Portable electronic device

Abstract

A portable electronic device includes a housing, a first magnetic module, and a detachable input device. The housing has an upper surface and a receiving slot recessed from the upper surface. The first magnetic module is disposed in the housing. The detachable input device is detachably mounted in or separated from the receiving slot, and has a second magnetic module. When the detachable input device is mounted in the receiving slot, the portable electronic device provides an activation signal to the detachable input device, so that the second magnetic module is activated and generates a magnetic force with the first magnetic module, to fix the detachable input device in the receiving slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a portable electronic device, and more particularly to a portable electronic device having a detachable input device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices (such as laptops) are now quite common and popular products.

[0003] For advanced needs, such as playing games, users often require additional accessories, such as joysticks or controllers, to facilitate gameplay. However, since these additional accessories are not fixed to the laptop, they need to be purchased separately and are easily lost during travel.

[0004] Therefore, how to design electronic devices that can integrate accessories is a topic worthy of discussion and resolution today. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure proposes a portable electronic device to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] This disclosure provides a portable electronic device including a housing, a first magnetic module, and a detachable input device. The housing has an upper surface and a receiving groove, the receiving groove being recessed from the upper surface. The first magnetic module is disposed within the housing. The detachable input device is detachably mounted in or detached from the receiving groove, and the detachable input device has a second magnetic module. When the detachable input device is mounted in the receiving groove, the portable electronic device provides an activation signal to the detachable input device, causing the second magnetic module to be activated and generating a magnetic attraction force between it and the first magnetic module, thereby securing the detachable input device in the receiving groove.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the portable electronic device further includes a first control circuit, and the detachable input device further includes a second control circuit. When the second control circuit receives a start signal from the first control circuit, the second control circuit provides a first current to the second magnetic module to generate a magnetic attraction force.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, when the second control circuit receives a release signal from the first control circuit, the second control circuit provides a second current to the second magnetic module to generate a magnetic repulsion force between the second magnetic module and the first magnetic module, thereby causing the detachable input device to detach from the receiving slot, wherein the direction of the second current is opposite to the direction of the first current.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the second magnetic module has a first coil to a fourth coil, the first coil and the second coil are located on a first side, the third coil and the fourth coil are located on a second side, and the second side is opposite to the first side.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, when the second control circuit receives a release signal from the first control circuit, the second control circuit provides a second current to the first coil and the second coil to generate a first magnetic repulsion force with the first magnetic attraction module, and the second control circuit further provides a third current to the third coil and the fourth coil to generate a second magnetic repulsion force with the first magnetic attraction module.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the third current is in the same direction as the second current, the direction of the second current is opposite to the direction of the first current, and the second magnetic repulsion is greater than the first magnetic repulsion.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first magnetic module has four magnetic elements, respectively corresponding to the first to fourth coils, and the portable electronic device further includes a first to a fourth tactile module, respectively connected to the four magnetic elements.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first to fourth tactile modules has a tactile pressure sensor configured to sense a force exerted by an external object on the detachable input device.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first to fourth tactile modules further includes an insulating element disposed between the corresponding tactile pressure sensor and the magnetic element, wherein the insulating element is made of a non-magnetic material.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first to fourth tactile modules further includes a transmission element connected between the corresponding tactile pressure sensor and the magnetic element.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the first to fourth tactile modules further includes a positioning element fixedly disposed on the corresponding tactile pressure sensor, the transmission element having a columnar structure, and the positioning element configured as a positioning transmission element.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the detachable input device further includes a first vibrator, each of the first to fourth tactile modules further includes a second vibrator, and the vibration generated by the second vibrator is superimposed on the vibration generated by the first vibrator.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the detachable input device further includes a touch module, and when the first tactile module to the fourth tactile module senses that an external object applies force to the touch module and moves from a first force application position on the touch module to a second force application position and finally stops at a third force application position, the first control circuit receives the sensing signal from the first tactile module to the fourth tactile module and outputs a sensing result to the second control circuit accordingly.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the second control circuit is configured to compare the sensing result with a lookup table to obtain a comparison result, and the first control circuit outputs a vibration signal to the second vibrator of at least one of the first to fourth tactile modules before the external object reaches the third force application position based on the comparison result.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the position of the second vibrator that receives the fourth current corresponds to the third force application position.

