Inductive peripheral retention device

Inductive peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a plug configured to removably engage a communication port of a device to form a communicative coupling with the device. The plug is securable to and removable from the device using one or more hands of a user. The apparatus also includes a peripheral securing portion connected to the plug and configured to removably engage a peripheral device via an inductive element formed as a flexible loop and configured to form a communicative coupling between the peripheral device and the device, which may be used to support charging of the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Computing devices may employ peripheral devices to aid a user in interacting with the computing device. An example of this is an alternate input device, such as a stylus, that may be used to aid a user in interacting with touchscreen and other functionality of the computing device. A user, for instance, may utilize the stylus to draw on a surface of the touchscreen to make annotations, notes, and other indicia.

Conventional techniques utilized to store the stylus, however, could be problematic in a number of different ways. For example, use of an internal slot to store and retain the stylus through friction or through a push-push type mechanism may create a problem where extra space and parts are required inside the device. This may also cause an increase in the complexity of the device, overall size of the device which may be undesirable for mobile configurations, and may therefore hinder the user's experience with the device.

In another example, use of a lanyard and a pen cap may operate somewhat as an uncontrolled appendage and therefore get caught on other objects, pen caps tend to let the pen fall out due to limitations of a retention force that may be used, and so on. Consequently, a user may choose to forgo use of this additional functionality supported by the peripheral device due to these complications.

SUMMARY

Inductive peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a plug configured to removably engage a communication port of a device to form a communicative coupling with the device. The plug is securable to and removable from the device using one or more hands of a user. The apparatus also includes a peripheral securing portion connected to the plug and configured to removably engage a peripheral device via an inductive element formed as a flexible loop and configured to form a communicative coupling between the peripheral device and the device.

In one or more implementations, inductance is detected of a flexible element configured to transfer power to a peripheral device via inductance. Responsive to a determination that the detected inductance is above a threshold, a first power mode is utilized in which a first amount of power is provided to the flexible element. Responsive to a determination that the detected inductance is below a threshold, a second power mode is utilized in which a second amount of power is provided to the flexible element that is less than the first amount of power.

In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a single ferrous element formed as a single integral piece having a middle portion having a diameter about an axis that is less than a diameter of opposing ends of the single ferrous element along the axis and a coil wrapped around the middle portion such that the coil and the single ferrous element form an inductive coil that is substantially rotationally invariant around the axis when charging

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Computing devices may employ a wide range of peripheral devices to support different types of user interaction with the device. This may include input devices that are configured to be used in addition to the computing device, an example of which is a stylus. However, conventional techniques that are utilized to store peripheral devices are often cumbersome and hindered a user's interaction with both the peripheral device and the computing device.

Inductive peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a peripheral retention device is configured to be secured to a computing device or other device (e.g., a peripheral device of the computing device such as a monitor, keyboard, and so on) using a plug that is configured to engage a communication port, e.g., a USB port or other port. The peripheral retention device also includes a peripheral securing portion that is connected to the plug to retain a peripheral device, such as a stylus.

The peripheral securing portion, for instance, may include an inductive element formed as a flexible loop that is configured to at least partially surround the peripheral device and form a communicative coupling between the peripheral device and the computing device, such as to charge the peripheral device, transfer data, and so forth. In this way, efficiency of charging using the loop may increase over conventional techniques and flexibility of the loop may be used to limit interference of the loop with a user when not in use, e.g., may lay flat. Additionally, this flexibility may serve as a basis to control power output to the loop and thus improve efficiency of the device as further described in the following.

An inductive element is also described that may be utilized to support rotationally invariant induction. The inductive element, for instance, may be shaped to mimic a barbell such that flux lines of the inductive element have a shape that mimics a donut. In this way, the inductive element may be utilized to support induction by a device without having to rotate the device in a particular orientation, such as for use by a stylus, a flexible hinge of a peripheral device (e.g., keyboard) or computing device, and so on. Further discussion of these features may be found in relation toFIGS. 8 and 9.

