U.S. patent application number 16/076234 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-01 for digital pens for computing devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.. Invention is credited to Derek KANAS, Tony MOON, Chan PARK.
Application Number | 20210200339 16/076234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005474508 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210200339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANAS; Derek ; et
al. |
July 1, 2021 |
DIGITAL PENS FOR COMPUTING DEVICES
Abstract
Examples disclosed herein provide a digital pen for a computing
device. As an example, the digital pen includes a barrel and a clip
coupled to the barrel via a spring, wherein the clip is movable
within the barrel in a direction opposite a force provided by the
spring. The digital pen includes a first set of magnetic members to
magnetically couple with a second set of magnetic members of the
computing device, when the first and second sets of magnetic
members are brought within proximity of each other. The digital pen
includes a lever arm disposed within the barrel and comprising a
wedge along an end of the lever arm. As an example, the wedge is to
frictionally engage a retractable part of the computing device and
an interior panel of the barrel, when the first and second sets of
magnetic members are to magnetically couple with each other.
Inventors: |
KANAS; Derek; (Houston,
TX) ; MOON; Tony; (Houston, TX) ; PARK;
Chan; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY, L.P.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000005474508 |
Appl. No.: |
16/076234 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
March 23, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2017/023780 |
371 Date: |
August 7, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2200/1632 20130101;
G06F 3/03545 20130101; G06F 1/1607 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0354 20060101
G06F003/0354; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a digital pen comprising: a barrel; a clip
coupled to the barrel via a first spring, wherein the clip is
movable within the barrel in a direction opposite a force provided
by the first spring; a lever arm disposed within the barrel and
comprising a wedge along a first end of the lever arm, wherein the
clip is to pivot the lever arm when the clip is to be moved in the
direction opposite the force provided by the first spring; and a
first set of magnetic members; and a computing device comprising: a
second set of magnetic members to magnetically couple with the
first set of magnetic members of the digital pen, when the first
and second sets of magnetic members are to be brought within
proximity of each other; and a retractable part to engage the wedge
when the first and second sets of magnetic members are to
magnetically couple with each other.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein when the first and second sets of
magnetic members are to magnetically couple with each other, the
wedge is to frictionally engage the retractable part and an
interior panel of the barrel of the digital pen.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wedge comprises a roller to
increase the frictional engagement between the digital pen and the
computing device, when the first and second sets of magnetic
members are to magnetically couple with each other.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein when the clip is to pivot the
lever arm, the frictional engagement of the wedge, between the
retractable part and the interior panel of the barrel of the
digital pen, is removed.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein once the frictional engagement is
removed, an opposing force provided by a user that is greater than
the magnetic coupling between the first and second sets of magnetic
members is to undock the digital pen from the computing device.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lever arm is coupled to the
barrel by a second spring, wherein when the clip is to be released
from the direction opposite the force provided by the first spring,
a force provided by the second spring is to pivot the lever arm
back to a position for later engagement of the digital pen back to
the computing device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the clip is to make contact with
a second end of the lever arm opposite from the first end of the
lever arm.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the retractable part
automatically extends when the digital pen is within range of the
computing device, for docking the digital pen to the computing
device.
9. A digital pen for a computing device, the digital pen
comprising: a barrel; a clip coupled to the barrel via a first
spring, wherein the clip is movable within the barrel in a
direction opposite a force provided by the first spring; a first
set of magnetic members to magnetically couple with a second set of
magnetic members of the computing device, when the first and second
sets of magnetic members are to be brought within proximity of each
other; and a lever arm disposed within the barrel and comprising a
wedge along a first end of the lever arm, wherein the wedge is to
frictionally engage a retractable part of the computing device and
an interior panel of the barrel, when the first and second sets of
magnetic members are to magnetically couple with each other.
10. The digital pen of claim 9, wherein the clip is to make contact
with a second end of the lever arm opposite from the first end of
the lever arm, and wherein the clip is to pivot the lever arm when
the clip is to be moved in the direction opposite the force
provided by the first spring.
11. The digital pen of claim 10, wherein when the clip is to pivot
the lever arm, the frictional engagement of the wedge, between the
retractable part and the interior panel of the barrel of the
digital pen, is removed.
