Accessory devices that communicate with electronic devices

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to "an accessory device that communicates with an electronic device." The present invention discloses an electronic device and an accessory device that is designed to communicate with the electronic device. An accessory device suitable for use with the electronic device can receive the electronic device. Upon authentication, the electronic device can read information stored on the accessory device through corresponding wireless communication circuits of the electronic device and the accessory device. For example, the accessory device can store information related to the material composition of the accessory device, dimensional information of the accessory device, and other integrated features. This information can be read and received by the electronic device. Therefore, the electronic device can adjust the control system (which regulates thermal energy generation) by increasing the set point temperature, and the increased set point temperature allows one or more processors to operate in a manner consistent with the additional thermal energy generation. However, the accessory device protects the user from exposure to the additional thermal energy, thereby preventing damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The described embodiments generally relate to accessory devices and electronic devices, and communication between devices. More specifically, the embodiments relate to an accessory device designed to transmit information to an electronic device via wireless communication. For example, when the electronic device is inserted into the accessory device, the accessory device can transmit size information or material composition information to the electronic device. The electronic device can use this information to change one or more operations. Background Art

[0002] Accessory devices can provide a protective housing or cover for electronic devices. Generally speaking, accessory devices include one or more materials that, when combined, provide a sufficiently thick accessory that prevents some events that would otherwise damage the electronic device. However, although accessory devices can provide the above benefits, there are some disadvantages to using accessory devices. For example, some accessory devices inadvertently form "heat sinks" due to their location on the electronic device. In addition, advances in processor technology provide electronic devices with faster processing speeds, but generate more heat during operation. Several electronic devices are designed to "throttle" or reduce the processing speed of the processor in the electronic device when a threshold temperature is detected, thereby allowing the processor to cool. In some cases, electronic devices are designed to automatically shut down (without user commands) when a threshold temperature is detected. Therefore, in some cases, accessory devices that capture heat may exacerbate throttling operations, resulting in lower performance and undesirable user experience of the electronic device. Therefore, some users are required to choose between protecting their electronic devices (through accessory devices) or allowing greater processing power (without accessory devices that protect their electronic devices). Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a housing that defines an internal volume of a storage component. The component may include a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field from a magnetic component outside the housing. The component may also include a processing circuit configured to compare the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor with a predetermined magnetic field. The component may also include a wireless communication circuit. In some embodiments, when the processing circuit determines that the magnetic field matches the predetermined magnetic field within a predetermined tolerance, the wireless communication circuit reads information from an external wireless communication circuit. The component may also include an integrated circuit separate from the processing circuit. The component may also include a control system configured to adjust the integrated circuit to operate according to a first set point temperature. In some embodiments, when the information is received by the wireless communication circuit, the control system is configured to adjust the integrated circuit to operate according to a second set point temperature greater than the first set point temperature.

[0004] In another aspect, an accessory device suitable for use with a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a bottom wall. The accessory device may also include a side wall extending from the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the bottom wall and the side wall combine to define a receiver for the portable electronic device. The accessory device may also include a magnetic component disposed in the bottom wall. The magnetic component may generate a magnetic field defining a magnetic field vector. The accessory device may also include wireless communication circuitry disposed in the bottom wall. The wireless communication circuitry may be configured to transmit information to the portable electronic device after authentication based on the magnetic field vector.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for controlling an electronic device is described. The method may include receiving, by a magnetic field sensor, a magnetic field from a magnetic component external to the electronic device. The method may also include comparing, by a processing circuit, the magnetic field with a predetermined magnetic field. The method may also include, when the processing circuit determines that the magnetic field matches the predetermined magnetic field within a predetermined tolerance, receiving information from an external wireless communication circuit by a wireless communication circuit. The method may also include controlling, by a control system, an integrated circuit to operate according to a first set point temperature. The method may also include, when the information is received by the wireless communication circuit, increasing, by the control system, from the first set point temperature to a second set point temperature greater than the first set point temperature, such that the control system controls the integrated circuit to operate according to the set point temperature.

[0006] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example the principles of the described embodiments.

[0007] The present disclosure is provided only for the purpose of summarizing some exemplary embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned features are only examples and should not be construed as reducing the scope or essence of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent through the following detailed description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will be more easily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like structural elements.

[0009] Figure 1 An isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device is shown.

[0010] Figure 2 Shown is a view taken along line 2-2 Figure 1A cross-sectional view of an accessory device is shown illustrating additional features of the accessory device.

[0011] Figure 3 An alternative isometric view of the accessory device is shown, illustrating features of the magnetic assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams of accessory devices according to some described embodiments are shown.

[0013] Figure 5 Plan views of embodiments of electronic devices according to some of the described embodiments are shown.

[0014] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 An alternative plan view of an electronic device is shown illustrating additional features of the electronic device.

[0015] Figure 7 Schematic diagrams of electronic devices according to some of the described embodiments are shown.

[0016] Figure 8 A plan view of an electronic device positioned in an accessory device according to some of the described embodiments is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for changing an electronic device based on interaction with an accessory device according to some of the described embodiments is shown.

[0018] Fig.10 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling an electronic device according to some of the described embodiments is shown.

[0019] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device is shown, illustrating additional material for the accessory device.

[0020] Fig.12 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device is shown showing the accessory device having a housing and a cover.

[0021] Fig.13 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device is shown, showing the accessory device with a battery.

[0022] Fig.14 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device is shown, showing the accessory device having multiple jackets or pockets for various items.

[0023] Fig.15 A schematic diagram showing an accessory device designed for a specific purpose.

[0024] Fig.16 A plan view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device is shown, showing the accessory device designed as a game controller.

[0025] Fig.17 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device designed for use with a laptop computing device is shown.

[0026] Fig.18 An isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device in the form of a charging pad is shown.

[0027] Fig.19 An isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device in the form of a charging module is shown.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the sizes of the various features and elements of the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Representative applications of the methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are provided only to add context and aid in understanding the described embodiments. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other cases, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments, well-known processing steps are not described in detail. Other applications are possible, so that the following examples should not be considered restrictive.

[0030] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, it is to be understood that these examples are not limiting; other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

[0031] The present application relates to accessory devices designed to enhance the overall user experience of electronic devices, including portable electronic devices, such as mobile wireless communication devices (e.g., smart phones, tablet computing devices) and laptop computing devices, as non-limiting examples. As non-limiting examples, the accessory devices described herein may include housings, covers, folios / wallets, and jackets. In addition, the accessory devices described herein may transmit information to the electronic device, such as characteristics and features of the accessory device. For example, the accessory device may include a near field communication ("NFC") circuit that can transmit information related to the type of accessory device, the material composition of the accessory device, the size information of the accessory device, and other integrated features of the accessory device via wireless communication using the NFC protocol. The electronic device can use this information to change one or more operations to optimize performance.

[0032] Some electronic devices have built-in control systems designed to control component temperatures, particularly heat-generating operating components. For example, an electronic device may include a processor or processing circuitry that generates thermal energy or heat during operation, such as a central processing unit (“CPU”), a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). Generally speaking, as a non-limiting example, the thermal energy generated by the processor is a function of the complexity of the operations (e.g., lines of code) being processed, the frequency or processing speed, and the duration of use of the processor.

