Electronic device for detecting accessory devices in 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 an electronic device designed to detect an accessory device covering the display and housing of the electronic device. [Background Art]

[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 and support the electronic device. Further, the electronic device may be covered in a plurality of regions by the accessory device. [Brief Description of Drawings]

[0003] Particular features of the technology of the subject matter of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the technology of the subject matter of the present application are illustrated in the following figures.

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

[0005] [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a magnet in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] [Figure 3] 3 is a side view of the magnet shown in FIG. 2, further illustrating magnetic flux of the magnet in a plurality of directions, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

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

[0008] [Figure 5] 5 is a side view of the magnet shown in FIG. 4, further illustrating magnetic flux of the magnet in a plurality of directions, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 6A] The following are plan views of embodiments of electronic devices according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] The following are plan views of embodiments of electronic devices according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 7] The present disclosure shows side views of an electronic device and an accessory device illustrating the interaction between a sensor of an electronic device and a magnet of an accessory device based on the position of the accessory device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows side views of an electronic device and an accessory device illustrating the interaction between the sensor of the electronic device and the magnet of the accessory device based on an alternative position of the accessory device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows side views of the electronic device and the accessory device, illustrating the interaction between the sensor of the electronic device and the magnet of the accessory device based on another alternative position of the accessory device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 10] The present disclosure shows side views of an electronic device and an accessory device illustrating the interaction between an alternative sensor of an electronic device and a magnet of an accessory device based on the position of the accessory device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows side views of an electronic device and an accessory device illustrating the interaction between the sensor of the electronic device and the magnet of the accessory device based on an alternative position of the accessory device, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side view of an electronic device and an accessory device, illustrating 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 aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 13] FIG. is a plan view of an accessory device, illustrating a magnetic layout of an additional magnet disposed within the accessory device, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 14] FIG. is a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device at different angles, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. is a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device at different angles, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 16] FIGS. show various magnets of an accessory device, illustrating directions of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnets, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIGS. show various magnets of an accessory device, illustrating directions of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnets, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] FIGS. show various magnets of an accessory device, illustrating directions of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnets, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] FIGS. show various magnets of an accessory device, illustrating directions of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnets, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIGS. show various magnets of an accessory device, illustrating directions of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnets, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 20]The following are side views of an accessory device and an electronic device, showing segments of the accessory device oriented in different ways according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 21] This disclosure shows a magnet for an accessory device, illustrating the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 22] This disclosure shows a magnet for an accessory device, illustrating the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of the magnet, according to one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 23] The present disclosure shows a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device according to one or more aspects of this disclosure, and further shows a camera assembly of an electronic device that captures images of the external environment.

[0022] [Figure 24] Figure 23 shows a front view of an electronic device displaying an image captured from a camera assembly shown in Figure 23, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 25] A block diagram is shown illustrating an electronic device capable of realizing one or more implementation forms of the subject technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments for carrying out the invention described below are intended to describe various configurations of the subject art and are not intended to represent only the configurations in which the subject art can be carried out. The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and constitute part of the embodiments for carrying out the invention. The embodiments for carrying out the invention include certain details to provide a complete understanding of the subject art. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject art is not limited to the certain details described herein and can be carried out without these specific details. In some examples, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject art.

[0025] This disclosure relates to an electronic device capable of detecting the presence of an accessory device. The electronic device described herein may include a sensor that detects the presence of a magnetic field arising from a plurality of magnets arranged in different sections of the accessory device. For example, the sensor may detect an obtained magnetic flux or net magnetic flux, including the direction of the magnetic flux (e.g., a vector), from one or more magnets in the section (of the accessory device) covering the display of the electronic device and the section (of the accessory device) covering the housing of the electronic device. In one or more implementations, the sensor detects the obtained magnetic flux from at least two separate magnets and provides an output based on the obtained 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 the display is covered by the accessory device and deactivate the display. As a result, the electronic device can reduce battery usage.

[0026] Furthermore, when the part covering the display is removed and rotated to engage with the other parts, each magnet within the section aligns in a different way, changing the direction of the resulting magnetic flux. The sensor can detect the change in direction and provide different outputs based on that change. Based on the different outputs, the electronic device may determine that sections of the accessory device are engaged (e.g., in contact with 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., running additional applications, running more complex or intensive applications, or a combination thereof), which may cause the processor to run at a higher temperature limit and generate additional thermal energy (e.g., heat). However, partly due to the multiple sections of the accessory device acting as thermal buffers 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 the sensor input to operate more efficiently and / or safely.

[0027] In addition, this disclosure relates to accessory devices comprising multipole magnets, in which some magnets are designed to increase the magnetic attraction between other magnets, magnetically repel other magnets, or minimize the shear force resulting from the magnetic attraction. In one or more implementations, the accessory device comprises 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 portable electronic devices. Furthermore, the segments are designed to slide along the section, thus allowing a substantially continuous number of angles within an angular range. However, the accessory device comprises at least some magnets designed to repel other magnets, thus indicating beyond the end angles of the range. Furthermore, the accessory device may include additional magnets designed to magnetically couple with the magnets at each end angle of the angular range. Based on the multipole configuration, the magnetic attraction between the magnets when the section is positioned at one of the end angles.

