A holding system and a method for providing an improved holding of a first device to a second device

Abstract

A method for use in a holding system (100) comprising a first device (110) and a second device (120), wherein the first device (110) comprises a magnetic holding counterpart (111) and a touch sensor (112), and wherein the second device (120) comprises a magnetic holding arrangement (124) configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart (111) in order to hold the first device (110) to the second device (120), and wherein the method comprises initiating the holding arrangement (124), receiving (310) a device access input and in response thereto initiate (320) a touch release interface, receiving (340) a touch input through the touch sensor (112) and in response thereto causing the magnetic holding arrangement (124) to release (350).

Description

[0001] A HOLDING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN IMPROVED HOLDING OF A FIRST DEVICE TO A SECOND DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a holding system and a method for providing an improved holding, and in particular to a holding system and a method for providing an improved holding of a first device to a second device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Contemporary electronic devices often need to be charged while the user is mobile. At the same time, the users are often expecting or requiring that the device is easily accessible also after or during charging.

[0006] One such example is where connector-less earphones (or in-ear headphones) are carried or otherwise held in a carry case when they are charged. In such a case, the user is expecting the earphones to be securely held in the carry case, while still being easily accessible.

[0007] Another such example is where an electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop computer is being charged, such as from a power bank or other power outlet. In such a case, the user is expecting the charging cable to be securely fastened so that charging is not interrupted, while still being easily removable such as when the user wishes to use the electronic device.

[0008] There is thus a need for a manner of safely securing one device (earphone or charging cable) to another device (carry case or electronic device) while still allowing the device(s) to be easily removable. SUMMARY

[0009] An object of the present teachings is to overcome or at least reduce or mitigate the problems discussed in the background section.

[0010] According to one aspect a holding system as discussed herein is provided. The holding system comprises a first device and a second device, wherein the first device comprises a magnetic holding counterpart and a touch sensor, and wherein the second device comprises a magnetic holding arrangement configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart in order to hold the first device to the second device, and a controller circuit configured to initiate the holding arrangement, receive a device access input and in response thereto initiate a touch controller, receive a touch input through the touch sensor and in response thereto cause the magnetic holding arrangement to release.

[0011] In some embodiments the controller circuit of the second device comprises the touch controller.

[0012] In some embodiments the touch sensor consists of a conductive area, and wherein the first device comprises a conductor and a first connector, and wherein the second device comprises a first connector arranged to connect with the first connector of the first device, and wherein the touch sensor is connected to the first connector through the conductor, and wherein the touch controller is connected to the first connector thereby being directly connected to the touch sensor when the first connector of the second device is connected with the first connector of the first device.

[0013] In some embodiments the touch controller is operatively coupled to a capacitor (C) and wherein the touch controller is configured to measure the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C), and to determine whether the touch sensor is touched or not based on the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C), wherein the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C) when the touch sensor is touched is longer than the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C) when the touch sensor is not touched.

[0014] In some embodiments the capacitor (C) is comprised in (including possibly being arranged close to and connected to) the touch controller.

[0015] In some embodiments the capacitor (C) is comprised in (including possibly being arranged close toa and connected to) the touch sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments the connector of the first device comprises a charging connector and the connector of the first device comprises a charging connector, and wherein one of the first device or second device is arranged to provide a charging current to the other of the first device or second device.

[0017] In some embodiments the magnetic holding arrangement comprises an electromagnet.

[0018] In some embodiments the magnetic holding arrangement further comprises a permanent magnet.

[0019] In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to initiate the magnetic holding arrangement by activating the electromagnet in a holding direction.

[0020] In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to release the magnetic holding arrangement by deactivating the electromagnet. In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to release the magnetic holding arrangement by activating the electromagnet in a reverse direction.

[0021] In some embodiments the first device is an earphone and the second device is a carry case for the earphone, and wherein the carry case comprises a lid.

[0022] In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to initiate the holding arrangement in response to receiving the device access input.

[0023] In some embodiments the device access input is the lid being opened.