[0021] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, an application running on a portable electronic device is configured to output a prompt signal to a first control circuit, and the first control circuit outputs at least one vibration signal to a second vibrator of at least one of a first tactile module to a fourth tactile module, so that the second vibrator vibrates.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the detachable input device has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being opposite to the bottom surface, wherein a touch module is disposed on the top surface and a button module is disposed on the bottom surface.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, when the detachable input device is installed in the receiving slot, the touch module of the detachable input device provides touch functionality, and when the detachable input device is separated from the receiving slot, the button module of the detachable input device provides input functionality, configured to wirelessly provide an input signal to the portable electronic device.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a first connector with a plurality of first electrical contacts is disposed in the receiving slot, and a second connector with a plurality of second electrical contacts is disposed on the detachable input device, wherein when the detachable input device is installed in the receiving slot, the second electrical contacts abut against and are electrically connected to the first electrical contacts, so that the portable electronic device sends a start signal accordingly.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first connector or the second connector is a pogo pin connector.

[0026] This disclosure provides a portable electronic device that may include a housing and a detachable input device. The detachable input device is detachably mounted in a receiving slot within the housing. When the detachable input device is mounted in the housing, a second magnetic module of the detachable input device can generate a magnetic attraction force with a first magnetic module in the housing, thereby securing the detachable input device in the receiving slot.

[0027] When a user wishes to remove the detachable input device from the receiving slot, they can perform an operation gesture on the touch module to trigger a magnetic repulsion between the second magnetic module and the first magnetic module, thereby pushing the detachable input device out of the receiving slot. Additionally, the detachable input device contains a first vibrator, and the housing also contains multiple tactile modules, each with a second vibrator.

[0028] When a user operates the touch module of the detachable input device and executes a specific application, the application will send signals to the first and second control circuits in certain scenarios to control the first and second vibrators to vibrate together. Since the vibration generated by the second vibrator can be superimposed on the vibration generated by the first vibrator (for example, the two are approximately in phase), it can provide the user with more obvious vibration feedback, thus solving the problem of insufficient vibration feedback from a single vibrator. Attached Figure Description

[0029] This disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description and accompanying illustrations. It should be emphasized that, in accordance with industry standard practice, the features are not drawn to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. In fact, the dimensions of the features may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for clarity.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a top view of a portable electronic device 100 and a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of a portable electronic device 100 and a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portable electronic device 100 and a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a detachable input device 200 being pushed out of a receiving slot 1022 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a haptic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generating vibrations in response to an application.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a haptic module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure generating vibrations in response to an application.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a haptic module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure generating vibrations in response to an application.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a haptic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generating vibrations in response to an application.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a tactile module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generating vibrations in response to an operational gesture.

[0040] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0041] 100: Portable electronic devices