[0033] In order to control the generation of heat energy, the electronic device described herein may include a control system that relies on a temperature sensor and software. For example, a control system using a set point temperature or a threshold temperature may monitor one or more processors through one or more temperature sensors, and when the temperature sensor indicates that the temperature at or near the processor reaches or exceeds the set point temperature, the control system may limit the use / operation of the processor, or in some cases, shut down the processor (or the electronic device itself) as a mechanism to limit or prevent further heat generation. In addition, the electronic device may include heat-conducting hardware (e.g., a heat sink, metal) to dissipate heat energy by conduction and / or convection. The control system (and other aforementioned design modifications) not only reduces the possibility of damage to the processor and / or surrounding components, but also reduces the heat exposure to the user. With regard to the latter, the control system can prevent damage to the user.

[0034] When the electronic device is close enough to the accessory device, information transfer from the accessory device to the electronic device can be performed through the corresponding NFC circuit. For example, the accessory device described herein may include a receiver designed to receive the electronic device, thereby at least defining the "sufficient proximity" between the electronic device and the accessory device. In addition, before the information transfer event, an authentication protocol or "handshake" may be performed between the electronic device and the accessory device. In this regard, the accessory device may include a magnetic component that generates a unique magnetic field represented by a magnetic field vector. The magnetic component of the accessory device can act as a "key" used by the electronic device, which relies on a magnetometer to read / detect the magnetic field vector from the magnetic component to authenticate the accessory device. Therefore, other accessory devices with magnets or magnetic components that do not generate a unique magnetic field vector may be considered "incompatible" by the electronic device, and therefore no information transfer event is performed between the electronic device and the accessory device.

[0035] By receiving information from the accessory device, the electronic device can then change certain processes to improve performance. For example, when the electronic device receives the size information and material composition of the accessory device, the electronic device can determine that it is covered / surrounded by the accessory device and can adjust / increase the set point temperature of the control system, thereby allowing the processor to run more complex operations for a longer period of time. When the set point temperature increase corresponds to increased heat energy generation, the accessory device is positioned above the electronic device (including the metal housing) and can shield the user from excessive heat energy exposure. In addition, in some cases, the accessory devices described herein are designed to receive and dissipate heat energy generated by the electronic device. As a non-limiting example, this may include a heat sink.

[0036] References below Figures 1 to 19 However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0037] Figure 1 An isometric view of an embodiment of the accessory device 100 is shown. In some embodiments, the accessory device 100 is a folio, a wallet, or a jacket. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, accessory device 100 is a housing. As shown, accessory device 100 may include wall 102, also referred to as a rear wall or bottom wall. Accessory device 100 may also include a plurality of side walls, including side wall 104a, side wall 104b, side wall 104c, and side wall 104d, each extending from wall 102. Wall 102 and side walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d combine to define a housing for an electronic device ( Figure 1104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d. The material composition of the wall 102 and the side walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d may vary based on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the wall 102 and the side walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d are partially defined by materials such as leather, artificial leather, polycarbonate, and microfiber. In some embodiments, the wall 102 and the side walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d are partially defined by silicone, polycarbonate, and microfiber. In some embodiments, the wall 102 and the side walls 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d are partially defined by one or more transparent polymers.

[0038] In addition, the wall 102 may include several features. For example, the wall 102 may include a magnetic assembly 108. The magnetic assembly 108 is designed to be magnetically coupled to an external device (such as a wireless charger with an inductive transmitting coil). The magnetic assembly 108 may include various configurations. For example, the magnetic assembly 108 may include several magnetic elements, or alternatively, the magnetic assembly 108 may include a single magnetic element. In addition, as shown, the magnetic assembly 108 may include a circular magnetic assembly. However, other shapes and configurations are possible. The number of magnetic elements and the size, shape, position, and polarity of the magnetic elements of the magnetic assembly 108 may define a unique magnetic field vector. This will be further discussed below.

[0039] Wall 102 may also include wireless communication circuitry 110. In some embodiments, wireless communication circuitry 110 is configured to communicate with the user in accordance with protocol for transmission, which may additionally require a battery ( Figure 1 (not shown). Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication circuit 110 is configured for transmission according to a near field communication ("NFC") protocol and can provide relatively low power information transmission. In addition, as shown, the wireless communication circuit 110 may include a circular wireless communication circuit concentric with respect to the magnetic assembly 108. However, other shapes and configurations are possible. The wireless communication circuit 110 is designed to transmit information related to the accessory device 100 to an electronic device positioned in the receiver 106. For example, the wireless communication circuit 110 may transmit information related to the material composition of the wall 102 and the side walls 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d, and the material composition of the magnetic assembly 108. Alternatively or in combination, the wireless communication circuit 110 may transmit information related to the size or thickness of the wall 102 and the side walls 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d. The electronic device that reads and receives information from the wireless communication circuit 110 may change one or more operations for optimization purposes. This will be discussed below. In addition, the wall 102 may include an opening 112 designed to receive / accommodate a camera assembly of an electronic device.

[0040] Figure 2 Shown is a view taken along line 2-2 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the accessory device 100 is shown, illustrating additional features of the accessory device 100. As shown, the wall 102 includes a thickness 114 corresponding to the 1-dimensional length of the wall 102. The dimension of the thickness 114 of the wall 102 can be stored as information on the wireless communication circuit 110 and subsequently transmitted by the wireless communication circuit. Additionally, the size, shape, and position of the magnetic assembly 108 and the wireless communication circuit 110 can also be stored as information on the wireless communication circuit 110 and subsequently transmitted by the wireless communication circuit. This can also include the layout of the magnetic assembly 108, including the number of magnetic elements of the magnetic assembly 108. Additionally, the size and shape of the side walls of the accessory device 100 (side walls 104a and 104c shown) can also be stored as information on the wireless communication circuit 110 and subsequently transmitted by the wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit 110 is capable of transmitting all of the above-mentioned stored information to the electronic device ( Figure 2 not shown).

[0041] Prior to transmission from the accessory device 100 to the electronic device, an authentication process may be performed to ensure compatibility between the accessory device 100 and the electronic device. The authentication process may ensure that the electronic device is an approved electronic device for the accessory device 100 and vice versa.

[0042] Figure 3 An alternative isometric view of accessory device 100 is shown, illustrating features of magnetic assembly 108. As a collection of one or more magnetic elements, magnetic assembly 108 generates a magnetic field. The resulting magnetic field can be represented by magnetic field vector 116, which indicates at least the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field generated by magnetic assembly 108. As shown in the enlarged view, magnetic field vector 116 is a function of X-axis magnetic field 118a, Y-axis magnetic field 118b, and Z-axis magnetic field 118c. An electronic device ( Figure 3 100 ). The electronic device 100 may use a magnetic field sensor to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic component 108, and further detect the magnetic field vector 116, including the direction and / or magnitude of the magnetic field vector 116. The electronic device may also compare the magnetic field vector 116 to a predetermined (or predefined or preprogrammed) magnetic field vector, and if the electronic device determines a sufficient match within a predetermined tolerance (e.g., 60% to 100%) between the magnetic field vector 116 and the predetermined magnetic field vector, the electronic device may authenticate the accessory device 100 or initiate a "handshake" with the accessory device, and may subsequently read information from the wireless communication circuit 110. Alternatively, if the electronic device determines that there is not a sufficient match between the magnetic field vector 116 and the predetermined magnetic field vector, the handshake does not occur and the electronic device is not allowed to read information from the wireless communication circuit 110.

