Patent Publication Number: US-2021195398-A1

Title: Mobile device with user activated alarm

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/986,159, filed Aug. 5, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/844,783, filed Apr. 9, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/435,379, filed Jun. 7, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/163,434, filed Oct. 17, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/642,267, filed Jul. 5, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/358,996, filed Jul. 6, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a mobile accessory device, for example, one that includes an alarm device for personal protection purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Personal safety remains a challenge for essentially all people. Over the course of one&#39;s life, there may be situations in which he or she feels that his or her personal safety is at risk. Because many people now routinely carry a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone), a person who believes that his or her personal safety is at risk can use the device to manually contact (e.g., by text message or phone call) someone else, for example, the police or other entity, to alert them to the person&#39;s current situation. In this way, help can be summoned to assist the person whose safety is at risk. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, this document describes a mobile accessory device that includes, e.g., an alarm device for personal protection purposes. 
     In an example aspect, a mobile accessory device includes a housing, a user input apparatus configured to activate in response to input by a user and including (a) a trigger component movable relative to the housing and comprising a feature configured to facilitate movement of the trigger component relative to the housing, the feature comprising at least one of a slot, a void, or a recess, and, (b) a sound detection circuit configured to activate in response to one or more predetermined sounds, or (c) both, and a first communication circuit configured to activate and communicate with a second communication circuit in response to activation of the user input apparatus. 
     Various embodiments can include some, all, or none of the following features. The trigger component can be at least partly retained within a slot defined in the housing, and the trigger component can be configured to move along a portion of the slot. The housing can be configured to mechanically engage a mobile device. The housing can be configured to magnetically attach to a mobile device. The mobile accessory device can also include at least one of a magnet and a magnetic material. The one or more predetermined sounds can include one or more utterances that can be recognized when spoken by the user. The second communication circuit can be configured to communicate with one or more cellular networks. The second communication circuit can be in wired communication with the first communication circuit. The second communication circuit can be disposed within the housing. The mobile accessory device can also include an alarm device having (i) an audio output device, (ii) a light output device, or (iii) both, configured to activate in response to activation of the user input apparatus. Communication with the second communication circuit can cause a software application to be executed on a mobile device. The housing can define a cavity configured to retain one or more credit cards or identification cards. A mobile device can include the second communication circuit. The mobile accessory device can be a standalone personal safety device configured to communicate with cellular networks. The first communication circuit can be further configured to communicate a position location, determined by a position location detector system, to the second communication circuit in response to activation of the user input apparatus. The mobile accessory device can include the position location detector system. 
     In another example aspect, a mobile accessory device includes a housing, a user input apparatus configured to activate in response to input by a user and having (a) a trigger component moveable relative to the housing and comprising a feature configured to facilitate movement of the trigger component relative to the housing, the feature comprising at least one of a slot, a void, or a recess, (b) a sound detection circuit configured to activate in response to one or more predetermined sounds, or (c) both, and control circuitry to control operation of the mobile accessory device, the control circuitry at least partly disposed in the housing and configured to perform operations including establishing a communications connection to communication circuitry, detecting activation of the user input apparatus, and in response to the activation, communicating with the communication circuitry. 
     Various embodiments can include some, all, or none of the following features. The trigger component can be at least partly retained within a slot defined in the housing, and the trigger component can be configured to move along a portion of the slot. The housing can be configured to mechanically engage a mobile device. The housing can be configured to magnetically attach to a mobile device. The mobile accessory device can include at least one of a magnet and a magnetic material. The one or more predetermined sounds can include one or more utterances that can be recognized when spoken by the user. The communication circuitry can be configured to communicate with one or more cellular networks. The communication circuitry can be in wired communication with the control circuitry. The communication circuitry can be disposed within the housing. The mobile accessory device can include an alarm device comprising (i) an audio output device, (ii) a light output device, or (iii) both, configured to activate in response to activation of the user input apparatus. Communication with the communication circuitry can (i) cause an audible alarm to be emitted by an audio output device, or (ii) cause a software application to be executed on a mobile device, or (iii) both. The housing can define a cavity configured to retain one or more credit cards or identification cards. A mobile device can include the communication circuitry. The mobile accessory device can be a standalone personal safety device configured to communicate with cellular networks. The communication circuitry can be configured to communicate a position location, determined by a position location detector system, in response to activation of the user input apparatus. The control circuitry can include the position location detector system. 
     In another example aspect, a method of communication includes detecting, by control circuitry of a mobile accessory device, user input based on activation of a user input apparatus having (a) a trigger component moveable relative to a housing of the mobile accessory device and including a feature configured to facilitate movement of the trigger component relative to the housing, the feature comprising at least one of a slot, a void, or a recess, (b) a sound detection circuit configured to activate in response to one or more predetermined sounds, or (c) both, and establishing a communications connection from the control circuitry to a communication circuit, and communicating with the communication circuit. 
     Various implementations can include some, all, or none of the following features. The trigger component can be at least partly retained within a slot defined in the housing, and the trigger component can be configured to move along a portion of the slot. The method can include moving the trigger component relative to the housing, and activating the user input apparatus based on the moving. The method can include receiving, by the sound detection circuit, a sound, identifying, by the sound detection circuit, the sound as corresponding to a predetermined sound, and activating the user input apparatus based on the identifying. The method can include uttering, by a user, the sound. The method can include mechanically engaging the housing to a mobile device. The method can include magnetically attaching the housing to a mobile device. Communicating with the communication circuit can include communicating with one or more cellular networks. The communication connection can include a wired communication connection. The method can include activating, in response to the detecting, an alarm device having (i) an audio output device, (ii) a light output device, or (iii) both. The method can include (i) causing an audible alarm to be emitted by an audio output device, or (ii) causing a software application to be executed on a mobile device, or (iii) both. The method can also include determining, by a position location detector system, a position location of the mobile accessory device, and communicating, in response to the detecting, the determined position location. The mobile accessory device can include the position location detector system. 
     The systems and techniques described here may provide one or more of the following potential advantages. For example, the mobile accessory device as described herein may provide protection for a user of the accessory who comes under attack or assault by another entity (e.g., another human or an animal) by performing one or more of the following actions upon activation of the accessory: causing the mobile device to perform an operation such as sending a message or call for help, turning on the mobile device&#39;s camera, microphone, speaker, light or the like, and/or emitting a human perceptible alarm designed to draw attention to the user and/or scare off the attacker. 
     Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and potential advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a mobile accessory device coupled to a mobile device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an alternate perspective view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an alternate perspective view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 1  wherein a power source of the mobile accessory device is removed. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate perspective view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 1  wherein a wrist strap of the mobile accessory device is in use. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an alternate perspective view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 1  wherein a user separation sensor arrangement activates an alarm device. 
         FIG. 7  schematically illustrates components of the mobile device and the mobile accessory device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged view of the switch of the mobile accessory device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates components of the alarm device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device including the switch of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a mobile accessory device provided in the form of a case. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a mobile accessory device wherein the mobile accessory device is substantially rectangular with rounded corners. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a mobile accessory device wherein the mobile accessory device is round. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a mobile accessory device wherein the user separation sensor arrangement includes a wireless wearable component. 
         FIGS. 15-18  illustrate a mobile accessory device wherein the mobile accessory device is ovular. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a mobile accessory device wherein a wearable component of the user separation sensor arrangement is not attached for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a mobile accessory device wherein a mobile device is not attached for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a mobile accessory device wherein the mobile accessory device is attached to a case for the mobile device. 
         FIGS. 22A-F  illustrate steps associated with usage of a wrist strap of the mobile accessory device of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a personal safety device that does not require usage of a separate mobile device. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a rear view of a mobile accessory device coupled to a mobile device and including a nail slot. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of a mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an alternate perspective view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a rear view of a mobile accessory device coupled to a mobile device and including an enlarged nail slot. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a perspective view of the mobile accessory device and mobile device of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a perspective side view of another example mobile accessory device. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a front view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a top perspective view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an alternate top perspective view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 34  illustrates an alternate bottom perspective view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a perspective rear view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 36  is a flow chart of an example process for using an example mobile accessory device. 
         FIGS. 37 a  and 37 b    illustrate a personal safety device that engages a portion of a mobile device or a companion mobile accessory. 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a perspective view of the example personal safety device and companion mobile accessory of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 39  illustrates a front view of the example personal safety device and companion mobile accessory of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 40  illustrates a rear perspective view of the example personal safety device and companion mobile accessory of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 41  illustrates a perspective front view of the example personal safety device of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 42  illustrates an alternate perspective front view of the example personal safety device of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 43  illustrates a perspective rear view of the example personal safety device of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 44  illustrates a perspective front view of the companion mobile accessory of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 45  illustrates a perspective rear view of the companion mobile accessory of  FIGS. 37 a   - 37   b.    
         FIG. 46  is a flow chart of an example process for using an example mobile accessory device. 
         FIG. 47  illustrates a perspective front view of a mobile accessory device that engages a portion of a mobile device or a companion mobile accessory. 
         FIG. 48  illustrates a perspective rear view of the mobile accessory device of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIGS. 49A and 49B  illustrate a sectional view of the mobile accessory device of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 50  illustrates a perspective from view of the example mobile accessory device of  FIG. 47  and an example companion mobile accessory. 
         FIG. 51  illustrates a perspective rear view of the example mobile accessory device and companion mobile accessory of  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 52  illustrates a partially exploded perspective side view of the example mobile accessory device and companion mobile accessory of  FIG. 50 . 
         FIGS. 53 and 54  illustrate an example mobile accessory device having magnetic features. 
         FIGS. 55A and 55B  illustrate perspective and side views of an example of a mobile accessory device button. 
         FIGS. 56A and 56B  illustrate perspective and side views of another example of a mobile accessory device button. 
