Status Detection of Spring-Type Pins

Abstract

The arrangement configuration described in this specification is directed to a pin state detection system and an arrangement configuration for using such a system. The pin detection system may include pins. The pins can be in one of a plurality of states, such as a pressed state and a non-pressed state. The system can include a transmitting coil and a receiving coil surrounding the pins. The system can also include a processing system that causes a transmission signal to be transmitted to the transmitting coil. The processing system can analyze the signal received from the receiving coil to determine the state of the pins.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Non - Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 197,485, titled "Spring - Loaded Pin Status Detection," filed on May 15, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 347,693, titled "Spring - Loaded Pin Status Detection," filed on June 1, 2022, and the entire disclosures of those are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] Many devices and systems use spring - loaded pins to transfer data, power, or both between two devices, such as between a device and a dock. Typically, the dock has several spring - loaded pins that sink when pressure is applied. This pressure serves to ensure a continuous electrical connection is maintained between the pins and corresponding pads while the device and dock are mated and docked.

[0003] A depth sensor can be used to determine whether a pin is depressed, but typically, for manufacturing simplicity and cost, the depth sensor should be avoided. To determine that the device and the dock are docked, one or more pins or pads may be monitored for the presence of a power signal, a data signal, or both. If power and / or data is present, the device, the dock, or both can detect that the two devices are combined and properly docked. However, if the positions of the pads and the spring pins are partially misaligned, although the user may think they have properly docked the device, due to the misalignment, power or data transmission may not be possible. Thus, one or more pins of the first device may be depressed but may not be in contact with the corresponding one or more pads of the second device. Such an arrangement can cause dissatisfaction among end users and the possibility that power and / or data will not be transmitted as expected by the user.

[0004] The embodiments detailed herein enable detection of the depression of one or more pins without having electrical continuity with pads of another device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Various embodiments will be described in relation to a pin state detection system. In some embodiments, a pin state detection system will be described. The system may include a first pin. The first pin may be in one of a plurality of states. The plurality of states may include a depressed state and a non-depressed state. The system may include a transmitting coil surrounding the first pin. The system may include a receiving coil surrounding the first pin. The system may include a pin state processing system including one or more processors. The pin state processing system may be configured to cause a transmission signal to be transmitted to the transmitting coil. The pin state processing system may be configured to receive a signal from the receiving coil. The pin state processing system may be configured to determine the state of the first pin based on the received signal. The state may be selected from the plurality of states.

[0006] Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the following features, namely, including a second pin. The second pin may be in one of a plurality of states. The transmitting coil may surround the second pin. The receiving coil may surround the second pin. The determined state may be for the first pin and the second pin. The transmitting coil and the receiving coil may be wound spirally around the first pin such that the transmitting coil and the receiving coil do not have electrical continuity with the first pin. The system may further include a printed circuit board (PCB). The transmitting coil and the receiving coil may be printed on different layers of the PCB. The system may further include a PCB. The transmitting coil and the receiving coil may be printed on the same layer of the PCB. The transmitting coil and the receiving coil may be the same coil. The plurality of states may further include a partially depressed state. The first pin may include a bottom metal shell. The first pin may include an upper metal shell. The first pin may include a spring. When pressure is applied to the upper metal shell, the spring may be depressed by the upper metal shell and the upper metal shell may be at least partially pushed into the bottom metal shell. The pin state processing system may be configured to determine the state of the first pin based on the received signal and may include comparing a current or voltage of the received signal to a stored threshold.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method for detecting the state of a pin is described. The method may comprise outputting a transmission signal to a transmission coil. The transmission coil may surround a first pin. The method may comprise receiving a signal from a receiving coil. The receiving coil may surround the first pin. The method may comprise determining the state of the first pin based on the received signal. This state may be selected from a plurality of states. The plurality of states may comprise a pressed state and a non-pressed state.

[0008] An embodiment of such a method may include determining that there may be no electrical continuity between the first pin and a corresponding contact pad of a separate device, among one or more of the following features. The method may further comprise performing an action in response to determining that the state of the first pin is the pressed state and that there is no electrical continuity between the first pin and a corresponding contact pad of a separate device. This action may be to cause a message indicating that there is no electrical continuity between the first pin and a corresponding contact pad of a separate device to be output by the separate device. The method may further comprise receiving a trigger for checking the status of the first pin. Outputting the transmission signal may be based on receiving the trigger. The transmission coil and the receiving coil may surround a second pin, and the determined state may be for the first pin and the second pin. The transmission coil and the receiving coil may be formed by traces on a printed circuit board (PCB). The first pin may comprise a bottom metal shell. The first pin may comprise an upper metal shell. The first pin may comprise a spring. When pressure is applied to the upper metal shell, the upper metal shell may push down the spring and may slide into the bottom metal shell. Determining the state of the first pin based on the received signal may be based on measuring the voltage of the received signal at a defined time after the transmission signal is output.

