PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11487322-B2
Application Number: US-202016848678-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include an enclosure and a transparent cover. The electronic device may include a display assembly. The electronic device may further include an inductive charging unit designed to inductively charge a stylus, or other object suitable for use with the display assembly. The electronic device may further include audio modules, at least some of which are designed to cause resonation of the enclosure to produce acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. Some audio modules produce acoustical energy in relatively low frequencies, while other audio modules produce acoustical energy in relatively high frequencies. The electronic device may further include a vision system designed for facial recognition. The display assembly may include a metal chassis as well as antennae for wireless communication. In order to prevent antennae interference, the metal chassis can be electrically grounded to the enclosure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure comprising a back wall and sidewalls that extend from the back wall to define an internal volume; 
 internal walls extending from the back wall and positioned between the sidewalls; 
 an audio module coupled with the internal walls, the audio module capable of acoustically driving the back wall to generate acoustical energy; 
 a display assembly; and 
 an inductive charging unit capable of inductively charging an accessory that is used with the display assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewalls comprise a metal sidewall formed of a metal, the metal sidewall comprising an opening filled with a non-metal material, wherein the inductive charging unit is positioned in the internal volume at the non-metal material. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , further comprising a microphone, wherein:
 the sidewalls comprise a first sidewall, 
 the sidewalls comprise a second sidewall having a through hole, and 
 the microphone is positioned along the first sidewall and aligned with the through hole. 
 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the first sidewall is parallel with respect to the second sidewall. 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a transparent cover that covers the display assembly; 
 a border that extends along the transparent cover, the border comprising a uniform dimension and having an opening; 
 a light transmissive material that is positioned in the opening; and 
 a vision system positioned in the internal volume and aligned with the light transmissive material, wherein the vision system facilitates facial recognition operations. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a non-metal material, wherein: 
 the back wall defines:
 a first section, a second section, and an aperture that divides the first section from the second section, the aperture comprising a bridge section that connects to the first section and the second section, and 
 
 the non-metal material fills the aperture and covers the bridge section. 
 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a magnet positioned between the internal walls and that is separate from the audio module. 
     
     
       8. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a display assembly configured to present visual information; 
 a transparent cover coupled with the display assembly; 
 an enclosure coupled with the transparent cover, the enclosure comprising:
 a metal back wall, 
 sidewalls extending from the metal back wall, the sidewalls secured with the transparent cover, and 
 an aperture through the metal back wall and dividing the metal back wall into a first section and a second section, wherein the aperture comprises a metal bridge section connecting the first section and the second section; and 
 
 a non-metal material that fills the aperture and covers the metal bridge section. 
 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the non-metal material provides a window for radio frequency transmission. 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the metal bridge section is integrated with the enclosure to define a unitary enclosure. 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 internal walls extending from the metal back wall and positioned between the sidewalls; and 
 an audio module coupled with the internal walls, the audio module capable of acoustically driving the metal back wall to generate acoustical energy. 
 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising
 an inductive charging unit positioned along a sidewall of the sidewalls, the inductive charging unit capable of inductively charging an object external to the enclosure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/396,471, filed Apr. 26, 2019, entitled “PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” issued on May 12, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,649,489, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/731,627, filed on Sep. 14, 2018, titled “PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to various features of a portable electronic device, which may include a mobile wireless communication device and/or a tablet computing device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable computing devices, including tablet computing devices, may include a housing and a cover glass coupled to the housing. Portable computing devices may also include display with touchscreen technology. Portable computing devices may also include a camera. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include an enclosure that includes a back wall and sidewalls that extends from the back wall to define an internal volume. The portable electronic device may further include internal walls extending from the back wall and positioned between the sidewalls. The portable electronic device may further include an audio module coupled with the internal walls. The audio module may acoustically drive the back wall to generate acoustical energy. 
     In another aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include an enclosure that defines an internal volume. The enclosure may include a sidewall. The portable electronic device may further include a transparent cover coupled with the enclosure. The portable electronic device may further include a display assembly covered by the transparent cover. The display assembly may include a display layer and a touch input layer capable receiving a touch input that alters visual information presented by the display layer. The portable electronic device may further include an inductive charging unit positioned within the internal volume along the sidewall. The inductive charging unit may be capable of inductively charging an object external to the enclosure and used to provide an input to the touch input layer that alters the visual information. 
     In another aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include an enclosure that defines an internal volume. The portable electronic device may further include a border that extends along the transparent cover. The border may include a uniform dimension and an opening. The portable electronic device may further include a light transmitting material that is positioned in the opening. The portable electronic device may further include a vision system positioned in the internal volume and aligned with the light transmitting material. The vision system may be capable of object recognition. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric front view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric back view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, with the transparent cover and the display assembly removed to show additional features; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the transparent cover and the display assembly, further showing several circuits used in conjunction with the display assembly; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the transparent cover and the display assembly shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device, showing various electrical connections between the display assembly and the circuit board; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing several audio modules positioned in the enclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a plan view of the back of the electronic device, showing the non-metal material and multiple linked sections of the enclosure covered by the non-metal material; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing an alternate non-metal material that extends to the edges of the enclosure, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device, showing the audio module generating acoustical energy; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an enlarged plan view of the electronic device, showing the vision system as well as additional components; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device, showing the vision system and the components shown in  FIG. 10 , and further showing the border having openings with a material filling the openings of the border; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing an object positioned against the sidewall; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial view of the electronic device, showing the connector and connector retaining elements along the connector; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device, showing the microphone positioned along the enclosure; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the electronic device carried by an accessory device; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to electronic devices. Electronic devices described herein may include mobile wireless communication devices (such as smart phones) and tablet computing devices, as non-limiting examples. An electronic device described herein may include multiple audio speakers distributed throughout the electronic device. Further, some audio speakers produce low-frequency sound, while other audio speakers produce high-frequency sound. As a result, the electronic device may provide a dynamic range of sound. Moreover, some audio speakers, when in use, may acoustically drive the enclosure, or housing, of the electronic device, thereby resonating the enclosure. 