In the following discussion, an example environment is first described that may employ the techniques described herein. Example mechanisms are also described which may be performed in the example environment as well as other environments. Consequently, use of the example mechanisms is not limited to the example environment and the example environment is not limited to use of the example mechanisms.

Example Environment

FIG. 1is an illustration of an environment100in an example implementation that is operable to employ techniques described herein. The illustrated environment100includes a computing device102having a plurality of computing components104that are implemented at least partially in hardware. Illustrated examples of these computing components104include a processing system106and a computer-readable storage medium that is illustrated as a memory108, a peripheral retention device110, battery112, and display device114that are disposed within and/or secured to a housing116.

The computing device102may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, a computing device may be configured as a computer that is capable of communicating over a network, such as a desktop computer, a mobile station, an entertainment appliance, a set-top box communicatively coupled to a display device, a wireless phone, a game console, and so forth. Thus, the computing device102may range from full resource devices with substantial memory and processor resources (e.g., personal computers, game consoles) to a low-resource device with limited memory and/or processing resources (e.g., traditional set-top boxes, hand-held game consoles).

The computing device102is further illustrated as including an operating system118. The operating system118is configured to abstract underlying functionality of the computing device102to applications120that are executable on the computing device102. For example, the operating system118may abstract the computing components104of the computing device102such that the applications120may be written without knowing “how” this underlying functionality is implemented. The application120, for instance, may provide data to the operating system118to be rendered and displayed by the display device114without understanding how this rendering will be performed, may receive inputs detected using touchscreen functionality of the display device114, and so on. The operating system118may also represent a variety of other functionality, such as to manage a file system and user interface that is navigable by a user of the computing device102.

The computing device102may support a variety of different interactions. For example, the computing device102may include one or more hardware devices that are manipulable by a user to interact with the device, which may include peripheral devices112(e.g., cursor control device such as a mouse, stylus), a keyboard124communicatively and physically coupled to the computing device102using a flexible hinge126, and so on.

Peripheral devices122such as a stylus may be lost in some instances by a user because the device is not physically attached to the computing device102, especially in handheld (i.e., mobile) configurations of the computing device102. However, conventional techniques that were utilized to secure the stylus to the computing device102could consume inordinate amounts of room within a housing116(e.g., by internal slot is used to store and retain the stylus through friction or through a push-push type mechanism), interfere with a user's interaction with a device (e.g., a lanyard), and so forth. Accordingly, the peripheral retention device110may be configured to secure the peripheral device122to the housing116in a manner that does not interfere with a user's interaction with the computing device102.

Further, the peripheral retention device110may also be configured to support a communicative coupling with a communication port128of the computing device, such as to transfer power to charge the peripheral device122, communicate data between the peripheral device122and the computing device102, and so on. For example, it is now common practice to use a stylus to draw on the touch enabled displays of laptops and tablets. In some instances, the stylus may be configured to consume power to support this interaction.

In one such instance, an active stylus is configured to improve on detectability of a passive stylus by emitting signals that are received by touchscreen functionality of the display device114to improve spatial resolution of a tip of the stylus. The tip may even be located when it is hovering above a surface of the display device114. The active stylus may also consume power to support Bluetooth® communication, button activated features, and so on. Other features that may consume power include detection of stylus angle and rotation the pen tip to adjust ink thickness, haptic or acoustic feedback of pen function or notifications, support use as a laser pointer for meeting room collaboration, include a text display for status and notifications, communicate device status, email, and others notification with always on communication and LED indicators, support audio recording and data storage, and so forth. This power may be supplied by rechargeable storage included as part of the peripheral device, e.g., a battery or super capacitor.

Conventional techniques utilized to provide power to the rechargeable storage may have a variety of drawbacks. For example, use of a micro USB connector by a stylus generally involves placement of the connector on an end of the stylus opposite the tip. Charging the stylus by plugging it into a USB port also necessitates either having an additional USB cable or plugging directly into a tablet or laptop. This may involve stylus disassembly, a common USB port across the product line, and has a risk of product damage as it is cantilevered while charging.