[0024] In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to initiate the holding arrangement in response to detecting that the connector of the second device is in electrical connection with the connector of the first device in addition to receiving the device access input.

[0025] In some embodiments the first device is a charging cable and the second device is an electronic device.

[0026] In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to initiate the holding arrangement in response to detecting that the connector of the second device is in electrical connection with the connector of the first device.

[0027] In some embodiments the controller circuit is further configured to receive the device access input by detecting that a charging level is below a charging threshold level.

[0028] In some embodiments the charging cable is a USB charging cable.

[0029] In some embodiments the electronic device is a laptop computer.

[0030] In some embodiments the electronic device is a cellular communications equipment or a tablet computer.

[0031] In some embodiments the electronic device is a loudspeaker.

[0032] In some embodiments the electronic device is a power bank.

[0033] In some embodiments the connector comprises the magnetic holding arrangement and wherein the connector comprises the magnetic counterpart.

[0034] According to one aspect there is provided a first device configured to be used in a holding system according to herein, wherein the first device comprises a magnetic holding counterpart and a touch sensor.

[0035] According to one aspect there is provided a second device configured to be used in a holding system according to the teachings herein, wherein the second device comprises a magnetic holding arrangement configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart in order to hold the first device to the second device, and a controller circuit configured to initiate the holding arrangement, receive a device access input and in response thereto initiate a touch release interface, receive a touch input through the touch sensor and in response thereto cause the magnetic holding arrangement to release.

[0036] According to one aspect there is provided a method for use in a holding system comprising a first device and a second device, wherein the first device comprises a magnetic holding counterpart and a touch sensor, and wherein the second device comprises a magnetic holding arrangement configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart in order to hold the first device to the second device, and wherein the method comprises initiating the holding arrangement, receiving a device access input and in response thereto initiate a touch release interface, receiving a touch input through the touch sensor and in response thereto causing the magnetic holding arrangement to release.

[0037] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be given in the detailed description. It should be noted that the teachings herein find use in smartphones, smartwatches, tablet computers, media devices, and even in vehicular displays.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following, reference being made to the appended drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

[0040] Figure 1A shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0041] Figure IB shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0042] Figure 1C shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0043] Figure 2A shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0044] Figure 2B shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0045] Figure 2C shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein, Figure 2D shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0046] Figure 2E shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0047] Figure 2F shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0048] Figure 3 shows a flowchart for a general method according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0049] Figure 4A shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein,

[0050] Figure 4B shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein, and

[0051] Figure 4C shows a schematic view of a holding system according to embodiments of the teachings herein.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Figure 1A shows a schematic view of a holding system 100 according to the teachings herein. The holding system 100 comprises a first device 110 and a second device 120. In some embodiments the first device is a (connector-less) earphone 110. Such earphones are commonly known and the details of the known structure or operation of the earphone will not be discussed as they are known to a skilled person. In such embodiments the second device 120 is a carry case for the earphone 110. Such carry cases are commonly known and the details of the known structure or operation of the carry case will not be discussed as they are known to a skilled person. Suffice to state that the carry case 120 in some embodiments has a lid 121. And, in some embodiments the first device 110 is arranged to receive a current - such as a charging current - from the second device 120 via connectors 113 on the first device 110 that are arranged to be mated with connectors 127 on the second device 120. In some such embodiments the carry case 120 is arranged to connect the connectors 127 with the connectors of the first device 113 as the earphone 110 is inserted into the carry case 120 in order to charge a battery 114 of the earphone. In some such embodiments the carry 120 case also comprises a power source 128, such as a battery and / or a connector for receiving an externally provided current, such as via a Universal Serial Bus, USB, (charging) interface. In some embodiments the first device 110 is arranged to provide a current - such as a charging current - to the second device 120 via connectors 113 on the first device 110 that are arranged to be mated with connectors 127 on the second device 120 as will be discussed in more detail with reference to figures 4A - 4C in the below.

