Passive accessory

Abstract

A user-carried device (100) operable on an interactive surface (210) includes a housing (101), a magnetic object (110) coupled to the housing (101), and at least one contact manipulation feature (170) movably coupled to the housing (101). The at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes a transition of the magnetic object (110) from the first state to the second state. The transition from the first state to the second state indicates a contact event of the user carrying the device (100) with the interactive surface (210).

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European patent application EP 23 306 333.8, filed on 3 August 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the technical field of determining and / or tracking the location of passive accessories, and more specifically, to user-portable devices operable on an interactive surface, to systems for determining manipulation of a user-portable device, and to methods for determining manipulation of a user-portable device. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of location determination and / or tracking of devices held or worn by a user (i.e., user-carried devices), multiple magnetometers are provided to allow measurement of the magnetic field associated with a magnetic object disposed 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 may not include a power source (e.g., a battery) for powering the electronic features of the user-carried device and / or a means for receiving power (e.g., wireless power transmission via an induction coil). Electronically passive means that no calculation or processing occurs on the user-carried device. The magnetometer measurements enable the determination and / or tracking of the position of the magnetic object within a sensing volume created by the multiple magnetometers. In some applications, the magnetic object may be disposed within a writing device (e.g., a stylus) that can be operated by a user on a writing support during user operation. Based on the magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object, the position of the writing device on the writing support can be determined. The principles and associated algorithms for determining the position and / or tracking of magnetic objects using multiple magnetometers are known in the prior art (e.g., in US 2013 / 249784 A1 or US 2020 / 116524 A1).

[0004] Determining and / or tracking the position of a user-carried device using multiple magnetometers may require defining an interactive surface on which the user-carried device can operate, or determining the position of the user-carried device relative to the interactive surface. The user-carried device may operate directly on the interactive surface or at a distance from the interactive surface (e.g., in the air). In known devices, manufacturing tolerances may exist (e.g., manufacturing inaccuracies in the arrangement of multiple magnetometers), and / or the interactive surface may not always be known or precisely defined relative to the multiple magnetometers and / or relative to the user-carried device. In some examples, for instance, when the user-carried device operates on a surface different from the surface of the device that includes multiple magnetometers (i.e., the interactive surface), the multiple magnetometers may be tilted relative to the interactive surface in an unknown manner (and vice versa). In other examples, the interactive surface and its position (i.e., the interactive surface position) (including positioning and / or orientation relative to the multiple magnetometers and / or relative to the user-carried device) may be arbitrarily changed by the user (e.g., the user-carried device may operate on a book used as the interactive surface, then on a table, etc.). In some known applications, the position of the interactive surface may be assumed or approximated in some way. However, this can lead to inaccurate or unknown positions of the interactive surface relative to multiple magnetometers and / or relative to the user-carried device, which may negatively impact the user experience due to inaccurate and unreliable tracking and / or position determination of the user-carried device. Furthermore, the applicability of tracking and / or position determination of the user-carried device may be limited to very specific implementations and arrangements of the user-carried device relative to multiple magnetometers.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a user-carrying device operable on an interactive surface, a system for determining manipulation of the user-carrying device, and a method for determining manipulation of the user-carrying device, the device, system, and method achieving tracking and / or position determination of the user-carrying device manipulated within a sensing volume with improved accuracy and reliability, and more specifically achieving accurate and reliable determination of the interactive surface. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure relates to a user-portable device operable on an interactive surface as claimed in claim 1, a system for determining manipulation of a user-portable device as claimed in claim 13, and a computer-implemented method for determining manipulation of a user-portable device as claimed in claim 12. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a computer program configured to perform a computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 15, and a computer-readable medium or signal storing a computer program as claimed in claim 16. The dependent claims depict embodiments of this disclosure.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a user-portable device operable on an interactive surface includes: a housing; a magnetic object coupled to the housing; and at least one contact actuation feature movably coupled to the housing. The at least one contact actuation feature is configured to interact with the magnetic object such that actuation of the at least one contact actuation feature causes a transition of the magnetic object from a first state to a second state. This transition from the first state to the second state indicates a contact event between the user-portable device and the interactive surface. The transition can be detected by a plurality of magnetometers and can be associated with a contact event between the user-portable device and the interactive surface. "Transition" means that the magnetic object provides a change from the first state to the second state, which is detectable by the plurality of magnetometers. Therefore, the interactive surface, more specifically, the location of the interactive surface, can be defined accurately and / or reliably. More specifically, based on actuation of the at least one contact actuation feature, the transition from the first state to the second state can be detected and a contact event can be determined, which can then be used to accurately derive the location of the interactive surface. This can lead to improved determination (more specifically, with improved accuracy and reliability) of the position and / or tracking of the user-carried device relative to the interaction surface and / or multiple magnetometers. This is possible even when the interaction surface and its position are initially unknown, and / or when the user operates the user-carried device on different interaction surfaces or in the air (i.e., without physical contact with the interaction surface). Furthermore, electronic components (e.g., electronic sensors) in the user-carried device for actively providing data to determine the position of the interaction surface can be avoided. Therefore, the user-carried device can be configured to be electronically passive and / or electrically passive. This can result in lower cost and lower complexity for the user-carried device. Additionally, additional functionality can be integrated into the user-carried device, and the application areas of the user-carried device can be expanded. At least one triggering event (as associated with the additional functionality), which will be described in detail below, can be controlled by the user-carried device in an improved manner, as the at least one triggering event can be coupled to a detectable change in the magnetic object. Contact events and / or at least one triggering event can be initiated by user manipulation of the user-carried device within a sensing volume. Contact events can be initiated by contact between a user-carried device (more specifically, at least one contact manipulation feature) and an interactive surface and within a sensing volume. Contact events and / or at least one triggering event can cause action and / or be used to control action within a digital environment (i.e., an environment controlled by a computer or a network of computers) (more specifically, a virtual environment). Contact events can realize user input or physical contact between at least one contact manipulation feature and the interactive surface, which can be used for precise definition of the interactive surface (location).It should be noted that, in this disclosure, a magnetic object should be interpreted as at least one magnetic object, and a contact event should be interpreted as at least one contact event.

[0008] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a system for determining manipulation of a user-carried device includes the user-carried device according to a first aspect of this disclosure and a plurality of magnetometers. The plurality of magnetometers are configured to create a sensing volume and are configured to measure a magnetic field created by the magnetic object. The system is configured to detect a transition of the magnetic object from a first state to a second state. The system is configured to determine a contact event between the user-carried device and the interaction surface based on the detected transition. The effects and advantages described above can be similarly applied to this system. The transition can indicate a contact event, which can be detected and determined by the system. The system can use the determined contact event to derive a definition of the interaction surface position with improved accuracy and reliability. Therefore, the system can determine the position and / or tracking of the user-carried device relative to the interaction surface with improved accuracy and reliability. Such a system can allow the tracking and / or position determination of a user-carried device (more specifically, an electronic user-carried device and / or a remotely controlled user-carried device) with a magnetic object in at least five degrees of freedom.

[0009] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for determining manipulation of a user-portable device includes obtaining a magnetic field measurement associated with a magnetic field created by a magnetic object coupled to the housing of the user-portable device according to a first aspect of this disclosure and measured by a plurality of magnetometers. The method further includes detecting a transition of the magnetic object from a first state to a second state. The method further includes determining a contact event between the user-portable device and the interaction surface based on the detected transition. The effects and advantages of the system and user-portable device described above can be similarly applied to this method. The method for determining manipulation of a user-portable device can be a computer-implemented method. Further aspects of this disclosure relate to a system further configured to perform the computer-implemented method, to a computer program configured to perform the computer-implemented method, and / or a computer-readable medium or signal storing the computer program. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Other features will become clear from the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain this disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals in the different figures indicate similar or analogous features.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a user-portable device and a system for determining manipulation of the user-portable device according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2Aand Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the first implementation scheme where the user carries the device;

[0013] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of a second implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of a third implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of the fourth implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the sixth implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0017] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a schematic diagram of the seventh implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0018] Figure 7C and Figure 7D This is a schematic diagram of the eighth implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0019] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the ninth implementation scheme for user-carried devices;

[0020] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of the tenth embodiment of the user-carried device, wherein the user-carried device may be a writing device;

[0021] Figure 10A and Figure 10B These are top views and schematic front views of a user-carrying device according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0022] Figures 11A to 13B are schematic diagrams of a user-carrying device according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the user-carrying device including at least one magnetic object capable of rotating and / or translating relative to the housing;

[0023] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of multiple magnetometers relative to the interactive support components;

[0024] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram of a user-carried device according to various aspects of this disclosure, wherein the user-carried device translates on an interactive surface;

[0025] Figure 16This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for determining manipulation of a user-carried device according to various aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] An embodiment of a user-carrying device operable on an interactive surface, and a system and method for determining manipulation of the user-carrying device by the user, will be described with reference to the following figures.

[0027] Figure 1A system 10 for determining manipulation of a user-portable device 100 is schematically illustrated. System 10 includes a user-portable device 100 operable on an interaction surface 210 according to a first aspect of this disclosure. The user-portable device 100 includes a housing 101, a magnetic object 110 coupled to the housing 101, and at least one contact actuation feature 170 movably coupled to the housing 101. The at least one contact actuation feature 170 is configured to interact with the magnetic object 110 such that actuation of the at least one contact actuation feature 170 causes a transition of the magnetic object 110 from a first state to a second state. The transition from the first state to the second state indicates a contact event between the user-portable device 100 and the interaction surface 210. Determining (and / or tracking) the position of the user-portable device 100 using a plurality of magnetometers 300 requires the definition of the interaction surface 210 on which the user-portable device 100 can be operated, or on which the position of the user-portable device relative to the interaction surface can be determined. The transition can be detected by multiple magnetometers 300 and can be linked to a contact event between the user-carried device 100 and the interaction surface 210. A “transition” means that the magnetic object 110 provides a change from a first state to a second state, which can be detected by the multiple magnetometers. Therefore, the interaction surface 210, more specifically, the interaction surface position, can be defined accurately and / or reliably. More specifically, based on the actuation of at least one contact manipulation feature 170, the transition from the first state to the second state can be detected and a contact event can be determined, which can then be applied to accurately derive the interaction surface position. This can lead to improved determination (more specifically, with improved accuracy and reliability) of the position and / or tracking of the user-carried device 100 relative to the interaction surface 210 and / or the multiple magnetometers 300. This is also possible when the interaction surface 210 and its position are initially unknown, and / or when the user operates the user-carried device 100 on a different interaction surface or in the air (i.e., without physical contact with the interaction surface). Furthermore, electronic components (e.g., electronic sensors) for actively providing data to determine the position of the interaction surface 210 in the user-carried device 100 can be avoided. Therefore, the user-carried device 100 can be configured to be electronically passive and / or electrically inactive. This can result in lower cost and lower complexity for the user-carried device. Additionally, additional functions can be integrated into the user-carried device 100, and the application areas of the user-carried device 100 can be expanded. At least one triggering event (as described in detail below, associated with the additional functions) can be controlled by the user-carried device 100 in an improved manner, as the at least one triggering event can be coupled to a detectable change in the magnetic object 100. Contact events and / or at least one triggering event can be initiated by user manipulation of the user-carried device 100 within a sensing volume.Contact events can be initiated by contact between a user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, at least one contact manipulation feature 170) and the interaction surface 210 and within the sensing volume. Contact events and / or at least one trigger event can cause action and / or be used to control action in a digital environment (i.e., an environment controlled by a computer or a network of computers) (more specifically, a virtual environment). Contact events can realize user input or physical contact between at least one contact manipulation feature 170 and the interaction surface 210, which can be used for precise definition of the interaction surface (position). It should be noted that, in this disclosure, magnetic object 110 should be interpreted as at least one magnetic object, and contact events should be interpreted as at least one contact event.

[0028] User-portable device 100 may be electrically passive and / or electronically passive. More specifically, electrically passive means that user-portable device 100 may not include a power source (e.g., a battery) for powering the features of user-portable device 100 (e.g., electronic features) and / or a means for receiving power (e.g., wireless power transmission via an induction coil). Electronically passive means that no calculation or processing occurs on user-portable device 100.

[0029] The term "magnetic object" can refer to an object that may include components made of a magnetic material (i.e., a material having magnetic properties measurable by a plurality of magnetometers 300). The user-carrying device 100 and / or the magnetic object 210 may be movable, i.e., freely movable within the reference coordinate system XYZ as described below. In other words, during user operation (i.e., operation of the user-carrying device 100 and / or the magnetic object 110 by the user), 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.

[0030] The magnetic object 110 described herein can be at least one magnetic object 110. In other words, the user-carried device 100 may include an additional magnetic object. However, the embodiments described herein with respect to the magnetic object 110 are also applicable to additional magnetic objects. The magnetic object 110 may be a permanent magnet. In embodiments, the magnetic object 110 may be configured to generate a non-zero magnetic field. It may include paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials. In embodiments, the magnetic object 110 may include ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials. The magnetic object 110 may be configured to create or generate a symmetrical magnetic field 115, more specifically, wherein the magnetic field 115 may be rotationally symmetric. Thus, rotation of the magnetic object 110 may be detectable about a first rotation axis 112 and a second rotation axis 114 of the magnetic object 110. However, rotation about a third rotation axis (perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes) may not be detectable because the magnetic field 115 may be rotationally symmetric. In this case, the magnetic object 110 may be axially magnetized. However, in some embodiments, the magnetic object 110 may include a magnetization axis oriented relative to the magnetic object 110, such that rotation of the magnetic field 115 can be detected about a first rotation axis 112, a second rotation axis 114, and a third rotation axis 116 of the magnetic object 110. In this case, the magnetic object 110 can be configured to create or generate an asymmetric magnetic field; more specifically, the magnetic field may be non-rotationally symmetric. This may be the case for a magnetic object 110 that is magnetized in width or thickness.

[0031] refer to Figures 1 to 1 Page 3B illustrates various embodiments of the user-portable device 100. The user-portable device 100 may be a computer mouse, keyboard, toy, stylus, or dial. The user-portable device 100 may be operable on an interactive surface 210. (See reference...) Figure 15 This illustrates the movement of a user-carrying device 100 on an interaction surface 10. The user-carrying device 100 may be movable along a first device axis x. d and / or the second device axis y d The device translates on the interaction surface 210. In this embodiment, the user-carrying device 100 may be a computer mouse. During user operation, the user-carrying device 100 can move from a position x on the interaction surface 210. d1 y d1 Move to location dx d1 dy d1 System 10 can be configured to track the movement based on determining the location of the user's carried device.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 The user-carried device 100 (more specifically, housing 101) may include a device coordinate system. The device coordinate system may include a first device axis x. d, and the axis x of the first device d The orthogonal second equipment axis y d and the vertical equipment axis z d Vertical equipment axis z d It may be orthogonal to the equipment contact surface or equipment contact point 130 and / or orthogonal to the first equipment axis x. d Second equipment axis y d The plane defined by the device contact surface or device contact point 130 may be a portion of the user-carrying device 100 that can contact the interaction surface 210 (i.e., in some embodiments, the surface on which the user-carrying device 100 can operate) during user operation. For example... Figure 1 In the example shown, the user-carrying device 100 may be a computer mouse, and may include a contact surface 130 when in contact with the interaction surface 210. In other examples (see, for example...), Figure 9A and Figure 9B In this context, the user-carrying device 100 may include contact point 130 (e.g., a stylus or other writing device including a writing tip having a pen tip that contacts the interaction surface 210 during writing operations). In other examples, the user-carrying device 100 may operate within the sensing volume M but not on the interaction surface 210 (i.e., in the air). In this case, the user-carrying device 100 may function as, for example, a pointer. In some embodiments, the device coordinate system may be defined within the geometric center of the user-carrying device 100. Figure 1 As indicated, the interactive surface 210 may include a first surface axis x s Second surface axis y s and vertical surface axis z s More specifically, these axes can be orthogonal to each other. The first surface axis x... s Second surface axis y s It can be confined to the interacting surface 210.

[0033] Contact manipulation feature

[0034] Figures 2A to 9B Various embodiments of the user-carrying device 100 are based on various aspects of this disclosure. In these embodiments, the magnetic object 110 transitions from a first state to a second state in different ways (more specifically, by providing at least one contact manipulation feature 170 relative to the housing 101 and / or a different arrangement relative to the magnetic object 110).

[0035] At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be arranged to be rotatable and / or translateable relative to housing 101. In a first state, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be in a default position. For example, Figure 2AThe default position of at least one contact actuation feature 170 is shown. In some embodiments, in the default position, at least one actuation feature 170 may be at least partially disposed within housing 101. In the default position, a major portion of at least one actuation feature 170 may be disposed within housing 101. In the default position, at least a portion of at least one actuation feature 170 may be disposed outside housing 101, for example, as... Figure 2A and Figure 4A As shown, the projection extends a distance l from the outer surface of the housing 101 and / or extends beyond the outer surface of the housing 101.