[0028] These embodiments and other embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 25. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the embodiments for carrying out the invention given herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a plan view of one embodiment of the accessory device 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The accessory device 100 is designed to cover and protect portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet computing devices. In addition, several areas of the accessory device 100 may be moved and / or bent to orient the portable electronic device at different angles to the user, thus providing a desirable viewing angle of the portable electronic device's display.

[0030] As shown in the figure, the accessory device 100 includes sections 102a and 102b. Sections 102a and 102b may be joined, including being rotatably joined to each other by a hinge 104. The hinge 104 may include one or more pieces of material extending to each of sections 102a and 102b. Section 102a may include a plurality of joined segments, including being rotatably joined to each other. For example, section 102a may include segments 106a, 106b, and 106c. Each of segments 106a, 106b, and 106c may be rotated relative to the remaining segments by a hinge between adjacent segments (shown but not referenced).

[0031] Section 102b may define a receiving surface 108 for a portable electronic device, including the housing of the portable electronic device. Furthermore, when section 102b accepts the portable electronic device, section 102a may rotate via a hinge 104 to cover the display of the portable electronic device. This is further shown and described below.

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

[0033] Furthermore, the accessory device 100 may include an opening 112 or through-hole located in section 102b. The opening 112 may be aligned with a camera assembly including one or more cameras of a portable electronic device. In this regard, when the portable electronic device is placed on the receiving surface 108, one or more cameras of the portable electronic device are not obstructed by section 102b based on the 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, representing the width direction along the X-axis of Cartesian coordinates. As shown in the illustration, dimension 113c of segment 106c is smaller than dimension 113a and smaller than dimension 113b. Based on each of segments 106a, 106b, and 106c 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] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the magnet 110a according to 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 Figure 2, the magnet 110a includes magnetic portions 114a and 114b. The magnetic portion 114a may take the form of a disk, and the magnetic portion 114b may surround the magnetic portion 114a. Furthermore, 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. Moreover, a magnet 110a having magnetic portions with magnetic flux in different directions may be called a multipole magnet.

[0036] To achieve a magnetic flux containing a magnetic field in a desired direction, each of the magnetic parts 114a and 114b can be magnetized by a magnetization tool (not shown in Figure 2). For example, magnetic part 114b may contain a magnetic flux whose direction (indicated by an arrow) is radially outward, while magnetic part 114a may contain a magnetic flux whose magnetic field is perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular to magnetic part 114a). Throughout this detailed description, arrows are used to indicate the direction of the magnetic flux, as well as the direction of the magnetic field lines of the magnetic flux. Thus, the magnetic polarities of the magnetic parts, in particular adjacent magnetic parts, may be different. Magnetic field lines may curve, extending from the North Pole to the South Pole, but each arrow may represent the direction of the magnetic flux to which the arrow is located. In other words, each arrow may represent the local direction of the magnetic flux. As shown in Figure 2, the arrows associated with magnetic portion 114a point along the Z-axis (in Cartesian coordinates) in the positive Z direction, and the arrows associated with magnetic portion 114b point along the XY plane.

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

[0038] Figure 4 shows perspective views of alternative embodiments of the magnet 210 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some examples, the magnet 210 may be used to replace the magnet 110a in the accessory device 100 (shown in Figure 1). The magnet 210 may include magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c, with the magnetic portion 214c positioned between magnetic portions 214a and 214b. The magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c may each contain magnetic flux in different directions. For example, magnetic portion 214a may contain magnetic flux directed toward magnetic portion 214c. Similarly, magnetic portion 214b may contain magnetic flux directed toward magnetic portion 214c. Furthermore, magnetic portion 214c may contain magnetic flux directed away from the lower surface of magnetic portion 214c (for example, in the negative Z direction in Cartesian coordinates). Based on the magnetic portions 214a, 214b, and 214c, the magnet 210 can form a Halbach array.

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

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

[0041] Figures 6A and 6B show plan views of embodiments of an electronic device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 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). Furthermore, the electronic device 330 may include camera assemblies 336a and 336b. A camera assembly 336a representing one or more cameras may take the form of a forward-facing camera or a forward-facing camera designed to capture an image of the display 334 facing the environment. As shown, the camera assembly 336a is positioned along dimension 338 of the housing 332. Dimension 338 may include the smaller dimension or the relatively shorter dimension of the housing 332. A camera assembly 336b (shown by a dotted line) representing one or more cameras may take the form of a rear-facing or rear-facing camera designed to capture an image of the housing 332 facing the environment. The electronic device 330 may further include one or more sensors 340. In one or more configurations, at least one of the one or more sensors 340 takes the form of a magnetic field sensor designed to detect a magnetic field, including the direction of the magnetic field from a magnetic flux. In this regard, at least one of the one or more sensors 340 may include a Hall effect sensor.