[0054] The second device (in the example of figure 1A the carry case) 120 also comprises a controller 125 for controlling the operation of the second device 120. Such operation may include, but is not limited to, employing a(suitable) charging current. The controller 125 is thus configured to control the overall operation of the second device 120. In one embodiment, the controller 125 is a general purpose controller. As a skilled person would understand there are many alternatives for how to implement a controller, such as using Field -Programmable Gate Arrays circuits, ASIC, etc. in addition or as an alternative. For the purpose of this application, all such possibilities and alternatives will be referred to simply as the controller 125.

[0055] The second device (in the example of figure 1A the carry case) 120 also comprises a memory configured to carry computer-readable instructions that when loaded into and executed by the controller enables the controller 125 to implement the teachings herein. In some embodiments the memory 126 is a stand-alone component. In some embodiments the memory 126 is comprised in the controller 125. As a skilled person would understand there are many alternatives of how to implement a memory, for example using non-volatile memory circuits, such as EEPROM memory circuits, or using volatile memory circuits, such as RAM memory circuits. For the purpose of this application all such alternatives will be referred to simply as the memory 126.

[0056] The second device (in the example of figure 1A the carry case) 120 also comprises a magnetic holding arrangement 124 which is configured to establish a magnetic hold in order to hold the first device 110 to the second device 120. The first device (in the example of figure 1A the earphone 110) comprises a magnetic holding counterpart 111, which is arranged to interact with the magnetic holding arrangement 124 of the second device 120 for holding the first device 110 to the second device 120 - and vice versa. The magnetic holding arrangement 124 comprises an electrically activated magnet (electromagnet) 124A. As is known, such a magnet can be electrically activated to provide either an attracting or repulsing magnetic force. As is also known, the magnet can also be deactivated.

[0057] In some embodiments the magnetic holding arrangement 124 further comprises a permanent magnet 124B. As is indicated in figure 1A, the magnetic holding arrangement 124 (and in some embodiments especially the electromagnet 124A) is connected to the controller 125 enabling the controller 125 to activate or deactivate the magnetic holding arrangement 124. The controller 125 can control the attracting / repelling forces of the electromagnetic 124A based on providing a current in different directions as is known to a skilled person.

[0058] In some embodiments the controller 125 is configured to control the magnetic holding arrangement 124 to attract the magnetic holding counterpart 111 in order to hold the first device 110 to the second device 120.

[0059] In some such embodiments the controller 125 is configured to activate the electromagnet 124A to attract the magnetic holding counterpart 111. In some alternative such embodiments the controller 125 is configured to deactivate the electromagnet 124A enabling the permanent magnet 124B to attract the magnetic holding counterpart 111. IN such embodiments the electromagnet 124A is arranged to operate in a reverse magnetic direction as regards the permanent magnet 124B when activated.

[0060] In some embodiments the controller 125 is configured to control the magnetic holding arrangement 124 to release the magnetic holding counterpart 111 in order to release the first device 110 from the second device 120. In some such embodiments the controller 125 is configured to activate the electromagnet 124A to repel the magnetic holding counterpart 111. In some alternative such embodiments the controller 125 is configured to activate the electromagnet 124A in a direction opposite the permanent magnet 124B in order to counteract the permanent magnet 124B in order to release the magnetic holding counterpart 111.

[0061] In some such embodiments the controller 125 is configured to activate the electromagnet 124A in a first direction to attract the magnetic holding counterpart 111, thereby holding the first device 110, and to activate the electromagnet 124A in a second direction to repel the magnetic holding counterpart 111, thereby releasing the first device 110.

[0062] The second device 120, in some embodiments such as in the example of figure 1A where the second device is a carry case, the second device comprises a sensor 122 in the lid 121 and a (counter) sensor 123 in the body of the second device 120, enabling the controller 125 to determine whether the lid is open or not. As a skilled person would understand such sensor pairs 122 / 123 may be configured in a wide variety of manners. One example being a magnetic component serving as the sensor part 122 in the lid and a sensor, such as a Hall sensor 123 in the body of the second device 120. Other alternatives also exist, for example an electromechanical switch that is arranged to signal to the controller 125 whether the lid 121 is open (or not). This enables the controller 125 to determine whether the lid 121 is open (or not) and to control the magnetic holding arrangement 124 accordingly to hold the first device 110 or not.