[0036] In the second state, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be in a contact position. The contact position may be, for example, as... Figure 2B The default positions shown are different. More specifically, each of the default and contact positions may include a corresponding positioning and / or orientation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 relative to housing 101. Actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 may cause at least one contact actuation feature 170 to move from the default position to the contact position. In the default position, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may protrude further from housing 101 (and beyond the outer surface of the housing) compared to the contact position. In some embodiments, in the contact position, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be substantially flush with the outer surface of housing 101. In a first state, at least one contact actuation feature 170 and / or device contact surface 130 may be away from interaction surface 210. Therefore, the first state may instruct the user to carry device 100 away from interaction surface 210. In a second state, at least one contact actuation feature 170 and / or device contact surface 130 may be in contact with interaction surface 210. Therefore, the second state may instruct the user to carry device 100 in contact with interaction surface 210. In other words, in the default position, at least one contact manipulation feature 170 and / or device contact surface or device contact point 130 may be located away from the interaction surface 210. In the contact position, at least one contact manipulation feature 170 and / or device contact surface or device contact point 130 may be in contact with the interaction surface 210.

[0037] As mentioned above, housing 101 may include an outer surface. A portion of the outer surface may be a device contact surface 130. Housing 101 may include an opening 102 located in the outer surface, through which at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be movable. In a first state, at least one actuation feature 170 may at least partially protrude through the opening 102 and protrude from housing 101. In some embodiments, opening 102 may be provided in the device contact surface 130. In embodiments, opening 102 may be provided in a surface other than the device contact surface (e.g., a side surface or top surface of housing 101). As will be described in detail below, user-carrying device 100 may include a click actuation feature 150 and / or a scroll actuation feature 140 (see, for example...). Figure 1 The device contact surface 130 may be a surface that comes into contact with the interaction surface 210 when the user-carrying device 100 operates on the interaction surface 210. Click-to-operate features 140 and / or scroll-to-operate features 150 may be located on the outer surfaces of the user-carrying device 100 that are not in contact with the interaction surface (i.e., the device contact surface 130). It should be noted that a user may accidentally place the user-carrying device 100 upside down on the interaction surface 210. However, the device contact surface 130 may be a surface configured to provide the user-carrying device 100 with what is likely the most stable and secure support on the interaction surface 210. The device contact surface 130 may be a surface defining a plane substantially parallel to the interaction surface 210.

[0038] Actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 can be provided by applying a force to at least one contact actuation feature 170. In some embodiments, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be actuable by user U, such as Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown. Therefore, a change can be caused by actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 by user U. In this embodiment, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be arranged relative to housing 101 such that at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be accessible to the user in a default position and / or contact position. At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be accessible at device contact surface 130, or may be accessible at an outer surface of housing 101 other than device contact surface 130. In some embodiments, at least one actuation feature 170 may include a button and / or switch arranged on an outer surface of housing 101 (e.g., on device contact surface 130, side surface and / or top surface of housing 101). In this embodiment, when a contact event with interaction surface 210 is to be indicated, the user may press or slide at least one contact actuation feature 170 (i.e., at least a portion accessible to the user) on user-carrying device 100. Therefore, a force may be applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170, thereby causing a change in magnetic object 110. More specifically, when a force is applied, at least one actuating feature 170 can be configured to rotate and / or translate into the housing 101. This can cause a shift in the magnetic object 110. This shift can indicate a contact event, which can then be detected by the plurality of magnetometers 300.

[0039] In some implementations, for example, Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 4A to 9BAs shown, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be arranged relative to housing 101 such that contact between housing 101 and / or at least one contact actuation feature 170 and interaction surface 210 may cause actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170, more specifically, actuation from a default position to a contact position. When at least one contact actuation feature 170 is physically in contact with interaction surface 210, a force may be applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170. This may then cause movement of at least one contact actuation feature 170 from a default position to a contact position. Furthermore, this may cause a change in the indication of a contact event by magnetic object 110, which may be detectable by a plurality of magnetometers 300. At least one actuation feature 170 may be configured to rotate and / or translate into housing 101 when in contact with interaction surface 210 (i.e., when a force is applied to at least one actuation feature 170). In a first state, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may protrude from housing 101 through opening 102 and beyond device contact surface 130. Specifically, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be disposed within housing 101, and in a first state, a portion of at least one contact actuation feature may protrude from housing 101. In the first state, at least one actuation feature 170 may be displaced from interaction surface 210. In a second state, more specifically, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may rotate and / or translate into housing 101 due to the force applied to it by contact with interaction surface 210. It should be noted that slight contact of at least one contact actuation feature 170 with interaction surface or slight actuation by user may only cause slight movement of at least one contact actuation feature 170. Due to interaction with magnetic object 110, slight movement of at least one contact actuation feature 170 may only cause slight transformation of magnetic object 110. System 10 may set a threshold for detected transformation to ensure that a contact event actually occurs. Possible thresholds will be described in detail below.

[0040] In some embodiments (not shown), the housing 101 may include a flexible portion that is elastically deformable when a force is applied to it. The flexible portion may protrude from an outer surface of the housing 101 (i.e., protrude away from the housing 101). In some embodiments, the flexible portion may be arranged on a device contact surface 130. (More specifically, entirely) at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be arranged within the housing. The flexible portion may be arranged relative to at least one contact actuation feature 170 such that a force applied to the flexible portion from outside the housing 101 may cause actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170. A force applied to the flexible portion may be provided by a user pressing the flexible portion or by contact between the housing 101 and / or the flexible portion and the interaction surface 210 (e.g., by physical contact with the interaction surface 210, or by actuation applied by the user to the flexible portion). In embodiments, the gravity acting on the user-carrying device 100 (i.e., based on the weight of the user-carrying device) and the physical contact with the interaction surface 210 may be sufficient to apply a force to the flexible portion. In the embodiments described above, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may indirectly contact the interaction surface 210 and / or the user. In the default position, the flexible portion may protrude from the outer surface of the housing 101. In the contact position, the flexible portion may deform toward the outer surface and protrude less from the outer surface compared to the default position. Due to the physical contact between the flexible portion and at least one contact actuation feature 170, movement of the flexible portion may be transmitted to at least one contact actuation feature 170. "Elastically deformable" means that the flexible portion may be able to return to its original shape in the default position (i.e., when no force is applied to the flexible portion). The flexible portion may be mechanically connected to at least one contact actuation feature 170.

[0041] Transmission equipment

[0042] User-carried device 100 may include a transmission device 160 operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170. Figures 1 to 9B An embodiment of the transmission device 160 is illustrated schematically.

[0043] The transmission device 160 can be configured to interact with the magnetic object 110 such that, when at least one actuating feature 170 is actuated, the magnetic object 110 can transition from a first state to a second state. For example, Figure 2AAs shown, the transmission device 160 may include at least one biasing mechanism 161. The biasing mechanism may be at least one first biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may be configured to push at least one actuation feature 170 to a default position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is not actuated. "Not actuated" means that no force is applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170 (e.g., due to physical contact between at least one actuation feature 170 and interaction surface 210 and / or due to force applied by user U to at least one actuation feature 170). In some embodiments, at least one biasing mechanism may include a spring element. In other embodiments, at least one biasing mechanism may be configured as a weight coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170 such that at least one contact actuation feature 170 can be pushed to a default position due to gravity acting on the weight. However, this is only possible when the weight and / or at least one contact actuation feature 170 is oriented toward the device contact surface 130 located below the user-carrying device 100.

[0044] like Figures 2A to 9B As shown, a magnetic object 110 or a magnetic field modifying element 164 (described in detail below) is operatively coupled to a transmission device 160. The transmission device 160 may be configured to transmit rotation and / or translation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 to the magnetic object 110 or to the modification element 164. In other words, rotation and / or translation of at least one actuation feature 170 may cause a predefined rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110 or the modification element 164. The transmission device 160 may include a gear transmission 160a and / or a lever transmission 160b. At least one biasing mechanism 161 as described above may be configured to push the magnetic object 110 to a first position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is moved away from the interaction surface 110. In some embodiments, the transmission device 160 may include at least one second biasing mechanism configured to push the magnetic object 110 to the first position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is moved away from the interaction surface 110. At least one biasing mechanism 161 or at least one third biasing mechanism may be configured to push the modifying element 164 to an exposed or covered position, however, this will be described in detail below.

[0045] In some implementation schemes (e.g., such as) Figures 2A to 3BAs shown, the lever drive 160b may include at least one lever member 162 rotatable about at least one drive rotation axis 118. In other words, at least one lever member 162 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 101. At least one lever member 162 may be coupled to a magnetic object 110 at a first end and to at least one contact actuation feature 170 at a second end. At least one lever member 162 may be fixedly or rotatably coupled to the magnetic object 110. In some embodiments, at least one lever member 162 may be rotatably and / or translationally coupled to the magnetic object 110. At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be fixedly or rotatably coupled to the lever member. In some embodiments, at least one lever member 162 may be rotatably and / or translationally coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170. The drive rotation axis 118 may be parallel to the first rotation axis 112 and / or the first device axis x. d In some embodiments, the drive rotation shaft 118 may be parallel to the second device shaft y. d At least one biasing mechanism 161, as described above, may be coupled to at least one lever member 162 and to the housing 101. Figures 2A to 3B In one embodiment, at least one lever member 162 is fixedly coupled to the magnetic object 110 and rotatably coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170. For example... Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, at least one lever member 162 may include a first lever member 162a and at least one second lever member 162b, the at least one second lever member being operatively coupled to the first lever member 162a. The first lever member 162a may be fixedly or rotatably coupled to the magnetic object 110. The first lever member 162a may be rotatably and / or translationally coupled to at least one second lever member 162b. At least one second lever member 162b may be fixedly or rotatably coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170.

[0046] refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figures 8A to 9BThe transmission device 160 may include a gear transmission 160a, which includes at least one gear 163, and at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be operatively coupled to a magnetic object 110 or a modification element 164 via the at least one gear. The at least one gear 118 may be rotatable about at least one transmission rotation axis 118. In some embodiments, the at least one gear 163 may be coupled to the magnetic object 110 such that rotation of the at least one gear 163 may cause rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110. For example, Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the magnetic object 110 can be fixedly coupled to at least one gear 163, such that rotation of the at least one gear 163 causes a corresponding rotation of the magnetic object 110. A first rotation axis 112 or a second rotation axis 114 of the magnetic object 110 can be parallel to at least one transmission rotation axis 118, or can be the same as at least one transmission rotation axis 118. Rotation of the at least one gear 163 causes rotation of the magnetic moment vector 120. The at least one transmission rotation axis 118 can be inclined toward or perpendicular to the magnetic moment vector 120.

[0047] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figures 8A to 9B As shown, the transmission device 160 may include a lever transmission 160b and a gear transmission 160a as described above. The lever transmission 160a (more specifically, at least one lever member 162) may include at least one actuating element 171 having one or more engagement features 172. The actuating element 171 may (more specifically, via at least one lever member 162) be coupled to at least one contact actuating feature 170. One or more engagement features 172 may be operatively coupled to a gear 163 such that translation (and / or rotation) of at least one contact actuating feature 170 and / or actuating element 171 may cause rotation of the gear 163. Figure 4B and Figure 8BAs indicated, the transmission device 160 may be configured such that when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is actuated, at least one gear 163 and / or magnetic object 110 may rotate by a gear rotation angle µ of 10° to 360°, more specifically 45° to 220°, and particularly 90° to 180°. In an embodiment, when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is actuated, at least one gear 163 and magnetic object 110 may rotate by a gear rotation angle µ of 10° to 360°, more specifically 45° to 220°, and particularly 90° to 180°. Therefore, the orientation of the magnetic object may change from a first state to a second state (i.e., the change may include a positional change, which will be described in detail below). This change may be associated with a contact event between a user-carried device and an interactive surface. Due to the gear rotation angle as defined above, this movement (i.e., rotation) of the magnetic object 110 can be distinguished from other rotations of the magnetic object (e.g., those resulting from normal user operations of the user-carrying device, such as tilting the user-carrying device 100 in the air or on the interaction surface 210). At least one gear 163 may include a first orientation in a first state and a second orientation in a second state, wherein at least one biasing mechanism 161 may be configured to push at least one gear 163 to the first orientation when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is moved away from the interaction surface 210.

[0048] exist Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 9A and Figure 9B In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission device 160 may include at least one gear 163, a first lever member 162a, at least one second lever member 162b, and at least one actuating element 171. The at least one actuating element 171 may include a first actuating element 171a having one or more first engagement features 172a and at least one second actuating element 172b having one or more second engagement features 172b. The first lever member 162a may be coupled to at least one contact actuating feature 170, and may be operatively coupled to at least one gear 163 via the first actuating element 171a due to the engagement of the first or more engagement features 172a with the gear 163. Of course, additional lever members as described above may be disposed between at least one contact actuating feature 170 and at least one gear 163. Due to the engagement of the second or more engagement features 172b with the gear 163, at least one second lever member 162a may be operatively coupled to at least one gear 163 via the second actuating element 172a. Therefore, at least one gear 163 can operatively couple the first lever member 162a to at least one second lever member 162b. Figure 7A and Figure 7BIn one embodiment, at least one second rod member 162b may be coupled to the modification element 164, more specifically, fixedly coupled. Figure 9A and Figure 9B In one embodiment, at least one second lever member 162b may be coupled to the magnetic object 110, more specifically, fixedly coupled. Thus, at least one contact actuation feature 170 is operatively coupled to the magnetic object 110 or the modification element 164, such that actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 causes translation of the magnetic object 110 or the modification element 164, more specifically, translation toward the interaction surface 210, particularly, translation toward the device contact surface or device contact point 130. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, at least one contact actuation feature 170 is operatively coupled to the magnetic object 110 or the modification element 164, such that actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 causes rotation of the magnetic object 110 or the modification element 164.

[0049] Transformation of magnetic objects

[0050] As mentioned above, Figures 1 to 9B Various embodiments of the user-portable device 100 according to aspects of this disclosure are illustrated. In these embodiments, the magnetic object 110 can transition from a first state to a second state in various ways. The possible transitions of the magnetic object 110 will be described in more detail below.

[0051] A magnetic object 110 can be configured to create a magnetic field. The transition of the magnetic object 110 from a first state to a second state can be detected based on magnetic field measurements using multiple magnetometers 300. The transition of the magnetic object 110 may include a change in position and / or a change in magnetic field. Reference will be made below. Figures 2A to 9B The corresponding implementation schemes for positional changes and / or magnetic field changes are explained in detail. In some implementations, the user-carried device 100 may be configured to control contact events detected by a plurality of magnetometers 300 based on changes caused by actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170.

[0052] In such Figures 2A to 5B and Figures 8A to 9BIn some embodiments shown, the transformation may include a change in position of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. Thus, the magnetic object 110 may be movably coupled to the housing 101. More specifically, the magnetic object 110 may be arranged to be able to rotate and / or translate relative to the housing 101. The magnetic object 110 may be disposed within the housing 101. At least one contact actuation feature 170 may (more specifically, via a transmission device 160) be mechanically coupled to the magnetic object 110. The change in position may include movement of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. The change in position may be predetermined and / or limited by the geometry (or mechanics) of the housing 101 and associated conditions. In other words, the change in position may be known or anticipated because it may be limited by the specific geometry and mechanics of the housing 101, and the change in position may not be misinterpreted by the system as another interaction. More specifically, movement may include rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. The change in position of the magnetic object 110 may include movement of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 from a first position to a second position. In detail, at least one contact actuation feature 170 may be mechanically coupled to the magnetic object 110 via a transmission device 160, such that actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 may cause translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 from a first position to a second position. In other words, actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 may cause a change in the position of the magnetic object 110. The position of the magnetic object 110 may include the positioning and / or orientation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. When at least one contact actuation feature 170 is actuated, the positioning and / or orientation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 may change. In a first state, the magnetic object 110 may be in a first position (see, for example...). Figure 2A In the second state, the magnetic object 110 can be in a second position (see example...). Figure 2B More specifically, the second position may differ from the first position. The change in position from the first to the second position may be defined by movement (more specifically, rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110). The first and second positions may each include a corresponding positioning and / or orientation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. The change in position and / or movement of the magnetic object 110 may indicate a contact event. More specifically, the change in position and / or movement may be detectable based on magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object 110 using a plurality of magnetometers 300. A contact event may be determined based on the detected change in position. More specifically, the system 10 may be configured to determine a contact event based on a detected transition (more specifically, based on the detected change in position and / or movement).