[0042] 101: Display screen

[0043] 102: Shell

[0044] 1021: Upper surface

[0045] 1022: Receptacle

[0046] 1023: Capacity Gap

[0047] 104: First control circuit

[0048] 105: First Wireless Module

[0049] 106: First Connector

[0050] 110: First tactile module

[0051] 111: Tactile pressure sensor

[0052] 113: Isolation element

[0053] 115: Transmission element

[0054] 117: Positioning element

[0055] 119: Second vibrator

[0056] 120: Second tactile module

[0057] 1201: Module housing

[0058] 130: Third haptic module

[0059] 140: Fourth haptic module

[0060] 150: First magnetic module

[0061] 200: Detachable input device

[0062] 201: Screen Module

[0063] 202: Outer shell

[0064] 2021: Top Surface

[0065] 2022: Underside

[0066] 203: Circuit Board

[0067] 204: Second control circuit

[0068] 205: Lookup Table

[0069] 206: Second Connector

[0070] 210: Touch module

[0071] 220: Button Module

[0072] 230: Second wireless module

[0073] 240: First vibrator

[0074] 250: Second magnetic module

[0075] BAT: Battery

[0076] CL1: First coil

[0077] CL2: Second coil

[0078] CL3: Third coil

[0079] CL4: Fourth coil

[0080] EC1: First electrical contact

[0081] EC2: Second electrical contact

[0082] GP1: First position of force application

[0083] GP2: Second position for applying force

[0084] GP3: Third position for applying force

[0085] IC1: First Current

[0086] IC2: Second Current

[0087] IC3: Third Current

[0088] IC4: Fourth Current

[0089] ME: Magnetic element

[0090] MF1: ​​Magnetic attraction

[0091] MF2: Magnetic repulsion

[0092] MRP1: First magnetic repulsion force

[0093] MRP2: Second magnetic repulsion force

[0094] P1: First position

[0095] P2: Second position

[0096] P3: Third Position

[0097] P4: Fourth Position

[0098] SS1: First side

[0099] SS2: Second side

[0100] TH1: Depth

[0101] TH2: Total height

[0102] TH3: Altitude

[0103] TH4: Altitude

[0104] X: X-axis

[0105] Y: Y-axis

[0106] Z: Z-axis Detailed Implementation

[0107] The following discloses many different implementations or examples to implement different features of the provided object. Specific embodiments of the elements and their arrangements are described below to illustrate this disclosure. Of course, these embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. For example, the specification mentions that a first feature is formed on a second feature. This may include embodiments where the first and second feature are in direct contact, or embodiments where there are other features between the first and second feature; in other words, the first and second feature are not in direct contact.

[0108] Furthermore, repeated reference numerals or designations may be used in different embodiments. These repetitions are merely for the purpose of clearly and simply describing this disclosure and do not represent a specific relationship between the different embodiments and / or structures discussed. Additionally, the formation, connection, and / or coupling to another feature component in this disclosure may include embodiments in which the feature components are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional feature components may be formed to insert into the aforementioned feature component, such that the aforementioned feature components may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, spatially related terms such as “vertical,” “above,” “up,” “below,” “bottom,” and similar terms (e.g., “downward,” “upward,” etc.) may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element(s) or feature(s) in the illustrations and another element(s) or feature(s). These spatially related terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device including the feature.

[0109] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is to be understood that such terms, for example, as defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant art and the background or context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner, unless otherwise specifically defined herein.

[0110] Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" in the specification and claims to modify elements of the claims does not imply or represent any prior ordinal number for the claimed element, nor does it represent the order of one claimed element with another, or the order of manufacturing methods. The use of such ordinal numbers is only to enable a claimed element with a certain name to be clearly distinguished from another claimed element with the same name.

[0111] Furthermore, in some embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as "connection" and "interconnection," unless specifically defined, may refer to two structures in direct contact, or they may refer to two structures that are not in direct contact, with other structures disposed between them. Moreover, these terms regarding joining and connection may also include cases where both structures are movable or both structures are fixed.

[0112] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is a top view of a portable electronic device 100 and a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of a portable electronic device 100 and a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective, and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a portable electronic device 100 and a detachable input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In this embodiment, the portable electronic device 100 is a laptop computer, but is not limited thereto. The portable electronic device 100 may have a display screen 101 and a housing 102. The housing 102 may have an upper surface 1021 and a receiving groove 1022, and the receiving groove 1022 is formed by recessing from the upper surface 1021, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0114] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the detachable input device 200 has a housing 202 with a top surface 2021 and a bottom surface 2022, the top surface 2021 being opposite to the bottom surface 2022. A touchpad module 210 is disposed on the top surface 2021, and a button module 220 is disposed on the bottom surface 2022. In addition, in this embodiment, the detachable input device 200 may also have a screen module 201 for displaying image information, but in some embodiments, the screen module 201 may be omitted.

[0115] When the detachable input device 200 is installed in the receiving slot 1022, the touch module 210 is configured to provide touchpad function. When the detachable input device 200 is separated from the receiving slot 1022, the button module 220 is configured to provide button input function.

[0116] When the key input function is executed, the detachable input device 200 is configured to wirelessly provide an input signal to the portable electronic device 100. For example, the portable electronic device 100 also has a first control circuit 104 and a first wireless module 105, and the detachable input device 200 also has a second control circuit 204 and a second wireless module 230.

[0117] The second control circuit 204 can transmit the aforementioned input signal to the first control circuit 104 via the second wireless module 230 and the first wireless module 105. The first wireless module 105 and the second wireless module 230 can be Bluetooth modules or Wi-Fi modules, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the first control circuit 104 is, for example, a central processing unit, and the second control circuit 204 is, for example, a microcontroller or a single-chip processor, but are not limited thereto.

[0118] In order to enable the detachable input device 200 to be securely installed in or detached from the receiving slot 1022 in a detachable manner, the portable electronic device 100 may further include a first magnetic module 150 disposed in the housing 102, and the detachable input device 200 may have a second magnetic module 250 corresponding to the first magnetic module 150.

