Peripheral device including magnetometer

Abstract

A peripheral device (50) comprising: a support (51) defining a peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device (50) wherein the peripheral device (50) has longitudinal, lateral and vertical ranges; a plurality of magnetometers (54) disposed on the support (51); a controller (52) communicatively coupled to the plurality of magnetometers (54, 80); and a communication interface (53) communicatively coupled to the controller (52).

Description

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of European Patent Application EP 22 307 017.8, filed on December 22, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device configured as a peripheral device, a host device, a system, a computer-implemented method for determining the position of a user-carried device, and associated computer program elements and computer-readable media. Background Art

[0003] In the technical field of determining and / or tracking the position of a device held or worn by a user (i.e., a user-carried device), providing multiple magnetometers allows measuring the magnetic field associated with a magnetic object arranged in or coupled to the user-carried device. The user-carried device using this technology can be electronically passive and / or electrically passive. More specifically, electrically passive means that the user-carried device does not include a power source (e.g., a battery) for powering the electronic features of the user-carried device and / or means for receiving electrical power (e.g., wireless power transfer via an induction coil). Electronically passive means that no computing or processing occurs (or takes place) on the user-carried device. The magnetometer measurement results enable determining and / or tracking the position of the magnetic object within the sensing volume created by the multiple magnetometers. In some applications, the magnetic object can be arranged within a writing device (e.g., a stylus), which can be operated by the user on a writing support during user operation. Based on the magnetic field measurement results associated with the magnetic object, the position of the writing device on the writing support can be determined.

[0004] User operations of the user-carried device within the sensing volume created by the multiple magnetometers can be presented to the user on an output device (e.g., a screen). More specifically, the movement of the user-carried device within the sensing volume can be reproduced as the movement of a virtual object on the output device. In current applications, the visual reproduction of the position of the user-carried device within the sensing volume on the output device may be inaccurate and unreliable relative to certain arrangements of the multiple magnetometers and the output device. Therefore, electronic devices including magnetometers can be further improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a peripheral device comprising:

[0006] - a support defining a peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device. The peripheral device has longitudinal, lateral, and vertical extents. The peripheral device includes a plurality of magnetometers provided on the support, a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of magnetometers, and a communication interface communicatively coupled to the controller.

[0007] According to a second aspect, there is provided a host device including a loading portion configured to house a peripheral device according to the first aspect or an implementation thereof.

[0008] According to a third aspect, there is provided a system including a host device according to the second aspect and a peripheral device according to the first aspect, wherein the peripheral device is communicatively couplable to the host device and a user-carrying device including at least one magnetic object and / or a magnetic field generator. The peripheral device is configured to obtain a magnetic field measurement result associated with the user-carrying device, determine the position of the user-carrying device relative to a peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device, and transmit the position of the user-carrying device from the peripheral device to the host device. Aspects, features, and implementations described herein with respect to the user-carrying device may also apply to more than one user-carrying device. In this case, the user-carrying device may be at least one user-carrying device, and one or more aspects, features, and implementations described herein may apply to at least one user-carrying device.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for determining the position of a user-carrying device, the computer-implemented method including:

[0010] - obtaining, at a peripheral device according to the first aspect or an implementation thereof, a magnetic field measurement result associated with at least one magnetic object of the user-carrying device and measured using a plurality of magnetometers included within the peripheral device;

[0011] - determining, at the host device or the peripheral device, the position of the user-carrying device based on the magnetic field measurement result;

[0012] - transmitting the position of the user-carrying device to a device driver instantiated in a user environment of the host device.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program element including machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the computer-implemented method according to the fourth aspect.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium including the computer program element according to the sixth aspect.

[0015] One effect is that a specific magnetometer arrangement in the peripheral device is provided, enabling improved tracking of one or more magnets in the user-carrying device.

[0016] Typical electronic devices such as laptop computers have a large number of ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic components, magnets, or coils that can affect the performance of a magnetometer array when detecting the position of a magnetic object carried by a user in the device. In addition, electronic devices such as laptop computers have strict positioning constraints that limit where the magnetometers can be placed.

[0017] This specification discusses a solution in which a sensing volume is created to cover the sensing area of a peripheral device, thereby extending the sensing surface of a magnetic-based position sensing system. In a particular arrangement, a sensing volume is created to cover the area around the peripheral device. The peripheral device can be located next to a laptop computer or any other host device (such as, for example, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or a desktop computer), enabling the use of a magnetometer-based interaction modality and the laptop computer together. In other examples, peripheral devices provided on either side of a laptop computer enable the sensing volume and / or sensing surface to extend along the sides of the laptop computer. In addition, the peripheral device can be placed at a relatively far distance, such as one meter or ten meters from the laptop computer or other host device, and user interaction can still be achieved. The peripheral device can be retrofitted or provided with a large television or an interactive classroom whiteboard to facilitate improved interaction during public demonstrations.

[0018] The application of such technologies improves the detection accuracy in the sensing volume or sensing surface above an electronic device such as a laptop computer, which is the area where accessories such as computer styluses or other pointers are typically used. Generally, due to the improved signal-to-noise ratio of the magnetometer sensing system, the possible sensing volume or sensing area is larger. For example, when sensing in a sensing volume located above the user's palm rest or the keyboard area of a laptop computer, at least the sensors in the peripheral device improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0019] The peripheral device described in this specification may be communicatively coupled to any electronic device, such as a laptop computer or a keyboard (or any other device with a connection port that supports power and data). The peripheral device can be a remote accessory. The remote accessory can be wirelessly connected to any electronic device via BLE ( low power) and / or WiFi. The peripheral device can include an internal power source that provides power.

[0020] The peripheral device can be in a bar style as a single unit. In an implementation, the peripheral device can be configured to change its shape to better adapt to the user interaction surface. The change in shape can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional (for example, using a hinged spherical joint).

[0021] A sensing volume is generated around the peripheral device. If the peripheral device is long, this arrangement enables a relatively large tracking volume.

[0022] The peripheral device can also be modular and insertable into at least one other peripheral device to extend the tracking volume. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other features will be apparent from the drawings which form part of the present disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and enable a person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals in different figures indicate similar or like features.

[0024] Figure 1 A peripheral device according to the first aspect is schematically illustrated.

[0025] Figure 2 A system including a peripheral device according to the second aspect is schematically illustrated. FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a plan view and a side projection of the system of the second aspect. Figure 4 A system for controlling the representation of a user-carrying device is schematically illustrated.

[0026] Figure 5 An analysis of the position of a magnetic object relative to the plane of a magnetometer is schematically illustrated.

[0027] Figure 6 A variant of a magnetometer array is schematically illustrated.

[0028] Figure 7 A and Figure 7 B schematically illustrate a plan view of a hinged peripheral device in a closed and an open position.

[0029] Figure 8 A and Figure 8 B schematically illustrate a slidable peripheral device in a stored and a deployed position.

[0030] Figure 9 A system of two pluggable peripheral devices is schematically illustrated

[0031] Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B schematically illustrate a peripheral device included in a fabric substrate in a stored and a deployed state.

[0032] Figure 11 An unfolded peripheral device included in a fabric substrate is schematically illustrated.

[0033] Figure 12 A method according to the third aspect is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1Schematically shows a peripheral device 50 according to the first aspect.

[0035] According to the first aspect, there is provided a peripheral device 50, the peripheral device comprising:

[0036] - A support member 51 that defines a peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device 50. The peripheral device 50 has longitudinal, lateral, and vertical extents. The peripheral device 50 includes a plurality of magnetometers 54 disposed on the support member 51, a controller 52 communicatively coupled to the plurality of magnetometers 54, 80, and a communication interface 53 communicatively coupled to the controller 52. According to one embodiment, the support member 51 defines a magnetometer plane 310 in the longitudinal X and lateral Y directions or the longitudinal X and vertical Z extents of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the magnetometer plane 310 intersects most or each of the plurality of magnetometers 54.

[0038] Figure 2 Schematically shows a system 1 including a host device 10 and a peripheral device 50 according to the second aspect.