         FIG. 57  is a flow chart of an example process using an example mobile accessory device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This document describes systems and techniques for providing personal protection in the form of an alarm accessory for a mobile device. In general, a mobile device, e.g., a cellular telephone (phone) or a mobile phone, can be modified (e.g., attached to an accessory and/or through the use of specialized software on the mobile device), to respond to one or more predetermined conditions to automatically, and/or with user interaction, trigger an alarm and thereby draw attention to that person&#39;s present circumstances in order to seek help and/or scare away a potential threat. Accordingly, this document describes, among other things, an accessory that can be attached to the mobile device and provide enhanced safety functionality to a user of the mobile device. Various configurations of such a mobile accessory device and its use are described herein, and may include various combinations of the following features and/or functionality. The accessory may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, include plural variations unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , the present disclosure relates to a mobile accessory device  100 , also referred to a mobile accessory device. The mobile accessory device  100  may be configured for use with a mobile device such as a mobile phone  200  or other mobile device (e.g., tablet computer, notebook computer, etc.). In particular, the mobile accessory device  100  may be configured to engage (e.g., adhere to or otherwise be physically joined to) the mobile phone  200 . The mobile accessory device  100  may be configured to engage any portion of the mobile phone  200 , such as the rear surface of the housing of the mobile phone  200 . In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  100  may be a stand-alone device that does not physically engage to a mobile device. 
     In one implementation, the mobile accessory device  100  may include a housing  102 . The housing  102  may define an attachment (e.g., locking) surface  104  (see,  FIG. 2 ) and an outer surface  106  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the attachment surface  104  may be configured to engage a rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200  opposite from a front surface  204  at which a display is positioned. Thereby, the mobile accessory device  100  does not block the display in this configuration. Further, the mobile accessory device  100  may occupy less than an entirety of an area of the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . Thereby, the mobile accessory device  100  may not block any rear-facing camera thereon. Further, by providing the mobile accessory device  100  with a relatively small size, the mobile accessory may be attached to mobile phones with differing sizes and shapes. Further, the mobile accessory device  100  may be configured to not extend to the edges of the mobile phone  200 , such that an edge protecting case may be employed with the mobile phone. As may be understood, the mobile accessory may also be configured to engage a case for the mobile phone that includes a rear portion that covers the rear surface (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 21 and 22 ). In another embodiment, the mobile accessory may itself comprise a case for the mobile phone (see, e.g.,  FIG. 11 ). 
     The attachment surface  104  of the housing  102  may be configured to substantially permanently engage the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 , or a case positioned at the rear surface as noted above. For example, the mobile accessory device  100  may include an adhesive at the attachment surface  104  configured to adhere to the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . Thereby, the mobile accessory device  100  may be configured for use over the lifetime of the mobile phone  200 , thereby ensuring that the mobile accessory is available at all times the mobile phone is in the user&#39;s possession. Alternatively, the attachment surface  104  of the housing  102  may be configured to releasably engage (e.g., using a slot-tab arrangement, or hook and loop connecting surfaces such as VELCRO®) the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 , or a case positioned at the rear surface as noted above. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the mobile accessory device  100  may include a power source  108 , which may be a battery. Further, the housing  102  may include a battery portion  110  that is configured to receive the power source  108 . The battery portion  110  may be removable to allow for replacement of the power source  108 . The power source  108  may be configured to provide electrical power to each of the components of the mobile accessory device  100  such that the mobile accessory is self-powered. However, as may be understood, in another implementation the mobile accessory may be configured to receive electrical power from the mobile phone. For example, the mobile accessory may include a connector that engages a power port or a headphone jack on the mobile phone. Alternatively, or in addition, the mobile accessory may draw power from the phone wirelessly via a technique akin to QI® inductive charging, but in reverse (e.g., reverse wireless charging, wireless power sharing). 
     Additional control circuitry components of the mobile accessory device  100  and the mobile phone  200  are schematically illustrated in  FIG. 7 . As illustrated, the mobile accessory device  100  includes a controller  112 , which may be at least partially received in the housing  102 . The controller  112  is in communication with the mobile phone  200  (e.g., a communications connection, BLUETOOTH, USB) for providing signals to the mobile phone  200 , for example, to request, trigger, command, or otherwise control operation of at least some operation or actions of the mobile phone  200 . The controller  112  may include an audio output device  114  such as a speaker and a light output device  116  such as a light emitting diode (LED) or xenon strobe. Example positions and configurations of the audio output device  114  and the light output device  116  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3-6 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the control circuitry of the mobile accessory device  100  includes a user separation sensor arrangement  118  (e.g., proximity detector). The user separation sensor arrangement  118  may include a wearable component  120  configured to engage (e.g., donned by, worn by) a user and a user input sensor  122  (e.g., a user input apparatus) engaged with the housing  102  and in communication with the controller  112 . The controller  112  may be configured to activate and/or perform one or more predetermined operations in response to the user input sensor  122 &#39;s determining that the wearable component  120  exceeds a threshold separation distance therefrom, and/or has become detached (e.g., mechanically separated) from the mobile accessory device  100 , e.g., providing an alarm signal to indicate that separation between the mobile accessory device  100  and the wearable component  120  has occurred, in response to which one or more actions can occur—e.g., sounding an audible alarm on the accessory, emitting light from a light source on the accessory, cause the attached phone&#39;s flash light to turn on or strobe, cause the attached phone to transmit a message via text and/or phone call, cause the mobile phone to emit sound, cause the mobile phone to take photos or begin recording video, either through the forward-facing camera or the rearward-facing camera or the both, or otherwise any operation within the attached phone&#39;s functionalities. Note that any phone-based action could be achieved by the accessory&#39;s transmitting to the mobile phone that an alarm condition has been detected, e.g., in response to the user&#39;s pushing a button on the accessory, or in response to the proximity between the accessory and the wearable component being exceeded and/or in response to the wearable component being mechanically disconnected from the accessory. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the control circuitry of the mobile accessory device  100  includes a sound detector arrangement  150  (e.g., a sound detection circuit). The sound detector arrangement  150  includes circuitry that is configured to receive sound signals from a microphone  152  and identify one or more predetermined sounds. The controller  112  is configured to provide one or more predetermined actions in response to the identification of one or more corresponding sounds. In some implementations, the sound detector arrangement  150  can be configured to recognize one or more utterances (e.g., words, phrases, or other sounds produced by a user). In some implementations, the sound detector arrangement  150  can be configured to recognize one or more non-spoken sounds (e.g., screams or other sounds of distress, smoke alarms, glass breakage, car crash sounds). The controller  112  may be configured to activate and/or perform one or more predetermined operations in response to the sound detector arrangement identification of a predetermined command or sound, e.g., providing an alarm signal in response to the user saying “help!” or “call  911 !” or screaming, in response to which one or more actions can occur—e.g., sounding an audible alarm on the accessory, emitting light from a light source on the accessory, causing the attached phone&#39;s flash light to turn on or strobe, causing the attached phone to transmit a message via text and/or phone call, causing the mobile phone to emit sound, causing the mobile phone to take photos or begin recording video, either through the forward-facing camera or the rearward-facing camera or the both, or otherwise any operation within the attached phone&#39;s functionalities. Note that any phone-based action could be achieved by the accessory&#39;s transmitting to the mobile phone that an alarm condition has been detected, e.g., in response to the user&#39;s pushing a button on the accessory, or in response to the proximity between the accessory and the wearable component being exceeded and/or in response to the wearable component being mechanically disconnected from the accessory, and/or in response to detection of a predetermined sound. 
     In some implementations, the controller  112  may be configured to activate a function of the mobile phone  200  in response to the sound detector arrangement identification of a predetermined sound. For example, the mobile phone  200  may be configured with a voice assistant (e.g., GOOGLE ASSISTANT, SIRI, ALEXA, CORTANA, BIXBY), and the sound detector arrangement  150  can be configured to recognize one or more “wake up” phrases associated with voice assistants that are installed on the mobile phone  200  (e.g., “ok Google”, “hey Siri”, “Alexa”, “hey Cortana”, “hi Bixby”), and the accessory  100  can send a command to the mobile phone  200  that will activate the corresponding voice assistant to process the rest of the user&#39;s command. In some implementations, the microphone  152  may be configured as a supplement or substitute for the microphone  211 . In some implementations, the mobile accessory device  100  can unlock access to a voice assistant on the mobile phone  200 . For example, some configurations of mobile phones and/or voice assistants may require the user to first unlock the mobile phone or perform some other preliminary action before a voice assistant can respond to verbal commands. The mobile accessory device  100  can recognize a “wake up” word/phrase and send a command to the mobile phone  200 , where an application running in the background on the mobile phone  200  can receive the command and respond by unlocking the mobile phone  200  and/or otherwise placing the voice assistant in condition to respond to the user. In some implementations, the user can choose to opt-in to grant the phone application sufficient security privileges to bypass or otherwise release phone security features (e.g., screen locks) that need to be dismissed in order to make the voice assistant responsive and/or useful. 
     With regard to wearable components, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment the wearable component  120  may comprise a wrist strap. Initially, the user input sensor  122  and the wearable component  120  of the user separation sensor arrangement  118  may be physically connected. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a lanyard  124  (e.g., mechanical tether) may connect the wearable component  120  to the housing  102  via a connector  126 . 