Another conventional technique involves the addition of conductive charging points to an outside of the stylus to directly connect it to charging points on the device that supplies power, e.g., a computing device. This direct galvanic charging technique, however, may interfere with the industrial design, exposes the contact points to wear and damage, and may be restricted in its alignment to connect the stylus contacts to a power source in a predictable manner.

Accordingly, the peripheral retention device110may be configured to support wireless inductive charging. For example, the peripheral device122may include a receiving coil inside which, when coupled to an external, powered, primary charging coil of the peripheral retention device110, form the secondary of a transformer. This air gap transformer is what sends power into the peripheral122and thereby support a communicative coupling between the peripheral device122, the peripheral retention device110, and the computing device102which may also be utilized to communicate data between the devices.

Although the peripheral retention device110is illustrated as connected to a communication port128of the computing device102, the peripheral retention device110may be coupled to a variety of other devices, such as an external battery device (e.g., for mobile charging), an external charging device (e.g., to plug into a wall socket), a communication port128on the input device124, a monitor as shown inFIG. 4, and so on.

FIG. 2depicts an example implementation200showing different views of an example of a peripheral retention device110ofFIG. 1. This example implementation includes top202, perspective204, front206, and side208views of an example of a peripheral retention device110. The peripheral retention device110includes a plug210that is configured to be secured to a communication port128of a device. The plug210in this example is illustrated as being formed in compliance with a Type A Universal Serial Bus (USB) but it should be readily apparent that other configurations are also contemplated, such as in compliance with other types of USB ports (e.g., Type B, Mini-AB, Mini-B, Micro-AB, Micro-B, Type C), Thunderbolt® communication ports, and so on. Other examples are also contemplated, such as use without a plug, e.g., permanently mounted to the computing device.

The peripheral retention device110also includes a peripheral securing portion212connected to the plug and configured to removably engage a peripheral device, which in this example is performed using a flexible loop214. The flexible loop214, for example, may be configured to flex and stretch to retain a peripheral device, such as a stylus, within an interior of the flexible loop214.

As shown in an example implementation300ofFIG. 3, for instance, the peripheral retention device110may be secured to a communication port128which is illustrated in phantom. An example of a peripheral device122ofFIG. 1is illustrated as a stylus302that is retained within the flexible loop214and thus secured to the computing device102.

In the illustrated example, the flexible loop214assumes a complementary shape of the peripheral being secured through use of a flexible material, such as a fabric, rubber, or elastic material. Other examples are also contemplated including examples in which the peripheral retention device110utilizes techniques that are not flexible, e.g., is molded to conform to an outer surface of a peripheral device122to be retained.

The flexible loop214may also be configured to provide a biasing force to secure the peripheral. For example, formation as a flexible and stretchable loop (e.g., elastic) may bias the peripheral toward the housing116and thereby retain the peripheral against the housing116. Other examples are also contemplated.

The use of a flexible material to form the flexible loop214may also support a variety of other functionality. For example, the flexible loop214may be configured to “flatten” as shown inFIG. 11. The computing device102, for instance, may be placed on a surface which causes the flexible loop to flatten against the surface when a stylus302is not retained by the device. Additionally, this may permit the stylus302to “rotate up” away from the surface such that the computing device102may lay flat against the surface. In this way, the peripheral retention device110does not interfere with a user's interaction with the computing device102.

FIG. 4depicts another example implementation400in which the peripheral retention device110ofFIG. 3is used to secure the stylus302to a standalone display device. In this example, the peripheral retention device110is secured to a communication port of a standalone display device402. In this way, the stylus302may be secured “out of the way” when not in use. Further, the stylus302may also be charged through use of an inductive element formed as part of the peripheral retention device110, further discussion of which may be found in the following and is shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 5depicts an example implementation500showing an inductive element502of a peripheral retention device110ofFIG. 3. The inductive element502in this example is configured to be both flexible and stretchable. This is performed by including elliptical perforations504in this example that have a generally barbell shape in which ends of the perforations504have a greater width than a midsection of the perforations504. Other perforation shapes are also contemplated.