[0039] Figure 1 The illustrated host device 10 is a laptop computer included in a system 1 including a user-carrying device 100. The user-carrying device can be, for example, a computer mouse, a dashboard, a ring, a toy, a keyboard, a joystick, or a computer stylus. The user-carrying device 100 includes at least one magnetic object 110. The user-carrying device 100 can be laterally translated and / or rotated, for example, on an interaction surface 210 provided by an interaction support member 200. The aspects and embodiments described herein with respect to the user-carrying device 100 can also be applied to more than one user-carrying device. In this case, the user-carrying device 100 can be at least one user-carrying device, and one or more of the aspects, features, and embodiments described herein can be applied to at least one user-carrying device 100.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the host device 10 includes a plurality of magnetometers MA1 - MA5. The translation and / or 3D position of the user-carrying device 100 (including positioning and / or orientation in the sensing volume, such as rotation), (and thus the magnetic moment of at least one magnet included within the user-carrying device 100) is detected by one or more of the plurality of magnetometers MA1 - MA5 included within the housing 12 of the host device 10.

[0041] One or more magnetometers MA1 - MA5 output signals to be signal - processed such that the electronic device 10 can resolve the position of the user - carried device 100 relative to one or more magnetometers MA1 - MA5. Typically, the signal processing is performed by an embedded controller communicatively coupled to one or more magnetometers MA1 - MA5. The output of the signal processing includes, for example, the 2D position of the user - carried device 100 in the XY plane of the interaction surface 210, or the 3D position within the sensing volume defined around the host device 10. The output of the signal processing is provided to a device driver executing in the software environment of the host device 10. The device driver executed by the operating system of the host device 10 can be accessed by one or more applications hosted by the software environment of the host device 10. In this way, the applications hosted by the software environment of the host device 10 obtain an indication of the position (location or orientation) of the user - carried device 100 in 2D or 3D coordinates. The applications hosted by the software environment of the host device 10 can thus use the position of the user - carried device 100 for a wide range of user input tasks. In Figure 2 the example, the position of the user - carried device 100 is represented by a screen cursor 7 on the display 11 of the host device 10.

[0042] The host device 10 generally includes a portion surrounded by a tablet - shaped cubic enclosure located on the interaction service 210. The host device 10 is shown as a laptop computer, which also includes a display 11 pivotable about a hinge axis R via a hinge 9. The housing 12 thus includes a first surface 14 that is generally facing the user during use. The housing also includes a second surface 16 on the left - hand side of the user. The housing 12 also includes a third surface 18 on the right - hand side of the user (not visible in the projection of Figure 1 ). The housing 12 also includes a fourth surface 20 on the rear surface of the housing 12 that faces away from the user during use. The first through fourth surfaces are covered by a surface including, for example, a touchpad 30. During use, the surface including the touchpad 30 serves to support, for example, the user's wrist.

[0043] Those skilled in the art understand that the foregoing description of the laptop computer housing is an example, and the host device 10 can also be included in a tablet computer, a smart phone, a keyboard, a television, and / or a host device 10 having any shape (such as circular, square, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal or any other shape).

[0044] In the example, the hinged - display 11 portion of the host device 10 includes a display - surface magnet 112. During use, the position of the display - surface magnet relative to the housing 12 can be resolved by one or more of a plurality of magnetometers M1 - M5 included in the housing 12.

[0045] In an example, the hinged display 11 portion of the electronic device 10 includes at least one of a plurality of magnetometers (not shown) to provide a higher fidelity for detecting the position of the user carrying the device 100.

[0046] In an embodiment, the host device 10 includes a second plurality of magnetometers MA2 on the left - hand side of the housing 12. In an embodiment, the electronic device 10 includes a third plurality of magnetometers MA3 on the right - hand side of the housing 12. The additional pluralities of magnetometers MA2 and MA3 extend along the housing 12 in the Y - dimension, thereby providing a higher fidelity for the movement of the user carrying the device 100 on the interaction surface 210 towards the right - hand side and / or the left - hand side of the housing 12, or for the movement within the sensing volume near the right - hand side or the left - hand side of the housing 12. In an embodiment, a fourth plurality of magnetometers MA4 disposed along the rear of the housing 12 improves the fidelity of the position detection of the user carrying the device 100 adjacent to the rear of the housing 12. For example, an electronic device 10 having a "2 - in - 1" form factor or a general - purpose tablet PC can benefit from the fourth plurality of magnetometers MA4 that enable user interaction at the rear of the electronic device 10. A fifth plurality of magnetometers MA5 spatially associated with the touchpad 30 can improve the resolution in the sensing volume directly above or around the touchpad 30. A sixth plurality of magnetometers (not shown) mounted in the hinged portion of the housing 12 including the display 11 can further improve the detection fidelity in the sensing volume in front of the display 11.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the host device 10 is one of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a keyboard, a smart watch, a television, an interactive whiteboard, a virtual reality headset, a wireless access point, and / or a display projector.

[0048] In an example, as a laptop computer, the housing 12 of the host device 10 includes one or more other electronic modules. For clarity, Figure 1 the following components are not shown. For example, Figure 1 the illustrated housing 12 may include a bottom cover configured to contact the interaction support 200, a battery configured to power other electronic circuit components of the electronic device. The housing may include a solid - state drive or a hard - disk - based hard - drive, a system board, one or more speaker housings, a display assembly, a wireless modem and associated antennas, a USB interface board, a heat sink and system fan, a palm rest assembly, an I / O daughter board, and a heat sink cover. Additionally, the housing includes mechanical mounting elements, such as posts capable of holding the listed internal components of the host device 10 in place. Generally, there is limited space in the electronic device 10 for adding additional components. According to one embodiment, during operation, the first surface of the housing 12 is closest to and faces the user of the host device 10.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the host device 10 does not include any plurality of magnetometers.

[0050] Figure 2 The peripheral device 50 according to the first aspect is shown. In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 is mechanically coupled to the host device 10. For example, a support 51 of the peripheral device electrical connector, such as a USB connector. A secure and reversible mechanical connection between the peripheral device 50 and the host device 10 is formed by engaging the plug of the peripheral device 50 with a USB socket present on, for example, the right hand side surface of the host device 10. In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 does not contact the surface 200. In an embodiment, the functional coupling is an electrical coupling between the host device 10 and the peripheral device 50. The functional coupling enables the peripheral device 50 to receive power from the power supply of the host device 10. The functional coupling enables the peripheral device 50 to transfer data containing location information about at least one user device 100 to the host device 10.

[0051] In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 may be or may include a remote attachment. The remote attachment may be wirelessly connected to the host device 10 (or any other electronic device 10) via BLE ( low power) and / or WiFi. In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 may be spaced apart from the host device 10 (e.g., not mechanically coupled). The peripheral device 50 may include an internal power supply that provides power (and / or a power supply coupled to the peripheral device 50).

[0052] In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 is supported by the surface 200. In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 may be inserted into a mechanical and functional coupling present on the first surface 14 or the second surface 16 or the third surface 18 or the fourth surface 20 of the housing 12. In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 engages the host device 10 through a functional coupling provided by a cable such as a USB cable. In this case, the peripheral device 50 may be positioned in a wide range of positions on the surface 200. In an embodiment, the peripheral device 50 includes an independent power supply and a wireless communication interface. In this case, the peripheral device 50 may be positioned at any position on the surface 200.

[0053] A plurality of magnetometers 54 included within the peripheral device 50 enable the sensing area or sensing volume around the peripheral device 50 to detect the position (location and / or orientation) of the user device 100 and transmit the detected position to a device driver hosted by the operating system of the host device 10.

[0054] According to one embodiment, position data obtained after processing signals from a plurality of magnetometers 54 included within the peripheral device 50 can be used to enhance signals obtained from a plurality of magnetometers MA1 - MA5 included within the host device 10. In one embodiment, position data obtained after processing signals from a plurality of magnetometers 54 included within the peripheral device 50 is used to extend the physical size of the sensing volume or sensing surface around the host device 10. In one embodiment, position data obtained after processing signals from a plurality of magnetometers 54 included within the peripheral device 50 is used to increase the sensitivity of the plurality of magnetometers MA1 - MA5 included within the host device.

[0055] FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show a plan view and a side projection of a system of the second aspect. The internal arrangement and the external shape of the peripheral device 50 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that many internal arrangements and external shapes can be used. In this embodiment, the peripheral device 50 is functionally connected to the host device 10 via a connector (e.g., a USB connector) 55.

[0056] An extended sensing volume M surrounding the peripheral device 50 is shown. The peripheral device 50 has a length L(P) and a width W(P). According to one example, the length L(P) of the peripheral device is greater than 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 100 mm, 500 mm, or 1000 mm.