[0053] The movement of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 can be a predefined movement. The predefined movement may include a predefined translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. The predefined movement can indicate a contact event and can be detected by a plurality of magnetometers 300. In embodiments, the movement may include a movement trajectory, a movement speed range, and / or a movement time range. In embodiments, the movement may be associated with a movement trajectory (e.g., a predefined movement trajectory) provided by rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object (more specifically, from a first position to a second position). Actuation of at least one contact actuation feature can result in a specific movement trajectory, movement speed range, and / or movement time range. The movement of the magnetic object 110 can be predefined due to the mechanical coupling of the magnetic object 110 to the transmission device 160, the housing 101, and / or at least one contact actuation feature 170. For example, the movement trajectory, movement speed range, and / or movement time range can be linked to a contact event when at least one contact actuation feature 170 contacts the interaction surface 210 or is actuated by a user. A contact event can be determined by detecting the movement trajectory, movement speed range, and / or movement time range using multiple magnetometers. The movement trajectory can be defined by a combination of rotation and translation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. The combined translation and rotation can define the movement trajectory during the transition and can indicate a contact event. The movement trajectory can be associated with a first direction indicating a "contact start" event (i.e., where the user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, at least one contact manipulation feature 170) can contact the interaction surface 210). The movement trajectory can be associated with a second direction opposite to the first direction indicating a "contact end" event (i.e., where the user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, at least one contact manipulation feature 170) can move away from the interaction surface 210). It should be noted that the movement of the magnetic object (e.g., the movement trajectory) can be limited by mechanical constraints and / or the shape of the housing 101 in which the magnetic object 110 can be arranged. The magnetic object 110 may be disposed within the housing 101 such that the movement (e.g., trajectory) of the magnetic object 110 due to actuation of at least one contact manipulation feature 170 can be clearly distinguished, for example, from the movement of the magnetic object caused by actuation of click manipulation feature 150 and / or scroll manipulation feature 140 (which will be described in detail below). In some embodiments, the distance between the first position and the second position may be at least 2 mm. In embodiments, the movement time range may be at least 2 ms.

[0054] For example, refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2BDuring the transition from the first position to the second position, the magnetic object 110 may translate and / or rotate toward the device contact surface 130. More specifically, when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is actuated, the magnetic object 110 may rotate about at least one drive rotation axis 118 and translate toward the device contact surface 130 from the first position to the second position. In this case, in the second position, the magnetic object 110 is closer to the interaction surface 210 than in the first position. In some embodiments, multiple magnetometers may be arranged below the interaction surface 210, and the strength of the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110 may be observed to be stronger in the second position than in the first position—this can indicate a contact event. Figures 2A to 3B As indicated and mentioned above, the magnetic object 110 may define a magnetic moment vector 120, which may be associated with a magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110. In the first position, the magnetic moment vector 120 may be aligned with the vertical device axis z. d A first angle β1 is defined between them. In the second position, the magnetic moment vector 120 is perpendicular to the vertical device axis z. d A second angle β2 is defined between them. The second angle β2 may be greater than the first angle β1. In other words, due to the contact between at least one contact actuation feature 170 and the interaction surface 210, the force applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170 can be transmitted to the transmission device 160, which can then rotate and / or translate the magnetic object 110 from the first position to the second position. Vertical device axis z d It can be orthogonal to the device contact surface 130. During the transition, the orientation of the magnetic object (i.e., defined by the first angle β1 and the second angle β2) can be changed relative to and / or within the housing 110. In some embodiments ( Figures 2A to 3B In the first position (not shown), the magnetic moment vector 120 can be substantially perpendicular to the vertical device axis z. d In some implementation schemes ( Figures 2A to 3B In the second state (not shown), the magnetic moment vector 120 can be substantially parallel to the vertical device axis z. d .

[0055] Re-reference Figures 2A to 3BIn a first position, a first distance z1 may be defined between the center of the magnetic object 110 and the device contact surface 130. In a second position, a second distance z2 may be defined between the center of the magnetic object 110 and the device contact surface 130. The second distance z2 may be less than the first distance z1. The center may be a geometric center. This center may be known due to the mechanical arrangement of the magnetic object 110 within the housing 101 and / or due to the shape of the magnetic object 110. In some embodiments, the center of the magnetic object 110 may be the center of gravity of the magnetic object 110. The center of the magnetic object 110 may be determined based on magnetic field measurements using multiple magnetometers. Figures 2A to 3B As shown, it can be parallel to the vertical equipment axis z. d A first distance z1 and a second distance z2 are measured. In other words, in the second state, the magnetic object 110 can move closer to the interaction surface 210 due to the rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110 toward the device contact surface 130. During the transition, the positioning of at least one magnetic object 110 can be changed within the housing 101.

[0056] As described above, the magnetic object 110 can be configured to create or generate a magnetic field 115. In such cases... Figures 5A to 7DIn some of the indicated embodiments, the transition may include a change in the magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 that can be detected based on magnetic field measurements using multiple magnetometers 300. The change in magnetic field may be detectable using multiple magnetometers 300 outside the user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, housing 101). "Outside the user-carrying device 100" means the environment of the user-carrying device 100. However, it is unnecessary for the change in magnetic field to be detectable all around the user-carrying device 100. Rather, the change in magnetic field is detectable at least at one location (e.g., a spatial angular range) outside the user-carrying device 100 (particularly outside the housing 101). The change in the magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 may indicate a contact event. A contact event may be determined based on a detectable change in magnetic field (more specifically, outside the housing 101). It should be noted that the magnetic properties of the magnetic object 110 may not change due to the transition. However, during the transition, the observed and obtained magnetic field measured by the magnetometers may change. The change in magnetic field can also be described by a magnetic object signature that the magnetic object 110 may have in the first and second states and that may change during the transition. The magnetic signature of the magnetic object 110 may have unique properties that make it possible to distinguish the magnetic object 110 from other magnetic objects and to differentiate between the first magnetic signature in the first state and the second magnetic signature in the second state. The first and second magnetic signatures and the transition of the magnetic signatures may be detectable externally to the housing 101 using multiple magnetometers 300. Each magnetic signature may include a set of vectors describing the magnetic object vector field of the magnetic object 110 in the first and second states. As mentioned above, the magnetic field 115 may include magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape. The transition may include a change in magnetic field strength and / or a change in magnetic field shape. The magnetic object 110 may include a magnetic object torque vector 120 and / or a magnetic object positioning vector associated with the magnetic field 115. In other words, the magnetic object 110 may be modeled as a magnetic dipole defined by the magnetic object torque vector 120 and / or the magnetic object positioning vector. The magnetic object torque vector 120 and / or magnetic object positioning vector can be used to determine changes in the magnetic field. The magnetic object torque vector 120 can define the orientation and / or strength of the magnetic object, i.e., the magnetic field strength of the magnetic object 110. The magnetic object strength can be related to the magnetization of the magnetic object 110 and its volume. The magnetic field shape can indicate the 3D shape of the magnetic field associated with the magnetic object 110. Changes in magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape can occur due to another object being brought near (or away from) the magnetic object 110. Another object can influence (i.e., change) the magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape of the magnetic object 110.The magnetic field pattern can be defined by the magnetic object feature map and the magnetic object vector field as described above, and this magnetic field pattern can be detected by multiple magnetometers. During the transition (i.e., the magnetic field changes), the magnetic object vector field can change, which can be detected (more specifically, outside the housing 101) by multiple magnetometers 300.

[0057] refer to Figures 5A to 7D In a first state, the magnetic object 110 may include a first magnetic field. In a second state, the magnetic object 110 may include a second magnetic field. The second magnetic field may be different from the first magnetic field. The first magnetic field may be magnetic field 115 in the first state, and the second magnetic field may be magnetic field 115 in the second state. The first magnetic field may be magnetic field 115 at a first time point t1. The second magnetic field may be the (same) magnetic field 115 at a second time point t2, where t2>t1. The first magnetic field measured by multiple magnetometers at t1 may be different from the second magnetic field measured by multiple magnetometers at t2>t1. In other words, in the first state, the magnetic object may have a first magnetic object vector field detectable by multiple magnetometers, and in the second state, the magnetic object may have a second magnetic object vector field detectable by multiple magnetometers. The transition may include a change in the magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 from the first magnetic field to the second magnetic field. More specifically, the first magnetic field may include a first magnetic field strength and / or a first magnetic field shape. The second magnetic field may include a second magnetic field strength and / or a second magnetic field shape. The strength of the second magnetic field may be greater than or less than the strength of the first magnetic field, and / or the shape of the second magnetic field may be different from that of the first magnetic field (i.e., the vector field of the magnetic object may be different).

[0058] Transformations, including changes in the magnetic field, can be provided in several ways. (See reference...) Figures 5A to 7D , Figure 9A and Figure 9BSome implementation schemes are described. User-carried device 100 may include a magnetic field modification element 164 configured to magnetically interact with a magnetic object 110 (more specifically, with the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110). "Magnetically interacting" means that the magnetic field modification element 164 can (more specifically, depending on the position of the magnetic field modification element 164 relative to the magnetic object 110) influence (or have an influence on) the magnetic field 115 created by the magnetic object 110. The magnetic field modification element 164 can influence the magnetic object vector field (and its orientation) measured by a plurality of magnetometers. Therefore, the modification element 164 can be configured to change the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110 according to the position of the modification element 164 relative to the magnetic object 110. In one implementation, one of the magnetic object 110 and the modification element 164 is operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170 and is configured to change the position of the magnetic object and the modification element relative to the corresponding other of the magnetic object 110 and the modification element 164 when the at least one actuation feature 170 is actuated. The magnetic object 110 may be movable relative to the modification element 164. At least one of the magnetic object 110 and the modification element 164 may be movable relative to the housing 101. In some embodiments, each of the magnetic object 110 and the modification element 164 may be movable relative to the housing 101. Each of the modification element 164 and the magnetic object 110 may be disposed within the housing 101.

[0059] In such Figure 5A and Figure 5B In some embodiments shown, the modification element 164 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 101, and the magnetic object 110 may be movably coupled to the housing 101. The magnetic object 110 is operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation device 170. In this case, the magnetic object 110 may (more specifically, via a transmission device 160) be mechanically coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170. The transmission device 160 may be fixedly coupled to the magnetic object 110 and / or at least one contact actuation feature 170.

[0060] In such Figure 6A and Figure 6B In some embodiments shown, the modification element 164 may be movably coupled to the housing 101, and the magnetic object 110 may be fixedly coupled to the housing 101. The modification element 164 is operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation device 170. In this case, the modification element 164 may (more specifically, via a transmission device 160) be mechanically coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170. The transmission device 160 may be fixedly coupled to the modification element 164 and / or at least one contact actuation feature 170.

[0061] In such Figures 7A to 8B In some embodiments shown, the modification element 164 and the magnetic object 110 may be movably coupled to the housing 101. The modification element 164 is operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation device 170. In this case, the modification element 164 may (more specifically, via the transmission device 160 as described above) be mechanically coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170.

[0062] Modifying element 164 can be configured to enhance or attenuate the magnetic field created by magnetic object 110. In some embodiments, modifying element 164 can be configured to create (or generate) an additional magnetic field that can be detected by multiple magnetometers 300 outside the user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, housing 101), as will be described in more detail below. In some embodiments, modifying element 164 may include a magnetic material. The magnetic material may be paramagnetic, diamagnetic, or ferromagnetic. Ferromagnetic materials can be magnetized by an external magnetic field. When a ferromagnetic material is placed in a magnetic field, regions of the ferromagnetic material can align themselves with that magnetic field. The magnetization process can locally interfere with the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field 115 created by magnetic object 110. The ferromagnetic material of modifying element 164 can itself be a magnet and can locally interfere with the magnetic field 115 created by magnetic object 110. The magnetic field 115 applied to the ferromagnetic material can cause the ferromagnetic material to be magnetized. However, this may only occur if the magnetic field is strong enough (i.e., when the magnetic object 110 that creates the magnetic field and the ferromagnetic material are close to each other). As the magnetic object 110 that generates the magnetic field and the ferromagnetic material move away from each other, the ferromagnetic material can return to a neutral magnetic state. Any residual magnetization of the ferromagnetic material can be negligible. Therefore, when the modifying element 164, which includes ferromagnetic material, and the magnetic object 110 are close to each other, the modifying element 164 can create (or generate) an additional magnetic field due to magnetization. The additional magnetic field can affect the magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 (more specifically, affect the magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape), which can be detected by multiple magnetometers 300. Ferromagnetic materials that are easily magnetized but can also easily demagnetize can be used, such as soft magnetic materials. These soft magnetic materials include, for example, soft iron and various alloys such as Mu-Metal. Diamagnetic materials can be weakly magnetized in a direction opposite to the direction of the induced magnetic field (i.e., the magnetic field 115 created by the magnetic object 110). A diamagnetic material can locally attenuate the magnetic field 115 created by a magnetic object 110 when brought near the magnetic object 110, which can be detected based on magnetic field measurements using multiple magnetometers 300. A paramagnetic material can be weakly magnetized in the direction of the induced magnetic field (i.e., the magnetic field 115 created by the magnetic object 110). A paramagnetic material can locally enhance the magnetic field 115 created by a magnetic object 110 when brought near the magnetic object 110, which can be detected based on magnetic field measurements using multiple magnetometers 300.

[0063] In such Figures 5A to 7D In some embodiments shown, the modifying element 164 may include a shielding element configured (more specifically, depending on the position of the shielding element relative to the magnetic object 110) to at least partially shield the magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 from the environment outside the housing 101. The shielding element can be used to modify the magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape of the magnetic object. In embodiments, the magnetic field strength created by the magnetic object 110 may be attenuated or enhanced. In other words, the strength of the magnetic field of the magnetic object 110, as detected by the plurality of magnetometers 300, may be attenuated or enhanced. In some embodiments, the magnetic field may be deformable, for example, such that the magnetic field is no longer symmetrical.

[0064] In one embodiment, the shielding element 164 may be a sleeve configured to at least partially receive the magnetic object 110. The sleeve may be configured to at least partially cover the magnetic object 110. Figure 5A and Figure 7A In some embodiments shown, in a first state, the magnetic object 110 may be in a covered position, wherein the magnetic object 110 is at least partially covered by the shielding element 164 relative to the environment of the housing 101. In such... Figure 5B and Figure 7BIn the second state shown, the magnetic object 110 may be in an exposed position, wherein the magnetic object 110 is exposed relative to the environment of the housing 101. In other words, in the second state, the magnetic object 110 may be (completely) exposed to the environment of the housing 101 and / or not covered by the shielding element 164. "Covered" means that the magnetic object 110 may be at least partially surrounded by the shielding element 164, and / or the shielding element may shield the surface of the magnetic object relative to the environment. In some embodiments, the covered position may be a first position, and the exposed position may be a second position. In some embodiments, in the covered position, at least a major portion of the magnetic object 110 along its length and / or its circumference may be surrounded or shielded by the shielding element. At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be coupled to one of the magnetic object 110 and the shielding element 164 via a transmission device 160, such that actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 may cause translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 from the covered position to the exposed position. The magnetic object 110 may be configured to create a first magnetic field in the covered position. The magnetic object 110 can be configured to create a second magnetic field in the exposed position. The magnetic object 110 can be in a covered position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is away from the interaction surface 210. The magnetic object 110 can be in an exposed position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 and / or the device contact surface 130 is in contact with the interaction surface 210. Of course, in some embodiments, at least one contact actuation feature 170 can be actuated by a user instead of by contacting the interaction surface 210. Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the transmission device 160 may include at least one biasing mechanism 161, which may be configured to push the magnetic object 110 and / or the shielding element 164 to a covered position when at least one actuating feature 170 is away from the interaction surface 110 or not actuated by the user U.

[0065] In such Figure 6A and Figure 7C In some of the embodiments shown, the features described above may also apply—however, the covered and exposed positions may be reversed relative to the first and second states. In the first state, the magnetic object 110 may be in an exposed position, wherein the magnetic object 110 may be exposed relative to the environment of the housing 101. Figure 6B and Figure 7DIn the second state shown, the magnetic object 110 may be in a covered position, wherein the magnetic object 110 may be at least partially covered by the shielding element 164 relative to the environment of the housing 101. In other words, in the first state, the magnetic object 110 may be (completely) exposed to the environment of the housing 101 and / or not covered by the shielding element 164. At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be coupled to one of the magnetic object 110 and the shielding element 164 via a transmission device 160, such that actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 may cause translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 from an exposed position to a covered position. The magnetic object 110 may be in an exposed position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 is away from the interaction surface 210. The magnetic object 110 may be in a covered position when at least one contact actuation feature 170 and / or device contact surface 130 is in contact with the interaction surface 210. The transmission device 160 may include at least one biasing mechanism 161, which may be configured to push the magnetic object 110 and / or the shielding element 164 to an exposed position when at least one actuating feature 170 is away from the interaction surface 110 or not actuated by the user U.

