. In some embodiments, additional sensors 139 may utilize biosensors to detect biological characteristics of a user manipulating the stylus, which detects skin temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, blood oxygen level, blood volume estimation, blood pressure, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, additional sensors 139 may utilize utility sensors (such as magnetic field sensors, electric field sensors, light meters, acoustic impedance sensors, pH level sensors, material detection sensors, etc.) to quantify or estimate properties of objects (e.g., host device 10) near stylus 100 or otherwise external to the stylus. Such data may be used to adjust or update the operation of stylus 100 and / or such data may be transmitted to host device 10 to adjust or update the operation of the host device.

[0042] The stylus 100 may include one or more force sensors 130 configured to interact with both the tip 102 and the housing 110 to detect relative movement of the tip 102 and the housing 110. For example, the force sensor 130 may be operated to detect when the tip 102 contacts a surface (such as a surface of the host device 10). The detection may be based on the movement of the tip 102 relative to the housing 110. Therefore, the force sensor 130 may be directly or indirectly connected to both the tip 102 and the housing 110 to detect relative movement therebetween. The force sensor 130 may include a component that converts the mechanical movement of the tip 102 into an electrical signal. The force sensor 130 may include one or more contact sensors, capacitive sensors, touch sensors, strain gauges, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, photodiodes, and / or other sensors. The force sensor 130 may detect both the presence of a force and the magnitude of the force. In use, a user may manipulate the stylus 100 and apply a force to the surface of the host device 10. The corresponding reaction force may be transmitted through the tip 102 of the stylus 100, which is connected to the electromechanical coupling and to the force sensor 130 of the stylus 100. The force sensor 130 or a portion thereof may deform in response, which deformation may be measured and used to estimate the applied force. The force sensor 130 may be used to generate a non-binary output corresponding to the applied force. For example, the force sensor 130 may be used to generate an output representing a magnitude that varies in response to an applied force of variable magnitude.

[0043] Stylus 100 may include one or more electric field generators 136 configured to emit an electric field for detection by host device 10. Electric field generators 136 may generate a generally spherical electric field at tip 102. Each of electric field generators 136 may include one or more conductive members. Electric field generators 136 may be spaced apart from one another so that the center of each corresponding electric field is at a different location. Thus, host device 10 may detect each corresponding electric field and determine the location and / or orientation of stylus 100.

[0044] Although various components of stylus 100 are shown as being located at the housing and / or tip 102 , it should be understood that any one or more components of stylus 100 may be located at any location thereof.

[0045] like Figure 3 As further shown, the host device 10 may include a controller 20 (e.g., including a processor) and a memory 22 (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium). The memory 22 may include, for example, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an erasable programmable memory, a flash memory, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the controller 20 may execute one or more instructions stored in the memory 22 to perform one or more functions. For example, the memory 22 may store one or more tips or other profiles that the actuator of the stylus 100 may utilize to modify or otherwise control the characteristics of the tip 102.

[0046] The host device 10 may include a communication interface 24 for communicating with the stylus 100 and / or another device. The communication interface 24 may include one or more wired or wireless components, WiFi components, near field communication interfaces, Bluetooth components, and / or other communication interfaces. The communication interface 24 may include one or more transmitting elements, such as one or more antennas. Alternatively or in combination, the communication interface 24 may include an interface for wired connection with the stylus 100 and / or another device.

[0047] Host device 10 may include power transmitter 28. For example, power transmitter 28 may transmit power to, for example, stylus 100 for charging battery 126 of stylus 100. In some embodiments, power transmitter 28 may transmit power wirelessly (e.g., inductively). In some embodiments, power transmitter 28 may transmit power via a physical connector (e.g., a lighting connector, a USB connector, etc.). It should be understood that power may be received and transmitted in either or both directions between stylus 100 and host device 10. It should be understood that such a charging link may also serve as a communication link between stylus 100 and host device 10.

[0048] The host device 10 may include a display 50 for outputting visual information. The display 50 may include, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a projector, or any other device for outputting visual information. One or more specific implementations may include a device that acts as both an input device and an output device, such as a touch screen.

[0049] Host device 10 may include one or more sensors 52. In some embodiments, sensor 52 may detect touch input, for example, using a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, or the like. In some embodiments, sensor 52 may detect an electric field output by electric field generator 136 of stylus 100. Host device 10 may locate stylus 100 on a surface by monitoring changes in each sensing node and estimating the location where such changes, if any, have occurred. Thus, host device 10 may detect each corresponding electric field and determine the location and / or orientation of stylus 100.

[0050] Host device 10 may also include one or more other components that facilitate the operation of host device 10. For example, host device 10 may include one or more of the following: a power source, one or more data connectors, one or more power connectors, one or more input / output devices (such as a speaker, a rotary input device, a microphone, an on / off button, a mute button, a biometric sensor, a camera, a force and / or touch-sensitive trackpad, etc.).

[0051] Reference now Figure 4 and Figure 5 , using the stylus with a host device can provide a releasable attachment of the stylus to the host device. Figure 4 As shown, multiple stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be positioned within housing 110 of stylus 100. In some embodiments, stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be positioned on the same radial side of stylus 100 and adjacent to outer surface 114 of housing 110. It should be understood that additional stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be optionally included and that stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be arranged in other arrangements. Stylus magnet assemblies 140 can provide magnetic coupling with corresponding host magnet assemblies 40 of host device 10. It should be understood that additional stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be optionally included and that stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be arranged in other arrangements.