[0119] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first magnetic module 150 may include four magnetic elements ME, embedded in the housing 102 and located below the receiving groove 1022. In this embodiment, the magnetic elements ME are, for example, magnets, and the upper surface of the magnetic elements ME is exposed by the housing 102, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the upper surface of the magnetic elements ME may be shielded by the housing 102.

[0120] When the user places the detachable input device 200 into the receiving slot 1022, the portable electronic device 100 provides an activation signal TSG to the detachable input device 200, so that the second magnetic module 250 is activated and a magnetic attraction force MF1 is generated between it and the first magnetic module 150, so as to fix the detachable input device 200 in the receiving slot 1022.

[0121] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a first connector 106 is provided in the receiving groove 1022, which has a plurality of first electrical contacts EC1, and a second connector 206 is provided on the detachable input device 200, which has a plurality of second electrical contacts EC2, corresponding to these first electrical contacts EC1.

[0122] In this embodiment, one of the first connector 106 and the second connector 206 may be a pogo pin connector, while the other may be a connector with electrical contacts corresponding to the pogo pin, but is not limited thereto.

[0123] When the detachable input device 200 is installed in the receiving slot 1022, the second electrical contacts EC2 are abutted against and electrically connected to the first electrical contacts EC1. At this time, the first control circuit 104 detects the aforementioned electrical connection and correspondingly sends a start signal TSG to the second control circuit 204. In addition, the first control circuit 104 can also charge a battery BAT of the detachable input device 200 through the first connector 106 and the second connector 206.

[0124] When the second control circuit 204 receives the start signal TSG from the first control circuit 104, the second control circuit 204 will provide a first current IC1 to the second magnetic module 250 to generate the aforementioned magnetic attraction force MF1.

[0125] Among them, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the detachable input device 200 may further include a circuit board 203 disposed within the housing 202, and the second magnetic module 250 has a first coil CL1 to a fourth coil CL4 disposed within the circuit board 203. That is, the first coil CL1 to the fourth coil CL4 are planar coils, but are not limited thereto.

[0126] like Figure 3 As shown, the first coil CL1 and the second coil CL2 are located on a first side SS1, and the third coil CL3 and the fourth coil CL4 are located on a second side SS2, with the second side SS2 relative to the first side SS1. Furthermore, the positions of the first coil CL1 to the fourth coil CL4 correspond to the positions of the four magnetic elements ME.

[0127] When the first coil CL1 to the fourth coil CL4 receive the first current IC1, a magnetic pole is generated that is opposite to the magnetic pole of the magnetic element ME. Therefore, the aforementioned magnetic attraction force MF1 is generated to fix the detachable input device 200 in the receiving slot 1022.

[0128] On the other hand, when a user wants to remove the detachable input device 200 from the receiving slot 1022, a release signal RSG can be sent from the first control circuit 104 to the second control circuit 204 by an operation gesture on the touch module 210.

[0129] When the second control circuit 204 receives the aforementioned release signal RSG from the first control circuit 104, the second control circuit 204 will provide a second current IC2 to the second magnetic module 250, so that the first coil CL1 to the fourth coil CL4 generate the same magnetic poles as the magnetic element ME.

[0130] Therefore, a magnetic repulsion force MF2 is generated between the first coil CL1 to the fourth coil CL4 and the first magnetic attraction module 150, causing the detachable input device 200 to detach from the receiving slot 1022. The direction of the second current IC2 is opposite to the direction of the first current IC1.

[0131] For example, the second current IC2 is, for example, a negative current, while the first current IC1 is, for example, a positive current. When the magnetic repulsion force MF2 is large enough, for example, greater than the weight of the detachable input device 200, the detachable input device 200 can be driven by the magnetic repulsion force MF2 to pop out from the receiving slot 1022 for easy removal by the user.

[0132] It is worth noting that the method of disassembling the detachable input device 200 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 . Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a detachable input device 200 being pushed out of a receiving slot 1022 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] In this embodiment, when the second control circuit 204 receives the aforementioned release signal RSG from the first control circuit 104, the second control circuit 204 provides a second current IC2 to the first coil CL1 and the second coil CL2 to generate a first magnetic repulsion force MRP1 between them and the first magnetic attraction module 150. Furthermore, the second control circuit 204 provides a third current IC3 to the third coil CL3 and the fourth coil CL4 to generate a second magnetic repulsion force MRP2 between them and the first magnetic attraction module 150. Figure 5 As shown.