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

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

[0044] Figure 7 shows side views of the electronic device 330 and the accessory device 100, illustrating the interaction between 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 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, sensor 342a takes the form of a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor (as a non-limiting example). As shown, section 102a covers the display 334 and camera assembly 338a of the electronic device 330, and section 102b covers the housing 332 of the electronic device 330. Thus, the electronic device 330 is positioned between sections 102a and 102b of the accessory device 100. However, based on the opening 112 of section 102b (shown in Figure 1), the camera assembly 336b may not be covered by section 102b.

[0045] As shown in the enlarged view, sensor 342a is positioned between magnets 110a and 110b. The individual magnetic fluxes of magnets 110a and 110b (the direction of the magnetic field is indicated by arrows) are also shown. Based on the magnetic portions 114a and 114b of magnet 110a (shown in Figure 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 respect, the individual magnetic fluxes from magnets 110a and 110b are in opposite directions (for example, opposite directions along the Z-axis). In Figure 7, the arrows provide examples of 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 the fact that magnet 110a has a greater magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength than magnet 110b, the direction of the magnetic flux obtained from the combined magnetic flux from magnets 110a and 110b is in the positive Z direction and is represented by arrow 344.

[0046] By being located within the proximity magnets 110a and 110b, the sensor 342a can detect the direction of the resulting 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 Figure 7) of the electronic device 330. One or more processors may use the signal as an input to logic to determine the direction of the resulting 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 sections 102a and 102b, respectively. Furthermore, one or more processors may deactivate (e.g., turn off) the display 334.

[0047] Furthermore, at least one of the one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit or CPU) can operate while the electronic device 330 is covered by the accessory device 100 as shown in Figure 7. However, the operation of the processor may be limited or regulated to minimize thermal energy generation and maintain the processor's operating temperature below a temperature limit or temperature threshold, which is determined by a temperature sensor (not shown in Figure 7) of the 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 in terms of operating duration, the number of applications running, the type of applications running, or a combination thereof.

[0048] Figure 8 shows side views of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in Figure 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 alternate position of the accessory device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, section 102a is rotated away from the electronic device 330 and engages with section 102b (for example, 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 resulting magnetic flux from the combined magnetic flux from magnets 110a and 110b (indicated by arrow 346) is in the negative Z direction. Sensor 342a can detect the direction of the resulting magnetic flux (opposite direction as shown in Figure 7) and provide an output (e.g., a second output) to one or more processors. The processor can use the signal indicating the direction of the magnetic flux as part of the logic to determine that the display 334 is not covered by section 102a, and then activate (e.g., turn on) the display 334.

[0050] Furthermore, at least one of the one or more processors can operate in a different manner while the electronic device 330 is not partially covered by the accessory device 100 as shown in Figure 8. Based on 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 allowed to operate at a higher temperature limit compared to section 102b covering only the housing 332, as shown in Figure 7. Beneficially, previous limitations that restrict operating duration, the number of applications running, the type of applications running, or combinations thereof may be removed. In this regard, the processor may be limited to operating according to a temperature limit corresponding to a relatively high temperature limit.

[0051] In addition, based on the determination that section 102a is detached from and does not cover the display 334, the electronic device 330 may further determine that section 102a is detached from and does not cover the camera assembly 336a (e.g., the front camera). Depending on the determination that the camera assembly 336a is not covered by section 102a, the electronic device 330 may activate, including automatically activating a software application (e.g., an app) that utilizes the camera assembly 336a. As a non-limiting example, software applications that may be activated by the electronic device 330 include standard camera applications that capture images of the surrounding environment using the camera assembly 336a, mixed reality applications, social media applications, or video conferencing applications. The activated software application may be presented on the display 334, thus enabling the user of the electronic device 330 to interact with the software application via the display 334 (e.g., by touch input or gestures). As a non-limiting example, other software applications that can be activated by the electronic device 300 may include one or more of the following: animations (e.g., display screen animations showing that the device or other accessory is mechanically or electrically coupled with the electronic device 330), user interface (UI) functions, or manufacturing information (e.g., a tutorial on an accessory device or digital stylus suitable for use with the electronic device 330, including a display 334).

[0052] Figure 9 shows side views of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in Figure 8, 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 according to one or more embodiments 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, the sensor 342a detects only the magnetic flux from magnet 110b, and the direction of the magnetic flux (indicated by arrow 348) is based only on the magnetic flux from magnet 110b in the negative Z direction. The 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 may use the signal indicating the direction of the magnetic flux as part of the logic to determine that the display 334 is not covered by section 102a and activate (e.g., turn on) the display 334.

[0053] The electronic device 330 may determine that section 102a does not cover the display 334 and provide a similar output as shown in Figure 8. In other words, the sensor 342a can 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 section 102a shown in Figures 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 its magnitude. In this regard, the sensor 342a may provide different outputs based on whether section 102a is in contact with section 102b (as shown in Figure 8) or whether section 102a is folded away from section 102b (as shown in Figure 9), thus enabling the electronic device 330 to determine different positions of section 102a.

