Portable electronic device having a sensor arrangement for gesture recognition

The present disclosure provides a portable electronic device having a sensor arrangement for gesture recognition and a method for gesture recognition. In accordance with one example embodiment, the portable electronic device comprises: a processor; a flexible housing including a magnet; a magnetic sensor connected to the processor which monitors a magnetic field generated by the magnet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to portable electronic devices, and more particularly to a portable electronic device having a sensor arrangement for gesture recognition.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, including portable electronic devices, are increasingly being configured for gestural control as part of the movement towards ubiquitous computing in which devices are adapted for more natural and intuitive user interaction instead of requiring the user to adapt to the device. The majority of gestural controls are in the form of touch gestures detected with a touch-sensitive display or motion gestures detected with a motion sensor such as an accelerometer. Alternative forms of gestural control are desirable to provide a more natural and intuitive user interaction with an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example, example embodiments of the present disclosure. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the example embodiments described herein. The example embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the example embodiments described. The description is not to be considered as limited to the scope of the example embodiments described herein. Any reference to direction or orientation herein is for convenience and is not intended to be limiting unless explicitly stated herein.

The disclosure generally relates to a portable electronic device such as a handheld electronic device. Examples of handheld electronic devices include wireless communication devices such as, for example, pagers, mobile telephones, smartphones, tablet computing devices, wireless organizers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and so forth. The portable electronic device may also be a handheld electronic device with or without wireless communication capabilities such as, for example, an electronic gaming device, digital photograph album, digital camera, or other device.

The present disclosure provides a solution which augments the traditional input devices with specific inputs or responses caused by stretching, bending, twisting, or squeezing the portable electronic device. Magnetic sensors are use to detect the movement of magnets when a flexible body of the portable electronic device is deformed by stretching, bending, twisting, or squeezing. The proposed solution offers a relatively inexpensive and simple solution for providing inputs which may be used to supplement or replace inputs from traditional input devices.

In accordance with one example embodiment, there is provided a method for gesture recognition on an electronic device, comprising: monitoring a magnetic field; identifying a change in the magnetic field which matches a predetermined gesture recognition criterion; and causing an action in correspondence with the predetermined gesture recognition criterion in response to the identifying.

In accordance with another example embodiment, there is provided a portable electronic device, comprising: a processor; a flexible housing including a magnet; a magnetic sensor connected to the processor which monitors a magnetic field generated by the magnet.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having stored thereon computer program instructions for implementing a method on an electronic device, the computer executable instructions comprising instructions for performing the method(s) set forth herein.

Reference is made toFIG. 1, which illustrates in block diagram form, a portable electronic device100to which example embodiments described in the present disclosure can be applied. The portable electronic device100includes multiple components, such as a processor102that controls the overall operation of the portable electronic device100. Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through a communication subsystem104. Data received by the portable electronic device100is decompressed and decrypted by a decoder106. The communication subsystem104receives messages from and sends messages to a wireless network150. The wireless network150may be any type of wireless network, including, but not limited to, data wireless networks, voice wireless networks, and networks that support both voice and data communications. A power source142, such as one or more rechargeable batteries or a port to an external power supply, powers the portable electronic device100.

The processor102interacts with other components, such as Random Access Memory (RAM)108, memory110, a display112(such as a liquid crystal display (LCD)), a keyboard114, magnets120, magnetic sensors122, one or more auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems124, a data port126, a speaker128, a microphone130, a short-range communications subsystem132, and other device subsystems134. User-interaction with a graphical user interface (GUI) is performed using input devices, including the keyboard114. The GUI displays user interface screens on the display112which display information such as text, characters, symbols, images, icons, and other items.

The keyboard114may be a reduced QWERTY or full QWERTY keyboard. Each key of the keyboard114may be associated with one or more indicia representing an alphabetic character, a numeral or a command (such as a space command, return command, or the like). A plurality of the keys having alphabetic characters may be arranged in a standard keyboard layout such as a QWERTY layout, a QZERTY layout, a QWERTZ layout, an AZERTY layout, a Dvorak layout, a Russian keyboard layout, a Chinese keyboard layout, or other suitable layout. These standard layouts are provided by way of example and other similar standard layouts may be used. The keyboard layout may be based on the geographical region in which the portable electronic device100is intended for use. In other embodiments, a keypad such as that defined international standard ITU E.161/ISO 9995-8 may be provided instead of the keyboard114.

