PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11677429-B2
Application Number: US-202117446440-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic devices and accessory devices that provide information to electronic devices

Abstract:
Accessory devices are described herein. An accessory device may include a receptacle for receiving an electronic device. The accessory device may include a case that covers the housing of the electronic device, or a folio that additionally includes a cover can conceal the display of the electronic device. Accessory devices described herein further include wireless circuitry used to communicate with wireless circuitry in the electronic device. The wireless circuitry can be used for various functions and features. For instance, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device can respond to authentication requests from the electronic device, and/or to send authentication requests to the electronic device. Further, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device can send information to the electronic device. Such information may include properties of the accessory device, or information stored on the accessory device that is presented on a display of the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device, comprising:
 a body that defines a receptacle configured to receive an electronic device, the body comprising:
 a bottom wall, and 
 sidewalls extending from the bottom wall; 
 
 a memory circuit stored in the body, the memory circuit storing data; and 
 wireless circuitry carried by the body, wherein in response to the receptacle receiving the electronic device, the wireless circuitry is configured to transmit the data to the electronic device, thereby causing a display assembly of the electronic device to present visual information in accordance with the data. 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the data comprises an appearance of the body. 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the appearance comprises a color. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the data comprises a theme. 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 4 , wherein the theme comprises one of a user-preferred interest and a location. 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the data is transmitted subsequent to verification of an authentication received by the wireless circuitry from the electronic device. 
     
     
       7. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing that defines an internal volume; 
 wireless circuitry disposed in the internal volume, the wireless circuitry configured to receive data from an accessory device; 
 a display assembly coupled with the housing, the display assembly configured to present visual information; and 
 a processor disposed in the internal volume, the processor configured to:
 receive the data from the wireless circuitry, and 
 instruct the display assembly to present the visual information in accordance with a characteristic of the accessory device, the characteristic transmitted with the data. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the characteristic comprises an appearance of the accessory device, and 
 the display assembly is altered in accordance with the appearance. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the appearance comprises a filter applied to the display assembly. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the characteristic comprises a theme, and 
 the display assembly is altered in accordance with the theme. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the theme comprises one of a user-preferred interest and a location. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the wireless circuitry receives the data when the housing is disposed in the accessory device. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the display assembly presents a message based on the data. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 7 , further comprising a speaker module disposed in the internal volume, wherein the data transmitted via the speaker module. 
     
     
       15. A method for altering an appearance of an electronic device, the method comprising:
 by an accessory device comprising a receptacle that carries a memory circuit and wireless circuitry:
 receiving, within the receptacle, the electronic device; 
 communicating, by the wireless circuitry, data to the electronic device, the data stored on the memory circuit; and 
 causing, based on communicating the data, a display assembly of the electronic device to present visual information in accordance with the data. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data further causes a speaker module of the electronic device to present a message. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data comprises an appearance of the accessory device. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data comprises one of a user-preferred interest and a location. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising, prior to communicating the data:
 receiving authentication information from the electronic device; and 
 authenticating, based on the received authentication information, the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data comprises a characteristic of the accessory device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/517,383, filed Jul. 19, 2019, entitled “ACCESSORY DEVICE WITH COMMUNICATION FEATURES,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/825,622, filed Mar. 28, 2019, of the same title, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to accessory devices, such as cases and folios, used with portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet computing devices. In particular, the following description relates to accessory devices with wireless circuitry used to communicate with portable electronic devices. As an example, an accessory device may include wireless circuitry that can communicate information to a portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is coupled/secured with accessory device. The information can be related to properties and features of the accessory device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Accessory devices can be used to carry and protect electronic devices. Some accessory devices may include a compartment to store the portable electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an accessory device is described. The accessory device may include a receptacle that defines an internal volume. The accessory device may further include a target that is embedded in the receptacle and detectable by a sensor carried by an electronic device that is positioned in the internal volume. The accessory device may further include wireless circuitry embedded in the receptacle. In some embodiments, a communication channel is established between the electronic device and the wireless circuitry when the target is detected by the sensor. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a receptacle comprising a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the sidewalls can define an internal volume having a size and shape to receive the electronic device. The accessory device may further include wireless circuitry embedded in the receptacle. In some embodiments, receipt of the electronic device in the internal volume causes the wireless circuitry to provide information to the electronic device. Also, in some embodiments, the information alters visual information of a display assembly of the electronic device. 