[0043] Magnetic field vector 116 may form an angle θ (shown in an enlarged view) relative to an XY plane defined by, for example, wall 102 of accessory device 100. When angle θ is a non-zero angle (in degrees), magnetic field vector 116 may include components in three different dimensions. In different embodiments of accessory device 100, angle θ may vary. For example, based on magnetic assembly 108, magnetic field vector 116 may form an angle θ greater than 0 degrees and up to 90 degrees (relative to wall 102) with a Z component outside of the XY plane in any direction. Electronic devices described herein may use magnetic field sensors to detect characteristics of magnetic field vector 116, including magnitude and angle θ.

[0044] It should be noted that Figure 3 Magnetic field vector 116 shown is an exemplary magnetic field vector, and a magnetic component different from magnetic component 108 may generate a magnetic field having a magnetic field vector different from magnetic field vector 116. Additionally, in some embodiments, different accessory devices may include different magnetic components, where each accessory device model (e.g., a case, cover, wallet, jacket, etc.) has a unique magnetic component, thereby generating a unique magnetic field vector. The electronic devices described herein may use a unique magnetic field vector to determine which model or type of accessory device is currently being used with the electronic device. In other words, in some embodiments, magnetic field vector 116 defines a unique magnetic field vector that is specifically associated with accessory device 100, or that corresponds to a model of accessory device 100.

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an accessory device 200 according to some of the described embodiments is shown. The accessory device 200 may include a magnetic assembly 208 designed to magnetically couple with an external device such as a wireless charger. Additionally, when the electronic device is positioned / set in the accessory device 200 (e.g., a receiver of the accessory device 200), the magnetic assembly 208 may align with an inductive charging receiver coil in the electronic device. Thus, when the wireless charger is used to charge a battery of the electronic device (via inductive charging), the magnetic assembly 208 may align the wireless charger with the inductive charging receiver coil in the electronic device, thereby increasing charging efficiency, which may help reduce the energy required to charge the battery.

[0046] Additionally, as a non-limiting example, the accessory device 200 includes wireless communication circuitry 210, which may include NFC circuitry. The wireless communication circuitry 210 is designed to transmit information 220 related to the accessory device 200. The information 220 may be stored on a memory provided by the wireless communication circuitry 210, or alternatively, on a separate memory circuit. The information 220 may include a model or serial number of the accessory device 200, a material composition of the accessory device 200, dimensional information of the accessory device 200, and / or information related to the magnetic assembly 208. In this regard, when the electronic device is sufficiently close to the wireless communication circuitry 210, the electronic device may use its own wireless communication circuitry to read / receive the information 220.

[0047] Figure 5 1 shows a plan view of an electronic device 350 according to some of the described embodiments. The electronic device 350 is suitable for use with an accessory device such as the accessory device 100 ( Figure 1 As a non-limiting example, electronic device 350 may include a smart phone or a tablet computing device. As shown, electronic device 350 includes a housing 352 or enclosure, which may include a metal housing. Electronic device 350 also includes a display 354 coupled to housing 352. Display 354 (which may include a display commonly known in the field of mobile device displays) is designed to present visual information 356. As shown, visual information 356 includes date and time information. However, visual information 356 may include various other textual information, as well as static images and / or motion (video) images.

[0048] In addition, the electronic device 350 may include a camera 358 designed to capture images outside the electronic device 350. The electronic device 350 may also include a light sensor 360 designed to detect and determine light intensity and provide the light intensity to the processing circuit ( Figure 5 354). The light intensity information provided by the light sensor 360 can be used, for example, to determine whether the display 354 is covered and whether to subsequently deactivate the display 354. In some embodiments, the camera 358 can also be used to determine whether the display 354 is covered and whether to subsequently deactivate the display 354. In addition, the electronic device 350 may include an audio speaker 362, which is designed to emit acoustic energy in the form of audible sound. The camera 358, the light sensor 360, and the audio speaker 362 are exemplary input and output mechanisms of the electronic device, and the number (and order / position) of these mechanisms may vary in other embodiments.

[0049] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5An alternative plan view of the electronic device 350 is shown, which shows additional features of the electronic device 350. The back side / rear side of the electronic device 350 is shown. At this location, the electronic device 350 may include a protruding feature 364 in which several features are located. For example, at the protruding feature 364, the electronic device 350 may include a camera 366a and a camera 366b. Although cameras 366a and 366b are shown, the number of cameras may vary. In addition, the electronic device 350 may include a light source 368 that provides additional light during an image capture event performed by the camera 366a or the camera 366b, and the light source may include a flash light source.

[0050] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an electronic device 450 according to some of the described embodiments is shown. The electronic device 450 is suitable for use with the accessory devices described herein. In addition, the electronic devices described herein (including Figure 5 The electronic device 350 shown in FIG. 4 may include the features shown and described for the electronic device 450. As shown, the electronic device 450 includes a processing circuit 470. As a non-limiting example, the processing circuit 470 may include a CPU that is designed to execute one or more programs stored on the memory 472. In this regard, as a non-limiting example, the processing circuit 470 may include a control circuit for a circuit 474, which may include a GPU or an ASIC. The circuit 474 is also designed to execute one or more programs stored on the memory 472.

[0051] During operation, the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 may generate thermal energy. In some cases, excessive thermal energy may cause damage to the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474, or further cause injury to the user. In this regard, the electronic device 450 may include a control system 476 (composed of hardware circuits and software) designed to limit / reduce the thermal energy generated by the processing circuit 470 and the circuit 474. For example, the control system 476 may include a temperature sensor 478 (representing one or more temperature sensors) located on or near the processing circuit 470, and / or on or near the circuit 474. The temperature sensor 478 (or multiple sensors) may monitor the temperature (or at least the approximate temperature) of the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474, and provide input (representing the monitored temperature) to the control system 476. Using the input information from the temperature sensor 478, the control system 476 may determine whether the temperature of the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 reaches a set point temperature or a threshold temperature. When the set point temperature is reached, the control system 476 may provide a signal or command to the processing circuit 470, thereby causing the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to limit or cease operation, which may include, as non-limiting examples, reducing the processing frequency or reducing the number of software applications running. The temperature sensor 478 may continue to monitor the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474, and when the temperature is below the set point temperature, the control system 476 may stop limiting or preventing the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 from performing its corresponding operation, thereby allowing the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to resume operation.