[0066] In the implementation scheme, the first magnetic field configuration may be substantially symmetrical, more specifically rotationally symmetrical. The second magnetic field configuration may be asymmetrical. It should be noted that in some implementation schemes, the transformation may include both a change in position and a change in magnetic field, for example, as... Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A and Figure 9B As instructed.

[0067] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9BThis illustration shows an embodiment of a user-carrying device 100 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the user-carrying device 100 may be a writing device, more specifically a stylus or pen. In these embodiments, the housing 101 may be substantially cylindrical and may include a housing tip. The housing tip may include a pen tip configured to operate on an interaction surface 210. The pen tip may protrude through an opening 102 provided in the housing tip and may be movable relative to the housing 101. In this embodiment, the pen tip may be at least one contact actuation feature 170 or may be coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170 such that actuation of the pen tip (e.g., translation) may cause actuation of at least one contact actuation feature 170 (e.g., translation and / or rotation). At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be coupled to a magnetic object 110 via a transmission device 160 as described above. The pen tip may define a device contact surface or device contact point 130. Actuation of the pen tip (more specifically, translation of the pen tip into the housing 101 due to a force applied to the pen tip (e.g., through physical contact between the pen tip and the interaction surface 210) can cause the magnetic object 110 to translate toward the interaction surface 210, and more specifically, toward the device contact surface or device contact point 130. In a first state (i.e., in the default position), the pen tip can protrude a first protrusion distance l1 from the housing 101 (more specifically, through the opening 102). In a second state (i.e., in the contact position), the pen tip can protrude a second protrusion distance l2 from the housing 101 (more specifically, through the opening 102) that is less than the first protrusion distance l1. Therefore, from the first state to the second state, the pen tip can move from the default position to the contact position. Due to actuation of the pen tip, the magnetic object 110 can move from the first position to the second position, such as... Figure 9B As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. Therefore, the transformation may include a change in the position of the magnetic object 110. This change in position may be detectable by a plurality of magnetometers 300 and may indicate a contact event. In some embodiments, the modification element 164 may be provided and fixedly coupled to the pen tip (i.e., as shown in the diagram). Figure 9A and Figure 9BAt least one contact manipulation feature 170 is shown. The transition may also include a change in the magnetic field as described above, since the modifying element 164 can be configured to change the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110 based on the position of the modifying element 164 relative to the magnetic object 110. More specifically, in the first state and the default position of the pen tip, the distance between the modifying element 164 and the magnetic object 110 may be greater than in the second state. Therefore, the magnetic object 110 may have a first magnetic field in the first state and a second magnetic field in the second state. Due to the arrangement of the pen tip (more specifically, at least one contact manipulation feature 170) relative to the magnetic object 110, the position of the magnetic object relative to the device contact surface or device contact point 130 and the position of the modifying element 164 relative to the magnetic object 110 can be changed. This arrangement of the contact manipulation feature 170 relative to the magnetic object and provided via the transmission device 160 is applicable to all embodiments described herein. Therefore, the transition may include a change in position and a change in magnetic field, which may result in improved accuracy and reliability for detecting and determining contact events. Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, at least one biasing mechanism 161 may be coupled to the first lever member 161 and the housing 101, and may be configured to push the pen tip to a default position when the pen tip is away from the interaction surface 210.

[0068] As an adjunct or alternative to the described contact event, the transition from a first state to a second state may indicate a pressure event of the user carrying the device 100. The pressure event may indicate pressure applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170. The pressure event may be determined and / or analyzed based on the detected transition. In an example, the transition may be used to determine the magnitude of the pressure applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170 (e.g., over time). The pressure event may cause action and / or may be used to control action in a digital environment (more specifically, a virtual environment). The pressure event may enable user input or physical contact between at least one contact actuation feature 170 and interaction surface 210. In an example, the pressure event may be associated with the movement of a magnetic object 110 as described above. Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B The implementation scheme can determine pressure events based on the pressure applied to the pen tip (i.e., based on the contact between the pen tip and the interaction surface 210).

[0069] Click to manipulate the feature and / or scroll to manipulate the feature.

[0070] like Figure 1 , Figures 7A to 8B and Figures 10A to 1As indicated in 3B, the user-carrying device 100 may include at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 (150a, 150b). It should be noted that the embodiments described below are explained with respect to the magnetic object 110. However, additional magnetic objects may be provided, and at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 may be additionally or alternatively coupled to the additional magnetic object.

[0071] At least one click-to-operate feature 150 and / or at least one scroll-to-operate feature 140 may be movably coupled to housing 101 and actuated by user U. At least one scroll-to-operate feature 140 and / or at least one click-to-operate feature 150 may be translatable and / or rotatable relative to housing 101. A magnetic object 110 may be coupled to at least one scroll-to-operate feature 140 and / or at least one click-to-operate feature 150. More specifically, the magnetic object 110 is operatively (e.g., mechanically) coupled to at least one scroll-to-operate feature 140 and / or at least one click-to-operate feature 150. Translation and / or rotation of at least one scroll-to-operate feature 140 and / or at least one click-to-operate feature 150 relative to housing 101 may cause translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 relative to housing 101. At least one scroll-to-operate feature 140 and / or at least one click-to-operate feature 150 may be actuated by user U. In the initial state of the user-carrying device 100, at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 and / or magnetic object 110 may be in the initial position. In the actuated state of the user-carrying device 100, at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 and / or magnetic object 110 may be in the actuated position. In other words, the user-carrying device 100 may be in the initial state when at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 is not actuated by the user U. The user-carrying device 100 may be in the actuated state when at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 is actuated by the user U. More specifically, in the actuated state, at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 and / or magnetic object 110 may be in the actuated position, more specifically, wherein at least one scrolling control feature 140 and / or at least one click control feature 150 is actuated by the user U (or at this time). Actuation of at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or at least one roll-operated feature 140 can cause the magnetic object 110 to rotate and / or translate relative to the housing 101 from an initial position to an actuated position.

[0072] refer to Figure 10A , Figure 10BThe examples shown in Figures 11A, 12A, and 12B indicate that actuation of at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one click manipulation feature 150 can result in a movement about a second device axis y as described above. d The first rotation 180°. Depending on the actuation direction of at least one rolling actuation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking actuation feature 150, the first rotation angle α1 may have a positive or negative value. In an embodiment, referring to Figures 13A and 13B, actuation of at least one rolling actuation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking actuation feature 150 may result in a rotation about a first device axis x as described above. d The second rotation 190. Depending on the actuation direction of at least one rolling actuation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking actuation feature 150, the second rotation angle α2 may have a positive or negative value. Referring to FIG11B, actuation of at least one rolling actuation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking actuation feature 150 may cause the magnetic object 110 to rotate along the first device axis x. d Second equipment axis y d and / or vertical equipment axis z d The translation is 160 degrees. In the initial state of the user carrying the device 100, the orientation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 can be defined based on a set of tilt angles γ1, γ2, γ3. More specifically, this set of tilt angles γ1, γ2, γ3 can be measured between the magnetic moment vector 120 and the corresponding axes of the device coordinate system. In the example shown in Figures 12A and 12B, γ1 can be measured between the vertical device axis z. d Measurement is performed between the magnetic moment vector 120 and the vertical device axis z. In the initial state of the user-carrying device 100, the magnetic moment vector 120 is relative to the vertical device axis z. d Inclined angle γ1.

[0073] At least one biasing mechanism 161 as described above may be at least one first biasing mechanism. (See reference) Figure 10BThe user-carrying device 100 may include at least one third biasing mechanism 155. In some embodiments, at least one first biasing mechanism and at least one third biasing mechanism 155 may be the same biasing mechanism. At least one third biasing mechanism 155 may be configured to (more specifically, when at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150 is not actuated) push at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150 and / or magnetic object 110 from an actuated position to an initial position. More specifically, when the user actuates at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150 (e.g., applies force to them), at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150 and magnetic object 110 may move from the initial position to the actuated position. In this case, at least one third biasing mechanism 155 may be biased. When the user releases force on at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150, at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150 and the magnetic object 110 can be pushed from the actuated position to the initial position.

[0074] At least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one click manipulation feature 150 may be associated with at least one interactive trigger event. System 10 and / or electronic device 500 may be configured to determine the corresponding interactive trigger event based on the translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the user-carrying device 100 as described above, more specifically, caused by the translation and / or rotation of at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one click manipulation feature 150 operatively coupled to the magnetic object 110. Specifically, electronic device 500 and / or system 10 may be configured to determine the positioning and / or rotational deviation between the initial position and the actuation position. In other words, a specific translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 relative to at least one user-carrying device 100 may be detectable by system 10 (more specifically, by electronic device 500). Based on the detected specific translation and / or rotation, system 10 and / or electronic device 500 may be configured to convert that movement into at least one trigger event associated with that translation and / or rotation. In one example, system 10 and / or electronic device 500 may be coupled to (and / or include) a database. The database may include data that associates at least one interactive triggering event with a specific translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110 from an initial position to an actuated position. System 10 and / or electronic device 500 may be configured to transmit data to and / or receive data from the database. Figure 10BIn the embodiments shown in Figures 12A and 12B, a first rotation 180 may be associated with a first trigger event. In the embodiments shown in Figures 13A and 13B, a second rotation 190 may be associated with a second trigger event. The corresponding trigger event may be, for example, a click event, a scrolling event, a keyboard event (e.g., where the user-carrying device 100 may be or include a keyboard), and / or a selection event. In the case where multiple magnetic objects are provided, additional trigger events may be determined based on the rotation and / or translation of the magnetic objects relative to each other and may be detected by system 10 and / or electronic device 500. At least one interactive trigger event may be initiated by user manipulation of at least one user-carrying device 100 (more specifically at least one electrically passive user-carrying device and / or electronically passive user-carrying device 100) within the sensing volume M. At least one interactive trigger event may cause an action based on user input and / or may be used to control actions in a digital environment (i.e., an environment controlled by a computer or computer network) (e.g., a virtual environment). More specifically, at least one interactive trigger event may implement user input on at least one user-carrying device 100 as an action in a digital environment. For example, at least one user-carrying device 100 can be used with electronic device 500, which can be or may include, for example, a tablet computer, cellular phone, smartphone, laptop computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) kit, notebook, foldable smartphone, foldable tablet computer, electronic device case, and / or television. At least one interactive trigger event can cause action on electronic device 500 and / or can be used to control action on electronic device 500 based on user input on at least one user-carrying device 100.

[0075] As mentioned above, at least one interactive trigger event can be a scroll event and / or a click event. Scroll events and / or click events can be applied to a variety of different application areas. Scroll events can trigger scrolling actions in a digital environment (more specifically, a virtual environment) based on user input (e.g., "scroll up" and "scroll down" on a display). Scroll events can cause or provide control over the rotation and / or translation of virtual objects in the digital environment (more specifically, the virtual environment associated with user input). For example, scroll events can trigger scrolling actions, including scrolling of files or data, rotation or translation of virtual objects associated with the selection of options from multiple options. Scrolling actions can also include rotating a subject in the virtual environment and / or changing the viewpoint in the virtual environment. Furthermore, scrolling actions can include one or more of the following: moving a cursor in two opposite directions (e.g., horizontally or vertically on an output device), moving a displayed element (e.g., a page, a cursor) that can be controlled by at least one user-carrying device 100, stepping in an direction, navigating menus, navigating selection lists, or adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) parameters (e.g., setting or configuring). Click events can trigger click actions (more specifically, click actions on virtual objects) in a digital environment (more specifically, a virtual environment) based on user input. Click events can include, for example, the selection of an object (such as a button, file, icon, or another object), the selection of an item, the selection of a list, or the selection of an item on a list. Click events can trigger the following actions: Click events can trigger actions that provide additional information and / or attributes to the selected object, item, or text (e.g., letters, words, phrases). Click events can trigger single-click, double-click, triple-click, right-click, and / or click and drag actions within the digital environment (more specifically, a virtual environment). A single-click action can refer to the selection of an object within the virtual environment. A double-click action can open a file or execute a program within the virtual environment. Click and drag actions can include clicking, holding, and moving an object; for example, they can be used to highlight or drag selected text or objects. A triple-click action can be used to select a paragraph of text. A right-click action can perform a special action, such as opening a list with additional information and / or attributes of the selected object as mentioned above. Actions triggered by click events depend on user input on at least one user-carrying device 100. For example, a click event can trigger a double-click action when a user provides two quick and consecutive inputs on at least one user-carrying device 100. The features mentioned above enable a variety of new application areas for at least one user-carrying device 100, such as computer mice, styluses, keyboards, dials, mouse scrolling elements (e.g., scroll wheels), joysticks, controls for electronic devices (e.g., audio or visual controls), controls for software setup or visualization (e.g., graphics or design software), or controls for computer games.

[0076] exist Figure 1 , Figures 7A to 8B and Figures 10A to 1 In the embodiment shown in 3B, the user-carrying device 100 may include a first click-operated feature 150a, at least one second click-operated feature 150b, and at least one scroll-operated feature 140. Each of the first click-operated feature 150a, at least one second click-operated feature 150b, and at least one scroll-operated feature 140 is operatively coupled to a magnetic object 110 or to an additional different magnetic object. In this example, the user-carrying device 100 may be, for example, a computer mouse. Actuating the first click-operated feature 150a or at least one second click-operated feature 150b may cause a first rotation 180 of the magnetic object 110. Depending on the actuation direction, the first rotation angle α1 may include a positive or negative value. The system 10 and / or the electronic device 500 may be configured to detect the first rotation angle α1 and, based on the first rotation angle value, convert the rotation into a click event including a first click event or a second click event. The first click event may trigger a left-click action as described above, more specifically a single click, a double click, a triple click, and / or a click and drag action. A second click event can trigger a right-click action as described above. Actuating at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 can cause a second rotation 190 of the magnetic object 110. Depending on the actuation, the second rotation angle α2 can include a positive or negative value. The system 10 and / or the electronic device 500 can be configured to detect the second rotation angle α2 and can convert this rotation into a scroll event. The scroll event can include a first scroll event or a second scroll event. The corresponding scroll event can depend on the second rotation angle value. More specifically, a first rotation 180 can be associated with a click event. If the first rotation angle α1 has a positive value, this can be associated with a first click event. If the first rotation angle α1 has a negative value, this can be associated with a second click event. A second rotation 190 can be associated with a scroll event. If the second rotation angle α2 has a positive value, this can be associated with a first scroll event (e.g., "scroll up"). If the second rotation angle α2 has a negative value, this can be associated with a second scroll event (e.g., "scroll down").

[0077] Combination of click-operated features, scroll-operated features, and contact-operated features on the same magnetic object

[0078] In the following, embodiments of at least one contact manipulation feature 170 and at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one click manipulation feature 150 will be described in more detail.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least one click-operated feature 150, at least one roll-operated feature 140, and / or at least one contact-operated feature 170 may be configured to interact with the magnetic object 110 such that actuation of at least one click-operated feature 150, at least one roll-operated feature 140, and / or at least one contact-operated feature 170 causes the magnetic object 110 to transition from a first state to a second state. The magnetic object 110 is operatively coupled to at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or operatively coupled to at least one roll-operated feature 140 such that actuation of at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or at least one roll-operated feature 140 causes the magnetic object 110 to rotate and / or translate relative to the housing 101. Based on actuation of at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or at least one roll-operated feature 140, the magnetic object 110 may transition from the first state to the second state. The transition may include features as described above with respect to at least one contact-operated feature 170. At least one click-operated feature 150 and / or at least one scroll-operated feature 140 and at least one contact-operated feature 170 may be coupled to a magnetic object 110 (more specifically, coupled to the same magnetic object 110). The user-carrying device 100 may be configured to control at least one trigger event based on rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110 caused by actuation of at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or at least one scroll-operated feature 140. As mentioned above, the user-carrying device 100 may be configured to control contact events detectable by a plurality of magnetometers 300 based on changes caused by actuation of at least one contact-operated feature 170; more specifically, the trigger event may be detectable only in response to a detected contact event.

[0080] Multiple magnetic objects

[0081] In, for example Figure 8A and Figure 8B In some embodiments shown, the magnetic object 110 may be a first magnetic object 110a, and the user-carrying device 100 may include at least one second magnetic object 110b. The first magnetic object 110a and at least one second magnetic object 110b may be arranged away from each other. The distance between the first magnetic object 110a and at least one second magnetic object 110b may be large enough that a plurality of magnetometers 300 can identify them as two separate magnetic objects. At least one second magnetic object 110b may include the features described above with respect to magnetic object 110. At least one second magnetic object 110b may be arranged within the housing 101.

