WO2015134989A1 - Hall effect pointer sensor and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention includes a Hall effect pointer tool comprising a Hall effect sensor adapted to detect the strength of a target magnet' s magnetic field, whereby at least one microcontroller automatically adjusts an internal circuit gain as the Hall effect sensor moves in relation to the target magnet, to make the Hall effect sensor switch between at least one mode of operation, whereby the microcontroller analyzes output of analog to digital quantities, and at least one indicator housed within the tool and caused by the microcontroller to indicate the position of at least one target magnet.

Description

HALL EFFECT POINTER SENSOR AND METHOD THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELA TED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of pending United States

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/949,483, filed March 7, 2014, tided, "HALL EFFECT POINTER SENSOR SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD THEREOF," tile entire disclosure of which provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIO

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a Hall Effect. Pointer sensor and Method

Thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The Hall effect is the production of a voltage difference (the Hall voltage) across an electrical conductor, transverse to an electric current in the conductor and a magnetic field perpendicular to the current. The Hall coefficient is defined as the ratio of the induced electric field to the product of the current density and the applied magnetic field. It is a characteristic of the material from, which the conductor is made, since its value depends on the type, number, and properties of the charge carriers that constitute the current.

[0004] A Hall effect sensor is a transducer that varies its output voltage in response to a magnetic field. Hail Effect sensors are used for proximity switching, positioning, speed detection, and current sensing applications. In its simplest form, a Hall effect sensor operates as an analog transducer, directly returning a voltage. With a known magnetic field, its distance from the Hall plate can be determined. Using groups of sensors, the relative position of the magnet can be deduced. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005, 1 ] An aspect of the present invention includes a Hall effect pointer tool comprising a Hail effect sensor adapted to detect the strength of a target magnet's magnetic field, whereby at least one microcontroller automatically adjusts an internal circuit gain as the Hail effect sensor moves in relation to the target .magnet, to make the Hall effect sensor switch between at least one mode of operation, whereby the microcontroller analyzes output of analog to digital quantities, and at: least one indicator housed within the tool and caused by the microcontroller to indicate the position of at least one target mataiet.

[0005.2] An aspect of the present invention includes a method of using a Hall effect sensor, comprising the step of positioning a target magnet on the opposite side of a target surface, and positioning a Hail effect sensor adapted to detect the strength of a target magnet's magnetic field on a target surface, whereby at least one .microcontroller automatically adjusts an. internal circuit gain as the Hall effect sensor moves in relation to the target magnet, to make the Hail effect sensor switch between at least one mode of operation, whereby the microcontroller analyzes output of analog to digital quantities and causes at least one indicator to indicate the actual position of the target, magnet.

[0005.3] An aspect of the present invention includes a Hall effect pointer tool comprising a Hall effect sensor coupled to a housing, a push button, coupled to the housing, adapted to select at least one mode of operation to accommodate distances between the surface of the sensor and the surface of a target magnet, at least one mode indicator coupled to the housing, selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and dispiay technology, wherein the mode indicato identifies the mode of operation, wherein the mode indicator identifies the mode of operation, and at least one indicator coupled to. the housing, selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology, wherein, the indicator identifies the actual location of a target magnet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings. The invention may best be understood by- reference to the ensuing detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0007] Fig. i illustrates a perspective view of a Hall effect pointer too! of an exemplary embodiment, of the present invention;

[0008] Fig. 2 iiiustraies a left side view of the Hall effect pomier tool, of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Fig, 3 ilbstrates a front side view of the Hail effect pointer tool of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 4 illustrates a right side view of the Hall effect pointer tool of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[001 1] Fig. 5 illustrates a back side view of Che Ball effect pointer tool of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom side view of the Hall effect pointer tool of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 7 illustrates a top side view of the Hall effect pointer tool of an exemplary embodiment, of the present invention;

[0014] Fig, 8 illustrates an occasion when the Hall effect pointer tool is i use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015.1 ] Fig, 9A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0015.2] Fig. 9B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0015.3] Fig, 9C il ustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of hall effect pointer tool of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use.

