Patent ID: 7637024
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: G01C,H04M

Abstract:
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.