Passive Accessories

Abstract

1. A system for determining a user's operation of a user-mounted device, the system comprising: a body; and at least one magnetic object operably coupled to the body such that rotation of the body about a first axis of rotation causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object about the first axis of rotation; and a plurality of magnetometers associated with an interaction surface, the plurality of magnetometers configured to generate a sensing volume and configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object; and the system configured to register a scroll event when rotation of the body about the first axis of rotation is determined by the system based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 22 306 736.4, filed November 24, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to the technical field of determining and / or tracking the operation of passive accessories, a system for determining the operation of a user-mounted device by a user, and an associated computer-implemented method for determining the operation of a user-mounted device. [Background technology]

[0003] In the technical field of determining and / or tracking the positioning of a device held or worn by a user (i.e., a user-mounted device), providing multiple magnetometers allows for measuring magnetic fields associated with magnetic objects configured within or coupled to the user-mounted device. User-mounted devices using this technology may be electronically and / or electrically passive. More specifically, electrically passive means that the user-mounted device 100 may not include a power source (e.g., a battery) and / or a means for receiving power (e.g., wireless power transmission via an induction coil) to power the electronic functions of the user-mounted device 100. Electronically passive means that no calculations or processing are performed (or occur) on the user-mounted device. Magnetometer measurements enable determining and / or tracking the manipulation of a magnetic object within a sensing volume created by the multiple magnetometers. In some applications, the magnetic object may be configured within a writing device (e.g., a stylus) that can be manipulated by a user on a writing substrate during user operation. The position of the writing device on the writing substrate can be determined based on magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object.

[0004] In current applications, a magnetic object configured within or coupled to a user-mounted device can be approximated by a dipole to enable its location determination and / or tracking within a sensing range created by multiple magnetometer volumes. A magnetic object approximated as a dipole can generate a magnetic field that is rotationally symmetric about at least one axis. Such a magnetic object can be manipulated by a user within the sensing volume, enabling tracking and / or manipulation determination of its movement in five degrees of freedom. The five degrees of freedom can include translation of the magnetic object (and the user-mounted device coupled to the magnetic object) along three axes, a first rotation about a first axis, and a second rotation about a second axis. However, rotation of the magnetic object around at least one axis about which the magnetic field is rotationally symmetric may not be detectable. As a result, the application fields and areas of positioning and / or tracking of passive accessories may be limited. More specifically, certain movements of the magnetic object and / or the user-mounted device may not be detectable, limiting certain additional functions of the user-mounted device.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for determining a user-mounted device and the operation of the user-mounted device by a user, which enables improved tracking determination of a user-mounted device operated within a sensing volume. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a system for determining a user's operation of a user-mounted device as defined in claim 1 and to a computer-implemented method for determining a user's operation of a user-mounted device as defined in claim 14. The dependent claims present advantageous embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system for determining a user's manipulation of a user-mounted device, the system including: a body; and at least one magnetic object operably coupled to the body such that rotation of the body about a first axis of rotation causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object about the first axis of rotation; and a plurality of magnetometers associated with an interaction surface, the plurality of magnetometers configured to generate a sensing volume and configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object, the system being configured to register a scroll event when rotation of the body about the first axis of rotation is determined by the system based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a computer-implemented method for determining a user's manipulation of a user-mounted device is provided, the computer-implemented method including measuring a magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object with a plurality of magnetometers, the at least one magnetic object being coupled to a body of the user-mounted device, the plurality of magnetometers being configured to generate a sensing volume, the user-mounted device being operable over an interaction surface defined within the sensing volume, and registering a scroll event when a rotation of the body about a first axis of rotation is determined by the system based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object.

[0009] An effect of the techniques herein is to provide a system and computer-implemented method that allows for determining a user's operation of a user-equipped device, which provides various advantages.

[0010] The techniques of the present disclosure may enable tracking and / or orientation and / or manipulation determination of a user-mounted device in at least five degrees of freedom using only one magnetic object, since the rotation of the magnetic object around at least one axis can be detected within a sensing volume created by multiple magnetometers based on its magnetization direction orientation. This may, more specifically, increase the accuracy of tracking and / or manipulation determination of the magnetic object and / or the user-mounted device, for example, without providing an additional magnetic object. Furthermore, additional functionality may be integrated into the user-mounted device, expanding the application fields of the user-mounted device and system. At least one trigger event (e.g., associated with the additional functionality) may be associated with a detectable rotation around at least one axis or a detectable translational manipulation along another axis, and thus may be controlled by the user-mounted device and / or detected by the system in an improved manner. Additionally, the combination of detecting the rotation of a magnetic object around at least one axis and the translation of the magnetic object along another axis may enable the application of the system of the present disclosure in many different fields. Another advantage may arise from the fact that the user-mounted device may be operated without a power source, thus allowing considerable freedom in operation, particularly with regard to duration of use. In addition, additional magnetic objects may not be required to enable the same functionality as a single magnetic object with magnetization oriented such that rotation about three axes is detectable, allowing for control of more trigger events but reducing manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to practice it. However, these drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference symbols in different figures indicate similar or similar features. [Figure 1]1 illustrates generally an exemplary embodiment of a system for determining a user's manipulation of a user-equipped device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B illustrate, in a top view, an exemplary embodiment of a user-mounted device for determining manipulation of a rotational position of the user-mounted device by a user; [Figure 3] 1 illustrates, in a side view, an exemplary embodiment of a system for determining manipulation of a user-mounted device by a user; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates generally a computer-implemented method for determining operation of a user-equipped device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Throughout the foregoing specification, references to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "one example," or "example," "one aspect," or "aspect" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "one example," or "example," "one aspect," or "aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example.

