A linear actuator comprising a mass movably mounted in a linear displacement path, the mass having a magnetic segment, a drive force generator configured to selectively impart acceleration to the mass in the orientation of the linear displacement path, and a reactive force path generating a return force when the mass is displaced from a rest position. The return force being in the orientation of the linear displacement path and towards the rest position, the amplitude of the return force varying as a function of the position of the mass in the linear displacement path in accordance with a force response curve, the reactive force path including a permanent magnet force element disposed transversally adjacent to the linear displacement path and magnetically coupled with the magnetic segment.
H02K 33/00 - Moteurs avec un aimant, un induit ou un système de bobines à mouvement alternatif, oscillant ou vibrant
B06B 1/04 - Procédés ou appareils pour produire des vibrations mécaniques de fréquence infrasonore, sonore ou ultrasonore utilisant l'énergie électrique fonctionnant par électromagnétisme
2.
FACILITATING INVOCATION OF A SERVICE HOSTED AT A PROXIMATE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FROM A MOBILE SOFTWARE APPLICATION
A mobile device comprises: a wireless transceiver; at least one processor; and memory storing instructions that facilitate invocation, from a mobile software application, of a service hosted at proximate electronic device, regardless of whether the mobile software application has any information regarding the existence of the proximate electronic device, by: receiving, from the mobile software application: a service payload; an indication of a requested service; and a target location descriptor describing a current location of the mobile device; using a dynamically updated repository of information regarding currently proximate electronic devices, converting the target location descriptor to device-specific addressing information for communicating, via the medium-range or shorter wireless communication modality, with the proximate electronic device; and using the device-specific addressing information, dispatching to the proximate electronic device, via the wireless transceiver and using the medium-range or shorter wireless communication modality, a request to perform the requested service upon the service payload.
H04W 4/80 - Services utilisant la communication de courte portée, p.ex. la communication en champ proche, l'identification par radiofréquence ou la communication à faible consommation d’énergie
H04W 4/02 - Services utilisant des informations de localisation
3.
FACILITATING MOBILE DEVICE LOCATION VIA BEACONING OF LOCATION DESCRIPTORS USING MULTIPLE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION MODALITIES
In an aspect, a mobile device includes a receiver for receiving wireless communication via at least one medium-range or shorter wireless communication modality. The receiver receives a plurality of location descriptor broadcasts from a respective plurality of beacon devices. For each unique location descriptor and for each modality by which it was received: a number of beacon devices broadcasting that descriptor via that modality is tallied; a modality-specific relevancy value indicative of a likelihood of mobile device presence at the described location is computed based on the tally; and a weighting factor associated with the modality is applied to the value. Using the resultant one or more weighted modality-specific relevancy values, a modality-independent relevancy value indicative of a likelihood of presence at the described location is computed. Based on the modality-independent relevancy value for each location, an indicator of a current location of the mobile device is automatically set.
G01S 5/00 - Localisation par coordination de plusieurs déterminations de direction ou de ligne de position; Localisation par coordination de plusieurs déterminations de distance
H04W 64/00 - Localisation d'utilisateurs ou de terminaux pour la gestion du réseau, p.ex. gestion de la mobilité
H04W 84/10 - Réseaux à petite échelle; Réseaux faiblement hiérarchisés
4.
Adaptors for adapting an electronic device to a modular electronic device system
There is provided an adapter for adapting an electronic device to a modular electronic device system. The adapter generally has a housing having two lateral edges, a cavity between the lateral edges and being adapted to receive the electronic device, each of the two lateral edges of the housing having at least one magnetic coupler electrically connectable with at least one magnetic coupler of the modular electronic device system by magnetically engaging the at least one magnetic coupler of the adapter with the at least one magnetic coupler of the modular electronic device system, and an internal electric conductor network electrically connected to the magnetic couplers of the adapter and electrically connected to an internal connector which is electrically connectable to the electronic device when received in the cavity of the housing.
A connector for an electronic device has a housing with a peripheral surface and guides defining first and second paths. The second path extends from a first location proximate the peripheral surface to a second location farther from the peripheral surface and closer to the first path. A magnetic contact assembly in the housing is magnetically movable along the first path between a first position for joining the connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from the peripheral surface. A magnet in the housing and is movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along the second path, to magnetically hold the connector to an adjacent connector. The guides are configured so that the magnet and the magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another inwardly along the first and second paths.
