Patent Description:
In the technical field of location determination and/or tracking of a device held or worn by user (i.e., a user-borne device), the provision of a plurality of magnetometers allows to measure a magnetic field associated with a magnetic object arranged in or coupled to the user-borne device. The user-borne devices using this technology may be electronically and/or electrically passive. More specifically, electrically passive means that the user-borne device may not comprise a power source (e.g., batteries) and/or means to receive power (e.g., wireless power transmission via an inductive coil) for powering an electronic feature of the user-borne device. Electronically passive means that no computation or processing occurs (or happens) on the user-borne device. The magnetometer measurements enable determining and/or tracking of the location of the magnetic object within a sensing volume created by the plurality of magnetometers. In some applications, the magnetic object may be arranged within a writing device (e.g., a stylus) which may be operated by a user on a writing support during a user operation. Based on the magnetic field measurements associated with the magnetic object, a location of the writing device on the writing support may be determined.

A user-operation of the user-borne device within a sensing volume created by the plurality of magnetometers may be represented on an output device (e.g., a screen) to a user. More specifically, a movement of the user-borne device within the sensing volume may be reproduced as a movement of a virtual object on the output device. Determining and/or tracking the location of the user-borne device by means of the magnetic object may require the definition of an interaction surface, i.e., a surface on which the user-borne device is operated. The magnetic object is usually distanced to the interaction surface. In current applications, the plurality of magnetometers may be arranged in an electronics device (e.g., a tablet). To determine a location of the user-borne device relative to the interaction surface, it is assumed in known applications that the interaction surface is exactly parallel to and directly above a magnetometer plane (e.g., a plane which is defined by the plurality of magnetometers). However, assuming the interaction surface to be exactly parallel may limit the applications of user-borne device location determination and/or tracking. Current applications do not allow, or at least with insufficient accuracy, the determination and/or tracking of the user-borne device location (and the representation as a virtual object) when the plurality of magnetometers is moved (e.g., rotated) relative to the interaction surface.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose methods and devices for determining a location of a user-borne device using a plurality of magnetometers arranged in an electronics device, wherein the user-borne device is coupled to a magnetic object.

Thus, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a computer-implemented method, an electronics device, and a system which enable a determination and/or tracking of a location of at least one user-borne device with increased accuracy and reliability.

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for determining a location of at least one user-borne device as defined in claim <NUM>, an electronics device for determining a location of at least one user-borne device as defined in claim <NUM>, and a system for determining a location of at least one user-borne device as defined in claim <NUM>. The dependent claims depict embodiments of the present disclosure.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method for determining a location of at least one user-borne device comprises obtaining magnetic field measurements associated with at least one magnetic object with a plurality of magnetometers, wherein the at least one magnetic object is coupled to at least one user-borne device, and wherein the at least one user-borne device is associated with an interaction reference coordinate system. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method comprises obtaining orientation data from at least one orientation sensor, wherein the at least one orientation sensor is arranged in an electronics device, and wherein the plurality of magnetometers is arranged in the electronics device. In addition, the computer-implemented method comprises determining an orientation and a position of the plurality of magnetometers relative to the interaction reference coordinate system based on the obtained orientation data. The computer-implemented method further comprises determining a user-borne device location relative to the interaction reference coordinate system based on the obtained magnetic field measurements and the determined orientation and position. The plurality of magnetometers arranged in the electronics device may be movable, more specifically rotatable, relative to the interaction reference coordinate system. Based on the computer-implemented method as described above, the determination and/or tracking of the location of the at least one user-borne device relative to the interaction reference coordinate system can be enabled although the plurality of magnetometers may be moved (e.g., rotated) to different positions and/or orientations relative to the interaction reference coordinate system, more specifically relative to an interaction surface. The determined orientation and position may include an inclination, an orthogonal orientation, a parallel orientation, a rotation and/or a position of the plurality of magnetometers relative to the interaction reference coordinate system. The plurality of magnetometers may be arranged in a movable part of the electronics device. Furthermore, the determination of the user-borne borne device location relative to the interaction reference coordinate system may be automatically adapted even when the plurality of magnetometers is rotated relative to the interaction reference coordinate system, more specifically to the interaction surface. Thus, the location of the at least one user-borne device can be determined and/or tracked with increased accuracy and/or reliability. A representation of the at least one user-borne device as a virtual object on at least one output device can be provided with increased accuracy and reliability.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electronics device for determining a location of at least one user-borne device comprises a plurality of magnetometers and at least one orientation sensor. The electronics device is configured to execute a computer-implemented method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The electronics device may provide the advantages as outlined for the first aspect of the present disclosure.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a system for determining a location of at least one user-borne device comprises at least one user-borne device associated with an interaction reference coordinate system, wherein the at least one user-borne device comprises at least one magnetic object. Furthermore, the system comprises an electronics device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. The system may provide the advantages as outlined for the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure.

Other characteristics will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure. The drawings are intended to further explain the present disclosure and to enable a person skilled in the art to practice it. However, the drawings are intended as non-limiting examples. Common reference numerals on different figures indicate like or similar features.

Embodiments of the computer-implemented method, the electronics device and the system for determining a location of at least one user-borne device according to the present disclosure will be described in reference to the drawings as follows.

<FIG> and <FIG> schematically illustrates a system <NUM> for determining a location of at least one user-borne device <NUM> according to aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to <FIG>, the system for determining a location of at least one user-borne device <NUM> comprises at least one user-borne device <NUM> associated with an interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. The at least one user-borne device <NUM> comprises at least one magnetic object <NUM>. Furthermore, the system <NUM> comprises an electronics device <NUM> for determining a location of at least one user-borne device <NUM>. More specifically, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be suitable for determining a location of at least one electrically and/or electronically passive user-borne device <NUM>. In other words, the system <NUM> and/or electronics device <NUM> may be suitable for determining and/or tracking a location of at least one user-borne device <NUM> within a sensing volume M. Embodiments of the electronics device <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> below. The electronics device <NUM> comprises a plurality of magnetometers <NUM> and at least one orientation sensor <NUM> (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect a rotation and/or to measure an orientation of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. Embodiments of the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> will be explained with reference to <FIG> below. The electronics device <NUM> is configured to execute a computer-implemented method <NUM> for determining a location of at least one user-borne device <NUM> as described below.

In embodiments, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise (or may be) a notebook, a laptop, a smartphone, a cell phone, a screen, a virtual reality (VR) set, a board, a tablet, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet, and/or an electronics device sleeve. The board may be e.g., a whiteboard, a blackboard, a digital board (on which a stylus may be operated), a drawing and/or writing board, or a presentation board. In embodiments, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be a computer mouse, a keyboard, a ring, a toy, a stylus, a dial or a pointer.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise at least one output device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the system <NUM> may comprise at least one additional output device. The at least one additional output device may be configured to represent the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically to reproduce the at least one user-borne device <NUM> as a virtual object. The at least one additional output device may be separate to the electronics device <NUM>. In embodiments, the at least one output device <NUM> and/or the at least one additional output device may be a display or a screen.

Furthermore, as shown e.g., in <FIG>, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise a first device part <NUM> and at least one second device part <NUM>. The at least one second device part <NUM> may be coupled to the first device part <NUM>. The at least one second device part <NUM> may be movable, more specifically rotatable, relative to the first device part <NUM>. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in the at least on second device part <NUM>. The at least one output device <NUM> may be arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> and/or the at least one first device part <NUM>.