[0013] Embodiments of a system for determining an operation of a user-equipped device and a computer-implemented method for determining an operation of a user-equipped device according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for determining manipulation of a user-mounted device 100 by a user, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. More specifically, the system 10 may be suitable for determining manipulation of an electrically passive user-mounted device 100. In other words, the system 10 may be suitable for determining and / or tracking manipulation of the user-mounted device 100 within a sensing volume. According to a first aspect, a system for determining a user's manipulation of a user-mounted device 100 includes the user-mounted device 100. The user-mounted device 100 comprises a body and at least one magnetic object 110, the at least one magnetic object 110 defining a magnetic moment vector 120 and operably coupled to the body 101 such that rotation of the body 101 about a first axis of rotation 102 causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 about the first axis of rotation 102. The system 10 further comprises a plurality of magnetometers 300 associated with an interaction surface 210. The plurality of magnetometers 300 are configured to generate a sensing volume and are configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object 110. The system 10 is configured to register a scroll event when rotation of the body 101 about the first axis of rotation 102 is determined by the system 10 based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object 110. In other words, the multiple magnetometers 300 enable measurement of the magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object 110 within the volume, thus enabling measurement in three dimensions. An interaction surface may be configured within this sensing volume. The multiple magnetometers 300 are configured to collect magnetic field measurements associated with at least one magnetic object 110 within a reference coordinate system XYZ, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . The reference coordinate system XYZ may be defined by the configuration of the multiple magnetometers 300. The term “at least one magnetic object” may refer to an object that may include components made of a magnetic material, i.e., a material having magnetic properties measurable by the multiple magnetometers 300. The at least one magnetic object may be represented by a magnetic moment vector 120 and / or a magnetic object position vector within the sensing volume. The system 10 may be configured to determine the magnetic moment vector 120 and / or the magnetic object position vector based on the measured magnetic field.The system 10 may be configured to determine a magnetic moment vector 120 and / or a magnetic object position vector based on the measured magnetic field using an estimation filter, such as a Kalman filter, or more specifically, an extended Kalman filter or an unscented Kalman filter. The magnetic object position vector may define a magnetic object position and / or magnetic object distance relative to a reference coordinate system XYZ or the interaction surface 210. The orientation of the magnetic moment vector 120 results from the orientation of the magnetization of the at least one magnetic object 110. The system 10 may be configured to track the manipulation of the at least one magnetic object 110 in at least five degrees of freedom. Rotation of the body 101 about a first rotation axis 102 is detected via rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 about the first rotation axis 102. The rotation of the body 101 also rotates the at least one magnetic object 110 coupled to the body. This rotation may be detected relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ by the multiple magnetometers 300. Rotation of the body 101 about the first rotation axis 102 may be a first degree of freedom. A second degree of freedom may result from translation of the at least one magnetic object 110 along the first rotation axis 102, as will be further described below. The first rotation axis 102 may be normal to the interaction surface 210. In an example, the first rotation axis 102 may be parallel to the reference axis Z of the reference coordinate system XYZ. In an example, the first rotation axis 102 may be tilted with respect to the reference axis Z of the reference coordinate system XYZ.

[0015] In an example, the multiple magnetometers 300 may be fixedly arranged within a magnetometer body 320 (see, for example, FIG. 3 ), which defines a fixed position and / or orientation of the multiple magnetometers (300) relative to one another. The number of magnetometers provided may depend on the size of the interaction surface 210 on which the user-mounted device 100 operates. In other words, the larger the interaction surface 210, the more magnetometers 300 may be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the multiple magnetometers 300 may be arranged in rows and columns. However, it is also possible that the multiple magnetometers may be arranged randomly within the magnetometer body 320. A calibration procedure can be used to determine the exact location, measurement axis, inner sensitivity, cross-axis sensitivity, and offset of each magnetometer within the magnetometer body 320 relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ.

[0016] In an example, the term "scroll event" may refer to a control mode of a function in a virtual environment associated with a user input. The control mode may result in rotational and / or translational movement of a virtual object in the virtual environment. The function associated with a scroll event may include a scrolling function such as scrolling a file or data, or a rotational or translational movement of a virtual object associated with selecting an option from multiple options. The scrolling function associated with a scroll event may include rotating a body in the virtual environment and / or changing a viewpoint in the virtual environment. For example, the scrolling function may include one or more of moving a cursor in two opposite directions, moving a display element (e.g., a page, a cursor) that can be controlled by the user-mounted device 100, a directional step, turning a menu, turning a selection list, or adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) a parameter (e.g., a setting or configuration). This enables a variety of new application areas for the user-mounted device 100, such as a dial, a mouse scrolling element (e.g., a wheel), a joystick, a control for an electronic device (e.g., an audio control or a visual control), a control of software settings or visualization (e.g., graphics software or design software), or a control of a computer game. Additionally, scroll events can be associated with controlling hardware such as a rolling shutter or gate.

[0017] In an embodiment, the user-mounted device comprises a base 103 coupled to a body 101. The base 103 is orthogonal to a first axis of rotation 102 and is aligned with a first device axis x d and the first device axis x d A second device axis, y, perpendicular to d3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the user-mounted device 100 in a side view including the base 103. In an example, the base 103 may be the lower unit of the user-mounted device 100, i.e., the component facing the interaction surface 210 on which the main body 101 may be placed. For example, at the interface between the base 103 and the main body 101, the base may have the same cross-sectional profile as the main body 101. In an example, the device contact surface 104 of the base 103 may be in contact with the interaction surface 210. In an example, the interaction surface 210 may be in contact with the top surface of the magnetometer body 320. In an example, the interaction surface 210 may be spaced apart from the top surface of the magnetometer body 320. In an example, there may be an intermediate layer between the interaction surface 210 and the top surface of the magnetometer body 320. In an embodiment, the intermediate layer may include a non-magnetic material.

