Passive Human Interface Device Using Magnetic Field Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user input devices for computing systems often require power, leading to mechanical and electrical failures, increased weight, and reduced portability due to the need for batteries and power sources, which can fatigue users and limit device usability.

Innovation Solution

A human interface device that uses a magnet and mechanical linkage to encode user input in magnetic fields, allowing for passive operation without power consumption, reduced component complexity, and improved portability, where the magnet's position and orientation are changed through mechanical linkage mechanisms to encode user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If power sources and batteries are used in user input devices, then device functionality and automation are improved, but device weight increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the power source and electronic components from the user input device, extracting only the essential mechanical elements (magnet, mechanical linkage, button) needed for input. This extraction eliminates weight while preserving core functionality through passive mechanical-to-magnetic-field conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic sensing systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. The mechanical action of pressing the button moves a magnet, which generates magnetic fields detected by an external sensor, eliminating the need for powered electronics within the input device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If power sources and batteries are used in user input devices, then device functionality and automation are improved, but device portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses the user's own mechanical action (pressing the button) to directly generate the input signal through magnetic field displacement. The system is self-actuating without requiring external power, making it inherently portable and adaptable to various locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If mechanical linkages and magnets are used to encode user input, then device complexity is reduced and portability is improved, but measurement precision and input encoding accuracy may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent complexityVSAvoidinput encoding accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the mechanical button action and the input signal. The magnet converts mechanical displacement into magnetic field changes, which are then detected by external sensors. This intermediary enables precise encoding without complex electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent encodes input information by changing the position and orientation parameters of the magnet. Different button press locations and intensities translate to distinct magnetic field patterns, allowing multiple input types to be encoded through parameter variation rather than complex circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enables efficient and portable user input by eliminating the need for power sources, reducing component failures, and minimizing user load, while maintaining effective data processing and computer implementation services.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic field is generated by a magnet in response to changes in position and/or orientation of the magnet. The changes in the magnetic field may indicate actuations of the human interface device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11874687B1System and method for obtaining user input using passive human interface device

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods and systems for providing computer implemented services using user input are disclosed. To obtain the user input, a passive human interface device may be used. The human interface device may include a magnet that may produce a magnetic field used to discern the user input. The magnet may be mechanically coupled to actuatable portions of the human interface device thereby encoding information regarding both of changes in position of the human interface device and actuations of the actuatable portions into a magnetic field emanating from the human interface device. Sensing elements integrated into a sensing system may be used to sense the emanating magnetic field to obtain user input from the human interface device.