[0052] like Figure 4As further shown, multiple host magnet assemblies 40 can be positioned within housing 12 of host device 10. In some embodiments, host magnet assemblies 40 can be positioned on the same side of housing 12 and adjacent to exterior surface 14 of host device 10. It should be understood that additional host magnet assemblies 40 can be optionally included and that host magnet assemblies 40 can be arranged in other arrangements. Host magnet assemblies 40 can provide magnetic coupling with corresponding stylus magnet assemblies 140 of stylus 100. It should be understood that additional host magnet assemblies 40 can be optionally included and that host magnet assemblies 40 can be arranged in other arrangements.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the stylus 100 may be attached to the host device 10 by magnetic coupling. For example, the host magnet assembly 40 and the stylus magnet assembly 140 may be magnetically attracted to each other to exert an attractive force between the stylus 100 and the host device 10.

[0054] The outer surface 114 of the stylus can facilitate a secure coupling with the outer surface 14 of the host device 10. For example, the outer surface 14 of the host device 10 can provide another flat surface or other complementary shape to facilitate physical contact of the opposing surfaces. It should be understood that other surface shapes and features are contemplated to facilitate contact and engagement of the stylus with the host device. For example, the surface can be flat, curved, concave, convex, wavy, stepped, tapered, or another shape to provide engagement.

[0055] In some embodiments, other components of stylus 100 and / or host device 10 may be provided to facilitate interaction therebetween. For example, a power receiver 128 of stylus 100 and a power transmitter 28 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 100 is connected to the host device 10 using the stylus magnet assembly 140 and the host magnet assembly 40 to transfer power. The power receiver 128 and the power transmitter 28 can be positioned so that when the stylus magnet assembly 140 is aligned with the host magnet assembly 40, the power transmitter 28 is aligned with the power receiver 128. The magnetic coupling can maintain the alignment during charging. It should be understood that such an arrangement is optional and power transfer can be provided by other mechanisms, using another arrangement and / or without magnetic coupling.

[0056] Reference now Figure 6 and Figure 7 , using the stylus with a host device can provide a releasable and detectable attachment of the stylus to the host device. Figure 6 and Figure 7Only one host magnet assembly 40 and one stylus magnet assembly 140 are shown in each of the embodiments, but it should be understood that the host device 10 may include multiple host magnet assemblies 40, and the stylus 100 may include multiple stylus magnet assemblies 140. Each may optionally include Figure 6 and Figure 7 One or more of the features illustrated.

[0057] As used herein, "magnets" may include magnets of hard magnetic materials and / or magnets of soft magnetic materials. Hard magnetic materials include materials that retain their magnetism even after the applied magnetic field is removed. Magnets including hard magnetic materials can form permanent magnets. Hard magnetic materials include neodymium (NdFeB), ferrite, AlNiCo, iron neodymium, iron boron, samarium cobalt, iron chromium cobalt, and combinations or alloys thereof. Soft magnetic materials include materials that respond to a magnetic field but do not retain the same magnetism after the applied magnetic field is removed. Magnets including soft magnetic materials can form temporary magnets or magnetic shunts. Soft magnetic materials include iron, iron cobalt, iron silicon (FeSi), steel, stainless steel, iron aluminum silicon, nickel iron, ferrite, and combinations or alloys thereof. It should be understood that "hard magnet" and "soft magnet" are not necessarily related to the stiffness of the material.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the host magnet assembly 40 can be disposed within the housing 12 of the host device 10. Each host magnet assembly 40 of the host device 10 may include one or more permanent magnets 42 and / or one or more magnetic shunts 44. The permanent magnet 42 can form a permanent magnetic field for interacting with the stylus 100. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet 42 can form a multi-pole magnet structure that includes two or more separate magnets. For example, Figure 6 As shown, different permanent magnets 42 can be arranged to change the polarity pattern on the host magnet assembly 40. For example, the polarity pattern can be an alternating polarity pattern, in which the north N (positive) pole and the south S (negative) pole alternate on the permanent magnet 42 due to the changing magnetic polarity orientation on the permanent magnet 42. By way of further example, pairs of permanent magnets 42 (e.g., on opposite sides of a given magnetic shunt 44) can have opposite magnetic polarity orientations. In the case where additional (e.g., more than two) permanent magnets 42 are provided, some of the non-adjacent (e.g., first, third, fifth, etc.) permanent magnets 42 may have the same magnetic polarity orientation.

[0059] Permanent magnets 42 may be positioned on opposite sides of a given magnetic shunt 44, and magnetic shunt 44 may be positioned between a pair of permanent magnets 42. For example, magnetic shunts 44 may each include a soft magnetic material and be positioned adjacent to permanent magnets 42. Magnetic shunts 44 may be positioned so that when stylus 100 is attached to host device 10, magnetic shunts 44 face stylus magnet assembly 140 of stylus 100. Magnetic shunts 44 may optionally include a soft magnetic material that is different from the hard magnetic material of permanent magnets 42. For example, permanent magnets 42 may include a first magnetic material (e.g., neodymium) and magnetic shunts 44 may include a second magnetic material (e.g., iron cobalt).

