TMotion: Embedded 3D Mobile Input using Magnetic Sensing Technique

Abstract

We present TMotion, a self-contained 3D input that enables spatial interactions around mobile using a magnetic sensing technique. Using a single magnetometer from the mobile device, we can track the 3D position of the permanent magnet embedded in the prototype along with an inertial measurement unit. By numerically solving non-linear magnetic field equations with known orientation from inertial measurement unit (IMU), we attain a tracking rate greater than 30Hz based solely on the mobile device computation. We describe the working principle of TMotion and example applications illustrating its capability.