[0134] The third current IC3 is in the same direction as the second current IC2, the second current IC2 is in the opposite direction to the first current IC1, and the magnitude of the third current IC3 is greater than the magnitude of the second current IC2.

[0135] That is, the second magnetic repulsion force MRP2 will be greater than the first magnetic repulsion force MRP1. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, this configuration allows the detachable input device 200 to pop out at an angle, making it easier for the user to remove the detachable input device 200 from the receiving slot 1022.

[0136] Then please go back to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The portable electronic device 100 also includes a first tactile module 110 to a fourth tactile module 140, each connected to four magnetic elements ME. Each of the first tactile module 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 has the same structure and component configuration, and may include a tactile pressure sensor 111 configured to sense the force exerted by an external object (e.g., a user's finger) on the detachable input device 200.

[0137] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the first tactile module 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 also has an insulating element 113 disposed between the corresponding tactile pressure sensor 111 and the magnetic element ME.

[0138] Each of the first to fourth tactile modules 140 further includes a transmission element 115 connected between a corresponding tactile pressure sensor 111 and a magnetic element ME. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second tactile module 120 has a module housing 1201, and the transmission element 115 is fixedly connected between the magnetic element ME and the module housing 1201.

[0139] Similarly, each of the first to fourth tactile modules 140 may further include a positioning element 117, fixedly disposed on the corresponding tactile pressure sensor 111. For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the tactile pressure sensor 111 is disposed inside the module housing 1201, and the positioning element 117 is fixedly disposed on the module housing 1201 to position the transmission element 115.

[0140] Specifically, the transmission element 115 has a columnar structure, and the isolation element 113 and the positioning element 117 may have an annular structure, which are sleeved on the transmission element 115 and configured to position the transmission element 115.

[0141] In this embodiment, the isolating element 113, the transmitting element 115, and the positioning element 117 may be made of plastic material, such as PE, PP, ABS, or PC, but are not limited thereto. The isolating element 113, the transmitting element 115, and the positioning element 117 may be connected to each other by adhesive, but are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the isolating element 113, the transmitting element 115, and the positioning element 117 may also be integrally formed.

[0142] In this embodiment, the depth TH1 of the receiving groove 1022 is, for example, greater than or equal to 20 mm, the total height TH2 of the magnetic element ME and the insulating element 113 is, for example, 1 mm, the height TH3 of the transmission element 115 is, for example, 1 to 30 mm, and the height TH4 of the module housing 1201 is, for example, 1.5 to 2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the detachable input device 200 also has a first vibrator 240, and each of the first tactile modules 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 may also have a second vibrator 119 disposed in the module housing 1201.

[0144] When the detachable input device 200 is installed in the receiving slot 1022, the user can operate the touch module 210 and execute specific applications. When the application sends a signal to notify the first control circuit 104 and the second control circuit 204, it can control the first vibrator 240 and the second vibrator 119 to vibrate together.

[0145] Specifically, the vibration generated by the second vibrator 119 can be transmitted to the housing 202 through the transmission element 115 and the magnetic element ME. Based on this configuration, the vibration generated by the second vibrator 119 can be superimposed on the vibration generated by the first vibrator 240 (e.g., the two are approximately in phase), thus providing the user with more obvious vibration feedback to solve the problem of insufficient feedback from a single vibrator.

[0146] In this embodiment, the first vibrator 240 and the second vibrator 119 may be, for example, a coil and a magnet (not shown in the figure), but are not limited thereto. It is worth noting that, due to the configuration of the insulating element 113, the non-magnetic insulating element 113 can isolate the magnetic field of the magnetic element ME from the influence of the second vibrator 119, so the second vibrator 119 can still operate normally under such configuration.

[0147] Another point worth noting is that, as Figure 4 As shown, the housing 102 may also have a receiving notch 1023 formed between adjacent second tactile modules 120 and fourth tactile modules 140. The receiving notch 1023 may be used to receive one or more electronic components (not shown), such as a battery or a portion of a corresponding connector.

[0148] Please refer to the following: Figure 6 . Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a haptic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generates vibrations corresponding to an application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when a user is performing a puzzle program, these haptic modules can interact with the user in response to the application's answers.