[0060] It should be appreciated that any number of permanent magnets 42 and / or magnetic shunts 44 may be provided. It should also be appreciated that permanent magnets 42 or magnetic shunts 44 may be omitted.

[0061] like Figure 6 As further shown, stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be disposed within housing 110 of stylus 100. For example, stylus magnet assemblies 140 can be supported by frame 112 within housing 110. Each stylus magnet assembly 140 can be positioned within a corresponding opening of frame 112.

[0062] Each stylus magnet assembly 140 of stylus 100 may include one or more permanent magnets 142 and / or one or more magnetic shunts 144. Permanent magnets 142 may form a permanent magnetic field for interacting with host device 10. In some embodiments, permanent magnets 142 may form a multi-pole magnet structure that includes two or more individual magnets. For example, Figure 6 As shown, different permanent magnets 142 can be arranged to change the polarity pattern on the stylus magnet assembly 140. For example, the polarity pattern can be an alternating polarity pattern in which north N (positive) poles and south S (negative) poles alternate on the permanent magnets 142 due to the changing magnetic polarity orientation on the permanent magnets 142. By further example, pairs of permanent magnets 142 (e.g., on opposite sides of a given magnetic shunt 144) can have opposite magnetic polarity orientations.

[0063] Permanent magnets 142 may be positioned on opposite sides of a given magnetic shunt 144, and magnetic shunts 144 may be positioned between a pair of permanent magnets 142. For example, magnetic shunts 144 may each include a soft magnetic material and be positioned adjacent to permanent magnets 142. Magnetic shunts 144 may be positioned so that when stylus 100 is attached to host device 10, magnetic shunts 144 face stylus magnet assembly 140 of host device 10. Magnetic shunts 144 may optionally include a soft magnetic material that is different from the hard magnetic material of permanent magnets 142. For example, permanent magnets 142 may include a first magnetic material (e.g., neodymium) and magnetic shunts 144 may include a second magnetic material (e.g., iron cobalt).

[0064] It should be appreciated that any number of permanent magnets 142 and / or magnetic shunts 144 may be provided. It should also be appreciated that permanent magnets 142 or magnetic shunts 144 may be omitted.

[0065] like Figure 6 As further shown, stylus 100 may include a board 190, such as a circuit board, a printed circuit board, a printed wiring board, and the like. Board 190 may support one or more components of stylus 100, including operational components, such as a controller and memory, and the like. Stylus 100 may include one or more attachment sensors 180 (e.g., Hall effect sensors), which may optionally be supported on board 190. In some embodiments, attachment sensor 180 may be positioned to a side of board 190 facing away from stylus magnet assembly 140. Attachment sensor 180 may be positioned a distance away from a corresponding magnetic shunt 144. For example, attachment sensor 180 may be axially aligned with magnetic shunt 144, such that attachment sensor 180 and magnetic shunt 144 share the same or similar axial positioning (e.g., relative to and / or along the longitudinal axis of stylus 100). By way of further example, the attachment sensor 180 may also be positioned axially between the permanent magnets 142, such as permanent magnets 142 on opposite sides of corresponding magnetic shunts 144. Thus, the attachment sensor 180 may be radially across from the magnetic shunt 44 and closer to the magnetic shunt than any of the permanent magnets 142. This may allow the attachment sensor 180 to detect a magnetic field that is modified based on the presence of the magnetic shunt 144, as further described herein.

[0066] like Figure 7 As further shown, a plurality of attachment sensors 180 (e.g., Hall effect sensors) may be provided. Each of the plurality of attachment sensors 180 may be aligned with a single stylus magnet assembly 140. Specifically, a given stylus magnet assembly 140 may have a plurality of magnetic shunts 144 and a plurality of permanent magnets 142. The permanent magnets 142 may have alternating magnetic polarity orientations on the stylus magnet assembly 140. Each magnetic shunt 144 may be aligned with a corresponding attachment sensor 180.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, stylus 100 can be attached to a host device in a manner that allows magnetic coupling between host magnet assembly 40 and stylus magnet assembly 140. For example, outer surface 114 of stylus 100 can be brought close to or against outer surface 14 of host device 10. Thus, host magnet assembly 40 is brought into proximity with stylus magnet assembly 140. The magnetic coupling can attract the magnet assemblies to each other, such that stylus 100 and host device 10 are drawn together until outer surface 14 of stylus 100 abuts and / or abuts against outer surface 14 of host device 10.

[0068] The magnetic polarity orientation of the host magnet assembly 40 of the host device 10 and the magnetic polarity orientation of the stylus magnet assembly 140 of the stylus 100 may facilitate magnetic coupling. For example, for at least some of the permanent magnets 42 having a particular magnetic polarity orientation, the permanent magnets 142 may have the same or similar magnetic polarity orientation. It should be understood that the magnetic polarity orientations of any two magnets may be the same (e.g., parallel) or similar (e.g., within a limited angular range when parallel) when the magnets have magnetic fields extending therein in the same or similar directions despite being in different positions (in the case where such magnets are superimposed on each other). Therefore, when the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets 42 and 142 extend distally from each other across the interface region between the stylus 100 and the host device 10 in similar directions, the permanent magnets may have the same or similar magnetic polarity orientations.