H01R 27/00 - Pièces de couplage adaptées à la coopération avec plusieurs pièces complémentaires dissemblables
H01R 9/05 - Dispositifs de connexion conçus pour assurer le contact avec plusieurs des conducteurs d'un câble multiconducteur pour câbles coaxiaux
H01R 13/62 - Moyens pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage ou pour les maintenir engagées
H01R 43/16 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication, l'assemblage, l'entretien ou la réparation de connecteurs de lignes ou de collecteurs de courant ou pour relier les conducteurs électriques pour la fabrication des pièces de contact, p.ex. par découpage et pliage
G06F 1/16 - TRAITEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE DE DONNÉES NUMÉRIQUES - Détails non couverts par les groupes et - Détails ou dispositions de structure
H01R 11/30 - Pièces d'extrémité maintenues en contact par un aimant
H04M 1/02 - Caractéristiques de structure des appareils téléphoniques
A system comprises: a first electronic device; a mobile electronic device operable to detect a proximity of the first electronic device; a data store containing an inventory of electronic devices associated with a user including the first electronic device and a second electronic device; and a processor in communication with the data store. The processor is operable to: receive an indication, from the mobile electronic device, of the proximity of the mobile electronic device with the first electronic device; responsive to the receiving, process the inventory to identify a hybrid electronic device constructible, from the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the mobile electronic device, by magnetically inter-attaching at least two of the devices using magnetic connectors in the respective devices; and send a user notification indicative of the hybrid electronic device. The user notification may be sent for display at the mobile electronic device.
G08B 1/08 - Systèmes de signalisation caractérisés seulement par la forme de transmission du signal utilisant une transmission électrique
H04W 4/12 - Messagerie; Boîtes aux lettres; Annonces
H04W 76/14 - Gestion de la connexion Établissement de la connexion Établissement de la connexion en mode direct
H04W 4/80 - Services utilisant la communication de courte portée, p.ex. la communication en champ proche, l'identification par radiofréquence ou la communication à faible consommation d’énergie
H04L 29/08 - Procédure de commande de la transmission, p.ex. procédure de commande du niveau de la liaison
H01R 13/62 - Moyens pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage ou pour les maintenir engagées
H04M 1/02 - Caractéristiques de structure des appareils téléphoniques
A method to expedite wireless access, from a mobile device, to exposed services at proximate electronic devices comprises: based on a location descriptor indicative of a current location of a mobile device, identifying a set of proximate electronic devices at the location; for each of the proximate electronic devices in the set, further identifying: a set of exposed services provided at the proximate electronic device; a set of medium-range or shorter wireless communication modalities of the proximate electronic device; and for each of the modalities, addressing information for establishing a wireless communication session with the proximate electronic device; storing, at the mobile device, the addressing information for each of the wireless communication modalities of each of the proximate electronic devices; and upon subsequent invocation, at the mobile device, using the pre-emptively stored addressing information to automatically establish a wireless communication session, in the associated wireless communication modality, with the proximate electronic device providing the exposed service.
H04W 4/02 - Services utilisant des informations de localisation
H04W 4/80 - Services utilisant la communication de courte portée, p.ex. la communication en champ proche, l'identification par radiofréquence ou la communication à faible consommation d’énergie
8.
POWERED WALL MOUNT FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
A powered wall mount includes a cover plate and a mount head in electrical communication with one another. The cover plate is configured to cover an electrical outlet in a wall without blocking any sockets. The cover plate includes a pair of resilient contacts that resiliently contact respective terminals of a pair of terminals of the electrical outlet upon mating of the cover plate with the electrical outlet. The mount head, which may be attached to the wall near the electrical outlet, includes a device mounting surface, at least one connector configured to hold a portable electronic device at the device mounting surface, and a power transfer mechanism configured to transfer power to the device when held at the device mounting surface. The connector(s) may be magnetic. Conveniently, the device may be attached to the mount head, used indefinitely while drawing power as needed, and then detached.
H02J 50/10 - Circuits ou systèmes pour l'alimentation ou la distribution sans fil d'énergie électrique utilisant un couplage inductif
H02J 7/02 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries pour la charge des batteries par réseaux à courant alternatif au moyen de convertisseurs
H02M 7/04 - Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant alternatif en une puissance de sortie en courant continu sans possibilité de réversibilité par convertisseurs statiques
A portion of a complete image is displayed on a mobile device, which includes a display, a processor and may include connectors at defined locations for interconnecting with other devices. The method includes determining a geometry of a composite device including a display, for display of the complete image, based on a spatial location of other device displays relative to the mobile device display, for example, based on the location of the connectors. Bounding coordinates of the mobile device display are determined within the composite display, based on the composite display geometry. The portion of the complete image is determined from the composite display geometry, the bounding coordinates, and the complete image dimensions. The complete image is generated contemporaneously with each of the other devices generating the complete image, and the portion of the complete image is displayed on the mobile device display.