The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be fixedly arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> defining a fixed position and/or orientation of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may define a magnetometer plane <NUM> which may be defined by a plane that extends through a majority of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. More specifically, the magnetometer plane <NUM> may extend through centers, more specifically geometric centers, of a majority of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. In other words, most of the magnetometers of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in a common plane, i.e., the magnetometer plane <NUM>. However, one or more magnetometers of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be distanced and/or inclined with respect to the common plane, e.g., due to manufacturing issues and/or tolerances. The magnetometer plane <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be defined by a plane in which the magnetometers of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> are predominantly arranged.

A measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm may be defined relative to the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm may be associated with a location (i.e., an orientation and/or a position) of at least one magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. The measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm may comprise a first measurement reference axis Xm, a second measurement reference axis Ym and a vertical measurement reference axis Zm. The first measurement reference axis Xm and the second measurement reference axis Ym may be orthogonal to each other. The vertical measurement reference axis Zm may be orthogonal to the first measurement reference axis Xm and the second measurement reference axis Ym. In some embodiments, the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm may extend through a center of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. Optionally, the first measurement reference axis Xm and the second measurement reference axis Ym may be defined on the magnetometer plane <NUM>. The vertical measurement reference axis Zm may be orthogonal to the magnetometer plane <NUM>.

The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be configured to measure a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. The at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be arranged in or coupled to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. As outlined above, each magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be configured to measure the magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> in the direction of the first measurement reference axis Xm, the second reference axis Ym, and/or the vertical reference axis Zm. In other words, each magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be configured to perform magnetic field measurements in the direction of one axis (i.e., one dimension), two axes (i.e., two dimensions), or three axes (i.e., three dimensions). The number of magnetometers provided may depend on the desired size of the sensing volume M within which the at least one user-borne device <NUM> is operated. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be configured to collect magnetic field measurements associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> within the sensing volume M up to a maximum measurement distance. In embodiments, the maximum measurement distance may be <NUM>, more specifically <NUM>. In embodiments, the maximum measurement distance may be defined between a furthest point of the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs or within the sensing volume M to a closest magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an arrangement of the plurality of magnetometers with respect to the at least one second device part <NUM> is shown. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in rows and columns. However, it is also possible that the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in an unordered manner within the at least one second device part <NUM>. A calibration procedure may be used to determine the exact locations and measurement axes of each magnetometer within the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the measurement coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> are shown in <FIG> as being arranged in the magnetometer plane <NUM> (i.e., in the same plane relative to the vertical measurement reference axis Zm). However, as outlined above, one or more of the magnetometers may be distanced to the magnetometer plane <NUM>, more specifically distanced in the direction of the vertical measurement reference axis Zm. In some embodiments, the at least one second device part <NUM> may comprise at least one output device <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The at least one output device <NUM> may comprise a display or a screen. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged laterally and/or behind the display or screen.

In the arrangement of <FIG>, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> in rows k und columns l. Each magnetometer Sk,l may comprise a vertical magnetometer axis (e.g., Zm) which may be arranged on the intersections of the rows k and columns l. Adjacent magnetometers Sk,l, Sk,l+<NUM>, Sk,l-<NUM> may be separated along a row k by a distance dil,l+<NUM> and dl,l-<NUM>. Adjacent magnetometers Sk,l, Sk+<NUM>,l, Sk-<NUM>,l may be separated along a column l by a distance dk,k+<NUM> and dk,k-<NUM>. As outlined above, the distances dk, dl between the respective magnetometers Sk,l may be equal or may differ. As shown e.g., in <FIG>, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged laterally with respect to the at least one output device <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged adjacent a left edge, a right edge and/or a bottom edge of the at least one second device part <NUM>.

The electronics device <NUM> may comprise or may be connectable to a processing unit <NUM> configured to execute the computer-implemented method <NUM> as described below. The electronics device <NUM> may comprise a user interface configured to interact with a user U. In some embodiments, the user-interface may be provided by the at least one output device <NUM>, by a keyboard arranged in the first device part <NUM> and/or the at least one second device part <NUM>, and/or a tracking pad arranged in first device part <NUM> and/or the at least one second device part <NUM>.

In embodiments of the electronics device <NUM>, the at least one second device part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the first device part <NUM>. The at least one second device part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled via at least one hinge <NUM> defining at least one rotation axis R to the first device part <NUM>. The at least one second device part <NUM> may be fixedly or releasably coupled via the at least one hinge to the first device part <NUM>. In some embodiments (not shown in the Figs. ), a first hinge may be provided and at least on second hinge. The first hinge may define a first rotation axis. The at least one second hinge may define at least one second rotation axis. In embodiments, the first rotation axis may be parallel to the at least one second rotation axis. In some embodiments, the first rotation axis may be inclined and/or orthogonal to the at least one second rotation axis. In an embodiment, the electronics device <NUM> may further comprise at least one output device <NUM>. The at least one output device <NUM> may comprise a display or a screen. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged laterally and/or behind the display or the screen as described above. In these embodiments, the electronics device <NUM> may be e.g., a laptop or a notebook (see, e.g., <FIG>).

In embodiments of the electronics device <NUM>, the at least one second device part <NUM> may comprise an output device part <NUM> and at least one auxiliary device part <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). As shown in the example of <FIG>, the at least one auxiliary device part <NUM> may be a measurement bar comprising a plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. The output device part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled via at least one hinge <NUM> defining at least one rotation axis R to the first device part <NUM>. The at least one hinge <NUM> and the at least one rotation axis R may comprise the features as defined above. The at least one auxiliary device part <NUM> may be releasably coupled to the first device part <NUM> at least via a data and/or power transmission port <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG>). The output device part <NUM> may comprise at least one output device <NUM>. As described above, the at least one output device <NUM> may comprise a display or a screen. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged laterally and/or behind the display or the screen. In these embodiments, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise e.g., a laptop or a notebook, and e.g., at least one measurement bar coupled to the laptop or notebook (see, e.g., <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the at least one auxiliary device part <NUM> may be coupled to a right-side edge of the first device part <NUM>. However, in embodiments, the at least one auxiliary device part <NUM> may be coupled to a left-side edge, a back-side edge (which, in use, faces away from a user), a front-side edge (which, in use, faces towards a user), a top surface <NUM> and/or a bottom surface of the first device part <NUM>.

In embodiments of the electronics device <NUM>, the at least one second device part <NUM> may be releasably coupled to the first device part <NUM> at least via a data and/or power transmission port <NUM>. The first device part <NUM> may comprise at least one output device <NUM>. In these embodiments, the first device part <NUM> may be, e.g., a tablet, and the at least one second device part <NUM> may be, e.g., a measurement bar coupled to the tablet (and/or e.g., a display or screen coupled to the tablet). More specifically, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in the measurement bar. In embodiments, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise a third device part <NUM>. The third device part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the first device part <NUM>, more specifically via at least one hinge <NUM> as described above. The third device part <NUM> may comprise at least one output device <NUM>. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may not be arranged in the third device part <NUM>.

<FIG> are schematic views of an electronics device <NUM> according to some embodiments. As outlined above, the electronics device <NUM> comprises at least one orientation sensor <NUM>. As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise an angle sensor arranged between the at least one second device part <NUM> and the first device part <NUM>. The angle sensor may be configured to generate angle sensor measurement data between the first device part <NUM> and the at least one second device part <NUM>. The angle sensor may be arranged on or in the at least one hinge <NUM>. Angle sensor measurement data may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>.

Referring to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise at least one magnetic object <NUM> arranged in the first device part <NUM> and one or more of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM>. In this embodiment, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may be configured to generate magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. Magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>.