The magnets120may be any suitable type of permanent magnet such as, for example, a ceramic or ferrite magnet. The magnets120are located in the housing of the portable electronic device100as described in more detail below and generate a magnetic field. The magnetic sensors122are magnetometers which sense and measure the strength and/or direction of the magnetic field caused by the magnets120. In the shown examples, the magnetic sensors122are Hall Effect sensors but may be semiconductor magnetoresistive elements, ferro-magnetic magnetoresistive elements or Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) devices in other embodiments.

Each Hall Effect sensor122comprises a sensor element (not shown) connected to a differential amplifier (not shown). The Hall Effect sensor element is made of semiconductor material, such as silicon, and has a flat rectangular shape. A Hall Effect sensor element is actuated by applying power to its longitudinal ends so that current flows longitudinally through the sensor element. The longitudinal ends of Hall Effect sensor element are respectively connected to a regulated voltage source (V) and to a ground (not shown). When current flows longitudinally through the Hall Effect sensor element, a voltage differential is created across the element at its output(s) when a magnetic flux of proper polarity passes perpendicularly through the plane of the Hall Effect sensor element. The magnitude of the voltage created is proportional to the magnetic flux density of the vertical component of the field.

The differential amplifier is connected in parallel to the voltage source (V) and the ground. The differential amplifier amplifies the voltage output of the Hall Effect sensor element to produce an amplified output which is proportional to the magnetic flux density passing through the Hall Effect sensor element. The output of the differential amplifier is a signal proportional to magnetic flux density being received by the Hall Effect sensor element.

The shape, orientation and polarity of each magnet120and the magnetic field generated therefrom can vary from a very narrow field which can actuate only one Hall Effect sensor122at a time to a wide field which can actuate a number of Hall Effect sensors122simultaneously. Each Hall Effect sensor122may be paired with a particular magnet or magnets120by appropriate selection of the shape, orientation and/or polarity of the particular magnet120. This allows a particular Hall Effect sensor122to sense the proximity of a particular magnet120in the group of magnets120. The position of the particular magnet120can be determined, for example, using the processor102from the voltage output of the paired Hall Effect sensor122.

The portable electronic device100may also include a navigation device (not shown), one or more control keys or buttons (not shown), an accelerometer (not shown) which detects gravitational forces or gravity-induced reaction forces, an orientation sensor (not shown), or any combination thereof. The display112may be part of a touch-sensitive display comprising a touch-sensitive overlay (not shown) which overlays the display112and is coupled to an electronic controller (not shown). The keyboard114may be omitted in some embodiments such as, for example, when a touch-sensitive display is provided by the portable electronic device100. The navigation device may be, for example, a depressible (or clickable) joystick such as a depressible optical joystick, a depressible trackball, a depressible scroll wheel, or a depressible touch-sensitive trackpad or touchpad.

To identify a subscriber for network access, the portable electronic device100uses a Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity Module (SIM/RUIM) card138for communication with a network, such as the wireless network150. Alternatively, user identification information may be programmed into memory110.

The portable electronic device100includes an operating system146, software applications (or programs)148that are executed by the processor102, and data which are typically stored in a persistent, updatable store such as the memory110. Additional applications or programs148may be loaded onto the portable electronic device100through the wireless network150, the auxiliary I/O subsystem124, the data port126, and the short-range communications subsystem132, or any other suitable subsystem134.

A received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download is processed by the communication subsystem104and input to the processor102. The processor102processes the received signal for output to the display112and/or to the auxiliary I/O subsystem124. A subscriber may generate data objects, for example e-mail messages, which may be transmitted over the wireless network150through the communication subsystem104. For voice communications, the overall operation of the portable electronic device100is similar. The speaker128outputs audible information converted from electrical signals, and the microphone130converts audible information into electrical signals for processing.

FIGS. 2A to 2Dillustrate front views of an example of a portable electronic device100in portrait orientation in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view of the portable electronic device100. InFIG. 2A, the portable electronic device100is in a fully opened position. The fully opened position acts as a reference position for other device positions for gesture recognition, as described below. InFIG. 2B, the portable electronic device100is in an extended position relative to the fully opened position. InFIG. 2C, the portable electronic device100is in a rotated position relative to the fully opened position. InFIGS. 2D and 3, the portable electronic device100is in a fully closed position. In the example embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A to 2D, the portable electronic device100is a flip or clamshell type device. In other example embodiments, the portable electronic device100is a slider type device.

The portable electronic device100includes a housing200that houses internal components including internal components shown inFIG. 1. The housing200frames the touch-sensitive display118such that the touch-sensitive display118is exposed for user interaction when the portable electronic device100is in use. It will be appreciated that the touch-sensitive display118may include any suitable number of user-selectable features rendered thereon, for example, in the form of virtual buttons for user-selection of, for example, applications, options, or keys of a keyboard for user entry of data during operation of the portable electronic device100.

