Stylus based input devices utilizing a magnetic random access momory array
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A digitizing tablet comprising:
- an array of magnetic memory cells, each memory cell having a magnetic bit that changes orientation upon active application of at least one externally-applied magnetic field, the magnetic field being applied with at least one pointing device having a magnetic tip, and the orientation of the bit producing an electrical signal during a read operation of the array; and
a signal processor that couples to the array of magnetic memory cells and receives the electrical signal from the array, processes the electrical signal, and generates an imaging signal for output to an imaging device.
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Abstract
A digitizing tablet is disclosed that includes an array of magnetic random access memory cells and a signal processor, coupled to the array. The array of magnetic random access memory cells may be modified by at least one externally-applied magnetic field, each memory cell having a magnetic bit that changes orientation upon application of an electric field or the externally-applied magnetic field to produce a modified electrical signal based on the orientation of the bit when a read signal is applied across the array. The signal processor, which couples to the array of magnetic random access memory cells, is utilized to convey the signal from each memory cell to a display device.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A digitizing tablet comprising:
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an array of magnetic memory cells, each memory cell having a magnetic bit that changes orientation upon active application of at least one externally-applied magnetic field, the magnetic field being applied with at least one pointing device having a magnetic tip, and the orientation of the bit producing an electrical signal during a read operation of the array; and
a signal processor that couples to the array of magnetic memory cells and receives the electrical signal from the array, processes the electrical signal, and generates an imaging signal for output to an imaging device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of converting user input into image data, comprising:
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providing an array of magnetic random access memory cells, each MRAM cell having a magnetic bit that changes orientation upon active application of at least one externally applied magnetic field;
applying at least one external magnetic field to the array to change the magnetic bit orientation of at least a portion of the MRAM cells, wherein the magnetic field is applied with at least one pointing device having magnetic tip;
applying an input electric signal to the array; and
reading an output electric signal from each cell for display. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
sensing an action performed by a user; and
performing a function associated with the sensed action.
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17. A method of converting user input into image data according to claim 10 wherein the magnetic bit orientation for each cell is maintained without refresh.
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18. A digitizing tablet comprising:
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an array of magnetic random access memory cells that may be modified by at least one externally applied magnetic field, the magnetic field being applied with at least one pointing device having a magnetic tip, each memory cell having a magnetic bit that changes orientation upon application of an electric field or the externally-applied magnetic field to produce a modified electrical signal based on the orientation of the bit when an electric field is applied across the array; and
a signal processing device, coupled to the array of magnetic random access memory cells, that is utilized to process the modified electrical signals for output to a display device.
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19. A digitizing tablet comprising:
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a plurality of magnetic memory circuits capable of indefinitely retaining a magnetic field impressed upon at least one of the plurality of magnetic memory circuits via active application of at least one externally-applied magnetic field to at least one of the plurality magnetic memory circuits, the magnetic field being applied with at least one pointing device having a magnetic tip;
a control circuit that couples to the plurality of magnetic memory circuits and that performs a read function of the plurality of magnetic memory circuits to produce electrical signals based on the magnetic fields; and
a signal processor that couples to the control circuit and receives the electrical signals from each memory cell, processes the electrical signals, and generates an imaging signal for output to an imaging device.
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Specification