[0017] Fig. 1 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment and underlying PCS infrastructure of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In one embodiment, the Hall effect pointer tool, is designed to aid in locating points on opposite sides of a target surface, such as, for example, a wall, floor or ceiling or any other target surface. In one embodiment, the Hall effect pointer tool is designed to aid in locating points, in conjunction with a magnet on the opposite side of a target surface, such as for example a wail, floor or ceiling of any target surface,

[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention Hall effect pointer tool 23. Pointer tool 23, is encompassed i housing 51. Housing 51 has a probe portion 25, handle portion 12, midsection 52, upper section 53 and bottom surface 55. In one exemplary embodiment, handle 12 has a gripping portion 5? and optionally ha at least one gripping means 59, wherein the at feast one gripping means 59, is seiecied from a group comprising a rubber gripping means 59. a rough surface gripping means 59, a series of indentations 59, a series of protrusions 59, and a combination thereo to name a few. In one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 can be located in, on, or about any part of housing 51. Similarly, sensor 20 may be located in, on, or about any part of housing 51.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, handle 1 includes at least one push button 10. In one exemplar embodiment, push button 10 may be in the form of a toggle, paddle, lever, slide or any other at least one positio switch, hi one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 acts as an ON/OFF switch. In one exemplary embodiment, push button 10, may also act as a "mode" button 61 , which is used to select modes of operation. In one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 and mode button 61 are separate buttons. In one exemplary embodiment, there is at least one mode of operation wherein pointer tool 23 can operate to achieve the desired results. In another exemplary embodiment, there are two modes of operation: "normal" mode and "dee " mode. It is perceived that there may be any number of modes of operation to cany oat the present invention. Normal mode is optimized to locate points on normal, interior, two-by-four construction with one layer of about ¼ inch slieetrock on each side of the wail 30 (See Fig. 8). in one exemplary embodiment, normal mode is used for a wall thickness that is less than or equal to 6 inches. Deep mode is used when the wall thickness exceeds normal interior wall thicknesses. In one exemplary embodiment, deep mode is used for wall thicknesses that range from 6 inches up to and including 15 inches. In one exemplary embodiment once the user selects deep mode by, for example, pressing mode button 61 , mode light emitting diode { LED) 1.5 is lit. In one exemplary embodiment, once the user selects normal mode by, for example, pressing mode button 61 , mode LED 17 is lit. In one exemplary embodiment, LEDs 15 and 17 are placed within housing 51 in midsection 52, with openings that flash a visual graphic such as, for example, a single triangle for normal mode and double triangles for deep mode, hi one exemplary embodiment, LEDs 15 and 17 indicate the modes of operation, for example, deep 15 and normal 17. In one exemplary embodiment LEDs 15 and 17 are yellow in color, but any other color may be used. Openings for LEDs 15 and 17 may be in the shape of any number of graphics or symbols to indicate to the user the mode of operation. However, instead of LEDs I S and 17, any form of mode indicators that provide notification to the user may be used to accomplish what mode indicator LEDs 15 and 17 are doing, such as for example a graphical user interface, LCDs, display technology or any other form of indicator and or display technology. Similarly, it is perceived that any number of mode indicators may be used. Further, it is perceived that the number of mode indicators reflect the number of modes available for the tool. Similarly it is perceived that, the number of mode indicators may be greater than or, alternatively, less than the number of modes available tor the tool.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 has a hall effect sensor 20 and a cut out 27 (see Fig. 3) so the user can use a marking instrument, such as a pencil or pen, to mark the actual location of the magnet 40 (see Fig. 9C) behind the target surface 30 (see Fig. 8). In one embodiment, cutout 27 may be in any shape or design that would enable the user to leave a mark or impression on the surface. Cutout 27 is defined by sensor 20 so that any marking made is as close as possible to the sensor which detects the actual location of the magnet 40. In one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 is cylindrical in shape. In one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 is constructed of a visible material such as for example, clear plastic or glass or a light pipe diffuser 910 (see Fig, 10) that enable the user to view detection LEDs 1 10 (see Fig. 1 1 ). In one exemplary embodiment a portion of probe portion 25 may encased in a type of protective housing 51. such s, for example, protective elastoraerie over-mold (see Fig. 10). In one exemplary embodiment, detection LEDs 3 10 are placed directly on the printed circuit board (PC 8) 1 15 (see Fig. 1 1). In one exemplary embodiment, detection LEDs are arranged circumferentiaJly along PCB 1 15 which is circular in shape. However, neither housing 5 L probe portion 25, nor PCB 115 are limited to a specific shape and can be any shape or form that will enable the user to use this device.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment; there are a total of eight (8) detection LEDs 10.