[0009] In some embodiments, a tablet docking system is described. The system may include a tablet computer. The system may include a dock configured to removably attach to the tablet computer using a plurality of magnets. The dock includes a pin state detection system. The pin state detection system may include a first pin. The first pin may be in one of a plurality of states, which may include a depressed state and a non-depressed state. The system may include a transmit coil surrounding the first pin. The system may include a receive coil surrounding the first pin. The system may include a pin state processing system including one or more processors. The pin state processing system may be configured to cause a transmit signal to be transmitted to the transmit coil. The system may be configured to receive a signal from the receive coil. The system may be configured to determine the state of the first pin based on the received signal. The state may be selected from the plurality of states. The system may be configured to output an indication of misalignment of the tablet computer with the dock based at least in part on determining that the first pin is depressed but there is no electrical continuity.

[0010] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments can be realized by reference to the following figures. In the accompanying figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and providing a second label that differentiates the similar components. If only the first reference label is used herein, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference label regardless of the second reference label.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The embodiments detailed herein enable the detection of the state of one or more pins without relying on electrical continuity with an electrical connector such as a pad of some other device. The ability to detect whether one or more pins are fully or partially depressed without relying on electrical continuity with one or more pads of some other device can have advantages. Detecting a depressed pin that cannot send (or receive) power or data can indicate that the positions of two devices for docking are misaligned. For example, if magnets are used to assist in docking between devices, the magnets may attract the devices in an undesirable direction, resulting in the devices being unable to communicate with each other, transmit power between the devices, or both. Additionally or alternatively, detecting a depressed pin that cannot send (or receive) power or data can indicate that a foreign object is present near one or more pins or that the foreign object is interfering with one or more pins.

[0013] If pin depression is detected but one or more pins are not mated with the correct corresponding one or more pads, the user may be notified that the docking between the two devices should be retried or that, for example, the pins and associated pads should be inspected and cleaned. In some embodiments, in response to such a determination, the device itself may be physically realigned, such as by activating or deactivating one or more permanent magnets.

[0014] Figures 1A and 1B respectively show cross-sections of an embodiment of an uncompressed spring pin and a compressed spring pin. In Embodiment 100A of Figure 1A, the spring pin 101 is attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) 110. The PCB 110 may include one or more layers. In other embodiments, the spring pin 101 may be attached to some other form of substrate. The spring pin 101 may include an upper shell 120, a bottom shell 130, and a spring 140. The upper shell 120 and the bottom shell 130 may be made of metal. The spring 140 may also be made of metal. The upper shell 120 is shaped such that it can be at least partially pushed into the bottom shell 130. The force exerted upward by the spring 140 is sufficient to extend the upper shell 120 from the bottom shell 130 when no force is applied to the upper part of the upper shell 120. The shapes of the upper shell 120 and the bottom shell 130 are such that the upper shell 120 cannot be easily removed from the bottom shell 130. In a variant form of the spring pin 101, other components such as balls may be present inside the spring pin 101.

[0015] In Embodiment 100B of Figure 1B, an object 150 is exerting a downward force (indicated by arrow 151) on the upper shell 120. This force is sufficient to overcome the force of the spring 140 exerted in the opposite direction. In response to this force, the upper shell 120 is at least partially pushed into the bottom shell 130 by a distance such that the upper shell 120 at least partially slides into the bottom shell 130. As a result of this pushing, since the force is at least partially exerted upward by the spring 140, the contact between the object 150 and the upper shell 120 is maintained. Thus, for example, if the object 150 includes an electrical contact (e.g., an electrical pad), electrical continuity can be maintained between the upper shell 120 and the object 150.

[0016] Regardless of whether there is electrical continuity between the spring pin 101 and another device, when the spring pin 101 is depressed, as a result, the upper shell 120 is pushed into the bottom shell 130 and the spring 140 is depressed, more metal approaches the substrate (in this example, the PCB 110) than when the spring pin 101 is not depressed. For example, the cap 121 located on the upper part of the upper shell 120 can be solid metal. Thus, when the amount of metal present in the vicinity of the PCB 110 increases, the magnetic field induced in the vicinity can be affected. By inducing a magnetic field near the spring pin 101 and measuring the current induced by the magnetic field, it is possible to determine whether the spring pin 101 is in a depressed state or a non-depressed state. In other embodiments, partial depression of the spring pin 101 can also be detected. (Note that other metals may be present in the vicinity of the spring pin 101, such as on the PCB 110 or on another device that the spring pin 101 is attempting to mate with. Such other metals may affect the magnetic field, but the change in the magnetic field caused by the spring pin 101 is sufficiently significant that the state of the pin can be accurately detected based on the way the magnetic field changes and the way it affects the current induced in the magnetic field receiving coil.) Figures 1A and 1B focus on the spring pin, but for other forms of metal pins as well, when the pin is depressed and it has a different effect on the magnetic field than when it is not depressed, the embodiments detected herein can be used to detect their states. Thus, the systems and methods detailed herein can be applied to pins of a type different from the spring pin 101.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a pin state detection system 200 (the “system 200”). The system 200 may include a processing system 210, a state profile 212, a signal amplifier 220, a signal amplifier 225, a transmit coil 230, and a receive coil 235. One or more spring pins 250 may also be presented. As detailed herein, the system 200 may be used to detect the position of one or more spring pins. For simplicity, in this description, the spring pin 250 will be referred to in the singular form.