[0057] According to one example, the width W(P) of the peripheral device is greater than 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 100 mm, 250 mm, 290 mm, 350 mm, 500 mm, 750 mm, 1000 mm, 2000 mm, 3000 mm, 4000 mm, or 5000 mm.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is disposed on a first face of the support 51, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is disposed on a second face of the support 51. In an embodiment, the support 51 can include or can be at least one printed circuit board 69, and the plurality of magnetometers 54 can be mounted on the at least one printed circuit board 69. In an embodiment, the support 51 can include a first printed circuit board and at least one second printed circuit board. The first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 can be disposed on the first printed circuit board. The second subset can be disposed on the at least one second printed circuit board.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the lateral extent of the support member 51 is less than 30 mm, more specifically less than 20 mm, and most specifically less than 10 mm.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal extent of the support member 51 is less than 1000 mm, 500 mm, 400 mm, 300 mm, more specifically less than 250 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm, 100 mm, 75 mm or 50 mm. According to one embodiment, the longitudinal extent of the support member 51 is greater than 255 mm, or greater than 100 mm.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal extent of the peripheral device 50 is at least twice the lateral extent of the peripheral device 50.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal extent of the peripheral device 50 is at least twice the vertical extent of the peripheral device 50.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the magnetometers among the plurality of magnetometers 54 are mounted in the magnetometer plane 310. The angle enclosed by the magnetometer plane and the bottom surface of the housing of the peripheral device 50 is at least 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5, 50, 52.5, 55, 57.5, 60, 62.5, 65, 67.5, 70, 72.5, 75, 77.5, 80, 82.5, 85, 87.5 or 90 degrees.

[0064] Figure 4 A system for controlling the representation of a user-carried device is schematically shown.

[0065] Reference Figure 4 , the user-carried device coordinate system includes a first device axis xd, a second device axis yd orthogonal to the first device axis xd, and a vertical device axis zd orthogonal to xd and yd. In the example shown, the user-carried device 100 may include a contact surface that contacts the interaction surface 210. In other examples, the user-carried device may include a contact point (e.g., a stylus or other writing device including a writing tip that contacts the interaction surface 210 during a writing operation). The user-carried device 100 can be operated within the sensing volume M but not on the interaction surface 210. In this case, the user-carried device 100 can be used as, for example, a pointer that can be operated without directly being on the interaction surface 210 (i.e., without contacting and / or being away from the interaction surface 210). In some embodiments, the device coordinate system can be defined within the geometric center of the user-carried device 100.

[0066] Reference Figure 4, showing the arrangement of multiple magnetometers relative to the interaction surface 210 defined on the interaction support 200. In Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple magnetometers 300 may be arranged in an array of rows and columns. However, it is also possible that the multiple magnetometers may be arranged in a disordered, randomized manner within the multiple magnetometers. A calibration process may be used to determine the exact position, measurement axis, sensitivity, and offset of each magnetometer within the magnetometer body relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ. When the multiple magnetometers 300 are rigidly mounted in the housing 12 of the electronic device 10, the reference coordinate system of the multiple magnetometers 300 is related to the reference coordinate system of the electronic device 10 by a rigid transformation. The multiple magnetometers 300 are shown in Figure 4 as being arranged in the magnetometer plane 310 (i.e., in the same plane relative to the vertical reference axis Z). However, as outlined above, one or more of the magnetometers may be away from the magnetometer plane 310, more specifically, away in the direction of the vertical reference axis Z.

[0067] The multiple magnetometers 300 may be electrically (e.g., via wires or a data bus) or wirelessly connected to the processing unit 400, an external processing unit, and / or the electronic device. In an embodiment, the multiple magnetometers 300 may be integrated in a wall, furniture, a notebook, an electronic device, a screen, a keyboard, and / or a mouse pad. In the case where the multiple magnetometers 300 are arranged in a wall, the interaction surface 210 may be a screen or a display placed in front of the multiple magnetometers 300. In an embodiment, the interaction surface 210 may be defined on one or more output devices 500.

[0068] In an embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include the processing unit 400 or may be capable of connecting to an external processing unit. The processing unit 400 may be configured to execute a computer-implemented method capable of resolving the position (positioning and / or orientation) of the user-carrying device 10 relative to the coordinate system XYZ. In an embodiment, the processing unit 400 may be integrated in the electronic device. In an embodiment, the output device 500 may be integrated in the electronic device. In an embodiment, the electronic device 10 may be a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a computer, a virtual reality (VR) kit, or a television.

[0069] One or more of the multiple magnetometers MA1 - MA5 of the electronic device 10 may be configured to use signal processing to resolve the 2D or 3D position of the user-carrying device 100. The spatial region within which the resolution can be performed with an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio is referred to as the sensing volume M1 - M3 around the electronic device (as, for example, in Figure 12as shown). In one example, the sensing volume is defined by a contour that gives a common signal-to-noise ratio for position (location and / or orientation) detection. A plurality of magnetometers MA1 - MA5 may be associated with the magnetometer plane 310. More specifically, the magnetometer plane 310 may be defined by a plane that can extend through most of the plurality of magnetometers 300. In some embodiments, the user-carrying device 100 may be capable of operating on the interaction surface 210, more specifically where the interaction surface 210 may be defined within or as a boundary of the sensing volume M.

[0070] When there is more than one plurality of magnetometers, it may be possible for each of more than one plurality of magnetometers to define a magnetometer plane.

[0071] According to one embodiment, a peripheral device 50 is provided. The peripheral device 50 includes another plurality of magnetometers. The peripheral device 50 may be communicatively coupled to the host device 10. As will be explained, the peripheral device 50 provides a sensing surface or volume that can be moved to any volume around the host device 10 based on the placement of the peripheral device 50.

[0072] The term "at least one magnetic object" may refer to an object that may include components made of a magnetic material (i.e., a material having magnetic properties that can be measured by the plurality of magnetometers 300). The user-carrying device 100 and / or at least one magnetic object 210 may be mobile, i.e., capable of freely moving within the reference coordinate system XYZ. In other words, during user operation (i.e., an operation where the user operates the user-carrying device 100 and / or at least one magnetic object 110), the position of the user-carrying device 100 within the sensing volume M and / or relative to the interaction surface 210 may be manipulated by the user within the sensing volume M.

[0073] At least one magnetic object 110 may be a permanent magnet. In an embodiment, at least one magnetic object 110 may be configured to generate a non-zero magnetic field. It may include paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials. In an embodiment, at least one magnetic object 110 may include ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials.

[0074] Figure 5 The analysis of the position of a magnetic object (e.g., as included in the user-carrying device peripheral 50) relative to the magnetometer plane is schematically shown.

[0075] Determining the location of the user-carried device may include determining the location of a magnetic object of at least one magnetic object 110 indicating the location of the user-carried device. Specifically, determining the location of the user-carried device may include determining a positioning vector indicating the positioning of the magnetic object and / or determining a magnetic moment vector 120 indicating the orientation of at least one magnetic object 110. Since the magnetic object 110 is coupled to the user-carried device 100, the location of the magnetic object 110 may indicate the location of the user-carried device 100.

[0076] The location of the user-carried device may indicate the absolute location of the user-carried device relative to the magnetometer plane 310 (particularly the reference coordinate system XYZ), and / or the relative location of the user-carried device relative to the interaction surface 210. Determining the location of the user-carried device indicating the absolute location of the user-carried device may include determining the absolute location of the magnetic object. The absolute location of the magnetic object may indicate the absolute positioning, magnetic object intensity, and / or absolute orientation of at least one magnetic object 110 relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ. Specifically, the absolute location of the magnetic object may be determined based on the magnetic field measurement results obtained from a plurality of magnetometers 80. Thus, the absolute positioning and / or absolute orientation of at least one magnetic object 110 in the reference coordinate system XYZ can be determined.

[0077] In an embodiment, determining the absolute location of the magnetic object may include generating magnetic field measurement result data based on the obtained magnetic field measurement results. The magnetic field measurement result data may indicate the magnetic field positioning, magnetic field orientation, and / or magnetic field intensity related to the magnetic object 110 relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ. Determining the absolute location of the magnetic object may further include processing the magnetic field measurement result data to correlate the magnetic field measurement data with the absolute location of the magnetic object. For example, an estimation filter (such as a Kalman filter or an extended Kalman filter) may be used to evaluate the absolute location of the magnetic object related to the magnetic field measurement result data.