[0018] In an embodiment, the body 101 may be operably coupled to the base 103 such that rotation of the body 101 about the first axis of rotation 102 causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 about the first axis of rotation (110) relative to the base 103. In an example, the base 103 may function as a unit stationarily or movably disposed on the interaction surface 210. In an example, the body 101 may be rotated relative to the base 103 by a user. In an example, the base 103 may comprise a non-magnetic material, which may be advantageous for not affecting the magnetic field or magnetic moment vector 120 when measured / tracked by the multiple magnetometers 300. In an example, the base 103 may serve to secure the user-mounted device 100 to the interaction surface 210. In an example, the base 103 may comprise attachment means for securing the user-mounted device 100 to the interaction surface 210, such as a screw, a threaded hole, or a through-hole. In an example, the body 101 may be rotatably mounted on the base 103. In an example, the base 103 may have a sliding surface or a pivot bearing for rotatably receiving the body 101.

[0019] In embodiments, the at least one magnetic object 110 may comprise a longitudinal body 111 extending along a body axis 116 that defines a magnetic moment vector 120, and the first rotation axis 102 does not coincide with the body axis 116. Returning to FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the at least one magnetic object 110 comprising the longitudinal body 111 is shown. In examples, the body axis 116 may be orthogonal to the first rotation axis 102, as shown in FIG. 1 . In examples, the angle between the first rotation axis 102 and the body axis 116 may be in the range of >0° to 90°, 10° to 90°, 30° to 70°, 45° to 90°, or >0° to 45°.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates, in a top view, an exemplary embodiment of a user-mounted device for determining manipulation of a rotational position of the user-mounted device by a user.

[0021] In an embodiment, rotation of body 101 may cause angular displacement of magnetic moment vector 120 from a rotational initial position to a rotational displaced position along a rotational angle α relative to interaction surface 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , rotation angle α may be defined between a first reference axis X and body axis 116 and / or magnetic moment vector 120, more specifically in the XY plane. In another example, rotation angle α may be defined between a second reference axis Y and body axis 116 and / or magnetic moment vector 120. As outlined above, each magnetometer of plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to measure a magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object 110 in the direction of first reference axis X, second reference axis Y, and / or perpendicular reference axis Z. In other words, each magnetometer of plurality of magnetometers 300 may be configured to perform magnetic field measurements in the direction of one axis (i.e., one dimension), two axes (i.e., two dimensions), or three axes (i.e., three dimensions). In an example, magnetic moment vector 120 and / or body axis 116 may be three-dimensional coordinate vectors. In an example, a two-dimensional projection of magnetic moment vector 120 and / or body axis 116 onto the XY plane may be used to define rotation angle α.

[0022] In an embodiment, rotation of the body 101 in a first direction about the first axis of rotation 102 may cause rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 in the first direction about the first axis of rotation 102. Rotation of the body 101 in a second direction about the first axis of rotation 102 that is opposite to the first direction about the first axis of rotation 102 may cause rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 in the second direction about the first axis of rotation 102 that is opposite to the first direction about the first axis of rotation 102, and vice versa. In an example, the direction of rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 may follow the direction of rotation of the body 102. In an example, the direction of rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 may be opposite to the direction of rotation of the body 102. In an example, the angular velocity of the body 102 may differ from the angular velocity of rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, the angular velocity of the body 102 may be equal to the angular velocity of rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 .

[0023] In embodiments, the system may be configured to determine that a scroll event may be a scroll event of a first scroll direction when magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a first direction about first axis of rotation 102. The system may be configured to determine that a scroll event may be a scroll event of a second scroll direction when magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a second direction about first axis of rotation 102. The first scroll direction may be opposite to the second scroll direction. In an example, the scroll direction may define in which direction a selection is scrolled. This may be advantageous, for example, when animations associated with rotation are controlled in a virtual environment.

[0024] In embodiments, the system may be configured to determine that a scroll event may be a clockwise scroll event, a scroll up event, or a scroll right event when magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a first direction about first axis of rotation 102. The system may be configured to determine that a scroll event may be a counterclockwise scroll event, a scroll down event, or a scroll left event when magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a second direction about first axis of rotation 102. In an example, a clockwise scroll event, a scroll up event, or a scroll right event may be associated with a clockwise rotation of magnetic moment vector 120 about axis of rotation 120 when viewed from a top view of the side of interaction surface 210 facing user-mounted device 100. This may be advantageous, for example, when animations associated with the rotation are controlled in a virtual environment.

[0025] In embodiments, the system may be configured to determine that a scroll event may be a scroll up event or a scroll right event when magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a first direction about first axis of rotation 102. The system may be configured to determine that a scroll event is a scroll down event or a scroll left event when magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a second direction about first axis of rotation 102. This may be advantageous, for example, when navigating a list of files in a virtual environment.

[0026] In an embodiment, a rotation of magnetic moment vector 120 in a first direction about first rotation axis 102 results in a positive value of rotation angle α. A rotation of magnetic moment vector 120 in a second direction about first rotation axis 102 results in a negative value of rotation angle α, and vice versa. In an example, the system calculates a rotation angle α such that the absolute value of rotation angle α is greater than or equal to a rotation angle threshold α. th The absolute value of the rotation angle α may include an unsigned value of the rotation angle α. In the example, the rotation angle threshold α th is set to a value >0°-15°, specifically 1°-10°, more specifically 2°-5°. The use of a rotation angle threshold can be advantageous, for example, to prevent accidental or unintentional rotation of the main body 101 by the user from registering as a scrolling event.