[0054] If the electronic device 330 can determine the location of section 102a when the section is rotated away from the display 334 and is not engaged with section 102b (for example, as shown in Figure 9), then the electronic device 330 may further determine that both camera assembly 336a (e.g., front camera) and camera assembly 336b (e.g., 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 software applications (e.g., apps) that utilize camera assembly 336a and / or camera assembly 336b, respectively. The activated software applications may include any of the aforementioned software applications.

[0055] In the example shown and described in Figures 7 to 9, sensor 342a is arranged to detect out-of-plane magnetic flux along the Z direction incident on the upper and / or lower surface of sensor 342a. However, one or more sensors 340 may include additional sensors arranged to detect in-plane magnetic flux in the Y direction incident on one or more sides of sensor 342a.

[0056] Figure 10 shows side views of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100, 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 the position of the accessory device 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the magnets 111 and 113 can take the form of a conventional magnet, where the magnetic flux is generally curved and extends from the north pole of magnet 111 to the south pole of magnet 111. Sensor 342b may be part of one or more sensors 340 together with sensor 342a (shown in Figure 7). In some implementations, sensor 342b takes the form of a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor (as a non-limiting example). As shown, section 102a covers the display 334 of the electronic device 330, and section 102b covers the housing 332 of the electronic device 330. Thus, the electronic device 330 is positioned between sections 102a and 102b of the accessory device 100.

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

[0058] Figure 11 shows side views of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in Figure 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 alternate position of the accessory device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, section 102a is rotated away from the electronic device 330 and positioned relative to section 102b. Thus, section 102b is positioned between the electronic device 330 and 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 resulting 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 resulting magnetic flux and provide an output (e.g., a second output) to one or more processors. The processors can use the signal indicating the direction of the magnetic flux as part of the logic to determine that the display 334 is not covered by section 102a, and then activate (e.g., turn on) the display 334. In addition, as previously stated, at least one processor may be permitted to operate at a higher temperature limit compared to section 102b alone covering the housing 102b. Also, as previously stated, the electronic device 330 may be activated, including automatically activating a software application based on the determination that the camera assembly 336a is not covered by section 102a. In addition, the electronic device 330 may activate one or more of the additional software applications mentioned above.

[0060] Figure 12 shows side views of the electronic device 330 and accessory device 100 shown in Figure 11, illustrating the interaction between the sensor 342b of the electronic device 330 and the magnet 113 of the accessory device 100 based on an alternative position of the accessory device 100 according to one or more embodiments 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, the sensor 342b detects only the magnetic flux from the magnet 113, and the direction of the magnetic flux (indicated by arrow 358) is based only on the magnetic flux from the magnet 113, and its direction is the negative Y direction. The 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 indicating the direction of the magnetic field as part of the logic to determine that the display 334 is not covered by section 102a and activate (e.g., turn on) the display 334.

[0061] The electronic device 330 may determine that section 102a does not cover the display 334 and provide a similar output as shown in Figure 11. In other words, the sensor 342b can 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 section 102a shown in Figures 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 its magnitude. In this regard, the sensor 342b may provide different outputs based on whether section 102a is in contact with section 102b (as shown in Figure 11) or whether section 102a is folded away from section 102b (as shown in Figure 12), thus enabling the electronic device 330 to determine the different positions of section 102a. In one or more implementations, the electronic device 330 includes both sensors 342a and 342b, and uses sensors 342a and 342b for redundancy. Also, as described above, the electronic device 330 may be activated, including automatically activating a software application based on the determination that camera assembly 336a and / or camera assembly 336b is not covered by section 102a.

[0062] Figure 13 shows a plan view of accessory device 100, illustrating the magnetic layout of additional magnets placed within accessory device 100 according to 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 magnets 160a and 160b, each of which is located in segment 106c of section 102a. Each of magnets 160a and 160b may be magnetically coupled to several magnets in a separate set of magnets. For example, accessory device 100 may further include magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, each of which is located in section 102b and represents a set of magnets. Accessory device 100 may also include magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d, each of which is located in section 102b and represents a set of magnets. As shown in the figure, each set of magnets may form a row of magnets containing two or more discrete or separate magnets.

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

[0064] In addition, in one or more implementations, section 102a engages segment 106a with a surface (e.g., a table, desk, or support structure) in a foldable configuration. Section 102b and section 102a may include a weight 165 placed within segment 106a to provide further support to the portable electronic device. In one or more embodiments, the weight 165 contains glass fibers, including high-density glass fibers. Beneficially, the weight 165 can lower the center of mass of the accessory device 100, thereby improving stability. Although not shown, segments 106b and 106c may contain glass fibers at a relatively lower density compared to segment 106a.

