Patent Description:
Examples are disclosed that relate to computing systems, computing devices, input devices and methods for preventing at least a portion of an input device from attaching to an improper location on a computing device. In one example a computing system includes an input device and a computing device for preventing at least a portion of the input device from attaching to an improper location on the computing device. The input device includes an elongated tubular body and a first input device magnet along the body and having a first magnetic pole orientation. A second input device magnet is spaced by a separation distance from the first input device magnet along the elongated body, and the second input device magnet also has the first magnetic pole orientation.

The computing device comprises a housing that includes a first side and a first end adjacent to the first side. A first computing device magnet is located along the first side of the housing and has a second magnetic pole orientation that is opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation. A second computing device magnet is also located along the first side of the housing and is spaced by the separation distance from the first computing device magnet, with the second computing device magnet also having the second magnetic pole orientation.

The computing device further includes at least one repelling magnet along the first side of the housing and located between the first end of the housing and the second computing device magnet. The at least one repelling magnet has the first magnetic pole orientation to repel the second input device magnet of the input device.

In another example a computing device is disclosed for preventing at least a portion of an input device from attaching to an improper location on the computing device. The computing device comprises a housing comprising a first side and a first end adjacent to the first side. A first computing device magnet is located along the first side of the housing and has a first magnetic pole orientation opposite to a second magnetic pole orientation. A second computing device magnet is located along the first side of the housing and is spaced by a separation distance from the first computing device magnet, with the second computing device magnet having the second magnetic pole orientation. At least one repelling magnet is located along the first side of the housing and between the first end of the housing and the second computing device magnet. The at least one repelling magnet has either the first magnetic pole orientation or the second magnetic pole orientation to repel an input device magnet of the input device.

In another example, a method is provided at a computing device for preventing at least a portion of an input device from attaching to an improper location on the computing device. The input device comprises a first input device magnet with a first magnetic pole orientation and a second input device magnet with the first magnetic pole orientation spaced by a separation distance from the first input device magnet.

The method comprises providing the computing device that includes a housing comprising a first side and a first end adjacent to the first side; a first computing device magnet located along the first side of the housing and having a second magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation of the input device; a second computing device magnet located along the first side of the housing, spaced by the separation distance from the first computing device magnet, and having the second magnetic pole orientation; and at least one repelling magnet located along the first side of the housing between the first end of the housing and the second computing device magnet, wherein the repelling magnet has the first magnetic pole orientation. The method further includes causing the repelling magnet to repel the second input device magnet of the input device when the second input device magnet is moved proximate to the at least one repelling magnet.

In some examples of electronic input devices, such as styluses and pens, the device can be magnetically attached to corresponding locations on a computing device, such as a tablet or laptop computer. As the input device is moved closer to the computing device, one or more magnets in the computing device pull the input device to magnetically attach to the surface of the computing device.

In some devices, the strength of these magnets makes it possible for the input device to attach to the computing device in the wrong location. For example, where an input device and a computing device each utilize a pair of magnets, the input device can be positioned or moved to an improper location at which just one magnet of the input device is proximate to and attracted by one magnet in the computing device (i.e., a left magnet in input device attracts to a right magnet on the computing device, or vice versa). In these cases, the other magnet of the input device is distanced from the other corresponding magnet in the computing device with weak or negligible magnetic attraction between the two. Accordingly, the input device is not securely attached to the computing device and could be easily dislodged or fall off.

Further, some input devices also include wireless charging functionality that enables the device to be wirelessly charged by corresponding components, such as an inductive charging coil, in the computing device. In some examples these computing devices can locate the charging coil between two magnets on either side of the coil. When an input device with two corresponding magnets is magnetically secured to the computing device magnets at this charging location, a corresponding charging coil in the input device is aligned with and positioned close to the charging coil in the computing device, and the input device can be wirelessly charged. However, and as noted above, in some cases the input device can be positioned or moved to an improper location such that just one magnet of the input device is proximate to and attracted by one magnet in the computing device, with the input device being offset from the desired charging position.