[0149] For example, the positions of the first haptic module 110 to the fourth haptic module 140 correspond to the positions of the answers A to D displayed on the display screen 101, respectively. Therefore, if the user does not answer the question for a period of time, the application currently running on the portable electronic device 100 will output a prompt signal to the first control circuit 104.

[0150] Next, the first control circuit 104 outputs at least one vibration signal (e.g., a fourth current IC4) to the second vibrator 119 of at least one of the first tactile modules 110 to the fourth tactile module 140, so that the second vibrator 119 vibrates to prompt the user. The fourth current IC4 is, for example, an AC signal, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second vibrator 119 of the third tactile module 130 can emit vibrations that are transmitted to the user's finger via the touch module 210 of the detachable input device 200 to indicate that the correct answer to the current question is C, but the manner of the indication is not limited to this embodiment.

[0152] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 7 . Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a haptic module according to another embodiment of this disclosure generates vibrations corresponding to an application. For example... Figure 7As shown, when the user answers incorrectly, the first control circuit 104 can output a vibration signal (fourth current IC4) to these tactile modules, so that the first tactile module 110 in the first position P1, the fourth tactile module 140 in the fourth position P4, the third tactile module 130 in the third position P3, and the second tactile module 120 in the second position P2 sequentially vibrate to inform the user of an incorrect answer (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (The order of the middle arrows).

[0153] Similarly, please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 8 . Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a haptic module according to another embodiment of this disclosure generates vibrations corresponding to an application. For example... Figure 8 As shown, when the user answers correctly, the first control circuit 104 can output a vibration signal (fourth current IC4) to these tactile modules, so that the first tactile module 110, the third tactile module 130, the fourth tactile module 140, the second tactile module 120 and the first tactile module 110 will vibrate in sequence to inform the user that the answer is correct.

[0154] Please refer to the following: Figure 9 And Table 1. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a haptic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure generates vibrations in response to an application. Table 1 below lists several vibration modes of the haptic module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] Table 1

[0156]

[0157]

[0158] In this embodiment, multiple tactile modules can generate vibrations simultaneously, and multiple coils can generate magnetic attraction simultaneously. In Table 1, O represents a position where vibration or magnetic attraction is generated, while X represents a position where vibration or magnetic attraction is not generated.

[0159] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, in Mode 1, the tactile modules at the first position P1, the third position P3, and the fourth position P4 vibrate, allowing the user to feel vibration feedback from the upper right of the touch module 210. However, this is not the only possibility. For example, the vibration feedback from the upper right could also be achieved by the third tactile module 130 at the third position P3 vibrating. Furthermore, in Mode 1, the vibration generated by the third tactile module 130 could be greater than the vibration generated by the other two tactile modules.

[0160] Furthermore, in mode 2, the haptic modules at the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 will vibrate, allowing the user to feel the vibration on the right side of the touch module 210. The other vibration modes follow the same principle and will not be described in detail here.

[0161] It is worth noting that when the second vibrator 119 of the tactile module at a certain position vibrates, the corresponding coil may not be energized. For example, in mode 2, when the tactile module at the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 vibrates, the corresponding third coil CL3 and fourth coil CL4 are not energized, that is, no magnetic attraction is generated at the third position P3 and the fourth position P4.

[0162] In the first position P1 and the second position P2, the first coil CL1 and the second coil CL2 are still energized and have magnetic attraction. Based on this configuration, while ensuring that the detachable input device 200 is fixed in the receiving slot 1022, the effect of vibration feedback can be further enhanced.

[0163] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 10 . Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a tactile module generating vibrations in response to an operational gesture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the first tactile module 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 are capable of sensing force applied to the touch module 210 by an external object (e.g., a finger).

[0164] like Figure 10 As shown, when a finger moves from a first force application position GP1 to a second force application position GP2 and finally stops at a third force application position GP3 on the touch module 210, the first control circuit 104 receives sensing signals from the first tactile module 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 and outputs a sensing result to the second control circuit 204 accordingly.

[0165] Table 2 below shows an example of the sensing data (sensing results) obtained by the tactile pressure sensor at different locations over three frames. One frame is, for example, 1 / 60 of a second, but is not limited to this.

