Magnetic field sensing device for compassing and switching
First Claim
1. A portable information device comprising:
- a magnet located at a first portion of the portable information device;
an electronic compass located at a second portion of the portable information device, the second portion moveable with respect to the first portion, the electronic compass comprising at least one magnetic sensor responsive to the magnet, the at least one magnetic sensor operating in a first output mode when the first portion is at a first position relative to the second portion, the at least one magnetic sensor operating in a second output mode when the first portion is at a second position relative to the second portion; and
a processor receiving a signal from the electronic compass, the processor determining when the at least one magnetic sensor is operating in the first output mode, and when the at least one magnetic sensor is operating in the second output mode, based on the signal from the electronic compass;
wherein the processor determines a position of the first portion relative to the second portion based on the signal from the electronic compass; and
wherein when the at least one magnetic sensor is operating in the first output mode, the processor determines a compass direction based on the signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A magnetic field sensing device can be realized by using a magnetic sensor in electronic compassing as well as switching. A magnet can be brought in close proximity to the magnetic sensor within an electronic compass to generate a signal that a portable information device has been closed. This signal can be input to a processor or other circuitry to initiate a response to the portable information device being closed. When the magnet is moved out of close proximity to the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor can be used in the electronic compass. Thus, a magnetic sensor can serve two functions, namely compassing and switching, reducing the need for separate sensors to perform both functions.
55 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A portable information device comprising:
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a magnet located at a first portion of the portable information device;
an electronic compass located at a second portion of the portable information device, the second portion moveable with respect to the first portion, the electronic compass comprising at least one magnetic sensor responsive to the magnet, the at least one magnetic sensor operating in a first output mode when the first portion is at a first position relative to the second portion, the at least one magnetic sensor operating in a second output mode when the first portion is at a second position relative to the second portion; anda processor receiving a signal from the electronic compass, the processor determining when the at least one magnetic sensor is operating in the first output mode, and when the at least one magnetic sensor is operating in the second output mode, based on the signal from the electronic compass; wherein the processor determines a position of the first portion relative to the second portion based on the signal from the electronic compass; and wherein when the at least one magnetic sensor is operating in the first output mode, the processor determines a compass direction based on the signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A portable information device comprising:
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a first portion having a magnet; and a second portion having an electronic compass that includes at least one magnetic sensor, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor is responsive to the magnet; and wherein the portable information device outputs compass heading information based on an output of at least one magnetic sensor when the first portion is at a first position relative to the second portion; and wherein at least a part of the portable information device is deactivated based on the output of at least one magnetic sensor when the first portion is at a second position relative to the second portion. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for compassing and switching in a portable information device, comprising:
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receiving a first signal from a magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is within a first distance from a permanent magnet, wherein the first signal is associated primarily with a field strength of the permanent magnet, wherein the magnetic sensor is located at a first portion of the portable information device, wherein the permanent magnet is located at a second portion of the portable information device, and wherein the first and second portions are movable with respect to one another; receiving a second signal from the magnetic sensor when the magnetic sensor is further than the first distance from the permanent magnet, wherein the second signal is associated primarily with a field strength of the earth; determining a compass heading from the second signal; and deactivating at least part of the portable information device based on receiving the first signal from the magnetic sensor. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification