Signal-generating stylus, system, and method

1. A system comprising:

a device including a user interface, a detector, and a central processing unit (CPU) in communication with the detector, wherein the CPU controls operation of the device; and

a stylus, wherein the stylus includes a main body, an engagement member coupled to the main body, a magnet, and a field-altering metal cup having an internal structure, wherein the engagement member alters a mechanical relationship in response to being engaged by a user, wherein a portion of the magnet is moved into the internal structure of the metal cup in response to engagement of the engagement member, wherein the altered mechanical relationship includes an altered position of the magnet in relation to the main body and the engagement member in response to the engagement member being engaged by the user, wherein the stylus generates a signal in response to the altered mechanical relationship, wherein the signal includes a changing characteristic of a magnetic field generated by magnet, wherein an amplitude of the magnetic field is attenuated when the portion of the magnet is moved into the internal structure of the metal cup,

wherein the detector detects the signal generated by the stylus, and wherein the CPU performs an action in response to detection of the signal.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detector comprises a magnetometer that detects the signal as a characteristic of a magnetic field.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the engagement member comprises a moveable button secured to an outer shaft of the main body of the stylus.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the engagement member comprises a deflectable tip of the stylus.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the magnet includes a first magnet that is coupled to the engagement member through a mechanical link, wherein the first magnet linearly moves within a magnet chamber in response to engagement of the engagement member.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the magnet includes a first magnet that is coupled to the engagement member through a mechanical link, wherein the first magnet rotates within a magnet chamber in response to engagement of the engagement member.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the stylus further comprises a biasing mechanism that returns the magnet to an at-rest position in response to disengagement of the engagement member.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the magnet includes a first magnet, and the system further comprises a second magnet, wherein the first magnet is moved in relation to the second magnet in response to engagement of the engagement member.

9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a container that contains a magnetic fluid and the magnet, wherein the engagement member is secured to the container to move the magnetic fluid in relation to the magnet.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the magnet includes a first magnet fixed in position within the stylus, and the system further comprises a second magnet secured to a portion of the engagement member.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the stylus is passive and devoid of electronics and a battery.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the stylus further comprises:

a battery having a first electrical contact;

a coil electrically coupled to the battery; and

a second electrical contact extending from a portion of the engagement member, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are separated from one another in response to the engagement member being disengaged, wherein the altered mechanical relationship includes the first and second electrical contacts electrically connecting in response to engagement of the engagement member, and wherein the signal includes an emitted signal from the coil in response to the first electrical contact electrically connecting with the second electrical contact.

13. A stylus comprising:

a main body;

an engagement member operatively coupled to the main body, wherein the engagement member alters a mechanical relationship in response to being engaged by a user, wherein the stylus generates a signal in response to the altered mechanical relationship;

a battery having a first electrical contact;

a coil electrically coupled to the battery; and

a second electrical contact extending from a portion of the engagement member, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are separated from one another in response to the engagement member being disengaged, wherein the altered mechanical relationship includes the first and second electrical contacts electrically connecting in response to engagement of the engagement member, and wherein the signal includes an emitted signal from the coil in response to the first electrical contact electrically connecting with the second electrical contact.

14. The stylus of claim 13 , further comprising a magnet, wherein the altered mechanical relationship includes an altered position of the magnet in relation to the main body and the engagement member in response to the engagement member being engaged by the user, wherein the signal includes a changing characteristic of a magnetic field generated by the magnet.

15. A system comprising:

a device comprising a detector; and

a stylus for use with the device, wherein the stylus includes a main body, an engagement member coupled to the main body, a magnet, and a container that contains a magnetic fluid and the magnet, wherein the engagement member is secured to the container to move the magnetic fluid in relation to the magnet, wherein the engagement member alters a mechanical relationship on or within the main body in response to being engaged by a user, wherein the altered mechanical relationship includes an altered position of the magnet in relation to the main body and the engagement member in response to the engagement member being engaged by the user, wherein the stylus generates a signal in response to the altered mechanical relationship, wherein the signal includes a changing characteristic of a magnetic field generated by magnet,

wherein the detector detects the signal generated by the stylus.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the stylus is passive and devoid of electronics and a battery.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the magnetic fluid is in direct contact with the magnet within the container.