[0166] Table 2

[0167] Frame 1 Frame 2 Frame 3 The force at position P1 20g 15g 0g The force at position P2 0g 5g 20g The force at position P3 50g 40g 20g Force at position P4 20g 30g 50g

[0168] After receiving the sensing results, the second control circuit 204 will determine, based on the sensing results and the touch coordinates (e.g., two-dimensional coordinates x, y) sensed by the touch module 210, that the finger moved from the first force application position GP1 through the second force application position GP2 to the third force application position GP3.

[0169] It is worth noting that during the movement of the finger, the second control circuit 204 is configured to compare the aforementioned sensing results and two-dimensional coordinates sensed by the first tactile module 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 with a lookup table 205. The lookup table 205 stores multiple data entries of the aforementioned two-dimensional coordinates and sensed force.

[0170] After comparison, the second control circuit 204 transmits the comparison result to the first control circuit 104, and the first control circuit 104 outputs a vibration signal (fourth current IC4) to the second vibrator 119 of at least one of the first tactile modules 110 to the fourth tactile module 140 before (or simultaneously with) the external object reaching the third force application position GP3, based on this comparison result. In this embodiment, the fourth current IC4 is output to the second vibrator 119 of the fourth tactile module 140 to generate vibration.

[0171] In this configuration, the second vibrator 119 of the fourth tactile module 140, which receives the fourth current IC4, is positioned corresponding to the third force application position GP3. Based on this configuration, vibration feedback can be provided to the user promptly when the user reaches the third force application position GP3. This vibration feedback indicates to the user that the gesture has been successfully completed.

[0172] It is worth noting that this gesture can be used to trigger the aforementioned release signal RSG. For example, when this gesture is completed and vibration feedback is generated, the first control circuit 104 will send the release signal RSG to the second control circuit 204 to control the second magnetic module 250 to generate magnetic repulsion to release the detachable input device 200.

[0173] In other embodiments, the lookup table 205 may also be stored in the portable electronic device 100 and compared by the first control circuit 104 for subsequent vibration control.

[0174] In summary, this disclosure provides a portable electronic device 100, which may include a housing 102 and a detachable input device 200. The detachable input device 200 is detachably installed in a receiving slot 1022 of the housing 102. When the detachable input device 200 is installed in the housing 102, the second magnetic module 250 of the detachable input device 200 can generate a magnetic attraction force with the first magnetic module 150 in the housing 102, so that the detachable input device 200 can be fixed in the receiving slot 1022.

[0175] When a user wishes to remove the detachable input device 200 from the receiving slot 1022, they can perform an operation gesture on the touch module 210 to trigger a magnetic repulsion between the second magnetic module 250 and the first magnetic module 150, thereby pushing the detachable input device 200 out of the receiving slot 1022. Additionally, the detachable input device 200 contains a first vibrator 240, and the housing 102 also contains multiple tactile modules, each with a second vibrator 119.

[0176] When a user operates the touch module 210 of the detachable input device 200 and executes a specific application, the application will send signals to the first control circuit 104 and the second control circuit 204 in certain situations to control the first vibrator 240 and the second vibrator 119 to vibrate together. Since the vibration generated by the second vibrator 119 can be superimposed on the vibration generated by the first vibrator 240 (for example, the two are approximately in phase), it can provide the user with more obvious vibration feedback, thus solving the problem of insufficient vibration feedback from a single vibrator.

[0177] While the embodiments and advantages of this disclosure have been disclosed above, it should be understood that any person skilled in the art can make changes, substitutions, and modifications without departing from the concept and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited to the processes, machines, manufacturing, material composition, apparatus, methods, and steps described in the specific embodiments of the specification. Any person skilled in the art can understand from the disclosure of this disclosure that current or future developed processes, machines, manufacturing, material composition, apparatus, methods, and steps can be used according to this disclosure as long as they can perform substantially the same function or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure includes the aforementioned processes, machines, manufacturing, material composition, apparatus, methods, and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of this disclosure also includes combinations of various claims and embodiments.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: A housing having an upper surface and a receiving groove, wherein the receiving groove is formed by a recess in the upper surface; A first magnetic module is disposed within the housing; and A detachable input device is detachably mounted to or detached from the receiving slot, and the detachable input device has a second magnetic module. When the detachable input device is installed in the receiving slot, the portable electronic device provides a start signal to the detachable input device to activate the second magnetic module and generate a magnetic attraction between it and the first magnetic module, thereby fixing the detachable input device in the receiving slot.