[0078] The absolute location of the magnetic object may include a magnetic moment vector 120 and / or an absolute positioning vector associated with at least one magnetic object 110. The magnetic moment vector 120 may indicate the magnetic object orientation and the magnetic intensity of the magnetic object. The absolute positioning vector may indicate the positioning of the magnetic object relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ. In an embodiment, the absolute magnetic object orientation may be defined by a first set of magnetic object tilt angles δ1, δ2, δ3 measured between the magnetometer plane 310 and the magnetic moment vector 120. The first set of magnetic object orientation angles δ1, δ2, δ3 may be measured relative to the reference coordinate axes X, Y, Z, more specifically between the magnetic moment vector 120 and the respective axes X, Y, Z of the reference coordinate system XYZ.

[0079] For example, the first magnetic object orientation angle δ1 can be defined between the first reference axis X and the magnetic moment vector 120, more specifically in the XZ plane. In an embodiment, two angles relative to the magnetometer plane 310 may be sufficient to define the absolute magnetic object orientation of the magnetic object 110. Specifically, when using the magnetic dipole model, two angles relative to the magnetometer plane 310 may be sufficient to define the absolute magnetic object orientation of the magnetic object 110. More specifically, when the magnetic object 110 is symmetric along the magnetization axis (i.e., rotationally symmetric magnetization), two angles relative to the magnetometer plane 310 may be sufficient to define the absolute magnetic object orientation of the magnetic object 110. In some embodiments, the absolute positioning vector may be defined by a first set of Cartesian coordinates defined within the reference coordinate system XYZ.

[0080] The magnetic moment vector 120 and / or the absolute positioning vector may be determined based on the implementation of a measurement model that correlates each measurement of a magnetometer among a plurality of magnetometers included in the peripheral device 50 with the position of at least one magnetic object 110 in the reference coordinate system XYZ. This model can typically be constructed from the physical equations of electromagnetism, more specifically from the equations of magnetostatics. To establish this model, at least one magnetic object 110 can be approximated by a magnetic dipole. Each magnetometer among the plurality of magnetometers included in the peripheral device 50 can be a vector magnetometer and can be configured to measure the magnetic field in one, two, or three dimensions.

[0081] Figure 5 An analysis of the position of the magnetic object relative to the magnetometer plane is schematically shown.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 , determining a user-carried device position indicative of the relative position of the user-carried device with respect to the peripheral device 50 may include determining a relative magnetic object position. The relative magnetic object position may indicate a relative magnetic object location and / or a relative magnetic object orientation. The relative magnetic object location may be the location of at least one magnetic object 110 relative to the interaction surface 210, more specifically relative to the interaction surface coordinate system xs, ys, zs.

[0083] The relative magnetic object orientation can be the orientation of at least one magnetic object 110 relative to the interaction surface 210, and more specifically relative to the interaction surface coordinate system xs, ys, zs. The relative magnetic object position can include the magnetic moment vector 120 associated with at least one magnetic object 110 and / or the relative positioning vectors Δxs, Δys, Δzs. The magnetic moment vector 120 can indicate the relative magnetic object orientation and / or the relative positioning vectors Δxs, Δys, Δzs indicate the relative magnetic object positioning relative to the interaction surface coordinate system xs, ys, zs. In an embodiment, the relative positioning vector can be understood as the vector from the origin of the surface coordinate system xs, ys, zs to the centroid or dipole center of the magnetic object 110.

[0084] In an embodiment, the relative magnetic object orientation can be defined by a second set of magnetic object tilt angles γ1, γ2, γ3 determined between the interaction surface 210 and the magnetic moment vector 120. In other words, the relative magnetic object orientation can be defined by a set of magnetic object tilt angles γ1, γ2, γ3 relative to the interaction surface coordinate axes xs, ys, zs.

[0085] Specifically, a first magnetic object tilt angle γ1 can be determined between the first interaction surface axis xs and the magnetic moment vector 120 ( Figure 5 not shown in). A second magnetic object tilt angle γ2 can be determined between the second interaction surface axis ys and the magnetic moment vector 120 ( Figure 5 not shown in). A vertical magnetic object tilt angle γ3 can be determined between the vertical interaction surface axis zs and the magnetic moment vector 120. For example, the vertical magnetic object tilt angle γ3 can be defined between the vertical interaction surface axis zs and the magnetic moment vector 120. Specifically, the vertical magnetic object tilt angle γ3 can be defined between the magnetic moment vector 120 and the vertical interaction surface axis zs (or an axis parallel thereto), such that the vertical magnetic object tilt angle γ3 can only be in the range between 0° and 90°. In an embodiment, two angles relative to the magnetometer plane 310 can be sufficient to define the relative magnetic object orientation of the magnetic object 110.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processing may be performed by a controller 52 included within the peripheral device 50. In this case, position data (including positioning and / or orientation signals indicating the user carrying the device 110) is transmitted via the communication interface 53 of the peripheral device 50 to the host device 10 to which the peripheral device is connected. The position data may be represented, for example, in a device driver of the operating system of the host device 10. In this case, the position data can be used for a series of applications executed by the operating system of the host device. In another embodiment, the position data (including position and / or orientation signals indicating the user carrying the device 110) is calculated by the device driver software of the host device 10 based on precursor position signals transmitted by the peripheral device 50.

[0087] As two examples, the arrangement of one or more magnetometers 80 in the peripheral device 50 is thus associated with the range of the tilt angle of the magnetic object and the distance from the electronic device at which such an angle can be reliably determined. In other words, the arrangement of one or more magnetometers 80 in the peripheral device 50 determines a sensing volume M within which the user-carrying device can be reliably used. Accordingly, a beneficial arrangement of the peripheral device 50 will now be discussed.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the support 51 comprises or is a 3D printed or encapsulated electronic unit, and a plurality of magnetometers 54 are mounted inside the 3D printed or encapsulated electronic unit.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the peripheral device 50 includes a housing configured to surround the support 51, the plurality of magnetometers 54, the controller 52, and the communication interface 53. According to one embodiment, the housing includes a magnetically transparent material, more specifically plastic, wood, or aluminum.

[0090] Figure 6 Variants of the magnetometer array are schematically shown.

[0091] Figure 6 a) A magnetometer array MA1 mounted on a printed circuit board 69 is schematically shown. The magnetometer array includes 27 equally spaced magnetometers 80 and 27 corresponding equally spaced passive components 81. These components are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal axis of the printed circuit board 69 of MA1. These components are separated by a spacing distance D.

[0092] Figure 6 b) A magnetometer array MA1(#2) is schematically shown. The magnetometer array includes a single row of 14 equally spaced magnetometers that are regularly interspersed with 14 equally spaced passive components along the longitudinal axis L2.

[0093] Figure 6 c) and Figure 6d) schematically shows shorter variants of MA1 and MA1(#2) respectively including 11 magnetometers and 6 magnetometers.

[0094] Figure 6 e) schematically represents a 2D magnetometer array including an offset matrix of magnetometers.

[0095] Figure 6 f) schematically represents an enlarged view of the spacing of a complex of magnetometer 80 and passive component 81.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the support 51 comprises or is at least one printed circuit board 69, and a plurality of magnetometers 54 are mounted on at least one printed circuit board 69.

[0097] According to one embodiment, each magnetometer 80 among the plurality of magnetometers 54 is separated from any other magnetometer among the plurality of magnetometers 54 by a distance S1 - S5 in the magnetometer plane 310, where the distance is greater than 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm or 20 mm.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the plurality of magnetometers 54 are arranged along at least one longitudinal axis of the support 51. According to one embodiment, the plurality of magnetometers 54 are arranged along a single longitudinal axis L1 of the support 51.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged along a first longitudinal axis L1 of the support 51, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged along a second longitudinal axis L2 of the support 51.

[0100] According to one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the longitudinal direction X, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the direction of the transverse direction Y or the vertical Z range of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0101] According to one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the transverse direction Y, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the direction of the longitudinal direction X or the vertical Z range of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0102] According to one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the direction of the vertical Z range of the peripheral coordinate system, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the longitudinal direction X or the transverse direction Y.

[0103] According to one embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the longitudinal direction X, a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the transverse direction Y, and a third subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is arranged in the direction of the vertical Z range of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0104] According to one embodiment, compared with the corresponding longitudinal offset distances along the first longitudinal axes of the corresponding magnetometers in the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54, each magnetometer 80 included in the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is longitudinally offset by the same distances S0, S0, S5 along the second longitudinal axis.