However, detection ^'LEDs 10 are not limited to a specific number and may be any number, greater tha one, that will enable the user to use this device, in one exemplary embodiment, there are four (4) bine detection LEDs 110b and four (4) red detection LEDs 1 1 Or. In one exemplary embodiment, red LEDs 11 Or may be referred to and act as "target indicator LEDs". in one exemplary embodiment, blue LEDs 110b may be referred, to and act as "calibration indicator LEDs". However, LEDs 1 10 are not limited to specific colors or alternating colors and any number of colors may be used to detect the actual location of magnet 40. In one exemplary embodiment, a combination of the red and blue color LEDs are used to indicate the detection of the actual location of the magnet 40, as further described herein. However, instead of LEDs 1 10, any form of indicators that provide notification to the user may be used to accomplish what the LEDs are doing, such as for example a graphical user interface, LCDs, or any other form of indicator and/or display technology.

[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of the Hall effect, pointer tool 23 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Pointer tool 23, is encompassed in housing 5.1 - Mousing 51 has a probe portion 25, handle portion 12, midsection 52, upper section 53 and bottom surface 55, In one exemplary embodiment, handle .12 has a gripping portion 57 and optionally has at least one gripping means 59. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 12 includes at least one push button 10. in one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 acts as an ON/OFF switch. In an exemplary embodiment, push button 10 also acts as mode button 61.

[0024] Fig. 3 illustrates a front side view of the Hall effect pointer tool 23 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Pointer tool 23, is encompassed in housing 1. Bousing 51 has a probe portion 25, handle portion 12, midsection 52, upper section 53 and bottom surface 55 (not shown), in one exemplary embodiment, handle 12 has a gripping portion 57 and optionally has at least one gripping means 59, In an exemplary embodiment, handle 12 includes at least one push button 10. in one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 acts as an ON/OFF switch. In an exemplary embodiment, push button 10 also acts as mode button 61. In one exemplary embodiment, LEDs 15 and 17 are placed within housing 51 in midsection 52, with openings that flash a visual graphic such as, for exampie, a single triangle for norma! mode and double triangles for deep mode, hi one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 has a hall effect sensor 20 and a cut out 27 so the user can use a marking instrument, such as a pencil or pen, to mark the actual location of the magnet 40 (not shown) behind the target surface 30 (not sho wn).

[0025] in one exemplary embodiment, the eight (8) detection LEDs 1 10 consisting of four blue LEDs 1 10b. and four red LEDs 1 J Or, may be spaced evenly around the exemplary circular section of the probe portion 25 of tool 23 (see Figs. .10 and 1 1), The exemplary number of four blue LEDs 1 10b and four red LEDs 1 1 Or are used to indicate the detection status, including, but not limited to calibration and target indication. The indication of the red and blue LEDs Is further described in detail herein.