In this scenario, the input device is offset from its proper location, the charging coils are not aligned, and the input device therefore is not wirelessly charged. However, to the user the input device can still appear to be attached to the computing device, and this may cause the user to falsely believe the input device is securely attached and charging.

The present disclosure describes computing systems including computing devices and input devices for preventing at least a portion of an input device from attaching to an improper location on a computing device. As will be described in more detail below, one or more repelling magnets are specifically located in the computing device to repel the input device from being attached at an improper location. The repelling magnet(s) also provide haptic feedback to signal the user that the input device is not located properly. Further, aspects of the present disclosure enable computing devices to ensure proper and secure attachment of an input device while also avoiding or making optional the use of additional charging coils or markings on the computing device.

<FIG> illustrates an example input device <NUM> in the form of an electronic pen and an example computing device <NUM> in the form of a tablet computer that include aspects of the present disclosure. In this example the input device <NUM> comprises an elongated tubular body <NUM> that can have any suitable cross section, such as circular, oblong or rectangular. As described in more detail below, the input device <NUM> includes a first input device magnet <NUM> and a second input device magnet <NUM> spaced from the first input device magnet along the body <NUM> of the input device. In this example the first input device magnet <NUM> and the second input device magnet <NUM> are both located inside and beneath the exterior surface of the body <NUM> such that they are not visible to a user.

In this example the input device <NUM> further includes an input device wireless charging coil <NUM> to receive and provide power to a power storage device in the input device. The input device wireless charging coil <NUM> is located inside and beneath the exterior surface of the body <NUM> such that it is not visible to a user. The input device wireless charging coil <NUM> is positioned between and colinear with the first computing device magnet <NUM> and the second computing device magnet <NUM>. A current can be induced in the input device wireless charging coil <NUM> by placing the coil near a corresponding charging coil. In the example of <FIG> and as described further below, the computing device <NUM> includes a computing device wireless charging coil <NUM> configured to induce current in the input device wireless charging coil <NUM> of the input device <NUM> when the input device is magnetically attached and positioned in a charging orientation on the computing device. When the input device <NUM> is in the charging orientation and attached to the two computing device magnets, the input device wireless charging coil <NUM> is aligned with and positioned close to the computing device wireless charging coil <NUM> as shown in examples below. The computing device wireless charging coil <NUM> is located inside the housing <NUM> such that it is not visible to a user.

The computing device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> that includes a first end <NUM> and an opposing second end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a display screen <NUM> that may utilize any suitable display technology and may have any suitable size and resolution. As examples, the display screen may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, plasma display, quantum dot display (QLED), e-ink/e-paper display, or other suitable display type.

As described in more detail below, the housing <NUM> includes a first computing device magnet <NUM> and a second computing device magnet <NUM> spaced from the first computing device magnet along a first side <NUM> of the housing. As described in more detail below, the housing <NUM> further includes a repelling magnet <NUM> along the first side <NUM> of the housing and located between the first end <NUM> of the housing and the second computing device magnet <NUM>.

A base portion <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the housing <NUM> at a hinge <NUM> adjacent to the second side <NUM> of the housing. In some examples the base portion <NUM> is removably coupled to the second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In this example the base portion <NUM> includes a trackpad <NUM> and a keyboard <NUM>. Additional details regarding the components and computing aspects of computing device <NUM> are described in more detail below with reference to the example computing system of <FIG>.

Components of computing device <NUM> may be composed or constructed from any suitable materials. As examples, the housing <NUM> and base portion <NUM> may be constructed from one or more suitable plastics, metal alloys (e.g., aluminum, magnesium), ceramics, etc. Suitable paints, coatings, or finishes may optionally be applied. For example, the base portion <NUM> may comprise or be covered in a natural or synthetic fabric.