The housing200includes a lower body (casing)202and an upper body (casing)204connected by a flexible hinge210. The flexible hinge210may be constructed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, a suitable urethane, neoprene, silicone rubber or other suitable flexible material. Each of the lower body202and upper body204is moveable relative to the other to open and close the portable electronic device100. The flexible hinge210permits rotational movement of the bodies relative to each other about the flexible hinge210within a range between a fully opened position (FIG. 2A) and fully closed position (FIG. 2D). The portable electronic device100is in the fully closed position when the lower body202is brought together to rest against the upper body204. When the portable electronic device100is in the other terminal position (the fully opened position) the lower body202will be at least at an obtuse angle in relation to the upper body204. The distance at which the lower body202will open away from the upper body204will vary between embodiments. In the shown example ofFIG. 2A, the lower body202is located at about a 180 degree angle in relation to the upper body204.

In the shown example, the upper body204houses the display112and the speaker128while the lower body houses the keyboard114and microphone130. Typically, the lower body202and upper body204each include a circuit board (not shown) which, for example, may be a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible PCB. The processor102is typically attached to a main, rigid PCB in the lower body202or upper body204along with the remainder of the electronic circuitry. Typically, the main PCB and processor102are located in the lower body202along with the remainder of the electronic circuitry.

The components housed within or carried by each of the bodies202,204may vary between embodiments. A flexible PCB may connect components in the lower body202and upper body204. The flexible PCB may be provided within the flexible hinge210. Alternatively, a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth™, may be used for communication between components in the lower body202and upper body204. The use of a short-range wireless communication protocol rather than a flexible PCB provides more flexibility in the hinge design. The use of a short-range wireless communication protocol may require a battery (or suitable power source) in both halves of the portable electronic device100, depending on the short-range wireless communication protocol used. When the portable electronic device100is closed, the inner face of the upper body204at least substantially covers the inner face of the lower body202, and likewise the inner face of the lower body202at least substantially covers the inner face of the upper body204. Conversely, when the portable electronic device100is opened, the previously covered faces are exposed.

The portable electronic device100may be provided with an unlock button (not shown) on an outer surface of the portable electronic device100which releases a latch (not shown) for holding the lower body202and upper body204in the fully closed position. The unlock button is located on one of the lower body202and upper body204and the latch is located on the other of the lower body202and upper body204. When the portable electronic device100is closed, the latch engages an opening in the housing200or a component on the portable electronic device100.

Four magnets120, represented individually by references120a,120b,120cand120d, are located on, or in, the flexible hinge210. The magnets120may be exposed and visible to the user or embedded within the flexible hinge210such that the magnets120are not visible to the user, depending on the embodiment. When the portable electronic device100is in the fully opened position, the flexible hinge210is substantially flat as shown inFIG. 2A to 2C. In the shown example, the magnets120are located in accordance with a coordinate system defined by an x-axis and y-axis of an x-y plane. The origin (O) of the x-y plane is located in the centre of the flexible hinge210in the shown example but may be located elsewhere in other embodiments.

The magnets120are symmetrically located in the plane with respect to the origin such that an array or grid of magnets120is formed. The first magnet120ais located at a position (−x, y) located towards the left side of the portable electronic device100and towards the upper body204. The second magnet120bis located at a position (−x, −y) located towards the left side of the portable electronic device100and towards the lower body202. The third magnet120cis located at a position (x, y) located towards the right side of the portable electronic device100and towards the upper body204. A fourth magnet120dis located at a position (x, −y) located towards the right side of the portable electronic device100and towards the lower body202. The magnets120are spaced apart and inset slightly from the respective edges of the flexible hinge210.

A different number of magnets120and a different location for the magnets120may be used in other embodiments. Similarly, a different number of Hall Effect sensors122may be used in other embodiments, for example, more than one Hall Effect sensor122may be provided for each magnet120in other embodiments to increase the precision with which the movement of the magnets120can be sensed. Thus, two or more magnets120may be used with a single Hall Effect sensor122or two or more Hall Effect sensors122may be used with a single magnet120in other embodiments. The accuracy of position sensing varies with the number of magnetic sensors122used to sense each magnet120and the number of magnets sensed by each magnetic sensor122.

In the shown example, four Hall Effect sensors122are provided such that there is a Hall Effect sensor for each of the magnets120. The Hall Effect sensors122are located in the flexible hinge210of the portable electronic device100. In the shown example, the four Hall Effect sensors122are symmetrically located in the same plane as the magnets120. The Hall Effect sensors122are located symmetrically with respect to the origin such that an array or grid of Hall Effect sensors122is formed.