Referring to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise at least one accelerometer arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> and/or the first device part <NUM>. More specifically, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may be configured to generate accelerometer measurement data. The accelerometer may be configured to measure a physical acceleration experienced by a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>. In embodiments, an accelerometer may be arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> and another accelerometer may be arranged in the first device part <NUM>. The measurement data of the respective accelerometers may be compared to each other. The compared accelerometer measurement data may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>.

As shown in the embodiment in <FIG>, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be a first plurality of magnetometers 300a. The created magnetic field measurements (measured with the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>) may be first magnetic field measurements. The electronics device <NUM> may comprise a second plurality of magnetometers 300b. The second plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in the first device part <NUM>. The at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise the first plurality of magnetometers 300a and the second plurality of magnetometers 300b. The at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may be configured to generate first magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> with the first plurality of magnetometers 300a, and second magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> with the second plurality of magnetometers 300b. First magnetic field measurement data and second magnetic field measurement data may be evaluated and/or compared with respect to each other. The compared magnetic field measurement data may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>.

As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. The at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may be configured to generate magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. More specifically, magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be indicative of an interaction surface normal N3, particularly in an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. Based on the magnetic field measurement data indicative of the interaction surface normal N3, an orientation and/or a rotation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the at least one first device part <NUM> may be determined.

<FIG> schematically illustrates the steps of a computer-implemented method <NUM> for determining a user-borne device location according to aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> schematically illustrates the steps of the computer-implemented method <NUM> in more detail. The computer-implemented method <NUM> comprises obtaining magnetic field measurements <NUM> associated with at least one magnetic object <NUM> with a plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. The at least one magnetic object <NUM> is coupled to at least one user-borne device <NUM>. The at least one user-borne device <NUM> is associated with an interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. The computer-implemented method <NUM> comprises obtaining orientation data <NUM> from at least one orientation sensor <NUM>, wherein the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> is arranged in an electronics device <NUM>. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> is arranged in the electronics device <NUM>. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method <NUM> comprises determining an orientation and a position <NUM> of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs based on the obtained orientation data. In addition, the computer-implemented method <NUM> comprises determining a user-borne device location <NUM> (more specifically, of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>) relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs based on the obtained magnetic field measurements and the determined orientation and position. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> arranged in the electronics device <NUM> may be movable, more specifically rotatable, relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, particularly to the interaction surface <NUM>. Based on the computer-implemented method <NUM> as described above, the determination and/or tracking of the location of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs can be enabled although the plurality of magnetometers may be moved (e.g., rotated) to different positions and/or orientations relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically relative to the interaction surface <NUM>. The determined orientation and position may include an inclination, an orthogonal orientation, a parallel orientation, a rotation and/or a position of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in a movable part (i.e., the at least one second device part <NUM>) of the electronics device <NUM>. Furthermore, the determination of the user-borne borne device location relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be automatically adapted even when the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> is rotated relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically to the interaction surface <NUM>. Thus, the location of a at least one user-borne device <NUM> can be determined and/or tracked with increased accuracy and/or reliability. A representation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> as a virtual object on at least one output device <NUM> can be provided with increased accuracy and reliability. The same applies for the electronics device <NUM> configured to execute the computer-implemented method <NUM> and the system <NUM> comprising the electronics device <NUM>. The order, in which the data or measurements as described above are obtained, may vary.

As shown, e.g., in <FIG> and <FIG>, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be operable on an interaction surface <NUM>. More specifically, the vertical interaction reference axis Zs of the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be orthogonal to the interaction surface <NUM>. In embodiments, the first interaction reference axis Xs and the second interaction reference axis Ys may be defined on the interaction surface <NUM>. The first device part <NUM> may comprise a top surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be defined on the top surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vertical interaction reference axis Zs may be orthogonal to the first device part <NUM>, more specifically to the top surface <NUM>.

The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be configured to create a sensing volume M (as indicated, e.g., in <FIG>). The interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs and/or the interaction surface <NUM> may be defined within the sensing volume M. The sensing volume M may have an ellipsoidal form. In some embodiments, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be associated with a magnetometer plane <NUM> as described above. The method <NUM> may comprise defining a measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm relative to the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). The measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm may be associated with a location of at least one magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> as mentioned above.

The at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be electrically and/or electronically passive. More specifically, electrically passive means that the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may not comprise a power source (e.g., batteries) and/or means to receive power (e.g., wireless power transmission via an inductive coil) for powering a feature (e.g., an electronic feature) of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. Electronically passive means that no computation or processing occurs (or happens) on the at least one user-borne device <NUM>.

The term "at least one magnetic object" may refer to an object which may comprise components made of magnetic material, i.e., a material that has magnetic properties measurable by the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. The at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be mobile, i.e., freely movable with respect to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. In other words, during a user operation (i.e., an operation wherein the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is operated by a user), the location of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> within the sensing volume M and/or relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs (more specifically, the interaction surface <NUM>) may be manipulated by a user within the sensing volume M.

The at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be a permanent magnet. In embodiments, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be configured to generate a non-zero magnetic field. It may comprise a paramagnetic or diamagnetic material. In embodiments, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may comprise a ferromagnetic material or a ferrimagnetic material.

The method <NUM> may further comprise defining a user-borne device coordinate system (see, e.g., <FIG>). The device coordinate system may comprise a first device axis xd, a second device axis yd orthogonal to the first device axis xd, and a vertical device axis zd. The vertical device axis zd may be orthogonal to a device contact surface or point <NUM> and/or orthogonal to a plane defined by the first device axis xd and the second device axis yd. The device contact surface or point <NUM> may be the part of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> which, during a user operation, may be in contact with the interaction surface <NUM>. In the examples shown, e.g., in <FIG>, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise a contact surface <NUM> contacting an interaction surface <NUM>. In other examples, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise a contact point <NUM> (e.g., a stylus or other writing device comprising a writing tip which contacts an interaction surface <NUM> during a writing operation). In some embodiments, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be operated within a sensing volume M but not on an interaction surface <NUM>. In this case, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be used, e.g., as a pointer. The pointer may be operable relative to an interaction surface <NUM> (e.g., pointing on a portion of the interaction surface <NUM>), but being at a distance to the interactions surface <NUM> (i.e., having no contact with the interaction surface <NUM>). In some embodiments, the device coordinate system may be defined within a geometric center of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>.