[0065] The 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, respectively. When magnets 160a and 160b are magnetically coupled to magnets 162a and 164a, respectively, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled to magnet 168a, and section 102a supports section 102b at a certain angle. Conversely, when magnets 160a and 160b are magnetically coupled to magnets 162d and 164d, respectively, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled to magnet 168b, and section 102a supports section 102b at a different angle. The aforementioned angles represent the maximum and minimum angles of the angular range in which section 102b can be positioned relative to the horizontal plane, respectively. In this regard, magnets 168a and 168b may be associated with opposing end angles of the angular spectrum. In one or more embodiments, a magnet 166 that magnetically couples with either magnet 168a or magnet 168b informs the user that section 102b is at its maximum or minimum support angle. This is further shown and described below.

[0066] Furthermore, magnets 160a and 160b may be magnetically coupled to magnets 162b and 164b, respectively, or to magnets 162c and 164c, respectively. Additionally, 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 within the angular range. 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 magnetically couple with at least two magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnet 160b can partially overlap and magnetically couple with at least two magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d.

[0067] Furthermore, the accessory device 100 may include magnets 170a, 170b, 170c, and 172. As shown in the figure, magnets 170a, 170b, and 170c are arranged within section 102b, and magnet 172 is arranged within segment 106c of section 102a. In one or more mounting configurations, magnets 170a and 170b are designed to repel magnets 160a and 160b, respectively. For example, when segment 106c slides along section 102b so that magnets 160a and 160b magnetically couple with magnets 162d and 164d, section 102b may be positioned at an end angle of the angular range (e.g., a second angle), and the support of 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, the user does not need to further adjust the angle of section 102b outside the supported angle. Moreover, 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 within segment 106c when the wrong surface of segment 106c engages with section 102b. Furthermore, based on their individual positions, magnet 170a may be part of a set of magnets (e.g., a row) associated with 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnet 160b may be part of a set of magnets (e.g., a row) associated with magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d.

[0068] In addition, based on the relationship between segments 106a, 106b, and 106c, segment 106c defines the edge 102a of the accessory device 100, which includes section 173. Furthermore, segment 106c is sometimes referred to as the outer segment because segments 106a and 106b are located between segment 106c and section 102b.

[0069] The accessory device 100 may include a weight 165 designed to increase mass at a specific location, but may also include features designed to remove mass at other locations. For example, the accessory device 100 may include inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c. Inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c, representing additional inserts, may be placed 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 may take the form of foamed material, including polymethacrylimide (PMI) as a non-limiting example. Inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c are designed and placed to replace the removed material. Furthermore, inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c may have a lower density and lighter weight than the removed material (e.g., low-density glass fiber). In this regard, section 102b can be lighter than section 102b without the removed material, based in part on inserts 174a, 174b, and 174c. Beneficially, the center of mass of the accessory device 100 can be further lowered, and thus the overall stability of the accessory device 100 can be increased.

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

[0071] Figure 15 shows a side view of an accessory device 100 supporting an electronic device 330 at an alternative angle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, section 102a is in a folded configuration and supports section 102b and the electronic device 330 at an angle 176b. Segment 106c may remain nearly stationary, but segment 106b is rotated to support at least a portion of the weight of the electronic device 330 and section 102b at an angle 176b. Furthermore, segment 106c may move (e.g., slide) along the surface of section 102b so that magnet 160a is magnetically coupled with magnet 162d. Not shown, based on the position of segment 106c, magnet 160b is magnetically coupled with magnet 164d (both shown in Figure 14). Furthermore, magnet 166 is magnetically coupled with magnet 168b, indicating that angle 176b is a second angle corresponding to the smallest angle within the angular range. The angle 176b may be in the range of approximately 30 to 50 degrees. Furthermore, if we attempt to move segment 106c further (relatively) in the direction of arrow 180, magnet 160a will be magnetically repelled by magnet 170a, and thus section 102a will maintain section 102b at an angle greater than (e.g., greater than) 176b. Thus, magnet 170a, used to repel magnet 160a, can help prevent section 102b from being positioned at an angle smaller than 176b. Furthermore, the magnetic repulsion of magnet 160a by magnet 170a is attempting to exceed (or is attempting to exceed) the minimum stable angle (e.g., angle 176b), which can provide the user of accessory device 100 with an indication that section 102a may no longer reliably support section 102b. Although not shown, an attempt to move segment 106c further will cause magnet 160b to be magnetically repelled by magnet 170b (both shown in Figure 13). Furthermore, an attempt to move segment 106c further causes magnet 172 to be magnetically repelled by magnet 170c (both shown in Figure 13).

[0072] The accessory device 100 may include various material layers. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, the accessory device 100 may include a layer 175a disposed on section 102b and engaged with the electronic device 330, and a layer 175b disposed on segment 106c. In one or more implementations, each of layers 175a and 175b may include a knitted fabric such as brush knit (as a non-limiting example). Although not shown, layer 175b may be disposed on segments 106b and 106c, respectively. Furthermore, the accessory device 100 may include a layer 177a disposed on section 102b and a layer 177b disposed on segment 106c. In one or more embodiments, each of layers 177a and 177b may include a polymer-based material such as polyurethane, including PUK (as a non-limiting example). Furthermore, the accessory device 100 may include a layer 179a disposed on layer 177a and a layer 179b disposed on layer 177b. In one or more implementation configurations, each of layers 179a and 179b includes an antifouling coating, thus minimizing the possibility of undesirable discoloration of the accessory device 100. Furthermore, 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] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, angles 176a and 176b can be referred to as end angles. In this regard, angle 176a represents the end angle which is the highest angle at which section 102b is reliably supported by section 102a. Conversely, angle 176b represents the end angle which is the lowest angle at which section 102b is permitted to be reliably supported by 102a. It should be noted that, although not shown, a set of magnets (e.g., magnets 162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d, and magnets 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d) not only enables section 102a to support section 102b at angles 176a and 176b, but also enables it to support it at any angle between angles 176a and 176b.