[0105] According to one embodiment, compared with the corresponding longitudinal offset distances along the first longitudinal axis L1 of the corresponding magnetometers in the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54, each magnetometer included in the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 is longitudinally offset by different distances S0, S0, S5 along the second longitudinal axis L2.

[0106] According to one embodiment, during use, the plurality of magnetometers 54 at least partially define a sensing volume of the user-carrying device. According to one embodiment, an interaction surface 210 is defined relative to the plurality of magnetometers 54 within the sensing volume.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the plurality of magnetometers 54 are arranged in a matrix arrangement in the longitudinal and transverse directions on the support 51.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the plurality of magnetometers 54 include more than five magnetometers 80 and less than 500 magnetometers 80. According to one embodiment, the plurality of magnetometers 54 include 5 to 50 magnetometers.

[0109] According to an example, each magnetometer 80 among the plurality of magnetometers is arranged such that the magnetometers 80 are far enough apart from each other to avoid interference. For example, each magnetometer 80 is separated from any adjacent magnetometer 80 by a distance greater than 5 mm, greater than 3 mm, or greater than 1 mm.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the magnetometers 80 are arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis L of the peripheral device 50.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the magnetometers 80 are arranged in two rows along the longitudinal axis L of the peripheral device 50.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the magnetometers 80 are arranged in two rows, wherein the magnetometers included in the first row are offset by half of the spacing interval relative to the magnetometers 80 included in the second row.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the magnetometers 80 among the plurality of magnetometers are arranged in four rows and arranged in a square matrix. However, in some embodiments, the magnetometers 80 among the plurality of magnetometers may be arranged in other arrangements of the matrix.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal extent of the support 51 is greater than 255 mm, the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers 54 includes 5 to 50 magnetometers, and the second subset of magnetometers includes 5 to 50 magnetometers. According to one embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to obtain a plurality of magnetic field measurements associated with at least one magnetic object measured using the plurality of magnetometers 54, wherein the at least one magnetic object is coupled to a user-carried device.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to use the magnetic field measurements to determine the position of the user-carried device relative to a peripheral coordinate system.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to transmit the determined position of the user-carried device to at least one host device via a communication interface.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to transmit the plurality of magnetic field measurements to a host device via the communication interface 53. According to one embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to detect that the peripheral device 50 has been operatively coupled to the host device 10, and the controller 52 is configured to execute a calibration routine in response to such detection.

[0118] Depending on the form of the peripheral device 50 and its physical relationship to the host device 10, and the presence of other objects containing magnetically active materials, calibrating the peripheral device 50 can improve the accuracy of position detection. An example of a calibration routine is that when the peripheral device 50 is inserted into the host device 10, the screen 11 of the host device 10 requests the user to move the user device 100 along a predefined set of trajectories. The host device 10 obtains a set of uncalibrated signals from the peripheral device 50. The host device 10 performs signal processing on the set of uncalibrated signals to obtain a set of correction factors, thereby achieving higher position detection performance. The host device 10 transmits the set of correction factors to the peripheral device 50. The peripheral device 50 applies the correction factors to new measurements. In the example, the host device 10 applies a set of measurement results received from the peripheral device 50.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to store a data structure defining the configuration of the plurality of magnetometers 54 and transmit the data structure to the host device 10 when the peripheral device 50 has been operatively coupled to the host device.

[0120] For example, the controller 52 may be configured to transmit Figure 6One or any combination of the dimensions LMA1, WMA2, D, S0 - S5 shown. In an embodiment, the controller 52 is configured to transmit the magnetometer plane angle of the peripheral device 50. In an example, the controller 52 may transmit an identifier that enables the host device to download a data structure defining the configuration of the plurality of magnetometers 54 from a data storage source (e.g., a data storage source connected to the Internet). One example application is that a device driver operated by the host device 10 can use the information transmitted in the data structure to improve the accuracy of the data received from the peripheral device 50.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to communicatively couple the peripheral device 50 to one or any combination of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart watch, a television, an interactive whiteboard, a virtual reality headset, a wireless access point, a keyboard, another peripheral device, and / or a display projector.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the peripheral device 50 further includes:

[0123] - An orientation sensor mounted on the first and / or second surface of the support member 51, wherein the orientation sensor is configured to detect whether the first or second surface of the support member 51 is closer to the support surface of the peripheral device 50 and / or the host device to which the peripheral device 50 is coupled. According to one embodiment, the orientation sensor is an optical sensor, a potentiometer, an encoder, an end stop detector, or an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the orientation sensor may be configured to detect the orientation of the first or second surface of the support member 51 relative to the support surface of the peripheral device 50 and / or the host device to which the peripheral device 50 is coupled.

[0124] When the peripheral device 50 is placed on the surface 200, the cube - shaped peripheral device 50 enables the user to place the peripheral device 50 in any one of four angular states about the longitudinal axis of the peripheral device 50. The plurality of magnetometers 54 included within the peripheral device 50 may experience different performances based on which of the four angular states the peripheral device 50 is set in. Thus, when reaching the controller 52, the orientation sensor detects the angular state of the peripheral device 50. The controller 52 is capable of updating the correction factor applied to the signals from the plurality of magnetometers 54 based on the detected state of the peripheral device 50. In one example, the calibration routine incorporates information from the orientation detector.

[0125] Figure 7 A and Figure 7 B schematically show a plan view of a hinged peripheral device in closed and open positions.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the peripheral device 50a further includes at least one other support member 50b that defines another coordinate system of the peripheral device 50a, wherein the other support member 50b is displaceable relative to the support member 51, and the hinge joint 58 couples the other support member to the support member 51.

[0127] According to one embodiment, at least one other support member 50b is displaceable relative to the support member 51 in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse directions of the peripheral coordinate system or in a plane defined by the longitudinal and vertical directions of the peripheral coordinate system. According to one embodiment, at least one other support member is displaceable relative to the support member 51 in a volume defined by the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions of the peripheral coordinate system. According to one embodiment, at least one other support member is capable of rotating about the longitudinal direction of the support member 51.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the peripheral device further includes a displacement sensor 59 configured to detect a spatial displacement between the support member 51 and at least one other support member during use. According to one embodiment, the displacement sensor is configured to measure an angle and / or a distance between the support member 51 and at least one other support member, or to measure an accelerometer included in the support member 51 or at least one other support member. In some embodiments, the displacement sensor may be an optical sensor and / or an end-stop detector.

[0129] The controller 52 is configured to read the angular displacement detected by the displacement sensor 59 and adjust a coefficient or data structure in the controller 52 for calculating the position (positional orientation) of the user device 100 based on the angular displacement of at least one other support member 50b.

[0130] Thus, a hinged peripheral device 50 can be provided in which an arbitrarily shaped sensing volume M can be generated by deploying at least one other peripheral device 50b relative to the first peripheral device 58. In an embodiment, the hinged peripheral device 50 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more individual hinge joints.

[0131] Figure 8 A and Figure 8 B schematically show the slidable peripheral device in a stowed and deployed position.

[0132] According to one embodiment, at least one other support member is slidably connected to the support member 51 and is capable of sliding in the longitudinal, lateral or vertical direction of the peripheral coordinate system. For example, the peripheral device 50 may include a telescopic housing that enables the first half of the peripheral device 50a and the second half of the peripheral device 50b to translate relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis. Each of the halves of the peripheral devices 50a, 50b may include a plurality of magnetometers 54. One or both of the halves of the peripheral device 50 may include linear encoders for the first and second halves of the peripheral device 50. Output signals from the linear encoders are provided to the controller 52 and / or the host device 10 to enable the user device 100 to be positioned within the sensing volume M at any linear extension of the telescopic peripheral device 50.

[0133] Figure 9 A system of two pluggable peripheral devices 50a, 50b is schematically shown.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the support member 51 and at least one other support member each include connecting members 55 that are capable of being plugged into and unplugged from each other, such that the support member 51 and at least one other support member can be connected in the longitudinal, lateral or vertical direction of the peripheral coordinate system. According to one embodiment, the support member 51 includes a contact sensor for detecting when the support member 51 and another support member are connected together and / or have been disconnected. In some embodiments, the contact sensor may be configured to detect an electrical connection between the support member 51 and another support member when the support member 51 is connected to the other support member. In such a case, the contact sensor may detect that the support member 51 and another support member are connected together based on detecting the electrical connection.