The determined orientation may comprise a rotation and/or an inclination of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. More specifically, the determined orientation and position may include an inclination, an orthogonal orientation, a parallel orientation, a rotation and/or a position of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. More specifically, in case the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs is defined on the interaction surface <NUM>, the determined orientation and position may comprise a rotation and/or an inclination of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction surface <NUM>. The rotation may be defined by at least one rotation axis R defined relative to the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>, more specifically the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm, and defined relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs. Determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may comprise determining an orientation and a position of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs based on the obtained orientation data. More specifically, determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may comprise determining an orientation and a position of the second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may comprise detecting a rotation <NUM> of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>, more specifically of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm, relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, particularly relative to the first device part <NUM>, based on the obtained orientation data. Additionally or alternatively, determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may comprise determining <NUM> an orientation angle β between the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>, more specifically between the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm, and the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, particularly the first device part <NUM>, based on the obtained orientation data. In more detail, the rotation of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be detected. The orientation angle β between the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm and the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be determined. As the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> is provided in the at least one second device part <NUM>, a rotation of the at least one second device part relative to the first device part <NUM> may be detected. As the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> is provided in the at least one second device part <NUM>, an orientation angle β between the at least one second device part <NUM> and the first device part <NUM> may be determined. In the embodiments shown in <FIG> (e.g., wherein the at least one second device part <NUM> is coupled to the first device part <NUM> via at least one hinge <NUM>), the detected orientation angle β may be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In the embodiments shown in <FIG> (e.g., wherein the at least one second device part <NUM>, more specifically the measurement bar, is coupled to the first device part <NUM>, the detected orientation angle β may be <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>° or <NUM>°. In this case, the orientation angle β may depend on the position of the data and/or power transmission port <NUM> between the first device part <NUM> and the at least one second device part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may comprise determining <NUM> a first normal vector N1 orthogonal to the interaction surface <NUM> based on the determined orientation angle β. More specifically, the first normal vector N1 may be parallel to the vertical interaction reference axis Zs. In some embodiments, the first device part <NUM> may comprise a top surface <NUM> and the first normal vector N1 may be defined on the top surface <NUM>. Determining <NUM> a first normal vector N1 orthogonal to the interaction surface <NUM> may comprise defining a second normal vector N2 associated with the at least one second device part <NUM>. The second normal vector N2 may be substantially parallel to the vertical measurement reference axis Zm of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm and/or to a side surface of the at least one second device part <NUM>. Determining <NUM> a first normal vector N1 orthogonal to the interaction surface <NUM> may comprise obtaining position data of a rotation axis R between the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm, more specifically the at least one second device part <NUM>, and the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically the first device part <NUM>. Determining <NUM> a first normal vector N1 orthogonal to the interaction surface <NUM> may comprise calculating the first normal vector N1 based on the obtained position data and the determined orientation angle β. The first normal vector N1 may be calculated by applying Rodrigues' rotation formula. Calculating the first normal vector N1 may be based on the defined second normal vector N2, the determined orientation angle β, and the obtained rotation axis R position data. As shown in <FIG>, the second normal vector N2 may extend from a second position point P2 defined on the at least one second device part <NUM>, which may be at a second distance l2 to the at least one rotation axis R. The second distance l2 and/or the second position point P2 may be obtained from a data base. The first normal vector N1 may extend from a first position point P1 (e.g., on a top surface <NUM> of the first device part <NUM>), which may be at a first distance l1 to the at least one rotation axis R. The first distance l1, the first position point P1, and the first normal vector N1 may be determined based on applying Rodrigues' rotation formula.

Referring to the embodiment shown in <FIG> and as outlined above, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise an angle sensor arranged between the at least one second device part <NUM> and the first device part <NUM>. In this case, the obtained orientation data may comprise angle sensor measurement data. Angle sensor measurement data may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>. Based on angle sensor measurement data, the rotation may be detected and/or the orientation angle β may be determined.

Referring to the embodiment shown <FIG> and as outlined above, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise at least one magnetic object <NUM> arranged in the first device part <NUM> and one or more of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM>. More specifically, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> coupled to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be at least one first magnetic object <NUM>. The at least one magnetic object <NUM> arranged in (and/or coupled to) the first device part <NUM> may be at least one second magnetic object <NUM>. It should be understood that the determination of the absolute magnetic object location <NUM> as described below for the at least one magnetic object <NUM> coupled to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> can be applied analogously for determining an absolute magnetic object location of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> arranged in (and/or coupled to) the first device part <NUM>. The absolute magnetic object location of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be indicative of an absolute magnetic object position and/or an absolute magnetic object orientation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. More specifically, the obtained orientation data may comprise magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> arranged in the first device part <NUM> and measured with the one or more magnetometers of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. Based on a rotation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>, the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be measured and magnetic field measurement data may be used to determine the orientation and position. Magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>. Based on magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>, the rotation may be detected and/or the orientation angle β may be determined.

Referring to the embodiment shown <FIG> and as outlined above, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise at least one accelerometer arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> and/or the first device part <NUM>. The obtained orientation data may comprise accelerometer measurement data as described above. Accelerometer measurement data may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>. In embodiments, an accelerometer may be arranged in the at least one second device part <NUM> and another accelerometer may be arranged in the first device part <NUM>. The accelerometer measurement data of the respective accelerometers may be compared to each other. The (compared) accelerometer measurement data may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>. Based on the accelerometer measurement data, the rotation may be detected and/or the orientation angle β may be determined.

Referring to the embodiment shown <FIG> and as outlined above, the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be a first plurality of magnetometers 300a. The obtained magnetic field measurements (measured with the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>) may be first magnetic field measurements. The electronics device <NUM> may comprise a second plurality of magnetometers 300b. The second plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be arranged in the first device part <NUM>. The computer-implemented method <NUM> may further comprise obtaining second magnetic field measurements associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> with the second plurality of magnetometers 300b. The at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise the first plurality of magnetometers 300a and the second plurality of magnetometers 300b. The obtained orientation data may comprise first magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> from the first plurality of magnetometers 300a and second magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> from the second plurality of magnetometers 300b. More specifically, first magnetic field measurement data and second magnetic field measurement data may be evaluated and/or compared to each other. The (evaluated and/or compared) first magnetic field measurement data and/or second magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be indicative of a rotation and/or an orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM>. Based on first magnetic field measurement data and/or second magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>, the rotation may be detected and/or the orientation angle β may be determined. In some embodiments, detecting a rotation <NUM> and/or determining <NUM> an orientation angle β, more specifically evaluating and/or comparing first magnetic field measurement data and second magnetic field measurement data, may comprise determining an absolute magnetic object location indicative of an absolute magnetic object position and/or an absolute magnetic object orientation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm and based on the obtained orientation data. A first absolute magnetic object location of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be determined relative to the first plurality of magnetometers 300b, and a second magnetic object location of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be determined relative to the second plurality of magnetometers 300b. Determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may be based on the first and second magnetic object locations. In this embodiment, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise (or may be) a board, a foldable smartphone or a foldable tablet. The board may be e.g., a whiteboard, a blackboard, a digital board (on which a stylus may be operated), a drawing and/or writing board, or a presentation board. In embodiments, the first device part <NUM> may be connected to a wall or a stand, and the at least one second device part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the first device part <NUM>.

As indicated in the embodiment of <FIG> and as outlined above, the at least one orientation sensor <NUM> may comprise the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>. The obtained orientation data may comprise magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. Magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be indicative of an interaction surface normal N3, more specifically in an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> (the initial state will be described in detail below). In the initial state, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be arranged in the at least one user-borne device <NUM> parallel to the vertical device axis zd. The magnetic object moment vector <NUM> may be arranged orthogonal with respect to the interaction surface <NUM> and/or parallel to the vertical device axis zd in the initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. This may be the case when the at least one user-borne device <NUM> is operated on the interaction surface <NUM> and comprises a contact surface <NUM> relative to the interaction surface <NUM>. Detecting a rotation <NUM> and/or determining <NUM> an orientation angle β, more specifically evaluating magnetic field measurement data, may comprise determining an absolute magnetic object location indicative of an absolute magnetic object position and/or an absolute magnetic object orientation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>, more specifically to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm, and based on the obtained orientation data. The absolute magnetic object location may include a magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or a magnetic object position vector associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. Based on the magnetic field measurement data associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>, more specifically the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or a magnetic object position vector associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>, the rotation may be detected and/or the orientation angle β may be determined.