The perforations504are also arranged at a generally forty-five degree angle in relation to a longitudinal axis506that is configured to form a bend to assume a cylindrical shape as shown inFIG. 6and support stretching in both x and y directions. Additionally, the perforations504have an alternating arrangement of angles, one to another, in relation to the axis506.

The inductive element502also includes traces508that are configured to carry an electrical current to form the inductive connection. By implementing the inductive element502as a primary coil on a substrate (e.g., polyimide substrate) with a sinusoidal trace pattern and elliptical perforations504, the inductive element502becomes both flexible and stretchable to allow the flexible loop to collapse when not used and to resist damage during the insertion and removal of a peripheral device122such as a stylus302.

FIG. 6depicts an example implementation600in which the inductive element502ofFIG. 5is bent to form a flexible loop502. As illustrated the perforations504of the inductive element502permit bending to form a loop. The perforations504may also permit stretching such as to provide an elastic force to retain a peripheral device122within the flexible loop216as previously described. The traces508are configured to form an inductive electrical field within an interior of the flexible loop214thereby forming an inductive communicative coupling.

FIG. 7depicts an example implementation700in which the inductive element502ofFIG. 6is installed as part of the peripheral retention device110ofFIG. 2. In this example, the inductive element502(e.g., primary coil) is configured as a flexible loop that is surrounded by a fabric702. The inductive element502is communicatively coupled to the plug210as part of the peripheral securing portion212and thus may receive electricity from a communication port128of a device as previously described.

Conventionally, a primary coil of an air gap transformer for accessory charging is constructed flat as a “charging pad”. However, wrapping a primary coil around the secondary coil increases efficiency in a transfer of power from the charger to the accessory, e.g., by over seventy-seven percent. Testing of this prototype (FIG. 1) has yielded an efficiency of up to 77% and indicates that it is feasible to fully charge a 160 mA Lithium rechargeable stylus in approximately an hour and approximately half an hour for a super-capacitor cell.

FIG. 8depicts an example implementation800of a secondary coil usage by a peripheral device122ofFIG. 1for form an inductive communicative coupling between devices. Conventional secondary coils of air gap transformers are typically three centimeters by four centimeters and larger, making them difficult to place in peripheral devices122such as a stylus302.

Accordingly, an inductive coil802in this example is formed from a single ferrous element, which in this example is a single integral piece having a middle portion804having a diameter about an axis806that is less than a diameter of opposing ends808,810of the single ferrous element along the axis806.

A coil812is wrapped around the middle portion804such that the coil812and the single ferrous element form an inductive coil802that is substantially rotationally invariant around the axis. The inductive coil802may include an open tunnel (e.g., similar to a pipe) running through a longitudinal access, which may be used to permit wires to be run through the tunnel to support communication from one end of the stylus to the other. The diameter of the opposing ends808,810allow the ferrous material to extend to an edge of a housing of the stylus302and the cylindrical shape makes coupling rotationally invariant by forming flux lines814in a shape that mimics a donut as illustrated. This secondary coil assembly can be made small and dense enough to fit well in a stylus302while transferring enough power to charge an internal battery in any rotational position.

Inductive coupling between primary and secondary coils is sensitive to the distance between the coils. The smaller the coils, the faster this loss of coupling occurs. Further, the stylus302may typically be stored in a way that does not constrain a longitudinal rotational position of the stylus. Therefore, by using a shape that mimics a dumbbell as shown inFIG. 8, the inductive coil802, in this instance operating as a secondary coil, may minimize a distance to the primary coil of the peripheral retention device110while having good coupling at any longitudinal rotational angle. Although described as a secondary coil in this example, the inductive coil802may also function as a primary coil as further described below.

FIG. 9depicts an example implementation900in which an inductive coil ofFIG. 8is configured to operate as a primary coil in an air gap transformer arrangement. In this example, a connection portion902of the input device124is shown that is configured to provide a communicative and physical connection between the input device124and the computing device102. The connection portion902as illustrated has a height and cross section configured to be received in a channel in the housing of the computing device102, although this arrangement may also be reversed without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

The connection portion902is flexibly connected to a portion of the input device104that includes the keys through use of the flexible hinge126. Thus, when the connection portion202is physically connected to the computing device the combination of the connection portion902and the flexible hinge126supports movement of the input device124in relation to the computing device102that is similar to a hinge of a book.