[0135] The first pluggable peripheral device 50a and the second pluggable peripheral device 50b may each include the components described in the first aspect. Additionally, the communication interface 53 enables position signals to be transmitted from the second pluggable peripheral device 50b to the first pluggable peripheral device 50a. In one embodiment, the first pluggable peripheral device 50a and the second pluggable peripheral device 50b form a communication network, such as an ad-hoc communication network, once attached. Although not shown, either of the pluggable peripheral devices 50a and / or 50b may interface with the host device 10.

[0136] The first pluggable peripheral device 50a may include one or more connection sensors 67a-c at its distal end. The second pluggable peripheral device 50b may include a communication interface and a recess at the proximal end. In an embodiment, to facilitate a secure connection, the distal and proximal ends of the pluggable peripheral devices 50a, 50b include one or more magnets to achieve a snap-fit connection. According to one embodiment, each of the connection sensors 67a-c is arranged on the axis of the first pluggable peripheral device 50a. The system of pluggable peripheral devices 50 can thus be provided in any spatial arrangement. Such a system of pluggable peripheral devices 50 may include, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more pluggable peripheral devices 50. Since the connection sensors 67a-c are located at known positions on each pluggable peripheral device 50, the pluggable peripheral devices 50 are able to communicate cooperatively to define the orientation of each pluggable peripheral device relative to the next connected pluggable peripheral device. This information is transmitted to the controller of the peripheral device 50 and / or the host device 10, enabling the calculation of the coherent sensing volume of the network of peripheral devices 50 for any arrangement of the peripheral devices 50 using signal processing.

[0137] Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B schematically shows the peripheral device included in the fabric substrate in the stowed and deployed states.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the housing includes a flexible pad 60 bonded to the anchor unit 62, and the flexible pad is capable of unfolding onto the interactive support 200 during use. In an example, the flexible pad 60 includes one to ten flexible support portions 57a-d, preferably including four flexible support portions 57a-d. According to one example, the flexible pad includes a fabric or a flexible plastic.

[0139] Figure 11 Schematically shows the deployed peripheral device included in the fabric substrate

[0140] According to a second aspect, there is provided a host device 10, which includes:

[0141] - A loading portion 15, which is configured to stow the peripheral device 50 according to the first aspect or its embodiments. In an example, the peripheral device 50 can be deployed from the loading portion 15 by a sliding, rotating or unfolding movement.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the host device 10 further includes a deployment detector 65. The deployment detector 65 is configured to detect the deployment of the peripheral device 50 from the loading portion of the host device.

[0143] According to a third aspect, there is provided a system 1, which includes a host device 10 according to the second aspect and a peripheral device 50 according to the first aspect, wherein the peripheral device 50 is communicatively coupled to the host device 10; and a user-carrying device 100, which includes at least one magnetic object 110 and / or a magnetic field generator. The peripheral device 50 is configured to obtain a magnetic field measurement result associated with the user-carrying device 100, determine the position of the user-carrying device 100 relative to the peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device 50, and transmit the position of the user-carrying device from the peripheral device 50 to the host device 10.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the host device 10 is configured to receive the position of the user-carrying device 100 from the peripheral device 50, wherein the host device 10 is configured to update the position of the user-carrying device 100 in a device driver executed by the host device 10.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the device driver executed by the host device 10 is configured to receive a calibration command from a user of the host device 10 and transmit the calibration command to the peripheral device 50. The peripheral device 50 is configured to obtain a magnetic field measurement result associated with a calibration action of the user-carrying device 100 relative to the peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device 50, and transmit the magnetic field measurement result or derived data associated with the calibration action of the user-carrying device 100 from the peripheral device 50 to the host device 10.

[0146] Figure 12 A method according to the third aspect is schematically illustrated.

[0147] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method 70 for determining the position of a user-carrying device, the computer-implemented method including:

[0148] - obtaining 72 at a peripheral device 50 according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof a magnetic field measurement result associated with at least one magnetic object 110 of the user-carrying device 100 and measured by a plurality of magnetometers 54 included in the peripheral device 50;

[0149] - determining 74 at the host device 10 or the peripheral device 50 the position of the user-carrying device 100 based on the magnetic field measurement result;

[0150] - transmitting 76 the position of the user-carrying device 100 to a device driver instantiated in the user environment of the host device.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0152] - Detect whether the first face or the second face of the support member 51 is closer to the peripheral device 50 and / or the support surface of the host device 10 to which the peripheral device 50 is coupled by using an orientation sensor mounted on the first face and / or the second face of the support member 51; and

[0153] - Based on the detection of whether the first face or the second face of the support member 51 is closer to the support surface, determine the position of the user-carrying device at the host device or the peripheral device based on the magnetic field measurement results.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the method may include detecting the orientation of the first face or the second face of the support member 51 relative to the support surface of the peripheral device 50 and / or the host device to which the peripheral device 50 is coupled by using an orientation sensor mounted on the first face and / or the second face of the support member 51.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0156] - Detect the spatial displacement of the support member 51 relative to at least one other support member by using a displacement sensor 59 included in the support member 51; and

[0157] - Based on the detected spatial displacement, determine the position of the user-carrying device at the host device or the peripheral device based on the magnetic field measurement results.

[0158] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program element including machine-readable instructions which, when executed, cause a computer to execute the computer-implemented method 70 according to the fourth aspect.

[0159] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium including the computer program element according to the sixth aspect.

[0160] Embodiment

[0161] Although the present disclosure has been described above and defined in the appended claims, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be defined according to the following embodiments:

[0162] 1. A peripheral device (50), the peripheral device comprising:

[0163] - A support member (51), the support member defining the peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device (50),

[0164] wherein the peripheral device (50) has a longitudinal, a lateral and a vertical extent;

[0165] - A plurality of magnetometers (54), the plurality of magnetometers being disposed on the support member (51);

[0167] - A controller (52) communicatively coupled to the plurality of magnetometers (54, 80); and

[0168] - A communication interface (53) communicatively coupled to the controller (52).

[0169] 2. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 1,

[0170] wherein the support member (51) defines a magnetometer plane (310) in the longitudinal (X) and transverse (Y) directions or the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) ranges of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0171] 3. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 2,

[0172] wherein the magnetometer plane (310) intersects most or each of the plurality of magnetometers (54).

[0173] 4. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 2 or 3,

[0174] wherein each of the plurality of magnetometers (80) is separated from any other of the plurality of magnetometers (54) by a distance (S1 - S5) in the magnetometer plane (310), wherein the distance is greater than 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm or 20 mm.

[0175] 5. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0176] wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) are arranged along at least one longitudinal axis of the support member (51), and more specifically, wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) are arranged along a single longitudinal axis (L1) of the support member (51).

[0177] 6. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 5,

[0178] wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged along a first longitudinal axis (L1) of the support member (51), and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged along a second longitudinal axis (L2) of the support member (51).

[0179] 6A. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein the plurality

[0180] A first subset of the magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X), and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the transverse direction (Y) of the peripheral coordinate system or in the direction of the vertical (Z) range.

[0181] 6B. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the transverse direction (Y), and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) of the peripheral coordinate system or in the direction of the vertical (Z) range.

[0182] A first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the transverse direction (Y), and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) of the peripheral coordinate system or in the direction of the vertical (Z) range.

[0183] 6C. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the direction of the vertical (Z) range of the peripheral coordinate system, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) or the transverse direction (Y).

[0184] A first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the direction of the vertical (Z) range of the peripheral coordinate system, and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X) or the transverse direction (Y).

[0185] 6D. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 2 to 5, wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X), a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the transverse direction (Y), and a third subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the direction of the vertical (Z) range of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0186] A first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (X), a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the transverse direction (Y), and a third subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is arranged in the direction of the vertical (Z) range of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0187] 7. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 6,

[0188] wherein each magnetometer (80) included in the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is longitudinally offset by the same distance (S0, S0, S5) along the second longitudinal axis compared to the corresponding longitudinal offset distance along the first longitudinal axis of the corresponding magnetometer of the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54).

[0189] 8. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 6,

[0190] wherein each magnetometer included in the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is longitudinally offset by a different distance (S0, S0, S5) along the second longitudinal axis (L2) compared to the corresponding longitudinal offset distance along the first longitudinal axis (L1) of the corresponding magnetometer of the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54).