     The electronic device may further include several microphones distributed throughout the electronic device. Some microphones may be positioned against a sidewall of the enclosure or another wall of the enclosure. Further, some microphones may be positioned on other components. For example, some microphones are positioned on a bracket used to carry a vision system, while other microphones are coupled with a display assembly of the electronic device. Regarding the vision system, the electronic device may use the vision system to provide facial recognition and user authentication. This may, in some instances, eliminate the need for “home button” with a fingerprint sensor, or some input mechanism positioned on the front of the electronic device in an opening of a transparent cover of the electronic device. Accordingly, a dedicated opening for a button in the transparent cover can be eliminated. 
     The display assembly of the electronic device may include a touch input layer that used capacitive touch technology and alters an electrostatic field in a location corresponding to a user touch input. However, the touch input layer may alter its electrostatic field through interaction with a digital stylus. In this regard, the electronic device may include an inductive charging unit designed to provide an electrical current to the digital stylus in order to charge a battery of the digital stylus. The battery may store energy as a result of receiving electrical current, and subsequently supply the energy to components of the digital stylus, such as a processor circuit, a capacitive component, and a radio circuit. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric front view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  100  may be referred to as a portable electronic device. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a laptop computing device. In other embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a tablet computing device designed for user interaction and wireless communication. 
     The electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102 , or housing, designed to provide an internal volume (not labeled) to store several components, including (as non-limiting examples) circuit boards, processor circuits, memory circuits, battery (or batteries), audio modules (such as speakers), microphones, cameras, light emitters and receivers, and flexible circuitry that electrically connect at least some of the aforementioned components to each other. The enclosure  102  may include a back wall and multiple sidewalls that extend from, and combine with, the back wall define the internal volume. The enclosure  102  may include a rigid material, including a metal (such as aluminum or an alloy that includes aluminum), ceramic, or hardened plastic, as non-limiting examples. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  104  (shown as a dotted line). Although not shown, the display assembly  104  may include multiple layers, including a display layer designed to provide visual information. The display assembly  104  may further include a touch input layer designed to receive a touch input, and provide a location of the touch input. The touch input layer may include capacitive touch technology used to form an electrostatic field and use changes in the electrostatic field to locate the touch input. The electronic device  100  may further include a transparent cover  106  positioned over the display assembly  104  and coupled with the enclosure  102 . The transparent cover  106  may provide a protective cover to the display assembly  104  as well as the aforementioned components stored in the internal volume. The transparent cover  106  may include a see-through material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire or the like. The electronic device  100  may further include a border  108  that extends around a perimeter of the transparent cover  106  and covers edges of the display assembly  104 . The border  108  may provide an opaque barrier that hides or obscures electrical connections between the display assembly  104  and other components (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The border  108  may be applied to an internal surface of the transparent cover  106 , and accordingly, the border  108  faces the internal volume. However, in some instances (not shown), the border  108  may be applied to an external surface. Also, the border  108  may include a uniform dimension along the X-axis as well as the Y-axis. In this manner, the border  108  may appear uniform along a two-dimensional plane, thereby providing the electronic device  100  with an aesthetic and consistent finish. 
     While the border  108  is opaque, or at least substantially opaque, some portions of the border  108  can be removed to form an opening (or openings). Further, the opening(s) in the border  108  can be filled with a material that provides a light transmission (or translucent) quality, while also matching, or at least substantially matching, the appearance (in terms of color and/or reflectivity) of the border  108 . For example, the border  108  may include an opening with a material  198  that fills the opening. The material  198  may include an ink material (as a non-limiting example) that includes an appearance that matches that of the border  108 . For example, if the border  108  appears black, the material  198  may also appear black while still allowing light passage. In this manner, the electronic device  100  may include a vision system for user authentication, as well as light sensors that detect an amount of light incident on the electronic device  100 . These features will be shown below. 
     When the enclosure  102  is formed from a metal, some parts of the enclosure  102  may undergo a machining operation to remove the metal, and a non-metal may fill the void in the enclosure  102  left from the machining operation. For example, the enclosure  102  may include a sidewall  114   a  having an opening, or window, that opens into the internal volume of the electronic device  100 , and a non-metal material  116   a  that fills the opening. The non-metal material  116   a  may include plastic, resin, and/or adhesives. In this manner, the electronic device  100  may include components, such as an inductive charging unit and antennae (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), positioned in the internal volume along the non-metal material  116   a . The non-metal material  116   a  provides minimal, if any, blockage of radio frequency (“RF”) communication to and from the antennae. Accordingly, the non-metal material  116   a  may be referred to as a radio frequency window. Further, the non-metal material  116   a  provides minimal, if any, blockage of induced electrical current from the inductive charging unit. As a result, the inductive charging unit can be used to charge an object or an accessory, such as a digital stylus, that is used to provide a touch input to the display assembly  104 . These features will be shown below. 