The flexible hinge126in this example includes a mid-spine904having a plurality of inductive coils906,908,910that are configured similar to the inductive coil902ofFIG. 8but in this instance operate as primary coils of an air gap transformer. Thus, to form a communication coupling between the input device124(and thus the computing device102ofFIG. 1) to a stylus302ofFIG. 3or other peripheral device122in this example a user may rest the stylus302against the flexible hinge or secure it thereto using a pen clip of the stylus302to cause an inductive coupling. This may be utilized to charge the stylus, transfer data (e.g., to authenticate the peripheral device122), and so on as previously described. Further, flux flow lines may also support a rotationally invariant shape such that the flexible hinge126may move yet still support the communicative coupling.

FIG. 10depicts an example implementation1000in which power modes are utilized to control an amount of power provided to the inductive element502of the peripheral retention device110. This example implementation is shown using first and second stages1002,1004. A charging module1006is illustrated at each of the stages that is representative of functionality to control an amount of power provided by the peripheral retention device110to the inductive element502. The charging module1006, for instance, may be incorporated as part of the peripheral retention device110itself, a device to which the peripheral retention device110is attached (e.g., the computing device102), and so forth.

At the first stage1002, a charging module1006detects that the flexible loop214and corresponding inductive element502is arranged as a loop, such as the insertion of a pen. This may be determined by measuring inductance of the inductive element502by the charging module1006. The ferrite secondary receiving coil inside the pen causes a significant increase in the inductance of the inductive element502. Thus, the charging module1006may determine that the inductive element502is configured to support a communicative coupling and may provide a level of power sufficient to charge a peripheral device122, e.g., power mode1008.

At the second stage1004, however, the charging module1006detects that the flexible loop214and corresponding inductive element502has collapsed. This may be detected by the charging module1006by detecting that the inductive element502exhibits low inductance. For example, opposing sides of the charging module1006may cause a short when disposed closely to each other, such as when the flexible loop214collapses or flattens.

Accordingly, the charging module1006may detect that the flexible loop214and corresponding collapsed or shorted state and enter a reduced power mode1010that supplies less power to the inductive element502than when in the charging power mode1008, e.g., may cease providing power all together, periodically provide power to determine inductance of the inductive element and thus whether to enter the charging power mode1008, and so forth. In this way, the charging module1006may determine whether the peripheral retention device110is configured to perform inductance and react accordingly, such as to conserver power when not ready, transfer data, and so forth. Further discussion of this technique may be found in relation toFIG. 12.

FIG. 11depicts an example implementation of a circuit1100usable by the peripheral retention device110to act as a primary coil of an air gap transformer. As before, the primary coil may be utilized to transfer power to charge a peripheral device122, transfer data, and so forth.

Example Procedures

Functionality, features, and concepts described in relation to the examples ofFIGS. 1-11may be employed in the context of the procedures described herein. Further, functionality, features, and concepts described in relation to different procedures below may be interchanged among the different procedures and are not limited to implementation in the context of an individual procedure. Moreover, blocks associated with different representative procedures and corresponding figures herein may be applied together and/or combined in different ways. Thus, individual functionality, features, and concepts described in relation to different example environments, devices, components, and procedures herein may be used in any suitable combinations and are not limited to the particular combinations represented by the enumerated examples.

FIG. 12depicts a procedure1200in an example implementation in which power modes are utilized based on a determination of a detection of inductance of a flexible loop. There are three inductance scenarios, which may be detected and leveraged based on detection of inductance and/or current. These a scenario in which a peripheral device is not inserted (e.g., which has low inductance), a scenario in which a peripheral device is inserted (e.g., which has ten times the inductance of when a device is not inserted), and when an inductive element is not aligned with the flexible element but another metallic item is, which has the lowest inductance. Accordingly, thresholds may be utilized to differentiate between these scenarios, an example of which is described as follows.

