Passive Magnetic Joystick Input Without Onboard Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user input devices for computing systems impose mechanical loads on users and are prone to mechanical or electrical failures due to their power requirements, affecting portability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A passive human interface device using a permanent magnet to generate a magnetic field distribution for encoding user input, which is sensed by a magnetometer system, allowing for user input to be obtained without power consumption, and includes a rotatable joint for tilting and securing to surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional user input devices are used, then user input can be obtained, but mechanical or electrical loads are imposed on users and portability is reduced due to power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power source (battery or cord) from the user input device, leaving only the essential input mechanism. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the weight burden while preserving the core input functionality through magnetic field sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electrical sensing systems with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The passive magnetic marker interacts with a magnetometer sensor, eliminating the need for mechanical components or power sources in the user input device while maintaining input capability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional user input devices are used, then user input can be obtained, but portability is reduced due to the need for power sources
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the power source from the user input device, the patent dramatically improves portability. The passive magnetic marker can be freely moved without power constraints, while the sensing system remains in the stationary computing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive magnetic marker serves itself by utilizing its inherent magnetic field properties without requiring external power. The magnetometer sensor in the computing system performs the sensing work, allowing the user input device to be lightweight and highly portable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If passive magnetic field sensing is used, then portability is improved by eliminating power sources, but device complexity increases due to magnetometer system
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the active sensing system in the portable user input device, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the magnetometer sensor in the stationary computing system and making the user input device a passive magnetic marker. This inversion reduces complexity in the portable component while maintaining sensing capability.
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 provides improved portability and reduced mechanical load on users, as well as enhanced usability by eliminating the need for power sources, while maintaining reliable operation and efficient data processing.
Implementation Method 1
a top portion comprising a permanent magnet that is adapted to generate a magnetic field distribution to encode user input received by the human interface device via forces applied by a user
Implementation Method 2
a sensing system adapted to sense the magnetic field distribution to provide user input from the user to a data processing system
Data Source
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 encode information regarding actuations of the human interface device in magnetic field distributions emanating from the human interface device. The magnetic field distribution may be sensed to identify user input provided by a user of the human interface device. The user input may be interpreted in the context of different modes of operation of the human interface device. The user input may be used to provide the computer implemented services.