[0052] In some embodiments, the control system 476 may include advanced features. For example, in addition to allowing the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to operate according to the first or initial set point temperature (as described above), the control system 476 may also allow the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to operate according to the second or subsequent set point temperature. The second set point temperature may be higher than the first set point temperature. In some embodiments, the first set point temperature is selected in the range of 55 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius, and the second set point temperature is selected in the range of 75 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius. By allowing the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to operate according to the second set point temperature, the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 can operate at a higher temperature, which corresponds to an additional process or a more complex process, and then the control system 476 provides a control signal to limit or stop the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 from further operation. For example, it is known that advanced gaming systems with detailed high-resolution graphics and high-frequency display refresh rates cause the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to generate a relatively high amount of thermal energy. When the electronic device 450 uses the processing circuit 470 (e.g., CPU) and the circuit 474 (e.g., GPU) to run the advanced gaming system on the display 454, the processing circuit 470 and the circuit 474 may each generate a relatively high amount of thermal energy, which causes the internal temperature to exceed the first set point temperature. However, when the control system 476 allows the processing circuit 470 and the circuit 474 to exceed the first set point temperature, the control system 476 does not limit the processing circuit 470 and the circuit 474 until the temperature (as determined by the temperature sensor 478) reaches the second set point temperature. Therefore, the user of the electronic device 450 can run the advanced gaming system for a longer period of time, and in some cases, without interruption. Therefore, the control system 476 allows the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to perform a first set of operations when regulated by the first set point temperature. In addition, the control system 476 allows the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 to perform a second (different) set of operations when regulated by the first set point temperature. Generally speaking, in contrast to the first set of operations, the second set of operations is associated with allowing higher processing frequencies, higher complexity software applications (e.g., advanced games), and additional software applications running simultaneously.

[0053] To enable the control system 476 to monitor the processing circuit 470 and the circuit 474 at the second set point temperature, the electronic device 450 may receive an indication that the electronic device 450 is disposed / positioned within or carried by an accessory device (e.g., any accessory device described herein). In this regard, the electronic device 450 may also include a magnetic field sensor 480 that is designed to detect a magnetic field generated from a magnet or magnetic component external to the electronic device 450. In some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor 480 is a Hall effect sensor. Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, magnetic field sensor 480 is a magnetometer. In this regard, magnetic field sensor 480 can detect not only magnetic fields from magnetic components, but also the earth's magnetic field, and thus, electronic device 450 can use magnetic field sensor 480 to provide a compass, i.e., a software application that provides compass information presented on display 454.

[0054] Additionally, magnetic field sensor 480 can detect magnetic components in an accessory device (such as magnetic component 108 of accessory device 100 (eg, Figure 1 In addition, the magnetic field sensor 480 can determine / detect a magnetic field vector, such as the magnetic field vector 116 of the magnetic component 108 (such as Figure 3 ), and provides the determined / detected magnetic field vector (including direction and magnitude) to the processing circuit 470. In this regard, the magnetic field sensor 480 is designed to detect characteristics of the magnetic field vector of the accessory device described herein, including the magnitude and angle of the magnetic field vector, the latter of which may include an angle formed by a magnetic field vector having three components in three different dimensions. The magnetic field sensor 480 can detect magnetic field vectors of various magnitudes and angles. The processing circuit 470 can compare the detected magnetic field vector with a predetermined magnetic field vector via a lookup table stored in the memory 472 or a remote server (including a cloud-based server). For example, when a sufficient match between the detected magnetic field vector and the predetermined magnetic field vector is determined to be within a predetermined tolerance (e.g., 60% to 100%), the electronic device 450 can authenticate the accessory device via a "handshake."

[0055] Additionally, magnetic field sensor 480 detects a magnetic field vector based on the location of magnetic field sensor 480 in electronic device 450. Thus, the location of magnetic field sensor 480 may be considered in determining the magnetic field vector as the magnetic field vector, as detected by magnetic field sensor 480. Thus, the magnetic field vector (from the magnetic component) may be registered differently (i.e., as different magnetic field vectors in terms of magnitude and angle) at different locations / positions relative to magnetic field sensor 480.

[0056] The electronic device 450 may also include wireless communication circuitry 482. As a non-limiting example, the wireless communication circuitry 482 may include NFC circuitry. After the above authentication process, the electronic device 450 may use the wireless communication circuitry 482 to read information from the wireless communication circuitry of the accessory device, such as information 220 (e.g., information 220 from the wireless communication circuitry 210 of the accessory device 200) Figure 4 4). Wireless communication circuitry 482 may provide information to processing circuitry 470. As non-limiting examples, the information provided to processing circuitry 470 may include the type of accessory device (e.g., case, cover / folio, wallet, jacket, etc.), the material composition of the accessory device, and / or size information of the accessory device.

[0057] In some embodiments, the information exchange between the wireless communication circuit 482 and the wireless communication circuit of the accessory device can be minimized. For example, in some embodiments, using the memory 472, the electronic device 450 stores the previous instance of the detected magnetic field vector and the resulting information read from the wireless communication circuit of the accessory device (which generates the magnetic field vector). In addition, using the magnetic field sensor 480, the electronic device 450 can detect the current instance of the detected magnetic field vector. The two magnetic field vectors can be compared by using, for example, the processing circuit 470. If the difference between the two vectors is lower than (or within) the threshold difference, the electronic device 450 can determine that the same accessory device currently used with the electronic device 450 was previously used with the electronic device 450. The "threshold difference" can be a function of several characteristics, such as the mean and standard deviation or hysteresis, to create an acceptable vector range that the currently detected magnetic field vector may fall into. Therefore, the exchange of wireless communication may not be required, and the electronic device 450 can use the memory 472 to retrieve the characteristics of the accessory device previously used with the electronic device 450. Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, the "predetermined magnetic field vector" corresponds to the magnetic field vector stored on the electronic device by the previous instance of the electronic device used with the accessory device. Additionally, in some embodiments, memory 472 may store several (if not all) instances of detected magnetic fields, and electronic device 450 may compare a currently detected magnetic field vector (using magnetic field sensor 480) to any previously stored instances of a magnetic field vector to determine / predict an accessory device currently being used with electronic device 450 and forgo reading from the wireless communication circuitry of the accessory device because electronic device 450 has already stored on memory 472 information previously read from the accessory device.

[0058] In addition, in some cases, an external magnet (different from the magnetic assembly) may be combined with the magnetic assembly to generate a different magnetic field vector. This may cause the magnetic field sensor 480 to detect / determine a magnetic field vector that is different from the expected magnetic field vector of the magnetic assembly from the accessory device. For example, a wireless inductive charger, a magnet, and / or a metal surface may change the magnetic field vector provided by the accessory device to be detected by the magnetic field sensor 480. In this regard, the electronic device 450 may use an absolute magnetic field vector (in terms of magnitude and angle) or compare with a previously detected magnetic field vector that generates / initiates wireless communication with the accessory device. In either method, the electronic device 450 may compare the detected (current) magnetic field vector with a range / threshold of a predetermined or previous magnetic field vector. When the currently detected magnetic field vector is within the expected range of the magnetic field vector, the electronic device 450 may initiate wireless communication to read the wireless communication circuit of the accessory device, or alternatively, the electronic device 450 may determine that the accessory device has previously provided information from the wireless communication circuit of the accessory device and use the information to make a determination about changing the operation of the electronic device 450, such as adjusting the set point temperature.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electronic device 450 determines, based on information received from the accessory device, that the accessory device can adequately absorb the thermal energy generated by the above-mentioned heat-generating operating components of the electronic device 450, and the control system 476 can adjust the set point temperature to a second set point temperature. Alternatively or in combination, the electronic device 450 determines, based on information received from the accessory device, that the accessory device can adequately shield the user of the electronic device 450 from the thermal energy generated by the above-mentioned heat-generating operating components of the electronic device 450, and the control system 476 can adjust the set point temperature to the second set point temperature. Thus, the accessory devices described herein can help the electronic device 450 adjust to the second set point temperature and run additional and / or more complex processes.