[0063] Returning to the first device 110, the first device 110 also comprises a touch sensor 112. As will be discussed in further details below, the touch sensor 112 is operatively connected through the connectors 113 and 127 to the controller 125 enabling the controller 125 to determine whether the first device 110 (or rather the touch sensor 112) is touched or not, and to control the magnetic holding arrangement 124 accordingly to hold or release the first device 110. The touch sensor 112 is in some embodiments an area comprising a conductive material. Some examples of such conductive material are a metallic sheet, FPC - Flexible Printed Circuit, cable, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), metal connector, metal injected plastic to name a few examples.

[0064] Figure IB shows a schematic view of a holding system 100 as in figure 1A, wherein some parts and components have been left out for illustrative purposes.

[0065] As is indicated in figure IB, the first device 110 also comprises a first conductor 115A connecting the touch sensor 112 to a first connector 113A, which is arranged to connect to a first connector 127A on the second device 120.

[0066] In some embodiments the first connector 113A may be a dedicated connector for the touch sensor 112. In such embodiments other conductor(s) 115B are arranged to connect the battery 114 of the first device 110 through other connectors 113B connecting with other connectors 127B of the second device 120. In such embodiments, the other connectors 113B and 127B both comprise at least two connectors for establishing a charging connection.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, and as shown explicitly in figure IB, the first connector 113A is shared between the touch sensor 112 and the battery 114. In such embodiments one other or second conductor 115B is arranged to connect the battery 114 of the first device 110 through another or second connector 113B connecting with another or second connector 127B of the second device 120. The conductor between the battery 114 and the first conductor 115A is thus optional as indicated in figure IB by being dotted.

[0068] As is indicated in figure IB, the controller 125 of the second device 120 comprises, as in includes or is operatively connected to, a touch Integrated Circuit controller, touch IC, 125A. The touch IC 125A is connected to the first connector 127A and thereby arranged to be connected to the touch sensor 112 of the first device 110 through the first connector 113A and first conductor 115A of the first device 110.

[0069] As is also indicated in figure IB, the controller 125 of the second device 120 may also comprise, as in include or be operatively connected to, a charging controller 125B, a PMIC, in embodiments where the first device 110 comprises a battery to be charged. The PMIC is connected to the battery 114 of the first device 110 through the connector(s) 127B and the connector(s) 113B and second conductor 115B of the first device 110.

[0070] The touch IC 125A will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to figure 1C showing two graphs of voltage over time, each for the scenario when the touch sensor 112 is not touched (left in figure 1C) and touched (right in figure 1C).

[0071] The Touch IC 125A is a component that charges and discharge a conductive area, such as the touch sensor 112. The touch IC calculates the time from a discharged state to a charged state. When a finger or a conductive material is close or touching the conductive sensor 112 the total conductance will change and the time required to charge and discharge will change. The touch IC 125A is configured to measure this charge / discharge time to detect if there is a touch or not.

[0072] In some embodiments the touch IC 125A also charges and discharges the conductor in the touch sensor 112. As indicated in figure IB only one conductor 115A is needed to charge the touch sensor 112 (being a conductive pad). The touch IC will add charge during the charging period. During the discharge period the touch IC will ground the conductor 115A and the charge in a capacitor (C) connected to the touch IC 125A will be discharged. In some embodiments the capacitor (C) is comprised in (including possibly being arranged close to and connected to) the touch controller. In some embodiments the capacitor (C) is comprised in (including possibly being arranged close toa and connected to) the touch sensor as in figure IB.

[0073] Figure IC shows the charging current being applied in full line and the charge of the capacitor in dotted line. As can be seen, the time required to charge (and to discharge) increases when the touch sensor 112 is touched.