G09G 5/12 - Synchronisation entre l'unité d'affichage et d'autres unités, p.ex. d'autres unités d'affichage, des lecteurs de disques vidéo
G06F 3/14 - Sortie numérique vers un dispositif de visualisation
G10L 19/008 - Codage ou décodage du signal audio multi-canal utilisant la corrélation inter-canaux pour réduire la redondance, p.ex. stéréo combinée, codage d’intensité ou matriçage
There is described a method of operating an electronic device having a housing and a user interface mounted to the housing. The user interface includes force sensor(s) on an edge of the housing and a display screen. The method includes displaying, on the display screen, a graphical element having an edge portion; receiving an input from the force sensor(s) on the edge, the input being a measured value of a force applied on the force sensor(s); and in response to said input received, modifying the graphical element on the display screen in a manner to move, to a destination position, the edge portion depending on a direction of movement of the edge portion, the destination position of the edge portion depending on an amplitude of the measured value.
G06F 3/0481 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] fondées sur des propriétés spécifiques de l’objet d’interaction affiché ou sur un environnement basé sur les métaphores, p.ex. interaction avec des éléments du bureau telles les fenêtres ou les icônes, ou avec l’aide d’un curseur changeant de comport
G06F 3/0488 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] utilisant des caractéristiques spécifiques fournies par le périphérique d’entrée, p.ex. des fonctions commandées par la rotation d’une souris à deux capteurs, ou par la nature du périphérique d’entrée, p.ex. des gestes en fonction de la pression exer utilisant un écran tactile ou une tablette numérique, p.ex. entrée de commandes par des tracés gestuels
A device may comprise a housing having a straight rounded edge. A self-aligning connector at the straight rounded edge may comprise a cylindrical magnet oriented with its axis substantially parallel to the straight rounded edge. The cylindrical magnet is for magnetically engaging a magnet of another connector so as to align and connect the self-aligning connector with the other connector. The self-aligning connector may comprise mounting structure configured to mount the cylindrical magnet at the straight rounded edge of the housing with the axis of the cylindrical magnet being substantially parallel to the straight rounded edge of the housing. The device may include two such self-aligning connectors, spaced apart from one another, along a single straight rounded edge of the device housing.
A powered wall mount includes a cover plate and a mount head in electrical communication with one another. The cover plate is configured to cover an electrical outlet in a wall without blocking any sockets. The cover plate includes a pair of resilient contacts that resiliently contact respective terminals of a pair of terminals of the electrical outlet upon mating of the cover plate with the electrical outlet. The mount head, which may be attached to the wall near the electrical outlet, includes a device mounting surface, at least one connector configured to hold a portable electronic device at the device mounting surface, and a power transfer mechanism configured to transfer power to the device when held at the device mounting surface. The connector(s) may be magnetic. Conveniently, the device may be attached to the mount head, used indefinitely while drawing power as needed, and then detached.
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and processes for provisioning access to resources of electronic devices. The systems and processes can involve a centralized authority connected to a first device which is in turn connected to a second device. The first device transmits an access request to the centralized authority. The access request requests access by the first device to the one or more resources of the second device using a connection link between the first device and the second device. The centralized authority is configured to process the access request by verifying the access request against access right records. The centralized authority is configured to generate a response to the access request that includes instructions to instruct the second device to allow the first device to access the one or more resources using the connection link. The response is encoded to be not readable by the first device and readable by the second device.
H04L 9/32 - Dispositions pour les communications secrètes ou protégées; Protocoles réseaux de sécurité comprenant des moyens pour vérifier l'identité ou l'autorisation d'un utilisateur du système
H04L 9/30 - Clé publique, c. à d. l'algorithme de chiffrement étant impossible à inverser par ordinateur et les clés de chiffrement des utilisateurs n'exigeant pas le secret
14.
SPLIT-CORE TRANSFORMER WITH ARTICULATNG CORE SEGMENTS AND DEVICES
An electronic device comprised of a casing, having a lengthwise extending edge having a rounded outer surface; a split-core transformer segment comprising a connection face for interconnecting with a complementary split-core transformer segment to establish a magnetic circuit to transfer electric energy from or to said electronic device. The split core transformer segment is disposed within the casing along the edge, wherein the connection face is rounded and conforms in shape to the rounded outer surface of the casing. This allows the split-core transformer segment to maintain the magnetic circuit as the electronic device is articulated about the edge.
The tactile feedback actuator generally has a stopper, a damper, a hammer path between the stopper and the damper, a coil element fixedly mounted relative to the hammer path, and a magnetic hammer guidingly mounted for movement along the hammer path. The magnetic hammer has two opposite ends. Each end of the magnetic hammer has a corresponding permanent magnet. The two permanent magnets have opposing polarities. The magnetic hammer is electromagnetically engageable by a magnetic field emitted upon activation of the coil element so as to be longitudinally slid along the hammer path in any one of two opposite directions depending on a polarity of activation of the coil element. The stopper has a striking surface adapted for stopping the magnetic hammer, and the damper is adapted for decelerating the magnetic hammer as the magnetic hammer is longitudinally slid towards the damper.
G06F 1/16 - TRAITEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE DE DONNÉES NUMÉRIQUES - Détails non couverts par les groupes et - Détails ou dispositions de structure
G06F 3/01 - Dispositions d'entrée ou dispositions d'entrée et de sortie combinées pour l'interaction entre l'utilisateur et le calculateur
H01F 7/124 - Guidage ou positionnement d'armatures, p.ex. maintien des armatures dans leur position extrême au moyen d'un verrou mécanique, p.ex. détente
A method of locating interoperable devices at a location, comprising receiving from a guest device at the location a query over a network to a location server. The query includes an indicator of location of the guest device, and an identifier of the guest device. The method includes querying a data store, to identify a set of proximate interoperable devices at the location, using the indicator of location; identifying permitted proximate interoperable devices from the set of proximate interoperable devices, for which contact permission by the guest device has been granted; and dispatching a message over the network to each of the permitted proximate interoperable device causing them to emit a beacon signal, that is audible or visible at the location.
A device may comprise a housing having a straight rounded edge. A self-aligning connector at the straight rounded edge may comprise a cylindrical magnet oriented with its axis substantially parallel to the straight rounded edge. The cylindrical magnet is for magnetically engaging a magnet of another connector so as to align and connect the self-aligning connector with the other connector. The self-aligning connector may comprise mounting structure configured to mount the cylindrical magnet at the straight rounded edge of the housing with the axis of the cylindrical magnet being substantially parallel to the straight rounded edge of the housing. The device may include two such self-aligning connectors, spaced apart from one another, along a single straight rounded edge of the device housing.
There is disclosed a method of operating an electronic device having a housing with a user interface. The user interface includes tactile sensors and an indicator subsystem. The tactile sensors include a first tactile sensor on a first edge of the housing and a second tactile sensor on a second edge of the housing. The method includes receiving a first input from the first tactile sensor of the first edge and receiving a second input from the second tactile sensor of the second edge in a manner that the first input and the second input overlapping in time with one another for an overlapping duration; and generating feedback for at least part of the overlapping duration via the indicator subsystem based on the first and second inputs received from the first and second tactile sensors.
An electronic device has an anchor assembly is movably mounted inside the device housing. The anchor assembly has a magnet portion and a ferromagnetic portion, and has a magnetic field that is stronger proximate the magnet portion than the ferromagnetic portion. The anchor assembly rotates between first and second positions, with the magnet portion facing an edge of the device housing for forming a connection with another device, and with the magnet portion facing away from the edge of the housing, respectively. A biasing member biases the connector to the second position by magnetic attraction.
A mobile device includes a plurality of connectors each for interconnecting the device with at least one of a plurality of other devices. Each of the plurality of connectors is located in a defined location on the mobile device. Memory in the device stores a data store that indicates connectivity information for each other device interconnected to the mobile device, including a relative spatial location of each of these other devices relative to the mobile device, based on the defined location of each of the plurality of connectors. The memory further stores processor executable instructions that identify an event for cross-device interaction with another device, and in response verify from the data store that the other device is in an expected relative spatial location to the mobile device.
There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.
H01R 13/60 - Moyens pour supporter les pièces de couplage non engagées
H01R 13/62 - Moyens pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage ou pour les maintenir engagées
H01R 11/30 - Pièces d'extrémité maintenues en contact par un aimant
H01R 13/22 - Contacts pour coopération par aboutage
H01R 43/26 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication, l'assemblage, l'entretien ou la réparation de connecteurs de lignes ou de collecteurs de courant ou pour relier les conducteurs électriques pour engager ou séparer les deux pièces d'un dispositif de couplage
H04B 5/00 - Systèmes de transmission à induction directe, p.ex. du type à boucle inductive
H01R 24/66 - Dispositifs de couplage en deux pièces, ou l'une des pièces qui coopèrent dans ces dispositifs, caractérisés par leur structure générale avec des broches, des lames ou des contacts analogues, assujettis à l'appareil ou à la structure, p.ex. à une paroi
H01R 43/20 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication, l'assemblage, l'entretien ou la réparation de connecteurs de lignes ou de collecteurs de courant ou pour relier les conducteurs électriques pour assembler les pièces de contact avec le socle isolant, le boîtier ou le manchon ou pour les en désassembler
An electronic device includes a touch sensitive display and a processor in communication with the touch sensitive display. The device detects that a second electronic device is in a defined position proximate the electronic device and detects a touch gesture including a swipe tracing a path across the touch sensitive display between a first position proximate the second electronic device and a second position away from the second electronic device. In response to the detection of the touch gesture, regions of the displayed user interface are updated to include visual attributes of a user interface of the second electronic device.