     In another aspect, a method for communicating with an electronic device is described. The method may include receiving, by an accessory device, the electronic device into a receptacle of the accessory device. The receptacle can carry wireless circuitry and a memory circuit that stores information in accordance with the accessory device. The method may further include the accessory device receiving, from the electronic device, communication at the wireless circuitry. The method may further include the accessory device providing, using the wireless circuitry, the information in response to the communication. 
     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 view of an embodiment of an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device positioned in an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device and the accessory device shown in  FIG.  4   , showing the cover positioned over the electronic device and the receptacle; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device having sensors, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device having a display, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device and an electronic device that is compatible with the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of the accessory device and the electronic device shown in  FIG.  8   , showing the electronic device positioned in the accessory device; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of an electronic device positioned in an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device that is compatible with an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a plan view of multiple devices positioned on a charging station, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device and the charging shown in  FIG.  12   , taken along line  13 - 13 , showing dimensional information of the accessory device; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device and an electronic device that is compatible with the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device and an electronic device positioned in the accessory device, showing the electronic device in communication with a terminal, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with wireless circuitry that can be selectively activated and deactivated by a button of the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a flowchart showing a method for altering an electronic device using an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a flowchart showing a method for interacting with an accessory device using an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a flowchart showing a method for activating wireless circuitry in an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; and 
         FIG.  20    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 accessory devices designed for use with electronic devices, including portable electronic devices such as mobile wireless communication devices (examples of which include smartphones and tablet devices). As described herein, accessory devices may include a case designed to receive an electronic device. Alternatively, accessory devices described herein may include a folio with both a case as well as a cover that can fold over the case to cover/conceal the electronic device, including a display of the electronic device. 
     Accessory devices described herein may include additional features. For instance, an accessory device may include wireless circuitry used to communicate with an electronic device that is carried by the accessory device. As a non-limiting example, wireless circuitry described herein may include wireless communication circuitry such as near-field communication (“NFC”), or communication protocol and data exchanges included in standards covered by ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC. In this regard, wireless circuitry described herein may include features such as card emulation, read/write capabilities, and/or peer-to-peer information exchange. In order to communicate with accessory devices, electronic devices described herein may also include similar wireless circuitry. While other communication protocols are possible, NFC communication may be advantageous for purposes of low-power transmission, resulting in less battery usage (i.e., less power consumption) of a battery of the accessory device. 
     The wireless circuitry in accessory devices described herein can be used for various tasks. For example, the wireless circuitry can respond to authentication requests from an electronic device. An authentication of the accessory device by the electronic device provides verification information to the electronic device that the accessory device is an acceptable and/or approved accessory device for use with the electronic device. The authentication process may be used to establish approved communication between the accessory device and the electronic device. Alternatively, or additionally, to establish communication, the wireless circuitry can be used to send an authentication request (defining an electronic device authentication request) to the electronic device and receive an authentication response from the electronic device so as to provide mutual authentication. Conversely, when authentication is rejected, the authentication process prevents the exchange of information between the accessory device and the electronic device. When communication between the accessory device and the electronic device is established, the accessory device can send information to the electronic device such as the type of accessory device (case or folio), the color of the accessory device, and/or the material of the accessory device, as non-limiting examples. The accessory device may also include memory that stores information related to user interest, includes stored user preferences. 
     Information can also be transmitted from the accessory device to the electronic device. Once the information is received, the electronic device can subsequently change one or more parameters. For example, the electronic device can add a filter to the display of the electronic device. The filter can alter an image presented on the display by applying a color to the display such that the image matches the color of the accessory device. 
     Accessory devices described herein may include additional features. For example, some accessory devices may include sensors, such as an ultraviolet (“UV”) light sensor designed to detect ambient sunlight that is incident on the accessory device. The wireless circuitry in the accessory device can communicate information related to UV light detected from the UV light sensor, and send the information to the electronic device. The electronic device can subsequently use this information to notify a user of the ambient light conditions. Also, some accessory devices described herein may include a display. The wireless circuitry in the accessory device can receive information from the electronic device that can be presented on the display. Also, wireless circuitry described herein may supply power to passive components of the accessory device, such as a memory circuit and/or a battery. 