[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates a right side view of the Hall effect pointer tool 23 of an e emplary embodiment of the present invention. Pointer to l 23, is encompassed in housing 5 i . Housing 51 has probe portion 25, handle portion 12, midsection 52, upper section 53 and bottom surface 55. in one exemplary embodiment, handle 12 has a gripping portion 57 and optionally has at least one gripping means 59. in an exemplary embodiment, handle 12 includes at least one push button 10. In one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 acts as an ON/OFF switch, h an exemplary embodiment, posh butto 10 also acts as mode button 61 .

[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates a back side view of the Ball effect pointer tool 23 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Pointer tool 23, is encompassed in housing 51 (see Fig. 4).

Housing 51 has a probe portion 25, handle portion 12, midsection 52, and bottom surface 55. in one exemplary embodiment, Hall effect sensor 20 is in in the center of probe portion 25. In one exemplary embodiment, Hall effect sensor 20 is on the same plane as bottom surface 55 so that when pointer tool 23 is placed against a target surface, bottom surface 510 of sensor 20 is in contact with the target surface, in one exemplary embodiment, pointer tool 23 is designed in a way so that bottom surface 510 of sensor 20 is not in contact with the target surface. I one enibodinieni cut out 27 within probe portion 25 is contiguous with sensor 20 so the user can use a marking instrument, such as a pencil or pen, to mark the actual location of the magnet 40 (see Fig. 8) behind the target surface 30 (see Fig. 8), and as close to sensor 20 as possible.

[0028] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom side view of the Hall effect pointer tool 23 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment the bottom surface 120 of handle 12 may be made of ferromagnetic materials, such as, for example, iron so that any number of magnets 40 may easily attach to and be kept with the handle. In another embodiment, bottom surface 120 maybe of any other material and .magnet(s) 40 may be kept with the handle by latch, screw and socket means, or any other securing means that would enable the user to have ready access to both pointer tool 23 and magnet(s) 40.

[0029] Fig. 7 illustrates top side view of the Hall effect pointer tool 23 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Pointer tool 23, is encompassed in housing 51. in one exemplary embodiment, housing 1 has a probe portion 25 and a handle portion Ϊ2. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 12 includes at least one push button 10. In one exemplary embodiment, push button 1 acts as an ON/OFF switch. In an exemplar}¹ embodiment, push button 10 also acts as mode button 61. [0030] Fig, 8 illustrates the Bali effect pointer tool 23 in use in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the Hall effect pointer tool 23 (and the sensor 20 contained therein) is designed to aid in locating points on opposiie sides of a target surface 30, such as, for example, a. wall, floor or ceiling or any other surface. Hall effect pointer tool 23, with bottom surface 55, is used on a target surface 30 by placing a magnet 40 on. the opposite side 810 of target surface 30. Hall effect pointer tool 23 is used to locate magnet 40, In one exemplary embodiment the nominal distance 35 is referred to as the distance between the bottom surface 51 of the Hall effect sensor 20 and the surface 820 of magnet 40. I one exemplary embodiment, nominal distance may mean the thickness of the wall if, for example, the bottom surface 510 of sensor 20 is touching target surface 30 and surface 820 of magnet 40 is also touching the opposite side 810 of the target serf ace. in normal mode of operation, the nominal distance 35, from surface-to-surface is about 4½ inches.

[0031 ] In one embodiment, magnet 40 may be a larger or .more powerful magnet for wall thicknesses greater tha 6 inches. In one embodiment, magnet 40 may be a smaller or less powerful magnet for walls less than 6 inches, in normal mode, a magnet 40 of 1" dia, ^>: 1 /8" thick would be preferably used, and in deep mode, a I " dia. xl/2" thick magnet 40 is preferably used. In one embodiment, both magnets may be supplied with the unit. In another embodiment, any number of magnets of different sizes and strengths ma be supplied with die unit.