[0018] The processing system 210 may include one or more dedicated processors or general-purpose processors. Such dedicated processors may include processors specially designed to execute the functions of the components detailed herein. Such dedicated processors may be ASICs or FPGAs, which are general-purpose components physically and electrically configured to execute the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute dedicated software stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, the processing system 210 may include one or more digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs).

[0019] The processing system 210 can detect the position of the spring pin 250 based on a trigger signal received from another component or determined by the processing system 210 itself. In some embodiments, the processing system 210 periodically checks the status of the spring pin 250. In other embodiments, for example, in response to a wireless signal received from another device, the processing system 210 can be triggered to check the status of the spring pin 250. The waveform can be output to the signal amplifier 220 by the processing system 210. In some embodiments, the waveform output can be a square wave pulse. In other embodiments, different waveforms such as a sine waveform can be output. The signal amplifier 220 can amplify the waveform, if present, and transmit the amplified waveform to the transmitting coil 230.

[0020] The transmitting coil 230 can be a coil that induces a magnetic field. In some embodiments, the transmitting coil 230 has 5 to 20 turns. The transmitting coil 230 may be arranged to surround the base of the spring pin 250. For example, the transmitting coil 230 may be a trace arranged in a circular, elliptical, "D", or square pattern around the base of the spring pin 250. In some embodiments, instead of surrounding the base of the spring pin 250, the transmitting coil 230 may be positioned on the side of the base of the spring pin 250, but can still be used to create a magnetic field for detecting the state of the spring pin 250. In other embodiments, the transmitting coil 230 can be a spiral coil that constitutes or is embedded in the bottom shell 130. Further details regarding the arrangement configuration of the transmitting coil 230 and the spring pin 250 are provided in connection with FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. In some embodiments, there may be multiple transmitting coils.

[0021] When the amplified waveform output by the signal amplifier 220 exists in the transmission coil 230, a magnetic field is created near the transmission coil 230. Since at least a part of the components of the spring pin 250 is made of metal, the magnetic field created by the amplified waveform passing through the transmission coil 230 changes due to the presence of the spring pin 250. This change in the waveform varies depending on whether the spring pin 250 is not pressed, fully pressed, or partially pressed.

[0022] The receiving coil 235 can also be a coil used to detect the magnetic field induced using the transmitting coil 230. In some embodiments, the receiving coil 235 has 5 to 20 turns. The receiving coil 235 can also be arranged to surround the base of the spring pin 250. The receiving coil 235 can be a trace arranged in a circular, elliptical, "D", or square pattern around the base of the spring pin 250. In some embodiments, the receiving coil 235 may be positioned on the side of the base of the spring pin 250 instead of surrounding the base of the spring pin 250, but can still be used to detect the state of the spring pin 250. In other embodiments, the receiving coil 235 can be a spiral coil that forms or is embedded in the bottom shell 130. Further details regarding the arrangement configuration of the receiving coil 235 and the spring pin 250 are provided in connection with FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. In some embodiments, there may be multiple receiving coils.

[0023] In some embodiments, the line 240 graphically shows that the transmission coil 230 and the receiving coil 235 are not in physical contact or direct electrical contact with the spring pin 250. Rather, only indirect electrical effects can be detected via the magnetic field. Whether the spring pin 250 is in direct electrical contact with another device may not affect the detection performed using the system 200.

[0024] When a magnetic field is induced by an amplified waveform signal passing through the transmission coil 230, the magnetic field changes depending on the presence and state of the spring pin 250 and induces a current in the receiving coil 235. This induced current is passed to a signal amplifier 225 that amplifies the signal. The signal amplifier 220 and the signal amplifier 225 may be part of the same amplifier package or may be incorporated as part of a system-on-chip (SOC) that includes an ADC, a DAC, and one or more processors.

[0025] The amplified received signal can be passed from the signal amplifier 225 to the processing system 210. The processing system 210 can then analyze the received signal to determine the state of the spring pin 250. The amplitude of the current (or voltage) can be measured and compared to a threshold. Depending on whether the amplitude is above or below the threshold, the spring pin 250 can be determined to be in an extended state or a non-extended state. One or more additional thresholds may be used to determine whether the spring pin 250 is in an intermediate state, such as being partially depressed.

[0026] In some embodiments, rather than simply using amplitude measurements, one or more state profiles 212 can be used. Each stored profile can indicate the expected response that would be received from the signal amplifier 225 over time based on the state of the spring pin 250. The pin state that is mapped to the most matching profile from the state profile 212 can be selected based on a comparison of the output of the signal amplifier 225 and the stored state profile. For example, a machine learning model (e.g., a neural network) can be trained to classify the pin state based on the input of the signal received through the receiving coil 235. In addition to or instead of using the amplitude of the current or voltage, or the amplitude of the current or voltage over time, the phase difference between the output waveform and the received signal can be measured and compared to one or more thresholds to determine the state of the spring pin 250.