     In some instances, it may be advantageous to maintain the wireless circuitry in a normally inactive mode (in which no communication features are available) and selectively activate the wireless circuitry when desired. This can be advantageous during instances when the wireless circuitry emits radio frequency (“RF”) that would otherwise interfere with a RF receiving terminal. This can be implemented in several ways. For instance, some accessory devices described herein include a target (such as a magnet) that can be detected by a sensor (such has a magnetic field sensor) in the electronic device. When the sensor detects the target, the electronic device can send a request to activate, or wake, the wireless circuitry in the accessory device. Also, accessory devices described herein include a switch used to activate the wireless circuitry. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 20   . 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 view of an embodiment of an accessory device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  100 , as well as other accessory devices described herein, is designed for use with mobile wireless communication devices, such as smartphones and tablet computing devices (not shown in  FIG.  1   ). Also, the accessory device  100 , and accessory devices described herein, may include a material (or materials), such as leather, plastic, synthetic leather, and/or silicone, as non-limiting examples. 
     As shown, the accessory device  100  includes a receptacle  102 . The receptacle  102  may include a wall  104 , or bottom wall, that includes an opening  106  positioned in a location corresponding to a camera(s) and a flash module (not shown in  FIG.  1   ) of a mobile wireless communication device. The receptacle  102  may further include several sidewalls (such as a sidewall  108   a , a sidewall  108   b , and a sidewall  108   c ) that extend from the wall  104 . In this manner, the receptacle  102  forms an internal volume that includes a size and shape corresponding to that of the mobile wireless communication device, and as a result, the accessory device  100  can hold/carry the mobile wireless communication device in the receptacle  102 . Also, the accessory device  100  may include a button  112  located on the sidewall  108   c . The button  112  is generally positioned on the sidewall  108   c  in a location corresponding to a button on a mobile wireless communication device when the mobile wireless communication device is positioned in the receptacle  102 . In the manner, the button  112  provides an indication to a user where a button of the mobile wireless communication device is located such that the user can depress the button  112  to depress the mobile wireless communication device button. 
     The accessory device  100  may further include a cover  114 . The cover  114  may include a sleeve  116  that can store various objects, such as portable internal power supplies, sensors, credit cards, user identification, etc. The cover  114  is connected to the receptacle  102  by a hinge  118 . The hinge  118  allows relative movement between the cover  114  and receptacle  102 . While the accessory device  100  is in an open position in  FIG.  1   , the cover  114  can rotate relative to, and be positioned on, the sidewalls of the receptacle  102  in order conceal and protect a mobile wireless communication device positioned in the receptacle  102 , thereby placing the accessory device  100  in a closed positioned (shown later). It should be noted that the receptacle  102  may be referred to as a receptacle portion or a first portion, and the cover  114  may be referred to as a front cover, a flap, a front flap, or a second portion. 
     The accessory device  100  may include communication features, including wireless communication features, designed to communicate with mobile wireless communication device s that are carried by the accessory device  100  in the receptacle  102 . For example, the accessory device  100  may include wireless circuitry  122 . The wireless circuitry  122  may include NFC circuitry, as a non-limiting example. Other forms of wireless circuitry, including low-power wireless circuitry, are possible. Also, the wireless circuitry  122  may further include circuitry for processing wireless technology standards transmitted and received in a band in the 2.400 to 2.485 Gigahertz (“GHz”) range, also referred to as BLUETOOTH®. The wireless circuitry  122  may include circuitry for processing wireless technology standards transmitted and received in a band in the 2.400 to 5.000 GHz range, also referred to as WI-FI®. As shown, the wireless circuitry  122  is embedded in the wall  104 . However, the wireless circuitry  122  may be located and embedded elsewhere, such as in one of the sidewalls or the cover  114 . 