[0069] It should be understood that the host magnet assembly 40 and the stylus magnet assembly 140 need not provide the same number, size and / or positioning of magnets and / or magnetic shunts. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, permanent magnets 42 and permanent magnets 142 can be arranged in different numbers, sizes and positions. Figure 6 As further shown in FIG. 7 , magnetic shunts 44 and 144 may be provided in different numbers, sizes, and locations.

[0070] It should be understood that host magnet assembly 40 and stylus magnet assembly 140 do not need to be precisely aligned to provide magnetic coupling and attachment. For example, a given stylus 100 having one or more stylus magnet assemblies 140 in a particular arrangement may be magnetically coupled with one or more host magnet assemblies 40 that do not directly span from stylus magnet assembly 140 of stylus 100. Thus, magnetic coupling may be achieved despite variations in the arrangement of stylus magnet assembly 140 and / or host magnet assembly 40. Furthermore, a given stylus 100 having a particular arrangement of stylus magnet assembly 140 may be securely attached to a variety of host devices 10 having host magnet assemblies 40 in different arrangements.

[0071] Magnetic shunts 44 and 144 can facilitate magnetic coupling despite variations in magnet assemblies. For example, due to variations in arrangements, precise alignment (e.g., axial alignment) between permanent magnets 42 and 142 may not be possible. However, despite the lack of precise alignment between permanent magnets 42 and 142, magnetic shunts 44 and 144 can still respond to permanent magnets aligned therewith to provide magnetic coupling across a range of axial positioning.

[0072] When the magnetic shunt 144 of the stylus 100 is affected by the permanent magnet 42 of the host device 10, the attachment sensor 180 can be operated to detect such changes, as further described herein. Because the magnetic polarity orientations of different permanent magnets 42 of the host device 10 can vary (e.g., alternate), different magnetic shunts 144 of the stylus 100 can be affected in different ways. Specifically, two different permanent magnets 42 of the host device 10 can have opposite magnetic polarity orientations. Therefore, the magnetic shunt 144 spanned by each of the two different permanent magnets 42 can be affected in opposite ways. The attachment sensor 180 aligned with each of the magnetic shunts 144 can detect different changes in the magnetic field to help distinguish such changes from the effects of a single magnetic influence (e.g., a strong magnet different from the magnet of the host device 10). Conversely, a single strong magnet near the stylus 100 can affect each of the magnetic shunts 144 in a similar manner. Thus, by providing a plurality of attachment sensors 180 , attachment to the host device 10 may be distinguished from the presence of a strong magnet near the stylus 100 .

[0073] Reference now Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the attachment sensor can be operated to detect changes in the magnetic field and thereby detect attachment of the stylus to the host device. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Only one attachment sensor 180 is illustrated, but it will be appreciated that a single stylus may be provided with multiple attachment sensors 180 , with each attachment sensor 180 disposed at a different axial location and / or aligned with a different magnetic shunt 144 .

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the attachment sensor 180 (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) can be positioned a distance away from the corresponding magnetic shunt 144. For example, the attachment sensor 180 can be axially aligned with the magnetic shunt 144 so that the attachment sensor 180 and the magnetic shunt 144 share the same or similar axial positioning (e.g., relative to and / or along the longitudinal axis 104 of the stylus). By further example, the attachment sensor 180 can also be axially positioned between the permanent magnets 142 (such as, the permanent magnets 142 on opposite sides of the corresponding magnetic shunt 144). Thus, the attachment sensor 180 can be radially across from the magnetic shunt 44 and closer to the magnetic shunt than any of the permanent magnets 142.

[0075] Figure 8 The illustrated example may correspond to a stylus that is not attached (eg, magnetically coupled) to a host device (see Figure 4 and Figure 6). In such a configuration, magnetic field 200 may be primarily affected by permanent magnet 142. Magnetic shunt 144 may also be affected by permanent magnet 142. Thus, in the absence of an applied magnetic field from an external source, magnetic field 200 may be substantially stable. Attachment sensor 180 may be arranged in a fixed position and orientation and calibrated to determine detectable characteristics of magnetic field 200 in the absence of an external magnetic field and / or when the stylus is not attached to a host device.

[0076] Fig. 9 The illustrated example may correspond to a stylus attached (eg, magnetically coupled) to a host device (see Figure 5 and Figure 7 In such a configuration, magnetic field 200 may be influenced by permanent magnet 142 of the stylus and permanent magnet 142 of the host device ( Fig. 9 Magnetic shunt 144 may be affected by both permanent magnet 142 and the permanent magnet of the host device. Specifically, while the magnetic field of permanent magnet 142 undergoes relatively small changes in the presence of the host device, magnetic shunt 144 comprising a soft magnetic material may significantly change its magnetic field in the presence of the host device and its magnet assembly. Therefore, when magnetic shunt 144 is affected by the presence of the host device, the host magnet assembly, and / or one or more permanent magnets of the host device, magnetic field 200 may change.