[0074] Examples of similar touch ICs may be found in touch screens, but such touch ICs are used for an entirely different purpose, namely to determine where on a touch screen a user is touching. And the inventors have realized through inventive reasoning that such Touch ICs may also beneficially be used as taught herein. In some embodiments the same connector 113 as the charging connector (as in figure IB) is used. In such embodiments the controller is deciding what (sub-) controller that should be active. The PMIC 125B is connected to the charging connector 113 / 127 which will have an anode and cathode to be able to connect to the corresponding connector on the battery 114. The touch IC 125A will share the anode signal (first connector 113A / 127A) as the cathode (second connector 113B / 127B) is usually connected to ground which will make it difficult to use that connector.

[0075] In some embodiments there is arranged a switch on the cathode to remove that connector from ground when the touch IC is activated. This enables the use of that connector for the touch implementation.

[0076] As the battery will be conductive the touch system is in some embodiments calibrated. This allows for accounting for the battery and as a conductive object or finger is approaching the touch sensor 112, both the touch sensor 112 and the battery 114 will steal charge from the PMIC. The battery 114 is direct current i.e., there is no switching current and the touch IC will therefore be able to switch charge and discharge on top of the direct current of the battery 114.

[0077] To get a good touch signal the charging can be stopped when the touch sensor 112 is activated or triggered (as when touched). This can be done in a temporal fashion all the time or stop the charging when the lid is opened.

[0078] When doing this in a temporal fashion the PMIC will be turned off during a short period. This interval could be for example once a second. When the touch is active the touch IC will detect if there is a finger on not on or close on the touch sensor 112. If a finger or other touch is detected the charging will be turned off and more measurements for detecting the touch will be performed.

[0079] As discussed in the above, the lid 121 may be arranged with sensor pairs 122 / 123 that enables the controller 125 to determine whether the lid is open or not. When there is an activation like open the lid or a sensor detection when the case is grabbed. In some embodiments, the controller 125 is configured to detect that the lid is open and in response thereto stop or deactivate the charging and the touch IC will be turned on or activated. As in the case above with the temporal switch it is the controller 125 that is deciding which IC (touch IC or PMIC) that should be active.

[0080] In some embodiments a different connector 113 than the charging connector (not shown explicitly, but is illustrated in figure IB by assuming that connector 113B / 127B comprises more than one connector) is used. In such embodiments the touch IC 125A will not be disturbed by the charging current from the PMIC 125B to the battery 114. Then the connections 113B / 127B to the battery 114 have two wires, an anode and one cathode and they are connected to the PMIC 125B. From the touch IC 125A there is a separate wire 113A / 127A that is connected to the touch sensor 112. Then a third separate connector point (connector 113A / 127A and two connectors assumed to be part of connector 113B / 127B in figure IB) is needed in the charging pad that will host the separate connector from the touch IC 125A.

[0081] Embodiments of the teachings herein will now be discussed in more details with reference to figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F for one aspect and with reference to figures 4A, 4B and 4C for another aspect. For both aspects there will be discussed a holding system 100 which comprises a first device 110 and a second device 120. The first device 110 comprises a magnetic holding counterpart 111 and a touch sensor 112. The second device 120 comprises a magnetic holding arrangement 124 configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart 111 in order to hold the first device

[0082] 110 to the second device 120, and a controller circuit 125. The controller 125 is configured to initiate the holding arrangement 124, receive 310 a device access input and in response thereto initiate 320 a touch controller 125A. Later as the second device receives 340 a touch input through the touch sensor 112 it causes the magnetic holding arrangement 124 to release.