[0082] At least one contact actuation feature 170 may be mechanically coupled to a first magnetic object 110a via a transmission device 160, such that actuation of the at least one contact actuation feature 170 may cause translation and / or rotation of the first magnetic object 110a from a first position to a second position. During the transition from the first position to the second position, the first magnetic object 110a may translate toward or away from at least one second magnetic object 110b and / or rotate relative to the at least one second magnetic object. The at least one second magnetic object 110b may be arranged to translate and / or rotate relative to the housing 101, or the at least one second magnetic object 110b may be fixedly coupled to the housing 101.

[0083] In, for example Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the illustrated embodiment, a first magnetic object 110a is operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170. At least one second magnetic object 110b is operatively coupled to at least one click actuation feature 150 and / or operatively coupled to at least one roll actuation feature 140, such that actuation of at least one click actuation feature 150 and / or at least one roll actuation feature 140 can cause rotation and / or translation of at least one second magnetic object 110b relative to housing 101, more specifically, wherein at least one second magnetic object 110b is in an actuated state. In this case, at least one second magnetic object 110b may be arranged to translate and / or rotate relative to housing 101. In some embodiments (not shown), the user-carrying device 100 may include a first magnetic object 110a operatively coupled to at least one contact actuation feature 170, a second magnetic object operatively coupled to at least one click actuation feature 150, and at least one third magnetic object operatively coupled to at least one roll actuation feature 140. In some embodiments, the user-carrying device 100 may include at least one fourth magnetic object fixedly coupled to housing. At least one fourth magnetic object can be used for improved position determination. In some embodiments, one magnetic object may be provided for each contact manipulation feature, each scroll manipulation feature, and each click manipulation feature.

[0084] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe first magnetic object 110a may include a first magnetic moment vector 120a and / or a first magnetic object positioning vector, and at least one second magnetic object 110b may include a second magnetic moment vector 120b and / or a second magnetic object positioning vector. The first magnetic object 110a and at least one second magnetic object 110b may be arranged within a housing such that the first magnetic object 110a and at least one second magnetic object 110b may rotate relative to each other based on actuation of at least one contact manipulation feature 170, at least one rolling manipulation feature 140, and / or at least one click manipulation feature 150. The rotation of the first magnetic object 110a and at least one second magnetic object 110b relative to each other may be detectable based on magnetic field measurements using a plurality of magnetometers 300. More specifically, the orientation of the first magnetic moment vector 120a and at least one second magnetic moment vector 120b relative to each other may be determined. Based on the rotation of the first magnetic moment vector 120a relative to at least one second magnetic moment vector 120b, a contact event and / or a trigger event may be determined. In some embodiments (not shown), a first magnetic object 110a and at least one second magnetic object 110b are arranged in the housing 101 such that, in a first state (i.e., the contact manipulation feature is not actuated) and an initial state (i.e., at least one rolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150 is not actuated), the first magnetic moment vector 120a may be substantially parallel to the second magnetic moment vector 120b. However, as Figure 8A As shown, in some embodiments, in the first and initial states, the first magnetic object 110a may be arranged in the housing 101 such that the first magnetic moment vector 120a is substantially parallel to the vertical device axis z. d The first magnetic moment vector 120a and / or the second magnetic moment vector 120b can be oriented such that the rotation of the first magnetic object 110a and / or the second magnetic object 110b about the first rotation axis 112 and at least one second rotation axis 114 can be detected based on the magnetic field measurements of the multiple magnetometers 300.

[0085] The user-carrying device 100 described above may include haptic and / or auditory feedback devices (not shown in the figures). The haptic and / or auditory feedback devices may be configured to provide haptic and / or auditory feedback to the user U based on control of a control event and / or at least one trigger event. More specifically, the haptic and / or auditory feedback devices may provide haptic and / or auditory feedback to the user U based on actuation of at least one touch manipulation feature 170, at least one click manipulation feature 150, and / or at least one scroll manipulation feature 140.

[0086] system

[0087] Figure 1A system 10 for determining manipulation of a user-carrying device 100 according to a second aspect of this disclosure is schematically illustrated. Manipulation of the user-carrying device 100 may be by contact (more specifically, physical contact between the user-carrying device and an interaction surface) or by a user U. System 10 includes the user-carrying device 100 according to a first aspect of this disclosure. The user-carrying device 10 may include any of the embodiments and / or features described above. System 10 includes a plurality of magnetometers 300. The plurality of magnetometers 300 are configured to measure magnetic fields created or generated by a magnetic object 110. The system is configured to detect transitions of the magnetic object 110 from a first state to a second state. Furthermore, system 10 is configured to determine a contact event between the user-carrying device 100 and the interaction surface 210 based on the detected transitions. The transitions from the first state to the second state, contact events, and associated features have been explained above.

[0088] System 10 allows a user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, an electronic user-carrying device and / or an electrical user-carrying device 100) to be tracked and / or positioned in at least five degrees of freedom. Multiple magnetometers 300 can be configured to create a sensing volume M (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As indicated). The sensing volume may have an elliptical shape. Multiple magnetometers 300 may be associated with a magnetometer plane 310. More specifically, the magnetometer plane 310 may be defined by a plane that extends through most of the multiple magnetometers 300. In some embodiments, the user-carrying device 100 may be operable on an interaction surface 210, more specifically, wherein the interaction surface 210 may be defined within the sensing volume M.

[0089] For example Figure 1 As indicated, system 10 may include a reference coordinate system XYZ, which may be defined relative to a plurality of magnetometers 300. The reference coordinate system XYZ may include a first reference axis X, a second reference axis Y, and a vertical reference axis Z. The first reference axis X and the second reference axis Y may be orthogonal to each other. The vertical reference axis Z may be orthogonal to the first reference axis X and the second reference axis Y. The vertical reference axis Z may extend through the center of the plurality of magnetometers 300. In an embodiment, the first reference axis X and the second reference axis Y may be defined on a magnetometer plane 310. The vertical reference axis Z may be orthogonal to the magnetometer plane 310.

[0090] As outlined above, a plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to measure a magnetic field 115 generated or created by a magnetic object 110. Each of the plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to measure the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110 in the directions of a first reference axis X, a second reference axis Y, and / or a vertical reference axis Z. In other words, each of the plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to perform magnetic field measurements in one axis (i.e., one dimension), two axes (i.e., two dimensions), or three axes (i.e., three dimensions). The number of magnetometers provided may depend on the size of the interactive surface 210 on which the user-carrying device 100 operates, or on the desired size of the sensing volume M within which the user-carrying device 100 operates. The plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to collect magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object 110 within the sensing volume M up to a maximum measurement distance, wherein the maximum measurement distance may be a distance within which magnetic field measurements can be provided with acceptable reliability and / or accuracy. In an embodiment, the maximum measurement distance may be 18 cm, more specifically 15 cm. During user operation, the magnetic object 110 and the interactive surface 210 are within the maximum measurement distance. In other words, the minimum magnetic field generated by the magnetic object 110, which can be tracked by the available system, may include at least 1 microtesla.

[0091] Multiple magnetometers 300 can be fixedly arranged on the magnetometer body 320 (see example). Figure 9A The magnetometer plane 310 is defined by a plane extending through most of the magnetometers 300. More specifically, the magnetometer plane 310 may extend through the center (more specifically, the geometric center) of most of the magnetometers 300. In other words, most of the magnetometers 300 may be arranged in a common plane (i.e., the magnetometer plane 310). However, one or more magnetometers of the magnetometers 300 may be located away from and / or tilted relative to the common plane, for example, due to manufacturing problems and / or tolerances. The magnetometer plane 310 may additionally or alternatively be defined by a plane in which the magnetometers of the magnetometers 300 are primarily arranged.

[0092] refer to Figure 14 The figure illustrates the arrangement of a plurality of magnetometers 300 relative to an interaction surface 210 defined on an interaction support 200. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the plurality of magnetometers 300 may be arranged in rows and columns. However, it is also possible that the plurality of magnetometers may be arranged in a disordered manner within the magnetometer body 320. A calibration process can be used to determine the exact position, measurement axis, sensitivity, and / or offset of each magnetometer within the magnetometer body 320 relative to a reference coordinate system XYZ. The plurality of magnetometers 300 in Figure 14The magnetometer is shown 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 magnetometers in the magnetometer may be moved away from the magnetometer plane 310, and more specifically, away in the direction of the vertical reference axis Z.

[0093] exist Figure 14 In the arrangement, multiple magnetometers 300 can be arranged in rows k and columns l in the magnetometer body 320. Figure 14 Examples of some of the magnetometers S in the multiple magnetometers 300 are shown. k,l Each magnetometer S k，l It may include the vertical magnetometer axis Z M It can be arranged at the intersection of row k and column l. Adjacent magnetometers S k,l , S k,l+1 , S k,l-1 It can travel along k at a distance d l,l+1 and d l,l-1 Interval. Adjacent magnetometers S k,l , S k+1,l , S k-1,l It can be along column l at a distance d k,k+1 and d k,k-1 Interval. As outlined above, the corresponding magnetometer S k,l The distance d between k , d l They can be equal, or they can be different.

[0094] like Figure 1 , Figure 10AAs indicated in Figure 12, system 10 may also include a processing unit 400 or be connected to such a processing unit. System 10 (more specifically, processing unit 400) may be configured to track the movement of magnetic object 110 and / or user-carried device 100 in at least five degrees of freedom. The at least five degrees of freedom may include translation of magnetic object 110 along a first reference axis X, a second reference axis Y, and a vertical reference axis Z, rotation about a first rotation axis 112, and rotation about a second rotation axis 114. In the case where magnetic object 110 is configured to create an asymmetric magnetic field (i.e., the asymmetric magnetic field is not rotationally symmetric), rotation about a third rotation axis 116 may be additionally detected. In this case, system 10 may be configured to track the movement of magnetic object 110 and / or user-carried device 100 in at least six degrees of freedom. In the case where user-carried device 100 operates on interactive surface 210, system 10 may be configured to determine contact events between user-carried device 100 and interactive surface 210 based on detected transitions. Upon detecting a contact event, system 10 can accurately and reliably derive the position of interaction surface 210. Position determination and / or tracking of user-carried device 100 can be performed relative to interaction surface 210. This can be based on the determined user-carried device position and interaction surface position as described below. During user operation, system 10 can be configured to track the movement of user-carried device 100 within a sensing volume M and / or relative to interaction surface 210 over a time period. More specifically, system 10 can be configured to determine the trajectory of user-carried device 100 within the sensing volume M and / or relative to interaction surface 210. In an embodiment, user-carried device 100 can be tracked over a time period comprising multiple time samples. At each time sample, the position of user-carried device 100 within the sensing volume M and / or relative to interaction surface 210 can be determined. System 10 (more specifically, processing unit 400) can be configured to detect transitions and determine contact events based on the detected transitions. As mentioned above, the user-carrying device 100 may be operable on the interaction surface 210, and the system 10 may be configured to determine the position of the user-carrying device 100 within the sensing volume relative to the interaction surface 210 based on magnetic field measurements. More specifically, the system may be configured to determine the movement of the user-carrying device 100 on the interaction surface 210 based on determined contact events and determined positions of the user-carrying device 100.

[0095] System 10 (more specifically, processing unit 400) may be configured to determine at least one triggering event as described above. The at least one triggering event may be determined based on control of the user-carried device 100 (e.g., manipulation of the user-carried device by the user). In some embodiments, the user-carried device 100 may include at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or at least one scroll-operated feature 140 as described above, which may be movably coupled to the housing 101 and actuated by the user U. In some embodiments, at least one click-operated feature 150, at least one scroll-operated feature 140, and / or at least one contact-operated feature 170 may be configured to interact with a magnetic object 110 such that actuation of at least one click-operated feature 150, at least one scroll-operated feature 140, and / or at least one contact-operated feature 170 may cause a transition of the magnetic object 110 from a first state to a second state as described above. In one embodiment, the magnetic object 110 is operatively coupled to at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or operatively coupled to at least one roll-operated feature 140, such that actuation of the at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or the at least one roll-operated feature 140 causes rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101. The system 10 can be configured to determine at least one triggering event based on a detected transition from a first state to a second state or based on a detected rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object 110 caused by actuation of the at least one click-operated feature 150 and / or the at least one roll-operated feature 140. The same applies to embodiments in which multiple magnetic objects 110a, 110b are provided.

[0096] In some implementations, system 10 may be configured to determine at least one trigger event only in response to a detected contact event. In other words, at least one trigger event may not be determined unless a contact event is detected. System 10 may be configured to determine scrolling and / or clicking events based on actuation by user U on at least one scrolling manipulation feature 140 and / or at least one clicking manipulation feature 150, more specifically, wherein the magnetic object 110 may rotate about a first rotation axis 112 and a second rotation axis 114 (and an additional third rotation axis 116 if the magnetic object 110 is configured to create an asymmetric magnetic field).

[0097] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 9A System 10 may include at least one output device 510. The at least one output device 510 may be configured to represent the user-carried device 100. More specifically, the at least one output device 510 may be configured to visually reproduce the user-carried device 100 as a virtual object. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiments, system 10 may include an output device 510. In these embodiments, output device 510 may be a visual screen or display. System 10 may be configured to reproduce movement of a user-carried device 100 within a sensing volume M and / or on an interactive surface 210 as movement of a virtual object on at least one output device 510. Furthermore, system 10 may be configured to visually reproduce at least one trigger event on output device 510. In some embodiments, system 10 may be configured to represent (more specifically, visually reproduce) a defined contact event on output device 510.

[0098] As described above, the magnetic field 115 created by the magnetic object 110 may include magnetic field strength. In some embodiments, the system 10 may be configured to set a threshold for the magnetic field strength, and the system 10 may be configured to reject magnetic field measurements associated with magnetic field strengths equal to or less than the set threshold. The magnetic field 115 may be defined by magnetic field strength, magnetic field location, and / or magnetic field direction. These parameters may be derived from magnetometer measurements. In embodiments where the shielding element at least partially covers the magnetic object, magnetic field measurements with magnetic field strengths equal to or less than the threshold magnetic field strength may be rejected. When the magnetic object 110 is in an exposed position, the magnetic field strength may increase to a value greater than the set magnetic field strength threshold. In this case, the system 10 may accept the magnetic field measurements. This can result in improved accuracy and reliability for determining contact events and / or the position of the user-carried device 100 relative to the interaction surface 210.

[0099] As mentioned above, system 10 may include electronic device 500. At least one output device 510 may be integrated into electronic device 500. In embodiments, electronic device 500 may be a tablet computer, cellular phone, laptop computer, computer, virtual reality (VR) kit, or television. In embodiments, processing unit 400 may be integrated into electronic device 500. Furthermore, electronic device 500 may include a user interface configured to interact with user U and / or receive user input. In embodiments, this user interface may be integrated into at least one output device 510. A plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to receive data from processing unit 400 and / or send data to processing unit. System 10 may include a data storage device connected to processing unit 400. The data storage device may include a primary data storage device (e.g., RAM) and an auxiliary data storage device. The data storage device may be integrated into and / or connected to electronic device 500.

[0100] like Figure 1 and Figure 9AAs indicated, system 10 may include an interactive support 200 having an interactive support surface 230. Interactive surface 210 may be at least a portion of the surface of interactive support surface 230. Interactive support 200 may not include ferromagnetic properties, such as ferromagnetic particles. In embodiments, interactive support 200 may be furniture (e.g., a table), a laptop, an electronic device 500, a screen, a wall, or a mouse pad. Interactive surface 210 may be defined based on a first set of geometric parameters associated with interactive support 200. More specifically, the type of interactive support 200 may be known, such as a laptop or a mouse pad. Such interactive supports 200 may be defined by a predefined set of geometric parameters. A portion of the surface of interactive support surface 230 may be used as interactive surface 210.

[0101] As described above, system 10 can be configured to determine and / or track user-carried device 100 relative to interaction surface 210. This requires defining the location of the interaction surface, and user-carried device 100 may operate on different interaction surfaces that may be unknown to system 10. This can be accomplished based on the determined user-carried device location and interaction surface location as described below.

[0102] More specifically, when system 10 determines a contact event, this can instruct the user-carrying device 100 to physically contact the interaction surface 210. For example, since the device contact surface 130 contacts the interaction surface 210, system 10 can derive the plane of the interaction surface 210. Some embodiments in which the user-carrying device 100 includes device contact points (e.g., Figure 9A and Figure 9B In this system, system 10 can identify multiple contact events and derive multiple device contact points on the interaction surface 210 from these events. System 10 can be configured to prompt user U via a user interface to actuate at least one contact actuation feature 170 at multiple surface locations on the interaction surface 210 that are geographically distant from each other. Multiple surface locations can be stored, and the system can derive a set of geometric parameters describing the interaction surface 210 with high accuracy and reliability. Based on magnetic field measurements of the magnetic object 110, the position of the magnetic object can be determined relative to the device coordinate system and / or relative to the interaction surface 210.

