Electronic device for detecting accessory device with multiple locations

Abstract

To provide an electronic device designed so as to detect an accessory device that covers a display and a housing.SOLUTION: An electronic device 330 uses a sensor 340 for determining whether an accessory device 100 convers a housing 332 or covers the housing and a display 334. The display is deactivated if it is determined that the housing and the display are covered with the accessory device on the basis of the sensor, a processor is permitted to operate at a higher temperature limit in contrast to covering of a single section over the housing if it is determined that the housing is covered with a plurality of sections 102a, 102b of the accessory device on the basis of the sensor, and the electronic device further activates an application, animation, manufacturing information or a combination of them on the basis of a position of the accessory device with respect to the electronic device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices designed to detect accessory devices that cover the display and housing of the electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] An electronic device may be used with an accessory device. For example, the accessory device may provide a protective cover for the electronic device, support the electronic device, or the electronic device may be covered in multiple areas by the accessory device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] Particular features of the present subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of illustration, some embodiments of the present subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a plan view of one embodiment of an accessory device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0005] [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a magnet, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] [Figure 3] 3 illustrates a side view of the magnet shown in FIG. 2, further illustrating the magnetic flux of the magnet in multiple directions, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 4] 10 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a magnet, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 5] 5 illustrates a side view of the magnet shown in FIG. 4, further illustrating the magnetic flux of the magnet in multiple directions, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a side view of an electronic device and an accessory device illustrating the interaction between a sensor of the electronic device and a magnet of the accessory device based on the position of the accessory device, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 8] 8 illustrates a side view of the electronic device and accessory device shown in FIG. 7, illustrating the interaction between a sensor of the electronic device and a magnet of the accessory device based on alternative positions of the accessory device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 9] 9 illustrates a side view of the electronic device and accessory device shown in FIG. 8, illustrating the interaction between a sensor of the electronic device and a magnet of the accessory device based on another alternative position of the accessory device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 10] 10A-10C illustrate side views of an electronic device and an accessory device illustrating interactions between alternative sensors of the electronic device and a magnet of the accessory device based on the position of the accessory device, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 11] 11 illustrates a side view of the electronic device and accessory device shown in FIG. 10, illustrating the interaction between a sensor of the electronic device and a magnet of the accessory device based on alternative positions of the accessory device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 12] 12 illustrates a side view of the electronic device and accessory device shown in FIG. 11 showing the interaction between a sensor of the electronic device and a magnet of the accessory device based on another alternative position of the accessory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a plan view of an accessory device showing the magnetic layout of additional magnets disposed within the accessory device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 14] 1A-1D illustrate side views of an accessory device supporting an electronic device at different angles, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1A-1D illustrate side views of an accessory device supporting an electronic device at different angles, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 16] 1 illustrates various magnets of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates various magnets of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] 1 illustrates various magnets of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] 1 illustrates various magnets of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates various magnets of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 20]1A-1C illustrate side views of an accessory device and an electronic device showing segments of the accessory device oriented in different ways, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 21] 1 illustrates a magnet of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a magnet of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 23] 1 illustrates a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device, further illustrating a camera assembly of the electronic device capturing images of the external environment, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 24] 24 illustrates a front view of an electronic device showing a display of the electronic device presenting a captured image from the camera assembly shown in FIG. 23 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 25] 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in which one or more implementations of the subject technology may be practiced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The detailed description set forth below is intended as an illustration of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The accompanying drawings are incorporated into this specification and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0025] The present disclosure is directed to electronic devices capable of detecting the presence of an accessory device. The electronic devices described herein may include a sensor that detects the presence of magnetic fields resulting from multiple magnets disposed in different sections of the accessory device. For example, the sensor may detect a resultant or net magnetic flux, including a direction (e.g., vector) of the magnetic flux, from one or more magnets in a section (of the accessory device) covering a display of the electronic device and a section (of the accessory device) covering a housing of the electronic device. In one or more implementations, the sensor detects a resultant magnetic flux of at least two separate magnets and provides an output based on the resultant magnetic flux. Based on the output, the electronic device may determine that at least some components and / or structures are covered by the accessory device. For example, using the output, the electronic device can determine that a display is covered by the accessory device and deactivate the display. As a result, the electronic device can reduce battery usage.

[0026] Furthermore, when a portion covering the display is removed and rotated to engage with another portion, the magnets in each section align differently, changing the direction of the resulting magnetic flux. A sensor can detect the change in direction and provide a different output based on the change. Based on the different outputs, the electronic device may determine that the sections of the accessory device are engaged (e.g., touching each other) and that at least one of the sections is engaged with the housing. As a result, the multiple sections of the accessory device isolate the user from the housing of the electronic device, and the electronic device may allow at least one of its processors to operate at a higher performance level (e.g., run additional applications, run more complex or intensive applications, or a combination thereof), which may cause the processor to operate at a higher temperature limit and generate additional thermal energy (e.g., heat). However, due in part to the multiple sections of the accessory device acting as a thermal buffer to absorb at least some of the thermal energy, the user is less likely to suffer injury in the form of thermal exposure. Beneficially, the electronic device can rely on logic from sensor inputs to operate more efficiently and / or safely.

[0027] Additionally, the present disclosure is directed to accessory devices including multi-pole magnets, in which some magnets are designed to increase magnetic attraction with other magnets, magnetically repel other magnets, or minimize shear forces resulting from magnetic attraction. In one or more implementations, the accessory device includes several segments that are movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to one another to form various folding configurations, which are used to support sections of the accessory device that hold / support a portable electronic device. Furthermore, the segments are designed to slide along the sections, thus allowing for a nearly continuous number of angles within the angle range. However, the accessory device may include at least some magnets designed to repel other magnets, thus indicating that the end angles of the range have been exceeded. Furthermore, the accessory device may include additional magnets designed to magnetically couple with magnets at each end angle of the angle range. Based on the multi-pole configuration, the magnetic attraction between the magnets when the sections are positioned at one of the end angles.

[0028] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 1-25. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description provided herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0029] 1 shows a plan view of one embodiment of an accessory device 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Accessory device 100 is designed to cover and protect portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet computing devices. Additionally, some regions of accessory device 100 may move and / or flex to orient the portable electronic device at different angles relative to the user, thus providing a desired viewing angle for the portable electronic device's display.

[0030] As shown, accessory device 100 includes sections 102a and 102b. Sections 102a and 102b may be coupled, including rotatably coupled, to one another by hinge 104. Hinge 104 may include one or more materials extending through each of sections 102a and 102b. Section 102a may include multiple coupled segments, including rotatably coupled to one another. For example, section 102a may include segments 106a, 106b, and 106c. Each of segments 106a, 106b, and 106c may rotate relative to the remaining segments by hinges (shown but not numbered) between adjacent segments.

[0031] Section 102b may define a receiving surface 108 for the portable electronic device, including a housing for the portable electronic device. Additionally, when section 102b receives the portable electronic device, section 102a may be rotated via hinge 104 to cover the display of the portable electronic device, as further shown and described below.