     The enclosure  102  may further include through holes, or openings, that lead to the internal volume. For example, the sidewall  114   b  may include through holes  118   a  and through holes  118   b . The through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  may be used to allow acoustical energy generated by audio modules (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) to exit the electronic device  100 . Also, at least some of the through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  may be used to receive acoustical energy, thereby allowing a microphone(s) (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) in the electronic device  100  to process the acoustical energy. Although a discrete number of through holes are shown in the sidewall  114   b , the number of through holes may vary. The electronic device  100  may include a connector  120  located in a through hole of the sidewall  114   b . The connector  120  may electrically couple with a central processing unit (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) on a circuit board in the internal volume, as well as a battery (or batteries, not shown) in the internal volume. In this manner, the electronic device  100  may receive and transmit data for the central processing unit, and may also receive electrical energy use to charge and re-charge the battery (or batteries). The connector  120  may include a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connector, including a connector with USB-C protocol. However, the connector  120  may take the form of other standardized connectors. 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may include an input mechanism  122   a  located on the sidewall  114   a . In some embodiments, the input mechanism  122   a  is a switch or a button mechanically coupled to an internal switch. The input mechanism  122   a  may be designed for actuation (such as a depression or lateral movement) to generate a command to alter the display assembly  104  or provide some other function, such as controlling the volume of the audio modules (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Although the input mechanism  122   a  is located on the sidewall  114   a , other locations (both on the sidewall  114   a  and other sidewalls) are possible. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric back view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features of the electronic device  100 . The enclosure  102  may include a wall  124 , also referred to as a bottom wall or back wall, with several openings to allow for additional features. For example, the wall  124  may include an opening filled with a non-metal material  116   b . The non-metal material  116   b  may include plastic, resin, and/or adhesives, as non-limiting examples. In this manner, the wall  124  may permit radio frequency into and out of the enclosure  102  by way of the non-metal material  116   b . The wall  124  may further include openings for a camera assembly  126 , a flash module  127 , and a microphone (not labeled). 
     The enclosure  102  may further include a sidewall  114   c  that includes an opening  118   d  for a microphone (shown later). The sidewall  114   c  may further include an input mechanism  122   b  and an input mechanism  122   c , both of which may include any feature previously described for the input mechanism  122   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Also, the enclosure  102  may include a sidewall  114   d  having through holes (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) similar to the through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In some instances, the sidewall  114   d  may include additional openings for an additional microphone(s). 
     In addition to the connector  120 , other features can place the electronic device  100  in communication with external devices. For example, the electronic device  100  may include an electrical contact  123   a , an electrical contact  123   b , and an electrical contact  123   c . The electrical contact  123   a , the electrical contact  123   b , and the electrical contact  123   c  may include metal contacts designed to electrically couple with an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), such as a cover, a folio, and/or a cover-keyboard accessory. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100 , with the transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104  removed to show additional features. As shown, the enclosure  102  may define an internal volume  130  that provides a space to carry the components of the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may include a circuit board  128  that carries several processor circuits (not labeled), some of which may serve as a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, and a memory circuit, as non-limiting examples. The electronic device  100  may further include a battery module  132   a  and a battery module  132   b  that surround (and electrically couple to) the circuit board  128 . The battery module  132   a  and the battery module  132   b  are designed to store and provide energy to the various operational components of the electronic device  100 . Also, the battery module  132   a  and the battery module  132   b  can be charged using the connector  120 . 
     The electronic device  100  may include a non-metal material  116   c  that is engaged (and in some cases, interlocked) with the non-metal material  116   b . The non-metal material  116   b  (shown as dotted lines) may provide an aesthetic finish to the enclosure  102 , while the non-metal material  116   c  provides a rigid material to add support to the enclosure  102 . 
     The electronic device  100  may include several audio modules in the internal volume  130  of the enclosure  102 . For example, the electronic device  100  may include an audio module  134   a  and an audio module  136   a . In some embodiments, the audio module  134   a  is designed to generate acoustical energy, in the form of audible sound, approximately in the range of 2,000-20,000 Hertz (“Hz”), but in some case the range may be higher than 20,000 Hz. In some embodiments, the audio module  136   a  is designed to generate acoustical energy, in the form of audible sound, approximately in the range of 20-5,000 Hz. In this regard, the audio module  134   a  may be referred to as a tweeter, and the audio module  136   a  may be referred to as a woofer. 
     While both the audio module  134   a  and the audio module  136   a  may be secured (including adhesively secured) with the wall  124 , the audio module  136   a  may secure with internal walls  138   a  that extends from the wall  124 . The internal walls  138   a  may be integrally formed with the wall  124 . In other words, the enclosure  102  may be formed from a block of material that undergoes a machining operation such that the wall  124  and the internal walls  138   a  are formed as a continuous structure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the internal walls  138   a  are positioned between the sidewalls of the enclosure  102 . The electronic device  100  may further include additional audio modules, including an audio module  134   b , an audio module  134   c , and an audio module  134   d , that include similar features described for the audio module  134   a . Also, the electronic device  100  may further include additional audio modules, including an audio module  136   b , an audio module  136   c , and an audio module  136   d , that include similar features described for the audio module  136   a , with the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d  secured with internal walls  138   b , internal walls  138   c , and internal walls  138   d , respectively. 
     A partial cross section of the sidewalls of the enclosure  102  show several through holes positioned by the audio modules that allow acoustical energy to exit the electronic device  100 . For example, the through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  in the sidewall  114   b  allow acoustical energy in the audio module  134   c  and the audio module  134   d , respectively, to exit the electronic device  100 . The sidewall  114   d  includes through holes  118   e  and through holes  118   f  that serve a similar function for the audio module  134   a  and the audio module  134   b , respectively. The remaining audio modules—the audio module  136   a , the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d —are designed to acoustically drive the wall  124  such that the wall  124  resonates and create sound. This will be further shown below. In this regard, some audio modules may generate acoustical energy by driving air throughout the internal volume  130 , and may not rely upon the aforementioned through holes in the sidewalls. However, it should be noted that some acoustical energy from the audio module  136   a , the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and/or the audio module  136   d  may exit a through hole(s). It should be noted that while a discrete number of audio modules (eight) are shown, the electronic device  100  may include a different number of audio modules in other embodiments (not shown). 