In embodiments, the computer-implemented method <NUM> may further comprise, in response to detecting a rotation <NUM>, determining at least one rotation trigger event <NUM> associated with the detected rotation. The electronics device <NUM> may comprise a sleep mode and an active mode. Determining at least one rotation trigger event <NUM> may comprise determining a sleep mode event in response to detecting a rotation <NUM> in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise rotation about the rotation axis R). The sleep mode event may cause a transition of the electronics device <NUM> from an active mode to the sleep mode. Additionally or alternatively, determining at least one rotation trigger event <NUM> may comprise determining an active mode event in response to detecting a rotation <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., a counter-clockwise rotation about the rotation axis R). The active mode event may cause a transition of the electronics device <NUM> from the sleep mode to the active mode. The electronics device <NUM> may comprise a specific threshold orientation angle associated with the orientation of the at least one second device part <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM> at which the respective mode may be activated. The sleep mode may be a power save mode of the electronics device <NUM>. In this case, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise (or may be) a notebook, a laptop, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet, and/or an electronic device sleeve.

In embodiments, determining an orientation and a position <NUM> may comprise determining an interaction surface location <NUM>. The interaction surface location may be indicative of an interaction surface position, an interaction surface orientation and/or an interaction surface distance c relative to the electronics device <NUM>, more specifically to the first device part <NUM>. As indicated in the <FIG> and <FIG>, the interaction surface distance c may be measured between the interaction surface <NUM> and the top surface <NUM>. The interaction surface location <NUM> may be defined based on a first set of geometric parameters associated with the interaction surface <NUM>, more specifically wherein the first set of geometric parameters may be indicative of a geometry of the interaction surface <NUM>. The first set of geometric parameters may comprise predefined geometric parameters associated with the interaction surface <NUM>. The first set of parameters may be obtained from a database. Determining an interaction surface location <NUM> may comprise deriving a first interaction surface configuration 210a being indicative of a location of the interaction surface <NUM> substantially parallel to and on the electronics device <NUM>, more specifically on the top surface <NUM> of the first device part <NUM>. In some embodiments, determining an interaction surface location <NUM> may comprise deriving a second interaction surface configuration 210b being indicative of a location of the interaction surface <NUM> substantially parallel to and distanced to the electronics device <NUM>, more specifically to the top surface <NUM> of the first device part <NUM>. The distance may be interaction surface distance c as described above. As the location of the interaction surface <NUM> relative to the first device part <NUM> may be known and the orientation of the first device part <NUM> relative to the at least one second device part <NUM> (in which the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> is arranged) may be determined, it is possible to determine the position and orientation of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically to the interaction surface <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, determining a user-borne device location <NUM> may comprise determining an absolute magnetic object location <NUM>. The absolute magnetic object location may be indicative of an absolute magnetic object position and/or an absolute magnetic object orientation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the plurality of magnetometers <NUM>, more specifically to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. More specifically, the absolute magnetic object location may be determined based on the obtained magnetic field measurements. The obtained magnetic field measurements may be indicative of a magnetic field associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. In embodiments, determining an absolute magnetic object location <NUM> may comprise generating magnetic field measurement data <NUM> based on the obtained magnetic field measurements. The magnetic field measurement data may be indicative of a magnetic field position, a magnetic field orientation and/or a magnetic field strength relative to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. Determining an absolute magnetic object location <NUM> may further comprise processing magnetic field measurement data <NUM> to relate magnetic field measurement data to an absolute magnetic object location (i.e., the absolute magnetic object location as described above).

The absolute magnetic object location may include a magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or a magnetic object position vector associated with the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. The magnetic moment vector <NUM> may be indicative of a magnetic object orientation and/or a magnetic field strength of the least one magnetic object <NUM> with respect to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. The magnetic object position vector may be indicative of a magnetic object position with respect to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. The absolute magnetic object orientation may be defined by a first set of magnetic object inclination angles δ1, δ2, δ3 measured between the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm (and/or in some embodiments the magnetometer plane <NUM>) and a projection of the magnetic moment vector <NUM> on (or relative to) the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm (and/or in some embodiments the magnetometer plane <NUM>). In some embodiments, the absolute magnetic object orientation may be defined by a first set of cartesian coordinates defined within the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. The first set of magnetic object orientation angles δ<NUM>, δ<NUM>, δ<NUM> may be measured relative to the measurement reference coordinate axes Xm, Ym, Zm, more specifically between or a projection of the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and the respective axes Xm, Ym, Zm of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first magnetic object orientation angle δ<NUM> may be defined between the first measurement reference axis Xm and the projection of the magnetic object moment vector <NUM>, more specifically in the Xm-Zm-plane. The magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or the magnetic object position vector may be determined based on the obtained magnetic field measurements. The magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or the magnetic object position vector may be determined based on an implementation of a mathematical model associating each measurement of a magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> with a location of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> in the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm. The model may be typically constructed from physical equations of electromagnetism, more specifically equations of magnetostatics. To establish this model, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be approximated by a magnetic dipole. Each magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be a vector magnetometer and may be configured to measure the magnetic field in one, two or three dimensions as described above.

Referring to <FIG>, determining a user-borne device location <NUM> may comprise determining a relative magnetic object location <NUM> indicative of a relative magnetic object position and/or a relative magnetic object orientation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically to the device coordinate system. The relative magnetic object orientation may be defined based on a second set of magnetic object inclination angles γ1, γ2, γ3. More specifically, the second set of inclination angles γ1, γ2, γ3 may be measured between the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and the respective axes of the device coordinate system (see, e.g., <FIG>). Determining a relative magnetic object location <NUM> may be based on the absolute magnetic object location as described above and a second set of geometric parameters. The second set of geometric parameters may comprise predefined geometric parameters indicative of a geometric position and/or a geometric orientation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically in an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> (the initial state will be described in more detail below). The second set of geometric parameters may be obtained from a database. In other words, based on the determined absolute location of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> and the knowledge of the arrangement of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> in the at least one user-borne device <NUM> (more specifically relative to the device coordinate system), the user-borne device location may be known.

In embodiments, determining a relative magnetic object location <NUM> may comprise detecting a position and/or orientation deviation <NUM> of the relative magnetic object position and/or a relative magnetic object orientation caused by a translation and/or a rotation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically wherein the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be in an actuated state. As mentioned above, the device coordinate system may be defined in a geometric center of the user-borne device <NUM>. In the initial state, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be in an initial location, e.g., inclined and/or distanced with respect to the device coordinate system and/or to the geometric center of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. The at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be in an actuated state, when the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is in an actuated location relative to the initial location (and/or relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or to the housing <NUM>). In other words, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be in an actuated state, when the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is rotated and/or translated relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically from the initial location. In the actuated state, the magnetic object orientation and/or the magnetic object position of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the device coordinate system may be different compared to the initial state. As indicated in <FIG>, the method <NUM> may comprise, in response to detecting the position and/or orientation deviation, determining at least one interaction trigger event <NUM> associated with the position and/or the orientation deviation. Based on the detected specific translation and/or rotation, the method <NUM> may comprise transforming the detected position and/or orientation deviation to an interaction trigger event associated with the respective translation and/or rotation. In an example, the method <NUM> may obtain data from a database. The database may comprise data associating the at least one interaction trigger event with a specific translation and/or rotation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> from the initial location to the actuated location. Examples of the at least one interaction trigger event will be described in detail below.

The determined user-borne device location may comprise a user-borne device position and/or a user-borne device orientation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically relative to the interaction surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, determining an absolute magnetic object location <NUM> may comprise determining, based on the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or the magnetic object position vector, whether the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is located on a side of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm facing towards a user U during operation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM>, or, on a side of the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm facing away from a user U during operation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). More specifically this may be defined relative to the magnetometer plane <NUM> and/or the second device part <NUM>. Determining an absolute magnetic object location <NUM> may comprise determining, based on the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or the magnetic object position vector, whether the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is located on a side of the magnetometer plane <NUM> facing towards a user U during operation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM>, or, on a side of the magnetometer plane <NUM> facing away from a user U during operation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM>. In other words, based on these features, it may be determined whether the at least one user-borne device <NUM> is operated in front or behind the second device part <NUM>, more specifically in front or behind the magnetometer plane <NUM>.