[0074] Figures 16, 17, 18A, 18B, and 19 show various magnets of accessory device 100, illustrating 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 Figure 16, the magnet 160a located in segment 106c (shown in Figure 13) is magnetically coupled to the magnet 162a located in section 102b (shown in Figure 13). As shown, the magnet 160a, representing magnet 160b (shown in Figure 13), includes several magnetic parts. For example, the magnet 160a may include magnetic parts 181a, 181b, 181c, 181d, and 181e. The arrows indicate the individual directions of magnetic flux for magnetic parts 181a, 181b, 181c, 181d, and 181e. Also, the magnet 162a, representing magnets 162b, 162c, 162d, 164a, 164b, 164c, and 164d (shown in Figure 13), includes several magnetic parts. For example, magnet 162a may include magnetic portions 183a, 183b, 183c, 183d, and 183e. The arrows indicate the individual directions of the magnetic flux of magnetic portions 183a, 183b, 183c, 183d, and 183e. In this regard, magnets 160a and 162a may be referred to as pentode magnets, based on the fact that each magnet 160a and 162a has five distinct magnetic portions, each with different adjacent magnetic portions.

[0076] Based on the direction of the magnetic flux, magnet 160a can magnetically couple with magnet 162b in each individual magnetic portion. For example, each magnetic portion 181a and 183a, magnetic portions 181c and 183c, and magnetic portions 181e and 183e can engage and remain engaged segment 106c with section 102b, as shown in Figure 14. Furthermore, each magnetic portion 181b and 183b, and magnetic portions 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 force, shear resistance, and rotational microalignment.

[0077] Referring to Figure 17, magnet 160a is aligned with magnet 170a located in section 102b (shown in Figure 13). Magnet 170a is designed to repel magnet 160a magnetically based on its respective magnetic portion. As shown in the figure, magnet 170a, representing magnet 170b (shown in Figure 14), includes magnetic portions 185a and 185b. Based on the direction of magnetic flux, magnet 160a may be magnetically repelled by magnet 170a in several 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 distinct magnetic portions.

[0078] Referring to Figure 18A, magnet 166 is aligned with magnet 168a located in section 102b (shown in Figure 13). Based on their respective magnetic portions, magnet 168a is designed to magnetically couple with magnet 166. As shown, magnet 166 includes magnetic portions 187a, 187b, and 187c. Thus, magnet 166 may be called a tripolar magnet, and magnet 168a, which has a single magnetic portion, may be called a monopolar magnet.

[0079] Referring to Figure 18B, magnet 166 is aligned with magnet 168b located in section 102b (shown in Figure 13). Based on their respective magnetic portions, magnet 168b is designed to magnetically couple with magnet 166. Magnet 168b includes magnetic portions 189a and 189b. Based on the direction of magnetic flux, magnet 166 may magnetically couple with magnet 168b in 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 a vibrational perpendicular force and a sliding shear force when magnet 166 magnetically couples with magnet 168b, which may provide the user with a "mechanical" click sensation. In other words, the user can experience different sensations when holding the accessory device 100 (shown in Figure 15) as the magnet 166 magnetically connects with the magnet 168b, indicating to the user that section 102b is positioned at a second angle. For example, while sliding segment 106c (shown in Figure 15) along section 102b to align magnets 166 and 168b, the user can feel a magnetic attraction followed by a magnetic repulsion that mimics a click.

[0080] Referring to Figure 19, alternative examples show magnets 167 and 169. Magnet 167 may be located in segment 106c (shown in Figure 13), and magnet 169 may be located in section 102b (shown in Figure 13). In one or more configurations, magnet 166 (shown in Figure 13) is replaced by magnet 167, and each of magnets 168a and 168b (shown in Figure 13) is replaced by magnet 169. As shown, each of magnets 167 and 169 may be magnetized to generate a magnetic flux that passes laterally or substantially through the respective magnetic material of magnets 167 and 169.

[0081] Figure 20 shows side views of the accessory device 100 and the electronic device 330, showing a segment 106c of the accessory device 100 oriented in a different manner according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the surface 178b of segment 106c engages with section 102b, in contrast to Figures 14 and 15, where the surface 178a of segment 106c engages with section 102b. Based on the alignment between segment 106c and section 102b, magnet 160a aligns 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 thus indicating to the user that the accessory device 100 is not properly configured to support the electronic device 330.