[0103] Multiple magnetometers 300 may be electrically (e.g., via wires or a data bus) or wirelessly connected to processing unit 400, external processing unit, and / or electronic device 500. In embodiments, the multiple magnetometers 300 may be integrated into a wall, furniture, laptop, electronic device 500, screen, keyboard, and / or mouse pad. When multiple magnetometers 300 are arranged in a wall, the interaction surface 210 may be a screen or display placed in front of the multiple magnetometers 300. In embodiments, the interaction surface 210 may be defined on at least one output device 510.

[0104] As outlined above, the user-carried device 100 is configured to control at least one triggering event. More specifically, based on user input, at least one triggering event can cause an action and / or can be used to control an action in a digital environment (more specifically, a virtual environment). Additionally, the system 10 can determine a contact event that can also cause an action and / or can be used to control an action in the digital (or virtual) environment. Furthermore, the user-carried device 100 according to the above aspects of this disclosure can be reproduced as a virtual object in a virtual environment. The electronic device 500 can be a VR kit, more specifically an XR headset, which can be a device worn on a user's head and configured to allow the user to experience a virtual environment (virtual reality environment or VR environment) in real life. In one embodiment, the user-carried device 100 can be reproduced as a virtual object in a VR environment, thereby allowing the user U to identify where the user-carried device 100 is located. A plurality of magnetometers 300 may be provided to generate a sensing volume M in which the user-carried device 100 operates. The user-carrying device position (see, for example, as described above and / or regarding the methods below) can indicate the orientation and / or positioning of the user-carrying device 100 relative to a reference coordinate system XYZ, and more specifically relative to a plurality of magnetometers 300. The reference coordinate system XYZ can be fixed in the VR environment. The positioning and / or orientation of the user-carrying device 100 can be calculated relative to the VR kit (more specifically, relative to the XR headset) and can be reproduced, particularly displayed to the user via the XR headset. In some embodiments, the reference coordinate system XYZ can be dynamically evaluated based on tracking of the VR environment by the XR headset. In embodiments, additional tracking systems, such as IR tracking, electromagnetic tracking, or camera-based tracking, can be provided and fixed to the plurality of magnetometers 300. At least one triggering event (e.g., a click event or a scrolling event) and the resulting action can also be represented in the VR environment, and more specifically, the at least one triggering event and the resulting action can be displayed to the user via a display arranged in the XR headset. Representation in the VR environment can be accomplished by altering presentation parameters of the user-worn device 100 (e.g., color or light) and / or adding specific sounds. In some embodiments, the interactive surface 210 can be modeled in the VR environment, displayed to the user via an XR headset, and / or used as input representing the interaction between the user-worn device 100 and the interactive surface 210 within the VR environment (e.g., representing the user-worn device 100 operating on the interactive surface 210 within the VR environment). Based on (e.g., by the user) actuation of at least one touch manipulation feature 170, the system 10 can be configured to detect a change and determine a contact event. Based on the determined contact event, the system 10 can adjust the position (including orientation and / or orientation) of the interactive surface within the digital (or virtual) environment.In the example, the distance and / or orientation of the "virtual" interactive surface can thus be adjusted relative to the XR headset worn by the user.

[0105] method

[0106] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method 600 for determining manipulation of a user-carried device 100 is provided. Methods and associated algorithms for determining the position of the user-carried device using multiple magnetometers and for determining manipulation of the user-carried device 100 within a sensing volume are known in the prior art (e.g., in US 2013 / 249784 A1, US 2020 / 116524 A1, or US 2015 / 057969 A1).

[0107] Essentially, method 600 may include determining the location of a user-carried device within a sensing volume M created by a plurality of magnetometers 300 and based on obtained magnetic field measurements. Method 600 may include defining a reference coordinate system XYZ as described above. Determining the location of the user-carried device may include determining the location of an absolute magnetic object, which indicates the absolute magnetic object positioning and / or absolute magnetic object orientation of the magnetic object 110 relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ. More specifically, the absolute magnetic object position may be determined based on obtained magnetic field measurements. The absolute magnetic object position may include the absolute magnetic object positioning and / or absolute magnetic object orientation relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ. The absolute magnetic object position may be determined based on the implementation of a mathematical model that associates each measurement of one of the plurality of magnetometers 300 with the position of the magnetic object 110 in the reference coordinate system XYZ. Each of the plurality of magnetometers 300 may be a vector magnetometer and may be configured to measure the magnetic field in one, two, or three dimensions. In one embodiment, a Coulomb model may be implemented, which allows for modeling of the complex magnetization of the magnetic object 110. Determining the location of the user-carrying device may also include determining the relative magnetic object location, which indicates the relative magnetic object positioning and / or relative magnetic object orientation relative to the user-carrying device 100, and more specifically, relative to the device coordinate system as described above. The relative magnetic object location may include relative magnetic object positioning and / or relative magnetic object orientation relative to the device coordinate system. Determining the relative magnetic object location may be based on the absolute magnetic object location as described above and a set of geometric parameters. This set of geometric parameters may include predefined geometric parameters indicating the geometric positioning and orientation of the magnetic object 100 in a first state (i.e., the first and initial positions of the magnetic object) relative to the user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, relative to the housing 101). In other words, the user-carrying device location may be known based on the determined absolute location of the magnetic object 110 and an understanding of the arrangement of the magnetic object 110 within the user-carrying device 100 (more specifically, relative to the device coordinate system). In an embodiment, method 600 may further include applying a filter for filtering the determined user-carrying device location. Magnetic and electronic noise, as well as environmental changes, can cause position determination to become uneven over time. Based on this filtering, a smooth position trajectory of the user-carried device 100 relative to a reference coordinate system XYZ and / or relative to the interaction surface 210 can be achieved. This filter can be a low-pass filter or a Kalman filter, more specifically an extended Kalman filter or an unscented Kalman filter. Method 600 may also include (more specifically) initializing multiple magnetometers 300 and the user-carried device 100 when the user U begins user operation. In embodiments, the user-carried device 100 and / or the magnetic object 110 can be tracked over a time period including multiple time samples.At each time sample, method 600 may include determining the location of the user-carried device. The method may also include storing the determined and / or detected features for each time sample.

[0108] Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating a process of method 600 according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Method 600 includes obtaining a magnetic field measurement 610 associated with a magnetic field created by a magnetic object 110 coupled to the housing 101 of a user-portable device 100 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure and measured by a plurality of magnetometers 300. In other words, method 600 may include obtaining a measurement of a magnetic field created or generated by the magnetic object 110 and measured by a plurality of magnetometers 300. Furthermore, method 600 includes detecting a transition 620 of the magnetic object 110 from a first state to a second state, and determining a contact event 630 of the user-portable device 100 with an interaction surface 210 based on the detected transition. Additionally or alternatively, method 600 may include determining a pressure event of the user-portable device based on the detected transition. In an embodiment, detecting the transition 620 may include (more specifically, outside the housing 101) detecting a change in the position of the magnetic object 110 621 and / or detecting a change in the magnetic field of the magnetic object 622. The effects and advantages described above may be similarly applied to method 600.

[0109] Method 600 may include determining the location of an interactive surface, wherein the location may indicate the interactive surface positioning, orientation, and / or distance relative to a reference coordinate system XYZ, and more specifically, relative to the magnetometer plane 310. Determining the interactive surface location may be based on detecting a transition and determining a contact event as described above. Determining the interactive surface location may include deriving the geometrical positioning and / or geometrical orientation of the interactive surface 210 relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ and the user-carrying device 100 based on the determined contact event. More specifically, in cases where the user-carrying device 100 includes a contact surface 130 (e.g., a computer mouse embodiment), method 600 may include deriving the plane of the interactive surface 210 based on determined contact events (which indicate that the device contact surface or device contact point 130 is located on the interactive surface 210). In some embodiments where the user-carrying device 100 includes a device contact point (e.g., ... Figure 9A and Figure 9B In this method, method 600 can determine multiple contact events and derive multiple device contact points on the interaction surface 210 from these multiple contact events. The method may include prompting a user U via a user interface to actuate at least one contact manipulation feature 170 at multiple interaction surface locations on the interaction surface 210 that are geographically distant from each other. Multiple interaction surface locations may be stored, and the method may include deriving a set of geometric parameters describing the interaction surface 210 with high accuracy and reliability.

[0110] Method 600 may include determining the position of a user-carried device relative to the interaction surface 210 based on the interaction surface position. Method 600 may also include (more specifically, based on the determined user-carried device position and the determined interaction surface position) determining a contact position of the user-carried device 100 relative to the interaction surface 210. This can be provided with high accuracy and reliability because the interaction surface position and subsequently the contact position can be derived from a determined contact event.

[0111] Detecting a change in position 621 may include detecting movement of the magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 from a first position to a second position, more specifically, wherein such movement may include translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object 110. As described above, such movement may include a movement trajectory, a range of movement speeds, and / or a range of movement times. Determining a contact event 630 may include comparing the movement of the magnetic object 110 with a predefined movement. Method 600 may communicate with a database storing predefined movements, such as predefined movement trajectories, predefined ranges of movement speeds, and / or predefined ranges of movement times. Determining a contact event 630 may include determining whether the movement of the magnetic object 110 matches a predefined movement, and in response to determining that the movement of the magnetic object 110 matches a predefined movement, determining a contact event 630, wherein the contact event may indicate that the user-carrying device 100 contacts the interaction surface 210. Additionally or alternatively, determining a pressure event may include comparing the movement of the magnetic object 110 with a predefined movement. Determining a pressure event may include determining whether the movement of the magnetic object 110 matches a predefined movement, and in response to determining that the movement of the magnetic object 110 matches a predefined movement, determining a pressure event, wherein the pressure event may indicate the amount of pressure applied to at least one contact actuation feature 170 (e.g., over time).

[0112] Detecting a change in the magnetic field 622 may include determining a change in the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110 outside the user-carried device 100 (more specifically, outside the housing 101) from a first magnetic field in a first state to a second magnetic field in a second state, wherein the second magnetic field may differ from the first magnetic field. As described above, the magnetic field may include magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape. Determining a change (or transition) in the magnetic field may include detecting a change in magnetic field strength and / or a change in magnetic field shape. The first magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 may include a first magnetic field strength and / or a first magnetic field shape in the first state, and the second magnetic field of the magnetic object 110 may include a second magnetic field strength and / or a second magnetic field shape in the second state. Determining a transition in the magnetic field created by the magnetic object 110 from the first magnetic field in the first state to the second magnetic field in the second state may include determining that the second magnetic field strength is greater than or less than the first magnetic field strength, and / or determining that the second magnetic field shape differs from the first magnetic field shape.

[0113] In some embodiments, determining a contact event 630 may include setting a threshold for a change in magnetic field strength and / or a change in magnetic field shape. Furthermore, determining a contact event 630 may include rejecting magnetic field measurements associated with changes in magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape that are equal to or less than the set threshold, and / or accepting magnetic field measurements associated with changes in magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape that are greater than the set threshold. Thus, small changes in the magnetic field that may occur due to the interaction of the magnetic object 110 with, for example, another magnetic object (e.g., click and scroll movement) can be distinguished from contact events. This allows for more accurate and reliable determination of contact events (e.g., contact events that may occur when a magnetic object changes from a covered position to an exposed position). In some embodiments, determining a contact event 630 may include determining a contact event in response to detecting a change in magnetic field strength and / or a change in magnetic field shape, wherein the contact event may indicate that the user carrying the device 100 is in contact with the interactive surface 210.

[0114] In some embodiments, method 600 may further include detecting translation and / or rotation 640 of the magnetic object 110 about or relative to a first rotation axis 112 and at least one second rotation axis 114, 116 based on obtained magnetic field measurements, and determining at least one trigger event 650 based on the detected translation and / or rotation. In some embodiments, method 600 may further include determining at least one trigger event only in response to the detection of a contact event. In embodiments, determining at least one trigger event 650 may include determining manipulation (more specifically, control of the user-carried device 100) within a sensing volume M created by the plurality of magnetometers 300 based on the detected translation and / or rotation, and associating that manipulation with at least one trigger event. Determining at least one trigger event 650 may include determining a click event based on the detection of a transition of the magnetic objects 110, 110a from a first state to a second state or based on the detected translation and / or rotation of at least one second magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 due to actuation of at least one click manipulation feature 150, and / or determining a scrolling event based on the detection of a transition of the magnetic objects 110, 110a from a first state to a second state or based on the detected translation and / or rotation of at least one second magnetic object 110 relative to the housing 101 due to actuation of at least one scroll manipulation feature 140.

[0115] Method 600 may further include representing the user-carried device 100 and / or the magnetic object 110 on the output device 510. More specifically, representing the user-carried device 100 on the output device 510 may include reproducing the user-carried device 100 as a virtual object on the output device 510. Representing the user-carried device 100 may also include reproducing the movement of the user-carried device 100 and / or the magnetic object 110 within the sensing volume M and / or relative to the interaction surface 210 as the movement of the virtual object on the output device 510. The movement of the user-carried device 100 within the sensing volume M may be caused by manipulation of the user-carried device 100 during user operation (i.e., manipulation of the position of the user-carried device 100 and / or the magnetic object 110 by the user). In other words, the movement of the user-carried position can be determined and reproduced as the movement of the virtual object on the output device 510. The visual reproduction may be the movement of a cursor on the output device 510. In embodiments, the visual reproduction may differ from the design of the user-carried device 100, but may be any icon (e.g., an arrow, an image).

[0116] The method 600 described above can be a computer-implemented method. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the system can be further configured to perform the computer-implemented method 600 as described above. According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program can be configured to perform the computer-implemented method 600 as described above. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium or signal storing the computer program can be provided.

[0117] The computer-implemented method 600 described above may include or be executable via a computer or computer network, the computer or computer network including at least one processing unit (processor) and at least one data storage device (i.e., memory). The described process logic may be stored in at least one data storage device in the form of executable code and executed by at least one processing unit. The system and subsystems may send data to at least one processing unit, and in the example, they may also receive instructions from at least one processing unit. The processing unit may thereby direct user-initiated and / or automatically generated queries to system 10. System 10 is not limited to a specific hardware environment. Therefore, distributed devices coupled via a network can execute the techniques described herein. This disclosure also includes electrical signals and computer-readable media defining instructions that, when executed by the processing unit, implement the techniques described herein. As described above, system 10 may include at least one database. Alternatively or additionally, system 10 may access a database in the cloud (via a communication interface). System 10 may include at least one communication interface to couple to multiple magnetometers, processing units, and / or databases. The communication interface may include one or more of a network, the Internet, a local area network, a wireless local area network, a broadband cellular network, and / or a wired network. In the example, system 10 may be coupled to one or more features via a server hosted in the cloud.

[0118] In some implementations, more than one user-carrying device 100 may be provided and operated (e.g., manipulated by user U) within a sensing volume M created by a plurality of magnetometers 300. Although the method 600 and system 10 according to this disclosure have been described with respect to a single user-carrying device 100, the features described above may also be applied to each additional or other user-carrying device 100 operating within the sensing volume M.

[0119] Although this disclosure has been described above and defined in the appended claims, it should be understood that this disclosure may be limited according to the following embodiments:

[0120] 1. A user-portable device (100) operable on an interactive surface (210), the user-portable device (100) comprising:

[0121] Outer shell (101)

[0122] Magnetic object (110), said magnetic object coupled to the outer shell (101), and

[0123] At least one contact actuation feature (170) is movably coupled to the housing (101).

[0124] The at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to transition from a first state to a second state, and

[0125] The transition from the first state to the second state indicates a contact event between the user-carrying device (100) and the interaction surface (210).

[0126] 2. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 1, wherein the magnetic object (110) is configured to create a magnetic field (115), and wherein the transition of the magnetic object (110) from the first state to the second state is detectable more specifically outside the housing (101) based on magnetic field measurements by a plurality of magnetometers (300).

[0127] 3. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is arranged to be rotatable and / or translateable relative to the housing (101).

[0128] 4. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein in the first state, the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is in a default position, and wherein in the second state, the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is in a contact position, more specifically, wherein each of the default position and the contact position includes a corresponding positioning and / or orientation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) relative to the housing (101).

[0129] 5. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 4, wherein actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) to move from the default position to the contact position.

[0130] 6. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes a transmission device (160) operatively coupled to the at least one contact actuation feature (170) and configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that when the at least one actuation feature (170) is actuated, the magnetic object (110) transitions from the first state to the second state.

[0131] 7. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 6 when subordinate to embodiment 4, wherein the transmission device (160) includes at least one biasing mechanism (161) configured to push the at least one actuating feature (170) to the default position when the at least one actuating feature (170) is not actuated.

[0132] 8. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the transformation includes a change in the position of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101), and more specifically, wherein the position of the magnetic object (110) includes the positioning and / or orientation of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101).

[0133] 9. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 8, wherein the position change includes movement of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101), and more specifically, wherein the movement includes rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101).

