Magnetic Scroll Detection via Asymmetric Field Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tracking user-borne devices with magnetometers can only detect movements in five degrees of freedom when a magnetic object is approximated as a dipole, limiting detectable movements and additional functions, as rotations about axes with rotationally symmetric magnetic fields are not detectable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a user-borne device with a magnetic object capable of rotating about a first axis, coupled with a plurality of magnetometers to create a sensing volume, allowing detection of rotations and translations, enabling tracking in at least five degrees of freedom without additional magnetic objects, and registering scroll or click events based on measured magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a magnetic object is approximated as a dipole for location determination, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing costs are reduced, but rotation about axes with rotationally symmetric magnetic fields cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the magnetic object with an asymmetric magnetic field distribution. Instead of using a traditional dipole approximation that creates rotationally symmetric fields, the invention uses a magnetic object whose field distribution varies with orientation, allowing the magnetometer array to detect rotational movements about all three axes. This asymmetric field design enables the system to distinguish between different rotational orientations that would otherwise be indistinguishable with symmetric dipoles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional magnetic objects are added to enable detection of rotation about three axes, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single magnetic object that performs multiple functions: it enables detection of translation along three axes and rotation about all three axes simultaneously. This multi-functional magnetic object replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate magnetic elements or sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the orientation-dependent magnetic field parameters of a single magnetic object. By measuring how the magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) change as the magnetic object rotates, the system can infer rotational movements. This approach transforms the magnetic field measurements into rotational information without requiring additional magnetic objects, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling full 3D rotation detection.
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
Enhances the accuracy of tracking and manipulation determination, enables additional functions, and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing detection of rotations about three axes with a single magnetic object, extending application fields and improving user-borne device operation without a power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of magnetometers associated with an interaction surface, wherein the plurality of magnetometers is configured to create a sensing volume and configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for determining a manipulation of a user-borne device by a user comprising a user-borne device comprising a body, at least one magnetic object defining a magnetic moment vector and operationally coupled to the body such that a rotation of the body about a first rotation axis causes a rotation of the at least one magnetic object about the first rotation axis, a plurality of magnetometers associated with an interaction surface, wherein the plurality of magnetometers is configured to create a sensing volume and configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object, wherein the system is configured to register a scroll event when a rotation of the body about the first rotation axis is determined by the system on the basis of the measured magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object.