G06F 3/0488 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] utilisant des caractéristiques spécifiques fournies par le périphérique d’entrée, p.ex. des fonctions commandées par la rotation d’une souris à deux capteurs, ou par la nature du périphérique d’entrée, p.ex. des gestes en fonction de la pression exer utilisant un écran tactile ou une tablette numérique, p.ex. entrée de commandes par des tracés gestuels
G06F 3/0481 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] fondées sur des propriétés spécifiques de l’objet d’interaction affiché ou sur un environnement basé sur les métaphores, p.ex. interaction avec des éléments du bureau telles les fenêtres ou les icônes, ou avec l’aide d’un curseur changeant de comport
23.
TACTILE FEEDBACK BY A LONGITUDINALLY MOVED MAGNETIC HAMMER
The electronic device generally has a housing; a tactile input interface mounted to the housing; a tactile feedback actuator having a hammer path having two ends, with at least one of said two ends end being provided in the form of a stopper and a coil element fixed relative to the housing, and a magnetic hammer movable between the ends of the hammer path, the magnetic hammer having two opposite ends, each end of the magnetic hammer having a corresponding permanent magnet, the two permanent magnets having opposing polarities, the magnetic hammer being electromagnetically engageable by a magnetic field emitted upon activation of the coil element so as to be longitudinally moved along the hammer path to strike the stopper; and a controller housed within the housing and in communication with the tactile input interface and the tactile feedback actuator.
A mobile device having a plurality of connectors each for interconnecting with another device of a plurality of other devices, each of the plurality of connectors located in a defined relative physical location on the mobile device and each of the plurality of connectors configured to provide an indication of when a connection to one of the other devices is made or lost. The mobile device further includes a processor and a memory such that the memory stores instructions that cause the processor to: maintain a data store that indicates connectivity information for each of the other devices that are interconnected to the mobile device. The processor is further configured to determine a relative spatial location of each of the other interconnected devices relative to the mobile device based on the relative physical location of the plurality of connectors and the connectivity information; and update the data store to reflect when connection to one of the other devices by way of one of the plurality of connectors is made or lost.
A first electronic device comprising a plurality of connectors is disclosed. The device detects that at least one connector of a second electronic device has been connected to at least one of its connectors of the first electronic device. The first device determines that the second electronic device is in an identified position proximate the first electronic device, the identified position being one of a plurality of possible positions for connecting with the first electronic device, the possible positions being defined by the plurality of connectors of the first device. The first electronic device detects a gesture on its sensing surface. The gesture includes a swipe between a first position proximate the second electronic device and a second position, and is detected to extend across a confirmation boundary on the sensing surface. In response to detecting the swipe extending across the confirmation boundary, an indication confirming an inferred gesture across the first and second device is provided.
G06F 3/0488 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] utilisant des caractéristiques spécifiques fournies par le périphérique d’entrée, p.ex. des fonctions commandées par la rotation d’une souris à deux capteurs, ou par la nature du périphérique d’entrée, p.ex. des gestes en fonction de la pression exer utilisant un écran tactile ou une tablette numérique, p.ex. entrée de commandes par des tracés gestuels
G06F 3/00 - Dispositions d'entrée pour le transfert de données destinées à être traitées sous une forme maniable par le calculateur; Dispositions de sortie pour le transfert de données de l'unité de traitement à l'unité de sortie, p.ex. dispositions d'interface
G06F 3/14 - Sortie numérique vers un dispositif de visualisation
A device is magnetically interconnectable to another device by way of a magnetic connector. Within a cavity of the magnetic connector, a magnet is movable between a first and second position. An external magnet in the other device may urge the magnet into the first position in the cavity. A magnetic stop within the device magnetically attracts the magnet towards the second position in the cavity. A sensor detects the magnet in one of the first position and second position. The position of the magnet may be used to determine whether devices are connected or disconnected from each other.
H05K 7/16 - Montage de la structure de support dans l'enveloppe, sur cadre ou sur bâti sur charnières ou sur pivots
G01V 3/08 - Prospection ou détection électrique ou magnétique; Mesure des caractéristiques du champ magnétique de la terre, p.ex. de la déclinaison ou de la déviation fonctionnant au moyen de champs magnétiques ou électriques produits ou modifiés par les objets ou les structures géologiques, ou par les dispositifs de détection
G01R 33/07 - Mesure de la direction ou de l'intensité de champs magnétiques ou de flux magnétiques en utilisant des dispositifs galvano-magnétiques des dispositifs à effet Hall
27.
INTERCONNECTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH MAGNETIC RAIL
An electronic device includes a plurality of magnetic guide rails proximate its surface. The electronic device may be interconnected to a second electronic device in a configuration in which the second electronic device is located at a pre-defined position relative to the electronic device. The plurality of magnetic guide rails in the electronic device interact with at least one magnetic element on the second electronic device to magnetically guide relative movement of the two electronic devices. As one electronic device is urged along a surface of the other toward the pre-defined position, the electronic devices are positioned in the configuration of the pre-defined position.
H05K 7/16 - Montage de la structure de support dans l'enveloppe, sur cadre ou sur bâti sur charnières ou sur pivots
G06F 1/16 - TRAITEMENT ÉLECTRIQUE DE DONNÉES NUMÉRIQUES - Détails non couverts par les groupes et - Détails ou dispositions de structure
H01R 13/631 - Moyens additionnels pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage, p.ex. moyens pour aligner ou guider, leviers, pression de gaz pour l'engagement uniquement
28.
PIVOTALLY ENGAGEABLE MODULAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATION
The modular electronic device is generally configured for coupling with at least one other modular electronic device of a modular electronic device system wherein the modular electronic devices of the modular electronic device system. Each modular electronic device has a housing with lateral edges having at least one magnetic coupler. Any two of the modular electronic devices are coupleable to one another by engaging corresponding magnetic couplers of the two modular electronic devices with one another, the coupled modular electronic devices being pivotable relative to one another. The modular electronic device further comprises a processor configured for receiving a measurement of the relative pivot angle between the modular electronic device and another modular electronic device coupled thereto, and selecting a software function based on the measurement of the relative pivot angle.
An electronic device having a plurality of connectors, each of the connectors connectable to another electronic device for communication therewith, may selectively effect data communication in different ways over one or more connectors depending upon the number of connectors in a connected state. In one example, a number of connectors that are in a connected state may be dynamically determined. Based on the dynamically determined number of connected connectors, one of a plurality of protocols may be dynamically selected. Data communication may be performed over the dynamically determined number of connected connectors using the dynamically selected protocol. The protocols may be USB compatible protocols. Associated methods and protocol selectors may also be provided. In another example, each connector provides a number of signal contacts, and the dynamic selection selects the highest data signaling rate that can be effected over the number of signal contacts collectively provided by the connected connector(s).
There is provided an adapter for adapting an electronic device to a modular electronic device system. The adapter generally has a housing having two lateral edges, a cavity between the lateral edges and being adapted to receive the electronic device, each of the two lateral edges of the housing having at least one magnetic coupler electrically connectable with at least one magnetic coupler of the modular electronic device system by magnetically engaging the at least one magnetic coupler of the adapter with the at least one magnetic coupler of the modular electronic device system, and an internal electric conductor network electrically connected to the magnetic couplers of the adapter and electrically connected to an internal connector which is electrically connectable to the electronic device when received in the cavity of the housing.
H01R 31/06 - Pièces intermédiaires pour joindre deux pièces de couplage, p.ex. adaptateur
H01R 13/631 - Moyens additionnels pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage, p.ex. moyens pour aligner ou guider, leviers, pression de gaz pour l'engagement uniquement
H05K 7/00 - CIRCUITS IMPRIMÉS; ENVELOPPES OU DÉTAILS DE RÉALISATION D'APPAREILS ÉLECTRIQUES; FABRICATION D'ENSEMBLES DE COMPOSANTS ÉLECTRIQUES - Détails de construction communs à différents types d'appareils électriques
A device may comprise a housing having a straight rounded edge. A self-aligning connector at the straight rounded edge may comprise a cylindrical magnet oriented with its axis substantially parallel to the straight rounded edge. The cylindrical magnet is for magnetically engaging a magnet of another connector so as to align and connect the self-aligning connector with the other connector. The self-aligning connector may comprise mounting structure configured to mount the cylindrical magnet at the straight rounded edge of the housing with the axis of the cylindrical magnet being substantially parallel to the straight rounded edge of the housing. The device may include two such self-aligning connectors, spaced apart from one another, along a single straight rounded edge of the device housing.
An orientation sensor includes a sensor housing, a sensor actuator, and a motion sensor. The sensor housing has a cavity disposed therein. The sensor actuator is disposed within the housing and is configured for movement within the cavity in a direction that is influenced by a magnetic field between the sensor actuator and an electronic device external to the orientation sensor. The motion sensor is disposed within the housing and configured to detect the direction of movement of the sensor actuator within the cavity.