2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device further comprises a first control circuit, the detachable input device further comprises a second control circuit, and when the second control circuit receives the start signal from the first control circuit, the second control circuit provides a first current to the second magnetic module to generate the magnetic attraction force.

3. The portable electronic device of claim 2, wherein when the second control circuit receives a release signal from the first control circuit, the second control circuit controls the supply of a second current to the second magnetic module to generate a magnetic repulsion between the second magnetic module and the first magnetic module, thereby causing the detachable input device to disengage from the receiving slot, wherein the direction of the second current is opposite to the direction of the first current.

4. The portable electronic device of claim 2, wherein the second magnetic module has a first coil, a second coil, a third coil and a fourth coil, the first coil and the second coil being located on a first side, the third coil and the fourth coil being located on a second side, and the second side being opposite to the first side.

5. The portable electronic device of claim 4, wherein when the second control circuit receives a release signal from the first control circuit, the second control circuit provides a second current to the first coil and the second coil to generate a first magnetic repulsion force with the first magnetic module, and the second control circuit further provides a third current to the third coil and the fourth coil to generate a second magnetic repulsion force with the first magnetic module.

6. The portable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the third current is in the same direction as the second current, the second current is in the opposite direction to the first current, and the second magnetic repulsion is greater than the first magnetic repulsion.

7. The portable electronic device of claim 4, wherein the first magnetic module has four magnetic elements corresponding to the first coil to the fourth coil respectively, and the portable electronic device further includes a first tactile module to a fourth tactile module respectively connected to the four magnetic elements.

8. The portable electronic device of claim 7, wherein each of the first to fourth tactile modules has a tactile pressure sensor configured to sense a force exerted by an external object on the detachable input device.

9. The portable electronic device of claim 8, wherein each of the first to fourth tactile modules further comprises an insulating element disposed between the corresponding tactile pressure sensor and the magnetic element, wherein the insulating element is made of a non-magnetic material.

10. The portable electronic device of claim 9, wherein each of the first to fourth tactile modules further comprises a transmission element connected between the corresponding tactile pressure sensor and the magnetic element.

11. The portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein each of the first to fourth tactile modules further comprises a positioning element fixedly disposed on the corresponding tactile pressure sensor, the transmission element having a columnar structure, and the positioning element being configured to position the transmission element.

12. The portable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the detachable input device further comprises a first vibrator, each of the first to fourth tactile modules further comprises a second vibrator, and the vibration generated by the second vibrator is superimposed on the vibration generated by the first vibrator.

13. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the detachable input device further comprises a touch module, and when the first tactile module to the fourth tactile module senses that an external object applies force to the touch module and moves from a first force application position to a second force application position and finally stops at a third force application position, the first control circuit receives the sensing signal from the first tactile module to the fourth tactile module and outputs a sensing result to the second control circuit accordingly.

14. The portable electronic device of claim 13, wherein the second control circuit is configured to compare the sensing result with a lookup table to obtain a comparison result, and the first control circuit outputs a vibration signal to the second vibrator of at least one of the first to fourth tactile modules before the external object reaches the third force application position based on the comparison result.

15. The portable electronic device of claim 14, wherein the position of the second vibrator receiving the vibration signal corresponds to the third force application position.

16. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein an application executed by the portable electronic device is configured to output a prompt signal to the first control circuit, and the first control circuit outputs at least one vibration signal to the second vibrator of at least one of the first tactile module to the fourth tactile module according to the prompt signal, so as to cause the second vibrator to vibrate.

17. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the detachable input device has a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being opposite to the bottom surface, wherein a touch module is disposed on the top surface and a button module is disposed on the bottom surface.

18. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein when the detachable input device is mounted in the receiving slot, the touch module of the detachable input device provides touch functionality, and when the detachable input device is detached from the receiving slot, the button module of the detachable input device provides input functionality, configured to wirelessly provide an input signal to the portable electronic device.

19. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein a first connector having a plurality of first electrical contacts is disposed in the receiving slot, and a second connector having a plurality of second electrical contacts is disposed on the detachable input device, wherein when the detachable input device is installed in the receiving slot, the second electrical contacts abut against and are electrically connected to the first electrical contacts, so that the portable electronic device correspondingly sends the start signal.

20. The portable electronic device of claim 19, wherein the first connector or the second connector is a spring pin connector.

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