The first Hall Effect sensor122ais located at a position (−x2, y2) located in the upper body204towards the left side of the portable electronic device100. The second Hall Effect sensor122bis located at a position (−x2, −y2) located in the lower body202and towards the left side of the portable electronic device100. The third Hall Effect sensor122cis located at a position (x2, y2) in the upper body204and towards the right side of the portable electronic device100. A fourth Hall Effect sensor122dis located at a position (x2, −y2) in the lower body202and towards the right side of the portable electronic device100. The Hall Effect sensors122are spaced apart and inset slightly from the respectively edges of the housing200. The four Hall Effect sensors122are attached to the circuit boards (e.g., PCB) of the lower body202and upper body204in the shown example, with two Hall Effect sensors122in the lower body202and two Hall Effect sensors122in the upper body204. The PCBs of the lower body202and upper body204are attached by the flexible PCB described above. Alternatively, the Hall Effect sensors122may be all located in the circuit board of one of the lower body202and upper body204, such as, for example the main PCB. Alternatively, the Hall Effect sensors122may be located in a flexible PCB connecting the circuit boards of the lower body202and upper body204.

In at least some embodiments, each Hall Effect sensor122is adapted (e.g., “paired”) to sense the particular magnet or magnets in the plurality of magnets120by appropriate selection of the shape, orientation and/or polarity of the particular magnet or magnets. This allows a particular Hall Effect sensor122to sense the proximity of a particular magnet or magnets120in the plurality of magnets120. The position of the particular magnet120can be determined, for example, using the processor102from the voltage output of the paired Hall Effect sensor122. As noted above, two or more magnets120may be used with a single Hall Effect sensor122or multiple Hall Effect sensors122may be used with a single magnet120. Two or more magnets120may be used with a single Hall Effect sensor122to identify specific events, e.g. gestures. Multiple magnetic sensors for a single magnet120may make it easier (and more accurate) to identify the position and/or motion of the particular magnet120. Three magnetic sensors surrounding a magnet120may potentially identify the location of the magnet120in a 3D-space.

The magnet120and Hall Effect sensor122in each magnet-sensor pair are located proximate to each other. In the shown example, the first magnet120ais paired with the first Hall Effect sensor122a, the second magnet120bis paired with the second Hall Effect sensor122b, the third magnet120cis paired with the third Hall Effect sensor122c, and the fourth magnet120dis paired with the fourth Hall Effect sensor122d.

In the shown example, the magnet120and Hall Effect sensor122in each magnet-sensor pair are vertically offset from each other along the y-axis but aligned with respect to the x-axis. In other embodiments, the magnet120and Hall Effect sensor122in each magnet-sensor pair may be horizontally offset from each other along the x-axis but aligned with respect to the y-axis. A different configuration of the magnets120and Hall Effect sensors122may be used in other embodiments.

The flexible hinge120allows the portable electronic device100to be stretched, twisted or otherwise moved from the fully opened position (FIG. 2A) to other device positions including, but not limited to, an extended position caused by stretching the portable electronic device100vertically (FIG. 2B) or a rotated position caused by bending or twisting of the portable electronic device100(FIG. 2C)—vertical and horizontal movement of one of the lower body202and upper body204relative to the other. The flexible hinge120permits stretching movement of the lower body202and the upper body204relative to each other between at least the fully opened position and the extended position relative to the fully opened position. The flexible hinge120also permits bending movement of the lower body and the upper body relative to each other between at least the fully opened position and a rotated position relative to the fully opened position.

These movements cause the magnets120to move relative reference positions in fully opened position. The magnets120may move away from or toward the Hall Effect sensors122, depending on the type of movement. The vertical stretching movement ofFIG. 2Bcauses the magnets120to move away from the Hall Effect sensors122, whereas the twisting movement ofFIG. 2Ccauses some magnets120to move away from the Hall Effect sensors122and some magnets to move towards the Hall Effect sensors122. The movement of the magnets120cause changes in the magnetic field which are sensed by the Hall Effect sensors122. The changes in the magnetic field result in changes in the output voltages of the Hall Effect sensors122. The output voltages represent magnetic flux density sensed by the Hall Effect sensors122.

The output of the Hall Effect sensors122is sent to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which converts the analog values of the Hall Effect sensors to digital values. The ADC outputs the digital values to the processor102for analysis. The ADC may be part of the sensors in some embodiments. Alternatively, the output voltages of the Hall Effect sensors122may be sent to and analysed by a dedicated position controller (not shown). The relationship between the magnetic flux density sensed by a Hall Effect sensor122relative to the position of the magnet(s)120sensed by the Hall Effect sensor122is stored on the portable electronic device100, for example in memory110or in an internal memory of the position controller. The relationship may be defined, for example, by a formula or by empirical data in a table.