[0083] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F each shows a schematic view of an instance of a holding system 100 according to the teachings herein. In the embodiments disclosed with reference to these figures and to figure 3, the holding system comprises a first device exemplified as earphones 110 and a second device exemplified as a carry case 100, much as in figures 1A, IB and IC. In figure 2A the carry case 120 is shown as closed. In such an instance, the holding system may be inactive as no particular holding needs to be effected as the earphones 110 are already kept in place securely by the closed lid. In figure 2B the carry case 120 is opened and the earphones are visible. In such an instance, the holding arrangement may be activated, whereby the holding arrangement 124 of the carry case 120 is caused to attract or hold the earphones 110 by effecting an attracting magnetic force on the holding counterpart

[0084] 111 of the earphone(s) 110, thus activating the holding arrangement in a holding direction. As mentioned above, the holding arrangement 124 may comprise a permanent magnet, whereby no specific activation is needed. Alternatively or additionally, the holding arrangement 124 comprises an electromagnet which is - in some embodiments - activated as the lid is opened, or more specifically detected to be open. In some embodiments the holding arrangement comprises both a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. In some such embodiments the electromagnet is also activated to add to the magnetic attractive force of the permanent magnet. The attractive magnetic force is indicated with the arrows in figure 2B. In some embodiments, the magnetic holding arrangement is only activated (such as by activating the electromagnet) if it is detected that the carry case 120 carries one or two (or more) earphones 110. In some such embodiments this may be detected by a connection through charging pads 113 and 127 or other contacts therein, the charging pads thus being in contact indicating the presence of an earphone. In some embodiments where the carry case 120 is arranged to charge the earphones 110, such charging may be effected while there is connection between the charging pads 113, 127.

[0085] Figure 2C shows where a user touches an earphone 110 - such as when grabbing it to take it out. This causes the controller to detect a touch input as discussed in the able, whereby the controller 125 causes the magnetic holding arrangement to release the earphone 110 by reducing the attracting magnetic force. In some embodiments, the attracting magnetic force is reduced by deactivating or reducing the effect of the electromagnet. In some embodiments the attracting magnetic force is reduced by activating or increasing the effect of the electromagnet in a reverse, repulsing direction. In embodiments where a permanent magnet is employed, the electromagnet can thus be used to counter or neutralize the permanent magnet. In some embodiments the electromagnet can be used to eject - or at least make it easier to retract - the earphones 110 from the carry case, by providing a repulsive magnetic force that pushes or repulses the magnetic counterpart of the earphones 110, thereby pushing them out. It should be noted that even though the magnetic holding arrangement 124 and the magnetic counterpart 111 are shown to be on the side of the carry case 120 and the earphones 110, they may be placed or arranged in other manners to increase the effect of such repulsion. In figure 2C the arrow indicates the repulsive force.

[0086] Figure 2D shows an instance when the earphone 110 is out of the carry case 120. In such an instance, the holding arrangement may be deactivated (again). Similar to above, this may be done as it is detected that there is no connection between the charging pads 117 and 123 or other contacts therein. In some embodiments where the carry case 120 is arranged to charge the earphones 110, such charging may be deactivated when there is no longer a connection between the charging pads 113, 127.

[0087] Figure 2D shows an example view where one earphone 110 is taken out the carry case 110, while a second earphone is still in the carry case 120. Charging may in such a situation be discontinued for the removed earphone, but maintained for the earphone still in the carry case 120. This allows for using only one earphone, while charging the other. Figure 2E shows the example where both earphones are removed from the carry case 120, whereby the charging is discontinued for all earphones. Figure 2F shows a situation where the carrycase 120 is again closed, but as there is no earphones in the carry case (as can be sensed as discussed in the above), the holding arrangement is not engaged when the carry case is again opened.

[0088] In the above, it was discussed how the controller 125 initiates (such as by activating the electromagnet and / or the touch sensor) the holding arrangement 124 as the lid is opened. The lid 121 being opened is one example of a device access input. Other examples are where a user actively gives a command, such as through a (third) separate device, or pushes a button (not shown) on the carry case.

[0089] As an alternative, and as also discussed in the above, which is useful for carry cases having no lid or a lid which is not secure, the controller circuit 125 is configured to initiate the holding arrangement 124 in response to detecting that the connector 127 of the second device 120 is in electrical connection with the connector 113 of the first device 110 in addition to or as an alternative to receiving the device access input. This is also useful for ensuring that there is indeed an earphone inserted so as to avoid any current consumed by the electromagnet being wasted.