[0060] In some embodiments, the control system 476 uses the received information to control the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 according to an intermediate or third set point temperature. The intermediate set point temperature may include a temperature between the first set point temperature and the second set point temperature. In this regard, the electronic device 450 may control the processing circuit 470 and / or the circuit 474 according to a sliding scale of set point temperatures that is based on the selected accessory device and its material composition and / or size information. Therefore, compared to a binary set point temperature configuration, the electronic device 450 can provide a dynamic set point temperature within a set point temperature range.

[0061] The information provided to the processing circuit 470 regarding the material composition may include magnetic components (such as Figure 1The processing circuit 470 may then determine that the accessory device can optimize the wireless charging event. For example, the electronic device 450 may also include an inductive charging module 484 for wirelessly charging a battery 486 of the electronic device 450. The inductive charging module 484 may include an inductive charging receiver coil. When the electronic device 450 is positioned in the receiver of the accessory device, the magnetic component in the accessory device may be aligned with the inductive charging module 484. In this way, the wireless charger for providing wireless charging to the battery 486 is aligned with the inductive charging module 484, thereby increasing the efficiency of the wireless charging event (i.e., less energy required per charge, or less time for the same amount of energy).

[0062] Additionally, in some embodiments, the electronic device 450 that has received information including the material composition of the accessory device can further optimize the inductive charging module 484 to increase charging efficiency. For example, when the accessory device is positioned between the wireless charger and the electronic device 450, the electronic device 450 can determine (or at least approximate) the effective impedance of the wireless charger. In other words, when the wireless charger is used to charge the battery 486 via the inductive charging module 484, the accessory device can change the overall impedance of the wireless charging event. In this regard, the electronic device 450 can use information related to the accessory device to adjust the impedance of the inductive charging module 484 to match (or at least substantially match) the impedance of the effective impedance based on the wireless charger and the accessory device, thereby increasing charging efficiency during the wireless charging event.

[0063] Figure 8 A plan view of an electronic device 550 positioned in an accessory device 500 is shown according to some of the described embodiments. The accessory device 500 and the electronic device 550 may include any of the features described herein with respect to the accessory device and the electronic device, respectively. In this regard, the accessory device 500 and the electronic device 550 may each include wireless communication circuitry. Additionally, when the electronic device 550 is positioned within a receiver (not labeled) of the accessory device 500, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, electronic device 550 and accessory device 500 are within sufficient proximity for their respective wireless communication circuits to communicate with each other. For example, the wireless communication circuit of electronic device 550 can read information from the wireless communication circuit of accessory device 500. Alternatively, "sufficient proximity" can be defined as a distance between electronic device 550 and accessory device 500 where a magnetic field sensor (e.g., Figure 7 The magnetic field sensor 480 in the embodiment can detect the magnetic field vector (e.g., Figure 3In this regard, in some embodiments, the magnetic field sensor of the electronic device 550 can detect the magnetic field vector of the accessory device 500 even when the electronic device 550 is not positioned in the receiver of the accessory device 500.

[0064] Fig. 9 A flowchart 600 illustrating an exemplary process for changing an electronic device based on interaction with an accessory device is shown according to some described embodiments. In step 602, the electronic device may monitor a magnetic field. The electronic device may include a magnetic field sensor, such as a magnetometer (as a non-limiting example). The magnetic field to be monitored may include a magnetic field generated by a magnetic component located in the accessory device.

[0065] In step 604, a magnetic field is detected. This may include a magnetic field from the aforementioned magnetic assembly. A magnetic field sensor may detect the direction and magnitude of a magnetic field (expressed as a magnetic field vector). Additionally, a magnetic field sensor may detect the angle of a magnetic field vector that is outside of a two-dimensional (e.g., XY) plane.

[0066] In step 606, it is determined whether the detected magnetic field matches a predetermined magnetic field. The electronic device may compare the detected magnetic field vector to a predetermined (or predefined or preprogrammed) magnetic field vector. If the electronic device determines that there is a sufficient match between the detected magnetic field vector and the predetermined magnetic field vector within a predetermined tolerance (e.g., 60% to 100%), the electronic device may authenticate the accessory device or initiate a "handshake" with the accessory device. In some embodiments, the magnetic field vector corresponds to a specific model of the accessory device. In this regard, the electronic device may determine the model of the accessory device, including several of its features. On the other hand, if the detected magnetic field vector does not sufficiently match the predetermined magnetic field vector, flowchart 600 returns to step 602.

[0067] In another example, the electronic device may store previous instances of detected magnetic field vectors and information read from the wireless communication circuitry of an accessory device. The two magnetic field vectors (current and previous) may be compared, and if the difference between the two vectors is below a threshold difference, the electronic device may determine that the same accessory device used with the electronic device in the previous instance is currently being used. Additionally, the electronic device may store several, if not all, instances of detected magnetic fields, and may compare the currently detected magnetic field vector to any previously stored instances of the magnetic field vector to determine / predict the accessory device currently being used with the electronic device and forgo reading from the wireless communication circuitry of the accessory device because the electronic device already has stored on memory the information previously read from the accessory device. Thus, in this example, the "predetermined magnetic field" corresponds to a magnetic field vector stored on the electronic device by a previous instance of the electronic device being used with the accessory device.

[0068] When flowchart 600 proceeds to step 608, the electronic device reads information from the accessory device. The electronic device may include wireless communication circuitry that is capable of reading information from corresponding wireless communication circuitry of the accessory device. As non-limiting examples, the information may include material composition of the accessory device, dimensional information of the accessory device, and the size, shape, and location of magnetic components of the accessory device. It should be noted that in some cases, step 608 may occur only after detecting that the magnetic field vector matches the predetermined magnetic field vector (as described in step 606).

[0069] In step 610, the electronic device may perform an operation based on the received information. In some embodiments, the operation performed includes raising / increasing the set point temperature from the first set point temperature to the second set point temperature, or adjusting the set point temperature to an intermediate set point temperature between the first set point temperature and the second set point temperature. In some embodiments, the operation performed includes adjusting the impedance of the inductive charging module of the electronic device to match the impedance of the effective impedance of the wireless charger when considering the accessory device (positioned between the electronic device and the wireless charging mechanism). In some embodiments, the operation performed includes a dedicated mode based on receiving dedicated information. For example, the dedicated information may include aviation information, car / driving information, or home automation information. In this regard, the dedicated information may cause the electronic device to enable some features (e.g., display certain software applications) and disable other applications (e.g., touch input to the display). This will be discussed in further detail below.

[0070] Fig.10 A flowchart 700 showing an exemplary process for controlling an electronic device according to some of the described embodiments is shown. In step 702, a control system of the electronic device is operated based on a first temperature threshold or a first set point temperature. The control system of the electronic device is designed to monitor operating components, particularly heat-generating operating components. In this way, the electronic device may include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., solid-state temperature sensors, thermistors), which are positioned at one or more locations near the heat-generating operating components in the electronic device. The control system may use one or more temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the heat-generating operating components, and when it is determined that the heat-generating operating components reach a temperature equal to (or in some cases, higher than) the first temperature threshold, the control system may provide a signal to the heat-generating operating components to limit or prevent additional use of the heat-generating operating components, thereby limiting further heat energy generation.