The processor102compares magnetic flux density data output from the Hall Effect sensors122to one or more predetermined gesture recognition criteria to determine whether the movement of the magnets120corresponds to a known gesture including, but not limited to, a stretch gesture, bend gesture, twist gesture, squeeze gesture, or a positional gesture in which the portable electronic device100is changed from one device position to another device position. The predetermined gesture recognition may be any other suitable criteria. In some embodiments, the processor102, dedicated position controller (not shown), converts magnetic flux density data output from the Hall Effect sensors122to a directional vector representation of the movement of the magnets120defined in terms of x and y coordinate values using the relationship between the magnetic flux density and magnet position. The directional vector representation is then compared to predetermined directional vectors representing a gesture to determine whether the movement of the magnets120corresponds to a known gesture. The gesture is identified when the determined directional vector matches the predetermined directional vector.

The predetermined gesture recognition criteria are used to identify (or recognize) a number of predetermined gestures each having at least one distinct gesture recognition criterion. For example, the determined directional vector representation may need to be within a threshold level of similarity to the reference vector representation of a particular gesture to be determined to correspond to that particular gesture. The gesture recognition criteria may be stored on the portable electronic device100, for example in memory110or in an internal memory of the position controller.

The output of the Hall Effect sensors122may be sent to a comparator circuit (not shown) before being sent to the ADC or dedicated position controller. The comparator circuit determines whether the output voltage (e.g., representing the strength of the magnetic field) exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value may be set to correspond to a significant or notable amount of movement of the magnet120. When the threshold is exceeded, the magnetic flux density data output from the Hall Effect sensors122is sent to the ADC followed by the processor102, or dedicated position controller, for analysis. The comparator circuit reduces the processing required by the portable electronic device100by limiting the data which is analysed to data which represents a significant or notable movement of the portable electronic device100.

When the movement of the magnets120corresponds to a known (e.g., recognized) gesture, the processor102interprets the change in magnetic field as an input event in analogous fashion to the detection of a touch gesture sensed by a touch-sensitive display or a motion gesture sensed by an accelerometer or other motion sensor. Each gesture may be associated with (e.g., mapped to) a designated action in correspondence with the gesture. The action may comprise a designated input action and/or output action. The processor102, in response to a determined gesture, causes the designated action to be performed.

The designated action may comprise inputting a designated input character or command, which may vary depending on the active application (if any) and context-sensitive information. The designated action may further comprise outputting a result to an output device, such as the display112, such as the input character or visual representation associated with the command. The context-sensitive information may include, but is not limited to, device state, currently displayed information and/or any currently selected information when the gesture was sensed, among other factors. The processor102may send a notification that the gesture has occurred to the operating system146or active application148in response to the input event. The operating system146or active application148may then determine the appropriate input or output in correspondence with the gesture.

The portable electronic device100may, in at least some example embodiments, include a biasing mechanism which cooperates with the flexible hinge210. The biasing mechanism is configured to both urge the folding bodies202,204to the fully closed position within a certain range of rotation (e.g., to complete a user-initiated closing of the portable electronic device100), and urge the folding bodies202,204to the fully opened position within another range of rotation (e.g., to complete a user-initiated opening of the portable electronic device100.FIG. 3illustrates one embodiment of a biasing hinge pin assembly270for providing a biasing mechanism. The biasing hinge pin assembly270is shown separate from the flexible hinge210and the remainder of the portable electronic device100inFIG. 3to avoid obscuring the other features of the present disclosure. Different biasing mechanisms may be used in other embodiments.

The biasing hinge pin assembly270includes a coil spring274mounted on a shaft278applying bias pressure to a cam286that is fixed relative to the lower body202. The hinge pin assembly270also includes cam follower290at an end of the shaft278that is fixed relative to the upper body204. In other embodiments, the cam286may be fixed relative to the upper body204and the cam follower290may be fixed relative to the lower body202.

Engagement surfaces292and294of the cam follower and cam290and286respectively are ramped so that the cam286will compress the spring274as the cam follower290is rotated out of the illustrated trough position. When the cam follower290is moved out of the trough position, the spring274will act to resist compression and urge the cam follower290back into the original trough position or into a second trough position if the cam follower290has been rotated past a peak position where the spring274is at its most compressed. It will be understood that there will be an increase in potential energy stored in the spring274if a force acts against and in excess of the spring's biasing force to deform (compress) the spring274in the process of causing the cam follower290to move along the ramped surface294of the cam286. The force acting against the biasing force is supplied by torque applied to the bodies204,204by the user. When moving the upper body204from either the fully open position to the fully closed position, or vice versa, the user applies sufficient torque to get the spring274past it maximum level of compression (where stored energy is at its maximum)-beyond that point, the spring then releases its energy and cooperates to move the upper body204to the desired position.