It will be understood that computing device <NUM> and input device <NUM> as described herein are presented as nonlimiting examples for illustrative purposes. Other computing devices and input devices contemplated by this disclosure may have alternate shapes, sizes, dimensions, and form factors. For example, computing devices in which aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized or practiced may include any suitable collection of input/output devices and other hardware components. Additionally and as described further below, examples of computing devices according to the present disclosure may have different numbers of computing device magnets and repelling magnet(s), and such magnets may be positioned at a variety of locations on the computing device according to different design considerations. Other types of input devices in which aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized or practiced include wearable devices such as watches and glasses. Additionally, as used herein the term "magnet" includes a single magnet and assemblies or arrangements of magnets, such as a Halbach array. Also as used herein, the term "magnetic pole orientation" includes a single pair of magnetic poles and multiple pairs of magnetic poles that may be arranged in a pattern.

With reference now to <FIG>, the input device <NUM> and a portion of computing device <NUM> are shown. In this example, the first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> both have a first magnetic pole orientation in which the south pole of the magnet is positioned closer to the tip <NUM> of the input device than the north pole of the magnet. The first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> are colinear and arranged along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the input device <NUM>. In other examples, the magnetic pole orientation of the first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet is reversed, with the magnetic pole orientations of the computing device magnets and repelling magnet described below also reversed.

The first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the input device body <NUM> by a separation distance <NUM>. In various examples any suitable separation distance may be utilized. In one example where the overall length of the input device <NUM> is approximately <NUM>. , the separation distance is approximately <NUM>. In the present example the separation distance <NUM> is measured between the centers of the first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM>. In other examples the separation distance <NUM> may be measured between other corresponding locations on the magnets.

To magnetically attract the input device <NUM> to a desired location on the computing device <NUM>, in the computing device the first computing device magnet <NUM> and second computing device magnet <NUM> have a second magnetic pole orientation that is opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation of the first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> of the input device. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first computing device magnet <NUM> and second computing device magnet <NUM> both have a second magnetic pole orientation in which the north pole of the magnet is positioned closer to the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> than the south pole of the magnet. Additionally, the first computing device magnet <NUM> is spaced from the second computing device magnet <NUM> by the same separation distance <NUM> that separates the first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM>.

With this configuration, the input device <NUM> can be positioned in an attaching/charging orientation relative to the computing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, in which the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the input device is substantially parallel to the first side <NUM> of the computing device, and the tip <NUM> of the input device points toward the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly and with reference to <FIG>, as the input device <NUM> is moved closer to the computing device <NUM>, the magnetic fields of the first input device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> are attracted to the opposing magnetic fields of the first computing device magnet <NUM> and second computing device magnet <NUM>, and the input device is magnetically pulled and attached to the housing <NUM> at an attaching location <NUM> on the computing device as shown. Additionally, and in this example, when the input device <NUM> is secured to the computing device at the attaching location <NUM>, the input device charging coil <NUM> is aligned with and positioned directly adjacent to the computing device wireless charging coil <NUM> to enable efficient wireless charging of the input device. As shown in <FIG>, the computing device wireless charging coil <NUM> is positioned between and colinear with the first computing device magnet <NUM> and the second computing device magnet <NUM>.

As noted above, in some cases the input device can be positioned or moved such that just one magnet of the input device is proximate to and attracted by one magnet in the computing device, and the input device is offset from the attaching location <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows the input device <NUM> positioned such that the first input device magnet <NUM> is above and vertically aligned with the second computing device magnet <NUM>. In this and other similar scenarios, a single computing device magnet can attract a single input device magnet to pull the input device to an improper and undesirable location on the computing device. In such an offset location charging coils in the input device and computing device may not be aligned and wireless charging of the input device may not occur. However, the user may perceive the input device to be properly attached and may falsely believe the input device is securely attached and charging.

Accordingly, and in one potential advantage of the present disclosure, the computing device <NUM> includes at least one repelling magnet having the same first magnetic pole orientation as the input device magnets to repel the input device magnets of the input device in these situations. In the example of <FIG>, the computing device includes a single repelling magnet <NUM> along the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and located between the first end <NUM> of the housing and the second computing device magnet <NUM>. The repelling magnet <NUM> has a magnetic pole orientation opposite to the magnetic pole orientation of the first computing device magnet <NUM> and the second computing device magnet <NUM>. As shown in this example, the repelling magnet <NUM>, the first computing device magnet <NUM>, and the second computing device magnet <NUM> are colinear and arranged parallel to the first side of the computing device. Additionally, the repelling magnet <NUM> is spaced from the second computing device magnet <NUM> by the same separation distance <NUM>.