Inductance is detected of a flexible element configured to transfer power to a peripheral device via inductance (block1202). A charging module1006, for instance, may measure inductance to determine whether the inductive element502is or is not experiencing a short.

At decision block1204, a determination is made as to whether inductance is above a peripheral-in-loop threshold (decision block1204). If so, (“yes” from decision bock1204), responsive to a determination that the detected inductance is above a threshold, a first power mode is utilized in which a first amount of power is provided to the flexible element (block1206). The threshold, for instance, may be set that is indicative of whether the inductive element is experiencing a short, set at an amount of inductance detected at a desired shape of the flexible element, e.g., the flexible loop214and corresponding inductive element502) loop214. If so, the charging module1008may provide an amount of power sufficient to transfer data, charge a peripheral device122, and so forth.

In not (“no” from decision block1204), a determination is made as to whether inductance is above a collapsed threshold (decision block1208). If so (“yes” from decision block1208), responsive to a determination that the detected inductance is below a threshold, a second power mode is utilized in which a second amount of power is provided to the flexible element that is less than the first amount of power (block1210). This threshold may be the same or different than the previous threshold, e.g., may be set such that inductance levels below the threshold are indicative of a short, set for inductance levels detected at a flattened/collapsed shape of the flexible element (e.g., the flexible loop214and corresponding inductive element502), and so forth.

If inductance is not above a collapsed threshold (“no” from decision block1208), a determination is made that the flexible element is shorted (block1212). A short circuit may be detected by inductance and also by detection of an excessive current draw above a threshold. Thus, a second power level may be employed, e.g., to “turn off” power to the inductive element502, periodically check inductance at predetermined intervals of time, provide a minimal level of current usable to make the detection, and so forth. A timing profile may also be incorporated (e.g., 10 milliseconds on, two seconds off) to improve power savings. A variety of other examples are also contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Example System and Device

FIG. 13illustrates an example system generally at1300that includes an example computing device1302that is representative of one or more computing systems and/or devices that may implement the various techniques described herein. The computing device1302may be, for example, be configured to assume a mobile configuration through use of a housing formed and size to be grasped and carried by one or more hands of a user, illustrated examples of which include a mobile phone, mobile game and music device, and tablet computer although other examples are also contemplated. A peripheral retention device110is also included, which may be used to retain a peripheral device122as described above.

The example computing device1302as illustrated includes a processing system1304, one or more computer-readable media1306, and one or more I/O interface1308that are communicatively coupled, one to another. Although not shown, the computing device1302may further include a system bus or other data and command transfer system that couples the various components, one to another. A system bus can include any one or combination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processor or local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. A variety of other examples are also contemplated, such as control and data lines.

The processing system1304is representative of functionality to perform one or more operations using hardware. Accordingly, the processing system1304is illustrated as including hardware element1310that may be configured as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This may include implementation in hardware as an application specific integrated circuit or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors. The hardware elements1310are not limited by the materials from which they are formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein. For example, processors may be comprised of semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such a context, processor-executable instructions may be electronically-executable instructions.

The computing device1302is further illustrated as being physically coupled to a peripheral device1314that is physically removable from the computing device1302, e.g., using magnetism. In this way, a variety of different input devices may be coupled to the computing device1302having a wide variety of configurations to support a wide variety of functionality.

Combinations of the foregoing may also be employed to implement various techniques described herein. Accordingly, software, hardware, or executable modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and/or logic embodied on some form of computer-readable storage media and/or by one or more hardware elements1310. The computing device1302may be configured to implement particular instructions and/or functions corresponding to the software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly, implementation of a module that is executable by the computing device1302as software may be achieved at least partially in hardware, e.g., through use of computer-readable storage media and/or hardware elements1310of the processing system1304. The instructions and/or functions may be executable/operable by one or more articles of manufacture (for example, one or more computing devices1302and/or processing systems1304) to implement techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

CONCLUSION

Although the example implementations have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the implementations defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed features.