[0032] Fi s. 9 A, 913, and 9C illustrate exemplary em odiments of a Hall effect pointer tool

23, Pointer tool 23, is encompassed i housing 51. Housing 51 has a probe portion 25, handle portion .12, midsection 52, upper section 53 and bottom surface 55. In one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 is constructed of a visible material such as for example, clear plastic or glass or a light pipe diffuses" 10, that enables the user to view detection LEDs 1.10 (see Fig. 1 1). In one embodiment cut out 27 within probe portion 25 is contiguous with sensor 20 so the user can use a marking instrument, such as a pencil or pen, to mark the actual location of the magnet 40 (see Fig. 8) behind the target surface 30 (see Fig. 8), and as close to sensor 20 a possible. In one exemplary embodiment, handle 12 has a gripping portion 57 and optionally has at least one gripping means 59. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 12 includes at least one push button 10. In one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 acts as an ON/OFF switch. In an exemplary embodiment, push button 10 also acts as mode button 61. At least one magnet 40 is attached to bottom surface 120 of handle 12.

[0033] Fig, 10 illustrates exemplary embodiments of a Hail effect pointer tool 23. Pointer tool 23, is encompassed i housing 51. Housing 51 has a probe portion. 25, handle portion 12, midsection 52, upper section 53 and bottom surface {not shown). In one exemplary embodiment, probe portion 25 is constructed of a visible material such as for example, clear plastic or glass or a light pipe diffuser 910, that enables the user to view blue LEDs 1 10b and red LEDs 1 IOr, In one exemplary embodiment, handle 1.2 has a gripping portion 57 and optionally has at least one gripping means 59. In an exemplary embodiment, handle 12 includes at least one push button 10. In one exemplary embodiment, push button 10 acts as an ON/OFF switch. In an exemplary embodiment, push button 10 also acts as mode button 61. At least one magnet 40 is attached to bottom surface 120 of handle 12,

[0034] Fig. 1 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment and underlying PCB infrastructure of the present invention. To use the Hall effect pointer tool 23, target magnet 40 (not shown), is placed on the opposite side 810 (not shown) of target surface 30 (not shown), and Kali effeet sensor 20 locates magnet 40. In one embodiment, when the Hall effect pointer tool 23 is powered down, a push of butto 10 wil l cause it to power up and start a calibration cycle, in one exemplary embodiment, once the unit is turned on, LEDs 15, 1.7, 1 10b, and 1.1. Or turn on. In one embodiment, calibration is indicated by steady illumination of red LEDs 11 Or and blue LEDs 1 10b. in one embodiment, calibration completion is indicated by steady illumination of only the blue LEDs 1 10b. The red LEDs 1 10r would turn off at the completion of calibration.

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, the output of the Hall effect sensor 20 is inversely proportional to the magnetic field. In one embodiment, the Hail effect sensor 20 is used to convert a magnetic field into a voltage that is proportional to the strength of the field. Hall effect pointer tool 23 further includes a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) circuit 11 10 to amplify the voltage output of the Hall effect sensor 20, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) used to input filtered voltage amplified by the PGA and output the result of the ADC conversio to an onboard microcontroller 1 1 15, with the microcontroller 1 1 15 used to compare the result of the ADC conversion with a threshold above which a valid signal is determined to be present to determine the strengt of the .magnetic field, hi an embodiment of the present invention, the PGA circuit: 1 1 1.0, the ADC^' and the microcontroller 11 15 are set inside of the Hall effect pointer tool, which are typically housed within housing 51,

[0036] in one exemplary embodiment, amplifier 1 1 10 amplifies the output of Hall effect sensor 20. Output of amplifier 1 .1 .10 goes to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which resides inside the microcontroller. A program running within microcontroller 1 1 15 will analyze the output of the ADC. Microcontroller 1.1 15 is further used to adjust the operating point of the Hall effect sensor 20, to find a suitable baseline with no external magnetic field applied, by a pulse-width- modulator (PWM), internal to it, and further to determine the threshold when a calibration cycle is performed. Once a suitable baseline is found, the microcontroller 3 1 15 measures the noise present in the signal at the ADC input and calculates a threshold above which a valid signal is determined to be present.