In this example the repelling magnet <NUM> is a single permanent magnet. In other examples and as described further below, the computing device <NUM> may include two or more repelling magnets at different locations in the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, with this configuration the input device <NUM> may be moved downwardly toward the computing device <NUM> such that first input device magnet <NUM> approaches the second computing device magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> approaches the repelling magnet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, while first input device magnet <NUM> and second computing device magnet <NUM> are attracted to one another, the repelling magnet <NUM> repels the second input device magnet <NUM> to prevent at least a portion of the input device from attaching to an improper location, such as the improper location <NUM> indicated in dotted lines.

Advantageously, by repelling the second input device magnet <NUM> as it is moved proximate to the repelling magnet <NUM>, this configuration prevents at least a portion of the input device <NUM> from attaching to the computing device <NUM> in an orientation that could be misperceived as a proper attaching location on the computing device. In this manner, and in another potential advantage of the present disclosure, the repellent magnetic fields of the second input device magnet <NUM> and repelling magnet <NUM> provide haptic feedback to the user's hand that clearly indicate improper placement of the input device <NUM> relative to the computing device <NUM>.

Additionally and as shown in <FIG>, even in situations where the input device <NUM> is magnetically held via attraction between the first input device magnet <NUM> and the second computing device magnet <NUM>, the input device body <NUM> and its longitudinal axis <NUM> are skewed at an angle relative to the first side <NUM> of the computing device, and are clearly offset relative to the proper positioning of the input device at the attaching location <NUM>. In this manner, this configuration also provides clear visual communication to the user that the input device <NUM> is not properly attached and should be moved and reattached in the proper location. Further, this configuration enables the computing device <NUM> to ensure proper and secure attachment of the input device <NUM> while also avoiding or making optional additional charging coils or undesirable markings or visual indicators on the housing <NUM> that show the proper attachment location for the input device.

With reference now to <FIG>, in another example the computing device <NUM> may utilize a repelling magnet <NUM> that is located along the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and on the other side of the two computing device magnets. In this example the repelling magnet <NUM> is located between the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the first computing device magnet <NUM>. In this example, neither the input device <NUM> nor the computing device <NUM> includes a wireless charging coil. Similar to the example described above, in this example the repelling magnet <NUM> is spaced from the nearest first computing device magnet <NUM> by the separation distance <NUM>.

Accordingly and with reference to <FIG>, with this configuration the input device <NUM> may be moved downwardly toward the computing device <NUM> such that first input device magnet <NUM> approaches the repelling magnet <NUM> and second input device magnet <NUM> approaches the first computing device magnet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, while the second input device magnet <NUM> and first computing device magnet <NUM> are attracted to one another, the repelling magnet <NUM> repels the first input device magnet <NUM> to prevent at least this portion of the input device from attaching to an improper location on the computing device <NUM>, such as the improper location <NUM> indicated in dotted lines.

Advantageously and similarly to the example described above, by repelling the first input device magnet <NUM> as it is moved proximate to the repelling magnet <NUM>, this configuration prevents at least a portion of the input device <NUM> from attaching to the computing device <NUM> in another orientation that could be misperceived as the proper attaching location on the computing device. In this manner and as noted above, the repellent magnetic fields of the first input device magnet <NUM> and repelling magnet <NUM> provide haptic feedback to the user holding the input device <NUM> that clearly indicates improper placement of the input device relative to the computing device <NUM>.

Additionally and as shown in <FIG>, even in situations where the input device <NUM> is magnetically held via attraction between the second input device magnet <NUM> and the first computing device magnet <NUM>, the input device body <NUM> and its longitudinal axis <NUM> are skewed at an angle relative to the first side <NUM> of the computing device, and are clearly offset relative to the proper positioning of the input device at the attaching location <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In this manner, this configuration also provides clear visual communication to the user that the input device <NUM> is not properly attached. Further and as noted above, this configuration enables the computing device <NUM> to ensure proper and secure attachment of the input device <NUM> while also avoiding or making optional the use of undesirable markings or visual indicators on the housing <NUM> that show the proper attachment location for the input device.