     As noted above, the controller  112  may be activated in response to receipt of a signal generated by the user separation sensor arrangement  118  when the user separation sensor arrangement  118  determines that the wearable component  120  has become physically detached from the accessory, and/or exceeds a threshold separation distance from the user input sensor  122 . Thereby, the threshold separation distance may be defined between the housing  102  and the wearable component  120 . Thus, for example, the lanyard  124  may have a predetermined length that at least partially defines the threshold distance, and the lanyard may be configured to mechanically and/or electrically attach to the housing  102  and separate from the housing  102  when the distance between the wearable component  120  and the housing  102  exceeds the predetermined length of the lanyard  124 . The user separation sensor arrangement  118  can include a user input sensor configured to determine whether the housing  102  and the lanyard are mechanically and/or electrically separated and provide an alarm signal in response. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , when a user&#39;s wrist to which the wearable component  120  is attached moves away from the housing  102  of the mobile accessory device  100  by a distance exceeding the length of the lanyard  124 , the lanyard may pull out (e.g., separate, break away) the connector  126  from the housing  102  and out of engagement with the user input sensor  122 , thereby activating the controller  112  (see,  FIG. 7 ). 
     Further, in one embodiment the connector  126  may include a whistle. Thereby, once the connector  126  is removed from the housing  102 , the user may blow on the whistle to bring attention to the user&#39;s circumstances, scare away an assailant, and/or summon help. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the connector extending from the wearable component may be configured to engage a power and/or data port of the mobile phone or a headphone jack thereon. In this embodiment, the mobile phone may itself (e.g., via a software application executing on the mobile phone) detect detachment or separation of the wearable component from the port or jack, thereby activating the alarm device. 
     As schematically illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the mobile accessory device  100  may also include a switch  128 . The switch  128  may be provided in addition to, or as an alternate for, the user separation sensor arrangement  118 . In a preferred embodiment, both the user separation sensor arrangement  118  and the switch  128  are provided. 
     An example embodiment of the switch  128  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3-6 . In some embodiments it may be desirable to provide the switch  128  with features configured to prevent accidental actuation thereof so as to avoid accidental activation of the controller  112  (see,  FIG. 7 ). In this regard, in some embodiments actuation of the switch  128  may require movement of the switch along a non-linear path. For example,  FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged example embodiment of an embodiment of the switch  128 A. As illustrated, the switch  128 A may include a center button  130  and a slider  132 . In order to activate the switch  128 A, a user may slide the slider  132  in order to depress the center button  130 . Thereby, issues with respect to accident actuation of the switch  128 A may be mitigated. Various other switches requiring multi-stage actuation may be provided in other embodiments. 
     The controller  112  may be configured to be activated in response to a signal from the user separation sensor arrangement  118  and/or the switch  128 . The particular response by the controller  112  may be set as desired. In some embodiments activation of the controller  112  by the switch  128  may result in the same response as activation of the alarm device by the user separation sensor arrangement  118 . However, in other embodiments activation of the controller  112  by the switch  128  may result in a different response as compared to activation of the alarm device by the user separation sensor arrangement  118 . 
     For example, the controller  112  may be configured to output an audible alarm configured to output sounds, predetermined spoken words, and/or noises (e.g., siren, buzzer, bell, speech) that are loud enough to attract attention from others in the vicinity of the mobile phone  200  when the user separation sensor arrangement  118  determines that the threshold separation distance is exceeded. In this regard, one or both of the audio output device  114  and the light output device  116  may be activated. However, in some configurations, the controller  112  may be silently activated when the switch  128  is actuated (e.g., the controller  112  or the mobile phone  200  may be configured to omit the emission of an attention-getting sound during activation). In some embodiments, a silent alarm can refer to any appropriate circuit and/or mechanism for taking a predetermined action in response to a trigger, and does not necessarily require (nor preclude) that the alarm device is itself incapable of generating an audible alarm. 
     In this regard, the controller  112  may be configured to direct the mobile phone  200  to send a communication (e.g., a telephone call, an SMS text message, an instant message, and email) to one or more predefined recipients in response to actuation of the switch  128 . In some implementations, the communication can include one or more predetermined messages (e.g., pre-recorded voice message, pre-configured text or synthesized voice message). In some implementations, the communication can be sent to one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., emergency response center, 911, police, user contacts). The controller  112  may be configured to direct the mobile phone  200  to send a communication to one or more predefined recipients when the user separation sensor arrangement  118  determines that the threshold separation distance from the wearable component  120  is exceeded, and/or that the wearable component  120  has become detached from the mobile accessory device  100 . 
     The controller  112  may be configured to direct the mobile phone  200  to activate a camera  207  (e.g., to capture still or motion video of the surroundings), a microphone  211  (e.g., to capture sounds in the surrounding environment), a position location detector system  154  (e.g., GPS or other location system to identify a local or global location of the phone), light output system to emit a visual indicator (e.g., blink an onboard LED, flash the phone&#39;s screen), and/or audio output system (e.g., built-in speaker of the phone, to emit an audible alarm or call for help) of the mobile phone  200 , In some implementations, the communication can include one or more of a distress message, positioning coordinates of a determined position location (e.g., based on a GPS sensor in the mobile device), audio captured by mobile device, and video captured by the mobile device. The functionality of being able to send a communication in response to an alarm or other predetermined condition may be implemented by specialized software installed on and executed by the mobile device, for example, a downloadable software application (e.g., app) or other software component. 
     To transmit such notifications, as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the mobile accessory device  100  may further comprise a communication interface  134  (e.g., a communication circuit, communication circuitry). The communication interface  134  may be configured to communicate with a communication interface  206  (e.g., a communication circuit, communication circuitry) of the mobile phone  200  when directed by the controller  112 . The communication interface  134  of the mobile accessory device  100  and the communication interface  206  of the mobile phone  200  may be any suitable arrangement, such as a device or circuitry embodied in either hardware, software, or a combination thereof that is configured to receive and/or transmit data. The communication interfaces  134 ,  206  may be configured to receive and/or transmit data via a wired communication connection or wireless communication connection. In this regard, the communication interfaces  134 ,  206  may include, for example, an antenna and supporting wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver hardware and/or hardwired components and/or software. For example, the communication interface  134  of the mobile accessory device  100  may include a wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver configured to communicate with the communication interface  206  of the mobile phone  200  via BLUETOOTH, photonic (e.g., infrared, IRDA), acoustic, ultrasonic, ZigBee, WiFi, or any other appropriate communication format. Further, the communication interface  206  of the mobile phone  200  may be configured to communicate with one or more cellular networks via any known communication standard. 
     Thereby, the communication interface  206  of the mobile phone  200  may send a communication to one or more designated contacts. The designated contacts may be selected by the user via a user-installable software application that may be loaded on the mobile phone  200 . The type and/or content of the message may also be configured within the application. 
     In some embodiments, the communication may include a phone call with an audible message. For example, a prerecorded message may be played to convey a request for help. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile phone  200  may activate a microphone  211  thereof such that a recipient of the call may receive audio relating to the user of mobile accessory&#39;s circumstances (e.g., voice or other sounds corresponding to words or actions of the mobile phone user or anyone or anything else within the range of the mobile phone&#39;s microphone  208 ). 
     In some embodiments, the communication may include a video communication. For example, the mobile phone  200  may activate a camera  207  thereof such that a recipient of the call may receive video relating to the user of accessory&#39;s circumstances (e.g., video and audio within the range of the mobile device&#39;s camera  207  and microphone  208 ). 
     In some embodiments, the communication may include a text message, an email, or any other electronic communication. Thereby, the communication may include, for example, a message conveying a request for help and/or instructing the recipient to call police or other emergency services. The communication may also include location data regarding a position of the mobile phone  200 . For example, the mobile phone  200  may further include a positioning system sensor  210  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, indoor positioning), which may determine a location thereof, and such location information may be included in the communication transmitted by the communication interface  206  of the mobile phone. In another example, the mobile accessory device  100  may further include a position location detector system  154  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, indoor positioning), which may determine a location thereof, and such location information may be included in the communication transmitted by the communication interface  134  of the mobile accessory. For example, the recipients of the communication may be provided with an image showing the position of the mobile phone  200  and/or a link to a map showing the position. Such a map may be updated with the positon of the mobile phone  200  such that the position thereof may be tracked in the event that movement occurs. Thereby, emergency service personnel may be directed to the location of the mobile phone  200 . 
     In another embodiment, communications may additionally or alternatively be transmitted to other users of mobile accessory devices in local proximity to the mobile accessory device  100 . For example, the communication interface  134  of the mobile accessory device  100  may directly communicate with the communication interface of other nearby mobile phone accessories to alert their users of a nearby user in need of assistance. In some embodiments the mobile accessory devices  100  may form a mesh network via the communication interfaces  134  to expand the reach of the local alerts. 
       FIG. 9  schematically illustrates control circuitry components of the controller  112  (e.g., an alarm device) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the control circuitry of the controller  112  may include or otherwise be in communication with a processor  136  and a memory device  138 . 
     The processor  136  may be embodied in a number of different forms. For example, the processor  136  may be embodied as one or more of various processing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, a special-purpose computer chip, or other hardware processor. In an example embodiment, the processor  136  may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory device  138  or otherwise accessible to the processor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor  136  may be configured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, the processor  136  may be capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure while configured accordingly. Alternatively, when the processor  136  is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor to perform the operations described herein. The processor  136  may include a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to support operation of the processor, amongst other components. 
     The memory device  138  may include non-transitory and tangible memory that may be, for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory device  138  may be configured to store information, data, files, applications, instructions or the like. For example, the memory device  138  can be configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor  136 . Additionally or alternatively, the memory device  138  can be configured to store instructions for execution by the processor  136 . 