[0134] 10. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 8 or embodiment 9, wherein the position change of the magnetic object (110) includes the movement of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101) from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first state the magnetic object (110) is in the first position, and wherein in the second state the magnetic object (110) is in the second position, more specifically, wherein the second position is different from the first position.

[0135] 11. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 10, wherein each of the first position and the second position includes a corresponding positioning and / or orientation of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101).

[0136] 12. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 10 or embodiment 11, wherein the transition includes the movement of the magnetic object (110) from the first position to the second position.

[0137] 13. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the magnetic object (110) is configured to create a magnetic field (115), and wherein the transformation includes a change in magnetic field that can be detected outside the user-carrying device (100), more specifically outside the housing (101), based on magnetic field measurements by a plurality of magnetometers (300).

[0138] 14. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 13, wherein the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic object (110) indicates the contact event, and wherein the contact event is determinable based on the detected change in the magnetic field.

[0139] 15. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 13 or embodiment 14, wherein the magnetic field includes magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape, and wherein the transition includes a change in the magnetic field strength and / or a change in the magnetic field shape.

[0140] 16. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein in the first state, the magnetic object (110) includes a first magnetic field, and wherein in the second state, the magnetic object (110) includes a second magnetic field, wherein the second magnetic field is different from the first magnetic field, more specifically, wherein the first magnetic field is the magnetic field (115) in the first state, and wherein the second magnetic field is the magnetic field (115) in the second state.

[0141] 17. The user-carried device (100) according to embodiment 16, wherein the transition includes a magnetic field change from the first magnetic field to the second magnetic field.

[0142] 18. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 16 or embodiment 17 when subordinate to embodiment 15, wherein the first magnetic field includes a first magnetic field strength and / or a first magnetic field shape, and wherein the second magnetic field includes a second magnetic field strength and / or a second magnetic field shape.

[0143] 19. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 18, wherein the second magnetic field strength is greater than or less than the first magnetic field strength, and / or wherein the second magnetic field shape is different from the first magnetic field shape.

[0144] 20. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is mechanically coupled to the magnetic object (110), and wherein the magnetic object (110) is arranged to be rotatable and / or translateable relative to the housing (101).

[0145] 21. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 8 to 20, wherein the position change of the magnetic object (110) indicates the contact event, wherein the position change is detectable more specifically outside the housing (101) based on magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object (110) by a plurality of magnetometers (300), and wherein the contact event is determined based on the detected position change.

[0146] 22. According to the user-carrying device (100) of embodiment 20 or embodiment 21 when subordinate to embodiment 9, the movement of the magnetic object (110) indicates the contact event, more specifically, the movement is detectable based on magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object (110) by a plurality of magnetometers (300), and the contact event is determined based on the detected movement.

[0147] 23. The user-carried device according to embodiment 22, wherein the movement includes a movement trajectory, a movement speed range, and / or a movement time range.

[0148] 24. The user-carrying device (100) according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first state indicates that the user-carrying device (100) is away from the interaction surface (210), and wherein the second state indicates that the user-carrying device (100) is in contact with the interaction surface (210).

[0149] 25. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 20 to 24 when subordinate to embodiment 6, wherein at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is mechanically coupled to the magnetic object (110) via the transmission device (160).

[0150] 26. A user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 25 when subordinate to embodiment 10, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is mechanically coupled to the magnetic object (110) via the transmission device (160) such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to translate and / or rotate from the first position to the second position.

[0151] 27. The user-carrying device (100) according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is actuated by a user (U), and wherein the change is based on actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) by the user (U).

[0152] 28. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 27, wherein the housing (101) includes a device contact surface (130), and wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is accessible at the device contact surface (130), or wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is accessible at an outer surface of the housing (101) other than the device contact surface (130).

[0153] 29. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 27 or embodiment 28, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) includes a button accessible on the outer surface of the housing (101).

[0154] 30. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 4 to 29, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is arranged relative to the housing (101) such that contact between the housing (101) and / or the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and the interaction surface (210) causes the actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170), more specifically, the actuation from the default position to the contact position.

[0155] 31. The user-carrying device (100) according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the housing (101) includes a device contact surface (130), and more specifically, wherein the housing (101) includes an opening (102) located in the device contact surface (130), and the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is movable through the opening.

[0156] 32. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 31, wherein in the first state, the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and / or the device contact surface (130) are away from the interaction surface (210), and wherein in the second state, the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and / or the device contact surface (130) are in contact with the interaction surface (210).

[0157] 33. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 31 or embodiment 32, wherein in the first state, the at least one actuation feature (170) protrudes at least partially through the opening (102) and from the housing (101), and wherein the at least one actuation feature (170) is configured to rotate and / or translate into the housing (101) upon contact with the interaction surface (210).

[0158] 34. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 26 to 33, wherein during the transition from the first position to the second position, the magnetic object (110) translates and / or rotates toward the device contact surface (130).

[0159] 35. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 34, wherein the magnetic object (110) defines a magnetic moment vector (120) associated with the magnetic field of the magnetic object (110), wherein in the first position, the magnetic moment vector (120) is perpendicular to the vertical device axis (z). d A first angle (β1) is defined between the magnetic moment vector (120) and the vertical device axis (z). In the second position, the magnetic moment vector (120) and the vertical device axis (z) are intersected. d A second angle (β2) is defined between the first angle (β1) and the second angle (β2), more specifically, wherein the second angle (β2) is greater than the first angle (β1).

[0160] 36. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 34 or embodiment 35, wherein in the first position, a first distance (z1) is defined between the geometric center of the magnetic object (110) and the device contact surface (130), and wherein in the second position, a second distance (z2) is defined between the geometric center of the magnetic object (110) and the device contact surface (130), more specifically, wherein the second distance (z2) is less than the first distance (z1).

[0161] 37. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 6 to 36, wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the transmission device (160).

[0162] 38. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 37, wherein the transmission device (160) is configured to transmit rotation and / or translation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) to the magnetic object (110).

[0163] 39. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 37 or embodiment 38, wherein the transmission device (160) includes a gear transmission device (160a) and / or a lever transmission device (160b).

[0164] 40. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 10 to 39 when subordinate to embodiment 6, wherein the transmission device (160) includes at least one biasing mechanism (161) configured to push the magnetic object (110) to the first position when the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is away from the interaction surface (110).

[0165] 41. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 39 or embodiment 40, wherein the lever transmission device (160b) includes at least one lever member (162) rotatable about at least one transmission rotation axis (118), wherein the at least one lever member (162) is coupled to the magnetic object (110) at a first end and to the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) at a second end.

[0166] 42. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 41, wherein the at least one lever member (162) includes a first lever member (162a) and at least one second lever member (162b) operatively coupled to the first lever member (162a).

[0167] 43. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 39 to 42, wherein the gear transmission (160a) includes at least one gear (163), and the at least one contact actuation feature (170) is operatively coupled to the magnetic object (110) via the at least one gear.

[0168] 44. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 43, wherein the gear (163) is coupled to the magnetic object (110) such that rotation of the gear (163) causes rotation of the magnetic object (110).

[0169] 45. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 43 or embodiment 44, wherein the lever transmission device (160a) includes an actuating element (171) having one or more engagement features (172), wherein the actuating element (171) is coupled to the at least one contact actuating feature (170), wherein the one or more engagement features (172) are operatively coupled to the gear (163) such that translation of the at least one contact actuating feature (170) and / or the actuating element (171) causes rotation of the gear (163).

[0170] 46. ​​The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 43 to 45, wherein the transmission device (160) is configured such that when the at least one contact actuation feature (170) is actuated, the gear (163) and / or the magnetic object (110) rotate by an angle (µ) of 10° to 360°, more specifically 45° to 220°, and particularly 90° to 180°.

[0171] 47. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 43 to 46 when subordinate to embodiment 40, wherein the gear (163) includes a first orientation in the first state and a second orientation in the second state, wherein the biasing mechanism (161) is configured to push the gear (163) to the first orientation when the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is away from the interaction surface (210).

[0172] 48. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes a magnetic field modification element (164) configured to magnetically interact with the magnetic object (110), and more specifically with the magnetic field (115) created by the magnetic object (110).

[0173] 49. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 48 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the modifying element (164) is configured to change the magnetic field (115) created by the magnetic object (110) according to the position of the modifying element (164) relative to the magnetic object (110).

[0174] 50. A user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 48 or embodiment 49, wherein one of the magnetic object (110) and the modification element (164) is operatively coupled to the at least one contact actuation feature (170) and configured to change the position of one of the magnetic object and the modification element relative to the other of the magnetic object (110) and the modification element (164) when the at least one actuation feature (170) is actuated.

[0175] 51. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 48 to 50, wherein the magnetic object (110) is movable relative to the modification element (164), and wherein at least one of the magnetic object (110) and the modification element (164) is movable relative to the housing (101).

[0176] 52. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 51, wherein the modification element (164) is fixedly coupled to the housing (101) and wherein the magnetic object (110) is movably coupled to the housing (101) and wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the at least one contact manipulation device (170).

[0177] 53. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 51, wherein the modification element (164) is movably coupled to the housing (101) and wherein the magnetic object (110) is fixedly coupled to the housing (101), wherein the modification element (164) is operatively coupled to the at least one contact manipulation device (170).

[0178] 54. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 48 to 53, wherein the modification element (164) comprises a magnetic material.

[0179] 55. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 54, wherein the magnetic material includes paramagnetic material, diamagnetic material or ferromagnetic material.

[0180] 56. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 48 to 55, wherein the modification element (164) is configured to change the magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape of the magnetic field (115), more specifically, wherein the modification element (164) is configured to enhance or weaken the magnetic field created by the magnetic object (110), or wherein the modification element (164) is configured to create an additional magnetic field detectable by a plurality of magnetometers outside the user-carrying device (100), more specifically the housing (101).

[0181] 57. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 48 to 56, wherein the modification element (164) includes a shielding element (164) configured to at least partially shield the magnetic field of the magnetic object (110) relative to the environment outside the housing (101) based on the position of the shielding element (164) relative to the magnetic object (110), and the magnetic field is detectable by the plurality of magnetometers (300).

[0182] 58. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 57, wherein the shielding element (164) is a sleeve configured to at least partially receive the magnetic object (110).

[0183] 59. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 57 or embodiment 58, wherein in the first state, the magnetic object (110) is in a covered position, wherein the magnetic object (110) is at least partially covered by the shielding element (164) relative to the environment outside the housing (101), and wherein in the second state, the magnetic object (110) is in an exposed position, wherein the magnetic object (110) is exposed relative to the environment of the housing (101).

[0184] 60. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 59, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is coupled to one of the magnetic object (110) and the shielding element (164) via the transmission device (160), such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to translate and / or rotate from the covered position to the exposed position.

[0185] 61. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 59 or embodiment 60 when subordinate to embodiment 14, wherein the magnetic object (110) is configured to create the first magnetic field in the covered location, and wherein the magnetic object (110) is configured to create the second magnetic field in the exposed location.

[0186] 62. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 59 to 61, wherein the magnetic object (110) is in the covered position when the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is away from the interaction surface (210), and wherein the magnetic object (110) is in the exposed position when the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and / or the device contact surface (130) is in contact with the interaction surface (210).

[0187] 63. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 59 to 62, wherein the transmission device (160) includes at least one biasing mechanism (161) configured to push the magnetic object (110) and / or the shielding element (164) to the covered position when the at least one actuating feature (170) is away from the interaction surface (110) or is not actuated by the user (U).

[0188] 64. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 57 or embodiment 58, wherein in the first state, the magnetic object (110) is in an exposed position, wherein the magnetic object (110) is exposed relative to the environment of the housing (101), and wherein in the second state, the magnetic object (110) is in a covered position, wherein the magnetic object (110) is at least partially covered relative to the environment of the housing (101) by the shielding element (164).

[0189] 65. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 64, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is coupled to one of the magnetic object (110) and the shielding element (164) via the transmission device (160), such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to translate and / or rotate from the exposed position to the covered position.

[0190] 66. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 64 or embodiment 65, wherein the magnetic object (110) is in the exposed position when the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is away from the interaction surface (210), and wherein the magnetic object (110) is in the covered position when the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and / or the device contact surface (130) is in contact with the interaction surface (210).

[0191] 67. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 64 to 66, wherein the transmission device (160) includes at least one biasing mechanism (161) configured to push the magnetic object (110) and / or the shielding element (164) to the exposed position when the at least one actuating feature (170) is away from the interaction surface (110) or is not actuated by the user (U).

[0192] 68. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one click-operation feature (150) and / or at least one scroll-operation feature (140), wherein the at least one click-operation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-operation feature (140) are movably coupled to the housing (101) and are actuable by a user (U).

[0193] 69. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 68, wherein the user-carrying device (100) is in an initial state when the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140) are in an initial position, and more specifically, wherein the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140) are not actuated by the user (U).

[0194] 70. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 68 or embodiment 69, wherein the user-carrying device (100) is in an actuated state when the at least one click-operation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-operation feature (140) are in an actuated position, and more specifically, wherein the at least one click-operation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-operation feature (140) are actuated by the user (U).

[0195] 71. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 70 when subordinate to embodiment 40, wherein the at least one biasing mechanism (161) is at least one first biasing mechanism, and wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one second biasing mechanism (155), wherein the at least one second biasing mechanism is configured to push the at least one click manipulation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll manipulation feature (140) from the actuation position to the initial position.

[0196] 72. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 68 to 71, wherein the at least one click-to-operate feature (150), the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140), and / or the at least one contact-to-operate feature (170) are configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that actuation of the at least one click-to-operate feature (150), the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140), and / or the at least one contact-to-operate feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to transition from the first state to the second state, more specifically, wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or operatively coupled to the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140) such that actuation of the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140) causes the magnetic object (110) to rotate and / or translate relative to the housing (101).

[0197] 73. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 68 to 72, wherein the user-carrying device (100) is configured to control at least one triggering event based on the rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object (110) caused by actuation of the at least one click manipulation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll manipulation feature (140).

[0198] 74. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 73, wherein the user-carrying device (100) is configured to control contact events detectable by a plurality of magnetometers (300) based on the change caused by the actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170), more specifically, wherein the triggering event is detectable only in response to a detected contact event.

[0199] 75. The user-carrying device according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the magnetic object (110) is a first magnetic object (110a), and wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one second magnetic object (110b), wherein the first magnetic object (110a) and the at least one second magnetic object (110b) are arranged away from each other.

[0200] 76. A user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 75 when subordinate to embodiment 10, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is mechanically coupled to the first magnetic object (110a) via the transmission device (160) such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the first magnetic object (110a) to translate and / or rotate from the first position to the second position.

[0201] 77. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 76, wherein during the transition from the first position to the second position, the first magnetic object (110a) translates toward or away from the at least one second magnetic object (110b) and / or rotates relative to the at least one second magnetic object.

[0202] 78. The user-carrying device according to any one of embodiments 75 to 77, wherein the at least one second magnetic object (110b) is arranged to be able to translate and / or rotate relative to the housing (101), or wherein the at least one second magnetic object (110b) is fixedly coupled to the housing (101).

[0203] 79. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 75 to 78 when subordinate to embodiment 8, wherein the first magnetic object (110a) is operatively coupled to the at least one contact manipulation feature (170), and wherein the at least one second magnetic object (110b) is operatively coupled to the at least one click manipulation feature (150) and / or operatively coupled to the at least one scroll manipulation feature (140), such that actuation of the at least one click manipulation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll manipulation feature (140) causes the at least one second magnetic object (110b) to rotate and / or translate relative to the housing (101), more specifically, wherein the at least one second magnetic object (110b) is in an actuated state.

[0204] 80. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of embodiments 75 to 79, wherein the first magnetic object (110a) includes a first magnetic moment vector (120a) and / or a first magnetic object positioning vector, and wherein the at least one second magnetic object (110b) includes a second magnetic moment vector (120b) and / or a second magnetic object positioning vector.

[0205] 81. The user-carrying device according to embodiments 79 and 80 when subordinate to embodiment 69, wherein the first magnetic object (110a) and the at least one second magnetic object (110b) are arranged in the housing (101) such that, in the first state and the initial state, the first magnetic moment vector (120a) is substantially parallel to the second magnetic moment vector (120b).

[0206] 82. The user-carrying device (100) according to embodiment 80 or embodiment 81, wherein the first magnetic moment vector (120a) and / or the second magnetic moment vector (120b) are oriented such that the rotation of the first magnetic object (110a) and / or the second magnetic object (110b) about a first rotation axis (112) and at least one second rotation axis (114) is detectable based on magnetic field measurements by a plurality of magnetometers (300).

[0207] 83. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the user-carrying device (100) is electrically passive and / or electronically passive.

[0208] 84. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the magnetic object (110) is a permanent magnet.