In other examples, the computing device may utilize a plurality of repelling magnets having the first magnetic pole orientation to repel the input device magnets of an input device. With reference now to <FIG>, in one example the computing device <NUM> may utilize two repelling magnets <NUM> located along the first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and on opposite sides of the two computing device magnets <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example a left side repelling magnet <NUM> is located between the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the first computing device magnet <NUM>, and a right side repelling magnet <NUM>' is located between the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the second computing device magnet <NUM>.

In this example the first computing device magnet <NUM>, the second computing device magnet <NUM>, the left side repelling magnet <NUM>, and the right side repelling magnet <NUM>' are colinear and arranged parallel to the first side <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>. As in the examples describe above, the left side repelling magnet <NUM> is spaced from the nearest first computing device magnet <NUM> by the separation distance <NUM>, and the right side repelling magnet <NUM>' is also spaced from the nearest second computing device magnet <NUM> by the separation distance <NUM>.

Accordingly and with reference to <FIG>, with this configuration at least a portion of the input device <NUM> is prevented from attaching to improper locations on either side of the two computing device magnets <NUM>, <NUM> as described above. Further, this configuration causes the input device body <NUM> and its longitudinal axis <NUM> to be clearly skewed relative to the first side <NUM> of the computing device when the input device <NUM> is attracted to just one of the first computing device magnet <NUM> or the second computing device magnet <NUM>. In this manner and in both situations, this configuration provides clear visual communication to the user that the input device <NUM> is not properly positioned. Further and as with the examples described above, this configuration enables the computing device <NUM> to ensure proper and secure attachment of an input device while also avoiding or making optional the use of additional charging coils or undesirable markings or visual indicators on the housing <NUM> that show the proper attachment location for the input device <NUM>.

In any of the example configurations of computing device <NUM> and input device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described above, the input device is also prevented from attaching to improper locations on either side of the two computing device magnets <NUM>, <NUM> when the input device faces the opposite direction such that tip <NUM> faces the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, and with reference to <FIG>, in this configuration first computing device magnet <NUM> repels first input device magnet <NUM>. Similarly, and as shown in <FIG>, in this configuration second computing device magnet <NUM> repels the second input device magnet <NUM>.

In other examples, the computing device <NUM> may utilize two computing device magnets having opposite magnetic pole orientations and at least one repelling magnet having either of the magnetic pole orientations to repel an input device magnet of an input device. With reference now to <FIG>, in one example the computing device <NUM> utilizes a first computing device magnet <NUM> having a first magnetic pole orientation and second computing device magnet <NUM> having a second magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation. The input device <NUM> likewise utilizes a first input device magnet <NUM> having the second magnetic pole orientation and second input device magnet <NUM> having the first magnetic pole orientation.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, this configuration enables the input device <NUM> to be securely attached to the proper attaching and charging location on the computing device <NUM> whether the tip <NUM> of the input device points toward the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Additionally, in this example the left side repelling magnet <NUM> has the second magnetic pole orientation (matching the second computing device magnet <NUM>) and the right side repelling magnet <NUM>' has the first magnetic pole orientation (matching the first computing device magnet <NUM>). With this configuration and as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, both first and second input device magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are repelled by a repelling magnet <NUM>/<NUM>' and by a computing device magnet <NUM>/<NUM> when the input device is offset from its proper location.

In this manner, this configuration also prevents the input device <NUM> from attaching to improper locations on either side of the two computing device magnets <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, with this configuration neither of the input device magnets <NUM>, <NUM> are attracted to a computing device magnet <NUM>, <NUM> when the input device offset from its proper location as shown. In this manner, both a computing device magnet <NUM>/<NUM> and a repelling magnet <NUM>/<NUM>' provide haptic feedback to signal the user that the input device <NUM> is not located properly located.

