Patent · US Expired

Magnetic field sensing device for compassing and switching

US7637024B2 · kind B2 · utility

26Cited by
13References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 26, 2005
Grant dateDec 29, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 17, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04M2250/12
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A magnetic field sensing device can be realized by using a magnetic sensor in electronic compassing as well as switching. A magnet can be brought in close proximity to the magnetic sensor within an electronic compass to generate a signal that a portable information device has been closed. This signal can be input to a processor or other circuitry to initiate a response to the portable information device being closed. When the magnet is moved out of close proximity to the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor can be used in the electronic compass. Thus, a magnetic sensor can serve two functions, namely compassing and switching, reducing the need for separate sensors to perform both functions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.