In embodiments, determining a user-borne device location <NUM> may comprise deriving the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and/or the magnetic object position vector from the absolute magnetic object location. Determining a user-borne device location <NUM> may further comprise deriving the determined interaction surface location relative to the electronics device <NUM>. Determining a user-borne device location <NUM> may further comprise determining a first virtual intersection point of a projection of the magnetic object moment vector <NUM> and the interaction surface <NUM>.

In some embodiments, determining a user-borne device location <NUM> may comprise assuming a user-borne device contact <NUM> between the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and the interaction surface <NUM>. More specifically, assuming a user-borne device contact <NUM> may comprise determining a second virtual intersection point between the vertical device axis zd and the interaction surface <NUM>. Assuming a user-borne device contact <NUM> between the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and the interaction surface <NUM> may be based on the determined interaction surface location and the determined relative magnetic object location. Furthermore, assuming a user-borne device contact <NUM> between the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and the interaction surface <NUM> may be based on the determined absolute magnetic object location and/or the determined position and orientation.

As indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the computer-implemented method may further comprise representing <NUM> the at least one user-borne device <NUM> as a virtual object on the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device) based on the determined user-borne device location. More specifically, a movement of the virtual object on the at least one output device <NUM> may be based on a virtual reproduction of the location of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically relative to the interaction surface <NUM>. A manipulation of the user-borne device location during a user operation may thus be represented as a virtual object on the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device). In embodiments, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be visually reproduced as a virtual object. In embodiments, the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device) may be configured to visually reproduce the virtual object. Representing <NUM> the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise reproducing a movement of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> within the sensing volume M as a movement of the virtual object on the at least one output device <NUM>. The movement of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> within the sensing volume M may be caused by a manipulation of the user-borne device <NUM> during a user operation (i.e., by a user manipulating the location of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>). In other words, the movement of the user-borne location may be determined and reproduced as a movement of the virtual object on the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device). The visual reproduction may be a motion of a cursor on the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device). In embodiments, the visual reproduction may not be identical to the design of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> but may be any icon (e.g., an arrow, a picture). In embodiments, the visual reproduction may be a drawing or letters. In other embodiments, the visual reproduction may be a color change and/or a brightness change of the at least one output device <NUM> (e.g., the at least one output device <NUM> may become brighter or darker). In embodiments, the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device) may be a visual screen or a display. In some embodiments, the at least one output device <NUM> (and/or the at least one additional output device) may be a light indicator device or an audio device.

The computer-implemented method <NUM> may further comprise initializing the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> and the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically when a user starts a user operation. In embodiments, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be tracked over a time period comprising multiple time samples. At each time sample, the computer-implemented method <NUM> may comprise determining the user-borne device location <NUM>, and may store the determined locations (or interactions) for each time sample.

In embodiments, the computer-implemented method <NUM> may further comprise applying a filter for filtering the determined user-borne device location. Magnetic and electronic noise, as well as environmental variations may lead to non-smooth location determinations over time. Based on the filtering, a smooth location trajectory of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> relative to the measurement reference coordinate system Xm, Ym, Zm and/or to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be achieved. The filter may be a low-pass filter or a Kalman filter, more specifically an extended Kalman filter or an unscented Kalman filter. The filter may use the magnetic field measurements of the plurality of magnetometers <NUM> as an input and may implement the mathematical model as described above to approximate the at least one magnetic object <NUM> by a magnetic dipole.

The above-described computer-implemented method <NUM> can comprise or be executable via a computer or a network of computers, the computer or network of computers comprising at least one processing unit (e.g., a processor) and at least one data storage (i.e., memory). The described procedural logic may be held in the form of executable code in at least one data storage and executed by the at least one processing unit. The systems and subsystems may send data to the at least one processing unit and, in examples, they may also receive instructions from the at least one processing unit. The processing unit may thereby direct user-initiated and/or automatically generated queries to the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM>. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> is not limited to a particular hardware environment. Thus, distributed devices coupled via a network may perform the techniques described herein. The disclosure also includes electrical signals and computer-readable media defining instructions that, when executed by a processing unit, implement the techniques described herein. As described above, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may comprise at least one database. Alternatively, or in addition, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may access a database in a cloud (via a communication interface). The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may comprise a (at least one) communication interface to couple to plurality of magnetometers, the processing unit and/or the database. The communication interface may comprise one or more of a network, internet, a local area network, a wireless local area network, a broadband cellular network, and/or a wired network. In examples, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may couple to one or more features via a server hosted in a cloud.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a computer system may be configured to execute the computer-implemented method <NUM> as described above. According to another aspect of the present disclosure a computer program may be configured to execute the computer-implemented method <NUM> as described above. Furthermore, a computer-readable medium or signal storing the computer program may be provided.

The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device may be configured to track a movement of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> and/or the at least one user-borne device <NUM> in at least five degrees of freedom. The at least five degrees of freedom may include a translation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> along the first measurement reference axis Xm, the second measurement reference axis Ym and the vertical measurement reference axis Zm, a first rotation about a first rotation axis, and a second rotation about a second rotation axis. In case the at least one user-borne device <NUM> is operated on an interaction surface <NUM>, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to assume a contact between the user-borne device <NUM> and the interaction surface <NUM>. This may be done based on the determined user-borne device location as described above. During a user operation, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to track a movement of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> within the sensing volume M and/or relative to the interaction surface <NUM> over a time period. More specifically the system <NUM> may be configured to determine a trajectory of the user-borne device <NUM> within the sensing volume M and/or relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs, more specifically the interaction surface <NUM>. As already mentioned above, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be tracked over a time period comprising multiple time samples. At each time sample, the location of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> within the sensing volume M and/or relative to the interaction reference coordinate system Xs, Ys, Zs may be determined.

Referring to <FIG>, a movement of the at least one user-borne device <NUM> on the interaction surface <NUM> is indicated. In this embodiment, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be a computer mouse. During a user operation, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be moved on the interaction surface <NUM> from a position xd, yd, to a position dxd, dyd. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to track this movement based on determining the user-borne device location. As outlined above, the electronics device <NUM> may comprise a user interface configured to interact with a user U and/or receive a user input. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be configured to receive data from and/or transmit data to the processing unit <NUM> and/or the external processing unit. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may comprise a data storage connected to the processing unit <NUM>. The data storage may comprise a primary data storage, e.g., a RAM, and a secondary data storage. The data storage may be integrated in and/or connected to the electronics device <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> may comprise an interaction support <NUM> having an interaction support surface <NUM>. The interaction surface <NUM> may be at least a partial surface of the interaction support surface <NUM>. The interaction support <NUM> may not comprise ferromagnetic properties, e.g., ferromagnetic particles. In embodiments, the interaction support <NUM> may be a furniture (e.g., a table), an electronics device <NUM> as described above (e.g., a notebook, a laptop or a tablet), a screen, a wall, or a mouse pad. The interaction surface <NUM> may be defined based on the first set of geometric parameters associated with the interaction support <NUM>. More specifically, the type of interaction support <NUM> may be known, e.g., a notebook or mouse pad. Such an interaction support <NUM> may be defined by the first set of geometric parameters as described above. A partial surface of the interaction support surface <NUM> may be used as interaction surface <NUM>. The plurality of magnetometers <NUM> may be electrically (e.g., via wires or a data bus) or wirelessly connected to the processing unit <NUM>, the external processing unit and/or to the electronics device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise a housing <NUM>. The at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be arranged in the housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>. In an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the relative magnetic object orientation relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be defined based on the second set of inclination angles γ<NUM>, γ<NUM>, γ<NUM> as described above. More specifically, the second set of inclination angles γ<NUM>, γ<NUM>, γ<NUM> may be measured between the magnetic moment vector <NUM> and the respective axes of the device coordinate system. In an example as shown in <FIG>, γ<NUM> may be measured between the vertical device axis zd and the magnetic moment vector <NUM>. In an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the magnetic moment vector <NUM> may be inclined with respect to the vertical device axis zd.