[0032] Accessory device 100 may further include several magnets. For example, accessory device 100 includes magnet 110a located within segment 106c and magnet 110b located within section 102b. Magnets 110a and 110b may be positioned relative to one another such that when section 102a is positioned over section 102b, magnet 110a is positioned over magnet 110b. In other words, magnets 110a and 110b may be positioned in corresponding locations on sections 102a and 102b. In this regard, magnet 110a may alternatively be positioned on segment 106a or segment 106b, and magnet 110b may alternatively be positioned in the corresponding location. In one or more implementations, one or more of magnets 110a and 110b are affected by a magnetization tool or apparatus, thus causing different portions to have different magnetic fluxes (e.g., the magnetic flux of the same magnet oriented in different directions). Alternatively, in one or more implementations, one or more of magnets 110a and 110b may take the form of a magnetic assembly including two or more magnets. In this regard, magnets shown and / or described herein having portions or regions of different magnetic flux (e.g., different magnetic field directions in different regions) may be the result of a single monolithic magnet with altered magnetic flux, either by a magnetization tool or from the use of multiple discrete magnetic elements.

[0033] Additionally, accessory device 100 may include an opening 112 or through-hole located in section 102b. Opening 112 may be aligned with a camera assembly including one or more cameras of the portable electronic device. In this regard, when the portable electronic device is placed on receiving surface 108, the one or more cameras of the portable electronic device are not obstructed by section 102b due to opening 112.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the segments of section 102a have different dimensions. For example, segments 106a, 106b, and 106c include dimensions 113a, 113b, and 113c, respectively, which represent width directions along the X-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system. As shown, dimension 113c of segment 106c is smaller than dimension 113a and smaller than dimension 113b. With segments 106a, 106b, and 106c each having the same or substantially similar length dimensions along the Y-direction, the area of ​​segment 106c is smaller than the area of ​​segment 106a and smaller than the area of ​​segment 106b.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a magnet 110a in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The magnet 110a may include magnetic portions, each having a different magnetic flux. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnet 110a includes magnetic portion 114a and magnetic portion 114b. The magnetic portion 114a may be in the form of a disk, and the magnetic portion 114b may surround the magnetic portion 114a. Additionally, the magnetic portion 114a may be characterized as a central magnetic portion, and the magnetic portion 114b may be characterized as an outer magnetic portion. Furthermore, the magnet 110a having magnetic portions with magnetic flux in different directions may be referred to as a multi-pole magnet.

[0036] To achieve a magnetic flux in magnet 110a that includes a magnetic field in a desired direction, each of magnetic portions 114a and 114b can be magnetized by a magnetization tool (not shown in FIG. 2 ). For example, magnetic portion 114b can include magnetic flux whose direction (represented by arrows) is radially outward, while magnetic portion 114a can include magnetic flux whose field is perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular to magnetic portion 114a). Throughout this detailed description, arrows are used to indicate the direction of magnetic flux as well as the direction of the magnetic flux lines. Thus, the magnetic polarities of magnetic portions, particularly adjacent magnetic portions, may be different. Although the magnetic field lines may curve, extending from north to south, each arrow may represent the direction of magnetic flux where the arrow is located. In other words, each arrow may represent the local direction of magnetic flux. As shown in FIG. 2, the arrow associated with magnetic portion 114a points along the Z axis (in Cartesian coordinates) in the positive Z direction, and the arrow associated with magnetic portion 114b points along the XY plane.

[0037] 3 shows a side view of the magnet 110a shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, further illustrating the magnetic flux of the magnet 110a in multiple directions. The resulting magnetic field (represented by arrows) is directed toward the magnet 110a based on the individual magnetic fluxes from the magnetic portions 114a and 114b. For example, the resulting magnetic field is directed toward the surface 115a, or top surface, of the magnet 110a, and toward the surface 115b, or bottom surface, of the magnet 110a, where surfaces 115a and 115b are opposite or opposing surfaces. Conversely, a conventional magnet may include magnetic flux that is directed such that the magnetic field circulates, for example, away from the top surface and toward the bottom surface.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of magnet 210 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, magnet 210 may be used to replace magnet 110a in accessory device 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Magnet 210 may include magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c, with magnetic portion 214c disposed between magnetic portions 214a and 214b. Magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c may each include magnetic flux in a different direction. For example, magnetic portion 214a may include magnetic flux directed toward magnetic portion 214c. Similarly, magnetic portion 214b may include magnetic flux directed toward magnetic portion 214c. Furthermore, magnetic portion 214c may include magnetic flux directed in a direction away from the bottom surface of magnetic portion 214c (e.g., the negative Z direction in Cartesian coordinates). Based on the magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c, the magnet 210 may form a Halbach array.

[0039] 5 shows a side view of magnet 210 shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, further illustrating the magnetic flux of the magnet in multiple directions. Based on the individual magnetic fluxes from magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c, the resulting magnetic flux is directed away from magnet 210. For example, the resulting magnetic flux is directed away from surface 215a, i.e., the top surface, and away from surface 215b, i.e., the bottom surface, of magnet 210, where surfaces 215a and 215b are opposite or facing surfaces. In one or more implementations, an accessory device shown and / or described herein includes magnet 110a (shown in FIGS. 1-3) or magnet 210.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1, in one or more implementations, the magnetic flux of magnet 110a may be greater than the magnetic flux of magnet 110b. For example, magnets 110a and 110b may comprise the same material, but as shown in FIG. 1, magnet 110a is larger in size (e.g., larger) than magnet 110b, resulting in magnet 110a having a greater magnetic flux density and field strength than that of magnet 110b. Alternatively, the material of magnet 110a may comprise a greater magnetic flux density and field strength than the material of magnet 110b. The same relationship may apply when comparing magnet 210 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) to magnet 110b.

[0041] 6A and 6B illustrate plan views of an embodiment of an electronic device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6A, the electronic device 330 includes a housing 332 or enclosure designed to carry various components of the electronic device 330. The electronic device 330 may further include a display 334 coupled to and carried by the housing 332. The display 334 is designed to present visual information in the form of text, still images, and / or moving images (e.g., video). Additionally, the electronic device 330 may include a camera assembly 336a and a camera assembly 336b. The camera assembly 336a, representing one or more cameras, may take the form of a front or forward-facing camera designed to capture an image of the display 334 facing the environment. As shown, the camera assembly 336a is disposed along a dimension 338 of the housing 332. The dimension 338 may include a smaller or relatively shorter dimension of the housing 332. The camera assembly 336b (shown in dotted lines) representing one or more cameras may take the form of a rear or rear-facing camera designed to capture images of the housing 332 facing the environment. The electronic device 330 may further include one or more sensors 340. In one or more implementations, at least one of the one or more sensors 340 takes the form of a magnetic field sensor designed to detect magnetic fields, including the direction of magnetic fields from magnetic flux. In this regard, at least one of the one or more sensors 340 may include a Hall Effect sensor.

[0042] 6B , electronic device 430 may include any of the features illustrated and / or described for electronic device 330 (shown in FIG. 6A ). For example, electronic device 430 may include a housing 432, a display 434, a camera assembly 436 a, a camera assembly 436 b, and one or more sensors 440. Additionally, camera assembly 436 a is disposed along a dimension 442 of housing 432. Dimension 442 may include a major dimension, or a relatively long dimension, of housing 432. Some of the aforementioned examples illustrated and / or described herein use electronic device 330. However, it should be noted that electronic device 430 may include any of the features and capabilities illustrated and / or described for electronic device 330.