     The processor  136  may be configured to execute program code instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. In this regard, an embodiment of a non-transitory computer readable medium for storing computer instructions executed by a processor (e.g., processor  136 ) is provided, such as the memory device  138 . The non-transitory computer readable medium may comprise program code instructions for performing the alarm operations described herein. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling the above-described operations. In particular, computer readable code may be configured to perform each of the operations of the methods described herein and embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling the above-described operations. In this regard, a computer readable storage medium, as used herein, refers to a non-transitory, physical storage medium (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device, which can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Although the present disclosure is generally described as relating to a mobile accessory, in another embodiment some or all of the components of the mobile accessory described above may be included in a standalone personal safety device (see, e.g.,  FIG. 23 ). In other words, a personal safety device may be configured for use without requiring a separate mobile phone. In this regard, the personal safety device may be configured to communicate with cellular networks and configured to determine a location of the personal safety device. Thus, for example, the communication interface may be configured to communicate with cellular or satellite networks in order to allow for transmission of electronic communications and the personal safety device may further include a GPS sensor configured to determine the location of the personal safety device. 
     As noted above, the form factor of the mobile accessory device  100  may vary. In this regard,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 A including the switch  128  of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 B provided in the form of a case.  FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 C wherein the mobile accessory is substantially rectangular with rounded corners.  FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 D wherein the mobile accessory is round.  FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 E wherein the user separation sensor arrangement includes a wireless wearable component  120 D.  FIGS. 15-18  illustrate an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 F wherein the mobile accessory is ovular.  FIG. 19  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 G wherein the wearable component of the user separation sensor arrangement is not attached for illustration purposes.  FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 H wherein a mobile phone is not attached for illustration purposes.  FIG. 21  illustrates an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 I wherein the mobile accessory is attached to a case  208  for the mobile phone  200 . 
     In examples such as the mobile accessory device  100 E and the wearable component  120 D of  FIG. 14 , the connection between the wearable component  120 D and the mobile accessory device  100 E may be wireless. For example, the connection may be a radio frequency connection (e.g., BLUETOOTH connection), a photonic connection (e.g., infrared beacon, IrDA), sonic (e.g., ultrasonic beacon), or magnetic (e.g., a Hall sensor in the mobile accessory device activated when a magnet in the wearable component or the mobile phone is moved too far away). 
     In some embodiments, the user separation sensor arrangement  118  can be configured to measure or otherwise detect a strength of a wireless signal provided by the wearable component. The strength of the signal can be proportional or otherwise representative of the distance between the wearable component and the user separation sensor arrangement  118  (e.g., the larger the separation distance, the weaker the received signal will be). The user separation sensor arrangement  118  can compare the strength of the received signal to a predetermined threshold signal strength value. If the received signal strength is determined to be less than the threshold signal strength value, the user separation sensor arrangement  118  can provide an activation signal to the controller  112 . In some embodiments, the user separation sensor arrangement  118  may be configured to detect the presence and/or absence of a beacon signal, and the threshold signal strength value can be a timeout value. For example, the wearable component  120 D can be configured to emit a beacon signal once every second, and the threshold signal strength value can be set to five seconds. In this example, the user separation sensor arrangement  118  can determine that no beacon signal has been received for at least five seconds, and respond by determining that the wearable component  120 D is no longer in proximity (and/or physically attached) to the mobile accessory device  100 E and provide an activation signal to the controller  112 . 
       FIGS. 22A-F  illustrate steps associated with usage of a wearable component  1201  (e.g., a wrist strap) of the mobile accessory device  100 I of  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 22A  shows a mobile phone  200  having an attached (e.g., adhesively, with tabs/slots, or hooks and loops) mobile accessory device  100 I. The microphone of the mobile phone  200  is shown at  208 . The mobile accessory device  100 I includes a groove  209  defined in the surface of the mobile accessory device  100 I, sized to accommodate storage of the wearable component  1201 .  FIGS. 22B-D  show a user in the process of removing the wearable component  1201  from the groove  209  so that he or she can engage the wearable component  1201  into a worn position, such as shown in  FIG. 22E  (e.g., donned upon a wrist).  FIG. 22F  illustrates how the user might hold mobile phone  200  after he or she has removed wearable component  1201  form the groove  209  and put it around his or her wrist. The user can later remove (e.g., doff) the wearable component  1201  and stow it in the groove  209 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an embodiment of a personal safety device  300  that does not require usage of a separate mobile phone, but rather is implemented as a standalone, dedicated personal safety device. Such a personal safety device  300  may have sufficient components and functionalities to perform the operation 
     Further,  FIGS. 24-26  illustrate an embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 J according to an additional example embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile accessory device  100 J is illustrated as being attached to the mobile phone  200  as discussed above. The overall configuration and features of the mobile accessory device  100 J may be substantially similar to that of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 . However, the mobile accessory device  100 J of  FIGS. 24-26  may vary in one or more respects. 
     For example, as illustrated, the position of the components of the mobile accessory device  100 J relative to the housing  102 J may vary. In this regard, the light output device  116 J may be positioned at a top center of the outer surface  106 J of the housing  102 J. This configuration may allow the light output device  116 J to be exposed and visible above the top of the user&#39;s hand in the event of activation while in the user&#39;s hand, such that it is more noticeable. The audio output device  114 J may be positioned in a similar location as compared to the audio output device  114  of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 , but the housing  102 J may include a pattern of round holes defined there through that allow sounds to exit the mobile accessory device  100 J. Further, the switch  128 J may be substantially similar to the switch  128 A described above with respect to  FIG. 8 , but the ends thereof may be relatively more rounded for improved ergonomics and/or appearance. Additionally, the battery portion may be positioned at the attachment surface of the mobile accessory device  100 J engaged with the mobile phone  200  in order to de-clutter the exposed outer surfaces thereof. 
     Further, the mobile accessory device  100 J may include a nail slot  140 J, which may be positioned between the connector  126 J and the housing  102 J. In this regard, in some embodiments the user separation sensor arrangement may be activated by engaging a fingernail in the nail slot  140 J and releasing the connector  126  rather than requiring the user to release the wearable component  120 J first. Thereby, activation of the user separation sensor arrangement may be conducted quickly (e.g., in an unexpected dangerous situation), if necessary. 
     Further, the particular configuration of the wearable component  120 J may differ. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24-26 , in an un-extended configuration, the lanyard  124 J may wrap around a lower corner of the housing  102 J and extend to and wrap around a top corner of the housing. The wearable component  120 J may then extend downward from the lanyard  124 J to the bottom edge of the housing  102 J. A clip  142 J may be positioned at the interface between the lanyard  124 J and the wearable component  120 J. In some embodiments, the clip  142 J may be moveable such that the relative length of the wearable component  120 J relative to the lanyard  124 J is adjustable and thereby a user may tighten the wearable component around his or her wrist during use. The clip  142 J may be configured to engage the housing  102 J when in an un-extended configuration to retain the lanyard  124 J in place. 
     Further, the wearable component  120 J may include a pull tab  144 J at an end thereof. The pull tab  144 J may retain the wearable component  120 J in the un-extended configuration until the user releases the pull tab from engagement with the housing  102 J. Releasing the pull tab  144 J from engagement with the housing  102 J may activate one or more features. For example, in response to the pull tab  144 J being released, the positioning system sensor  210  (see,  FIG. 7 ) may be instructed to activate via the communication mechanisms described above. Accordingly, when a user extends the wearable component  120 J and places it on his or her wrist, for example when confronted with a dangerous situation or location, the user&#39;s location may be determined and tracked at that time. Thereby, in the event that the user pulls out the connector  126 J, the positioning system sensor  210  will have already been activated in order to substantially immediately provide the user&#39;s location as described above. Thereby, for example, any delays associated with determining the user&#39;s location may be avoided. Further, the user&#39;s location may be tracked during the time period during which the pull tab  144 J is released and thereby the user&#39;s location information may optionally be shared with one or more persons, if desired. 
     The embodiment of the mobile accessory device  100 K illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28  is substantially similar to the mobile accessory of  FIGS. 24-26  in most respects and hence the configuration thereof will not be repeated. However, the nail slot  140 K is enlarged. 
       FIGS. 29-35  illustrate various views of another example mobile accessory device  100 I according to an additional example embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile accessory device  100 L is configured to be attached to the mobile phone  200  as will be discussed further below. The overall configuration and features of the mobile accessory device  100 L may be substantially similar to that of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 . However, the mobile accessory device  100 L of  FIGS. 29-35  may vary in one or more respects. 
     For example, as illustrated, the position of the components of the mobile accessory device  100 L relative to the housing  102 L may vary. The audio output device  114 L may be positioned in a similar location as compared to the audio output device  114  of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 , but the housing  102 L may include a round hole defined there through that allow sounds to exit the mobile accessory device  100 L. 
     Further, the particular configuration of the wearable component  120 L may differ. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIGS. 29-35 , in an un-extended configuration, wearable component  120 L and the lanyard  124 L may be stow-able in a groove  2909  formed about the periphery of the housing  102 L. Further, the wearable component  120 L may include a pull tab  144 L at an end thereof. The pull tab  144 L may retain the wearable component  120 L in the stowed (e.g., un-extended) configuration until the user releases the pull tab  144 L from engagement with the housing  102 L. Releasing the pull tab  144 L from engagement with the housing  102 L may activate one or more features. For example, in response to the pull tab  144 L being released, the positioning system sensor  210  (see,  FIG. 7 ) may be instructed to activate via the communication mechanisms described above. Accordingly, when a user removes the wearable component  120 L from the groove  2909  and places it on his or her wrist, for example when confronted with a dangerous situation or location, the user&#39;s location may be determined and tracked at that time. Thereby, in the event that the user pulls out the connector  126 L, the positioning system sensor  210  will have already been activated in order to substantially immediately provide the user&#39;s location as described above. Thereby, for example, any delays associated with determining the user&#39;s location may be avoided. Further, the user&#39;s location may be tracked during the time period during which the pull tab  144 L is released and thereby the user&#39;s location information may optionally be shared with one or more persons, if desired. 