[0027] In an embodiment, the system may include a first biasing mechanism configured to urge, specifically counter-rotate, the body 101 from the rotationally displaced position toward the initial rotational position. In an example, the initial rotational position may be designated for a particular application. For example, rotation of the body 101 may tension a first biasing mechanism, e.g., a spring, that exerts a return force from the rotationally displaced position toward the initial rotational position to move the body 101 back to the initial rotational position after release by a user. In an example, the first biasing mechanism may allow the body 101 to rotate in a first direction and / or a second direction by an angle of up to 180° or less.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a user-mounted device 100 is shown in side view.

[0029] In an embodiment, the body 101 may be movably coupled to the base 103 such that a translational actuation of the body 101 may cause a translational displacement of the at least one magnetic object 110 along the first axis of rotation 102 relative to the interaction surface 210 from a translational initial position to a translationally displaced position, or a rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 relative to the interaction surface 210 about a second axis of rotation inclined relative to the first axis of rotation 102. The actuation may include pressing an upper surface of the body 103 toward the interaction surface 210. In an example, the actuation may cause a resulting compressive force to act on the base 103. In an example, the at least one magnetic object 110 is not fixedly coupled to the base 103 or is movably coupled to the base 103, such that a translation of the body 103 along the first axis of rotation 102 toward the interaction surface 210 may result in relative movement between the at least one magnetic object 110 and the base 103 and / or the interaction surface 103. The translational movement of the at least one magnetic object 110 may be a second of the at least two degrees of freedom. The translational movement of the at least one magnetic object 110 along the first axis of rotation 120 may result in a change in the magnetic field within a sensing volume created by the multiple magnetometers 300.

[0030] In an embodiment, the system may be configured to register a click event when the body 101 is translationally actuated. In an example, the system may register a click event when the at least one magnetic object 110 is translationally displaced through translational actuation of the body 101. In an example, the system may register a click event when the at least one magnetic object 110 is rotated by translational actuation of the body 101. In an example, the strength of the measured magnetic field may increase when the at least one magnetic object 110 moves along the first rotation axis 102 toward the interaction surface 120. In an example, the strength of the measured magnetic field may decrease when the at least one magnetic object 110 moves along the first rotation axis 102 away from the interaction surface 120. More specifically, the system 10 may be configured to determine a magnetic moment vector 120 and / or a magnetic object position vector, based on which a distance between the interaction surface 210 or a reference location XY of the reference coordinate system XYZ and the at least one magnetic object 110 is determined. In an example, the main body 101 may include a push button coupled to at least one magnetic object 110 such that, when the user U presses the push button, the at least one magnetic object 110 translates toward the interaction surface 210 along a first rotation axis. A scroll event and / or a click event may generally be referred to as a trigger event. A click event may include selecting an object, e.g., selecting an item, selecting a list, selecting an item on a list. A click event may trigger the following actions: A click event may trigger a click, selection, drag, and / or drag-and-drop action of an item, object, or word. A click event may further trigger an action that provides additional information and / or properties of the selected object, item, or word.This enables a variety of new applications for the user-mounted device 100, such as, for example, a dial, a mouse scroll element (e.g., a wheel), a joystick, a control for an electronic device (e.g., an audio control or a visual control), a control of software settings or visualization (e.g., a graphics software or a design software), a control of a computer game, or a control of a household device such as a light, heat, shutter, or gate.

[0031] In an embodiment, the function or action triggered by a scroll event / click event may depend on the interaction surface and / or the positioning of the user-mounted device 100 within the reference coordinate system XYZ, for example, the positioning of the user-mounted device 100 within a plane defined by reference axis X and reference axis Y.

[0032] In an embodiment, the system may be configured to register a click event only when the absolute value of the translational displacement of the at least one magnetic object 100 exceeds a translational displacement threshold. The use of a translational displacement threshold may be advantageous, for example, to avoid registering accidental or unintentional translational movements of the at least one magnetic object 110 as a click event.

[0033] In an embodiment, the system may include a second biasing mechanism 130 configured to bias the body 101 toward a position where the at least one magnetic object 110 is in a translational initial position. In an example, the second biasing mechanism 130 may include at least a coil spring or a leaf spring beam. In an example, the biasing mechanism 130 may be configured to apply a restoring force to the body 101 and / or the at least one magnetic object 110 in a direction away from the interaction surface 210 / base 103 when the body 101 is translated toward the interaction surface 210 by actuation by the user U. In an example, a coil spring may be configured and arranged between the base 103 and the body 101 surrounding the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, the coil spring may be configured to apply the restoring force directly to the body 101. In an example, a leaf spring beam may be in contact with the body 101 and / or the at least one magnetic object 110 and configured to apply the restoring force directly to the body 101 and / or the magnetic object 110. In an example, the restoring force may result from deformation of the second biasing mechanism 130 .

[0034] In an embodiment, the at least one magnetic object 110 may be at least partially enclosed within a housing. The housing may include an activation protrusion configured to push the popper 140 when the at least one magnetic object 110 is in the activation displacement position. In an example, the at least one magnetic object 110 may include a protrusion configured to push the popper 140 when the at least one magnetic object 110 is in the activation displacement position. FIG. 2 illustratively illustrates an embodiment of the user-mounted device 100 including an example popper 140. In an example, the popper 140 may be configured and disposed inside the body 101 and / or may be mechanically coupled to the base 103. In an example, a vertical distance c1 along the first rotation axis 102 between the translation initial position and the activation displacement position is within a range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, or 3 mm to 4 mm. In an example, the popper 140 may be configured to provide tactile and / or audible feedback when being pressed.