However, in other embodiments e.g., as indicated in <FIG>, in an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the magnetic moment vector <NUM> may extend substantially parallel to the vertical device axis zd. In an embodiment, in the initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be arranged in the housing <NUM> such that the vertical device axis zd extends through the magnetic moment vector <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, in the initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be arranged in the housing <NUM> such that the magnetic moment vector <NUM> is parallel but distanced to the vertical device axis zd (see, e.g., <FIG>).

The at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be movable relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically wherein the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be rotatable and/or translatable relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> (and/or to the housing <NUM>). The at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be in an initial state, when the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is in an initial location relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically to the housing <NUM>. In other words, the user-borne device <NUM> may be in an initial state, when the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is not rotated and/or translated relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. As mentioned above, the device coordinate system may be defined in a geometric center of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. In the initial state, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be inclined and/or distanced with respect to the device coordinate system and/or to the geometric center of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. The user-borne device <NUM> may be in an actuated state, when the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is in an actuated location relative to the initial location (and/or relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or to the housing <NUM>). In other words, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be in an actuated state, when the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is rotated and/or translated relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically from the initial location. In the actuated state, the magnetic object orientation and/or the magnetic object position of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the device coordinate system may be different compared to the initial state.

As shown in <FIG>, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b having different relative orientations to each other. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to determine relative magnetic object orientations of each of the at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b. More specifically, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to determine a magnetic moment vector 120a, 120b of each of the at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b. Furthermore, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to determine a magnetic object position, a magnetic object orientation and/or a magnetic object distance of each of the at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b relative to the reference coordinate system XYZ, more specifically the magnetometer plane <NUM>, and/or to the interaction surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> a first magnetic object 110a may comprise a first magnetic moment vector 120a. A second magnetic object 110b may comprise a second magnetic moment vector 120b. The first magnetic moment vector 120a may be inclined with respect to the second magnetic moment vector 120b. In the example shown in <FIG>, the first magnetic moment vector 120a may be substantially orthogonal to the second magnetic moment vector 120b. The first magnetic object 110a may be fixedly coupled to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. This means that the first magnetic object 110a may not be rotatable and/or translatable with respect to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. The first magnetic object 110b may be arranged in the housing <NUM>. The second magnetic object 110b may be rotatable and/or translatable relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or to the first magnetic object 110a. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to track a movement of the at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b in at least six degrees of freedom. In addition to the at least five degrees of freedom as defined above, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> comprising at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b allows to determine a relative position and/or a relative orientation deviation of the two at least two magnetic objects 110a, 110b with respect to each other.

<FIG> illustrates a translation <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object relative to the device coordinate system from an initial location to an actuated location. In the example of <FIG>, a second magnetic object 110b may arranged in the housing <NUM>, which is translated from an initial location to an actuated location. The second magnetic object 110b is translated in the direction of the first device axis xd and in the direction of the vertical device axis zd. Such a translation <NUM> from the initial location to the actuated location may be described by dxm and dzm as indicated in <FIG>. Although described only for the second magnetic object 110b, the features described above may analogously apply for the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. In some embodiments, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be fixedly arranged in the housing <NUM>. In this case, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may not be translatable <NUM> and/or rotatable with respect to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> (and/or the housing <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, a rotation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> and/or to the housing <NUM> is shown. In <FIG>, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be rotated by a first rotation <NUM> from the initial location to an actuated location about the second device axis yd. It should be noted that in the embodiment of <FIG>, in the initial state, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> is inclined by angle γ1 measured between the magnetic moment vector <NUM> and the vertical device axis zd. In other words, in its initial location, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be arranged inclined with respect to the vertical device axis zd. As shown in <FIG>, the first rotation <NUM> may be defined by a first rotation angle α<NUM> measured between the initial location (i.e., an initial position and/or orientation of the magnetic moment vector in the initial state) and the magnetic moment vector <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first rotation angle α<NUM> may comprise a positive value. In <FIG> the first rotation angle α<NUM> may comprise a negative value.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, in its initial location and/or state, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may comprise a magnetic moment vector <NUM> which is parallel to the vertical device axis zd. In other words, an inclination angle γ2 about the first device axis xd may be zero. The at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be rotated by a second rotation <NUM> from the initial location to an actuated location about the first device axis xd. Such a second rotation <NUM> may be defined by a second rotation angle α<NUM> measured between the vertical device axis zd and the magnetic moment vector <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second rotation angle α<NUM> may comprise a positive value, and in <FIG> the second rotation angle α<NUM> may comprise a negative value. Although not explicitly shown in the Figs. , it should be understood that a combination of a rotation <NUM>, <NUM> and/or a translation <NUM> as described above is also possible. The translation <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> from the initial location to the actuated location is only shown in the example of <FIG> in the direction of the first device axis xd and the vertical device axis zd. However, any combination of translations with respect to the device axes xd, yd, zd may be possible, more specifically along the first device axis xd, the second device axis yd and/or the vertical device axis zd. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to detect the translation <NUM> and/or rotation <NUM>, <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise at least one manipulation feature <NUM>, more specifically coupled to the housing <NUM>. The at least one manipulation feature <NUM> may be translatable and/or rotatable with respect to the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically to the housing <NUM>. The at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be coupled to the at least one manipulation feature <NUM>. More specifically, the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be operationally, e.g., mechanically, coupled to the at least one manipulation feature <NUM>. A translation and/or rotation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> may cause a translation and/or a rotation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. The at least one manipulation feature <NUM> may be actuated by a user. In an initial state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and/or the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be in the initial location. In an actuated state of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and/or the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be in the actuated location. In other words, in case the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> is not actuated by user, the user-borne device may be in the initial state. More specifically, in the initial state, the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and/or the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be in the initial location. In case the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> is actuated by user, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be in the actuated state. More specifically, in the actuated state, the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and/or the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be in the actuated location. Referring to the examples shown in <FIG>, an actuation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> may lead to the first rotation <NUM> about the second device axis yd as described above. Depending on a direction of an actuation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM>, the first rotation angle α<NUM> may have a positive value or the negative value. Additionally or alternatively, referring to <FIG>, an actuation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> may lead to the second rotation <NUM> about the first device axis xd as described above. Depending on a direction of an actuation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM>, the second rotation angle α<NUM> may have a positive value or a negative value. Referring to <FIG>, an actuation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> may lead to a translation <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> along the first device axis xd, the second device axis yd, and/or the vertical device axis zd. As defined above, the method <NUM> comprises detecting a position and/or orientation deviation <NUM>. In embodiments, the detected orientation deviation may be the first rotation angle α<NUM> and/or the second rotation angle α<NUM>.

The at least one user-borne device <NUM> may comprise a biasing element (not shown), configured to urge the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and/or at least one magnetic object <NUM> from the actuated location to the initial location, more specifically when the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> is not actuated. More specifically, when a user actuates (e.g., applies a force on) the at least one manipulation feature <NUM>, the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be moved from the initial location to the actuated location. In this case, the biasing element may be biased. When a user releases the force on the at least one manipulation feature <NUM>, the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> and the at least one magnetic object <NUM> may be urged from the actuated location to the initial location.