12. The digital pen of claim 9, wherein the lever arm is coupled to
the barrel by a second spring, wherein when the clip is to be
released from the direction opposite the force provided by the
first spring, a force provided by the second spring is to pivot the
lever arm back to a position for engagement of the digital pen to
the computing device.
13. The digital pen of claim 9, wherein the wedge comprises a
roller to increase the frictional engagement between the digital
pen and the computing device, when the first and second sets of
magnetic members are to magnetically couple with each other.
14. A digital pen for a computing device, the digital pen
comprising: a barrel; a clip coupled to the barrel via a first
spring, wherein the clip is movable within the barrel in a
direction opposite a force provided by the first spring; a first
set of magnetic members to magnetically couple with a second set of
magnetic members of the computing device, when the first and second
sets of magnetic members are to be brought within proximity of each
other; a lever arm disposed within the barrel, wherein the clip is
to pivot the lever arm when the clip is to be moved in the
direction opposite the force provided by the first spring; and a
wedge along a first end of the lever arm, wherein the wedge
comprises a roller to frictionally engage a retractable part of the
computing device and an interior panel of the barrel, when the
first and second sets of magnetic members are to magnetically
couple with each other.
15. The digital pen of claim 14, wherein the lever arm is coupled
to the barrel by a second spring, wherein when the clip is to be
released from the direction opposite the force provided by the
first spring, a force provided by the second spring is to pivot the
lever arm back to a position for engagement of the digital pen to
the computing device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The emergence and popularity of mobile computing has made
portable computing devices, due to their compact design and light
weight, a staple in today's marketplace. Computing devices, such as
notebook computers and tablet computers, generally include a
display member that is utilized to provide a vlewable display to a
user. The viewable display may be a touchscreen, allowing the user
to interact directly with what is displayed by touching the screen
with simple or multi-touch gestures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1A illustrates a system including a digital pen and a
computing device, according to an example;
[0003] FIGS. 1B-C illustrate views of the system, when the digital
pen is secured to the computing device, according to an example;
and
[0004] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate views of the system when the digital
pen is being removed from computing device, according to an
example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0005] As an example, an input device, such as a digital pen, may
be used with a computing device, such as a tablet computer, to
capture handwriting or brush strokes of a user. The tablet computer
may convert handwritten analog information, provided by the digital
pen, into digital data, enabling the data to be utilized in various
applications on the tablet computer.
[0006] Examples disclosed herein provide a system for securing a
digital pen to a computing device, for easy accessibility and also
for secure storage when not in use. The system for securing the
digital pen to the computing device provides minimal impact to the
exterior design of both the digital pen and computing device, while
at the same time providing a strong attachment of the digital pen
to the computing device while secured, in order to reduce any
inadvertent disconnection or loss of the digital pen. The ability
provided to easily access the digital pen allows a user to make use
of the digital pen with minimal effort.
[0007] With reference to the figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a system
100 including a digital pen 102 and a computing device 130, that
provides a mechanism for securing the digital pen 102 to the
computing device 130, and making the digital pen 102 easily
accessible when required, according to an example. As will be
further described, the mechanism may include structures in both the
digital pen 102 and the computing device 130, for coupling or
docking the digital pen 102 and the computing device 130
together.
[0008] As an example, the digital pen 102 includes a barrel 104 and
a clip 106 coupled to the barrel 104. As will be further described,
movement of the clip 106 along an axis of the barrel 104 in a first
direction may initiate coupling or docking of the digital pen 102
to the computing device 130, and movement of the clip in a second
direction opposite from the first direction may initiate release of
the digital pen 102 from the computing device 130. As mentioned
above, the mechanism for securing the digital pen 102 to and
releasing the digital pen 102 from computing device 130 may include
structures in both the digital pen 102 and the computing device
130.