[0027] After determining the state of the spring pin 250, the processing system 210 can perform actions such as outputting a status signal. The status signal can indicate the state of the spring pin 250. In some embodiments, the status signal 211 indicates that the processing system 210 has determined that the spring pin 250 has been depressed but there is no electrical continuity. This can indicate that the spring pin is not properly aligned with the electrical connector of the device on which docking is being attempted. In other embodiments, the status signal indicates the pin state, and another component evaluates whether the pin state should be addressed automatically or by the user.

[0028] The status signal 211, or a message created based on the status signal 211, can be output to the user for the purpose of causing the user to take action. For example, the status signal 211 can cause a message or output voice indicating that the user should check the spring pin, clean the spring pin, check for foreign objects, re-align the docked device, etc. to be presented on an electronic display of the device on which the processing system 210 is installed or the device with which the device is communicating. In some embodiments, the status signal can be used to trigger an attempt at an automatic re-alignment process, such as by reversing the polarity of one or more permanent magnets, when the spring pin 250 has been depressed but there is no electrical continuity.

[0029] In some embodiments, system 200 is installed as part of a dock, as detailed with respect to FIGS. 7-9. The dock may have limited means of communicating with the user, but a device that can dock with the dock (e.g., a tablet computer) may have means of outputting information to the user. Based on a status signal indicating that the spring pin 250 is depressed but there is no electrical continuity, a wireless message may be sent to the tablet computer to present a message and / or output an audible sound indicating that the spring pin 250 may be misaligned with the corresponding electrical connector. In some embodiments, the transmit coil 230 and / or the receive coil 235 may be used to transmit a short-range message that can be received by a nearby device. This message may indicate the status of the spring pin 250 or may indicate related data such as that the spring pin 250 is depressed but there is no electrical continuity.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a pin status detection system 300 (the "system 300") for a single pin. The system 300 may include a pin 310, a transmit coil 320, and a receive coil 330. The pin 310 may represent an embodiment of the spring pin 250 of FIG. 2, an embodiment of the spring pin 101 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, or some other form of pin embodiment whose influence on the magnetic field changes depending on whether the pin 310 is depressed, not depressed, or partially depressed.

[0031] In an embodiment of the illustrated system 300, the receiving coil 330 is wound around the base of the pin 310 without making direct electrical contact. The receiving coil 330 may have several turns of wire around the pin 310. In the illustrated embodiment, only three turns of wire are shown. In other embodiments, there may be from 2 to 50 turns of wire. As shown, the turns of the receiving coil 330 are substantially circular. In other embodiments, the turns may be substantially rectangular, substantially “D”-shaped, or substantially elliptical, forming a spiral arrangement of the turns. Such turns may be made using wire or traces on a PCB. Other shapes including spirals are also possible. The receiving coil 330 can have two endpoints indicated by vias 331 and 332, which can enable electrical connection to traces on another PCB layer. The vias 331 and 332 can enable electrical connection to ground, a signal amplifier, and / or other circuits.

[0032] The transmitting coil 320 is wound outside the receiving coil 330 without making direct electrical contact with the receiving coil 330 (or the pin 310). The transmitting coil 320 may have several turns of wire around the pin 310. In the illustrated embodiment, only three turns of wire are shown. In other embodiments, there may be from 2 to 50 turns of wire. As shown, the turns of the transmitting coil 320 are substantially circular. In other embodiments, the turns may be substantially rectangular, substantially “D”-shaped, or substantially elliptical, forming a spiral arrangement of the turns. Such turns may be made using wire or traces on a PCB. Other shapes including spirals are also possible. The transmitting coil 320 can have two endpoints indicated by vias 321 and 322, which can enable electrical connection to traces on another PCB layer. In some embodiments, the endpoints may not be made of vias and may be traces existing on the same layer of the PCB that connect to another component. The vias 321 and 322 can enable electrical connection to ground, a signal amplifier, and / or other circuits.

[0033] In an embodiment of the illustrated system 300, the transmit coil 320 and the receive coil 330 are present on the same layer of the PCB. In some embodiments, the transmit coil 320 may be disposed in the vicinity of the pin 310, and the receive coil 330 is wound spirally around the transmit coil 320. In some embodiments, the transmit coil 320 and the receive coil 330 are located on different layers of the PCB, and thus the transmit coil 320 and the receive coil 330 may overlap when viewed from above or below, but can be present on separate layers. Such an arrangement can save space on the PCB.

[0034] In some embodiments, there is a single coil. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a pin state detection system 400 (the "system 400") for a single pin in which a single coil is used for transmission and reception. Referring to FIG. 2, the signal amplifier 220 and the signal amplifier 225 may be connected by a single coil. In the system 400, a waveform is output to the coil 450. For example, a pulse as illustrated in FIG. 4 may be output to the coil 450. After the pulse is output, the magnetic response of the coil 450 is measured over time. The measured response will be different based on whether the pin 410 is depressed or not. The coil 450 can have two end points indicated by vias 451 and 452, which can enable electrical connection to traces on another PCB layer. The vias 451 and 452 can enable electrical connection to ground, a signal amplifier, and / or other circuitry.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a graph 500 of voltage over time showing how a single coil can be used for both transmission and reception. Graph 500 can represent the voltage over time when a pulse is applied to coil 450 of system 400 of FIG. 4. In graph 500, a pulse waveform 510 is being driven into coil 450. Pulse waveform 510 can be a negative voltage for a certain period of time. When pulse waveform 510 ceases to be driven, a kickback pulse 515 is induced and can be affected by the magnetic response of nearby metallic components including spring pin 410. As shown, the measured value of kickback pulse 515 is clipped at a certain voltage, and since the voltage is measured at a predefined time 540, the magnitude of kickback pulse 515 above the shown clipped voltage may not be significant. A filter circuit may be present and electrically connected to coil 450 and can help remove ringing. The filter circuit can be a low-pass filter or a higher-order filter. This filter can be used in combination with a sample-and-hold circuit or an analog-to-digital converter having a sample-and-hold function.