     The electronic device  100  may further include several microphones. For example, the electronic device  100  may include a microphone  142   a  secured with the sidewall  114   c . The electronic device  100  may include a flexible circuit  144   a  that carries the microphone  142   a . The flexible circuit  144   a  may electrically couple to the circuit board  128 . As shown, the flexible circuit  144   a  may be routed under the battery module  132   a  and positioned against the sidewall  114   c.    
     The electronic device  100  may further include a microphone  142   b  and a microphone  142   c . The sidewall  114   d  includes through holes  118   g  for the microphone  142   b  and the microphone  142   c  to receive acoustical energy. The electronic device  100  may include a bracket  188  that carries a vision system (not labeled), as well as the microphone  142   b  and the microphone  142   c . The vision system, and its components, will be further discussed below. The electronic device  100  may further include a flexible circuit  144   b  that electrically couples with the circuit board  128 , the microphone  142   b , the microphone  142   c , and the components of the vision system. The flexible circuit  144   b  may also electrically couple to additional sensors that will be discussed below. The electronic device  100  may further include a microphone  142   d . In some embodiments, the microphone  142   d  may be integrated with a camera assembly  126  and the flash module  127 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include an inductive charging unit  148 . The inductive charging unit  148  may include a ferrite coil designed to receive an alternating electrical current from at least one of the battery module  132   a  or the battery module  132   b . The direct current (“DC”) provided by the battery module  132   a  and/or the battery module  132   b  may pass through an inverter (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) to generate the alternating electrical current. As a result, the inductive charging unit  148  can subsequently provide an alternating electromagnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) and act as a transmitter coil to inductively charge a power source (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of an object that is external to the electronic device  100 . Further, the inductive charging unit  148  is aligned with the non-metal material  116   a  and the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive charging unit  148  may pass through the non-metal material  116   a  and induce electrical current into an object (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), such as a digital stylus positioned against the sidewall  114   a . This will be shown below. 
     The electronic device  100  may include an antenna  152   a  and an antenna  152   b  located along the non-metal material  116   a . The electronic device  100  may further include an antenna  152   c  located along the non-metal material  116   a  and the non-metal material  116   b . The antenna  152   a , the antenna  152   b , and the antenna  152   c  may enable wireless communication. Further, each antenna may provide radio frequency communication within a specific range of frequencies. For instance, the antenna  152   a  may provide Wi-Fi communication, the antenna  152   b  may provide Bluetooth® communication, and the antenna  152   c  may provide cellular network communication, each of which are commonly to known to those skilled in the art to transmit within a given range of frequencies. It should be noted other combinations of wireless communication are possible, and the location of the antenna  152   a , the antenna, and the antenna  152   c  may be interchanged. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include several magnetic elements positioned in the internal volume  130 . The magnetics elements may refer to permanent magnets or other magnetically attractable materials. The magnetic elements shown and described in  FIG. 3  may refer to a group or set of magnetic elements, or may include an individual magnetic element. 
     The electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  154   a  and magnetic elements  154   b  positioned along the sidewall  114   c . The magnetic elements  154   a  and magnetic elements  154   b  are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements in an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), such as a cover, a folio, or a cover-keyboard accessory. Further, the magnetic elements  154   a  and magnetic elements  154   b  may position the electronic device  100  in a manner such that the sidewall  114   c  defines a base for the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  154   c  and magnetic elements  154   c  positioned along the wall  124 . The magnetic elements  154   c  and magnetic elements  154   d  are designed to support the electrical contact  123   a  and the electrical contact  123   b . For example, when the electronic device  100  is coupled to an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) with electrical contacts that engage the electrical contact  123   a , the electrical contact  123   b , and the electrical contact  123   c , the magnetic elements  154   c  and magnetic elements  154   d  may apply a repulsive magnetic force to magnetic elements in the accessory device. The repulsive magnetic force may repel the accessory device in a manner that reduces the amount of force or pressure applied to the electrical contact  123   a , the electrical contact  123   b , and the electrical contact  123   c.    
     The electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  154   e  and magnetic elements  154   f  positioned along the sidewall  114   a , and in particular, along the non-metal material  116   a . The magnetic elements  154   e  and magnetic elements  154   f  are designed to magnetically couple with magnets in the object that can be positioned against the sidewall  114   a  and inductively charged by the inductive charging unit  148 . For example, a digital stylus (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) may include magnets that magnetically couple with the magnetic elements  154   e  and magnetic elements  154   f  such that the digital stylus is retained by the electronic device  100  during an inductive charging event. Also, the magnetic elements  154   e  and magnetic elements  154   f  can be used to generally store the digital stylus against the sidewall  114   a.    