[0077] Because magnetic shunt 144 is affected by the presence of the host device, magnetic field 200 is also modified. Specifically, when the stylus is attached to the host device, magnetic field 200 can be modified at the location of attachment sensor 180. Such modifications can be detected as changes relative to calibration conditions (e.g., in the absence of an applied magnetic field from an external source). Because attachment sensor 180 can be arranged in a fixed position and orientation, such changes in magnetic field 200 can be determined based on an applied magnetic field from an external source, such as when the stylus is attached to the host device. Changes in magnetic field 200 can include changes in direction and / or magnitude.

[0078] In some embodiments, an attached sensor 180 (e.g., a Hall Effect sensor) may be arranged to detect a magnetic field 200 having a component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 104 of the stylus. Figure 8 As shown, in the case where the magnetic field 200 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 104 at the location where the sensor 180 is attached, the magnetic field 200 may not have a component that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 104. Therefore, the attached sensor 180 cannot detect the component of the magnetic field 200 in such a direction. By further example, Fig. 9As shown, in the case where the magnetic field 200 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 104 at the location of the attachment sensor 180, the magnetic field 200 may not have a non-zero component that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 104. Therefore, the attachment sensor 180 may detect the non-zero component of the magnetic field 200 in such a direction. It should be understood that in either configuration, the attachment sensor 180 need not detect the entire magnitude and direction of the magnetic field 200. Instead, changes in the magnetic field 200 may be sufficient to determine the influence of the magnet assembly of the host device, and therefore determine the attachment state of the stylus relative to the host device.

[0079] As described herein, such changes may be detected by each of the plurality of attachment sensors 180. At each of the plurality of attachment sensors 180, the changes in magnetic field 200 may be different. A particular combination of changes respectively detected at different attachment sensors 180 may be determined to be a result of attachment to the host device, rather than a result of additional application of a magnetic field from an external source. Thus, attachment sensors 180 may be operable to determine when the stylus is attached to the host device and when the stylus is not attached to the host device.

[0080] Fig.10 A flow chart illustrating an example process 1000 for noise management according to an implementation of the subject technology, which may include improving exposure to noise generated by additional vehicles. For purposes of explanation, this document primarily refers to Figures 1 to 9 The process 1000 is described with reference to the stylus 100 shown. However, the process 1000 is not limited to Figures 1 to 9 The stylus 100 of the process 1000 may be used, and one or more blocks (or operations) of the process 1000 may be performed by one or more other components of other suitable devices or systems. Further for the purpose of explanation, some of the blocks of the process 1000 are described herein as occurring sequentially or linearly. However, multiple blocks of the process 1000 may occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of the process 1000 do not have to be performed in the order shown, and / or one or more blocks of the process 1000 do not have to be performed and / or may be replaced by other operations.

[0081] At block 1002, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) can detect a condition related to the attachment of the stylus relative to a host device. For example, the stylus can operate an attachment sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) to detect a magnetic field and / or changes therein, as described herein. It should be understood that multiple attachment sensors can be operated to detect multiple conditions.

[0082] At block 1004, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) may determine whether the stylus is attached to a host device. For example, the magnitude and / or direction of the magnetic field and / or changes therein may be compared to a threshold value to determine whether such conditions satisfy the threshold value. If it is determined that the stylus is attached to the host device, process 1000 may proceed to block 1006. If it is determined that the stylus is not attached to the host device (e.g., detached therefrom), process 1000 may proceed to block 1008.

[0083] At box 1006, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) can be actively operated in a low power mode. When in the low power mode, the stylus can operate an attached sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) (e.g., provide power to it and / or cause it to perform one or more operations). In some embodiments, when in the low power mode, the stylus can deactivate an active sensor, a communication interface, an input device, an output device, a force sensor, an electric field generator, and / or an additional sensor (e.g., stop providing power to it and / or prevent it from performing one or more operations). By maintaining the attached sensor in active operation, the attachment of the stylus to the host device and its cessation (e.g., detachment) can be detected. Although deactivating the active sensor, input device, force sensor, additional sensor, and / or other components limits the ability to detect activity (e.g., movement) of the stylus, it can be inferred that the stylus is not in active use based solely on the detection and determination that the stylus is attached to the host device. Therefore, no other determination is required before the cessation of attachment (e.g., detachment) is detected and determined. In situations where operation of the attached sensor is maintained to consume relatively little power relative to other components (e.g., activity sensors, input devices, force sensors, additional sensors, and / or other components), selecting a lowest power mode (e.g., a low power mode) based on detection of the attached sensor may be beneficial. Thus, more significant power savings may be achieved compared to simply detecting whether the stylus is being actively operated or manipulated by a user. The low power mode may be maintained when process 1000 returns to block 1002 and / or another block, process, and / or operation.

[0084] At block 1008, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) may detect a condition related to activity of the stylus. For example, the stylus may operate an activity sensor (e.g., an inertial measurement unit) to detect movement of the stylus, as described herein. By way of further example, the stylus may operate an input device, force sensor, or other sensor to detect whether a user is holding, manipulating, moving, or providing input to the stylus, as described herein.