[0191] 9. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 6 to 8,

[0192] wherein the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is disposed on a first surface of the support (51), and the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is disposed on a second surface of the support (51).

[0193] 10. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 4,

[0194] wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) are disposed on the support (51) in a matrix arrangement in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0195] 11. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0196] wherein the transverse extent of the support (51) is less than 30 mm, more specifically less than 20 mm, and most specifically less than 10 mm.

[0197] 12. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0198] wherein the longitudinal extent of the support (51) is less than 1000 mm, 500 mm,

[0199] 400 mm, 300 mm, more specifically less than 250 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm,

[0200] 150 mm, 125 mm, 100 mm, 75 mm or 50 mm.

[0201] 13. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0202] wherein the longitudinal extent of the peripheral device (50) is at least twice the transverse extent of the peripheral device (50).

[0203] 14. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0204] wherein the longitudinal extent of the peripheral device (50) is at least twice the vertical extent of the peripheral device (50).

[0205] 15. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0206] wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) at least partially define a sensing volume of a magnetic user device during use.

[0207] 16. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 15,

[0208] wherein the interaction surface (210) is defined relative to the plurality of magnetometers (54) within the sensing volume.

[0209] 17. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16,

[0210] wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) includes more than five magnetometers (80) and less than 500 magnetometers (80).

[0211] 18. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16,

[0212] wherein the longitudinal extent of the support (51) is greater than 255 mm, or greater than 100 mm, or greater than 50 mm, and the plurality of magnetometers (54) includes 5 to 50 magnetometers.

[0213] 19. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 6 to 16,

[0214] wherein the longitudinal extent of the support (51) is greater than 255 mm, the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) includes 5 to 50 magnetometers, and the second subset of the magnetometers includes 5 to 50 magnetometers.

[0215] 20. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0216] wherein the controller is configured to obtain a plurality of magnetic field measurement results associated with at least one magnetic object measured using the plurality of magnetometers (54), wherein the at least one magnetic object is coupled to a user-carrying device.

[0217] 21. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 20,

[0218] wherein the controller is configured to use the magnetic field measurement results to determine the position of the user-carrying device relative to the peripheral coordinate system.

[0219] 22. The peripheral device according to embodiment 21,

[0220] wherein the controller is configured to transmit the determined position of the user-carrying device to at least one host device via the communication interface.

[0221] 23. The peripheral device (50) according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22,

[0222] wherein the controller is configured to transmit the plurality of magnetic field measurements to a host device via the communication interface.

[0223] 24. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0224] wherein the controller is configured to detect that the peripheral device has been operatively coupled to a host device, and the controller is configured to execute a calibration routine in response to the detection.

[0225] 25. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0226] wherein the communication interface is one or more of a UART interface, a USART interface, an SPI interface,

[0227] an I2C interface, an I3C interface, a PCI interface, a USB-C(TM) interface, a USB-A(TM) interface, a Thunderbolt(TM) interface, a Bluetooth(TM) interface, or a WiFi(TM) interface.

[0228] 26. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0229] wherein the controller is configured to store a data structure defining the configuration of the plurality of magnetometers (54), and transmit the data structure to the host device when the peripheral device (50) has been operatively coupled to the host device.

[0230] 27. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0231] wherein the communication interface is configured to communicatively couple the peripheral device (50) to one or any combination of a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart watch, a television, an interactive whiteboard, a virtual reality headset, a wireless access point, a keyboard, another peripheral device, and / or a display projector.

[0232] 28. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments, the peripheral de

[0233] vice further comprising:

[0234] - an orientation sensor mounted on the first face and / or the second face of the support (51);

[0235] wherein the orientation sensor is configured to detect whether the first face or the second face of the support member (51) is closer to the peripheral device (50) and / or the support surface of the host device to which the peripheral device (50) is coupled).

[0236] 29. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 28,

[0237] wherein the orientation sensor is an optical sensor, a potentiometer, an encoder, an end stop detector, or an accelerometer.

[0238] 30. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments, the peripheral

[0239] device further comprising:

[0240] - at least one further support member that defines a further coordinate system of the peripheral device (50), wherein the at least one further support member is displaceable relative to the support member (51); and

[0241] - a hinged joint that couples the at least one further support member to the support member (51).

[0242] 31. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 30,

[0243] wherein the at least one further support member is displaceable relative to the support member (51) in a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse directions of the peripheral coordinate system or in a plane defined by the longitudinal and vertical directions of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0244] 32. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 30,

[0245] wherein the at least one further support member is displaceable relative to the support member (51) in a volume defined by the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0246] 33. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 29 to 32,

[0247] wherein the at least one further support member is rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the support member (51).

[0248] 34. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 29 to 33, the peripheral

[0249] device further comprising:

[0250] - A displacement sensor configured to detect a spatial displacement between the support member (51) and the at least one other support member during use.

[0251] 35. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 34,

[0252] wherein the displacement sensor is configured to measure an angle between the support member (51) and the at least one other support member, or to measure an accelerometer included in the support member (51) or the at least one other support member.

[0253] 36. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 29 to 35,

[0254] wherein the support member (51) and the at least one other support member each include connecting members (55) that can be plugged into and unplugged from each other, such that the support member (51) and the at least one other support member can be connected in the longitudinal, lateral, or vertical direction of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0255] 37. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 29 to 36,

[0256] wherein the support member (51) includes a contact sensor that detects

[0257] whether the support member (51) and the other support member are connected together and / or have been disconnected.

[0258] 38. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 29 to 37,

[0259] wherein at least one other support member is slidably connected to the support member (51),

[0260] and is capable of sliding in the longitudinal, lateral, or vertical direction of the peripheral coordinate system.

[0261] 39. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the foregoing embodiments,

[0262] wherein the support member (51) includes or is at least one printed circuit board (69), and the plurality of magnetometers (54) are mounted on the at least one printed circuit board (69).

[0263] 40. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 38,

[0264] wherein the support member (51) includes or is a 3D printed or encapsulated electronic unit, and the plurality of magnetometers (54) are mounted inside the 3D printed or encapsulated electronic unit.

[0265] 41. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 40, the peripheral

[0266] device further comprising:

[0267] - A housing configured to surround the support member (51), the plurality of magnetometers (54), the controller (52), and the communication interface (53).

[0268] 42. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 41,

[0269] wherein the housing comprises a magnetically transparent material, more specifically plastic, wood, or aluminum.

[0270] 43. The peripheral device (50) according to embodiment 42,

[0271] wherein the housing comprises a flexible pad (60) bonded to an anchor unit (62), and the flexible pad is capable of being deployed onto the interactive support member (200) during use.

[0272] 44. The peripheral device according to embodiment 43;

[0273] wherein the flexible pad (60) comprises one to ten flexible support portions (57a -

[0274] d), preferably comprising four flexible support portions (57a - d).

[0275] 45. The peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 42 or 43,

[0276] wherein the flexible pad comprises a fabric or a flexible plastic.

[0277] 46. A host device (10), the host device comprising:

[0278] - A loading portion (15) configured to store the peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 45 when the peripheral device (50) is not in use.

[0279] 47. The host device (10) according to embodiment 43,

[0280] wherein the peripheral device (50) is capable of being deployed from the loading portion (15) by a sliding, rotating, or unfolding movement.

[0281] 48. The host device 10 according to one of embodiments 43 or 44, the host device

[0282] further comprising:

[0283] - Deployment detector (65);

[0284] wherein the deployment detector (65) is configured to detect the peripheral device (50)

[0285] deployed from the loading part of the host device.

[0286] 49. A system (1), the system comprising:

[0287] - Host device (10);

[0288] - A peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 48, wherein the peripheral device (50) is communicatively coupled to the host device (10); and

[0289] - A user-carrying device (100), the user-carrying device including at least one magnetic object (110) and / or a magnetic field generator;

[0290] wherein the peripheral device (50) is configured to obtain a magnetic field measurement result associated with the user-carrying device (100), determine the position of the user-carrying device (100) relative to the peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device (50), and transmit the position of the user-carrying device from the peripheral device (50) to the host device (10).

[0291] 50. The system (1) according to embodiment 49,

[0292] wherein the host device (10) is configured to receive the position of the user-carrying device (100) from the peripheral device (50), and wherein the host device (10) is configured to update the position of the user-carrying device (100) in a device driver executed by the host device (10).