     The electronic device  100  may further include magnetic elements  154   g  designed to magnetically couple with magnets of an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) designed to cover the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may further include several magnetic elements positioned within some of the audio modules. For example, the electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements (not labeled, shown as dotted lines) covered by the audio module  136   a , the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d . The magnetic elements covered by the aforementioned audio modules located along the wall  124  and between their respective internal walls are designed to magnetically couple with magnets in an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) in order to hold the accessory device against the wall  124 . Also, the audio module  136   a , the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d  may include integrated magnets (including a permanent magnet) separate from the aforementioned magnetic elements that are shown as dotted lines. The magnets that are integrated with the audio modules are used to produce acoustical energy. In order to promote installation of the audio module  136   a , the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d  with their respective internal walls, the magnets of the audio module  136   a , the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d  may include an opposing magnetic polarity as that of the magnetic elements (shown as dotted lines). This may provide a magnetic attraction force and/or limit or prevent a magnetic repulsion force. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104 , further showing several circuits used in conjunction with the display assembly  104 . The display assembly  104  may include a flexible circuit  156   a  extending from one end of the display assembly  104 , and a flexible circuit  156   b  extending from another (opposing) end of the display assembly  104 . In particular, the flexible circuit  156   a  and the flexible circuit  156   b  may extend from opposing ends of a touch input layer (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the display assembly  104 . The flexible circuit  156   a  and the flexible circuit  156   b  may wrap around and electrically connect to the circuit board  128  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Also, a circuit board  158  (shown as a dotted line) may couple with the display assembly  104 . The circuit board  158  may include a timing controller board designed to drive the display assembly  104 . The circuit board  158  may include a flexible circuit  162   a  and a flexible circuit  162   b  (shown as dotted lines), both which electrically connect to the circuit board  128  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     The display assembly  104 , or a metal chassis (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) that is coupled to the display assembly  104 , may carry additional structures and components. For example, a magnetic element  154   h  and a magnetic element  154   i  may couple with the display assembly  104  (or the aforementioned metal chassis). The magnetic element  154   h  and the magnetic element  154   i  may magnetically couple with an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) designed to overlay and protect the transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104 . Also, a microphone  142   e  may couple with the display assembly  104 . The microphone  142   e  may utilize the through holes  118   a  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to receive acoustical energy. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104  shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown, the display assembly  104  may include a touch input layer  104   a  coupled to the transparent cover  106 . The display assembly  104  may further include a display layer  104   b  coupled to the touch input layer  104   a . The coupling means may include adhesives (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The flexible circuit  156   a  may extend from the touch input layer  104   a  and wrap around the display layer  104   b  to electrically connect to the circuit board  128  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The flexible circuit  162   a  and the flexible circuit  162   b  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) may extend from the display layer  104   b  to electrically connect to the circuit board  128  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100 , showing various electrical connections between the display assembly  104  and the circuit board  128 . As shown, the flexible circuit  156   a  and the flexible circuit  156   b  wrap around and pass over the battery module  132   a  and the battery module  132   b , respectively, and electrically and mechanically couple to the circuit board  128  to place the touch input layer  104   a  in communication with the circuit board  128  as well as any processor circuits (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) coupled to the circuit board  128 . Also, the flexible circuit  162   a  and the flexible circuit  162   b  (both shown as dotted lines, as they are out of plane) electrically and mechanically couple to the circuit board  128  to place the display layer  104   b  and the circuit board  158  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) in communication with the circuit board  128  as well as any processor circuits (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) coupled to the circuit board  128 . As shown in the enlarged view, the border  108  may cover the edges of the display assembly  104 , as well as electrical connections to the touch input layer  104   a  and the display layer  104   b . As a result, the display layer  104   b  of the display assembly  104  may illuminate and present visual information, which may be viewable except for at the border  108 , and the electrical connects are obscured by the border  108 . Also, in order to protect the display assembly  104 , a chassis  164  can couple with the display assembly  104 . The chassis  164  may include a metal chassis. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100 , showing several audio modules positioned in the enclosure  102 . As shown, the audio module  136   a  may include a cover  168   a  that connects to the internal walls  138   a . The cover  168   a  may include a metal, such as stainless steel (including SUS stainless steel). However, other metals and non-metals (such as carbon fiber) are possible. When the audio module  136   a  generates acoustical energy, the audio module  136   a  causes acoustical vibration of the wall  124  and drives air throughout the internal volume  130 . Further, the cover  168   a  may include a raised portion  172   a  that can direct at least some of the driven air around the audio module  134   a  and in a direction toward the through holes  118   e , shown by a partial cross section of the enclosure  102 . Similarly, the audio module  136   c  may include a cover  168   c  that connects to the internal walls  138   a . When the audio module  136   c  generates acoustical energy, the audio module  136   c  causes acoustical vibration of the wall  124  and drives air throughout the internal volume  130 . Further, the cover  168   c  may include a raised portion  172   c  that can direct at least some of the driven air around audio module  134   c  and in a direction toward the through holes  118   a , shown by a partial cross section of the enclosure  102 . Additional audio modules (including the audio module  136   b  and the audio module  136   d , shown in  FIG. 3 ) may include features and properties similar to those described for the audio module  136   a  and the audio module  136   c.    
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a plan view of the back of the electronic device  100 , showing the non-metal material  116   b  and multiple linked sections of the enclosure  102  covered by the non-metal material  116   b . When openings in the wall  124  are formed, the removed material from the enclosure  102  reduces the overall rigidity of the enclosure  102 . However, during a material removal operation to form openings in the wall  124 , a cutting tool (not shown) can be controlled such that a linked section  174   a , a linked section  174   b , and a linked section  174   c  remain after the material removal operation. The aforementioned linked sections act as bridges to retain at least some structural integrity of the enclosure  102  subsequent to a material removal operation. As a result, the enclosure  102  is less likely to warp or bend. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  200 , showing a non-metal material  216   b  that extends to the edges of an enclosure  202  of the electronic device  200 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  200  may include any features described herein for an electronic device, such as the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A material removal operation may extend not only along a wall  224 , but also to sidewalls (not shown in  FIG. 8B ) that are similar to the sidewall  114   a  and the sidewall  114   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), as well as the sidewall  114   d  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The additional removed material may permit additional area for antennae and accordingly, additional area for radio frequency transmission through the enclosure  202  when, for example, the electronic device  200  includes a cellular network antenna and associated processing circuitry (not shown in  FIG. 8B ). However, the material removal operation to form the opening in the wall  224  can be controlled such that a linked section  274   a , a linked section  274   b , and a linked section  274   c  remain after the material removal operation. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100 , showing the audio module  136   a  generating acoustical energy. As shown, the cover  168   a  of the audio module  136   a  is adhesively secured to the internal walls  138   a . The audio module  136   a  may include a magnetic element  176   a  coupled to the cover  168   a . As shown, the raised portion  172   a  of the cover  168   a  creates a corresponding recessed portion. The corresponding recessed portion may be formed though an embossing operation to the cover  168   a . Also, the corresponding recessed portion creates a path that can be used to direct air driven during use of the audio module  136   a . Also, during use of the audio module  136   a , the cover  168   a  may move relative to the internal walls  138   a . However, the raised portion  172   a  may contact the chassis  164  and provide a buffer for the audio module  136   a  to prevent unwanted sound generation through contact with the chassis  164 . Also, the audio module  136   a  may include a protective material  173 , which may include compressible foam that further prevents unwanted sound generation through contact with the chassis  164 . Also, the cover  168   a  may include an opening  175  (or multiple openings) that provides a vent that relieves air pressure within the space defined by the cover  168   a  and the internal walls  138   a.    