[0090] Figure 3 shows a flowchart for a general method according to herein wherein the method is for use in a holding system 100 comprising a first device 110 and a second device 120, wherein the first device 110 comprises a magnetic holding counterpart 111 and a touch sensor 112, and wherein the second device 120 comprises a magnetic holding arrangement 124 configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart 111 in order to hold the first device 110 to the second device 120. The holding system is exemplified with regards to figures 2A to 2D as a carry case 120 for earphone(s) 110. The method comprises initiating 330 the holding arrangement 124, and receiving 310 a device access input and in response thereto initiate 320 a touch release interface, receiving 340 a touch input through the touch sensor 112 and in response thereto causing the magnetic holding arrangement 124 to release 350.

[0091] Figures 4A, 4B and 4C each shows schematic views of embodiments where the first device is exemplified as a charging cable - or other cable to be connected to a second device here exemplified as a smartphone, but can also be a tablet computer or laptop computer or any device having a controller and arranged for receiving a charging connector / cable.

[0092] In figure 4A it is shown how a cable 110 is connected to a smartphone 120. As discussed in the above, the magnetic holding arrangement 124 is activated and is holding the cable 110 (the first device) to the smartphone 120 (the second device). In figure 4B a touch input is received and the holding or attracting magnetic force is deactivated or reduced. In figure 4C it is shown how the cable 110 is released from the smartphone, possibly through a repulsive or reverse magnetic force.

[0093] In the embodiments of figures 4A to 4C the first device 110 is a charging cable and the second device 120 is an electronic device.

[0094] It should be noted that aspects and features discussed in the above with reference to figures 1A-1C, 2A-2D or 3 also apply to figure 4A-4C, and that aspects and features discussed with reference to figures 4A-4C also apply to figures 1A-1C, 2A-2D or 3.

[0095] As for the embodiments of figures 2A to 2D the controller circuit (125) is in some embodiments configured to initiate the holding arrangement (124) in response to detecting that the connector (127) of the second device (120) is in electrical connection with the connector (113) of the first device (110).

[0096] And, in some such embodiments, the controller circuit (125) is further configured to receive the device access input by detecting that a charging level is below a charging threshold level. In some embodiments the charging threshold level is 90%, 95% or higher of a full charge. This enables for releasing the cable as the electronic device is (fully) charged.

[0097] As discussed, in some embodiments the charging cable is a USB charging cable. As also discussed, in some embodiments the electronic device (120) is a laptop computer, a cellular communications equipment (such as a smartphone) or a tablet computer.

[0098] In some embodiments, the electronic device (120) is a loudspeaker.

[0099] And in some embodiments the electronic device (120) is a power bank or other power source such as a charger. In such embodiments, there may be a second device connected to either end of the cable.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A holding system (100) comprising a first device (110) and a second device (120), wherein the first device (110) comprises a magnetic holding counterpart (111) and a touch sensor (112), and wherein the second device (120) comprises a magnetic holding arrangement (124) configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart (111) in order to hold the first device (110) to the second device (120), and a controller circuit (125) configured to initiate the holding arrangement (124), receive (310) a device access input and in response thereto initiate (320) a touch controller (125A), receive (340) a touch input through the touch sensor (112) and in response thereto cause the magnetic holding arrangement (124) to release.

2. The holding system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller circuit (125) of the second device (120) comprises the touch controller (125A).

3. The holding system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the touch sensor (112) consists of a conductive area, and wherein the first device (110) comprises a conductor (115A) and a first connector (113A), and wherein the second device (120) comprises a first connector (127A) arranged to connect with the first connector (113A) of the first device (110), and wherein the touch sensor (112) is connected to the first connector (113A) through the conductor (115A), and wherein the touch controller (125A) is connected to the first connector (127A) thereby being directly connected to the touch sensor (112) when the first connector (127A) of the second device (120) is connected with the first connector (113A) of the first device (110).

