Stylus sensitive device with stylus idle functionality

摘要

Techniques are disclosed for performing functions in electronic devices by placing a device stylus in an idle position. The function may be, for example, activating a device idle mode, activating power saver or power-down mode, activating sleep mode, activating a screensaver, and/or locking the device. In some embodiments, an idle position may include setting the stylus in a horizontal position next to but not touching the device, setting the stylus in a stationary position relative to the computing device, or latching the stylus to the device or to a protective device case. In some embodiments, the stylus and/or device can detect the stylus' angle of inclination with respect to the device, thus detecting the nature of the stylus' resting. In other embodiments, when a magnetic stylus is latched to the device or device case, a magnetic sensor within the device may detect the stylus, thus activating a stylus idle mode.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
an electronic device having a display for displaying content to a user and a stylus detection surface for allowing user input via a stylus, the stylus including an elongated body portion having a main axis and a stylus tip on an end of the elongated body portion, wherein the stylus tip is for interacting with the stylus detection surface; and a user interface operable on the electronic device and comprising a stylus idle mode configured to detect stylus position with respect to the electronic device and to perform:
a first idle function in response to the stylus being placed in a first idle position that includes the stylus resting next to but not touching the electronic device, wherein the first idle position includes the main axis of the elongated body portion of the stylus being substantially parallel to a plane defined by the display of the electronic device; anda second idle function in response to the stylus being placed in a second idle position that includes the stylus being attached to the electronic device; wherein the first idle function includes transitioning, after the stylus has been resting in the first idle position for at least a first threshold period of time, the electronic device from a first power consumption mode having a first power consumption rate to a second power consumption mode having a second power consumption rate less than the first power consumption rate, and wherein the second idle function includes transitioning, after the stylus has been resting in the second idle position for at least a second threshold period of time, the electronic device to a third power consumption mode having a third power consumption rate less than both the first and second power consumption rates.