[0071] The control system may control the heat-generating operating component to operate based on the first temperature threshold in different ways. For example, the control system may limit the operating frequency of the heat-generating operating component including the processor circuit. In other words, based on the first temperature threshold, the control system may limit the processing speed to a frequency lower than the maximum specified frequency of the processor circuit. For another example, when the temperature reaches or exceeds the first temperature threshold, the control system may shut down the heat-generating operating component. In yet another example, the control system may limit the number of software applications running on the heat-generating operating component including the processor circuit.

[0072] In step 704, it is determined whether a predetermined magnetic field is detected. In this regard, the electronic device may include a magnetic field sensor, such as a magnetometer (as a non-limiting example). The magnetic field to be monitored may include a magnetic field generated by a magnetic component located in the accessory device. The magnetic field vector may represent the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field. The electronic device may compare the detected magnetic field vector with a predetermined (or predefined or preprogrammed) magnetic field vector. If the electronic device determines that there is a sufficient match between the detected magnetic field vector and the predetermined magnetic field vector within a predetermined tolerance (e.g., 60% to 100%), the electronic device may authenticate the accessory device or initiate a "handshake" with the accessory device, and may subsequently read information from the wireless communication circuit of the accessory device. On the other hand, if the detected magnetic field vector does not sufficiently match the predetermined magnetic field vector, the flowchart 700 returns to step 702.

[0073] In another example, the electronic device may store previous instances of detected magnetic field vectors and information read from the wireless communication circuitry of an accessory device. The two magnetic field vectors (current and previous) may be compared, and if the difference between the two vectors is below a threshold difference, the electronic device may determine that the same accessory device used with the electronic device in the previous instance is currently being used. Additionally, the electronic device may store several, if not all, instances of detected magnetic fields, and may compare the currently detected magnetic field vector to any previously stored instances of the magnetic field vector to determine / predict the accessory device currently being used with the electronic device and forgo reading from the wireless communication circuitry of the accessory device because the electronic device already has stored on memory the information previously read from the accessory device. Thus, in this example, the "predetermined magnetic field" corresponds to a magnetic field vector stored on the electronic device by a previous instance of the electronic device being used with the accessory device.

[0074] In step 706, the electronic device reads information from the accessory device. The electronic device may include wireless communication circuitry that is capable of reading information from corresponding wireless communication circuitry of the accessory device. It should be noted that in some cases, step 706 may occur only after detecting that the magnetic field vector matches the predetermined magnetic field vector (as described in step 704).

[0075] The information provided to the electronic device may include several features related to the accessory device. For example, the information may include the material composition of the accessory device. As a non-limiting example, the material composition of the accessory device may include some combination of leather, artificial leather, microfiber, or silicone. The material composition of the accessory device may also include a magnetic assembly, including the size, shape, and position of the magnetic elements of the magnetic assembly, and the magnetic polarity of each of the magnetic elements. In addition, the information may include dimensional information of the accessory device, such as the thickness of the rear wall or bottom wall of the accessory device.

[0076] In step 708, based on the information received from the accessory device, the control system is adjusted to operate based on a second temperature threshold or a second set point temperature. The second temperature threshold can be greater than the first temperature threshold. The electronic device can use information related to, for example, the material composition of the accessory device and determine that heat-generating operating components of the electronic device can operate at a higher temperature (e.g., above the first temperature threshold) and therefore generate additional thermal energy at a higher temperature. At least some of the generated thermal energy can be absorbed, dissipated and / or redirected by one or more materials of the accessory device. In this way, holding an accessory device (e.g., see FIG. 10 ) having an electronic device disposed in the accessory device Figure 8 ) will not be injured by thermal energy exposure. In addition, the size information of the accessory device, when received by the electronic device, can be used to estimate the amount of thermal energy that the accessory device can absorb, thereby helping to determine whether the user will be adequately shielded from thermal energy.

[0077] The control system may control the heat-generating operating component in different ways to operate based on the second temperature threshold. For example, the control system may allow the processing speed or processing frequency of the processor circuit to exceed the (limited) frequency associated with the first temperature threshold. For another example, the control system may not initiate a shutdown event for the heat-generating operating component that exceeds a temperature higher than the first temperature threshold. In yet another example, the control system may increase the number of software applications running on the heat-generating operating component including the processor circuit. However, it should be noted that when one or more temperature sensors determine that the heat-generating operating component reaches (or in some cases, exceeds) the second temperature threshold, the control system may subsequently limit or prevent further operation of the heat-generating operating component.

[0078] Figures 11 to 17 Alternative embodiments of accessory devices are shown and described. Although not every embodiment is shown and described, Figures 11 to 17 The accessory device shown and described in the accompanying drawings may include several of the features described herein for the accessory device.

[0079] Fig.11800, showing additional materials for the accessory device 800. Similar to the previous embodiments, the accessory device 800 may include a wall 802 and a portion of the accessory device 800 extending from the wall 802 to form a portion of the accessory device 800. Fig.11 804a and 804c are shown). In addition, the accessory device 800 may include a magnetic component 808 and a wireless communication circuit 810, which may include any of the features described herein for the magnetic component and the wireless communication circuit, respectively.

[0080] The accessory device 800 may also include a heat sink 811. As shown, the heat sink 811 is located in the wall 802. However, in some embodiments (not shown), the heat sink 811 extends into at least one of the side walls 804a and 804c. In some embodiments, the heat sink 811 includes a thermally conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., copper). In some embodiments, the heat sink 811 includes a thermally conductive non-metallic material, such as graphite. In some embodiments, the heat sink 811 includes a phase change material (e.g., wax) that is capable of absorbing thermal energy from the electronic device by changing from a solid to a liquid. The type of heat sink 811 integrated into the accessory device 800 can be stored as information on the wireless communication circuit 810 and subsequently transmitted to the electronic device in the manner previously described.

[0081] Fig.12 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 900 is shown, showing the accessory device 900 having a housing 922 and a cover 924. As shown, the accessory device 900 may include a wall 902, also referred to as a rear wall or bottom wall. The accessory device 900 may also include a plurality of side walls, including side wall 904a, side wall 904b, side wall 904c, and side wall 904d, each extending from the wall 902. The wall 902 and the side walls 904a, 904b, 904c, and 904d combine to define a housing for an electronic device ( Fig.12 Receiver 906 or cavity or space (not shown). In addition, similar to the previous embodiments, accessory device 900 may include magnetic component 908 and wireless communication circuit 910, which may include any of the features described herein for magnetic components and wireless communication circuits, respectively.

[0082] The cover 924 is designed to pivot / rotate relative to the housing 922 based on a hinge 926 that couples the housing 922 and the cover 924. Thus, the hinge 926 allows for relative movement between the housing 922 and the cover 924. The cover 924 may include a sleeve 928 that may store various personal items such as credit cards or cash (as non-limiting examples). When the accessory device 900 is in Fig.12When in the open position, the cover 924 can be rotated relative to the housing 922 and positioned on the housing to conceal and protect the electronic device positioned in the receiver 906, thereby placing the accessory device 900 in the closed position.