4. The holding system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the touch controller (125A) is connected to a capacitor (C) and wherein the touch controller (125A) is configured to measure the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C), and to determine whether the touch sensor (112) is touched or not based on the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C), wherein the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C) when the touch sensor (112) is touched is longer than the time to charge and / or discharge the capacitor (C) when the touch sensor (112) is not touched.

5. The holding system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector (113) of the first device (110) comprises a charging connector and the connector (113) of the first device (110) comprises a charging connector, and wherein one of the first device (110) or second device (120) is arranged to provide a charging current to the other of the first device (110) or second device (120).

6. The holding system (100) according to claim any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic holding arrangement (124) comprises an electromagnet (124A)7. The holding system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic holding arrangement(124) further comprises a permanent magnet (124B)8. The holding system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller circuit(125) is further configured to initiate the magnetic holding arrangement (124) by activating the electromagnet (124A) in a holding direction.

9. The holding system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller circuit (125) is further configured to release the magnetic holding arrangement (124) by deactivating the electromagnet (124A).

10. The holding system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the controller circuit (125) is further configured to release the magnetic holding arrangement (124) by activating the electromagnet (124A) in a reverse direction.

11. The holding system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first device (110) is an earphone and the second device (120) is a carry case for the first device, and wherein the carry case comprises a lid (121).

12. The holding system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller circuit (125) is further configured to initiate the holding arrangement (124) in response to receiving the device access input.

13. The holding system (100) according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the device access input is the lid (121) being opened.

14. The holding system (100) according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the controller circuit (125) is further configured to initiate the holding arrangement (124) in response to detecting that the connector (127) of the second device (120) is in electrical connection with the connector (113) of the first device (110) in addition to receiving the device access input.

15. The holding system (100) according to according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first device (110) is a charging cable and the second device (120) is an electronic device.

16. The holding system (100) according to claim 15, wherein the controller circuit (125) is further configured to initiate the holding arrangement (124) in response to detecting that the connector (127) of the second device (120) is in electrical connection with the connector (113) of the first device (110).

17. The holding system (100) according to claim 16, wherein the controller circuit (125) is further configured to receive the device access input by detecting that a charging level is below a charging threshold level.

18. The holding system (100) according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the charging cable is a USB charging cable.

19. The holding system (100) according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the electronic device (120) is a laptop computer.

20. The holding system (100) according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the electronic device (120) is a cellular communications equipment or a tablet computer.

21. The holding system (100) according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the electronic device (120) is a loudspeaker.

22. The holding system (100) according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the electronic device (120) is a power bank.

23. The holding system (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector 127) comprises the magnetic holding arrangement (124) and wherein the connector (113) comprises the magnetic counterpart (111).

24. A first device (110) configured to be used in a holding system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first device (110) comprises a magnetic holding counterpart (111) and a touch sensor (112).

25. A second device (120) configured to be used in a holding system (100) according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the second device (120) comprises a magnetic holding arrangement (124) configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart (111) in order to hold the first device (110) to the second device (120), and a controller circuit (125) configured to initiate the holding arrangement (124), receive (310) a device access input and in response thereto initiate (320) a touch release interface,receive (340) a touch input through the touch sensor (112) and in response thereto cause the magnetic holding arrangement (124) to release.

26. A method for use in a holding system (100) comprising a first device (110) and a second device (120), wherein the first device (110) comprises a magnetic holding counterpart (111) and a touch sensor (112), and wherein the second device (120) comprises a magnetic holding arrangement (124) configured to establish a magnetic hold with the magnetic holding counterpart (111) in order to hold the first device (110) to the second device (120), and wherein the method comprises initiating the holding arrangement (124), receiving (310) a device access input and in response thereto initiate (320) a touch release interface, receiving (340) a touch input through the touch sensor (112) and in response thereto causing the magnetic holding arrangement (124) to release (350).

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