[0043] 7-12 show examples of sensors in electronic devices that detect magnetic flux that may include the resultant magnetic flux from multiple magnets, which may be located in different sections of the accessory devices shown and / or described herein.

[0044] 7 illustrates a side view of an electronic device 330 and an accessory device 100 illustrating the interaction between a sensor 342a of one or more sensors 340 of the electronic device and magnets 110a and 110b of the accessory device 100 based on the position of the accessory device 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the sensor 342a takes the form of a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall Effect sensor (by way of non-limiting example). As illustrated, the section 102a covers the display 334 and the camera assembly 338a of the electronic device 330, and the section 102b covers the housing 332 of the electronic device 330. Thus, the electronic device 330 is positioned between the sections 102a and 102b of the accessory device 100. However, based on the opening 112 in the section 102b (shown in FIG. 1), the camera assembly 336b may not be covered by the section 102b.

[0045] As shown in the enlarged view, sensor 342a is positioned between magnets 110a and 110b. Also shown are the individual magnetic fluxes (the magnetic field directions are indicated by arrows) of magnets 110a and 110b. Based on magnetic portions 114a and 114b of magnet 110a (shown in FIG. 2), the magnetic flux from magnet 110a is directed toward magnet 110a and away from sensor 342a. Furthermore, the magnetic flux from magnet 110b is directed away from magnet 110b and away from sensor 342a. In this regard, the individual magnetic fluxes from magnets 110a and 110b are in opposite directions (e.g., along the Z axis). In FIG. 7, arrows provide example vectors indicating the individual magnitudes of the magnetic fluxes of magnets 110a and 110b. As shown, arrow 343a represents a vector with a larger magnitude than the vector represented by arrow 343b. Based on magnet 110a having a greater magnetic flux density and field strength than magnet 110b, the direction of the resulting magnetic flux from the combined magnetic flux from magnets 110a and 110b is in the positive Z direction and is represented by arrow 344.

[0046] Being within the proximity magnets 110a and 110b, the sensor 342a can detect the direction of the resultant magnetic flux and provide an output (e.g., a first output) in the form of a signal to one or more processors (not shown in FIG. 7 ) of the electronic device 330. The one or more processors may use the signal as an input to logic to determine the direction of the resultant magnetic flux. In this regard, using the signal from the sensor 342a, the electronic device 330 may determine that the display 334 and the housing 332 are covered by the sections 102a and 102b, respectively. Additionally, the one or more processors may deactivate (e.g., turn off) the display 334.

[0047] Additionally, at least one processor (e.g., a central processing unit or CPU) of the one or more processors may operate while electronic device 330 is covered by accessory device 100, as shown in FIG. 7. However, the processor may have its operation limited or throttled to minimize thermal energy production and maintain the processor's operating temperature below a temperature limit or threshold, as determined by a temperature sensor (not shown in FIG. 7) in electronic device 330. In this regard, the processor may be limited to operate according to a temperature limit corresponding to a relatively low temperature limit. As a result, the processor may be limited with respect to operation duration, number of applications running, type of applications running, or a combination thereof.

[0048] 8 shows a side view of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 7 illustrating the interaction between the sensor 342a of the electronic device 330 and the magnets 110a and 110b of the accessory device 100 based on an alternative position of the accessory device 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, section 102a is rotated away from the electronic device 330 and engaged with (e.g., positioned relative to) section 102b. Thus, section 102b is positioned between the electronic device 330 and section 102a.

[0049] Based on the position of section 102a relative to section 102b, the individual magnetic fluxes from magnets 110a and 110b (indicated by arrows 345a and 345b, respectively) are in the same direction, and the direction of the resultant magnetic flux (indicated by arrow 346) from the resultant magnetic flux from magnets 110a and 110b is in the negative Z direction. Sensor 342a can detect the direction of the resultant magnetic flux (opposite directions as shown in FIG. 7) and provide an output (e.g., a second output) to one or more processors. The processor can use the signal indicative of the magnetic flux direction as part of its logic to determine that display 334 is not covered by section 102a, and then activate (e.g., turn on) display 334.

[0050] Furthermore, at least one of the one or more processors may operate differently while the electronic device 330 is not partially covered by the accessory device 100, as shown in FIG. 8. Based on each of the sections 102a and 102b covering the housing 332 of the electronic device 330, the user is shielded from the thermal energy generated by the processor. As a result, the processor may be permitted to operate at a higher temperature limit compared to only the section 102b covering the housing 102b 332, as shown in FIG. 7. Beneficially, previous restriction(s) limiting the operation duration, the number of applications running, the type of applications running, or a combination thereof may be removed. In this regard, the processor may be limited to operate according to a temperature limit corresponding to a relatively high temperature limit.

[0051] Additionally, based on determining that section 102a is detached from and not covering display 334, electronic device 330 may further determine that section 102a is detached from and not covering camera assembly 336a (e.g., a front-facing camera). In response to determining that camera assembly 336a is not covered by section 102a, electronic device 330 may activate, including automatically activating, a software application (e.g., an app) that utilizes camera assembly 336a. By way of non-limiting example, software applications that may be activated by electronic device 330 include a standard camera application that captures images of the surrounding environment using camera assembly 336a, a mixed reality application, a social media application, or a videoconferencing application. The activated software application may be presented on display 334, thus allowing a user of electronic device 330 to interact with the software application via display 334 (e.g., by touch input or gestures). As non-limiting examples, other software applications that may be activated by electronic device 300 may include one or more of animations (e.g., display screen animations showing a device or other accessory being mechanically or electrically coupled to electronic device 330), user interface (UI) features, or manufacturing information (e.g., tutorials on accessory devices or digital styluses suitable for use with electronic device 330, including display 334).

[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 8 , illustrating the interaction between sensor 342a of electronic device 330 and magnets 110a and 110b of accessory device 100 based on another alternative position of accessory device 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated, section 102a is rotated away from section 102b. Based on the position of section 102a relative to section 102b, sensor 342a detects only magnetic flux from magnet 110b, and the direction of the magnetic flux (indicated by arrow 348) is based only on magnetic flux from magnet 110b in the negative Z direction. Sensor 342a can detect the direction of the magnetic field and provide an output (e.g., a second output) to one or more processors. The processor can use the signal indicative of the direction of the magnetic flux as part of its logic for determining that display 334 is not covered by section 102a and activate (e.g., turn on) display 334.

[0053] The electronic device 330 may determine that section 102a is not covering the display 334 and provide a similar output as described in FIG. 8 . In other words, the sensor 342a may provide a discrete signal indicating that the magnetic flux is oriented in the negative Z direction, without considering the magnitude of the magnetic flux. In this regard, the electronic device 330 may not distinguish between the two positions of the section 102a shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . However, in one or more implementations, the sensor 342a may include the ability to detect not only the direction of the magnetic flux but also the magnitude of the magnetic flux. In this regard, the sensor 342a may provide a different output based on whether the section 102a is in contact with the section 102b (as shown in FIG. 8 ) or whether the section 102a is folded away from the section 102b (as shown in FIG. 9 ), thus enabling the electronic device 330 to determine different positions of the section 102a.