In any of the examples described above, all of the computing device magnets and repelling device magnets can be rotated <NUM> degrees about an axis perpendicular to the first side <NUM> of the computing device <NUM>, and both of the input device magnets <NUM>, <NUM> can be rotated in the same direction about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the input device to correspondingly rotate the magnetic fields emitted by these magnets. With all magnets rotated in this manner, the functionality and technical effects described above are equally realized in these configurations.

For example and with reference to <FIG>, in this example each of the magnets of the computing device <NUM> and input device <NUM> are rotated <NUM> degrees about the z-axis with respect to the configuration shown in <FIG>. In the example of <FIG> and like the configuration of <FIG>, at least a portion of the input device <NUM> is prevented from attaching to improper locations on either side of the two computing device magnets <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, this configuration causes the input device body <NUM> and its longitudinal axis <NUM> to be clearly skewed relative to the first side <NUM> of the computing device when the input device <NUM> is attracted to just one of the first computing device magnet <NUM> or the second computing device magnet <NUM>. In this manner, this configuration also provides clear visual communication to the user that the input device <NUM> is not properly positioned. Further and as with the examples described above, this configuration enables the computing device <NUM> to ensure proper and secure attachment of an input device while also avoiding or making optional the use of additional charging coils or undesirable markings or visual indicators on the housing <NUM> that show the proper attachment location for the input device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for preventing at least a portion of an input device from attaching to an improper location on a computing device. Method <NUM> may be implemented using the example configurations of computing device <NUM> and input device <NUM> as described above and other configurations as contemplated by the present disclosure. The following description of method <NUM> is provided with reference to the components described herein and shown in <FIG>.

It will be appreciated that the following description of method <NUM> is provided by way of example and is not meant to be limiting. Therefore, it is to be understood that method <NUM> may include additional and/or alternative steps relative to those illustrated in <FIG>. Further, it is to be understood that the steps of method <NUM> may be performed in any suitable order. Further still, it is to be understood that one or more steps may be omitted from method <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It will also be appreciated that method <NUM> also may be performed in other contexts using other suitable components.

At <NUM> method <NUM> includes providing a computing device comprising: a housing comprising a first side and a first end adjacent to the first side; a first computing device magnet along the first side of the housing, the first computing device magnet having a second magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation; a second computing device magnet along the first side of the housing and spaced by the separation distance from the first computing device magnet, the second computing device magnet having the second magnetic pole orientation; and at least one repelling magnet along the first side of the housing and located between the first end of the housing and the second computing device magnet, wherein the repelling magnet has the first magnetic pole orientation.

At <NUM> method <NUM> includes causing the repelling magnet to repel the second input device magnet of the input device when the second input device magnet is moved proximate to the at least one repelling magnet. This is illustrated for example in <FIG> and <FIG>, in which a repelling magnet <NUM>/<NUM>' repels the second input device magnet <NUM> of the input device <NUM> when the second input device magnet is moved proximate to the repelling magnet <NUM>/<NUM>'.

In each of the above-described examples and configurations, where one magnet (e.g., magnet A) is described as having a "first" magnetic pole orientation and another magnet (e.g., magnet B) is described as having a "second" magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation, any suitable magnetic pole orientations may be utilized for magnets A and B provided they are opposite to one another.

<FIG> schematically shows a non-limiting embodiment of a computing system <NUM> shown in simplified form. Computing system <NUM> may take the form of one or more personal computers, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one displays, home-entertainment computers, gaming devices or consoles, mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices (e.g., smart phones), and/or other computing devices. In the above examples, computing device <NUM> may comprise computing system <NUM> or one or more aspects of computing system <NUM>.

Computing system <NUM> includes a logic processor <NUM>, volatile memory <NUM>, and a non-volatile storage device <NUM>.

For example, the logic processor may be configured to execute instructions that are part of one or more applications, services, programs, routines, libraries, objects, components, data structures, or other logical constructs.

The logic processor <NUM> may include one or more physical processors (hardware) configured to execute software instructions.

When included, input subsystem <NUM> may comprise or interface with one or more user-input devices such as a touchpad, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, or game controller.