[0209] 85. The user-portable device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the user-portable device (100) is a computer mouse, keyboard, toy, stylus or dial.

[0210] 86. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the magnetic object (110) is configured to create a symmetrical magnetic field.

[0211] 87. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments 1 to 85, wherein the magnetic object (110) is configured to create an asymmetric magnetic field (115), more specifically, wherein the magnetic field (115) is non-rotationally symmetric.

[0212] 88. A system (10) for determining manipulation of a user-carried device (100), the system comprising:

[0213] User-carried device (100) according to any one of the aforementioned implementation schemes.

[0214] Multiple magnetometers (300) are configured to create a sensing volume and to measure the magnetic field created by the magnetic object (110).

[0215] The system (10) is configured to detect the transition of the magnetic object (110) from a first state to a second state, and

[0216] The system (10) is configured to determine a contact event between the user-carried device (100) and the interaction surface (210) based on the detected transition.

[0217] 89. The system (10) according to embodiment 88, wherein the system (10) includes a processing unit (400) or is capable of being connected to the processing unit, the processing unit being configured to track the movement of the magnetic object (110) in at least five degrees of freedom, and more specifically, wherein the processing unit (400) is configured to detect the transition and determine the contact event based on the detected transition.

[0218] 90. The system (10) according to embodiment 88 or embodiment 89, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one click-operated feature (150) and / or at least one scroll-operated feature (140), wherein the at least one click-operated feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-operated feature (140) are movably coupled to the housing (101) and are actuable by a user (U), wherein the at least one click-operated feature (150), the at least one scroll-operated feature (140), and / or the at least one contact-operated feature (170) are configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that actuation of the at least one click-operated feature (150), the at least one scroll-operated feature (140), and / or the at least one contact-operated feature (170) causes the magnetic object to... (110) The transition from the first state to the second state, more specifically, wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or operatively coupled to the at least one roll-to-operate feature (140), such that actuation of the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or the at least one roll-to-operate feature (140) causes rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101), and in particular, wherein the system (10) is configured to determine at least one triggering event based on the detected transition from the first state to the second state or based on the detected rotation and / or translation of the magnetic object (110) caused by actuation of the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or the at least one roll-to-operate feature (140).

[0219] 91. The system (10) according to embodiment 90, wherein the system (10) is configured to determine the at least one triggering event only in response to a detected contact event.

[0220] 92. The system (10) according to embodiment 90 or embodiment 91, wherein the at least one triggering event is a click event and / or a scroll event, wherein the system (10) is configured to determine the scroll event and / or the click event based on the detection of actuation by a user (U) on the at least one scroll manipulation feature (140) and / or the at least one click manipulation feature (150).

[0221] 93. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 88 to 92, wherein the user-carrying device (100) is operable on the interaction surface (210), and wherein the system (10) is configured to determine the position of the user-carrying device (100) relative to the interaction surface (210) within the sensing volume based on the magnetic field measurement results, more specifically, wherein the system is configured to determine the movement of the user-carrying device (100) on the interaction surface (210) based on a determined contact event and a determined position of the user-carrying device (100).

[0222] 94. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 88 to 93, wherein the system (10) includes at least one output device (510), wherein the at least one output device (510) is configured to represent the user-carried device (100), and more specifically, wherein the at least one output device (510) is configured to visually reproduce the user-carried device (100) as a virtual object.

[0223] 95. The system (10) according to embodiments 93 and 94, wherein the system (10) is configured to reproduce the movement of the user-carried device (100) on the interactive surface (210) as the movement of the virtual object on at least one output device (510).

[0224] 96. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 88 to 95 when subordinate to embodiment 13, wherein the magnetic field includes a magnetic field strength, and wherein the system (10) is configured to set a threshold for the magnetic field strength, wherein the system (10) is configured to reject magnetic field measurements associated with magnetic field strengths equal to or less than the set threshold for the magnetic field strength.

[0225] 97. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 94 to 96, wherein the output device (510) is a display or screen.

[0226] 98. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 89 to 97, wherein the system (10) includes an electronic device (500), wherein the processing unit (400) is integrated in the electronic device (500).

[0227] 99. The system (10) according to embodiment 98 when subordinate to embodiment 94, wherein the output device (510) is integrated in the electronic device (500).

[0228] 100. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 88 to 99, wherein the plurality of magnetometers (300) are integrated into a wall, furniture, notebook, electronic device, screen or monitor, keyboard and / or mouse pad.

[0229] 101. The system (10) according to any one of embodiments 88 to 100, wherein the system (10) includes an interactive support (200) having an interactive support surface (230), wherein the interactive surface (210) is at least a portion of the surface of the interactive support surface (230).

[0230] 102. The system (10) according to embodiment 101, wherein the interactive support (200) is furniture, a laptop, an electronic device, a screen, a wall, or a mouse pad.

[0231] 103. A method (600) for determining manipulation of a user-carried device (100), the method comprising:

[0232] Obtain a magnetic field measurement result (610) associated with a magnetic field created by a magnetic object (110) coupled to the housing (101) of the user-carried device (100) according to any one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 87 and measured by a plurality of magnetometers (300).

[0233] The transition (620) of the magnetic object (110) from the first state to the second state is detected, and

[0234] The contact event (630) between the user-carried device (100) and the interaction surface (210) is determined based on the detected change.

[0235] 104. The method (600) according to embodiment 103, wherein detecting the transition (620) comprises:

[0236] More specifically, the change in position of the magnetic object (110) is detected (621) outside the outer casing (101) and / or the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic object is detected (622).

[0237] 105. The method (600) according to implementation scheme 104, wherein detecting a change in position (621) includes:

[0238] The movement of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101) from a first position to a second position is detected, and more specifically, the movement includes translation and / or rotation of the magnetic object (110).

[0239] 106. The method (600) according to embodiment 105, wherein the movement includes a movement trajectory, a movement speed range and / or a movement time range.

[0240] 107. The method (600) according to implementation scheme 105 or implementation scheme 106, wherein determining the contact event (630) includes:

[0241] The movement of the magnetic object (110) is compared with a predefined movement.

[0242] Determine whether the movement of the magnetic object (110) matches the predefined movement, and

[0243] In response to determining that the movement of the magnetic object (110) matches the predefined movement, a contact event is determined, wherein the contact event indicates that the user-carried device (100) contacts the interactive surface (210).

[0244] 108. The method (600) according to any one of embodiments 104 to 107, wherein detecting the change in magnetic field (622) comprises:

[0245] Determine the change in the magnetic field created by the magnetic object (110) outside the user-carried device (100), more specifically outside the housing (101), from a first magnetic field in the first state to a second magnetic field in the second state, wherein the second magnetic field is different from the first magnetic field.

[0246] 109. The method (600) according to embodiment 108, wherein the magnetic field includes magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape, wherein determining the transition of the magnetic field includes detecting a change in the magnetic field strength and / or a change in the magnetic field shape.

[0247] 110. The method (600) according to embodiment 109, wherein the first magnetic field of the magnetic object (110) includes a first magnetic field strength and / or a first magnetic field shape in the first state, and wherein the second magnetic field of the magnetic object (110) includes a second magnetic field strength and / or a second magnetic field shape in the second state.

[0248] 111. The method (600) according to embodiment 110, wherein determining the transition of the magnetic field created by the magnetic object (110) from a first magnetic field in the first state to a second magnetic field in the second state comprises:

[0249] Determine whether the second magnetic field strength is greater than or less than the first magnetic field strength, and / or

[0250] It is determined that the second magnetic field shape is different from the first magnetic field shape.

[0251] 112. The method (600) according to any one of embodiments 109 to 111, wherein determining the contact event (630) comprises:

[0252] Set a threshold for the change in the magnetic field strength and / or the change in the magnetic field shape.

[0253] Reject magnetic field measurements associated with changes in magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape that are equal to or less than a set threshold for the change in magnetic field strength and / or the change in magnetic field shape, and / or

[0254] Accept magnetic field measurement results associated with changes in magnetic field strength and / or magnetic field shape that are greater than a set threshold for the change in magnetic field strength and / or the change in magnetic field shape.

[0255] 113. The method (600) according to any one of embodiments 109 to 112, wherein determining the contact event (630) comprises:

[0256] In response to the detection of the change in the magnetic field strength and / or the change in the magnetic field shape,

[0257] The contact event is determined, wherein the contact event indicates that the user-carrying device (100) comes into contact with the interaction surface (210).

[0258] 114. The method (600) according to any one of embodiments 103 to 113, the method further comprising:

[0259] The translation and / or rotation (640) of the magnetic object (110) around or relative to a first rotation axis (112) and at least one second rotation axis (114, 116) are detected based on the obtained magnetic field measurement results.

[0260] In response to a detected translation and / or rotation, at least one triggering event (650) is determined based on the detected translation and / or rotation.

[0261] 115. The method (600) according to embodiment 114, wherein the method (600) further comprises:

[0262] The at least one triggering event is determined only in response to the detection of the contact event.

[0263] 116. The method (600) according to embodiment 114 or embodiment 115, wherein determining at least one triggering event (650) includes:

[0264] Manipulation of the user-carried device (100), and more specifically, control of the user-carried device (100), within the sensing volume (M) created by the plurality of magnetometers (300) based on detected translation and / or rotation, and

[0265] Associate the manipulation with the at least one triggering event.

[0266] 117. The method (600) according to any one of embodiments 114 to 116, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one scrolling manipulation feature (140) and / or at least one click manipulation feature (150), the at least one scrolling manipulation feature and / or the at least one click manipulation feature being operatively coupled to the magnetic object (110, 110a) or operatively coupled to at least one second magnetic object (110b) and movably coupled to the housing (101) of the user-carrying device (100), and wherein determining at least one trigger event (650) includes:

[0267] A click event is determined based on the detection of a transition of the magnetic object (110, 110a) from the first state to the second state or based on the detected translation and / or rotation of the at least one second magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101) due to actuation of the at least one click manipulation feature (150), and / or

[0268] A rolling event is determined based on the detection of the transition of the magnetic object (110, 110a) from the first state to the second state or based on the detected translation and / or rotation of the at least one second magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101) due to the actuation of the at least one rolling manipulation feature (140).

[0269] 118. The method (600) according to any one of embodiments 103 to 117, wherein the method (600) is a computer-implemented method.

[0270] 119. A computer system configured to perform a computer-implemented method (600) according to embodiment 118.

[0271] 120. A computer program configured to perform a computer-implemented method (600) according to embodiment 118.

[0272] 121. A computer-readable medium or signal storing a computer program according to embodiment 120.

[0273] Attached icon number

[0274] X-first reference axis

[0275] Y-second reference axis

[0276] Z-vertical reference axis

[0277] x d First equipment axis

[0278] y d Second equipment axis

[0279] z d Vertical equipment axis

[0280] x s First surface axis

[0281] y s Second surface axis

[0282] z s Vertical surface axis

[0283] M sensing volume

[0284] l Protruding distance

[0285] l1 First protrusion distance

[0286] L2 second protrusion distance

[0287] z1 first distance

[0288] z2 second distance

[0289] α1 First rotation angle

[0290] α2 Second rotation angle

[0291] β1 First gear rotation angle

[0292] β2 Second gear rotation angle

[0293] µ rotation angle

[0294] γ1 First tilt angle

[0295] γ2 second tilt angle

[0296] γ3 third tilt angle

[0297] 10 system

[0298] 100 users carrying devices

[0299] 101 casing

[0300] 110 Magnetic objects

[0301] 110a First Magnetic Object

[0302] 110b Second Magnetic Object

[0303] 112 First Rotational Axis

[0304] 114 Second Rotation Axis

[0305] 115 magnetic field

[0306] 116 Third Rotation Axis

[0307] 118 transmission rotating shaft

[0308] 120 magnetic moment vector

[0309] 130 Contact surface or contact point

[0310] 140 Rolling Manipulation Feature

[0311] 150 clicks to manipulate features

[0312] 160 transmission equipment

[0313] 160a lever transmission device

[0314] 160b gear transmission device

[0315] 161 bias mechanism

[0316] 162 lever components

[0317] 162a First lever component

[0318] 162b Second lever component

[0319] 163 Gears

[0320] 164 Magnetic Field Modification Component

[0321] 170 contact control feature

[0322] 171 Actuating Element

[0323] 172 Joining Feature

[0324] 180 First Rotation

[0325] 190 Second Rotation

[0326] 200 interactive support components

[0327] 210 interactive surface

[0328] 230 Interactive Support Surface

[0329] More than 300 magnetometers

[0330] 310 Magnetometer Plane

[0331] 320 Magnetometer Body

[0332] 400 processing units

[0333] 500 electronic devices

[0334] 510 output device

[0335] U users

[0336] S k,l magnetometer

Claims

1. A user-portable device (100) operable on an interactive surface (210), the user-portable device (100) comprising: Outer shell (101) Magnetic object (110), said magnetic object coupled to the outer shell (101), and At least one contact actuation feature (170) is movably coupled to the housing (101). The at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that actuation of the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to transition from a first state to a second state, and The transition from the first state to the second state indicates a contact event between the user-carrying device (100) and the interaction surface (210).

2. The user-carrying device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes a transmission device (160) operatively coupled to the at least one contact actuation feature (170) and configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that when the at least one actuation feature (170) is actuated, the magnetic object (110) transitions from the first state to the second state.

3. The user-carrying device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transformation includes a change in the position of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101), and more specifically, wherein the position of the magnetic object (110) includes the positioning and / or orientation of the magnetic object (110) relative to the housing (101).

4. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is mechanically coupled to the magnetic object (110), and wherein the magnetic object (110) is arranged to be rotatable and / or translateable relative to the housing (101).

5. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the transmission device (160), and more specifically, wherein at least one contact actuation feature (170) is mechanically coupled to the magnetic object (110) via the transmission device (160).

6. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes a magnetic field modification element (164) configured to magnetically interact with the magnetic object (110), and more specifically with a magnetic field (115) created by the magnetic object (110).

7. The user-carrying device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and configured to change the position of the magnetic object relative to the modification element (164) when the at least one manipulation feature (170) is actuated, or wherein the modification element (164) is operatively coupled to the at least one contact manipulation feature (170) and configured to change the position of the modification element relative to the magnetic object (110) when the at least one manipulation feature (170) is actuated.

8. A user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the housing (101) includes a device contact surface (130), and wherein the housing (101) includes an opening (102) in the device contact surface (130), wherein at least one contact manipulation feature (170) is movable through the opening, more specifically, wherein in the first state, the at least one manipulation feature (170) protrudes at least partially through the opening (102) and from the housing (101), and particularly, wherein the at least one manipulation feature (170) is configured to rotate and / or translate into the housing (101) upon contact with the interaction surface (210).

9. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one click-operation feature (150) and / or at least one scroll-operation feature (140), wherein the at least one click-operation feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-operation feature (140) are movably coupled to the housing (101) and are actuable by a user (U).

10. The user-carrying device (100) of claim 9, wherein the at least one click-to-operate feature (150), the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140), and / or the at least one contact-to-operate feature (170) are configured to interact with the magnetic object (110) such that actuation of the at least one click-to-operate feature (150), the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140), and / or the at least one contact-to-operate feature (170) causes the magnetic object (110) to transition from the first state to the second state, more specifically, wherein the magnetic object (110) is operatively coupled to the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or operatively coupled to the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140) such that actuation of the at least one click-to-operate feature (150) and / or the at least one scroll-to-operate feature (140) causes the magnetic object (110) to rotate and / or translate relative to the housing (101).

11. The user-carrying device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic object (110) is a first magnetic object (110a), and wherein the user-carrying device (100) includes at least one second magnetic object (110b), wherein the first magnetic object (110a) and the at least one second magnetic object (110b) are arranged away from each other.

12. A computer-implemented method (600) for determining manipulation of a user-carried device (100), the computer-implemented method comprising: Obtain a magnetic field measurement result (610) associated with a magnetic field (115) created by a magnetic object (110) coupled to the housing (101) of the user-carried device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 and measured by a plurality of magnetometers (300). The transition (620) of the magnetic object (110) from the first state to the second state is detected, and The contact event (630) between the user-carried device (100) and the interaction surface (210) is determined based on the detected change.

13. A system (10) for determining manipulation of a user-carried device (100), the system comprising: User-carrying device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Multiple magnetometers (300) are configured to create a sensing volume and to measure the magnetic field created by the magnetic object (110). The system (10) is configured to detect the transition of the magnetic object (110) from a first state to a second state. The system (10) is configured to determine a contact event between the user-carried device (100) and the interaction surface (210) based on the detected transition.

14. The system (10) of claim 13, wherein the system (10) is further configured to perform the computer-implemented method (600) of claim 12.

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a system (10) according to any one of claims 13 or 14, cause the system (10) to perform the computer-implemented method (600) according to claim 12.

16. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program according to claim 15.

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