[0054] If the electronic device 330 is able to determine the location of section 102a when the section is rotated away from display 334 and not engaged with section 102b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ), the electronic device 330 may further determine that both camera assembly 336a (e.g., the front camera) and camera assembly 336b (e.g., the rear camera) are also not covered by section 102a. In response to determining that camera assembly 336a and camera assembly 336b are no longer covered by section 102a, the electronic device 330 may activate, including automatically activating, a software application (e.g., an app) that utilizes camera assembly 336a and / or camera assembly 336b, respectively. The activated software application may include any of the software applications described above.

[0055] 7-9, sensor 342a is positioned to detect out-of-plane magnetic flux along the Z direction incident on the top and / or bottom surfaces of sensor 342a. However, one or more sensors 340 may include additional sensors positioned to detect in-plane magnetic flux in the Y direction incident on one or more side surfaces of sensor 342a.

[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 illustrating the interaction between sensor 342b of electronic device 330 and magnet 111 and magnet 113 of accessory device 100 based on the position of accessory device 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Magnets 111 and 113 can each take the form of a conventional magnet in which the magnetic flux is generally curved and extends from the north pole of magnet 111 to the south pole of magnet 111. Sensor 342b, along with sensor 342a (shown in FIG. 7), may be part of one or more sensors 340. In some implementations, sensor 342b takes the form of a magnetic field sensor, such as (by way of non-limiting example) a Hall Effect sensor. As illustrated, section 102a covers display 334 of electronic device 330, and section 102b covers housing 332 of electronic device 330. Thus, electronic device 330 is positioned between sections 102a and 102b of accessory device 100.

[0057] As shown in the enlarged view, sensor 342b is positioned between magnets 111 and 113. Also shown are the individual magnetic fluxes (with directions indicated by arrows) of magnets 111 and 113. Based on the magnetic flux of magnet 111, the magnetic flux from magnet 111 is directed away from magnet 111 and toward sensor 342b. Additionally, the magnetic flux from magnet 113 is directed away from sensor 342b and toward magnet 113. In this regard, the individual magnetic fluxes from magnets 111 and 113 are in opposite directions (e.g., opposite directions along the Y-axis). In FIG. 10, the arrows provide example vectors indicating the individual magnitudes of the magnetic fluxes of magnets 111 and 113. Based on magnet 111 having a magnetic flux density and field strength greater than the magnetic flux density and field strength of magnet 111, the direction of the resultant magnetic field (indicated by arrow 354) from magnets 111 and 113 is in the positive Y-direction. Similar to sensor 342a (shown in FIG. 7), sensor 342b can detect the direction of the resulting magnetic field and provide an output (e.g., a first output) to one or more processors. The one or more processors may use the signal indicative of the direction of the magnetic flux as part of their logic to determine when display 334 and housing 332 are covered by sections 102a and 102b, respectively. The one or more processors may also deactivate (e.g., turn off) display 334. Additionally, at least one of the one or more processors may be limited or throttled to operate up to a temperature limit or threshold, as described above.

[0058] 11 illustrates a side view of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 10 , illustrating the interaction between the sensor 342b of the electronic device 330 and the magnets 111 and 113 of the accessory device 100 based on an alternative position of the accessory device 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the section 102a is rotated away from the electronic device 330 and positioned relative to the section 102b. Thus, the section 102b is positioned between the electronic device 330 and the section 102a.

[0059] Based on the position of section 102a relative to section 102b, the individual magnetic fluxes from magnets 111 and 113 are in the same direction, and the direction of the resultant magnetic flux (indicated by arrow 356) from the combined magnetic flux from magnets 111 and 113 is in the negative Y direction. Sensor 342b can detect the direction of the resultant magnetic flux and provide an output (e.g., a second output) to one or more processors. The processor can use the signal indicative of the direction of the magnetic flux as part of its logic to determine that display 334 is not covered by section 102a and then activate (e.g., turn on) display 334. Additionally, as described above, at least one processor can be permitted to operate at a higher temperature limit compared to section 102b alone covering housing 102b. Also, as described above, electronic device 330 can activate, including automatically activating, a software application based on a determination that camera assembly 336a is not covered by section 102a. Additionally, electronic device 330 can activate one or more of the additional software applications described above.

[0060] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 11 , illustrating the interaction between sensor 342b of electronic device 330 and magnet 113 of accessory device 100 based on another alternative position of accessory device 100, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, section 102a is rotated away from section 102b. Based on the position of section 102a relative to section 102b, sensor 342b detects only magnetic flux from magnet 113, and the direction of the magnetic flux (indicated by arrow 358) is based only on the magnetic flux from magnet 113 and is in the negative Y direction. Sensor 342b can detect the direction of the magnetic field and provide an output (e.g., a second output) to one or more processors. The processor can use the signal indicative of the direction of the magnetic field as part of its logic for determining that display 334 is not covered by section 102a and activate (e.g., turn on) display 334.

[0061] The electronic device 330 may determine that section 102a is not covering the display 334 and provide a similar output as described in FIG. 11 . In other words, the sensor 342b may provide a discrete signal indicating that the magnetic flux is oriented in the negative Y direction, without considering the magnitude of the magnetic flux. In this regard, the electronic device 330 may not distinguish between the two positions of the section 102a shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . However, in one or more implementations, the sensor 342b may include the ability to detect not only the direction of the magnetic flux but also the magnitude of the magnetic flux. In this regard, the sensor 342b may provide a different output based on whether the section 102a is in contact with the section 102b (as shown in FIG. 11 ) or whether the section 102a is folded away from the section 102b (as shown in FIG. 12 ), thus enabling the electronic device 330 to determine different positions of the section 102a. In one or more implementations, electronic device 330 includes both sensors 342 a and 342 b and uses sensors 342 a and 342 b for redundancy. Also, as described above, electronic device 330 may activate, including automatically activate, a software application based on a determination that camera assembly 336 a and / or camera assembly 336 b are not covered by section 102 a.

[0062] FIG. 13 shows a plan view of accessory device 100 illustrating the magnetic layout of additional magnets disposed within accessory device 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition to magnets 110a and 110b, accessory device 100 may further include several magnets. For example, accessory device 100 may include magnet 160a and magnet 160b, each of which is located within segment 106c of section 102a. Each of magnets 160a and 160b may be magnetically coupled with several magnets within a separate set of magnets. For example, accessory device 100 may further include magnet 162a, magnet 162b, magnet 162c, and magnet 162d, each of which is located within section 102b and represents a set of magnets. Also, accessory device 100 may include magnet 164a, magnet 164b, magnet 164c, and magnet 164d, each of which is located within section 102b and represents a set of magnets. As shown, each set of magnets may form a magnet row that includes two or more discrete or separate magnets.