     The audio module  136   a  may further include a magnetic element  176   b  adhesively secured to the wall  124 . In some embodiments, the magnetic element  176   a  is a permanent magnet and the magnetic element  176   b  is an electromagnet that includes a coil designed to receive an alternating electrical current that causes an alternating magnetic polarity. The alternating magnetic polarity causes a magnetic attraction and magnetic repulsion between the magnetic element  176   a  and the magnetic element  176   b , causing relative movement of the magnetic element  176   b  with respect to the magnetic element  176   a . The relative movement may occur at a frequency in accordance with the frequency of the alternating current provided to the magnetic element  176   b.    
     Due in part to the coupling between the magnetic element  176   b  and the wall  124 , the wall  124  may move in conjunction with the movement of the magnetic element  176   b . For example, the wall  124  may move toward and away from the magnetic element  176   a  accordance with the frequency of the alternating current provided to the magnetic element  176   b , thereby causing the wall  124  to resonate and produce acoustical energy  178  in the form of audible sound. In other words, the wall  124  is acoustically driven by the audio module  136   a . The remaining audio modules (such as the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d ) may operate in a similar manner. 
     When the display assembly  104  is assembled with the enclosure  102 , the antenna  152   c  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may be sensitive to the chassis  164 , as the chassis  164  may include metal and, as a result, may carry some electrostatic charge if not electrically grounded. In order to eliminate this issue, the chassis  164  may be electrically grounded. For example, an electrically conductive layer  182  may couple to the chassis  164  and the enclosure  102 , including a ledge  184  of the enclosure  102  that receives the transparent cover  106 . The electrically conductive layer  182  may include a copper adhesive, such as copper tape. Other metal-adhesive combinations are possible. In some instances, the electrically conductive layer  182  is secured to the ledge  184  by an electrically conductive adhesive (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). Also, the electrically conductive layer  182  may adhesively secure to the transparent cover  106  and/or the border  108  by an adhesive (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). Further, as shown in the enlarged view, a film  186 , at least partially surrounded by the electrically conductive layer  182 , may adhesively secure with the electrically conductive layer  182 . In some embodiments, the film  186  is a heat-activated film designed to provide adhesive properties when heat and/or pressure is/are applied (to the film  186 ) by, for example, an assembly operation between the transparent cover  106  and the enclosure  102 . The film  186  may include some compressive properties, which promotes positioning the transparent cover  106  along the Z-axis in a consistent and repeatable manner during assembly. The compressive properties may compensate for structural variances and tolerances in the components. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include magnetic elements  155   m  positioned between the internal walls  138   a . Despite the proximity to the magnetic element  176   a  and the magnetic element  176   b , the magnetic elements  155   m  may not interfere with the audio module  136   a , and may couple with magnetic elements embedded in an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an enlarged plan view of the electronic device  100 , showing the vision system  190  as well as additional components. The transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104  are removed to show the components. As shown, a bracket  188 , which may include one or more bracket parts, carries the vision system  190 . The bracket  188  may be secured (either adhesively and/or fastened) with the wall  124 . The vision system  190  may electrically couple with the flexible circuit  144   b , which is electrically coupled to the circuit board  128  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     The vision system  190  may include several components used for object recognition, including facial recognition. For example, the vision system  190  may include a camera module  192   a  designed to capture an image of an object. The vision system  190  may further include a first light-emitting module  192   b  designed to project a light pattern, including a pattern of laser light dots, onto the object. The first light-emitting module  192   b  may emit infrared (“IR”) light. The vision system  190  may further include a light-receiving module  192   c  designed to receive at least some of the light pattern (generated by the first light-emitting module  192   b ) that is reflected from the object. To provide additional light when ambient light is relatively, the vision system  190  may further include a second light-emitting module  192   d , which may also emit IR light. For purposes of safety, a filter (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) may cover the second light-emitting module  192   d . The components of the vision system  190  are positioned between the sidewall  114   d  and an imaginary line  195  (represented by a dotted line), which represents a position of the border  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     When used for facial recognition, the vision system  190  may be used to authenticate a user by comparing a prior saved (reflected) dot pattern of the user&#39;s face with a current (reflected) dot pattern of the user&#39;s face. A facial recognition software application (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) may compare and authenticate if the current dot pattern is at or above a predetermined percent match with the saved dot pattern. When the user is authenticated using the facial recognition software application, the electronic device  100  may unlock and grant access to the user. 
