In the past, users of interactive devices with touch-sensitive screens have typically manipulated touch screen-based interfaces through finger/thumb contact/proximity. Increasingly, however, pen-like devices–styli–are being used as an alternative/complement to finger-based input, most frequently in the context of writing, drawing, and painting activities.
Today’s styli for interactive touch-screen devices are predominantly passive (not electrically powered) devices, however active styli incorporating electrically powered features (such as switches, pressure sensors, processors, and transmitters) are beginning to appear on the market. Active, electrically powered styli can advantageously provide users with new/additional/different capabilities, which are preferable for supporting particular kinds of tasks and interactions. For example, a stylus with sensor-enabled pressure-sensitivity can support varying the darkness of a virtual drawn line within a sketching application that is operating on a touch-sensitive device that is in communication with the stylus.
In order for an active stylus’ powered electronic aspects to function, a source of electrical power is required. Some active styli are powered wirelessly from a device incorporating a screen through inductive coupling. Other active styli are powered through a power cord while in use. However, each of the aforementioned power sources have distinct advantageous and drawbacks. For instance, attached power cords may become tangled or limit mobility.
The present invention is directed to a kinetically chargeable stylus device.
Patent Information
Patent Number: US 9,130,396
Patent Title: Kinetically chargeable stylus device
Inventors: Leydon; Krispin (La Canada Flintridge, CA)
Assignee: Disney Enterprise, Inc. (Burbank, CA)
Family ID: 1000001326173
Appl. No.: 13/735,891
Filed: January 7, 2013
Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a kinetically chargeable stylus device for use with an interactive device. The method comprises charging the kinetically chargeable stylus device using one of a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode includes receiving a movement of a magnet in relation to an inductor, inducing a first electrical current in the inductor from the movement, and charging an energy storage unit using the first electrical current, and wherein the second mode includes inducing a second electrical current in the inductor from a non-kinetic source, and charging the energy storage unit using the second electrical current. Prior to inducing the second electrical current in the inductor, the magnet may be isolated from the inductor. Further, a movement of the stylus device may be detected using the inductor and the magnet.
Image credits: SAKURAKO use Stylus pen by MIKI Yoshihito – http://bit.ly/1NsZULV Licensed under CC BY 2.0 – http://bit.ly/1mhaR6e