[0082] Figures 21 and 22 show magnets in accessory devices illustrating the direction of magnetic flux in different magnetic portions of a magnet according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to Figure 21, the magnet 162d may include magnetic portions 191a, 191b, 191c, 191d, and 191e. The alignment of magnets 160a and 162d is shown in Figure 20 when the surface 178b of segment 106c engages with section 102b. The arrows indicate the individual directions of magnetic flux for 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 magnetic portions of magnets 160a and 162d, including magnetic portions 181a and 191a, 181c and 191c, and 181e and 191e, may repel each other magnetically. The repulsion may further induce a shear force that can move segment 106c laterally relative to section 102b.

[0084] Referring to Figure 22, magnet 160a is aligned with magnet 170a located in section 102b (shown in Figure 13). Based on their respective magnetic portions, magnet 170a is designed to magnetically repel magnet 160a. As shown, magnet 170a, representing magnet 170b (shown in Figure 14), includes magnetic portions 185a and 185b. Based on the direction of magnetic flux, magnet 160a may be magnetically repelled by magnet 170a in several magnetic portions, including between magnetic portions 181b and 185a, and between magnetic portions 181d and 185b. Note that the alignment of the magnetic portions between magnets 160a and 170a and their individual magnetic fluxes is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 17. Thus, magnet 170a is designed to magnetically repel magnet 160a regardless of the different orientations of segment 106c (e.g., shown in Figures 15 and 20).

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

[0086] Figure 24 shows a front view of electronic device 530, showing a display of electronic device 530 presenting an image captured from camera assembly 436a shown in Figure 23, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Electronic device 530 may take the form of electronic device 330 (shown in Figure 6A) or electronic device 430 (shown in Figures 6B and 22) as non-limiting examples. As shown, electronic device 530 may communicate with electronic device 430, for example, via a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi®) or a cellular network, as non-limiting examples.

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

[0088] Figure 25 shows a block diagram of an electronic system 600 capable of realizing one or more implementations of the subject technology. The electronic system 600 may be electronic device 330 and electronic device 430, and / or parts thereof, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, respectively. The electronic system 600 may include various types of computer-readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer-readable media. The 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 subsets and variations thereof.

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

[0090] ROM 612 stores static data and instructions required by one or more processors 614 and other modules of the electronic system 600. On the other hand, the persistent storage device 602 may be a read / write memory device. The persistent storage device 602 may be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system 600 is turned 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 the 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. Similar to 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 random-access memory. The system memory 604 can store any instructions and data that one or more processors 614 may need at runtime. In one or more implementations, the process of the subject disclosure is stored in the system memory 604, the persistent storage device 602, and / or ROM 612 (each implemented as a non-temporary computer-readable medium). From these various memory units, one or more processors 614 retrieve the instructions to be executed and the data to be processed in order to execute the process of one or more implementations.

[0092] Bus 610 also connects to an input device interface 606 and an output device interface 608. The input device interface 606 allows the 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 enable, for example, 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 devices for outputting information. In addition, 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 one or more processors 614 and provide signals used by one or more processors 614 to determine whether at least one of the processors 614 is limited to operating up to a first temperature limit or whether at least one processor is allowed to operate up to a second, higher temperature limit. One or more implementations may include devices that function as both input and output devices, such as touchscreens. In these implementations, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback. User input may be received in any form, including acoustic input, voice input, or haptic input.

[0093] Finally, as shown in Figure 25, the bus 610 also connects the electronic system 600 to one or more networks. In this way, the electronic system 600 can be part of a network in multiple networks, such as a computer network (LAN, wide area network ("WAN"), intranet, or internet). Any or all components of the electronic system 600 can be used in conjunction with the disclosures of this application.

[0094] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the subject art.

[0095] Clause A: The electronic device may include a housing. The electronic device may further include a display supported on the housing. The electronic device may further include a sensor positioned between the housing and the display, the sensor being configured to detect accessory devices covering the housing and the display.

[0096] Clause B: The electronic device may include a housing. The electronic device may further include a display supported on the housing. The electronic device may further include a sensor positioned 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 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 supported on the housing. The electronic device may further include a camera assembly. The electronic device may further include a sensor positioned between the housing and the display. The electronic device may further include one or more processors, each configured to determine, based on a first output from the sensor, that the accessory device covers the display, the camera assembly and the housing; based on a second output from the sensor, that the accessory device covers the housing but not the display and not the camera assembly; and based on the second output, to 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 each of the independent clauses, for example, Clause A, Clause B, or Clause C.

[0099] Clause 1: The sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor, which is configured to detect a first magnetic flux in a first direction from the first magnet and the 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 includes one or more processors configured to determine, based on detection by a sensor of a first magnetic flux in a first direction, that an accessory device is covering the display and the housing.

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

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

[0103] Clause 5: At least one of one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on detection by a 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 a 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 the detection of a first magnetic field from the first and second magnets of the accessory device, and a second output based on the detection of a second magnetic field from the first and second magnets.