A system comprises: a first electronic device; a mobile electronic device operable to detect a proximity of the first electronic device; a data store containing an inventory of electronic devices associated with a user including the first electronic device and a second electronic device; and a processor in communication with the data store. The processor is operable to: receive an indication, from the mobile electronic device, of the proximity of the mobile electronic device with the first electronic device; responsive to the receiving, process the inventory to identify a hybrid electronic device constructible, from the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the mobile electronic device, by magnetically inter-attaching at least two of the devices using magnetic connectors in the respective devices; and send a user notification indicative of the hybrid electronic device. The user notification may be sent for display at the mobile electronic device.
A mobile electronic device may comprise a wireless transceiver and at least one magnetic connector. The mobile electronic device may further comprise connectedness detection circuitry operable to dynamically detect a connection event at each of the at least one magnetic connector. A processor, coupled to the connectedness detection circuitry, may be operable to: automatically establish a wireless communications link, via the wireless transceiver, with another electronic device upon detection, by the connectedness detection circuitry, of the connection event at a predetermined set of the at least one magnetic connector evidencing a magnetic attachment of the mobile electronic device to the other electronic device; and access, via the wireless communications link, a hardware resource of the other electronic device. The at least one magnetic connector may be a plurality of magnetic connectors. The predetermined set of magnetic connectors may be all of the magnetic connectors or a subset thereof.
H04B 1/38 - TRANSMISSION - Détails des systèmes de transmission non caractérisés par le milieu utilisé pour la transmission Émetteurs-récepteurs, c. à d. dispositifs dans lesquels l'émetteur et le récepteur forment un ensemble structural et dans lesquels au moins une partie est utilisée pour des fonctions d'émission et de réception
H04L 29/08 - Procédure de commande de la transmission, p.ex. procédure de commande du niveau de la liaison
H01R 13/62 - Moyens pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage ou pour les maintenir engagées
H04M 1/02 - Caractéristiques de structure des appareils téléphoniques
H04W 4/00 - Services spécialement adaptés aux réseaux de télécommunications sans fil; Leurs installations
In an embodiment, a mobile electronic device comprises: a transceiver; at least one magnetic connector; connectedness detection circuitry operable to dynamically detect a connection event at each of the at least one magnetic connector; and a processor, coupled to the connectedness detection circuitry, operable to: automatically establish a communications link, via the transceiver, with an other electronic device upon detection, by the connectedness detection circuitry, of the connection event at a predetermined set of the at least one magnetic connector; send, from the mobile electronic device to a remote server, a request for access to a hardware resource of the other electronic device; and based on a positive response from the remote server, access, via the wireless communications link, a hardware resource of the other electronic device.
H04W 4/12 - Messagerie; Boîtes aux lettres; Annonces
H04W 76/14 - Gestion de la connexion Établissement de la connexion Établissement de la connexion en mode direct
H04W 4/80 - Services utilisant la communication de courte portée, p.ex. la communication en champ proche, l'identification par radiofréquence ou la communication à faible consommation d’énergie
H04L 29/08 - Procédure de commande de la transmission, p.ex. procédure de commande du niveau de la liaison
H01R 13/62 - Moyens pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage ou pour les maintenir engagées
H04M 1/02 - Caractéristiques de structure des appareils téléphoniques
An orientation sensor includes a sensor housing, a sensor actuator, and a motion sensor. The sensor housing has a cavity disposed therein. The sensor actuator is disposed within the housing and is configured for movement within the cavity in a direction that is influenced by a magnetic field between the sensor actuator and an electronic device external to the orientation sensor. The motion sensor is disposed within the housing and configured to detect the direction of movement of the sensor actuator within the cavity.
G01B 7/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques électriques ou magnétiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
G01B 7/30 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques électriques ou magnétiques pour tester l'alignement des axes
G01R 33/06 - Mesure de la direction ou de l'intensité de champs magnétiques ou de flux magnétiques en utilisant des dispositifs galvano-magnétiques
G01D 5/14 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible; Moyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminé; Transducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens électriques ou magnétiques influençant la valeur d'un courant ou d'une tension
G01D 5/165 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible; Moyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminé; Transducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens électriques ou magnétiques influençant la valeur d'un courant ou d'une tension en faisant varier la résistance par mouvement relatif d'un point de contact et d'une piste résistante
H04W 4/00 - Services spécialement adaptés aux réseaux de télécommunications sans fil; Leurs installations
H04W 4/80 - Services utilisant la communication de courte portée, p.ex. la communication en champ proche, l'identification par radiofréquence ou la communication à faible consommation d’énergie
An method of configuring an electronic device having a plurality of serial ports, each of which is configurable to act in either a host port or a slave port mode, includes entering a port configuration state at the device, and, in this port configuration state detecting a trigger event and configuring each of the serial ports of the device in a defined one of its host port or slave port modes. The trigger event may be the proximity of one of the serial ports of the electronic device to a port of another external device in its slave mode. In response, the proximate serial port of the electronic device may assume its host port mode, and the remaining serial ports of said electronic device may assume the slave port mode.