     The bracket  188  may carry additional components. For example, the bracket  188  may carry the microphone  142   b  and the microphone  142   c . In some instances, the microphone  142   b  and the microphone  142   c  are sensitive to light energy from one or more of the light-emitting modules of the vision system  190 . In this manner, a light-blocking tape  196   a  and a light-blocking tape  196   b  may cover and shield the microphone  142   b  and the microphone  142   c , respectively, from the light from the one or more light-emitting modules of the vision system  190 . The bracket  188  may carry sensors, such as a sensor  194   a  and a sensor  194   b . In some embodiments, the sensor  194   a  is a proximity sensor and the sensor  194   b  is an ambient light sensor. The vision system  190  may rely upon the sensor  194   b  to determine, based upon light intensity measured from the sensor  194   b , when to activate the second light-emitting module  192   d.    
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100 , showing the vision system  190  and the components shown in  FIG. 10 , and further showing the border  108  having openings with a material filling the openings of the border  108 . As shown, the border  108  is secured to the transparent cover  106 . The border  108  may include an opaque material, such as an opaque ink or paint. Also, the border  108  generally covers the vision system  190 . In order for the vision system  190  to perform object recognition, the border  108  includes openings, or voids, to permit light transmission through the border  108 . For example, the border  108  may include an opening with a material  198 . The material  198  may include a translucent material, or a light transmitting material, such as translucent ink. Further, the material  198  may match, or may be substantially similar to, the appearance of the border  108  in terms of color and/or reflectivity. For example, when the border  108  is black, the material  198  appears black. Other appearances (e.g., color, reflectivity) are possible. This allows the border  108  to appear at least partially continuous, while the material  198  at least partially obscure the components of the vision system  190 . The material  198  permits light to reach the camera module  192   a  and the light-receiving module  192   c , and permits light from the first light-emitting module  192   b  and the second light-emitting module  192   d  to pass such that light exits the electronic device  100 . The material  198  further permits light to reach the sensor  194   b  and the sensor  194   a  (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100 , showing an object  302  positioned against the sidewall  114   a . The object  302  may include a digital stylus capable of interacting and providing an input to the display assembly  104 , and in particular, the touch input layer (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the display assembly  104 . In order for the object  302  to function and change the electrostatic field of the touch input layer, the object  302  requires a battery  304  to supply electrical current to a capacitive component and to radio frequency components (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the object  302 , both of which may be used to communicate with the electronic device  100 . The battery  304  of the object  302  may include a rechargeable battery. 
     The inductive charging unit  148  of the electronic device  100  is designed to charge the battery  304  of the object  302 . The inductive charging unit  148  may act as transmitter coil and inductively charge the battery  304  by inducing an alternating current (“AC”) to a receiver coil  348  of the object  302 . The induced current may pass through an AC-to-DC converter, such as a rectifier, and may subsequently be used to charge or recharge the battery  304 . To induce the current to the battery  304 , the inductive charging unit  148  and the object  302  are positioned along the non-metal material  116   a . An additional non-metal material  116   d  may be present to provide additional rigidity along the sidewall  114   a . The additional non-metal material  116   d  may include a resin and/or a hardened adhesive. In order to maintain the object  302  against the sidewall  114   a  (or against the non-metal material  116   a ), the magnetic elements  154   e  and the magnetic elements  154   f  may magnetically couple with magnetic elements  354   a  and magnetic elements  354   b , respectively, in the object  302 . Also, as shown, the antenna  152   a  and the antenna  152   b  are positioned along the non-metal material  116   a  and the additional non-metal material  116   d , thereby allowing the antenna  152   a  and the antenna  152   b  to send and receive RF communication. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a partial view of the electronic device  100 , showing the connector  120  and connector retaining elements along the connector  120 . As shown in the enlarged view, the connector  120  may include a retainer element  121   a  and a retainer element  121   b . The retainer element  121   a  and the retainer element  121   b  are designed to engage and retain an external connector (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) of a cable assembly, thereby allowing the electronic device  100  to send and receive data, as well as receive electrical current to charge the battery modules (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). The retainer element  121   a  and the retainer element  121   b  are further designed to protect and shield the connector  120 . For example, the retainer element  121   a  and the retainer element  121   b  are designed prevent excessive contact with the connector  120  as a result of cycling (connecting and disconnecting) between the connector  120  and the external connector. This may prevent the connector  120  from unwanted wearing. The retainer element  121   a  and the retainer element  121   b  may be formed through injection molding, including metal injection molding. As a result, the retainer element  121   a  and the retainer element  121   b  may include metal. Also, the retainer element  121   a  and the retainer element  121   b  may be applied to the connector  120  by soldering. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100 , showing the microphone  142   a  positioned along the enclosure  102 . As shown, the microphone  142   a  is electrically and mechanically coupled to the flexible circuit  144   a . The flexible circuit  144   a  may run along the wall  124  and the sidewall  114   c  such that the microphone  142   a  is aligned with an opening (not labeled in  FIG. 14 ) of the sidewall  114   c . The flexible circuit  144   a  may adhesively secure with the wall  124  and the sidewall  114   c . Also, the flexible circuit  144   a  runs below the battery module  132   a  such that the flexible circuit  144   a  is positioned between the battery module  132   a  and the wall  124 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the electronic device  100  carried by an accessory device  400 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  400  may include a folio or a cover. The accessory device  400  may include a first cover portion  402   a  coupled with a second cover portion  402   b  by a hinge  404 . The first cover portion  402   a  may cover the transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104  (not shown in  FIG. 15 ). In order to retain the first cover portion  402   a  with the electronic device  100 , the first cover portion  402   a  may include magnetic elements  454   a  and magnetic elements  454   b  that magnetically couple with the magnetic element  154   h  and the magnetic element  154   i , respectively, with the magnetic element  154   h  and the magnetic element  154   i  secured with the display assembly  104  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     The second cover portion  402   b  may include a keyboard (not shown in  FIG. 15 ) designed to interact with the electronic device  100 . In order to retain the second cover portion  402   b  with the electronic device  100 , the second cover portion  402   b  may include magnetic elements  454   c , magnetic elements  454   d , and magnetic elements  454   e . The magnetic elements  454   c  may magnetically couple with magnetic elements  154   j  in the electronic device  100 . The magnetic elements  454   d  and the magnetic elements  454   e  may magnetically couple with magnetic elements  154   k  and magnetic elements  154   l , respectively, in the electronic device  100 . The magnetic elements  154   k  and magnetic elements  154   l  may represent magnetic elements located on the wall  124  between the internal walls of an audio module (shown in  FIG. 3 ). For example, the magnetic elements  154   k  and magnetic elements  154   l  may be located between the internal walls  138   d  and the internal walls  138   b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), respectively. 