[0009] With regards to the digital pen 102, structures include a
lever arm 110 disposed within the barrel 104 and a first set of
magnetic members 114a-b. The lever arm 110 may include, along a
first end, a wedge 112 that includes a roller 116 for interfacing
with the structure in the computing device 130 (e.g., retractable
part 134) via an opening 124 of the digital pen 102, as will be
further described. Along a second end of the lever arm 110,
opposite from the first end, the dip 106 makes contact with the
lever arm 110, as illustrated. Movement of the clip 106, as
described above, pivots the lever arm 110 along a pivot point 122
to either initiate coupling or release of the digital pen 102. As
an example, the clip 106 may be coupled to the barrel 104 via a
first spring 108, and the lever arm 110 may be coupled to the
barrel 104 via a second spring 120, to provide opposing forces, as
will be further described.
[0010] With regards to the computing device 130, structures include
the retractable part 134, an actuator 136 for initiating retraction
and extension of the retractable part 134, and a second set of
magnetic members 132a-b that is used for coupling with the first
set of magnetic members 114a-b of the digital pen 102, as will be
further described. As an example, the actuator 136 may be used to
extend the retractable part 134 when the digital pen 102 is secured
to the computing device 130, and to retract the retractable part
134 when, for example, the digital pen 102 is being used. As a
result, there is minimal impact to the exterior design of the
computing device 130, as the retractable part 134 only protrudes
from the computing device 130 when the digital pen 102 is secured
to the computing device 130.
[0011] Actuation of the retractable part 136 may be manual or
automatic. For example, the retractable part 134 may be spring
loaded, and the user may release the retractable part 134 from the
computing device 130 via a push release mechanism when desiring to
secure the digital pen 102 to the computing device 130. Similarly,
the user may push the retractable part 134 back into the computing
device 130 upon releasing the digital pen 102 from the computing
device 130. As an example of automatic actuation, if the digital
pen 102 is outside of a certain range from computing device 130
(e.g., outside Bluetooth range), the actuator 136 may automatically
retract the retractable part 134 within the computing device 130.
Similarly, once the digital pen 102 is back within a specified
range of the computing device 130 (e.g., within Bluetooth range),
the actuator may automatically extend the retractable part 134 from
the computing device 130. As an example, this range may be
adjustable, in order to control the actuation when the user is
likely to secure the digital pen 102 to the computing device 130
(e.g., when the digital pen is approaching the side of the
computing device 130 where the retractable part 134 is located, and
not when the user is using the digital pen 102 on a display surface
of the computing device 130).
[0012] FIGS. 1B-C illustrate a front view and top view,
respectively, of the system 100, when the digital pen 102 is
secured to the computing device 130, according to an example. As
illustrated in FIG. 18, the retractable part 134 is extended from
the computing device 130, in order to engage the wedge 112 via the
opening 124 of the digital pen 102. As described above, extension
of the retractable part 134 from the computing device 130 may be
automated or manually initiated. As an example, the retractable
part 134 automatically extends from the computing device 130 when
the first set of magnetic members 114a-b from the digital pen 102
is brought within proximity of the second set of magnetic members
132a-b from the computing device 130. Although two magnets are
illustrated in each set, the number of magnets may vary from what
is illustrated.
[0013] As an example, when it is desirable to secure the digital
pen 102 to the computing device 130, the first and second sets of
magnetic members 114a-b, 132a-b may assure proper alignment and
positioning of the digital pen 102 with respect to the computing
device 130. As a result, when bringing the digital pen 102 within
proximity of the side of the computing device 130 where the
retractable part 134 extends, the digital pen 102 attaches to the
computing device 130 in a desired and repeatable manner, such that
they are consistently in a pre-determined position relative to one
another.
[0014] Properties of the magnetic members that may be controlled
include, but are not limited to, field strength and magnetic
polarity. With regards to field strength, when detaching the
digital pen 102 from the computing device 130, for example, after
removing the frictional engagement between the wedge 112 and the
retractable part 134, as will be described further below, the
releasing force required to overcome the magnetic coupling between
the magnetic members may be determined by controlling the field
strength of the magnetic members.