[0063] In one or more folded configurations (described below) of section 102a in which at least some of segments 106a, 106b, and 106c are rotated relative to one another, magnet 160a may magnetically couple with at least one of magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d. Similarly, magnet 160b may magnetically couple with at least one of magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d. As a result, segment 106c may engage with section 102b. The folded configuration may present section 102a to position section 102b at a desired angle. Thus, when section 102b is coupled with a portable electronic device (e.g., electronic device 330 or electronic device 430 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively), the portable electronic device is also positioned at that angle.

[0064] Additionally, in one or more implementations, section 102a, in the folded configuration, engages segment 106a with a surface (e.g., a table, desk, support structure). To provide additional support for section 102b and the portable electronic device, section 102a may include a weight 165 disposed within segment 106a. In one or more embodiments, weight 165 comprises fiberglass, including high-density fiberglass. Beneficially, weight 165 can lower the center of mass of accessory device 100, thereby improving stability. Although not shown, segments 106b and 106c may comprise fiberglass at a relatively lower density compared to that of segment 106a.

[0065] Accessory device 100 may further include magnet 166, representing one or more additional magnets located in segment 106c, and magnets 168a and 168b, representing one or more additional magnets located in section 102b. When magnets 160a and 160b are magnetically coupled with magnets 162a and 164a, respectively, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled with magnet 168a, and section 102a supports section 102b at a certain angle. Conversely, when magnets 160a and 160b are magnetically coupled with magnets 162d and 164d, respectively, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled with magnet 168b, and section 102a supports section 102b at a different angle. The aforementioned angles represent the maximum and minimum angles, respectively, of the angular range at which section 102b can be positioned relative to a horizontal plane. In this regard, magnets 168a and 168b may be associated with opposite end angles of a spectrum of angles. In one or more embodiments, magnet 166 magnetically coupled with either magnet 168a or magnet 168b indicates to the user when section 102b is at its maximum or minimum support angle, as further shown and described below.

[0066] Furthermore, magnet 160a and magnet 160b may be magnetically coupled to magnets 162b and 164b, respectively, or to magnets 162c and 164c, respectively. Furthermore, magnet 160a may be magnetically coupled to at least two adjacent magnets in the row of magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnet 160b may be magnetically coupled to at least two adjacent magnets in the row of magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d. In this regard, section 102b may be effectively supported at any angle between the angular ranges. Also, magnet 160a may be larger (e.g., in size) than each of magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnet 160b may be larger (e.g., in size) than each of magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d. As a result, magnet 160a can partially overlap and be magnetically coupled with at least two magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and 160b can partially overlap and be magnetically coupled with at least two magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d.

[0067] Additionally, accessory device 100 may include magnet 170a, magnet 170b, magnet 170c, and magnet 172. As shown, magnets 170a, 170b, and 170c are disposed within section 102b, and magnet 172 is disposed within segment 106c of section 102a. In one or more implementations, magnets 170a and 170b are designed to magnetically repel magnets 160a and 160b, respectively. For example, when segment 106c slides along section 102b, such that magnets 160a and 160b magnetically couple with magnets 162d and 164d, section 102b may be disposed at an end angle (e.g., a second angle) of the angle range, and support for section 102b may no longer be reliable. To ensure that the second angle is maintained (e.g., not exceeded), magnets 170a and 170b may magnetically repel magnets 160a and 160b, respectively. Furthermore, magnet 170c may magnetically repel magnet 172. As a result, a user need not further adjust the angle of section 102b outside of the supported angle. Furthermore, when section 102a is used to support section 102b, one surface of segment 106c is designed to engage with section 102b, while another opposing surface of segment 106c is not designed to engage with section 102b. In this regard, magnets 170a, 170b, and 170c may cause magnetic repulsion of at least some of the magnets in segment 106c when the wrong surface of segment 106c engages with section 102b. Also, based on their respective positions, magnet 170a may be part of a set (e.g., a row) of magnets associated with magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnet 160b may be part of a set (e.g., a row) of magnets associated with magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d.

[0068] Additionally, based on the relationship between segments 106a, 106b, and 106c, segment 106c defines edge 102a of accessory device 100, including section 173. Furthermore, segment 106c may be referred to as an outer segment because segments 106a and 106b are disposed between segment 106c and section 102b.

[0069] While accessory device 100 may include weights 165 designed to increase mass in certain locations, accessory device 100 may include features designed to remove mass in other locations. For example, accessory device 100 may include inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c. Inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c, representing additional inserts, may be disposed in voids or spaces formed in section 102b, where the voids represent material removed from section 102b. In one or more implementations, inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c take the form of a foam material, including, by way of non-limiting example, polymethacrylimide (PMI). Inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c are designed and positioned to replace the removed material. Furthermore, inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c may be less dense and lighter in weight than the removed material (e.g., low-density fiberglass). In this regard, section 102b may be lighter, based in part on inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c, compared to section 102b without the removed material. Beneficially, the center of mass of accessory device 100 may be lowered, thus increasing the overall stability of accessory device 100.

[0070] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of accessory device 100 supporting electronic device 330 at an angle in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. At least some of the magnets shown and / or described in FIG. 13 located in section 102b may be magnetically coupled with one or more magnets (not shown in FIG. 14) of electronic device 330. As illustrated, section 102a is in a folded configuration and supports section 102b and electronic device 330 at angle 176a. Weight 165 located in segment 106a provides additional stability, and segment 106b supports at least a portion of the weight of electronic device 330 and section 102b. Furthermore, segment 106c, and in particular surface 178a of segment 106c, engages with section 102b. Additionally, magnet 160a is magnetically coupled with magnet 162a. Although not shown, based on the position of segment 106c, magnet 160b is magnetically coupled with magnet 164a (both shown in FIG. 14). Additionally, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled with magnet 168a, indicating angle 176a is a first angle corresponding to the maximum angle within the angle range. Angle 176a may be in the range of approximately 80 to 90 degrees. Furthermore, segment 106c may engage segment 106a, thus providing a mechanical stop to limit section 102a from positioning section 102b at an angle greater than (e.g., greater than) angle 176a.

[0071] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of accessory device 100 supporting electronic device 330 at an alternative angle, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, section 102a is in a folded configuration and supports section 102b and electronic device 330 at angle 176b. Segment 106c may remain substantially stationary, while segment 106b is rotated to support at least a portion of the weight of electronic device 330 and section 102b at angle 176b. Furthermore, segment 106c may move (e.g., slide) along the surface of section 102b such that magnet 160a is magnetically coupled with magnet 162d. Although not illustrated, based on the position of segment 106c, magnet 160b is magnetically coupled with magnet 164d (both shown in FIG. 14). Furthermore, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled with magnet 168b, indicating that angle 176b is a second angle corresponding to the minimum angle within the angle range. Angle 176b may range from approximately 30 to 50 degrees. Further attempts to move segment 106c further (relatively) in the direction of arrow 180 cause magnet 160a to be magnetically repelled by magnet 170a, thus causing section 102a to maintain section 102b at or above (e.g., greater than) angle 176b. Thus, magnet 170a used to repel magnet 160a can help prevent section 102b from being positioned at an angle less than angle 176b. Furthermore, the magnetic repulsion of magnet 160a by magnet 170a may be exceeding (or attempting to exceed) a minimum stable angle (e.g., angle 176b), providing an indication to a user of accessory device 100 that section 102a may no longer reliably support section 102b. While not shown, further attempted movement of segment 106c causes magnet 160b to be magnetically repelled by magnet 170b (both shown in FIG. 13 ). Further, additional attempted movement of segment 106c causes magnet 172 to be magnetically repelled by magnet 170c (both shown in FIG. 13).