     Further, the switch  128 L may be a pressure sensitive or membrane switch defined as a fingertip-sized recess having a textured pattern (e.g., to ease identification and location of the switch  128 L by either sight or touch). In use, the switch may be used to activate an alarm though a predetermined continuous press (e.g., three seconds) or through a predetermined series of presses (e.g., three presses within five seconds), for example, to reduce the occurrence of accidental activation. In some implementations, the switch  128 L may activate a different type of alarm than may be triggered by separation of the lanyard. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 L may respond to activation of the switch  128 L by initiating a silent alarm to alert one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., discretely sending a message to a preselected contact), while the mobile accessory device  100 L may respond to separation of the connector  126 L by initiating an audible alarm and alerting one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., set off a siren and send a message or place a phone call to police). 
     Further, the mobile accessory device  100 L may include a nail slot positioned between the connector  126 L and the housing  102 L. In this regard, in some embodiments the user separation sensor arrangement may be activated by engaging a fingernail in the nail slot and releasing the connector  126 L rather than requiring the user to release the wearable component  120 L first. Thereby, activation of the user separation sensor arrangement may be conducted quickly (e.g., in an unexpected dangerous situation), if necessary. 
     The mobile accessory device  100 L also includes a visual indicator  2902  (e.g., a light, a display). The visual indicator  2902  is configured to provide a visible indication of one or more statuses of the mobile accessory device. For example, the visual indicator  2902  may blink at a first rate or pattern (e.g., or illuminate steadily), illuminate at a first brightness, and/or illuminate with a first color to display a first condition (e.g., to indicate that the mobile accessory device  100 L is connected to or paired with the mobile phone  200  and/or an associated alarm software application running on the phone), and blink, illuminate, and/or colorize in different predetermined manners to display other conditions (e.g., to indicate that the mobile accessory device  100 L is not paired or otherwise communicatively associated with mobile phone  200 , to indicate that the mobile accessory device  100 L is not able to communicate with the mobile phone  200  to which it was previously paired or otherwise communicatively associated). In some embodiments, the visual indicator  2902  may display differently shaped predetermined patterns to indicate different conditions of the mobile accessory device  100 L. For example, the visual indicator  2902  may appear as a periodically blinking, blue BLUETOOTH symbol to indicate that the mobile accessory device  100 L is ready for pairing, and may appear as a red “X” when the mobile accessory device  100 L is not able to communicate with the paired mobile phone  200  or an associated software application installed thereupon and configured to respond to alarm signals from the mobile accessory device  100 L. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 35 , a rear perspective view of the mobile accessory device  100 L is shown. The rear side of the housing  102 L includes an adhesive pad  3502 . In use, the adhesive pad  3502  can be contacted against a surface of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., the rear surface  202 ). 
       FIG. 36  is a flow chart of an example process  3600  for using an example mobile accessory device. In some implementations, the process  3600  can be performed using one or more of the example mobile device accessories  100 A- 100 L of  FIGS. 1-23 , and  25 - 35 , and the personal safety device  300  of  FIG. 23 . 
     At  3610 , an attachment surface of a housing of a mobile accessory device is engaged to a mobile device. For example, the attachment surface  104  of the housing  102  may be configured to engage the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . In another example, the adhesive pad  3502  shown in  FIG. 35  can be used to secure the mobile accessory device  100 L to a mobile device, such as to the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . 
     At  3620 , a wearable component is donned upon a user of the mobile device. For example, the wearable component  120  of  FIG. 5 , the wireless wearable component  120 D of  FIG. 14 , and/or the wearable component  1201  of  FIGS. 22A-F  can be worn about a user&#39;s wrist. In other examples, the wearable component can donned upon or otherwise carried by a user (e.g., a pendant, a ring, an earring, an earpiece, bracelet, wristwatch, eyeglass frame, hair clip), the user&#39;s clothing (e.g., a remote unit carried in the user&#39;s pocket, a pin, a badge, clipped to a belt, a belt buckle, head band, hat), and/or the user&#39;s personal effects (e.g., a remote unit carried in purse or bag, a key fob, an identification card). 
     At  3630 , a separation sensor detects that the wearable component has separated from the housing. For example, the user input sensor  122  can determine that the wearable component  120  has exceeded a threshold separation distance from the controller  112  and/or that the wearable component  120  has become physically detached from the mobile accessory device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the process  3600  can include detecting a mechanical separation of the housing and a lanyard affixed to the wearable component, the lanyard having a predetermined length and mechanically connecting the wearable component to the housing, the lanyard being mechanically separable from the housing when distance between the wearable component and the housing exceeds the predetermined length. For example, the user input sensor  122  can determine that the wearable component  120  has become detached, disengaged, or otherwise physically separated from the controller  112 . 
     In some embodiments, detecting that the wearable component has separated from the housing can include determining a signal strength of a wireless tether signal transmitted by a wireless transmitter of the wearable component to a wireless receiver arranged within the housing and in communication with the separation sensor, the signal strength being representative of a distance between the wearable component and the housing, and determining that the signal strength is less than or equal to a predetermined signal strength defining a predetermined separation distance. For example, the user separation sensor arrangement  118  can determine that the wearable component  120 D has exceeded a threshold separation distance from the controller  112 , or that a periodic beacon transmitted by the wearable component  120 D has not been received for a predetermined length of time. 
     At  3640 , an alarm device is activated based on detecting that the wearable component has separated from the housing. For example, the controller  112  of  FIG. 7  can be activated. In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include transmitting an alarm signal; and wherein the process  3600  can also include receiving, by mobile device, the alarm signal, and sending, by the mobile device and in response to the receiving the alarm signal, a predetermined communication to one or more predefined recipients. For example, the controller  112  of  FIG. 7  can activate the communication interface  134  to communicate with the mobile phone  200 . The mobile phone  200  may have a software application installed and executing thereupon, and the software application can be configured to react to the communication from the mobile accessory device  100 E to cause the mobile phone to communicate with one or more predetermined recipients. For example, the software application may be configured to initiate a call, send a text message, email, media file, media stream, location information (e.g., GPS data), captured audio and/or video, or any other appropriate information to one or more contacts previously identified by the user (e.g., family member, friend, neighbor, doctor, nurse, caregiver, welfare official, emergency services, 911) 
     In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include activating an audio output component disposed within the housing and configured to emit an audible alert when activated. For example, the controller  112  includes the audio output device  114  that can emit a siren, noise, prerecorded or synthesized spoken words or other sounds, or any other appropriate sound that is sufficiently loud enough to attract the attention of other nearby persons and/or repel an attacker. In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include activating a visual output configured to emit an audible alert when activated. For example, the controller  112  includes the light output device  116  that can emit a light or strobe to attract the attention of other nearby persons and/or repel an attacker. 
     In some embodiments, the process  3600  can include removing the wearable component from a cavity defined by the housing, wherein the cavity is sized to accommodate storage of the wearable component. For example,  FIGS. 22A-22F  show that the example wearable component  1201  can be at least partly removed from the mobile accessory device  100 I before being worn about the wrist of the user. In some embodiments, the process  3600  can also include doffing the wearable component from the user, and stowing the wearable component in a cavity defined by the housing, wherein the cavity is sized to accommodate storage of the wearable component. For example, the process illustrated by  FIGS. 22A-22F  can be reversed such that the user can take the wearable component  1201  or  120 L off his or her wrist, and placed back in the groove  209  or  2909  defined in the housing of the mobile accessory device  100 I or  100 L. 
       FIGS. 37 a   - 45  illustrate various views of another example mobile accessory device  100 M according to an additional example embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile accessory device  100 M is configured to be attached to the mobile phone  200 , either directly or indirectly, as will be discussed further below. The overall configuration and features of the mobile accessory device  100 M may be substantially similar to, or a subset of, that of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 . However, the mobile accessory device  100 M of  FIGS. 37 a   - 45  may vary in one or more respects. 
     The mobile accessory device  100 M includes a user input sensor having a movable component  144 M (e.g., a pull tab), which serves as a user input mechanism, and is configured to activate when the movable component  144 M is at least partially moved, and an alarm device (not shown) disposed in the housing  102 M and configured to activate in response to activation of the user input sensor. Activation of the alarm device can cause an audible alarm, or cause a software application to be executed on the mobile phone  200 , or both. The audible alarm can come either from an optional audio emitting device disposed in the mobile accessory device  100 M or (e.g., in embodiments where the mobile accessory device  100 M does not include an audio emitting device) from the mobile phone  200 , e.g., using a speaker built into the mobile phone  200 . 
     For example, as illustrated, the position of the components of the mobile accessory device  100 M relative to a housing  102 M may vary. A pull tab  144 M is configured to remain in a stowed (e.g., un-extended) configuration until the user releases the pull tab  144 M from engagement with the housing  102 M or moves the pull tab  144 M relative to the housing  102 M. Releasing or moving the pull tab  144 M may activate one or more features. For example, in response to the pull tab  144 M being moved, removed (at least in part), shifted, or released, the positioning system sensor  210  (see,  FIG. 7 ) may be instructed to activate via the communication mechanisms described above. Further, the user&#39;s location may be tracked, e.g., using GPS-like functionality built into the mobile phone  200 , during the time period in which the pull tab  144 M is released and thereby the user&#39;s location information may optionally be shared with one or more persons, if desired, e.g., using the communications capabilities of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., phone, email, SMS text). 
     Further, the mobile accessory device  100 M may include a slot  126 M or a feature providing equivalent functionality, positioned between the pull tab  144 M and the housing  102 M. In this regard, in some embodiments the user separation sensor arrangement may be activated, for example, by engaging a fingernail or equivalent in the slot  126 M and moving the pull tab  144 M. Thereby, based on user input, activation of the user separation sensor arrangement may be conducted quickly (e.g., in an unexpected dangerous situation), if necessary, for example, by moving (at least in part) the pull tab  144 M. 