The at least one manipulation feature <NUM> may be associated with at least one interaction trigger event. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to determine the respective interaction trigger event based on a translation <NUM> and/or rotation <NUM>, <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> as described above, more specifically caused by a translation of the at least one manipulation feature <NUM> being operationally coupled to the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. In particular, the electronics device <NUM> and/or the system <NUM> may be configured to determine a position and/or rotation deviation between the initial location and the actuated location. In other words, a specific translation and/or rotation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> relative to the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be detectable by the system <NUM>, more specifically by the electronics device <NUM>. Based on the detected specific translation and/or rotation, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to transform this movement to a trigger event associated with the translation and/or rotation. In an example, the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be coupled to (and/or include) a database. The database may comprise data associating at least one interaction trigger event with a specific translation and/or rotation of the at least one magnetic object <NUM> from the initial location to the actuated location. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to transmit to and/or receive data from the database. In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the first rotation <NUM> may be associated with a first trigger event. In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the second rotation <NUM> may be associated with a second trigger event. The respective trigger event may be, e.g., a click event, a scroll event, and/or a selection event. In case a plurality of magnetic objects is provided, additional trigger events may be determined based on a rotation and/or translation of the magnetic objects relative to each other and detectable by the system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM>. The at least one interaction trigger event may be initiated by a user manipulation of the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, more specifically the at least one electrically and/or electronically passive user-borne device <NUM>, within the sensing volume M. The at least one interaction trigger event may cause an action and/or may be used to control an action in a digital environment (i.e., an environment which is controlled by a computer or a network of computers), e.g., a virtual environment, based on a user input. More specifically, the at least one interaction trigger event may implement a user input on the at least one user-borne device <NUM> as an action in the digital environment. For instance, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be used together with the electronics device <NUM> which may be or may comprise e.g., a tablet, a cell phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a computer, a virtual reality (VR) set, a notebook, a foldable smartphone, a foldable tablet, an electronics device sleeve and/or a television. The at least one interaction trigger event may cause an action on the electronics device <NUM> and/or may be used to control an action on the electronics device <NUM> based on a user input on the at least one user-borne device <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the at least one interaction trigger event may be a scroll event and/or a click event. A scroll event and/or a click event may be applied to various different application fields. A scroll event may trigger a scroll action in a digital environment, more specifically a virtual environment, based on a user input, e.g., "scroll up" and "scroll down" on a display. A scroll event may cause or provide a control of a rotational and/or translational movement of a virtual object in a digital environment, more specifically a virtual environment, that is associated with a user input. For instance, a scroll event may trigger a scroll action including scrolling of files or data, a rotational or translational movement of the virtual object associated with a selection of a choice from a plurality of choices. The scroll action may also include rotating a body in a virtual environment and/or changing a perspective in a virtual environment. Furthermore, a scroll action may include one or more of moving a cursor in two opposing directions (e.g., horizontal or vertical on an output device), moving a displayed element (e.g. a page, a cursor), which may be controlled by the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, a step in a direction, flipping through a menu, flipping through a selection list, or adjusting (e.g. increasing or decreasing) a parameter (e.g. a setting or a configuration). A click event may trigger a click action (more specifically of a virtual object) in a digital environment, more specifically a virtual environment, based on a user input. A click event may include, e.g., a selection of an object (like a button, a file, an icon or another object), a selection of an item, a selection of a list, a selection of an item on a list. A click event may trigger a following action. A click event may trigger an action that provides additional information and/or properties of an object, an item or a text (e.g., letter, word, phrase) selected. A click event may trigger a single click action, a double click action, a triple click action, a right click action and/or a click-and-drag action within a digital environment, more specifically a virtual environment. A single click action may refer to selection of an object within a virtual environment. A double click action may open a file or execute a program within a virtual environment. A click-and-drag action may include clicking, holding and moving an object, e.g., which may be used to highlight or drag-select a text or an object. A triple click action may be used to select a paragraph of a text. A right click action may perform a special action, e.g., opening a list with additional information and/or properties for a selected object as mentioned above. The action that is triggered by the click event depends on the user's input on the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. For example, the click event may cause a double-click action when a user provides two quick and successive inputs on the at least one user-borne device <NUM>. The above-mentioned features enable various new application fields for the at least one user-borne device <NUM>, for example a computer-mouse, a keyboard, a dial, a mouse scroll element (e.g. a wheel), a joystick, a control for an electronic device (e.g. an audio control or a visual control), a control of software settings or visualizations (e.g. graphic software or design software), or a control of a computer game.

In an example as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first manipulation feature 140a may be provided and a second manipulation feature 140b may be provided. Each of the first and second manipulation features 140a, 140b may be operationally coupled to the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. In this example, the at least one user-borne device <NUM> may be, e.g., a computer mouse. The first manipulation feature 140a may be a click manipulation feature and the second manipulation feature 140b may be a scroll manipulation feature. Actuating the first manipulation feature 140a may lead to the first rotation <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. Depending on the direction of the actuation, the first rotation angle α<NUM> may comprise a positive value or a negative value. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to detect the first rotation angle α<NUM> and may transform this rotation into a click event comprising a first click event or a second click event, depending on the first rotation angle value. The first click event may trigger a left click action more specifically a single click action, a double click action, a triple click action, and/or a click-and-drag action as described above. The second click event may trigger the right click action as described above. Actuating the second manipulation feature 140b may lead to the second rotation <NUM> of the at least one magnetic object <NUM>. Depending on the actuation, the second rotation angle α<NUM> may comprise a positive value or a negative value. The system <NUM> and/or the electronics device <NUM> may be configured to detect the second rotation angle α<NUM> and may transform this rotation into a scroll event. The scroll event may comprise a first scroll event or a second scroll event. The respective scroll event may depend on the second rotation angle value. More specifically, the first rotation <NUM> may be associated with a click event. In case the first rotation angle α<NUM> has a positive value, this may be associated with a first click event. In case the first rotation angle α<NUM> has a negative value, this may be associated with a second click event. The second rotation <NUM> may be associated with a scroll event. In case the second rotation angle α<NUM> has a positive value, this may be associated with a first scroll event (e.g.. a "scroll up"). In case the second rotation angle α<NUM> has a negative value, this may be associated with a second scroll event (e.g., a "scroll down").

Claim 1:
A computer-implemented method (<NUM>) for determining a location of at least one user-borne device (<NUM>), comprising:
- obtaining magnetic field measurements (<NUM>) associated with at least one magnetic object (<NUM>) with a plurality of magnetometers (<NUM>), wherein the at least one magnetic object (<NUM>) is coupled to at least one user-borne device (<NUM>), and wherein the at least one user-borne device (<NUM>) is associated with an interaction reference coordinate system (Xs, Ys, Zs),
- obtaining orientation data (<NUM>) from at least one orientation sensor (<NUM>), wherein the at least one orientation sensor (<NUM>) is arranged in an electronics device (<NUM>), and wherein the plurality of magnetometers (<NUM>) is arranged in the electronics device (<NUM>),
- determining an orientation and a position (<NUM>) of the plurality of magnetometers (<NUM>) relative to the interaction reference coordinate system (Xs, Ys, Zs) based on the obtained orientation data, and
- determining a user-borne device location (<NUM>) relative to the interaction reference coordinate system (Xs, Ys, Zs) based on the obtained magnetic field measurements and the determined orientation and position.