[0072] Accessory device 100 may include various material layers. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, accessory device 100 may include layer 175a disposed on section 102b and engaged with electronic device 330, and layer 175b disposed on segment 106c. In one or more implementations, each of layers 175a and 175b includes a knit fabric, such as a brush knit (as a non-limiting example). Although not shown, layer 175b may be disposed on each of segments 106b and 106c. Furthermore, accessory device 100 may include layer 177a disposed on section 102b and layer 177b disposed on segment 106c. In one or more embodiments, each of layers 177a and 177b includes a polymer-based material, such as polyurethane, including PUK (as a non-limiting example). Furthermore, accessory device 100 may include layer 179a disposed on layer 177a and layer 179b disposed on layer 177b. In one or more implementations, each of layers 179a and 179b includes an anti-fouling coating, thus minimizing the possibility of undesirable discoloration of accessory device 100. Additionally, layers 179a and 179b may provide a reduced coefficient of friction compared to layers 175a and 175b. Beneficially, segment 106c can move more easily along section 102b.

[0073] 14 and 15, angles 176a and 176b may be referred to as end angles. In this regard, angle 176a represents the end angle that is the highest angle at which section 102b is reliably supported by section 102a. Conversely, angle 176b represents the end angle that is the lowest angle at which section 102b is reliably supported by 102a. Although not shown, it should be noted that a set of magnets (e.g., magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d) not only allows section 102a to support section 102b at angles 176a and 176b, but also allows section 102a to support section 102b at any angle between angles 176a and 176b.

[0074] 16, 17, 18A, 18B, and 19 illustrate various magnets of accessory device 100 showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 16, magnet 160a disposed in segment 106c (shown in FIG. 13) is magnetically coupled to magnet 162a disposed in section 102b (shown in FIG. 13). As shown, magnet 160a, which represents magnet 160b (shown in FIG. 13), includes several magnetic portions. For example, magnet 160a may include magnetic portion 181a, magnetic portion 181b, magnetic portion 181c, magnetic portion 181d, and magnetic portion 181e. Arrows indicate the respective directions of magnetic flux of magnetic portions 181a, 181b, 181c, 181d, and 181e. Additionally, magnet 162a, which represents magnets 162b, 162c, 162d, 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d (shown in FIG. 13), includes several magnetic portions. For example, magnet 162a can include magnetic portion 183a, magnetic portion 183b, magnetic portion 183c, magnetic portion 183d, and magnetic portion 183e. Arrows indicate the respective directions of magnetic flux of magnetic portions 183a, 183b, 183c, 183d, and 183e. In this regard, magnet 160a and magnet 162a can each be referred to as a five-pole magnet based on magnets 160a and 162a each having five distinct magnetic portions, with adjacent magnetic portions differing.

[0076] Based on the direction of the magnetic flux, magnet 160a can magnetically couple with magnet 162b at each individual magnetic portion. For example, each of magnetic portions 181a and 183a, 181c and 183c, and 181e and 183e can cause segment 106c to engage and remain engaged with section 102b, as shown in FIG. 14 . Furthermore, each of magnetic portions 181b and 183b and 181d and 183d can align segment 106c with section 102b, thus preventing segment 106c from bending or becoming misaligned with section 102b. In this regard, the respective multi-pole configurations of magnets 160a and 162a are optimized for attractive forces, shear resistance, and rotational micro-alignment.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 17, magnet 160a is aligned with magnet 170a located in section 102b (shown in FIG. 13). Magnet 170a is designed to magnetically repel magnet 160a based on their respective magnetic portions. As shown, magnet 170a, representative of magnet 170b (shown in FIG. 14), includes magnetic portion 185a and magnetic portion 185b. Based on the direction of magnetic flux, magnet 160a may be magnetically repelled by magnet 170a at some of its magnetic portions, including between magnetic portions 181b and 185a and between magnetic portions 181d and 185b. In this regard, magnet 170a may be referred to as a two-pole magnet based on magnet 170a having two separate magnetic portions.

[0078] 18A, magnet 166 is aligned with magnet 168a located in section 102b (shown in FIG. 13). Based on their respective magnetic portions, magnet 168a is designed to magnetically couple with magnet 166. As shown, magnet 166 includes magnetic portion 187a, magnetic portion 187b, and magnetic portion 187c. Thus, magnet 166 may be referred to as a three-pole magnet, and magnet 168a, which has a single magnetic portion, may be referred to as a one-pole magnet.

[0079] 18B , magnet 166 is aligned with magnet 168b located in section 102b (shown in FIG. 13 ). Based on their respective magnetic portions, magnet 168b is designed to magnetically couple with magnet 166. Magnet 168b includes magnetic portion 189a and magnetic portion 189b. Based on the direction of magnetic flux, magnet 166 may magnetically couple with magnet 168b at several magnetic portions, including between magnetic portions 187a and 189a and between magnetic portions 187c and 189b. In one or more implementations, the magnetic pole pattern of magnet 168b (e.g., magnetic portions 189a and 189b) generates an oscillating normal force and a sliding shear force when magnet 166 magnetically couples with magnet 168b, which may provide a “mechanical” clicking sensation to the user. In other words, the user may experience different sensations when holding accessory device 100 (shown in FIG. 15) when magnet 166 magnetically couples with magnet 168b, indicating to the user that section 102b is positioned at a second angle. For example, while sliding segment 106c (shown in FIG. 15) along section 102b to align magnets 166 and 168b, the user may feel a magnetic repulsive force followed by a magnetic attractive force, thus mimicking a clicking sensation.

[0080] 19, an alternative example shows magnet 167 and magnet 169. Magnet 167 may be disposed in segment 106c (shown in FIG. 13), and magnet 169 may be disposed in section 102b (shown in FIG. 13). In one or more implementations, magnet 166 (shown in FIG. 13) is replaced with magnet 167, and magnets 168a and 168b (shown in FIG. 13) are each replaced with magnet 169. As shown, each of magnets 167 and 169 may be magnetized to generate a magnetic flux that passes laterally or substantially passes through the magnetic material of magnets 167 and 169, respectively.

[0081] 20 illustrates a side view of accessory device 100 and electronic device 330, showing segment 106c of accessory device 100 oriented in a different manner, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, surface 178b of segment 106c engages with section 102b, in contrast to FIGS. 14 and 15, where surface 178a of segment 106c engages with section 102b. Based on the alignment between segment 106c and section 102b, magnet 160a is aligned with magnet 162d. However, based on this alignment, at least one magnet in segment 106c is magnetically repelled by at least one magnet in section 102b, causing segment 106c to be misaligned with section 102b and, therefore, may indicate to a user that accessory device 100 is not properly configured to support electronic device 330.