[0083] Fig.13 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 1000 is shown, showing the accessory device 1000 having a battery 1030. Similar to the previous embodiments, the accessory device 1000 may include a receiver 1006 defined by a wall 1002 and a number of side walls (not labeled). In addition, the accessory device includes a battery 1030 stored in a compartment 1032. The accessory device 1000 includes an electronic device ( Fig.13 1006). In this way, based in part on the electrical connection formed by connector 1034, battery 1030 can be used to charge the battery of the electronic device. In some embodiments (not shown), accessory device 1000 includes one or more electrical contacts located on wall 1002, wherein the electrical contacts are designed to electrically couple to corresponding electrical contacts of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in receiver 1006. In addition, similar to the previous embodiments, accessory device 1000 may include magnetic assembly 1008 and wireless communication circuitry 1010, which may include any of the features described herein for the magnetic assembly and the wireless communication circuitry, respectively.

[0084] Wireless communication circuitry 1010 can store information related not only to the material composition of accessory device 1000, but also to thickness 1014, or length along the Z-axis. Thickness 1014 can include the combined thickness of wall 1002 and compartment 1032. In addition, wireless communication circuitry 1010 can also store information related to battery 1030. In this way, wireless communication circuitry 1010 can transmit this information to the electronic device, and the electronic device can determine thermal characteristics of accessory device 1000, which can be used, for example, to determine whether to change a set point temperature by a control system of the electronic device.

[0085] Fig.14An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 1100 is shown, which shows an accessory device 1100 with multiple jackets or bags for various items. As a non-limiting example, the accessory device 1100 is designed to carry and support electronic devices, as well as carry / hold the user's personal items (such as credit cards, hotel cards, cash, etc.). In this regard, the accessory device 1100 may include a plurality of sections coupled together. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, the accessory device 1100 includes a section 1102a, a section 1102b, and a section 1102c. Sections 1102a, 1102b, and 1102c may be referred to as a first section, a second section, and a third section, respectively. In addition, sections 1102a and 1102c may be referred to as a front (or top) section and a rear (or rear or bottom) section, respectively, and section 1102b may be referred to as a middle section. Sections 1102a, 1102b, and 1102c define pockets (or jackets or cavities) for a user's personal items. For example, sections 1102a and 1102b define pocket 1104a for a user's credit cards, cash, etc., while sections 1102b and 1102c define pocket 1104b for electronic devices. Pockets 1104a and 1104b are shown in dashed lines. In addition, similar to the previous embodiments, accessory device 1100 may include a magnetic assembly 1108 and wireless communication circuitry 1110 (embedded in section 1102c), which may include any of the features described herein for the magnetic assembly and wireless communication circuitry, respectively.

[0086] Although when the electronic device is inserted into the bag 1104b, the electronic device ( Fig.14 1100) may be substantially covered by the accessory device 1100, but the accessory device 1100 is still designed to facilitate user interaction with the portable electronic device. For example, the section 1102a may include an opening 1136a and an opening 1136b. In some embodiments, the opening 1136a makes an area of ​​the display of the electronic device at least partially visible, and thus, the display can present visual information that can be seen through the opening 1136a. In some embodiments, the opening 1136b makes the input mechanism and output mechanism of the electronic device (e.g., a camera, a sensor, and / or an audio speaker) unobstructed / unblocked, and thus, the electronic device can use the input mechanism and output mechanism based on the opening 1136b when positioned in the accessory device 1100. The wireless communication circuit 1110 may store information related not only to the material composition of the accessory device 1100, but also to the size, shape, and position of the openings 1136a and 1136b. In this way, the wireless communication circuit 1110 can transmit this information to the electronic device, and the electronic device can determine thermal characteristics of the accessory device 1100, which can be used, for example, to determine whether to change the set point temperature by the control system of the electronic device.

[0087] Additionally, a strap 1138 can extend from the accessory device 1100. The strap 1138 is sized and shaped to fit around a limb of a user (e.g., a wrist or forearm), thereby providing another way for the accessory device 1100 to be carried by the user. In some embodiments, the strap 1138 is permanently coupled to the accessory device 1100. Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 1138 is removable from the accessory device 1100 .

[0088] Fig.15 1 shows a schematic diagram of an accessory device 1200 designed for a specific purpose. The accessory device 1200 may include structural embodiments described herein for accessory devices. As a non-limiting example, the accessory device 1200 may take the form of the accessory device 100 (in Figure 1 As shown, accessory device 1200 may include magnetic component 1208 and wireless communication circuit 1210, which may include any of the features described herein for magnetic component and wireless communication circuit, respectively.

[0089] The wireless communication circuit 1210 may also include information 1220 that can be read from or transmitted by the wireless communication circuit 1210. The information 1220 may include any information described herein for information on the wireless communication circuit. In addition, the information 1220 may also include dedicated information 1240. The dedicated information 1240 may include characteristics and features so that when transmitted to the electronic device, it causes the electronic device to initiate a specific software application. In some embodiments, unless or until the electronic device receives the dedicated information 1240, the specific software application is inaccessible or unavailable to the user. In addition, in some embodiments, the dedicated information 1240 may initiate / enable or terminate / disable some hardware devices of the electronic device in order to cause the aforementioned initiated software to operate in a specific manner.

[0090] The following examples illustrate and describe various ways in which the dedicated information 1240 may be utilized and should not be construed as limiting. In some embodiments, the accessory device 1200 is an aviation-based accessory device, and when received by the electronic device, the dedicated information 1240 causes the electronic device to initiate an aviation / flight-related software application. Thus, the processing circuitry of the electronic device may signal a display of the electronic device to present a software application, such as a global positioning system ("GPS") software application, a map software application, or an airport software application, as non-limiting examples. Additionally, the electronic device may determine that the electronic device is being used during an aviation event based on the dedicated information 1240, and subsequently adjust some hardware devices. For example, the electronic device may include a light sensor (e.g., Figure 5 The display may be configured to detect a light sensor 360 and to adjust the display brightness based on the detected light intensity.

[0091] In another example, the accessory device 1200 is a car-based accessory device, and when received by the electronic device, the dedicated information 1240 causes the electronic device to initiate a software application related to the vehicle or driving. Thus, the processing circuitry of the electronic device may signal the display of the electronic device to present a software application, such as a GPS software application or a map software application, as non-limiting examples. Additionally, the electronic device may determine based on the dedicated information 1240 that the electronic device is being used while the user is driving, and subsequently adjust some hardware devices. For example, the electronic device may disable the touch input capability of the display, thereby preventing the user from interacting with the display while driving for the purpose of user safety.

[0092] In yet another example, the accessory device 1200 is a home automation accessory device, and when received by the electronic device, the dedicated information 1240 causes the electronic device to initiate a software application related to hardware control within the home. Thus, the processing circuitry of the electronic device can signal a display of the electronic device to present one or more software applications, such as a home lighting control software application, a garage control software application, one or more home appliance control software applications, and / or a home security software application, as non-limiting examples. Thus, when the electronic device receives the dedicated information 1240, the home-based software application is automatically provided to the user.

[0093] Fig.16 A plan view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 1300 is shown, which shows an accessory device 1300 designed as a game controller. As shown, the accessory device 1300 includes a housing 1302 having a housing designed to receive an electronic device ( Fig.16 1306). In addition, accessory device 1300 may include magnetic assembly 1308 and wireless communication circuitry 1310, which may include any of the features described herein for the magnetic assembly and wireless communication circuitry, respectively. Although not shown, accessory device 1300 may include a connector or electrical contacts (in a position corresponding to receiver 1306) designed to electrically couple with an electronic device.