[0085] At block 1010, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) may determine whether the stylus is being actively operated. For example, the motion of the stylus may be compared to a threshold to determine whether such a condition satisfies the threshold. Such a threshold may relate to the motion, position, orientation, velocity, and / or acceleration of the stylus. Such a threshold may relate to whether an input from a user (e.g., a touch input, a force input, etc.) is received at the stylus. Such a threshold may relate to a time period (e.g., a timeout) in which such activity is not detected. For example, if the detected activity is detected and / or exceeds the threshold within a time limit (e.g., 5 seconds), the stylus may be determined to be actively operated. By further example, if the detected activity is not detected and / or does not exceed the threshold within a time limit (e.g., 5 seconds), the stylus may be determined to be not actively operated. If it is determined that the stylus is actively operated, process 1000 may proceed to block 1012. If it is determined that the stylus is not actively operated (e.g., stationary), process 1000 may proceed to block 1014.

[0086] At box 1012, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) can actively operate in a medium power mode. While in the medium power mode, the stylus can operate the components that operate in the low power mode and at least one additional component (e.g., provide power to it and / or cause it to perform one or more operations). For example, in the medium power mode, the stylus can operate an attached sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) and an activity sensor. In some embodiments, when in the medium power mode, the stylus can deactivate a communication interface, an input device, an output device, a force sensor, an electric field generator, and / or an additional sensor (e.g., stop providing power to it and / or prevent it from performing one or more operations). The low power mode can be maintained when process 1000 returns to box 1002 and / or another box, process, and / or operation.

[0087] At box 1014, the stylus (e.g., using a controller) can actively operate in the medium power mode. When in the high power mode, the stylus can operate the components operating in the medium power mode and at least one additional component (e.g., provide power to it and / or cause it to perform one or more operations). For example, in the high power mode, the stylus can operate an attached sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor), an activity sensor, a communication interface, an input device, an output device, a force sensor, an electric field generator, and / or an additional sensor. In some embodiments, when in the high power mode, the stylus can optionally not deactivate any of its components. The high power mode can be maintained when process 1000 returns to box 1002 and / or another box, process, and / or operation.

[0088] As used herein, the stylus may actively operate a component by providing power to its components and / or causing its components to perform one or more operations. Such control may be achieved by sending one or more signals to the component. As used herein, the stylus may deactivate a component by stopping providing power to its components and / or preventing its components from performing one or more operations. Such control may be achieved by stopping providing power to the component or sending one or more signals to the component. It should be understood that the power that a component will consume when deactivated is less than the power that the component will consume when actively operated. Therefore, when it is determined that a component does not need to be actively operated, the selection of an operating mode may allow power to be saved.

[0089] Although some embodiments of the touch-based input device disclosed herein involve a stylus, it should be understood that the subject technology can cover and be applied to other input devices. For example, an input device according to the embodiments disclosed herein may include a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a watch, a laptop computing device, a mouse, a game controller, a remote control, a digital media player, and / or any other electronic device. In addition, the host device can be any device that interacts with the touch-based input device. For example, a host device according to the embodiments disclosed herein may include a tablet computer, a phone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a wearable device, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a display, a television, a phone, a digital media player, and / or any other electronic device.

[0090] As shown, an input device, such as a stylus, may be operated to determine one or more conditions and select an appropriate operating mode. For example, the stylus may be attached to a host device when not in active use by a user. Attachment may be achieved in a reliable and releasable manner through magnetic coupling. In such a configuration, the stylus may detect attachment based on the presence and modification of a magnetic field. Based on such detection, the stylus may select an operating mode that allows power conservation when it is determined that certain components of the stylus do not need to be actively operated.

[0091] For convenience, various examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are described as clauses below. These examples are provided by way of example and do not limit the subject technology.

[0092] Item A: A stylus comprising: a housing; a magnet assembly located within the housing and comprising a first permanent magnet, a second permanent magnet, and a magnetic shunt located between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet; and a Hall effect sensor located within the housing, positioned a distance away from the magnetic shunt, and axially aligned with the magnetic shunt.

[0093] Item B: A stylus comprising: an attachment sensor configured to detect when the stylus is attached to a host device; an activity sensor configured to detect when the stylus is moved; a communication interface configured to communicate with the host device; and a controller configured to select one of a plurality of operating modes for operating the stylus, the operating modes comprising: a low power mode in which the attachment sensor is actively operated and the activity sensor and the communication interface are disabled; a medium power mode in which the attachment sensor and the activity sensor are actively operated and the communication interface is disabled; and a high power mode in which the attachment sensor, the activity sensor, and the communication interface are actively operated.

[0094] Item C: A stylus comprising: an attachment sensor configured to detect when the stylus is attached to a host device; an activity sensor configured to detect when the stylus moves, the attachment sensor configured to be actively operated or deactivated in response to the attachment detection by the attachment sensor; and a communication interface configured to communicate with the host device, the communication interface configured to be actively operated in response to the activity detection by the activity sensor or to be deactivated in response to the attachment detection by the attachment sensor.

[0095] One or more of the above clauses may include one or more of the following features. It should be noted that any of the following clauses may be combined with each other in any combination and placed in a corresponding independent clause, for example, clause A, B or C.

[0096] Clause 1: The Hall Effect sensor is arranged to detect a magnetic field having a component orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the stylus.

[0097] Clause 2: The Hall effect sensor is closer to the magnetic shunt than the first permanent magnet or the second permanent magnet.