[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, microcontroller 3 1 15 switches the PGA through the remaining gain settings, measures and records each baseline and computes the noise threshold for each setting. In one exemplar embodiment, there are six (nominal) gain settings: ^χ2, ^χ25, ^χΙΟ0, *200, *300 and ^χ50ϋ. However, it is perceived that any number of gain settings may be utilized. The setting of the baseline, noise measurements and noise thresholds are re-acquired each time a calibration is performed. This allows the device 23, to adapt to a very broad range of environments and still function properly. In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 20 starts at a gain of *200 in normal mode and at a gain of *500 in deep mode. As the sensor 20, approaches the target magnet 40, the strength of the signal increases at the Hall effect sensor 20. In turn, the signal at the input to the ADC increases. When the signal reaches the threshold in the microcontroller 1 1 1.5 program, the microcontroller 1 15 reduces the gain of the PGA by one step. This prevents saturation of the signal at the input of the ADC and increases the dynamic range of th signals, and of the magnetic field, that can be measured. Sensor 20 finds the relative magnetic field strength by comparing the baseline value found during calibration with the current PGA setting and A DC result. [0038] In one exemplary embodiment as the Hall effect sensor 20 is moved closer to the magnet 40 on target surface 30, and the magnetic field strength increases, and amplifier 1 110 will begin to saturate. Once amplifier 1 1 1.0 gets close to saturation., microcontroller 1 1 15 will decrease the gain of the amplifier circuit. As the Hall effect sensor 20 continues to approach the actual location on the target surface 30 that corresponds to the location of the magnet 40 on the opposite side of the surface 810, amplifier 1 110 will again approach saturation, and again microcontroller .1.1 15 will reduce the gain to prevent amplifier 1 1 10 from saturation. This cycle of reduction i gain may occur up to six times to increase the dynamic range in deep mode. The cycie of reduction in gain may occur up to four times in normal mode. Fewer reductions in gain are required fo normal mode than deep mode because significant amplification is not required and the signal is stronger. When the output gets close to saturation, microcontroller 1 1 15 will reduce the gain and change the flash rate of the LEDs, Microcontroller 1 1 15 analyzes the output of the analog to digital quantities and decides which LEDs 1 10 to turn on and off by way of LED driver 1 120. In one embodiment, LEDr 1 10 will begin to Dash as Hail effect sensor 20 gets closer to the actual location on the target surface 30 corresponding to the magnet 40 on the opposite side 810 of the target surface. In one exemplary embodiment, once the actual, location of magnet 40 is found, red LEDs 1 10r stay on and blue LEDs 1 10b are off.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, once the maximum signal is detected, it is saved in the memory component of microcontroller 1 1 15. Once the Hall effect sensor 20 i passed over the actual location on the target surface corresponding to the location of the magnet 40 on the opposite side of the target surface 810, microcontroller 1 1 15 stores the value and refines the position of the target location. As the Hall effect sensor 20 moves away from the actual location of the magnet 40 o the opposite side 810 of the target surface, the gain does not stay fixed. Rather, the amplifier 1 1 10 will approach saturation in the opposite direction, and the