     The accessory device  100  may further include a memory circuit  124  that stores programs and algorithms that can be accessed by the wireless circuitry  122  via an embedded flexible circuit (not shown in  FIG.  1   ), as a non-limiting example. The wireless circuitry  122  is designed to communicate various features to a mobile wireless communication device, with the various features being stored on the memory circuit  124 . For instance, the wireless circuitry  122  may provide information in accordance with, related to, the accessory device  100 , which may include the serial number, color and/or material of the accessory device  100 . Alternatively, or in combination, the wireless circuitry  122  may provide information, such as whether the accessory device  100  includes a cover  114 , as some embodiments of an accessory device (shown later) may not include a cover. 
     In addition to the aforementioned functions, the wireless circuitry  122  may also be used for authentication purposes. For example, a manufacturer of mobile wireless communication devices may require a determination whether the accessory device  100  is made by the manufacturer and/or an approved third party accessory device manufacturer. In this regard, a mobile wireless communication device may transmit an authentication request, via wireless means, to the wireless circuitry  122  of the accessory device  100 . The wireless circuitry  122  can transmit the authentication request to the memory circuit  124 . The memory circuit  124  (or in some instances, the wireless circuitry  122 ) may include instructions for executing an authentication request. In response to the authentication request, the wireless circuitry  122  may transmit authentication information to the mobile wireless communication device. Moreover, in some instances, a mutual authentication process occurs in which the accessory device  100  transmits an authentication request, using the wireless circuitry  122 , to a mobile wireless communication device and receives a response (from the mobile wireless communication device) to the authentication request in order to validate the mobile wireless communication device. 
     The accessory device  100  may further include a target  126  that can be detected by a mobile wireless communication device positioned in the receptacle  102 . In some embodiments, the target  126  is a magnet that emits an external magnetic field that is detectable by a magnetic field sensor (not shown in  FIG.  1   ) of the mobile wireless communication device. The target  126  can provide several benefits for the accessory device  100 . For example, when a mobile wireless communication device is positioned in the receptacle and detects the target  126 , communication may be initiated between the mobile wireless communication device and the accessory device  100 . The communication may include an exchange of information including an authentication request, as a non-limiting example. Also, in some instances, the wireless circuitry  122  may configured as “normally off,” or inactive, and is activated based a request that activates, “wakes,” the wireless circuitry  122 , thereby placing the wireless circuitry  122  in an active mode. The request from the mobile wireless communication device may be initiated when the mobile wireless communication device detects the target  126 . 
     In addition to communication features, the wireless circuitry  122  may provide additional functions, such as providing power to components of the accessory device  100 . For example, the wireless circuitry  122  can supply power received by a mobile wireless communication device, or another device, to the memory circuit  124 , an internal power supply  128  (or battery) that stores energy, and/or processing circuitry  130 . The processing circuitry  130  can execute instructions stored on the memory circuit  124  and/or the wireless circuitry  122 . Although not shown, the accessory device  100  may include an inductive charging coil designed to supply power to the internal power supply  128 , or other devices of the accessory device  100  that require power. It should be noted that the internal power supply  128  and the processing circuitry  130  can be in communication with the wireless circuitry  122  via an embedded flexible circuit (not shown in  FIG.  1   ), as a non-limiting example. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  200 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  200  may include several features shown and described for the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), with the exception of the cover  114  and the hinge  118 . For example, the accessory device  200  may include a receptacle  202  designed to receive a mobile wireless communication device (not shown in  FIG.  2   ). The receptacle  202  may include a wall  204 , or bottom wall, that includes an opening  206  positioned in a location corresponding to a camera(s) and a flash module (not shown in  FIG.  2   ) of a mobile wireless communication device. The receptacle  202  may further include several sidewalls (such as a sidewall  208   a  a sidewall  208   b , and a sidewall  208   c ) that extend from the wall  204  to form an internal volume that includes a size and shape that can receive and hold/carry a mobile wireless communication device, and as a result, the accessory device  200  can hold/carry the mobile wireless communication device in the receptacle  202 . Also, the accessory device  200  may include a button  212  located on the sidewall  208   c  used to depress a button of a mobile wireless communication device in the receptacle  202  located in the receptacle  202 . 