     In some embodiments, the slot  126 M, which serves as a user input mechanism, may be supplemented or substituted with one or more other mechanical features configured to provide frictional, grippable, or graspable surface or element to ease releasing or moving the pull tab  144 M. Examples of such mechanical features can include raised or recessed ribs, dimples, latches, loops, hooks, projections, textures (e.g., rough, soft, sticky), or combinations of these or other mechanical features that can promote manual operation (e.g., movement or removal) of the pull tab  144 M. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, other use input mechanisms (e.g., switches or buttons) may be used as a user input mechanism to trigger actuation of the mobile accessory device  100 M. In one such embodiment, a switch  128 M (e.g., a button) is arranged on a lateral side  3710   a  of the housing  102 M, substantially perpendicular to a major face surface  3712 . Another switch  129 M is arranged on a lateral side  3710   b  of the housing  102 M, substantially perpendicular to the major face surface  3712  opposite the switch  129 M. The switch  128 M and/or the switch  129 M may be a depressible button, pressure sensitive, or membrane switches defined as a fingertip-sized recess or protrusion having a textured pattern (e.g., to facilitate identification and location of the switch by either sight or touch). In use, the switch  128 M and the switch  129 M are pressed substantially simultaneously. For example, in the illustrated configuration, a user can squeeze the switch  128 M and the switch  129 M with two different fingers of one hand in order to activate an alarm, thereby reducing a likelihood of false alarms due to accidental actuation of a single button. The switches may be used to activate an alarm though a predetermined continuous press (e.g., three seconds), through a predetermined series of presses (e.g., three presses within five seconds), or through a particular sequence of presses (e.g., first pressing the switch  128 M and then the switch  129 M), for example, to reduce the occurrence of accidental activation. 
     In some implementations, the switches  128 M and  129 M may activate a different type of action than may be triggered by separation of the pull tab  144 M. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 M may respond to activation of the switches  128 M and  129 M by initiating a silent alarm to alert one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., causing the mobile phone  200  to discretely send a message to a preselected contact), while the mobile accessory device  100 M may respond to movement or partial removal of the pull tab  144 M by initiating an audible alarm and alerting one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., set off a siren and send a message or place a phone call to police). The audible alarm can come either from an optional audio emitting device disposed in the mobile accessory device  100 M or (e.g., in embodiments where the mobile accessory device  100 M does not include an audio emitting device) from the mobile phone  200 , e.g., using a speaker built into the mobile phone  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the movable component (e.g., pull tab  144 M) can be configured to be at least partly moved relative to the housing  102 M when subjected to a predetermined force. In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  100 M can include a wearable component having a lanyard (e.g., the example wearable component  120 ) configured to mechanically attach to the housing  102 M and/or the pull tab  144 M and provide at least the predetermined force to the movable component based on a pull of upon the lanyard and at least partly move the movable component relative to the housing  102 M based on the pull. 
       FIG. 37 b    shows the mobile accessory device  100 M adhered or affixed to a companion mobile accessory device  3701  (e.g., a wallet for holding identification cards, credit cards, cash, or the like) which in turn is adhered or affixed to the mobile phone  200 . However, the mobile accessory device  100 M can be adhered or affixed directly to the mobile phone  200  without the need for, or use of, the companion mobile accessory device  3701 . 
       FIGS. 38-39  show the mobile accessory device  100 M attached to the companion mobile accessory device  3701  without the mobile phone  200 , whereas  FIG. 40  shows the companion mobile accessory device  3701  alone. 
       FIGS. 41-43  show the mobile accessory device  100 M separate from the companion mobile accessory device  3701 . In some implementations, the mobile accessory device  100 M can engage (e.g., adhere to) a portion of the mobile phone  200 . In some implementations, the mobile accessory device  100 M can engage a portion of a companion mobile accessory device  3701  (which will be discussed further in the description of  FIGS. 44-45 ). In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  100 M and the companion mobile accessory device  3701  may be configured as two physically independent components that may be adhered or otherwise mechanically engaged to each other or may be used independently. In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  100 M and the companion mobile accessory device  3701  may be configured as a combined unit (e.g., formed as a monolithic, unitary assembly having a shared housing). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 43 , a rear perspective view of the mobile accessory device  100 M is shown. A major face  4302  of the rear side of the housing  102 M includes an adhesive pad  4301 . In use, the adhesive pad  4301  can be contacted against (e.g., adhered to) a surface of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., the rear surface  202 ), or the surface  3702  of the companion mobile accessory device  3701 , or any other appropriate surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 40 and 45 , rear perspective views of the companion mobile accessory device  3701  is shown. A rear side  3703  of the companion mobile accessory device  3701  includes an adhesive pad  4001 . In use, the adhesive pad  4001  can be contacted against a surface of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., the rear surface  202 ), or any other appropriate surface. 
     Referring now primarily to  FIGS. 36-40, 44, and 45 , the companion mobile accessory device  3701  is shown. The companion mobile accessory device  3701  has a housing that defines a cavity  4002 . The cavity  4002  is configured to removably retain one or more wallet-sized cards  3704 , such as credit cards, identification cards (e.g., driver&#39;s license), loyalty cards, security access cards, folded cash, or any other appropriately sized items. 
       FIG. 46  is a flow chart of an example process for using an example mobile accessory device. In some implementations, the process  4600  can be performed using one or more of the example mobile device accessories  100 A- 100 L of  FIGS. 1-23, and 25-35 , the personal safety device  300  of  FIG. 23 , and the mobile accessory device  100 M of  FIGS. 37 a   - 43 . 
     At  4610 , an attachment surface of a housing of a mobile accessory device is engaged to a mobile device. For example, the major face  4302  of the housing  102 M may be configured to engage the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . In another example, the adhesive pad  4301  shown in  FIG. 43  can be used to secure (e.g., adhere) the mobile accessory device  100 M to the companion mobile accessory device  3701 . 
     At  4620 , a user input is received. For example, one or a combination of the switches  128 M,  129 M may have been pressed by a user. In another example, the pull tab  144 M may have been actuated or partly removed by a user. 
     At  4630 , a separation sensor detects that, based on the received user input, the mobile accessory device  100 M has been actuated. For example, the user input sensor  122  can determine that the pull tab  144 M has been moved, removed (at least partially), released or shifted, or that the switch  128 M and/or the button  129 M has been pressed. 
     In some embodiments, the process  4600  can include detecting a mechanical separation of the housing and a lanyard affixed to a wearable component, the lanyard having a predetermined length and mechanically connecting the wearable component to the housing, the lanyard being mechanically separable from the housing when distance between the wearable component and the housing exceeds the predetermined length. For example, the pull tab  144 M can be connected to the wearable component  120 , and the user input sensor  122  can determine that the wearable component  120  has caused the pull tab  144 M to move or at be at least partly removed from the housing  102 M. 
     At  4640 , an alarm device is activated based on detecting that the user input has been actuated. For example, the controller  112  of  FIG. 7  can be activated. In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include transmitting an alarm signal; and wherein the process  4600  can also include receiving, by mobile device, the alarm signal, and sending, by the mobile device and in response to the receiving the alarm signal, a predetermined communication to one or more predefined recipients. For example, the controller  112  of  FIG. 7  can activate the communication interface  134  to communicate with the mobile phone  200 . The mobile phone  200  may have a software application installed and executing thereupon, and the software application can be configured to react to the communication from the mobile accessory device  100 M to cause the mobile phone to communicate with one or more predetermined recipients, and/or to emit an audible alarm or other sound. For example, the software application may be configured to initiate a call, send a text message, email, media file, media stream, location information (e.g., GPS data), captured audio and/or video, or any other appropriate information to one or more contacts previously identified by the user (e.g., family member, friend, neighbor, doctor, nurse, caregiver, welfare official, emergency services, 911). In some embodiments, the alarm device can be any appropriate circuit and/or mechanism that is configured for taking a predetermined action in response to a trigger, and does not necessarily require nor preclude that the alarm device is itself capable of generating an audible alarm. 
     In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include activating an audio output component disposed within the housing and configured to emit an audible alert when activated. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 M can include the audio output device  114  that can emit a siren, noise, prerecorded or synthesized spoken words or other sounds, or any other appropriate sound that is sufficiently loud enough to attract the attention of other nearby persons and/or repel an attacker. In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include activating a visual output configured to emit an audible alert when activated. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 M can include the light output device  116  that can emit a light or strobe to attract the attention of other nearby persons and/or repel an attacker. 
     In another configuration, the mobile accessory device need not be configured to be physically attachable to the mobile device, but rather may be implemented as a standalone unit that can be carried or worn by a user (e.g., as a wallet attachment or insert, key fob, bracelet, or the like), and which maintains a wireless communication connection between the accessory and the mobile device. In this configuration, other than the lack of physical attachment, the accessory can be designed and implemented to have any or all of the same features and/or functionality as the configuration in which the accessory is designed to be attached to the mobile device, as described above. 
       FIGS. 47-49B  illustrate various views of a mobile accessory device  100 N according to an additional example embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile accessory device  100 N is configured to be attached to the mobile phone  200 , either directly or indirectly, as will be discussed further below. The overall configuration and features of the mobile accessory device  100 N may be substantially similar to, or a subset of, that of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 . However, the mobile accessory device  100 N of  FIGS. 47-49B  may vary in one or more respects. 