microcontroller 1 1 15 will increase the gain. In effect the signal is getting weaker, m one embodiment, as the signal strength is weaker, both blue LEDs 1 10b and red LEDs 1 1 Or are lit. in one embodiment, as the signal strength gets stronger the blue LEDs 1 10b are turned OFF and the red LEDs 1 lOr begi to flash, in one embodiment as sensor 20 is brought back to the actual location of the magnet 40, the red LEDs 1 Or display steady light. [0040] in one embodiment, when the target magnet 40 is first detected by sensor 20, the red LEDs 1 1 Or wil.1 begin to flash. The period of the flash is proportional to the proximity of the magnet 40, The closer sensor 20 is to magnet 40, the fester the red LEDs 1 I Or will flash. In normal mode, when sensor 20 comes within the radius of a circle of approximately 6 inches to magnet 40 on the initial pass, the blue LEDs .1 10b will turn OFF and the red LEDs 1 lOr will turn O steadily. If the sensor 20 is moved away from magnet 40, the red LEDs I 10r will begin to flash again and the blue LEDs 1 10b will turn on steadily, ^'lire red LEDs .1 1 Or will remain steadily on as sensor 20 gets closer to the magnet 40. When sensor 20 passes over magnet 40 and moves away from magnet 40 outside of a radius of approximately I ½ inches, the red LEDs 1 lOr will begin to flash and the blue LEDs i 1 b will turn ON again. Sensor 20 refines the circle of uncertainty around magnet 40 from approximately 6 inches in radius when magnet 40 is first encountered to a radi us of approximately 1 ½ inches, once sensor 20 has passed over magnet 40.

[0041 ] in one exemplary embodiment, sensor 20 is put into deep mode by pressing/releasing the mode button 61 , twice. Sensor 20 may be put back into normal mode by again, pressing releasing the mode button 61 , twice.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, when i deep mode, magnet 40 can be up to 15 inches away from the device. That is, for example, magnet 40 can. be on the opposite side 810 of a wall that is 15 inches thick. In one embodiment, this is the maximum detectable distance of the tool 23, Tool 23 will detect the larger target magnet 40, and the red LEDs I 1 Or will begin to flash as in normal mode. The red LEDs 1 10r will illuminate steadily and the blue LEDs 110b will mm OFF when sensor 20 is wi th in the radius of a circle of approximately 12 inches, but at a distance of about 5 inches. When the sensor passes over the magnet 40 and moves away from the magnet 40 outside of a radius of approximately 3½ inches, the red LEDs I IOr will begin to flash and the blue LEDs 1 10b will turn ON again. The sensor 20 refines the circle of uncertainty around the magnet from approximately 12 inches in radius when the magnet 40 is first encountered to a radius of approximately 3½ inches once the device 23 has passed over the magnet 40,

[0043] In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 20 will initially indicate a target relatively far away from the center of the target magnet. Sensor 20 refines the target location as it is moved over the target by detecting the strongest signal and remembering the value. Once sensor 20 has passed over the actual location of the magnet 40 and begins to move away from the magnet 40 it will stop indicating that the magnet 40 is present. Moving the device back over the magnet 40 will cause the target indicator to become active again. Moving the device left- to-right and top-to- bottom over the magnet 40 will now show the location of the magnet 40 in the smallest possible radius.

[0044] As those skilled in the art can understand, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the name of tool 23, whether it is called "Hall effect, pointer tool," "tool," "device," "Sail effect sensor," or "sensor," as sensor 20 is housed within or is coupled to, on, or about tool 23 and tool 23 without sensor 20 is inoperable to achieve the purposes of this invention.

[0045] The device used in the present invention to locate the magnet, may he implemented on one or more computers executing software instructions. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device used may communicate with a server, and client computer systems, that transmit and receive data over a computer network, or a fiber or copper-based telecommunications network or through radio transmission or local area wireless technology that allows an electronic device to participate in computer networking using various radio bands. The steps of accessing, downloading, and manipulating the data, as well as other aspects of the present invention, are implemented by a central processin unit(s) (CPU) in the server, and client computers executing sequences of instructions stored in a memory. The memory may he a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a persistent store, such as a mass storage device, or any combination of these devices. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the CPU to perform steps according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] The instructions may be loaded into the memory of the server or client computers, from a storage device, o from one or more other computer systems, over a network connection. For example, a client computer may transmit a sequence of instructions to the server computer, in response to a message transmitted to the client over a network, by the server. As the server receives the instructions over the network, connection, it stores the instructions in memory. The server may store the instructions for later execution, or it may execute the instructions as they arrive over the network connection, hi some cases, the CPU may directly support the downloaded rastractions. in other cases, the instructions may not be directly executable by the CPU, and may instead be executed by an interpreter that interprets the instructions. In. other embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of, or m combination with, software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus tools used in the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the server or client computers. In some instances, the client and server functionality may be implemented on a single computer platform.