[0035] In an embodiment, a scroll event and / or a click event may be registered only when the user-mounted device 100, more specifically the at least one magnetic object 110, is in proximity to the interaction surface 210, the proximity being defined by a tolerance band along the rotation axis 102. In an example, the tolerance band may be ±2 mm relative to the interaction surface 210. In an example, the interaction surface 210 may be defined as a zero-level plane. In an example, the system may be configured to register a click event when the at least one magnetic object 110 is translated in a negative direction towards the plurality of magnetometers 300.

[0036] In embodiments, the user on-board device 100 may be electrically and / or electronically active. More specifically, electrically passive means that the user on-board device 100 may not include a power source (e.g., a battery) and / or a means for receiving power (e.g., wireless power transmission via an induction coil) to power the functions (e.g., electronic functions) of the user on-board device 100. Electronically passive means that no computation or processing is performed (or occurs) on the user on-board device 100.

[0037] In an embodiment, the system 10 may include a rotational transmission device in which the body 101 is coupled to the at least one magnetic object 110. The rotational transmission device may be used to determine a ratio between a rotation of the body 101 and a rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, the rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110 may correspond to a rotation of the body 101 relative to an angular difference in rotation. In an example, a 1° rotation of the body 101 may result in a 1° rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, the rotational transmission device is configured to magnify the rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, a 1° rotation of the body 101 may result in a rotation of >1° of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, the rotational transmission device is configured to magnify the rotation of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, a 1° rotation of the body 101 may result in a rotation of <1° of the at least one magnetic object 110. In examples, the rotational transmission device may include a gear transmission, such as a gear train, a worm gear, a slewing ring gear, and / or a lever transmission.

[0038] In an example, the system 10 may include one or more guide pins extending in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation 102. The guide pins may be configured to prevent rotation of the body about a first axis perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 102 and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 102 and the first axis. In an example, rotation and / or tilting of the body 101 about the reference axis X and / or the reference axis Y may be prevented. In an example, a first end of the guide pin may be attached to the base 103. In an example, a second end of the guide pin may be attached to the body 101. In an example, the system may include three, four, five, or more guide pins.

[0039] In an example, the first biasing mechanism and the second biasing mechanism 130 may comprise a non-magnetic material. This may be advantageous for not affecting the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic object 110. In an example, the at least one magnetic object 110 may be designed to generate a symmetric magnetic field. In an example, the magnetic field may be symmetric about the body axis 116 of the at least one magnetic object 110. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a symmetric magnetic field of the at least one magnetic object 110. The at least one magnetic object 110 may be a permanent magnet. In an embodiment, the at least one magnetic object 110 may be configured to generate a non-zero magnetic field. The magnetic object may comprise a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material. In an embodiment, the at least one magnetic object 110 may comprise a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material.

[0040] In embodiments, the user-mounted device 100 may be a computer mouse, a keyboard, a toy, a stylus, or a dial. In other embodiments, the user-mounted device 100 may be an accessory tool, such as a ruler. In examples, the user-mounted device 100 may have a circular, rectangular, hexagonal, polygonal, square, or elliptical cross-section in the XY plane.

[0041] In an embodiment, the system 10 may include or be connectable to a processing unit 400, which may be configured to track manipulation of at least one magnetic object 11 in at least five degrees of freedom and may be configured to register scroll and / or click events. Referring to FIG. 3 , the processing unit 400 is illustrated. The system 10 may be configured to transmit data to the processing unit. The data may include information related to rotation of the body 101 about the first axis of rotation 102, as detected by the plurality of magnetometers 300. In an embodiment, the processing unit 400 may be electrically connected to the plurality of magnetometers. In an example, the system may be configured to receive instructions from the processing unit, which may enable the processing unit 400 to direct user-initiated and / or automatically generated queries to the system 10. The processing unit 400 may include at least one processor and at least one data storage (e.g., memory such as ROM, RAM, solid-state drive, etc.). The system 10 and / or the processing unit 400 are not limited to a particular hardware environment. As described above, the system 10 may include at least one database. Alternatively or additionally, system 10 may access a database in the cloud (via a communication interface). In an example, processing unit 400 may act as a communication bridge between the plurality of magnetometers 300 and the resource. System 10 may include (at least one) communication interface for coupling the plurality of magnetometers, the processing unit, and / or the database. The communication interface may include one or more of a network, the Internet, a local area network, a wireless local area network, a broadband cellular network, and / or a wired network. In an example, system 10 may be coupled to one or more functions via a server hosted in the cloud.

[0042] In an embodiment, the system 10 may include at least one output interface 500. In an example, the at least one output interface 500 may be configured to represent the user-mounted device 100. More specifically, the at least one output interface 500 may be configured to visually reproduce the user-mounted device 100 as a virtual object. In an example, the system 10 may be configured to reproduce manipulation of the user-mounted device 100 on the interaction surface 210 as manipulation of a virtual object on the at least one output interface 500. In an example, the system 10 may be configured to visually reproduce scroll events and / or click events as planar movements on the output interface 500. As described above, the scroll events and / or click events may be control modes of functionality in the virtual environment associated with the user input. The control modes may result in rotational and / or translational movements of an object in the virtual environment. The functionality associated with the scroll events and / or click events may include rotational or translational movements associated with scrolling through files or data, or selecting an option from multiple options. The functionality associated with the scroll event and / or the click event may include rotating the body in the virtual environment and / or changing the viewpoint in the virtual environment. In an example, the user's rotation of the body 101 and / or translation of the at least one magnetic object 110 may control functionality in the virtual environment, such as browsing or searching for files, controlling a virtual body in the virtual environment, or selecting a particular parameter in the virtual environment, such as, but not limited to, a color, a number, music, or a shape. In an example, the output interface 500 may be configured to provide feedback to the user U. In an embodiment, the output interface 500 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes, a display, or a screen. In an example, the virtual environment and / or functionality described above may be displayed to the user U through the output interface 500, e.g., a display or a screen.