     The accessory device  200  further includes wireless circuitry  222 , a memory circuit  224 , a target  226 , an internal power supply  228 , and processing circuitry  230 . The wireless circuitry  222 , the memory circuit  224 , the target  226 , the internal power supply  228 , and the processing circuitry  230  may include any features and perform any functions described for the wireless circuitry  122 , the memory circuit  124 , the target  126 , the internal power supply  128 , and the processing circuitry  130 , respectively, of the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  350 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  350  may include a mobile wireless communication device (such as smartphone or tablet computing device) that can be used in conjunction with accessory devices described herein. As shown, the electronic device  350  include an enclosure  352 , or housing, that that forms an internal volume used to store several internal components of the electronic device  350 . The electronic device  350  may further include a display assembly  354  that can present visual information in the form of still images (such as pictures and textual images), as well as motion picture imagery. The display assembly  354  may include touchscreen capabilities, including capacitive touchscreen capabilities. The electronic device  350  may include a transparent protective layer  356  that covers the display assembly  354 . The transparent protective layer  356  may include glass (thereby defining a cover glass), plastic, sapphire, or generally any transparent protective layer. The electronic device  350  may further include a button  358  that can be operated/actuated by a button of an accessory device (such as the button  112  shown in  FIG.  1   ) when the electronic device  350  is positioned in a receptacle of an accessory device (such as the receptacle  102  shown in  FIG.  1   ). The electronic device  350  may further include a port  362  that can receive a connector of a cable assembly (not shown in  FIG.  3   ). The port  362  provides a pathway for power to the electronic device  350  as well as data transmission to and from the electronic device  350 . 
     The electronic device  350  may include additional components that are stored by the enclosure  352 . For example, the electronic device  350  may include wireless circuitry  364  designed for communication with wireless circuitry of accessory devices described herein. The wireless circuitry  364  may operate using communication protocol and standards consistent with wireless circuitry in accessory device described herein. In this regard, the wireless circuitry  364  may provide an authentication request to an accessory device, receive information related to the accessory device, and/or respond to an authentication request by the accessory device, as non-limiting features. Although not shown, the electronic device  350  may include a memory circuit that stores executable instructions used by the wireless circuitry  364 . 
     The electronic device  350  may further a detection mechanism  366  that is designed to detect a target in an accessory device (not shown in  FIG.  3   ). When the target is a magnet, the detection mechanism  366  may include a magnetic field sensor (such as a Hall Effect sensor or an anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor) that can detect a magnetic field emitted by the magnet. Also, the enclosure  352  may include metal components. However, a back wall (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) of the enclosure  352  may include a non-metal material (such as glass) or a metal with an opening that permits transmission of radio frequencies and magnetic fields. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an isometric view of an electronic device positioned in an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device may include the electronic device  350  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) and the accessory device may include the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). When the electronic device  350  is positioned in the receptacle  102  of the accessory device  100 , the target  126  of the accessory device  100  is detected by the detection mechanism  366  of the electronic device  350 . The detection mechanism  366  can subsequently generate and provide input that causes the wireless circuitry  364  of the electronic device  350  to initiate communication with the wireless circuitry  122  of the accessory device  100 . The initiated communication may include an authentication request provided by the wireless circuitry  364  to the wireless circuitry  122 , as an example. When the wireless circuitry  122  responds to the authentication request with credential information, the wireless circuitry  364  receives the credential information and provides the credential information to processing circuitry (not shown in  FIG.  4   ) of the electronic device  350 . If the credential information is authenticated/validated, the wireless circuitry  122  of the accessory device  100  may provide information related to the accessory device  100 , such as color and/or material of the accessory device  100 , as non-limiting examples. 