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the disclosed embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessaril refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore, the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the inventions.

[0049] Still further, while certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions, indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A Ball effect pointer tool comprising;

a Hall effect sensor adapted to detect the strength of a target magnet's magnetic- field, whereby at least one microcontroller automatically adjusts an internal circuit gai as the Hall effect sensor moves in relation to the target magnet, to make the Hail effect sensor switch between at least one mode of operation, whereby the microcontroller analyzes output of analog to digital quantities; and

at least one indicator housed within the tool and caused by the microcontroller to indicate the position of at least one target magnet.

2. The Hail, effect pointer tool of Claim .1 , wherein the at least one indicator is selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology.

3. T he Hail effect pointer tool of Claim 2, wherein there is at least one target indicator and at least one calibration indicator. . The Hail effect pointer tool of Claim 1 , wherein there exists at least one made of operation.

5. The Hall effect pointer tool of Claim 4, wherein a mode of operation depend on the distance betwee the surface of the sensor and the surface of the target magnet, whereby the distance is less than six inches.

6. The Hail effect pointer of Claim 4, wherein the mode of operatio can be selected to accommodate different distances between the surface of the sensor and the surface of the target magnet.

7. The Hall effect pointer tool of Claim 1. wherein the tool, includes at least one mode indicator.

8. The Hall effect pointer tool of Claim 7, wherein the at least one mode indicator is selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology.

9 , The Hall effect pointer tool of Claim 8, wherei n there is a mode indicator for each mode of operation.

.10. The Ball effect pointer too! of Claim 1, wherein the tool includes a probe portion, whereby the probe portion includes a cutout which enables a user to insert a marking instrument and leave a mark on the target surface.

1 1. The Ball effect pointer too! of Claim 10, wherein the cutout is defined by the sensor.

12. The Hall effect pointer tool of Claim I, wherein the sensor is housed, in the probe portion.

13. A method of using a Hall effect sensor, comprising the steps of:

positioning a target magnet on the opposi te side of a target surface; and positioning a Hall effect sensor adapted to detect the strength of a target magnet's magnetic field on a target surface, whereby at least, one microcontroller automatically adjusts an internal circuit gain as the Hall effect sensor moves in relation to the target magnet, to make the Hall effect sensor switch betwee at least one mode of operation, whereby the microcontroller analyzes output of analog to digital quantities and causes at least one indicator to indicate the actual position of the target magnet.

14. The method of Claim 13, further comprising the step of moving the Hall effect sensor to the actual location of the target magnet b following the indications emitted, by at least one indicator,

15. The method of Claim 13, whereby the at least one indicator is selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology.

16. The method of Claim 13, further comprising the step of selecting at least one mode of operation to accommodate different distances between the surface of the sensor and the surface of the tamet maenet.

1.7. The method of Claim .1 , further comprising the step of selecting a mode of operation for distance between the surface of the sensor and the surface of the target magnet is greater than six inches.

18, The method of Claim 13, whereby the at least one mode indicator is selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology.

19, The method of Claim .13, further comprising the step of marking the actual location of the magnet through a cutout in the tool defined by the sensor.

20, A Hall effect pointer tool comprising;

a Hal! effect sensor coupled to a housing;

a push button, coupled to the housing, adapted to select at least one mode of operation to accommodate distances between the suriace of the sensor and. the suriace of a target magnet;

at least one mode indicator coupled to the housing, selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology, wherein the mode indicator identifies the mode of operation, wherein the mode indicator identifies the mode of operation; and

at least one indicator coupled to the housing, selected from the group consisting of LEDs, LCDs, a graphical user interface and display technology, wherein the indicator identifies the actual location, of a target magnet.