[0043] In an example, system 10 may comprise an electronic device. In an example, processing unit 400 may be integrated into the electronic device. The electronic device may be a tablet, a mobile phone, a laptop, a computer, a virtual reality (VR) set, or a television. Furthermore, electronic device 500 may comprise a user interface configured to interact with a user U and / or receive user input. In an embodiment, the user interface may be integrated into output interface 510. Data storage of system 10 may be integrated into and / or connected to electronic device 500. In an example, multiple magnetometers 300 may be incorporated into a wall, furniture, a notebook, an electronic device, a screen or display, a keyboard, and / or a mouse pad. In an example, the surface of a wall, furniture, a notebook, an electronic device, a screen or display, a keyboard, and / or a mouse pad may function as interaction surface 210.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates generally a computer-implemented method for determining operation of a user-equipped device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0045] According to a second aspect, a computer-implemented method 600 for determining a user U's manipulation of a user-mounted device 100 includes measuring a magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object using a plurality of magnetometers 300. The at least one magnetic object 110 is coupled to a body 101 of the user-mounted device 100. The plurality of magnetometers 300 are configured to generate a sensing volume. The user-mounted device 100 is operable on an interaction surface 210 defined within the sensing volume. Further, the computer-implemented method 600 includes registering (620) a scroll event when a rotation of the body 101 about a first rotation axis 102 is determined by the system 10 based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object 110. The user-mounted device 100 may be designed according to an embodiment of the first aspect.

[0046] In an embodiment, the main body 101 may be movably coupled to the base 103 such that actuation of the main body 101 causes translational displacement of the at least one magnetic object 110 from a translational initial position to a translationally displaced position along the first rotational axis 102 relative to the interaction surface (210), and the method further includes registering (630) a click event when the at least one magnetic object is translationally displaced along the first rotational axis 102.

[0047] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a computer system may be configured to execute the above-described computer-implemented method 600. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program may be configured to execute the above-described computer-implemented method 600. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium or signal having the computer program stored thereon may be provided. In an embodiment, the system 100 according to the first aspect may include a computer system. In an embodiment, the system 100 according to the first aspect may be configured to execute the computer-implemented method 600 according to the second aspect.