[0036] The voltage decay over time in coil 450 changes based on the effect of pin 410 on the magnetic field induced by pulse 510. For example, decay 520 may indicate when pin 410 is in a first state (e.g., not depressed), while decay 530 indicates when pin 410 is in a second state (e.g., depressed). After pulse 510 is applied to coil 450, by sampling the voltage of coil 450 at a predetermined time 540 (or some predetermined number of times), the measured voltage(s) can be used to identify the state of the pin. In the example of FIG. 5, a measurable voltage difference between pin states exists at the predetermined time 540, and thus discrimination between the states is possible based on the measured voltage. In some embodiments, an integrator circuit, such as a boxcar integrator having an integration window around the zero-crossing point, can be used to identify the state. The net integration output will vary depending on the state of the pin. The measured voltage may be compared to a stored threshold value. In some embodiments, current measurement may be used instead of voltage.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a pin state detection system 600 (``system 600'') for multiple pins. System 600 may include pins 610 (610-1, 610-2, 610-3), a transmit coil 620, and a receive coil 630. Pins 610 may represent an embodiment of the spring-loaded pin 250 of FIG. 2, an embodiment of the spring-loaded pin 101 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, or some other form of pin whose effect on the magnetic field changes when depressed. The example of FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of three pins, but the systems and techniques detailed herein can also be applied to arrangements with two pins, four pins, or more than four pins.

[0038] In an embodiment of the illustrated system 600, the receive coil 630 is wound outside the base of the pin 610 without making direct electrical contact. The receive coil 630 may have several turns of wire around the pin 610. In the illustrated embodiment, only three turns of wire are shown. In other embodiments, there may be 2 to 50 turns of wire. As shown, the turns of the receive coil 630 are substantially elliptical (constituting a spiral arrangement of the turns). In other embodiments, the turns may be substantially rectangular, substantially "D" shaped, or substantially circular, constituting a spiral arrangement of the turns. Such turns can be made using wire or traces on a PCB. Such traces may not necessarily be on the topmost layer of the PCB. Other shapes including spirals are also possible. The receive coil 630 can have two endpoints indicated by vias 631 and 632, which can enable connection to traces on another PCB layer. The vias 631 and 632 can enable electrical connection to ground, a signal amplifier, and / or other circuits.

[0039] The transmit coil 620 is wound outside the receive coil 630 (or pin 610) without making direct electrical contact. The transmit coil 620 may have several turns of wire around the pin 610. In the illustrated embodiment, only three turns of wire are shown. In other embodiments, there may be 2 to 50 turns of wire. As shown, the turns of the transmit coil 620 are substantially elliptical, constituting a spiral nature of the turns. In other embodiments, the turns may be substantially rectangular, substantially "D" shaped, or substantially elliptical, constituting a spiral arrangement of the turns. Such turns can be made using wire or traces on a PCB. Other shapes including spirals are also possible. The transmit coil 620 can have two endpoints indicated by vias 621 and 622, which can enable connection to traces on another PCB layer. In some embodiments, the endpoints may not be made of vias and may be traces existing on the same layer of the PCB connecting to another component. The vias 621 and 622 can enable connection to ground, a signal amplifier, and / or other circuits.

[0040] In an embodiment of the illustrated system 600, the transmit coil 620 and the receive coil 630 are on the same layer of the PCB. In some embodiments, the transmit coil 620 can be disposed near the pin 610, and the receive coil 630 is wound helically around the transmit coil 620. In some embodiments, the transmit coil 620 and the receive coil 630 are located on different layers of the PCB, and thus the transmit coil 620 and the receive coil 630 can overlap when viewed from above or below, but can be on separate layers. Such an arrangement can save space on the PCB. In yet other embodiments, as detailed in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, a single coil may be used for both the transmit and receive functions.

[0041] The system 600 can be used to detect two or more states. In some embodiments, the two states include a state where the pin is not depressed and a state where one or more pins are depressed. An overall state applied to all pins as a group may be sufficient. For example, detecting that all pins are not depressed, all are depressed, or one or more pins are depressed may be sufficient to trigger messaging to the user to correct the situation or to trigger an auto-correction process. However, in some embodiments, it may be beneficial to use the system 600 to detect a more precise state of the pins. If a set of accurate state profiles is created, it may be possible to more accurately detect the position of discrete pins. For example, states including a state where a particular pin is fully depressed, a state where a plurality of pins (but not all) are fully depressed, a state where all pins are fully depressed, a state where a particular pin is partially depressed, a state where a plurality of pins (but not all) are partially depressed, a state where all pins are partially depressed, a combination of a state where a pin is fully depressed and a state where it is partially depressed, and a state where a particular pin is not depressed can be detected.