The flexible hinge210may not be involved in the rotation or movement of the lower and upper bodies202,204between the fully opened and fully closed positions in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the flexible hinge210acts as a flexible skin or sheath used in gesture recognition while another rotatory mechanism, such as the biasing hinge pin assembly270or biasing mechanism is responsible for the movement of the portable electronic device100between the fully opened and fully closed positions.

A flowchart illustrating one example embodiment of a method700for gesture recognition on an electronic device is shown inFIG. 7. The method may be performed on the portable electronic device ofFIGS. 2A to 4or similarly equipped electronic device. The method700may be carried out, at least in part, by software executed by the processor102. Coding of software for carrying out such a method700is within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art provided the present disclosure. The method700may contain additional or fewer processes than shown and/or described, and may be performed in a different order. Computer-readable code executable by at least one processor102of the portable electronic device100to perform the method700may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as the memory110.

The processor102monitors a magnetic field caused by one or more magnets in a flexible hinge210or other flexible housing of the electronic device using one or more magnetic sensors122such as a Hall Effect sensor (702) as described above.

The processor102determines changes in the magnetic field and identifies when a change in the magnetic field matches gesture recognition criterion/criteria representing a known gesture (704). The gesture may be one of a number of known gestures each having a distinct gesture recognition criterion/criteria. The processor102interprets a change in the magnetic field which matches a gesture recognition criterion representing a known gesture as an input event and processes (e.g., registers) the input event accordingly (706). The gesture recognition criterion may be that the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor122exceeds a threshold value.

The processor102then causes an appropriate action to taken in correspondence with the input event. The action may comprise an input action and/or output action. The processor102, in response to detecting a gesture, causes a designated action to be performed. The designated action may comprise inputting a designated input character or command, which may vary depending on the active application (if any) and context-sensitive information. The designated action may further comprise outputting a result to an output device, such as the display112, such as the input character or visual representation associated with the command.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, an example of a portable electronic device100in portrait orientation in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.FIG. 5is a plan sectional view of the portable electronic device100with a flexible outer skin310in a reference state. The reference state is used for gesture recognition, as described below.FIG. 6is a plan sectional view of the portable electronic device100with the flexible outer skin310in a compressed state. Unlike the above described examples which are directed to flip or slider type devices, the portable electronic device100shown inFIGS. 5 and 6is a bar or brick type device.

The portable electronic device100includes a rigid housing300surrounded by a flexible skin310which fits substantially snug against the rigid housing300. The flexible skin310may be constructed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, a suitable urethane, neoprene, silicone rubber or other suitable flexible material. The flexible skin310may be permanently affixed to the rigid housing300using a suitable adhesive or other suitable fastening means, or may be removable since the magnets120carried by the flexible skin310are passive elements. This permits a variety of different flexible skin310to be used. For example, some flexible skins310may vary the number of magnets120, the size of the magnet sizes and/or the location of the magnets. This allows different gestures to be recognized by different skins. When a Hall Effect sensor122is paired with a particular magnet120, omission of a magnet120effectively disables the Hall Effect sensor122paired with the omitted magnet120and the auxiliary input associated with the Hall Effect sensor122. Thus, the functionality of the portable electronic device100may be controlled by changing the flexible skin310.

The flexible skin310is compliant and resiliently compressible so that it may be locally compressed/deformed (FIG. 6) from a reference (or normal) state to a compressed state in response to a compressive force (F) caused, for example, by a user squeezing the portable electronic device100, and return from the compressed state to the reference state (FIG. 5) when the compressive force (F) is removed. The magnets120are embedded in the flexible skin310so as to move in response to changes between the reference state and the compressed state as described below.

Eight magnets120, represented individually by references120a,120b. . .120h, are located in the flexible skin310at the edge of the portable electronic device100. The magnets120may be exposed and visible to the user or embedded within the flexible skin310such that the magnets120are not visible to the user, depending on the embodiment. In the shown example, the magnets120are located in accordance with a coordinate system defined by an x-axis and y-axis of an x-y plane. The origin (O) of the x-y plane is located in the centre of the rigid housing300and the printed circuit board (PCB)304in the shown example, but may be located elsewhere in other embodiments.