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

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

[0109] Clause 11: One or more processors are configured to determine, based on a second output from a sensor, that a first section of the accessory device is covered by a second part 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 of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit, and based on a second output, 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 of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on a first output, and at least one processor is configured to operate according to a second temperature limit greater than the first temperature limit based on a second output.

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

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

[0116] It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be governed by privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding 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 use should be clearly indicated to the user.

[0117] When used herein, the phrase “at least one” preceding a set of items, along with the terms “and” or “or” separating any of the items, modifies the entire list, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one” does not require the selection of at least one of each listed item; rather, it allows for meanings 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. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer 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 predicates “configured to,” “operable to,” and “programmed to” are not intended to imply any specific tangible or intangible modification of the object, but rather to be interchangeable. In one or more implementations, a processor configured to monitor and control operations or components may 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 may be interpreted as a processor that is programmed to execute code, or operable to execute code.

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

[0120] The terms "one aspect," "that aspect," "another aspect," "several aspects," "one or more aspects," "one implementation," "that implementation," "another implementation," "several implementations," "one or more implementations," "one embodiment," "that embodiment," "another embodiment," "several embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "one configuration," "that configuration," "another configuration," "several configurations," "one or more configurations," "the subject art," "disclosure," "this disclosure," "other variations thereof," and similar phrases are for convenience only and do not imply that disclosures relating to such phrases(s) or phrases are essential to the subject art or that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject art. Disclosures relating to such phrases(s) or phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. Disclosures relating to such phrases(s) or phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "aspect" or "several aspects" may refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa, as with the other aforementioned phrases.

[0121] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “to serve as an example, case, or illustration.” No embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or “example” should necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to any other embodiment. Furthermore, to the extent that terms such as “include” and “have” are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be comprehensive in the same manner as the term “comprise,” as “comprise” is construed when used as a substitute in the claims.

[0122] All structural and functional equivalents of elements of various aspects described herein, whether known to those skilled in the art or to become known thereafter, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is to be made public, whether such disclosure is expressly enumerated in the claims. No element of any claim should be construed under Section 112, paragraph 6 of the United States Patent Act unless the element is expressly enumerated using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is enumerated using the phrase “step for”.

[0123] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to realize the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can also be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the claims are not intended to limit themselves to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to encompass the entire scope corresponding to the literal claims, and the singular reference to an element is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless otherwise specified, but rather "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, the term "some" refers to one or more things. The masculine pronoun (e.g., his) includes the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and her), and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure of this application.

Claims

1. It is an electronic device, The casing and The display supported by the aforementioned housing, A sensor disposed between the housing and the display, wherein the sensor is configured to detect an accessory device covering the housing and the display, Equipped with, The sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field sensor is The first magnetic flux in the first direction from the first magnet and the second magnet of the accessory device, An electronic device configured to detect a second magnetic flux in a second direction from the first magnet and the second magnet, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more processors configured to determine, based on the detection of the first magnetic flux in the first direction by the sensor, that the accessory device covers the display and the housing.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine, based on the detection of the second magnetic flux in the second direction by the sensor, that the accessory device covers the housing and does not cover the display.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein one or more processors are further configured to deactivate the display based on the detection of the first magnetic flux in the first direction by the sensor.

5. At least one of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on the detection of the first magnetic flux in the first direction by the sensor. Based on the detection of the second magnetic flux in the second direction by the sensor, 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 2.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the second temperature limit is higher than the first temperature limit.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field sensor is a single magnetic field sensor.

8. It is an electronic device, The casing and The display supported by the aforementioned housing, A sensor disposed between the housing and the display, The system comprises one or more processors electrically coupled to the display and the sensor, wherein the one or more processors Based on the first output from the sensor, it is determined that the accessory device covers the display and the housing. Based on the second output from the sensor, it is determined that the accessory device covers the housing but does not cover the display. The aforementioned sensor is Based on the detection of a first magnetic field from the first magnet and the second magnet of the accessory device, the first output is provided. An electronic device configured to provide the second output based on the detection of a second magnetic field from the first magnet and the second magnet.

9. The aforementioned sensor is The first magnetic field in the first direction is detected, The electronic device according to claim 8, configured to detect the second magnetic field in a second direction different from the first direction.

10. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein one or more processors are configured to deactivate the display based on receiving the first output from the sensor.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, 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.

12. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic field sensor configured to determine magnetic flux in different directions.

13. At least one of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit. 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. The electronic device according to claim 8.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the second temperature limit is higher than the first temperature limit.

15. It is an electronic device, The casing and The display supported by the aforementioned housing, Camera assembly and A sensor disposed between the housing and the display, The system comprises one or more processors, and the one or more processors are Based on the first output from the sensor, it is determined that the accessory device covers the display, the camera assembly, and the housing. Based on the second output from the sensor, it is determined 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.

16. At least one of the one or more processors is configured to operate according to a first temperature limit based on the first output. 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. The electronic device according to claim 15.

17. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the camera assembly comprises a forward-facing camera configured to capture an image of the environment facing the display.

18. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the camera assembly comprises a rear camera configured to capture an image of the environment facing the housing.

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