[0042] One beneficial aspect of system 600 is to detect the states of multiple pins using a single pair of coils. Most electrical and communication systems that use spring pins rely on multiple spring pins, so the advantage of system 600 is that one instance of system 600 may be sufficient to detect the states of all the pins of the system. In other embodiments, multiple instances of system 600 may be used for different groups of pins, such as when a large number of pins are used. For example, if a device has 15 pins, five instances of system 600 can be used together to detect the states of all the pins.

[0043] In various types of systems that include multiple devices that are removably docked, the spring pins on one device can be used with corresponding electrical connectors on the other device. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a system 700 that includes a tablet computer 720 (“tablet 720”) and a dock 710 that can have an integrated pin state detection system as detailed herein. The dock 710 can include components such as a power source, a mating surface 711 that can support the tablet 720, spring pins, a speaker, a microphone, and / or one or more status lights. The tablet 720 can include a battery, a display (e.g., a touch screen), one or more speakers, one or more microphones, one or more cameras, and electrical contacts. The tablet 720 and / or the dock 710 can each include a plurality of magnets (e.g., present in regions 712 and 722) that can help the user align the tablet 720 with the dock 710 when placing the tablet 720 on the dock 710 and hold the tablet 720 in a predetermined position relative to the dock 710 while docked.

[0044] In system 700, dock 710 is typically placed in a specific location and can be connected to line power, such as via an electrical outlet. When placed on dock 710, electrical contacts (e.g., electrical pads) are intended to electrically connect with spring pins and at least partially push down the spring pins. If the position between tablet 720 and dock 710 is misaligned, some or all of the spring pins may be fully or partially pushed down, but there may be no electrical connection with the corresponding electrical connectors of the electrical contacts. The spring pin state detection system can be positioned within dock 710, assuming that dock 710 has spring pins. In other embodiments, the spring pin state detection system may be present in tablet 720.

[0045] The embodiments of the pin state detection system and method detailed herein can be used to identify misalignment, notify the user, or trigger an automatic realignment process such as engaging and / or releasing one or more permanent magnets for realignment. If a message is to be presented to the user, due to improper alignment, the electrical contacts of spring pin 810 and tablet computer 720 cannot be used for communication, so a wireless message (e.g., a mesh networking protocol, Thread™, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®) may be sent from dock 710 to tablet 720. Once the alignment is corrected, power can be supplied to tablet 720 via the spring pins. The functions of dock 710 may also be utilized by tablet 720, such as the speaker of dock 710, and it may be possible to produce a more faithful sound than the speaker of tablet 720. Thus, for example, analog or digital data can be transmitted from tablet 720 to dock 710 via the spring pins.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment 800 of a tablet and dock that can have an integrated pin state detection system, where the tablet is removed from the dock. FIG. 8 can represent a situation where a user is attempting to attach the tablet 720 to the dock 710. Region 712 can represent the location of some magnets present on or near the mating surface 711, which helps to properly align the tablet 720 on the dock 710. In embodiment 800, spring pins 810 present on the mating surface 711 of the dock 710 are visible. When docked, each of the pins 810 can be intended to make electrical contact with a specific electrical pad located on the back of the tablet 720. The number of spring pins 810 can be more or less in other embodiments. Further, the location of the spring pins 810 is merely illustrative. One or more spring pin detection systems can be used to determine the state of one or more of the pins of the spring pins 810.

[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment 900 of a portion 910 of the back of a tablet computer 720 that interfaces with the mating surface 711 of the dock 710. On portion 910, contact pads 920 are present. The contact pads 920 include a plurality of conductive contact pads used for transferring data and / or obtaining power from the dock 710 when the tablet computer 720 is docked. In various embodiments, the number of contact pads 920 is the same as the number of spring pins 810 located on the mating surface 711 of the dock 710. In various embodiments, portion 910 of the tablet computer includes at least four contact pads 920 and the dock 710 includes at least four spring pins 810, although any number of contact pads 920 and spring pins 810 can be used.

[0048] In some embodiments, the array of spring pins 810 includes at least two outer spring pins and at least two inner spring pins. In other embodiments, the spring pins 810 may be arranged substantially vertically in a line, or in any other physical arrangement configuration, on the mating surface 711. In some embodiments, at least two outer spring pins are assigned to transfer data between the tablet computer and the dock 710, and at least two inner spring pins are used to provide power to the tablet computer. In other embodiments, at least two inner spring pins are assigned to transfer data, and at least two outer spring pins are used to provide power to the tablet computer.