The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application. One aspect provides a computing device configured to prevent attachment of at least a portion of an input device at an improper location on the computing device, the computing device comprising: a housing comprising a first side and a first end adjacent to the first side, the housing comprising a first computing device magnet and a second computing device magnet, each of the first computing device magnet and the second computing device magnet being disposed along the first side of the housing and spaced apart by a separation distance, at least one of the first computing device magnet and the second computing device magnet having a first magnetic pole orientation opposite to a second magnetic pole orientation; and at least one repelling magnet disposed along the first side of the housing and located between the first end of the housing and the second computing device magnet, wherein the at least one repelling magnet has the second magnetic pole orientation.

The computing device may additionally include, wherein the first computing device magnet has the first magnetic pole orientation and the second computing device magnet has the second magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation. The computing device may additionally include, wherein each of the first computing device magnet and the second computing device magnet having the first magnetic pole orientation opposite to the second magnetic pole orientation. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the at least one repelling magnet is spaced from the second computing device magnet by the separation distance. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the computing device further comprises a computing device wireless charging coil equidistant between and colinear with the first computing device magnet and the second computing device magnet.

The computing device may additionally include, wherein the at least one repelling magnet is a single repelling magnet. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the first computing device magnet, the second computing device magnet, and the at least one repelling magnet are colinear and arranged parallel to the first side of the computing device. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the computing device further comprises a plurality of repelling magnets along the first side of the housing and having the second magnetic pole orientation. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the housing comprises a second end opposite to the first end, the at least one repelling magnet is a first repelling magnet, the computing device further comprising a second repelling magnet along the first side of the housing and located between the second end of the housing and the first computing device magnet, wherein the second repelling magnet has the first magnetic pole orientation.

The computing device may additionally include, wherein the second repelling magnet is spaced from the first computing device magnet by the separation distance. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the first computing device magnet, the second computing device magnet, the first repelling magnet, and the second repelling magnet are colinear and arranged parallel to the first side of the computing device. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the housing comprises a second end opposite to the first end, the at least one repelling magnet is a first repelling magnet, the computing device further comprising a second repelling magnet along the first side of the housing and located between the second end of the housing and the first computing device magnet, wherein the second repelling magnet has the second magnetic pole orientation.

The computing device may additionally include, wherein the second repelling magnet is spaced from the first computing device magnet by the separation distance. The computing device may additionally include, wherein the first computing device magnet, the second computing device magnet, the first repelling magnet, and the second repelling magnet are colinear and arranged parallel to the first side of the computing device.

Another aspect provides a computing system comprising the computing device as described herein, the system further comprising the input device comprising: an elongated tubular body comprising a first input device magnet and a second input device magnet, the second input device magnet being spaced, by the separation distance, away from the first input device magnet, at least one of the first input device magnet and the second input device magnet having the second magnetic pole orientation to repel the at least one repelling magnet of the computing device. The computing system may additionally include, wherein the first input device magnet and the second input device magnet are colinear. The computing system may additionally include, wherein each of the first input device magnet and the second input device magnet has the second magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation. The computing system may additionally include, wherein the first input device magnet has the first magnetic pole orientation and the second input device magnet has the second magnetic pole orientation opposite to the first magnetic pole orientation. The computing system may additionally include, wherein the input device is an electronic pen.

Another aspect provides a method at a computing device for preventing at least a portion of an input device from attaching to an improper location on the computing device, as defined in claim <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A computing device (<NUM>) configured to prevent attachment of at least a portion of an input device (<NUM>) at an improper location on the computing device, the computing device comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a first side (<NUM>) and a first end (<NUM>) adjacent to the first side (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) comprising a first computing device magnet (<NUM>) and a second computing device magnet (<NUM>), each of the first computing device magnet (<NUM>) and the second computing device magnet (<NUM>) being disposed along the first side (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and spaced apart by a separation distance (<NUM>), at least one of the first computing device magnet (<NUM>) and the second computing device magnet (<NUM>) having a first magnetic pole orientation opposite to a second magnetic pole orientation; and characterised by
at least one repelling magnet (<NUM>) disposed along the first side (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and located between the first end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and the second computing device magnet (<NUM>), wherein the at least one repelling magnet (<NUM>) has the second magnetic pole orientation.