[0082] 21 and 22 illustrate a magnet of an accessory device showing the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 21 , magnet 162d can include magnetic portion 191a, magnetic portion 191b, magnetic portion 191c, magnetic portion 191d, and magnetic portion 191e. The alignment of magnets 160a and 162d indicates the alignment shown in FIG. 20 when surface 178b of segment 106c engages with section 102b. The arrows indicate the respective directions of magnetic flux of magnetic portions 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, and 191e. Based on the direction of magnetic flux when magnets 160a and 162d are aligned, each of the respective magnetic portions of magnets 160a and 162d can magnetically repel one another, including magnetic portions 181a and 191a, 181c and 191c, and 181e and 191e. The repulsion can further induce shear forces, causing segment 106c to move laterally relative to section 102b.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 22, magnet 160a is aligned with magnet 170a located in section 102b (shown in FIG. 13). Based on their respective magnetic portions, magnet 170a is designed to magnetically repel magnet 160a. As shown, magnet 170a, which is representative of magnet 170b (shown in FIG. 14), includes magnetic portions 185a and 185b. Based on the direction of magnetic flux, magnet 160a can be magnetically repelled by magnet 170a at some magnetic portions, including between magnetic portions 181b and 185a and between magnetic portions 181d and 185b. Note that the alignment of the magnetic portions and their respective magnetic fluxes between magnets 160a and 170a is virtually the same as that shown in FIG. 17. Thus, magnet 170a is designed to magnetically repel magnet 160a despite different orientations of segment 106c (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 15 and 20).

[0085] 23 shows a side view of accessory device 100 supporting electronic device 430, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, and further shows camera assembly 436a of electronic device 430 capturing images of the external environment. As shown, camera assembly 436a has a field of view 492 that can capture a user 493 of electronic device 430 and an object 494 on a surface 495 on which accessory device 100 is placed. As a non-limiting example, object 494 may include literature (e.g., a magazine, a book, a newspaper, etc.).

[0086] 24 illustrates a front view of electronic device 530 showing the 534 display of electronic device 530 presenting a captured image from camera assembly 436a shown in FIG. 23, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Electronic device 530 can take the form of electronic device 330 (shown in FIG. 6A) or electronic device 430 (shown in FIGS. 6B and 22), as non-limiting examples. As illustrated, electronic device 530 communicates with electronic device 430 over, for example, a wireless network (e.g., WI-FI) or a cellular network, as non-limiting examples.

[0087] The electronic device 530 may process the captured images of the user 493 and the object 494 of the electronic device 430 and present the user 493 and the object 494 on the display 534. For example, the display 534 may present a window 596a to show one or more captured images of the object 494. Further, the display 534 may present a window 596b to show one or more captured images of the user 493. As a result, the user of the electronic device 530 can view the user 493 and the object 494 on the display 534. Furthermore, the electronic device 530 may include one or more audio modules (not shown in FIG. 24 ). In this regard, the user of the electronic device 530 can hear the speech of the user 493. Furthermore, if the object 494 takes the form of literature, the user of the electronic device 530 can hear the user 493 reading the object 494.

[0088] 25 shows a block diagram illustrating an electronic system 600 in which one or more implementations of the subject technology can be implemented. Electronic system 600 may be and / or be part of electronic device 330 and electronic device 430, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. Electronic system 600 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. Electronic system 600 includes a bus 610, one or more processors 614, system memory 604 (and / or buffers), ROM 612, persistent storage device 602, input device interface 606, output device interface 608, and one or more network interfaces 616, or a subset or variation thereof.

[0089] The bus 610 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the various internal devices of the electronic system 600. In one or more implementations, the bus 610 communicatively connects one or more processors 614 with the ROM 612, the system memory 604, and the persistent storage device 602. From these various memory units, the one or more processors 614 retrieve instructions to execute and process data to perform the processes of the present disclosure. The one or more processors 614 may, in different implementations, be single processors or multi-core processors.

[0090] ROM 612 stores static data and instructions needed by one or more processors 614 and other modules of electronic system 600. Persistent storage device 602, on the other hand, may be a read-write memory device. Persistent storage device 602 may be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when electronic system 600 is off. In one or more implementations, a mass storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as persistent storage device 602.

[0091] In one or more implementations, a removable storage device (such as a flash drive and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the persistent storage device 602. Like the persistent storage device 602, the system memory 604 may be a read-write memory device. However, unlike the persistent storage device 602, the system memory 604 may be a volatile read-and-write memory, such as a random access memory. The system memory 604 may store any instructions and data that the one or more processors 614 may need during execution. In one or more implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in the system memory 604, the persistent storage device 602, and / or the ROM 612 (each implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). From these various memory units, the one or more processors 614 retrieve instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the one or more implementations.

[0092] The bus 610 also connects to an input device interface 606 and an output device interface 608. The input device interface 606 enables a user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system 600. Input devices that may be used with the input device interface 606 may include, for example, an alphanumeric keyboard and a pointing device (also referred to as a "cursor control device"). The input device interface 606 may, for example, enable the display of images generated by the electronic system 600. Output devices that may be used with the input device interface 606 may include, for example, printers and display devices, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, flexible displays, flat panel displays, solid state displays, projectors, or any other device for outputting information. Additionally, the input device interface 606 may include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors, thermocouples) designed to monitor the temperature (e.g., current temperature) of the one or more processors 614 and provide a signal used by the one or more processors 614 to determine whether to restrict at least one of the one or more processors 614 from operating up to a first temperature limit or allow the at least one processor to operate up to a second, higher temperature limit. One or more implementations may include a device that functions as both an input and an output device, such as a touchscreen. In these implementations, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, haptic feedback, or the like. Input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic input, voice input, or tactile input.

[0093] 25, bus 610 also couples electronic system 600 to one or more networks. In this manner, electronic system 600 can be part of a network of computers (such as a LAN, a wide area network ("WAN"), or an intranet, or a network of multiple networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system 600 can be used in conjunction with the present disclosure.

[0094] Various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described below as convenience clauses, which are provided by way of example and not as limitations on the subject technology.

[0095] Clause A: The electronic device may include a housing. The electronic device may further include a display carried by the housing. The electronic device may further include a sensor disposed between the housing and the display, the sensor configured to detect an accessory device overlying the housing and the display.

[0096] Clause B: The electronic device may include a housing. The electronic device may further include a display carried by the housing. The electronic device may further include a sensor disposed between the housing and the display. The electronic device may further include one or more processors electrically coupled to the display and the sensor. The one or more processors may be configured to determine, based on a first output from the sensor, that the accessory device covers the display and the housing, and to determine, based on a second output from the sensor, that the accessory device covers the housing but not the display.

[0097] Clause C: The electronic device may include a housing. The electronic device may further include a display carried by the housing. The electronic device may further include a camera assembly. The electronic device may further include a sensor disposed between the housing and the display. The electronic device may further include one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to: determine, based on a first output from the sensor, that the accessory device is covering the display, the camera assembly, and the housing; determine, based on a second output from the sensor, that the accessory device is covering the housing, is not covering the display, and is not covering the camera assembly; and, based on the second output, activate a software application configured to utilize the camera assembly.

