Electronic Compass Holster Detection via Multi-Axis Magnetic Field Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices lack an efficient method to detect when they are placed in a holster, particularly in various orientations, which limits their ability to manage power consumption and adjust features accordingly, and often require additional sensors like Hall effect sensors that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronic compass with a three-axis magneto-impedance sensor that measures magnetic fields along multiple axes to detect the presence and orientation of the device within a holster, eliminating the need for separate sensors and allowing for robust detection in multiple orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors like Hall effect sensors are used to detect holster presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic compass is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional navigation/heading detection and holster presence detection. By utilizing the same sensor for both purposes, the patent eliminates the need for separate Hall effect sensors while maintaining accurate detection capability across different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the holster detection function with the existing electronic compass system. The three-axis magneto-impedance sensor that originally detected magnetic fields for navigation is merged to also detect the magnetic field signature of the holster, reducing component count and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-axis sensors are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but detection capability in various orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis magnetic field detection to three-axis magnetic field detection. By measuring magnetic fields along all three spatial axes (X, Y, Z), the system can accurately determine holster presence regardless of the device's orientation, providing omnidirectional detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-axis electronic compass provides universal detection capability across all orientations. Unlike single-axis sensors that require specific alignment, the three-axis sensor can detect the holster's magnetic field signature from any angular position, making the detection system universally applicable to various holster configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of the device's presence and orientation within a holster, reducing power consumption, simplifying design, and enhancing battery life by allowing flexible power management modes without additional components, while also enabling orientation-dependent feature adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an electronic compass with a three-axis magneto-impedance sensor that measures magnetic fields along multiple axes to detect the presence and orientation of the device within a holster
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a portable electronic device sized and shaped to be received within a holster having a magnetic element. The portable electronic device includes an electronic compass adapted to measure a magnetic field of the magnetic element in at least two axes. When the measured pattern corresponds to a first pattern, the portable electronic device is adapted to determine that the portable electronic device is in the holster.