[0098] Clause 3: A circuit board wherein the Hall effect sensor is positioned on a side of the circuit board facing away from the magnet assembly.

[0099] Clause 4: The first permanent magnet has a first magnetic polarity orientation; and the second permanent magnet has a second magnetic polarity orientation, the second magnetic polarity orientation being different from the first magnetic polarity orientation.

[0100] Clause 5: The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet comprise a hard magnetic material, and the magnetic shunt comprises a soft magnetic material.

[0101] Item 6: The magnetic shunt is a first magnetic shunt; the Hall effect sensor is a first Hall effect sensor; the magnet assembly further comprises: a third permanent magnet; and a second magnetic shunt, the second magnetic shunt being located between the second permanent magnet and the third permanent magnet; and the stylus further comprises a second Hall effect sensor, the second Hall effect sensor being located within the housing, positioned a distance away from the second magnetic shunt, and axially aligned with the second shunt.

[0102] Item 7: The first permanent magnet has a first magnetic polarity orientation; the second permanent magnet has a second magnetic polarity orientation, which is different from the first magnetic polarity orientation; and the third permanent magnet has a third magnetic polarity orientation, which is the same as the first magnetic polarity orientation.

[0103] Clause 8: The magnet assembly is a first magnet assembly; and the stylus further comprises a second magnet assembly located within the housing and axially spaced from the first magnet assembly.

[0104] Item 9: An input device configured to receive input from a user; a force sensor configured to detect a force between a tip of the stylus and a housing of the stylus; and an electric field generator configured to generate an electric field at the tip of the stylus, wherein: in each of the low power mode and the medium power mode, the input device, the force sensor, and the electric field generator are deactivated; and in the high power mode, the input device, the force sensor, and the electric field generator are actively operated.

[0105] Clause 10: The attached sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

[0106] Clause 11: The activity sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit.

[0107] Clause 12: The activity sensor comprises an input device of the stylus.

[0108] Clause 13: The attachment sensor is configured to be actively operated when the stylus is attached to the host device and when the stylus is detached from the host device; the attachment sensor is configured to be actively operated when the stylus is detached from the host device and be deactivated when the stylus is attached to the host device; and the communication interface is configured to be actively operated when the stylus is moved and be deactivated when the stylus is attached to the host device.

[0109] Item 14: An input device configured to receive input from a user; a force sensor configured to detect a force between a tip of the stylus and a housing of the stylus; and an electric field generator configured to generate an electric field at the tip of the stylus, wherein each of the input device, the force sensor, and the electric field generator is configured to be actively operated in response to the activity detection by the activity sensor, or to be deactivated in response to the attachment detection by the attachment sensor.

[0110] The various processes defined herein contemplate the option of obtaining and utilizing a user's personal information. For example, such personal information may be used to spatially model an enclosure to control acoustic components. However, to the extent such personal information is collected, such information should be obtained with the user's informed consent. As described herein, users should be aware of and have control over the use of their personal information.

[0111] Personal information will be used by appropriate parties only for lawful and reasonable purposes. Parties utilizing such information will adhere to privacy policies and practices that at a minimum comply with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, such policies should be comprehensive, user accessible, and recognized to meet or exceed government / industry standards. In addition, parties may not distribute, sell, or otherwise share such information except for any reasonable and lawful purpose.

[0112] However, users may limit the extent to which such parties may access or otherwise obtain personal information. For example, settings or other preferences may be adjusted so that users may decide whether their personal information may be accessed by various entities. Furthermore, while some features defined herein are described in the context of using personal information, aspects of these features may be implemented without the need to use such information. For example, if user preferences, account names, and / or location history are collected, that information may be obfuscated or otherwise generalized so that it does not identify the corresponding user.

[0113] Therefore, the embodiment of the subject technology described herein provides a kind of vehicle with seat assembly, and this seat assembly provides the ability that makes seat rotate around the axis in each front range and rear range.When the seat is moved to the conversion range on the circumference between the front range and the rear range, the actuator can be operated to apply torque and assist to convert to another range.Other structures can be moved to promote the conversion of seat.The seat assembly can also have a locking position, in which the rotation of the seat is restricted.This type of dynamic adjustment ability allows the seat to provide flexibility and stability as needed based on applicable conditions.

[0114] It should be understood that the specific order or the hierarchical structure of the frame in the process disclosed by the present invention are the illustration of the example method.Based on the design preferred requirements, it should be understood that the specific order or the hierarchical structure of the frame in the process can be rearranged or all the illustrated frames are executed.Any frame in these frames can be executed simultaneously.In one or more embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.In addition, the division of each system component in the above-mentioned embodiment should not be understood as requiring such division in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program component and system can be generally integrated in a single software product or encapsulated in a plurality of software products.

[0115] As used in this specification and any claims of this patent application, the terms "base station", "receiver", "computer", "server", "processor" and "memory" all refer to electronic devices or other technical devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purpose of this specification, the term "display" or "displaying" means displaying on an electronic device.

[0116] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a list of items, any of which is separated by the terms "and" or "or", modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any one item and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0117] The predicate words "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject matter but are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more embodiments, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or component may also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control the operation or that the processor is operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code may be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0118] Phrases such as aspect, this aspect, on the other hand, some aspects, one or more aspects, embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, embodiment, this embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, configuration, this configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations, etc. are for convenience and do not mean that the disclosure involving such phrases is essential to the subject technology, or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures involving such phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures involving such phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other aforementioned phrases.