[0098] One or more of the above items may include one or more of the features described below. Note that any of the following clauses may be combined with each other in any combination and may be included in their own independent clauses, e.g., clause A, clause B, or clause C.

[0099] Clause 1: The sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a first magnetic flux in a first direction from a first magnet and a second magnet of the accessory device and a second magnetic flux in a second direction from the first magnet and the second magnet, the second direction being different from the first direction.

[0100] Clause 2: Further including one or more processors configured to determine that the accessory device is covering the display and the housing based on detection by the sensor of a first magnetic flux in a first direction.

[0101] Clause 3: The one or more processors are further configured to determine that the accessory device covers the housing and does not cover the display based on detection by the sensor of a second magnetic flux in a second direction.

[0102] Clause 4: The one or more processors are further configured to deactivate the display based on detection by the sensor of the first magnetic flux in the first direction.

[0103] Clause 5: At least one processor of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on detection by the sensor of a first magnetic flux in a first direction, and at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit, different from the first temperature limit, based on detection by the sensor of a second magnetic flux in a second direction.

[0104] Clause 6: The second temperature limit is higher than the first temperature limit.

[0105] Clause 7: The magnetic field sensor includes a single magnetic field sensor.

[0106] Clause 8: The sensor is configured to provide a first output based on detection of a first magnetic field from the first magnet and the second magnet of the accessory device, and to provide a second output based on detection of a second magnetic field from the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0107] Clause 9: The sensor is configured to detect a first magnetic field in a first direction and to detect a second magnetic field in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0108] Clause 10: The one or more processors are configured to deactivate the display based on receiving a first output from the sensor.

[0109] Clause 11: The one or more processors are configured to determine, based on a second output from the sensor, that the first section of the accessory device is covered by a second portion of the accessory device.

[0110] Clause 12: The sensor includes a magnetic field sensor configured to determine magnetic flux in different directions.

[0111] Clause 13: At least one processor of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit, and based on the second output, the at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit different from the first temperature limit.

[0112] Clause 14: The second temperature limit is higher than the first temperature limit.

[0113] Clause 15: At least one processor of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on the first output, and based on the second output, the at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit that is greater than the first temperature limit.

[0114] Clause 16: The camera assembly includes a forward-facing camera configured to capture images of an environment facing the display.

[0115] Clause 17: The camera assembly includes a rear camera configured to capture images of an environment facing the housing.

[0116] It is well understood that use of personally identifiable information should comply with generally recognized privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized uses should be clearly indicated to users.

[0117] As used herein, the phrase "at least one" preceding a list of items, with the term "and" or "or" separating any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, not just each member (i.e., each item) of the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require the selection of at least one of each listed item; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of the items, and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refer, respectively, to A only, B only, or C only, any combination of A, B, and C, and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0118] The terms "configured to," "operable to," and "programmed to" do not imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the subject matter, but rather are intended to be used interchangeably. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control operations or components can also mean that the processor is programmed to monitor and control operations or that the processor is operable to monitor and control operations. Similarly, a processor configured to execute code can be interpreted as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code.

[0119] When an element is referred to herein as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it should be understood that the elements may be directly connected to the other element or may have intervening elements present between them. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, it should be understood that there are no intervening elements present in the "direct" connection between the elements. However, the presence of a direct connection does not exclude other connections in which intervening elements may be present.

[0120] The use of phrases such as "an aspect," "that aspect," "another aspect," "some aspects," "one or more aspects," "one implementation," "that implementation," "another implementation," "some implementations," "one or more implementations," "one embodiment," "that embodiment," "another embodiment," "some embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "one configuration," "that configuration," "another configuration," "some configurations," "one or more configurations," the subject technology, disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof, and similar phrases is for convenience and does not imply that the disclosure of such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure of such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosure of such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "aspect" or "some aspects" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, as with the other aforementioned phrases.

[0121] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as "include," "have," and the like are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "comprise," when "comprise" is used as a transitional term in the claims.

[0122] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is made public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in a claim. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for."

[0123] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects set forth herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims literal meaning. References to elements in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." The term "some" refers to one or more unless otherwise specified. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure herein.

Claims

1. 1. An electronic device comprising: The housing and a display carried by the housing; and a sensor disposed between the housing and the display, the sensor configured to detect an accessory device covering the housing and the display; An electronic device comprising:

2. The sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor comprising: a first magnetic flux in a first direction from a first magnet and a second magnet of the accessory device; 10. The electronic device of claim 1, configured to detect a second magnetic flux from the first magnet and the second magnet in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

3. 3. The electronic device of claim 2, further comprising one or more processors configured to determine that the accessory device is covering the display and the housing based on detection by the sensor of the first magnetic flux in the first direction.

4. 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine that the accessory device covers the housing and does not cover the display based on detection by the sensor of the second magnetic flux in the second direction.

5. 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to deactivate the display based on detection by the sensor of the first magnetic flux in the first direction.

6. At least one processor of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on detection by the sensor of the first magnetic flux in the first direction; and based on detection by the sensor of the second magnetic flux in the second direction, the at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit different from the first temperature limit. The electronic device according to claim 3 .

7. The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein the second temperature limit is higher than the first temperature limit.

8. The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a single magnetic field sensor.

9. 1. An electronic device comprising: The housing and a display carried by the housing; and a sensor disposed between the housing and the display; one or more processors electrically coupled to the display and the sensor, the one or more processors: determining, based on a first output from the sensor, that an accessory device is covering the display and the housing; The electronic device is configured to determine, based on a second output from the sensor, that the accessory device covers the housing and does not cover the display.

10. The sensor providing the first output based on detecting a first magnetic field from a first magnet and a second magnet of the accessory device; 10. The electronic device of claim 9, configured to provide the second output based on detecting a second magnetic field from the first magnet and the second magnet.

11. The sensor Detecting the first magnetic field in a first direction; The electronic device of claim 10 , configured to detect the second magnetic field in a second direction different from the first direction.

12. The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to deactivate the display based on receiving the first output from the sensor.

13. 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine, based on the second output from the sensor, that a first section of the accessory device is covered by a second portion of the accessory device.

14. The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor configured to determine magnetic flux in different directions.

15. at least one processor of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit; and based on the second output, the at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit different from the first temperature limit.

10. The electronic device of claim 9.

16. The electronic device of claim 15 , wherein the second temperature limit is greater than the first temperature limit.

17. 1. An electronic device comprising: The housing and a display carried by the housing; and a camera assembly; a sensor disposed between the housing and the display; one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors: determining, based on a first output from the sensor, that an accessory device is covering the display, the camera assembly, and the housing; determining, based on a second output from the sensor, that the accessory device covers the housing, does not cover the display, and does not cover the camera assembly; an electronic device configured to activate a software application configured to utilize the camera assembly based on the second output.

18. at least one processor of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on the first output; and based on the second output, the at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit that is higher than the first temperature limit.

18. The electronic device of claim 17.

19. 20. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the camera assembly comprises a front-facing camera configured to capture images of an environment facing the display.

20. 18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the camera assembly comprises a rear camera configured to capture images of an environment facing the housing.

Images