The magnets120are symmetrically located in the plane with respect to the origin such that an array or grid of magnets120is formed. Four magnets120a,120b,120cand120dare located in the left side of the flexible skin310at positions (−x, y2), (−x, y1), (−x, −y1), (−x, −y2). Four magnets120e,120f,120gand120hare located in the right side of the flexible skin310at positions (x, y2), (x, y1), (x, −y1), (x, −y2).

A different number of magnets120and a different location for the magnets120may be used in other embodiments. Similarly, a different number of Hall Effect sensors122may be used in other embodiments, for example, more than one Hall Effect sensor122may be provided for each magnet120in other embodiments to increase the precision with which the movement of the magnets120can be sensed. Thus, two or more magnets120may be used with a single Hall Effect sensor122or two or more Hall Effect sensors122may be used with a single magnet120in other embodiments. The accuracy of position sensing varies with the number of magnetic sensors122used to sense each magnet120and the number of magnets sensed by each magnetic sensor122.

In the shown example, eight Hall Effect sensors122are provided so that there is a Hall Effect sensor for each of the magnets120. The Hall Effect sensors122are located on the PCB304of the portable electronic device100. In the shown example, the eight Hall Effect sensors122are symmetrically located in the same plane as the magnets120. The Hall Effect sensors122are located symmetrically with respect to the origin such that an array or grid of Hall Effect sensors122is formed.

Four Hall Effect sensors122a,122b,122cand122dare located towards the left side of the rigid housing300at positions (−x2, y2), (−x2, y1), (−x2, −y1), (−x2, −y2). Four Hall Effect sensors122e,122f,122gand122hare located towards the right side of the rigid housing300at positions (x2, y2), (x2, y1), (x2, −y1), (x2, −y2).

A different number of magnets120and a different location for the magnets120may be used in other embodiments. For example, a single magnet may be used in the other embodiments.

In the shown example, the magnet120and Hall Effect sensor122in each magnet-sensor pair are horizontally offset from each other along the x-axis but aligned with respect to the x-axis. A different configuration of the magnets120and Hall Effect sensors122may be used in other embodiments.

Each Hall Effect sensor122is paired with a particular magnet120in accordance with the shape, orientation and/or polarity of the particular magnet120. The magnet120and Hall Effect sensor122in each magnet-sensor pair are located proximate to each other. In the shown example, the first magnet120ais paired with the first Hall Effect sensor122a, the second magnet120bis paired with the second Hall Effect sensor122b, the third magnet120cis paired with the third Hall Effect sensor122c, and the fourth magnet120dis paired with the fourth Hall Effect sensor122d. Similarly, the fifth magnet120eis paired with the fifth Hall Effect sensor122e, the sixth magnet122fis paired with the sixth Hall Effect sensor122f, the seventh magnet120gis paired with the seventh Hall Effect sensor122g, and the eighth magnet120his paired with the eighth Hall Effect sensor122h.

The flexible skin310allows the portable electronic device100to be compressed or squeezed such that local deformation is caused in the flexible skin310. This causes the flexible skin310to change from its (normal) reference state (FIG. 5) to a compressed state (FIG. 6). Compression of the flexible skin310causes the magnet(s)120closest to the compression force (F) to move relative reference positions in reference state. The magnets120move towards the Hall Effect sensors122in response to the compression force. The movement of the magnet(s)120causes a change in the magnetic field sensed by the paired Hall Effect sensors122. The changes in the magnetic field result in changes in the output voltages of the Hall Effect sensors122. The output voltages represent magnetic flux density sensed by the Hall Effect sensors122.

The output of the Hall Effect sensors122may be sent to a comparator circuit (not shown) which determines whether the output voltage (e.g., representing the strength of the magnetic field typically in terms of magnetic flux density) exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value may be set to correspond to a particular level of compression and local deformation of the flexible skin310so as to simulate the depression of a key or button. The threshold is typically the same for each Hall Effect sensor122but may vary between the Hall Effect sensors122. A Hall Effect sensor122is actuated when its output value exceeds the threshold value.

When a Hall Effect sensor122is actuated, i.e., when it output voltage exceeds the threshold value, an interrupt is sent by the comparator circuit to the processor102on a designated interrupt port. The processor102uses the interrupt to determine that the flexible skin310has been compressed or squeezed at a particular Hall Effect sensor122. The comparator circuit may also send the output voltage to an ADC which converts the analog values of the Hall Effect sensors122to digital values and outputs the digital values to the processor102for further analysis and processing. Alternatively, the comparator circuit may be omitted output voltages of the Hall Effect sensors122may be sent directly to the ADC which converts the analog values of the Hall Effect sensors122to digital values and outputs the digital values to the processor102which performs the threshold comparison.