[0048] Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and / or subcombinations in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] Embodiments: 1. A system 10 for determining the operation of a user-equipped device 100 by a user U, comprising: A user-equipped device 100, Main body 101 and a user-mounted device (100) comprising at least one magnetic object (110) defining a magnetic moment vector (120) and operatively coupled to a body (101) such that rotation of the body (101) about a first axis of rotation (102) causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object (110) about the first axis of rotation (102); a plurality of magnetometers 300 associated with the interaction surface 210, the plurality of magnetometers 300 configured to generate a sensing volume and configured to measure a magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object 110; The system 10 is configured to register a scroll event when a rotation of the body 101 about a first axis of rotation 102 is determined by the system 10 based on a measured magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object 110. 2. The system 10 of embodiment 1, wherein the system 10 is configured to track the manipulation of at least one magnetic object 110 in at least five degrees of freedom. 3. The user-mounted device 100 comprises a base 103 coupled to a body 101, the base 103 being orthogonal to the first axis of rotation 102 and aligned with a first device axis x d and the first device axis x d A second device axis, y, perpendicular to d The system 10 of embodiment 1 or 2 has a device contact surface 104 extending along the interaction surface 210, and when used by a user, the user-mounted device 100 is configured to be placed / operated with the device contact surface 104 in contact with the interaction surface 210. 4. A system 10 as described in embodiment 3, wherein the main body 101 is operably coupled to the base 103 such that rotation of the main body 101 around the first rotation axis 102 causes rotation of at least one magnetic object 110 around the first rotation axis 110 relative to the base 103. 5. A system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein at least one magnetic object 110 has a longitudinal body 111 extending along a body axis 116 defining a magnetic moment vector 120, and the first rotation axis 102 does not coincide with the body axis 116. 6. The system 10 of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein rotation of the body 101 causes angular displacement of the magnetic moment vector 120 from an initial rotational position to a rotationally displaced position along a rotation angle α relative to the interaction surface 210. 7. A system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein rotation of the body 101 in a first direction around a first rotation axis 102 causes rotation of at least one magnetic object 110 in the first direction around the first rotation axis 102, and rotation of the body 101 in a second direction around the first rotation axis 102 that is opposite to the first direction around the first rotation axis 102 causes rotation of at least one magnetic object 110 in the second direction around the first rotation axis 102 that is opposite to the first direction around the first rotation axis 102. 8. The system 10 of embodiment 7, configured to determine that a scroll event is a scroll event of a first scroll direction when the magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a first direction about the first rotation axis 102, and to determine that a scroll event is a scroll event of a second scroll direction when the magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a second direction about the first rotation axis 102. 9. The system 10 of embodiment 7 or 8, configured to determine that a scroll event is a clockwise scroll event, an up scroll event, or a right scroll event when the magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a first direction about the first rotation axis 102, and to determine that a scroll event is a counterclockwise scroll event, a down scroll event, or a left scroll event when the magnetic moment vector 120 is angularly displaced in a second direction about the first rotation axis 102. 10. A rotation of magnetic moment vector 120 in a first direction about first rotation axis 102 results in a positive value of rotation angle α; A system 10 as described in embodiment 7, 8 or 9, wherein rotation of the magnetic moment vector 120 in a second direction around the first rotation axis 102 results in a negative value of the rotation angle α, and vice versa. 11. The absolute value of the rotation angle α is the rotation angle threshold α th 11. The system 10 of embodiment 10, wherein the system 10 is configured to register a scroll event only when the number of scrolls exceeds 11. 12. Rotation angle threshold α thThe system 10 of embodiment 11, wherein is set to a value >0° to 15°, particularly 1° to 10°, more particularly 2° to 5°. 13. When at least dependent on embodiment 6, the system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12 further comprises a first biasing mechanism configured to push the main body 101 from the rotational displacement position toward the initial rotational position, specifically to rotate it in the reverse direction. 14. When at least dependent on embodiment 3, the system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the main body 101 is movably coupled to the base 103 such that translational actuation of the main body 101 causes translational displacement of at least one magnetic object 110 from a translational initial position to a translationally displaced position along a first rotation axis 102 relative to the interaction surface 210, or rotation of at least one magnetic object 110 relative to the interaction surface 210 around a second rotation axis inclined relative to the first rotation axis 102. 15. The system 10 of embodiment 14, configured to register a click event when the body 101 is actuated translationally. 16. The system 10 of embodiment 14 or 15, configured to register a click event only when the absolute value of the translational displacement of at least one magnetic object 100 exceeds a translational displacement threshold. 17. The system 10 of embodiment 14, 15, or 16, comprising a second biasing mechanism 130 configured to bias the main body 101 toward a position in which at least one magnetic object 110 is in an initial translation position. 18. The system 10 of embodiment 17, wherein the second biasing mechanism 130 may include at least a coil spring or a leaf spring beam. 19. A system 10 described in any one of embodiments 14 to 18, wherein the at least one magnetic object 110 is at least partially enclosed within a housing, and the housing has an activation protrusion configured to push the popper 140 when the at least one magnetic object 110 is in an activation displacement position. 20. The system 10 of embodiment 19, wherein the vertical distance c1 along the first rotation axis 102 between the translation initial position and the actuation displacement position is within the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, 1 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 3 mm, or 3 mm to 4 mm. 21. The system 10 of embodiment 20, wherein the popper 140 is configured to provide tactile and / or audible feedback when pressed. 22. A system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein scroll events and / or click events are registered only when the user-mounted device 100 is in proximity to the interaction surface 210, the proximity being defined by a tolerance zone along the rotation axis 102. 23. The system 10 of any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the user-mounted device 100 is electrically and / or electronically passive. 24. A system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the main body 101 comprises a rotation transmission device coupled to at least one magnetic object 110. 25. The system 10 described in embodiment 24, wherein the rotation transmission device is configured to magnify the rotation of at least one magnetic object 110. 26. The system 10 of embodiment 24 or 25, wherein the rotary transmission device comprises a gear transmission and / or a lever transmission. 27. The system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 26, further comprising one or more guide pins extending in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis 102 and configured to prevent rotation of the body around a first axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis 102 and a second axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis 102 and the first axis. 28. The system 10 of embodiment 13, 17, or 18, wherein the first biasing mechanism and the second biasing mechanism 130 comprise a non-magnetic material. 29. A system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein at least one magnetic object 110 is designed to generate a symmetric magnetic field. 30. The system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein at least one magnetic object 110 is a permanent magnet. 31. The system 10 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the user-mounted device 100 is a computer mouse, a keyboard, a toy, or a dial. 32. The system 10 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 31, comprising or connectable to a processing unit 400 configured to track manipulation of at least one magnetic object 110 in at least two degrees of freedom and configured to register scroll events and / or click events. 33. The system 10 of embodiment 32, comprising at least one output interface 500, wherein the at least one output interface 500 is configured to represent the user-mounted device 100, more specifically, the at least one output interface 500 is configured to visually reproduce the user-mounted device 100 as a virtual object. 34. The system 10 of embodiment 33, configured to reproduce the operation of the user-mounted device 100 on the interaction surface 210 as the operation of a virtual object on at least one output interface 500. 35. The system 10 of embodiment 33 or 34, configured to visually reproduce on the output interface 500 movements, scroll events and / or click events of the user-mounted device 100 relative to the interaction surface 210. 36. The system 10 of any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the output interface 500 comprises one or more light-emitting diodes, displays, or screens. 37. The system 10 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 36, when at least dependent on embodiment 32, wherein the system 10 comprises an electronic device and the processing unit 400 is integrated into the electronic device. 38. The system 10 described in any one of embodiments 33 to 37, wherein the output interface 500 is integrated within an electronic device, when at least according to embodiment 37. 39. The system 10 of any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein the plurality of magnetometers 300 are integrated into a wall, furniture, a notebook, an electronic device, a screen or display, a keyboard, and / or a mouse pad. 40. A computer-implemented method 600 for determining operation of a user-equipped device 100 by a user U, comprising: measuring (610) a magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object using a plurality of magnetometers 300, the at least one magnetic object being coupled to a body 101 of the user-mounted device 100, the plurality of magnetometers 300 being configured to generate a sensing volume; The user-mounted device 100 is operable on an interaction surface 210 defined within the sensing volume, measuring (610); - registering (620) a scroll event when a rotation of the body 101 about a first axis of rotation is determined by the system 10 based on a measured magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object 110. 41. The body (101) is movably coupled to the base (103) such that actuation of the body (101) causes translational displacement of the at least one magnetic object (110) from a translational initial position to a translationally displaced position along a first axis of rotation (102) relative to the interaction surface (210), and the method includes: 41. The computer-implemented method 600 of embodiment 40, further comprising registering (630) a click event when the at least one magnetic object undergoes a translational displacement along the first axis of rotation 102. 42. A computer program configured to perform the computer-implemented method of embodiment 38 or 39. 43. A computer-readable medium or signal storing the computer program of embodiment 42.