[0094] As a game controller, accessory device 1300 includes controller 1341 and buttons 1342a and 1342b, all of which are designed to provide game control / input to the electronic device when a user interacts with the electronic device via accessory device 1300. In some embodiments, the electronic device can detect the magnetic field vector from magnetic component 1308 to authenticate accessory device 1300, and wireless communication circuit 1310 can then provide information related to accessory device 1300 to the electronic device. The information can be related to the material composition of accessory device 1300, which can be used by the electronic device to, for example, change a set point temperature. Alternatively or in combination, the information stored on wireless communication circuit 1310 can include application-specific information, and therefore, accessory device 1300 can cause the electronic device to present one or more game software applications on a display of the electronic device.

[0095] Fig.17 An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 1400 designed for use with a laptop computing device is shown. As shown, the accessory device 1400 includes a housing 1402 having a receiver 1406 designed to receive an electronic device 1450, which is representative of a laptop computing device, which includes features such as a display housing 1452 carrying a display 1456, and a base portion 1454 (rotatably coupled to the display housing 1452) carrying a trackpad 1458 and a keyboard 1460. In addition, the accessory device 1400 may include a magnetic assembly 1408 and a wireless communication circuit 1410, which may include any of the features described herein for the magnetic assembly and the wireless communication circuit, respectively.

[0096] Similar to the previous embodiments, the electronic device 1450 can detect the magnetic field vector from the magnetic assembly 1408 to authenticate the accessory device 1400, and the wireless communication circuit 1410 can then provide information related to the accessory device 1400 to the electronic device 1450. The information can be related to the material composition of the accessory device 1400. In addition, the information provided to the electronic device 1450 can indicate that the accessory device 1400 includes a cooling mechanism (such as a fan 1413). Based in part on characteristics such as the fan 1413 and / or the material composition of the accessory device 1400, the electronic device 1450 can change operation, such as adjusting (e.g., increasing) a set point temperature, thereby allowing one or more heat-generating operating components of the electronic device 1450 to operate at a higher temperature, i.e., generate additional thermal energy.

[0097] Fig.18 and Fig.19 An alternative form of accessory device is shown and described in the form of a wireless (inductive) charging device. Fig.18An isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device 1500 in the form of a charging pad is shown. As shown, the accessory device 1500 includes a pad 1502. The pad 1502 can carry a magnetic component 1508 and a wireless communication circuit 1510, which can include any of the features described herein for the magnetic component and the wireless communication circuit, respectively. The accessory device 1500 can also include an inductive charging transmitter coil 1513, and a power source ( Fig.18 1514 and 1515 (not shown) and provide power to the inductive charging transmitter coil 1513.

[0098] As a charging pad, accessory device 1500 can receive a device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, headphones, wireless earbuds, smart watch, digital stylus, etc.) on pad 1502 and then charge the electronic device via wireless charging using inductive charging transmitter coil 1513. When placed on pad 1502, the electronic device can authenticate accessory device 1500 by detecting the magnetic field vector from magnetic component 1508 and then read information from wireless communication circuit 1510. The information from wireless communication circuit 1510 can be used, for example, to adjust the impedance of the inductive charging receiver coil, thereby increasing the efficiency of the wireless charging event provided by accessory device 1500.

[0099] Fig.19 An isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device 1600 in the form of a charging module is shown. As shown, the accessory device 1600 includes a platform 1602. The platform 1602 can carry a magnetic assembly 1608 and a wireless communication circuit 1610, which can include any of the features described herein for the magnetic assembly and the wireless communication circuit, respectively. The accessory device 1600 can also include an inductive charging transmitter coil 1613, and a power source ( Fig.19 1614 and 1615 (not shown) that provide power to the inductive charging transmitter coil 1613.

[0100] As a charging module, accessory device 1600 can receive a device (e.g., a smart phone, headphones, wireless earbuds, smart watch, digital stylus, etc.) on platform 1602, and then charge the electronic device via wireless charging using inductive charging transmitter coil 1613. When placed on platform 1602, the electronic device can authenticate accessory device 1600 by detecting the magnetic field vector from magnetic component 1608, and then read information from wireless communication circuit 1610. The information from wireless communication circuit 1610 can be used, for example, to adjust the impedance of the inductive charging receiver coil, thereby increasing the efficiency of the wireless charging event provided by accessory device 1600.

[0101] The various aspects, embodiments, specific implementations or features of the embodiments may be used individually or in any combination. The various aspects of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The embodiments may also be implemented as computer readable code on a non-transient computer readable medium. A non-transient computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can then be read by a computer system. Examples of non-transient computer readable media include read-only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, HDD, DVD, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. Non-transient computer readable media may also be distributed on a network coupled computer system so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0102] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments described to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.

[0103] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a housing defining an interior volume of a storage component, the component comprising: a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field from a magnetic component external to the housing, a processing circuit configured to compare the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor with a predetermined magnetic field, wireless communication circuitry, wherein when the processing circuitry determines that the magnetic field matches the predetermined magnetic field within a predetermined tolerance, the wireless communication circuitry reads information from an external wireless communication circuitry, an integrated circuit separate from the processing circuit, and A control system that regulates the integrated circuit to operate according to a first set point temperature, and when the information is received by the wireless communication circuit, the control system adjusts the integrated circuit to operate according to a second set point temperature greater than the first set point temperature.

2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising an inductive charging receiving coil, wherein the received information corresponds to a magnet of an accessory device configured to magnetically couple with the inductive charging receiving coil.

3. The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the integrated circuit is capable of performing a first set of operations when regulated by the first set point temperature, and the integrated circuit is capable of performing a second set of operations when regulated by the first set point temperature, the second set of operations being different from the first set of operations. 4 . The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the received information corresponds to a thickness of an accessory device configured to surround the housing. 5 . The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the received information corresponds to a material composition of an accessory device configured to surround the housing. The portable electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a magnetometer.

7. The portable electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a memory, wherein the predetermined magnetic field is based on previous instances of a magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor and stored on the memory.

8. A method for controlling an electronic device, the method comprising: Receiving, by a magnetic field sensor, a magnetic field from a magnetic component outside the electronic device; comparing, by a processing circuit, the magnetic field with a predetermined magnetic field; receiving, by the wireless communication circuit, information from an external wireless communication circuit when the processing circuit determines that the magnetic field matches the predetermined magnetic field within a predetermined tolerance; controlling the integrated circuit by the control system to operate according to a first set point temperature; as well as When the information is received by the wireless communication circuit, the first set point temperature is increased to a second set point temperature greater than the first set point temperature so that the control system controls the integrated circuit to operate according to the set point temperature.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein comparing the magnetic field to the predetermined magnetic field comprises verifying that the magnetic field is within a predetermined tolerance of the predetermined magnetic field prior to receiving the information.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the information is received by the wireless communication circuit from an external wireless communication circuit.

11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: allowing the integrated circuit to perform a first set of operations when regulated by the first set point temperature; as well as The information, when received by the wireless communications circuitry, allows the integrated circuit to perform a second set of operations different from the first set of operations.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving the information defines the received information, and the received information includes a thickness or material composition of the accessory device.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein comparing the magnetic field to the predetermined magnetic field comprises comparing the magnetic field to a previous instance of a magnetic field vector detected by the magnetic field sensor.

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