[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a tablet computer 1000 configured to dock with a dock using a magnet and contact pads 1010 that contact the spring pins 810. The tablet computer 1000 corresponds to the embodiment of the tablet computer 720 of FIG. 7. One or more magnets may be present within the tablet computer 720 on the back side of the surface 1001. The tablet computer 1000 can include one or more conductive contact pads 1010 (e.g., metal pads) that are used to transfer data with the dock and / or obtain power from the dock when the tablet computer 1000 is in a docking position on a dock such as the dock 710. As shown, there are four contact pads 1010. In other embodiments, a greater or lesser number of contact pads 1010 may be present. The location of the contact pads 1010 may also vary depending on the embodiment. In other embodiments, instead of using contact pads, some other form of electrical contact, such as spring pins (and associated pin state detection systems), or a combination of pads and pins, as detailed herein, may be used. Other components, such as a camera 1020, may be present on or accessible through the back surface 1001.

[0050] Figures 7-10 illustrate a tablet computer and docking system in which embodiments of the spring pin and associated spring pin state detection system of FIGS. 1A-6 can be used. It should be understood that the spring pin state detection system can be used in various other types of electronic devices. For example, a smartphone charger system can include a spring pin state detection system. A game device dock can use a spring pin state detection system. An earphone charging case can use a spring pin state detection system. A smartwatch charging system can use a spring pin state detection system. A smart doorbell docking system can use a spring pin state detection system. Another example is a battery-powered flashlight connected to a charging base. More generally, two computerized devices can use a spring pin state detection system. If a system using a pin state detection system does not have a way to display a message to the user, other ways to alert the user can be used, such as blinking a light (e.g., the flashlight blinks), outputting a sound, or outputting a vibration. Alternatively, a wireless message can be sent to another device having the ability to indicate misalignment, such as a message wirelessly transmitted to a tablet computer.

[0051] Using the systems and devices of FIGS. 1-10, various methods can be performed. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of method 1100 for performing pin state detection. Method 1100 can be performed on one pin or a group of pins. Method 1100 can be performed using system 200 of FIG. 2. Method 1100 can be used to detect the state of the spring-loaded pin 101 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, or the state of any other form of pushable pin that has a different effect on the magnetic field when pressed compared to when not pressed. In some embodiments, method 1100 can be used to distinguish between two pin states, namely, the non-pressed state and the pressed state. In other embodiments, method 1100 can be used to distinguish between more than two pin states, such as the pressed state, the non-pressed state, and the partially pressed state. In some embodiments, more than two pins are monitored, and a state discrepancy between pins can be detected, such as when one pin is pressed and the other pins are not pressed.

[0052] At block 1110, a trigger for checking the pin status can be received. In some embodiments, the trigger is generated internally by the processing system of system 200 (e.g., based on a timer). In other embodiments, the trigger is received from an external source, such as a separate component of the device in which system 200 is incorporated.

[0053] At block 1120, an electrical transmission signal is output to the transmission coil. The transmission signal can be in a waveform format such as a pulse, a square wave, or a sine wave. The transmission signal passing through the transmission coil can cause a magnetic field to be generated.

[0054] In block 1130, an electrical signal is received from the receiving coil. The signal received from the receiving coil may be induced by the magnetic field generated in block 1120. One or more characteristics of the received electrical signal are affected by the state of the spring pin. That is, the spring pin affects the magnetic field generated in block 1120. When the magnetic field changes, an electrical signal is induced in the receiving coil. This electrical signal has one or more different characteristics based on the state of the spring pin. The different characteristics may include amplitude, attenuation of amplitude over time, and / or phase.

[0055] In block 1140, using the received signal from block 1130, the determination of the state of the spring pin can be made based on one or more different characteristics. Block 1140 may include that a comparison with one or more thresholds is performed based on one or more characteristics. Alternatively, block 1140 may include that a comparison is performed between a plurality of stored profiles mapped to the pin state and a profile created based on the received electrical signal of block 1130. For example, the amount of current induced over a certain period may be used to create a profile to be compared with the set of stored profiles to determine the most matching profile. The state of the pin may be selected based on the state mapped to the most matching profile.

[0056] In block 1140, a determination may be made as to whether the pin is depressed or not. If it is depressed, a further determination may be made regarding whether electrical continuity exists. Determining whether electrical continuity exists may be based on whether a power signal or a data signal is received via the pin. In other embodiments, method 1100 may be executed only when there is no electrical continuity. Thus, in such embodiments, if it is determined in block 1140 that the pin is in the depressed state, it may already be determined that there is no electrical continuity.

[0057] At block 1150, although the spring-loaded pin is depressed, an action can be performed in response to determining that there is no electrical continuity with an electrical contact of another device. The action can include outputting to the user, via an electronic display or via audio (e.g., synthesized or recorded audio), a message indicating a problem with the spring-loaded pin. The problem can be that the position is misaligned, that there is foreign matter in contact with the pin, or other problems. In some embodiments, the action can include wirelessly transmitting the message to another device for output via the electronic display or via audio of the other device. In some embodiments, the action can include an automatic realignment process by attempting to realign the pin with the corresponding electrical connector of the device intended to be docked, activating and / or deactivating one or more permanent magnets, etc. In some embodiments, in response to detecting a misalignment, power and / or data may not be transmitted via the spring-loaded pin until the misalignment is corrected. If the pin is depressed and electrical continuity is determined, a message or graphics indicating proper docking (e.g., graphics indicating that charging is occurring) may be output.