[0119] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or as an "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "having," and the like are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the way the term "comprising" is interpreted when used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0120] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made available to the public regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. No claim element shall be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §104(f) unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is stated using the phrase “step for…”

[0121] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects are apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but are intended to make the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein the reference to the singular element is not intended to mean "only one", but to refer to "one or more", unless specifically noted. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Male pronouns (e.g., his) include female and neutral (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Titles and subtitles (if any) are used only for convenience and do not limit the subject disclosure.

Claims

1. A stylus, comprising: shell; a magnet assembly located in the housing, the magnet assembly comprising a first permanent magnet, a second permanent magnet, and a magnetic shunt located between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet; and A Hall effect sensor is located within the housing, positioned a distance away from the magnetic shunt, and axially aligned with the magnetic shunt.

2. The stylus of claim 1, wherein the Hall Effect sensor is arranged to detect a magnetic field having a component orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the stylus. 3 . The stylus of claim 1 , wherein the Hall effect sensor is closer to the magnetic shunt than the first permanent magnet or the second permanent magnet.

4. The stylus of claim 1, further comprising a circuit board, wherein the Hall effect sensor is positioned on a side of the circuit board facing away from the magnet assembly.

5. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein: The first permanent magnet has a first magnetic polarity orientation; and The second permanent magnet has a second magnetic polarity orientation different from the first magnetic polarity orientation. 6 . The stylus of claim 1 , wherein the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet comprise hard magnetic material, and the magnetic shunt comprises soft magnetic material.

7. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein: The magnetic shunt is a first magnetic shunt; The Hall effect sensor is a first Hall effect sensor; The magnet assembly further comprises: a third permanent magnet; and a second magnetic shunt, the second magnetic shunt being located between the second permanent magnet and the third permanent magnet; and The stylus also includes a second Hall effect sensor located within the housing, positioned a distance away from the second magnetic shunt, and axially aligned with the second shunt.

8. The stylus according to claim 7, wherein: The first permanent magnet has a first magnetic polarity orientation; The second permanent magnet has a second magnetic polarity orientation different from the first magnetic polarity orientation; and The third permanent magnet has a third magnetic polarity orientation that is the same as the first magnetic polarity orientation.

9. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein: The magnet assembly is a first magnet assembly; and The stylus also includes a second magnet assembly located within the housing and axially spaced from the first magnet assembly.

10. A stylus, comprising: an attachment sensor configured to detect when the stylus is attached to a host device; an activity sensor configured to detect when the stylus is moved; a communication interface configured to communicate with the host device; and A controller configured to select one of a plurality of operation modes for operating the stylus, the operation modes comprising: a low power mode in which the attached sensor is actively operated and the active sensor and the communication interface are deactivated; a medium power mode in which the attachment sensor and the activity sensor are actively operated and the communication interface is disabled; and A high power mode in which the attachment sensor, the activity sensor, and the communication interface are actively operated.

11. The stylus according to claim 10, further comprising: an input device configured to receive input from a user; a force sensor configured to detect a force between a tip of the stylus and a housing of the stylus; and a field generator configured to generate an electric field at the tip of the stylus, wherein: In each of the low power mode and the medium power mode, the input device, the force sensor, and the electric field generator are deactivated; and In the high power mode, the input device, the force sensor, and the electric field generator are actively operated.

12. The stylus of claim 10, wherein the attachment sensor comprises a Hall Effect sensor.

13. The stylus of claim 10, wherein the activity sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit.

14. The stylus of claim 10, wherein the activity sensor comprises an input device of the stylus.

15. A stylus, comprising: an attachment sensor configured to detect when the stylus is attached to a host device; an activity sensor configured to detect when the stylus is moved, the attachment sensor configured to be actively operated or deactivated in response to the attachment sensor's detection of attachment; and A communication interface is configured to communicate with the host device, the communication interface being configured to be actively operated in response to the activity detection by the activity sensor or to be deactivated in response to the attachment detection by the attachment sensor.

16. The stylus according to claim 15, wherein: the attachment sensor being configured to be actively operated when the stylus is attached to the host device and when the stylus is detached from the host device; the attachment sensor being configured to be actively operated when the stylus is detached from the host device and to be deactivated when the stylus is attached to the host device; and The communication interface is configured to be actively operated when the stylus is moved and to be deactivated when the stylus is attached to the host device.

17. The stylus according to claim 15, further comprising: an input device configured to receive input from a user; a force sensor configured to detect a force between a tip of the stylus and a housing of the stylus; and an electric field generator configured to generate an electric field at the tip of the stylus, Wherein each of the input device, the force sensor, and the electric field generator is configured to be actively operated in response to the activity detection by the activity sensor, or to be deactivated in response to the attachment detection by the attachment sensor.

18. The stylus of claim 15, wherein the attachment sensor comprises a Hall Effect sensor.

19. The stylus of claim 15, wherein the activity sensor comprises an inertial measurement unit.

20. The stylus of claim 15, wherein the activity sensor comprises an input device of the stylus.

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