     The mobile accessory device  100 N includes a housing  102 N and a user input sensor having a movable component  4744  (e.g., a sliding switch, a pull tab, a trigger component), which serves as a user input mechanism, and is configured to activate when the movable component  4744  is at least partially moved relative to the housing  102 N, and controller (e.g., the controller  112  of  FIG. 7 , not shown here) disposed in the housing  102 N and configured to activate in response to activation of the user input sensor. Activation of the controller can cause an audible alarm, or cause a software application to be executed on the mobile phone  200 , or both. The audible alarm can come either from an optional audio emitting device disposed in the mobile accessory device  100 N or (e.g., in embodiments where the mobile accessory device  100 N does not include an audio emitting device) from the mobile phone  200 , e.g., using a speaker built into the mobile phone  200 . 
     For example, as illustrated, the position of the components of the mobile accessory device  100 N relative to a housing  102 N may vary. The movable component  4744  is configured to remain in a stowed (e.g., un-extended) configuration until the user slide the movable component  4744  away from the stowed configuration relative to the housing  102 N. Moving or releasing the movable component  4744  may activate one or more features. For example, in response to the movable component  4744  being moved, removed (at least in part), shifted, or released, the position location detector system  154  or  210  (see,  FIG. 7 ) may be instructed to activate via the communication mechanisms described above. Further, the user&#39;s location may be tracked, e.g., using GPS-like functionality built into the mobile accessory device  100 N or the mobile phone  200 , during the time period in which the movable component  4744  is out of its default position and thereby the user&#39;s location information may optionally be shared with one or more persons, if desired, e.g., using the communications capabilities of the mobile phone  200  or the mobile accessory device  100 N (e.g., phone, email, SMS text). 
     Further, the mobile accessory device  100 N may include a slot  4726 , a recess, a depression, a textured area, or a feature providing equivalent functionality to ease movement of the moveable component  4744 , positioned between the movable component  4744  and the housing  102 N. In this regard, in some embodiments the user input sensor arrangement may be activated, for example, by engaging a fingertip or fingernail or equivalent in the slot  4726  and moving the movable component  4744 . Thereby, based on user input, activation of the user separation sensor arrangement may be conducted quickly (e.g., in an unexpected dangerous situation), if necessary, for example, by moving (at least in part) the movable component  4744 . 
     In some embodiments, the movable component  4744 , which serves as a user input mechanism, may be supplemented or substituted with one or more other mechanical features configured to provide frictional, grippable, or graspable surface or element to ease releasing or moving the movable component  4744 . Examples of such mechanical features can include raised or recessed ribs, dimples, latches, loops, hooks, projections, textures (e.g., rough, soft, sticky), or combinations of these or other mechanical features that can promote manual operation (e.g., movement or removal) of the movable component  4744 . 
     Alternatively, or in addition, other user input mechanisms (e.g., switches or buttons) may be used as a user input mechanism to trigger actuation of the mobile accessory device  100 N. In one such embodiment, a switch  128 N (e.g., a button) is arranged on a lateral side  4710   a  of the housing  102 N, substantially perpendicular to a major face surface  4712 . Another switch  129 N is arranged on a lateral side  4710   b  of the housing  102 N, substantially perpendicular to the major face surface  4712  opposite the switch  129 N. The switch  128 N and/or the switch  129 N may be a depressible button, pressure sensitive, or membrane switches defined as a fingertip-sized recess or protrusion having a textured pattern (e.g., to facilitate identification and location of the switch by either sight or touch). In use, the switch  128 N and the switch  129 N are pressed substantially simultaneously. For example, in the illustrated configuration, a user can squeeze the switch  128 N and the switch  129 N with two different fingers of one hand in order to activate an alarm, thereby reducing a likelihood of false alarms due to accidental actuation of a single button. The switches may be used to activate an alarm or non-alarm function though a predetermined continuous press (e.g., three seconds), through a predetermined series of presses (e.g., three presses within five seconds), or through a particular sequence of presses (e.g., first pressing the switch  128 N and then the switch  129 N), for example, to reduce the occurrence of accidental activation. In some embodiments, the user input mechanism can be configured to differentiate between and respond to multiple different user inputs. For example, the user can use one predetermined combination of buttons and press patterns to activate one response, and can use another predetermined combination to active another response. In a more specific example, one press the switch  128 N could be used to activate a texting application on the mobile phone, two presses could be used to activate a camera app on the mobile phone, and three presses could be used to activate one or more of the alarm functions. 
     Alternatively, or in addition, other user input mechanisms (e.g., microphones, audio sensors) may be used as a user input mechanism to trigger actuation of the mobile accessory device  100 N. In one such embodiment, the mobile accessory device  100 N can include a microphone and sound detector circuit (e.g., the sound detector arrangement  150  and the microphone  152 ). The sound detector circuit can be configured to respond to predetermined sounds or sound patterns as a user input (e.g., voice commands, shouts, alarms, horns, sirens, beeps, bells). In some implementations, the sound detector circuit can respond to sounds as user inputs by triggering its internal alarm functions, by triggering another device (e.g., activating an application on a mobile phone to send a message for help, causing a mobile phone to emit an audible or visual alarm), or by triggering an existing function of another device (e.g., activating a voice assistant or other voice-responsive feature of a mobile phone or other device in communication with the mobile accessory device  100 N). 
     In some implementations, the switches  128 N and  129 N may activate a different type of action than may be triggered by separation of the movable component  4744 . For example, the mobile accessory device  100 N may respond to activation of the switches  128 N and  129 N by initiating a silent alarm to alert one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., causing the mobile phone  200  to discretely send a message to a preselected contact), while the mobile accessory device  100 N may respond to movement or partial removal of the movable component  4744  by initiating an audible alarm and alerting one or more predetermined recipients (e.g., set off a siren and send a message or place a phone call to police). The audible alarm can come either from an optional audio emitting device disposed in the mobile accessory device  100 N or (e.g., in embodiments where the mobile accessory device  100 N does not include an audio emitting device) from the mobile phone  200 , e.g., using a speaker built into the mobile phone  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the movable component  4744  (e.g., pull tab) can be configured to be at least partly moved relative to the housing  102 N when subjected to a predetermined force. In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  100 N can include a wearable component having a lanyard (e.g., the example wearable component  120 ) configured to mechanically attach to the housing  102 N and/or the movable component  4744  and provide at least the predetermined force to the movable component based on a pull of upon the lanyard and at least partly move the movable component relative to the housing  102 N based on the pull. 
     The mobile accessory device  100 N has a rear surface  4702  substantially parallel to the major face surface  4712 . In the illustrated example, an adhesive pad  4810  is affixed to the rear surface  4702 . In use, the adhesive pad  4801  can be pressed against another surface (e.g., the rear of the mobile phone  200 ) to attach the mobile accessory device  100 N to the other surface. 
       FIGS. 49A and 49B  illustrate a sectional view of the example mobile accessory device  100 N of  FIG. 47 . These views are provided to show the configuration and operation of the movable component  4744  relative to the housing  102 N. 
       FIG. 49A  shows the mobile accessory device  100 N in a first configuration (e.g., a triggered configuration). The movable component  4744  is configured to move linearly along the slot  4726 .  FIG. 49B  shows the mobile accessory device  100 N in a second configuration (e.g., a default, un-triggered configuration). The movable component  4744  can be slid along the slot  4726  (e.g., inward, toward the center of the housing  102 N) to change the movable component  4744  from the first configuration to the second configuration, and the movable component  4744  can be slid along the slot  4726  (e.g., outward, away from the center of the housing  102 N) to change the movable component  4744  from the second configuration to the first configuration (e.g., to trigger an alarm function). As the movable component  4744  is actuated between the two configurations, the movable component  4744  activates and releases a switch  4901  (e.g., as part of the user input sensor  122 ). 
       FIG. 50  illustrates a perspective from view of the example mobile accessory device  100 N of  FIGS. 47 and 49B  an example companion mobile accessory device  5000 .  FIG. 51  illustrates a perspective rear view of the example mobile accessory device  100 N and companion mobile accessory device  5000 .  FIGS. 50 and 51  shows the mobile accessory device  100 N adhered or affixed to the companion mobile accessory device  5000  (e.g., a wallet for holding identification cards, credit cards, cash, or the like). In some embodiments, the companion mobile accessory device  5000  can, in turn, be adhered, affixed, or otherwise coupled to the mobile phone  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 51 . A rear side  5002  of the companion mobile accessory device  5000  includes an adhesive pad  5001 . In use, the adhesive pad  5001  can be contacted against a surface of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., the rear surface  202 ), or any other appropriate surface. The companion mobile accessory device  5000  defines a cavity  5003 . The cavity  5003  is configured to removably retain one or more wallet-sized cards  5004 , such as credit cards, identification cards (e.g., driver&#39;s license), loyalty cards, security access cards, folded cash, or any other appropriately sized items. 
       FIG. 52  illustrates a partially exploded perspective side view of the example mobile accessory device  100 N and the companion mobile accessory device  5000 . In the illustrated example, the companion mobile accessory device  5000  includes a collection of pins  5201  and tabs  5202 , and the mobile accessory device  100 N includes a corresponding collection of bores  5203  and slots  5204 . The pins  5201  and the bores  5203 , and the tabs  5202  and the slots  5204  are configured to matingly engage to mechanically affix the companion mobile accessory device  5000  to the mobile accessory device  100 N. 
       FIGS. 53 and 54  illustrate an example mobile accessory device  5300  having magnetic features. In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  5300  can be a modification of the example mobile accessory device  100 N of  FIGS. 47-49B , or the combination of the mobile accessory device  100 N and the example companion mobile accessory device  5000  device of  FIGS. 50-52 . 