[0058] Note that the methods, systems, and devices discussed above are intended to be merely examples. It must be emphasized that various embodiments may, as necessary, omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components. For example, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that the method may be performed in an order different from the described order and that various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, the features described with respect to a particular embodiment may be combined with various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology is evolving, and thus it is necessary to emphasize that many of the elements are examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0059] Specific details are set forth in this specification in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known processes, structures, and techniques are shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description is only provided as an example of the embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an effective description for implementing the embodiments of the invention. Various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0060] Also, note that the embodiments may be described as a process depicted as a flowchart or block diagram. Although each operation may be described as a sequential process, many of the operations can also be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of the operations can be rearranged. The process may have additional steps not included in the figures.

[0061] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative structures, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may only be components of a larger system, and other rules may take precedence over the application of the invention or may be otherwise modified. Also, several steps may be taken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pin status detection system, The pin state detection system further comprises a first pin, the first pin being in one of a plurality of states, the plurality of states including a pressed state and an unpressed state, and the pin state detection system further comprises A transmitting coil surrounding the first pin, A receiving coil surrounding the first pin, The system comprises a pin state processing system including one or more processors, and the pin state processing system includes The transmitting coil is configured to receive a transmission signal. A signal is received from the receiving coil, A pin state detection system configured to determine the state of the first pin based on the received signal, wherein the state is selected from the plurality of states.

2. It also has a second pin, The second pin may be in one of the multiple states, The transmitting coil surrounds the second pin, The pin state detection system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving coil surrounds the second pin.

3. The pin state detection system according to claim 2, wherein the determined state is for the first pin and the second pin.

4. The pin state detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are wound spirally around the first pin such that the transmitting coil and the receiving coil do not have electrical continuity with the first pin.

5. The pin state detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are printed on different layers of the PCB.

6. The pin state detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a PCB, wherein the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are printed on the same layer of the PCB.

7. The pin state detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are the same coil.

8. The pin state detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of states further include a partially pressed state.

9. The first pin is, Metal shell at the bottom, Upper metal shell, Including a spring, The pin state detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when pressure is applied to the upper metal shell, the spring is pushed down by the upper metal shell, and the upper metal shell is pushed at least partially into the bottom metal shell.

10. The pin state processing system configured to determine the state of the first pin based on the received signal includes comparing the current or voltage of the received signal with a stored threshold value, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A method for detecting the state of a pin, A method for detecting the state of a pin, comprising outputting a transmission signal to a transmission coil, wherein the transmission coil surrounds a first pin, further includes: A method for detecting the state of a pin, comprising receiving a signal from a receiving coil, wherein the receiving coil surrounds the first pin, further includes: A method for detecting the state of a pin, comprising determining the state of the first pin based on the received signal, wherein the state is selected from a plurality of states, and the plurality of states include a pressed state and an unpressed state.

12. A method for detecting the state of a pin according to claim 11, further comprising determining that there is no electrical continuity between the first pin and a corresponding contact pad of a separate device.

13. A method for detecting the state of a pin according to claim 12, further comprising performing an action in response to determining that the state of the first pin is the pressed state and that there is no electrical continuity between the first pin and the corresponding contact pad of the separate device.

14. The pin state detection method according to claim 13, wherein the action causes the separate device to output a message indicating that there is no electrical continuity between the first pin and the corresponding contact pad of the separate device.

15. A method for detecting the state of a pin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising receiving a trigger for checking the status of the first pin, wherein outputting the transmit signal is based on the reception of the trigger.

16. A method for detecting the state of a pin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the transmitting coil and the receiving coil surround the second pin, and the determined state is for the first pin and the second pin.

17. A method for detecting the state of a pin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are formed by traces on a printed circuit board (PCB).

18. The first pin is, Metal shell at the bottom, Upper metal shell, Equipped with a spring, A method for detecting the state of a pin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein when pressure is applied to the upper metal shell, the spring is pushed down by the upper metal shell, causing the upper metal shell to slide into the bottom metal shell.

19. A method for detecting the state of a pin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein determining the state of the first pin based on the received signal is based on measuring the voltage of the received signal at a defined time after the transmission signal has been output.

20. It is a tablet docking system, Tablet computers and The tablet computer and a dock configured to be detachably attached using multiple magnets, the dock including a pin state detection system, the pin state detection system is The pin state detection system includes a first pin, the first pin can be in one of a plurality of states, the plurality of states include a pressed state and an unpressed state, and the pin state detection system further includes A transmitting coil surrounding the first pin, A receiving coil surrounding the first pin, The system includes a pin state processing system which includes one or more processors, and the pin state processing system is The transmitting coil is configured to receive a transmission signal. A signal is received from the receiving coil, The pin state processing system is configured to determine the state of the first pin based on the received signal, the state being selected from the plurality of states, and the pin state processing system further, A tablet docking system configured to output a display of the misalignment of the tablet computer with respect to the dock, at least in part on determining that the first pin is pressed but there is no electrical continuity.

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