[0015] With regards to magnetic polarity, magnetic elements having
the same polarity (e.g., N-N or S-S) may generate a negative or
repulsive magnetic force, whereas those corresponding magnetic
elements having opposite polarities (e.g., N-S) will generate a
positive or attractive magnetic force. Referring to FIG. 1B, a
north pole of the magnetic member 114a of the digital pen 102 may
generate a positive or attractive magnetic force with a south pole
of the magnetic member 132a of the computing device 130. Similarly,
a south pole of the magnetic member 114b of the digital pen 102 may
generate a positive or attractive magnetic force with a north pole
of the magnetic member 132b of the computing device 130. This
positive or attractive magnetic force may be generated when the
digital pen 102 is placed within proximity of the computing device
130. As a result of controlling the magnetic polarities of the
magnetic members, the digital pen 102 may only attach to the
computing device 130 in a specific orientation. For example, it may
not be desirable to attach the digital pen 102 to the computing
device 130 in an orientation that is reversed from what is
illustrated in FIG. 1B (e.g., 114a to 132b and 114b to 132a).
Therefore, any attempt made to attach the digital pen 102 and
computing device 130 in a reverse orientation may generate a
repulsive magnetic force rather than an attractive magnetic
force.
[0016] Upon the second set of magnetic members 132a-b of the
computing device 130 magnetically coupling with the first set of
magnetic members 114a-b of the digital pen 102, the retractable
part 134 of the computing device 130 may engage with the wedge 112
via the opening 124 of the digital pen 102. Referring to the top
view illustrated in FIG. 1C, the wedge 112 may frictionally engage
the retractable part 134 of the computing device 130 and an
interior panel 118 of the digital pen 102. In addition, the wedge
112 may include a roller 116, as mentioned above, in order to
increase the frictional engagement between the digital pen 102 and
the computing device 130. The frictional engagement provided by the
wedge 112 and the roller 116, alone or in combination, essentially
locks the digital pen 102 on the computing device 130, providing a
strong attachment of the digital pen 102 to the computing device
130, in order to reduce any inadvertent disconnection (e.g.,
digital pen 102 hit by something when carrying the computing device
130) or loss of the digital pen.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate views of the system 100 when the
digital pen 102 is being removed from computing device 130,
according to an example. As illustrated, pushing on the clip 106 of
the digital pen 102 (illustrated by arrow 202) retracts the wedge
112 of the digital pen 102 from the frictional engagement with the
retractable part 134 of the computing device 130, providing the
ability for a user to remove the digital pen 102 from the computing
device 130 with minimal effort. Upon release of the digital pen 102
from the computing device 130, the retractable part 134 may be
manually or automatically retracted within the computing device
130, as described above, for minimal impact to the exterior design
of the computing device 130.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2A, the clip 106 is movable within the
barrel in a direction 202 opposite a force 204 provided by the
first spring 108. As mentioned above, this movement may be along an
axis of the barrel 104. As the clip 106 is moved in the direction
202, the clip 106 pivots the lever arm 110 along the pivot point
122, removing the frictional engagement the wedge 112 between the
retractable part 134 of the computing device 130 and the interior
panel 118 of the digital pen 102, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Once
the frictional engagement is removed, an opposing force provided by
the user, that is greater than the magnetic coupling between the
first and second sets of magnetic members 114a-b, 132a-b, is to
undock the digital pen 102 from the computing device 130. As an
example, the releasing force, or opposing force provided by the
user, may be determined by controlling the field strength of the
magnetic members. Once the clip 106 is released from the direction
202 opposite the force 204 provided by the first spring 108, the
force 204 provided by the first spring 108 restores the clip to its
original location, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B. Similarly, the
opposing force 206 provided by the second spring 120 pivots the
lever arm 110 back to a position for later engagement of the
digital pen 102 back to the computing device 130.
[0019] It is appreciated that examples described may include
various components and features. It is also appreciated that
numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough
understanding of the examples. However, it is appreciated that the
examples may be practiced without limitations to these specific
details. In other instances, well known methods and structures may
not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
description of the examples. Also, the examples may be used in
combination with each other.
[0020] Reference in the specification to "an example" or similar
language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the example is included
in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The
various instances of the phrase "in one example" or similar phrases
in various places in the specification are not necessarily all
referring to the same example.
[0021] It is appreciated that the previous description of the
disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the
art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to
these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to
other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the
disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be
limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features
disclosed herein.
* * * * *