[0293] 51. The system (1) according to embodiment 50,

[0294] wherein the device driver executed by the host device (10) is configured to receive a calibration command from a user of the host device (10), and transmit the calibration command to the peripheral device (50), wherein the peripheral device (50) is configured to obtain a magnetic field measurement result associated with a calibration action of the user-carrying device (100) relative to the peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device (50), and transmit the magnetic field measurement result or derived data associated with the calibration action of the user-carrying device (100) from the peripheral device (50) to the host device (10).

[0295] 52. A computer-implemented method (70) for determining the location of a user-carrying device,

[0296] The computer-implemented method includes:

[0297] - Obtaining (72) at a peripheral device (50) according to one of embodiments 1 to 45 a magnetic field measurement result associated with at least one magnetic object (110) of the user-carrying device (100) and measured by a plurality of magnetometers (54) included in the peripheral device (50);

[0298] - Determining (74) at the host device (10) or the peripheral device (50) the location of the user-carrying device (100) based on the magnetic field measurement result;

[0299] - Transmitting (76) the location of the user-carrying device (100) to a device driver instantiated in the user environment of the host device.

[0300] 53. The computer-implemented method (70) according to embodiment 52, the computer-implemented

[0301] method further includes:

[0302] - Using an orientation sensor installed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the support member (51) to detect whether the first surface or the second surface of the support member (51) is closer to the peripheral device (50) and / or the support surface of the host device (10) to which the peripheral device (50) is coupled; and

[0303] - Using the detection of whether the first surface or the second surface of the support member (51) is closer to the support surface to determine at the host device or the peripheral device the location of the user-carrying device based on the magnetic field measurement result.

[0304] 54. The computer-implemented method (70) according to embodiment 52 or 53, the computer

[0305] implemented method further includes:

[0306] - Using a displacement sensor (59) included in the support member (51) to detect the spatial displacement of the support member (51) relative to at least one other support member; and

[0307] - Using the detected spatial displacement to determine at the host device or the peripheral device the location of the user-carrying device based on the magnetic field measurement result.

[0308] 55. A computer program element, the computer program element including machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the computer-implemented method (70) according to one of embodiments 52 to 54.

[0309] 56. A computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium including the computer program element according to embodiment 55

[0310] described.

[0311] Reference Numerals

[0312] X First (length) reference axis 52 Controller

[0313] Y Second (width) reference axis 53 Communication interface

[0314] Z Vertical (height) reference axis 54 Multiple magnetometers

[0315] xd First device axis 55 Connector

[0316] yd Second device axis 56a, b

[0317] zd Vertical device axis 57a-d Flexible support part

[0318] L(P) Length of the housing (peripheral) 58 Joint

[0319] W(P) Width of the housing (peripheral) 59 Displacement sensor

[0320] H Height of the housing 60 Flexible pad

[0321] U User 62 Anchor unit

[0322] α1 First rotation angle 65 Deployment detector

[0323] α2 Second rotation angle 67a-c Connection sensor

[0324] δ1, δ2, δ3 First set of tilt angles 69 Printed circuit board

[0325] γ1, γ2, γ3 Second set of tilt angles 70 Method

[0326] β1, β2, β3 Third set of interaction surface tilt angles 72 Obtain

[0327] M Sensing volume 74 Determine

[0328] S0–S5 Magnetometer installation spacing magnetometers 76 Transmit

[0329] L1, L2, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis, 70 methods

[0330] 72 Obtain magnetic field measurement results

[0331] 1 System, 74 Determine position

[0332] 8 User interaction surface, 76 Transmit position

[0333] 9 Hinge, 80a, b Single magnetometer

[0334] 10 Host device, 81 Passive component

[0335] 11 Display, 100 User-carrying device

[0336] 12 Housing, 110 At least one magnetic object

[0337] 14 The first surface of the housing, 112 Cover magnet

[0338] 15 Peripheral device loading part, 120 Magnetic moment vector

[0339] 16 The second surface of the housing, 130 Contact surface or contact point

[0340] 18 The third surface of the housing, 200 Interaction support

[0341] 20 The fourth surface of the housing, 210 Interaction surface

[0342] 30 Touchpad, 300 Multiple magnetometers

[0343] 32 Single magnetometer, 310 Magnetometer plane

[0344] 34 Passive component, 400 Processing unit

[0345] 50 Peripheral device, 500 One or more output devices

[0346] 51 Support

Claims

1. An external device (50), the external device comprising: - A support member (51), the support member defining an external coordinate system of the external device (50), wherein the external device (50) has longitudinal, lateral, and vertical extents; - A plurality of magnetometers (54), the plurality of magnetometers being disposed on the support member (51) ; - A controller (52), the controller being communicatively coupled to the plurality of magnetometers (54); and - A communication interface (53), the communication interface being communicatively coupled to the controller (52).

2. The external device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the support member (51) defines a magnetometer plane (310) in the longitudinal (X) and lateral (Y) directions or the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) extents of the external coordinate system.

3. The external device (50) according to claim 2, wherein the magnetometer plane (310) intersects most or each magnetometer (80) of the plurality of magnetometers (54), and / or wherein each magnetometer (80) of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is separated from any other magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers (54) by a distance (S1 - S5) in the magnetometer plane (310), wherein the distance is greater than 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm.

4. The external device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) are disposed along at least one longitudinal axis of the support member (51), more specifically, wherein the plurality of magnetometers (54) are disposed along a single longitudinal axis (L1) of the support member (51).

5. The external device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is disposed along a first longitudinal axis (L1) of the support member (51), and a second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is disposed along a second longitudinal axis (L2) of the support member (51).

6. The external device (50) according to claim 5, wherein each magnetometer (80) included in the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is longitudinally offset by the same distance (S0, S0, S5) along the second longitudinal axis as compared to the corresponding longitudinal offset distance of the corresponding magnetometer along the first longitudinal axis of the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54).

7. The external device (50) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is disposed on a first surface of the support member (51), and the second subset of the plurality of magnetometers (54) is disposed on a second surface of the support member (51).

8. The external device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral extent of the support member (51) is less than 30 mm, more specifically less than 20 mm, and most specifically less than 10 mm.

9. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal extent of the peripheral device (50) is at least twice the lateral extent of the peripheral device (50).

10. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal extent of the support member (51) is less than 1000 mm, 500 mm, 400 mm, 300 mm, more specifically less than 250 mm, 200 mm, 175 mm, 150 mm, 125 mm, 100 mm, 75 mm or 50 mm, and / or wherein the longitudinal extent of the peripheral device (50) is at least twice the lateral extent of the peripheral device (50).

11. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, the peripheral device further comprising: - an orientation sensor mounted on the first face and / or the second face of the support member (51); wherein the orientation sensor is configured to detect whether the first face or the second face of the support member (51) is closer to the support surface of the peripheral device (50) and / or the host device to which the peripheral device (50) is coupled.

12. The peripheral device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, the peripheral device further comprising: - at least one further support member defining a further coordinate system of the peripheral device (50), wherein the further support member is displaceable relative to the support member (51); and - a hinge joint coupling the further support member to the support member (51).

13. The peripheral device (50) according to claim 12, the peripheral device further comprising: - a displacement sensor configured to detect a spatial displacement between the support member (51) and the at least one further support member during use.

14. A host device (10), the host device comprising: - a loading portion (15) configured to store the peripheral device (50) according to one of claims 1 to 12 when the peripheral device (50) is not in use.

15. A system (1), the system comprising: - a host device (10); - a peripheral device (50) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the peripheral device (50) is communicatively coupled to the host device (10); and - a user-carrying device (100) comprising at least one magnetic object (110) and / or a magnetic field generator; wherein the peripheral device (50) is configured to obtain a magnetic field measurement associated with the user-carrying device (100), determine the position of the user-carrying device (100) relative to the peripheral coordinate system of the peripheral device (50), and transmit the position of the user-carrying device from the peripheral device (50) to the host device (10). ​ 16. A computer-implemented method (70) for determining the location of a user-carried device, the computer-implemented method comprising: - obtaining (72) at a peripheral device (50) according to one of claims 1 to 12, magnetic field measurement results associated with at least one magnetic object (110) of the user-carried device (100) and measured by a plurality of magnetometers (54) included within the peripheral device (50); - determining (74) at the host device (10) or the peripheral device (50) the location of the user-carried device (100) based on the magnetic field measurement results; - transmitting (76) the location of the user-carried device (100) to a device driver instantiated in the user environment of the host device. ​

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