Claims

1. A system (10) for determining an operation of a user-mounted device (100) by a user (U), comprising: A user-mounted device (100), comprising: A main body (101), a user-mounted device (100) comprising at least one magnetic object (110) defining a magnetic moment vector (120), the magnetic object (110) operably coupled to the body (101) such that rotation of the body (101) about a first axis of rotation (102) causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object (110) about the first axis of rotation (102); a plurality of magnetometers (300) associated with the interaction surface (210), the plurality of magnetometers (300) being configured to generate a sensing volume and to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object (110); The system (10) is configured to register a scroll event when a rotation of the body (101) about the first axis of rotation (102) is determined by the system (10) based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object (110).

2. The user-mounted device (100) comprises a base (103) coupled to the body (101), the base (103) being orthogonal to the first axis of rotation (102) and aligned with a first device axis (x ｄ ) and the first device axis (x ｄ A second device axis (y ｄ 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user-mounted device is configured to be placed / operated with the device contact surface in contact with the interaction surface during use by a user.

3. 3. The system (10) of claim 2, wherein the body (101) is operably coupled to the base (103) such that rotation of the body (101) about the first axis of rotation (102) causes rotation of the at least one magnetic object (110) about the first axis of rotation (110) relative to the base (103).

4. 4. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic object (110) comprises a longitudinal body (111) extending along a body axis (116) that defines the magnetic moment vector (120), and the first rotation axis (102) does not coincide with the body axis (116).

5. 5. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein rotation of the body (101) causes an angular displacement of the magnetic moment vector (120) from an initial rotational position to a rotationally displaced position along a rotation angle (α) relative to the interaction surface (210).

6. 6. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein a rotation of the body (101) in a first direction about the first axis of rotation (102) causes a rotation of the at least one magnetic object (110) in the first direction about the first axis of rotation (102), and a rotation of the body (101) in a second direction about the first axis of rotation (102) opposite to the first direction about the first axis of rotation (102) causes a rotation of the at least one magnetic object (110) in the second direction about the first axis of rotation (102) opposite to the first direction about the first axis of rotation (102).

7. 7. The system of claim 6, further configured to determine a scroll event to be a scroll event of a first scroll direction when the magnetic moment vector is angularly displaced in the first direction about the first axis of rotation, and to determine a scroll event to be a scroll event of a second scroll direction when the magnetic moment vector is angularly displaced in the second direction about the first axis of rotation.

8. 8. The system of claim 6, further configured to determine a scroll event to be a clockwise scroll event, a scroll up event, or a scroll right event when the magnetic moment vector is angularly displaced in the first direction about the first axis of rotation, and to determine a scroll event to be a counterclockwise scroll event, a scroll down event, or a scroll left event when the magnetic moment vector is angularly displaced in the second direction about the first axis of rotation.

9. The system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, at least when dependent on claim 5, further comprising a first biasing mechanism configured to urge, in particular to reverse rotate, the body (101) from the rotational displacement position towards the initial rotational position.

10. A system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, at least when dependent on claim 2, the body (101) is movably coupled to the base (103) such that translational actuation of the body (101) causes translational displacement of the at least one magnetic object (110) from a translational initial position to a translationally displaced position along the first rotation axis (102) relative to the interaction surface (210), or rotation of the at least one magnetic object (110) relative to the interaction surface (210) around a second rotation axis inclined with respect to the first rotation axis (102).

11. 11. The system (10) of claim 10, wherein the at least one magnetic object (110) is at least partially enclosed within a housing, the housing comprising an activation protrusion configured to push against a popper (140) when the at least one magnetic object (110) is in an activation displacement position.

12. The system (10) of claim 11, wherein the popper (140) is configured to provide tactile and / or audible feedback when pressed.

13. 13. The system (10) of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising one or more guide pins extending in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation (102) and configured to prevent body rotation about a first axis perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (102) and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (102) and the first axis.

14. A computer-implemented method (600) for determining operation of a user-equipped device (100) by a user (U), comprising: measuring (610) a magnetic field associated with at least one magnetic object using a plurality of magnetometers (300), the at least one magnetic object being coupled to a body (101) of a user-mounted device (100), the plurality of magnetometers (300) being configured to generate a sensing volume; measuring (610), wherein the user-mounted device (100) is operable on an interaction surface (210) defined within the sensing volume; and registering (620) a scroll event when a rotation of the body (101) about a first axis of rotation (102) is determined by the system (10) based on the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object (110).

15. The body (101) is movably coupled to a base (103) such that actuation of the body (101) causes translational displacement of the at least one magnetic object (110) from an initial translational position to a translationally displaced position along the first axis of rotation (102) relative to the interaction surface (210), and the method includes:

15. The computer-implemented method (600) of claim 14, further comprising registering (630) a click event when the at least one magnetic object undergoes a translational displacement along the first axis of rotation (102).

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