The processor102interprets individual Hall Effect sensor actuations as individual input events conceptually similar to individual key presses of keyboard or individual button presses in the conventional fashion. Each Hall Effect sensor may be associated with (e.g., mapped) to a designated action. The action may comprise a designated input action and/or output action. The processor102, in response to a determined gesture, causes the designated action to be performed. Actuation of a particular Hall Effect sensor causes its designated action to be performed. Simultaneous actuation of two or more Hall Effect sensors may be interpreted in a manner conceptually similar to simultaneous key presses or simultaneous button presses to cause a designated action associated with (e.g., mapped to) the particular Hall Effect sensor combination to be performed.

The designated action may comprise inputting a designated input character or command, which may vary depending on the active application (if any) and context-sensitive information. The designated action may further comprise outputting a result to an output device, such as the display112, such as the input character or visual representation associated with the command. The context-sensitive information may include, but is not limited to, device state, currently displayed information and/or any currently selected information when the gesture was sensed, among other factors. The processor102may send a notification that the gesture has occurred to the operating system146or active application148in response to the input event. The operating system146or active application148may then determine the appropriate input or output in correspondence with the gesture.

Alternatively, rather than determining whether the output voltage exceeds a threshold value to identify actuations of the Hall Effect sensors122, several threshold values may be used by the comparator circuit or processor102. The each threshold value corresponds to a different magnetic flux density which, in turn, corresponds to varying degrees of pressure applied to the flexible skin310. The comparator circuit may send a distinct interrupt to the processor102when a particular threshold value is exceeded using a number of distinct interrupt ports. The processor102uses the particular interrupt to determine which threshold has exceeded and the particular Hall Effect sensor122which was exceeded.

The comparator circuit may also send the output voltage to the ADC which converts the analog values of the Hall Effect sensors to digital values and outputs the digital values to the processor102for further analysis and processing. The different thresholds may be used for indexed variable input for variable input schemes such as scrolling. The particular threshold which is exceeded may be used to select an indexed variable input such as a scrolling speed.

Alternatively, the comparator circuit may be omitted and the output voltages of the Hall Effect sensors122may be sent directly to the ADC which converts the analog values of the Hall Effect sensors122to digital values and outputs the digital values to the processor102which performs the threshold comparison.

Alternatively, the output voltages of the Hall Effect sensors122may be sent directly to the ADC which converts the analog values of the Hall Effect sensors122to digital values and outputs the digital values to the processor102which performs further analysis without regard to threshold values. The raw magnetic flux density sensed by the Hall Effect sensors122is received by the processor102as input and may be used, for example, for proportional variable input. The particular threshold which is exceeded may be used to select a proportional variable input such as a scrolling speed.

A flowchart illustrating one example embodiment of a method800for input handling on an electronic device is shown inFIG. 8. The method may be performed on the portable electronic device ofFIGS. 5 and 6or similarly equipped electronic device. The method800may be carried out, at least in part, by software executed by the processor102. Coding of software for carrying out such a method800is within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art provided the present disclosure. The method800may contain additional or fewer processes than shown and/or described, and may be performed in a different order. Computer-readable code executable by at least one processor102of the portable electronic device100to perform the method800may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as the memory110.

The processor102monitors a magnetic field caused by one or more magnets in a flexible skin310of the electronic device using one or more magnetic sensors122such as a Hall Effect sensor (802) as described above.

The processor102determines changes in the magnetic field and identifies when a magnetic sensor122is actuated. A magnetic sensor122is actuated when the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor122exceeds a threshold value (804). The processor102interprets a change in the magnetic field which exceeds the threshold value, i.e., actuation of a magnetic sensor122, as an input event and registers the input event accordingly (806).

The processor102then causes an appropriate action to be taken in correspondence with the particular magnetic sensor122to be performed in response to actuation of a magnetic sensor (i.e., the input event). The action may comprise an input action and/or output action. The processor102, in response to detecting a gesture, causes a designated action to be performed. The designated action may comprise inputting a designated input character or command, which may vary depending on the active application (if any) and context-sensitive information. The designated action may further comprise outputting a result to an output device, such as the display112, such as the input character or visual representation associated with the command.

While the present disclosure is described, at least in part, in terms of methods, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present disclosure is also directed to the various components for performing at least some of the aspects and features of the described methods, be it by way of hardware components, software or any combination of the two, or in any other manner. Moreover, the present disclosure is also directed to a pre-recorded storage device or other similar computer readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing the methods described herein.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described example embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. The present disclosure intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore, described by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.