     The magnetic elements in the electronic device  100  may be relatively small in size. This may promote aligning (e.g., centering) the electronic device  100  with respect to the accessory device  400 . Whereas fewer, larger magnetic elements in the electronic device  100  may provide a stronger magnetic coupling force with magnets of the accessory device  400 , the smaller magnetic elements may ease a user&#39;s ability to align the electronic device  100  with the accessory device  400 . Further, the relatively large number of small magnets may at least partially compensate for a relatively large external magnetic field generated by a single, relatively larger magnetic element. As a result, the magnetic elements of the electronic device  100  remain magnetically coupled with the magnetic elements of the accessory device  400 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  500 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  500  may include a portable electronic device that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein. The electronic device  500  may include any features described herein for an electronic device. Also, electronic devices described herein may include any feature or features described for the electronic device  500 . In some embodiments, the electronic device  500  takes the form of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The electronic device  500  can include one or more processors  510  for executing functions of the electronic device  500 . The one or more processors  510  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  500  can include a display assembly  520 . The display assembly  520  is capable of presenting a user interface that includes icons (representing software applications), textual images, and/or motion images. In some examples, each icon can be associated with a respective function (such as a software application) that can be executed by the one or more processors  510 . In some cases, the display assembly  520  includes a display layer (not illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), or the like. According to some embodiments, the display assembly  520  includes a touch input detection component, or touch input layer, that can be configured to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., electrical capacitance value) when the user&#39;s appendage (acting as a capacitor) or a digital stylus comes into proximity with the display assembly  520  (or in contact with a transparent cover that covers the display assembly  520 ). The display assembly  520  is connected to the one or more processors  510  via one or more connection cables  522 . The one or more connection cables  522  may include the flexible circuits shown and described in  FIG. 4 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  500  can include one or more environmental sensors  530  capable of detecting environmental conditions that are present within, or general proximate to, the electronic device  500 . In some examples, the one or more environmental sensors  530  may include a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a liquid sensor, an ambient pressure sensor, underwater depth sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a strain gage, a capacitive sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a microphone, and/or a thermometer. In some embodiments, the one or more environmental sensors  530  can determine whether the electronic device  500  is exposed to a specific environmental stimulus (e.g., moisture). In response, the one or more processors  510  can modify a notification that is presented by the display assembly  520  that corresponds to the specific environmental stimulus. The one or more environmental sensors  530  is/are connected to the one or more processors  510  via one or more connection cables  532 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  500  can include one or more input/output components  540  (also referred to as “I/O components”) that enable communication between a user and the electronic device  500 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  540  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. In some cases, the one or more input/output components  540  can refer to a soft key that is flexibly programmable to invoke any number of functions. In some examples, the one or more input/output components  540  can refer to a switch having a mechanical actuator (e.g., spring-based switch, slide-switch, rocker switch, rotating dial, etc.) or other moving parts that enable the switch to be actuated by the user. In some examples, the one or more input/output components  540  can include a capacitive switch that is integrated with the display assembly  520 . Also, the one or more input/output components  540  can include a connector, such as the connector  120  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Further, the one or more input/output components  540  can refer to electrical contacts, such as the electrical contact  123   a , the electrical contact  123   b , and the electrical contact  123   c  on the wall  124  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). When the one or more input/output components  540  are used, the one or more input/output components  540  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to the one or more processors  510  via one or more connection cables  542 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  500  can include a power supply  550  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of the electronic device  500 . The power supply  550  may refer to, for example, the battery module  132   a  and the battery module  132   b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In some examples, the power supply  550  can refer to a rechargeable battery. The power supply  550  can be connected to the one or more processors  510  via one or more connection cables  552 . The power supply  550  can be directly connected to other devices of the electronic device  500 , such as the one or more input/output components  540 . In some examples, the electronic device  500  can receive power from another power source (e.g., an external charging device) not shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  500  can include memory  560 , which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  560 . In some cases, the memory  560  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The memory  560  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device  500 . In some embodiments, the memory  560  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (OS) is established at the memory  560  that can be configured to execute software applications that are stored at the memory  560 . The one or more processors  510  can also be used to execute software applications that are stored at the memory  560 . In some embodiments, a data bus  562  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  560  and the one or more processors  510 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  500  can include a wireless communications component  570 . The wireless communications component  570  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the wireless communications component  570  can transmit data to the other electronic devices over IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi® networking system), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee, Wireless USB, Near-Field Communication (NFC), a cellular network system (e.g., a 3G/4G/5G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), or the like. A network/bus interface  572  can couple the wireless communications component  570  to the one or more processors  510 . 
     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 manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, 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. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200414
Publication Date: 20221101
Grant Date: 20221101
Priority Date: 20180914
Inventors: KUNA, MELODY L.
MIHELICH, RYAN J.
GILBERT, TAYLOR HARRISON
RUSCHER, JOEL N.
OSTER, Carli E.
YEUNG, ALEX CHUN LAP
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/54", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/403", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/406", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1427", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/403", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2256", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1427", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2253", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/406", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B5/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B5/79", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69773970