A method of configuring an electronic device capable of acting as a host or slave device to other electronic devices, and a corresponding electronic device are disclosed. The method includes determining a metric representative of the electronic device's readiness to assume the host mode among at least two electronic devices; initiating a timer that times an amount of time inversely proportional to the device's readiness to assume the host mode among the at least two electronic devices; prior to expiry of the amount of time, determining if another of the electronic devices has assumed its host mode, and in response thereto assuming the slave mode; and upon expiry of the amount of time, assuming the host mode.
There is provided an adapter for adapting an electronic device to a modular electronic device system. The adapter generally has a housing having two lateral edges, a cavity between the lateral edges and being adapted to receive the electronic device, each of the two lateral edges of the housing having at least one magnetic coupler electrically connectable with at least one magnetic coupler of the modular electronic device system by magnetically engaging the at least one magnetic coupler of the adapter with the at least one magnetic coupler of the modular electronic device system, and an internal electric conductor network electrically connected to the magnetic couplers of the adapter and electrically connected to an internal connector which is electrically connectable to the electronic device when received in the cavity of the housing.
There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.
H01R 11/30 - Pièces d'extrémité maintenues en contact par un aimant
H01R 13/62 - Moyens pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage ou pour les maintenir engagées
H01R 13/22 - Contacts pour coopération par aboutage
H01R 43/26 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication, l'assemblage, l'entretien ou la réparation de connecteurs de lignes ou de collecteurs de courant ou pour relier les conducteurs électriques pour engager ou séparer les deux pièces d'un dispositif de couplage
H04B 5/00 - Systèmes de transmission à induction directe, p.ex. du type à boucle inductive
H01R 24/66 - Dispositifs de couplage en deux pièces, ou l'une des pièces qui coopèrent dans ces dispositifs, caractérisés par leur structure générale avec des broches, des lames ou des contacts analogues, assujettis à l'appareil ou à la structure, p.ex. à une paroi
H01R 43/20 - Appareils ou procédés spécialement adaptés à la fabrication, l'assemblage, l'entretien ou la réparation de connecteurs de lignes ou de collecteurs de courant ou pour relier les conducteurs électriques pour assembler les pièces de contact avec le socle isolant, le boîtier ou le manchon ou pour les en désassembler
A communication controller for an electronic device comprises a hub controller; an internal port for connecting to an I/O interface of the electronic device, external ports for connection to other electronic devices, a switching circuit for connecting a device at any port as a host, with slave devices at other ports. The switching circuit can switch between: a first state connecting the electronic device as host with other electronic devices connected as slave devices, a second state with a first other electronic device at a first external port as host and the electronic device and a second other electronic device as a slave devices, and a third state with the second other electronic device at a second external port as host and the electronic device and the first other electronic device as a slave devices. The controller has a control input for selecting between states.
A connector for an electronic device has a housing with a peripheral surface and guides defining first and second paths. The second path extends from a first location proximate the peripheral surface to a second location farther from the peripheral surface and closer to the first path. A magnetic contact assembly in the housing is magnetically movable along the first path between a first position for joining the connector in data communication with an adjacent connector, and a second position withdrawn from the peripheral surface. A magnet in the housing and is movable by attraction to an adjacent connector along the second path, to magnetically hold the connector to an adjacent connector. The guides are configured so that the magnet and the magnetic contact assembly magnetically bias one another inwardly along the first and second paths.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
Consumer electronics devices, namely, hand-held electronic devices, namely, mobile phones, cameras, game consoles, personal digital assistants, music players; laptops; tablet computers; peripheral devices (Computer-); USB hardware peripheral devices; battery modules for the foregoing devices; solar panel modules for the foregoing devices; hardware development kit for the foregoing devices, software development kit for the foregoing devices; software for controlling operation of the foregoing devices; hardware components and peripherals for the foregoing devices; connectors for electronic devices, namely, magnetic connectors, data connectors, magnetic and data connectors and USB compatible connectors; software for controlling operation of the foregoing connectors.
There is disclosed magnetic connectors and electronic devices including such connectors. A connector may include a magnet rotatable about at least one axis of the magnet; wherein the magnet rotates to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector to form an electrical connection between the two magnets. A connector may also include a cylindrical magnet to magnetically engage a magnet of another connector; and a sleeve wrapped around at least part of the magnet, the sleeve comprising a contact for forming an electrical connection with a contact on the other connector. A connector may be adapted for selective connection with other connectors. A connector may be adapted such that a moveable magnet may move between an engaged position proximate a contacting surface of the connector and a disengaged position recessed from a contacting surface, wherein the moveable magnet is biased to the disengaged position.