     The mobile accessory device  5300  includes a housing  5302 , and the housing  5302  includes an attachment component  5310  that is configured to magnetically engage corresponding magnetic features provided on the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . In some embodiments, the attachment component  5310  can be made of a magnet, a collection of magnets, a magnetic material, or combination of these and any other appropriate passively or actively magnetic components that can magnetically couple the mobile accessory device  5300  to the mobile phone  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  5300  can include sensors that can determine whether or not the mobile accessory device  5300  is attached, coupled, or otherwise substantially abutted to the mobile phone  200 . For example, the mobile accessory device  5300  can include a switch (e.g., a momentary pin switch that is kept depressed by contact between the mobile accessory device  5300  and the rear surface  202  and released when the two become separated), a photonic sensor (e.g., an illuminator and a photodetector that can detect the presence or absence of illumination reflected off the rear surface  202 ), or a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor or reed switch in the mobile accessory device  5300  that is configured to be activated when mobile accessory device  5300  is moved too far away from the magnetic features provided on the rear surface  202 ). In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device  5300  can include a wearable component such as a tether or a lanyard (e.g., the example wearable component  120 ) configured to mechanically attach to the housing  5302  and provide at least a predetermined force to the housing  5302  based on a pull of upon the lanyard and at least partly separate the mobile accessory device  5300  from the mobile phone  200  based on the pull. 
       FIGS. 55A and 55B  illustrate perspective and side views of an example of a mobile accessory device button  5500  according to an additional example embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile accessory device button  5500  is configured to be attached to the mobile phone  200 , either directly or indirectly, as will be discussed further below. The overall configuration and features of the mobile accessory device button  5500  may be substantially similar to, or a subset of, that of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 . However, the mobile accessory device button  5500  may vary in one or more respects. 
     The mobile accessory device button  5500  includes a housing  5502  and a button  5504  that serves as a user input mechanism, and is configured to activate when the button  5504  is at least partially moved relative to the housing  5502 , and controller (e.g., the controller  112  of  FIG. 7 , not shown here) disposed in the housing  5502  and configured to activate in response to activation of the user input sensor. In the illustrated example, the housing  5502  and the button  5504  are configured with a generally convex (e.g., domed) shape. 
     Activation of the controller can cause an audible alarm, or cause a software application to be executed on the mobile phone  200 , or both. The audible alarm can come either from an optional audio emitting device disposed in the mobile accessory device button  5500  or (e.g., in embodiments where the mobile accessory device button  5500  does not include an audio emitting device) from the mobile phone  200 , e.g., using a speaker built into the mobile phone  200 . Alternatively, or in addition, other user input mechanisms (e.g., microphones, audio sensors) may be used as a user input mechanism to trigger actuation of the mobile accessory device button  5500 . 
     A rear side  5506  of the mobile accessory device button  5500  includes an adhesive pad  5508 . In use, the adhesive pad  5001  can be contacted against a surface of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., the rear surface  202 ), or any other appropriate surface. For example, the mobile accessory device button  5500  can be affixed, engaged, adhered, or other otherwise coupled atop a one-handed phone holder that is attached to the mobile phone  200 . In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device button  5500  can include magnetic, adhesive, and/or mechanical features to enable attachment, adherence, affixment, engagement, and/or coupling of the mobile accessory device button  5500 , directly or indirectly, to the mobile phone  200 . 
       FIGS. 56A and 56B  illustrate perspective and side views of an example of a mobile accessory device button  5600  according to an additional example embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile accessory device button  5600  is configured to be attached to the mobile phone  200 , either directly or indirectly, as will be discussed further below. The overall configuration and features of the mobile accessory device button  5600  may be substantially similar to, or a subset of, that of the mobile accessory device  100  of  FIG. 1 . However, the mobile accessory device button  5600  may vary in one or more respects. 
     The mobile accessory device button  5600  includes a housing  5602  and a button  5604  that serves as a user input mechanism, and is configured to activate when the button  5604  is at least partially moved relative to the housing  5602 , and controller (e.g., the controller  112  of  FIG. 7 , not shown here) disposed in the housing  5602  and configured to activate in response to activation of the user input sensor. In the illustrated example, the housing  5602  and the button  5604  are configured with a generally concave (e.g., scalloped, indented, recessed) shape. 
     Activation of the controller can cause an audible alarm, or cause a software application to be executed on the mobile phone  200 , or both. The audible alarm can come either from an optional audio emitting device disposed in the mobile accessory device button  5600  or (e.g., in embodiments where the mobile accessory device button  5600  does not include an audio emitting device) from the mobile phone  200 , e.g., using a speaker built into the mobile phone  200 . Alternatively, or in addition, other user input mechanisms (e.g., microphones, audio sensors) may be used as a user input mechanism to trigger actuation of the mobile accessory device button  5600 . 
     A rear side  5606  of the mobile accessory device button  5600  includes an adhesive pad  5608 . In use, the adhesive pad  5001  can be contacted against a surface of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., the rear surface  202 ), or any other appropriate surface. For example, the mobile accessory device button  5600  can be affixed, engaged, adhered, or other otherwise coupled atop a one-handed phone holder that is attached to the mobile phone  200 . In some embodiments, the mobile accessory device button  5600  can include magnetic, adhesive, and/or mechanical features to enable attachment, adherence, affixment, engagement, and/or coupling of the mobile accessory device button  5600 , directly or indirectly, to the mobile phone  200 . 
       FIG. 57  is a flow chart of an example process  5700  using an example mobile accessory device. In some implementations, the process  5700  can be performed using one or more of the example mobile device accessories  100 A- 100 N an 5   5300 - 5600  of  FIGS. 1-23, and 25-35 , the personal safety device  300  of  FIG. 23 , the mobile accessory device  100 M of  FIGS. 37 a   - 43 , the mobile accessory device  100 N of  FIGS. 47-52 , the mobile accessory device  5300  of  FIGS. 53-54 , and the mobile accessory device buttons  5500  and  5600  of  FIGS. 55A-56B . 
     At an option step S 710 , an attachment surface of a housing of a mobile accessory device is engaged to a mobile device. For example, the surface  4801  of the housing  102 N may be configured to engage the rear surface  202  of the mobile phone  200 . In another example, the attachment component  5310  shown in  FIG. 53  can be used to secure (e.g., magnetically couple) the mobile accessory device  5300  to the mobile phone  200 . 
     At  5720 , a user input of the mobile accessory device is received. For example, one or a combination or a pattern of the switches  128 N,  129 N may have been pressed by a user. In another example, the movable component  4744  may have been actuated or partly moved by a user. In another example, the button  5504  may be pressed by a user. 
     At  5730 , a user input sensor detects that, based on the received user input, the mobile accessory device has been actuated. For example, the user input sensor  122  can determine that the movable component  4744  has been moved, removed (at least partially), released, or shifted, or that the switch  128 N and/or the button  129 N has been pressed. 
     In some embodiments, the process  5700  can include detecting a mechanical separation of the housing and a lanyard affixed to a wearable component, the lanyard having a predetermined length and mechanically connecting the wearable component to the housing, the lanyard being mechanically separable from the housing when distance between the wearable component and the housing exceeds the predetermined length. For example, the movable component  4744  can be connected to the wearable component  120 , and the user input sensor  122  can determine that the wearable component  120  has caused the movable component  4744  to move or at be at least partly removed from the housing  102 N. 
     At  5740 , a device function is activated based on detecting that the user input has been actuated. For example, the controller  112  of  FIG. 7  can be activated. In some embodiments, activating the device function can include transmitting an alarm signal; and wherein the process  5700  can also include receiving, by mobile device, the alarm signal, and sending, by the mobile device and in response to the receiving the alarm signal, a predetermined communication to one or more predefined recipients. For example, the controller  112  of  FIG. 7  can activate the communication interface  134  to communicate with the mobile phone  200 . The mobile phone  200  may have a software application installed and executing thereupon, and the software application can be configured to react to the communication from the mobile accessory device  100 M to cause the mobile phone to communicate with one or more predetermined recipients, and/or to emit an audible alarm or other sound. For example, the software application may be configured to initiate a call, send a text message, email, media file, media stream, location information (e.g., GPS data), captured audio and/or video, or any other appropriate information to one or more contacts previously identified by the user (e.g., family member, friend, neighbor, doctor, nurse, caregiver, welfare official, emergency services, 911). In some embodiments, the device function can be any appropriate circuit and/or mechanism that is configured for taking a predetermined action in response to a trigger, and does not necessarily require nor preclude that the alarm device is itself capable of generating an audible alarm. 
     In some embodiments, activating the device function can include activating an audio output component disposed within the housing and configured to emit an audible alert when activated. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 N can include the audio output device  114  that can emit a siren, noise, prerecorded or synthesized spoken words or other sounds, or any other appropriate sound that is sufficiently loud enough to attract the attention of other nearby persons and/or repel an attacker. In some embodiments, activating the alarm device can include activating a visual output configured to emit an audible alert when activated. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 N can include the light output device  116  that can emit a light or strobe to attract the attention of other nearby persons and/or repel an attacker. 
     In some embodiments, activating the device function can include activating a non-alarm function of the device. For example, the mobile accessory device  100 N can be configured to respond to activation by communicating with the mobile phone  200 . The mobile device can be configured (e.g., with an application executing on the mobile phone  200 ) to receive the communication and respond by activating a function of the mobile phone  200  (e.g., opening an app, taking a photo, triggering an alarm, activating a voice assistant into a standby or listening mode). 
     In another configuration, the mobile accessory device need not be configured to be physically attachable to the mobile device, but rather may be implemented as a standalone unit that can be carried or worn by a user (e.g., as a wallet attachment or insert, key fob, bracelet, or the like), and which maintains a wireless communication connection between the accessory and the mobile device. In this configuration, other than the lack of physical attachment, the accessory can be designed and implemented to have any or all of the same features and/or functionality as the configuration in which the accessory is designed to be attached to the mobile device, as described above. 
     Although a few implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.