     In some instances, prior to the wireless circuitry  122  providing information related to the accessory device  100 , the wireless circuitry  122  provides an authentication request to the wireless circuitry  364  of the electronic device  350 . When the wireless circuitry  364  responds to the authentication request with credential information, the wireless circuitry  122  receives the credential information and provides the credential information to processing circuitry  130  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) of the accessory device  100 . If the credential information is authenticated/validated, the wireless circuitry  122  of the accessory device  100  subsequently provides the information in accordance with the accessory device  100 . Accordingly, a mutual authentication step can occur between the accessory device  100  and the electronic device  350 . Although the wireless circuitry  364  and the detection mechanism  366  are shown as being aligned (in the Z-axis) with respect to the wireless circuitry  122  and the target  126 , respectively, the wireless circuitry  364  and the detection mechanism  366  can be offset (in the X- and/or Y-axis) with respect to the wireless circuitry  122  and the target  126 , respectively. However, the wireless circuitry  364  and the wireless circuitry  122  should each be capable of providing sufficient transmitting power to each other, and the magnetic field (not shown in  FIG.  4   ) of the target  126  (when the target  126  is a magnet) should be incident on the detection mechanism  366 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device  350  and the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG.  4   , showing the cover  114  positioned over the electronic device  350  and the receptacle  102 . As shown, the accessory device  100  defines a closed position that provides additional protection to the electronic device  350 . 
       FIGS.  6 - 16    show different features of accessory devices, including different hardware that may be integrated with an accessory device. It should be noted that that some features of the accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS.  6 - 16    may be combined/integrated with other accessory devices described herein. Also, some features (such as wireless circuitry) of the accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS.  6 - 16    may include any functionality associated with other accessory devices described herein. Furthermore, although some features are not explicitly shown, the accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS.  6 - 16    may include feature shown and described in prior embodiments of an accessory device. Also, some accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS.  6 - 16    include a cover and a hinge. However, in some embodiments, the cover and hinge can be removed. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  400 , showing the accessory device  400  having sensors, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  400  includes a receptacle  402  for an electronic device (not shown in  FIG.  6   ) and a cover  414  connected to the receptacle  402  by a hinge  418 . The cover  414  includes a sensor  432   a  and a sensor  432   b . In some embodiments, the sensor  432   a  includes a UV sensor designed to detect UV radiation, including intensity of the UV radiation that is incident on the accessory device  400 . In some embodiments, the sensor  432   b  includes a temperature sensor that determines instantaneous temperature at the accessory device  400 . Sensors integrated with the accessory device  400  may take other forms, such as anemometers and magnetometers (for a compass), as non-limiting examples. 
     The accessory device  400  includes wireless circuitry  422  designed to receive information from the sensor  432   a  and the sensor  432   b . In other words, the sensor  432   a  and the sensor  432   b  can transmit input information to the wireless circuitry  422 . The wireless circuitry  422  can transmit the information provided by the sensor  432   a  and the sensor  432   b  to an electronic device (not shown in  FIG.  6   ). The electronic device can subsequently present information associated with the information provided by the sensor  432   a  and the sensor  432   b  on a display assembly of the electronic device for a user to view, along with suggested information to the user based on the respective information provided by the sensor  432   a  and the sensor  432   b . For example, when the sensor  432   a  is a UV sensor, the display assembly of the electronic device can present the UV intensity information and suggest the user wear additional clothing as protection from the UV light. When the sensor  432   b  is a temperature sensor, the display assembly of the electronic device can present the temperature information and the user can respond to the temperature information in a desired manner. 
     The accessory device  400  may further include an internal power supply  434 . The internal power supply  434  may receive power from an electronic device (not shown in  FIG.  6   ) that is positioned in the receptacle  402 , and provide the power to operational components of the accessory device  400 . Further, the internal power supply  434  may receive power from an external source (not shown in  FIG.  6   ), such as an inductive charging station or a plug-in charging mechanism, and store the power in order to subsequently provide the power to an electronic device positioned in the receptacle  402 . The internal power supply  434  may include a fixed power supply in the accessory device  400  or a removable power supply. Regarding the latter, the internal power supply  434  can be removed and substituted with a fully charged internal power supply (not shown in  FIG.  6   ). This may overcome an issue of a user having to wait for the internal power supply  434  to charge. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  500 , showing the accessory device  500  having a display  536 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  500  includes a receptacle  502  for an electronic device (not shown in  FIG.  7   ) and a cover  514  connected to the receptacle by a hinge  518 . The display  536  is located on the cover  514 . The display  536  can include a touch input display. The accessory device  500  further includes wireless circuitry  522  that is in communication with the display  536  via processing circuitry (not shown in  FIG.  7   ) of the accessory device  500 . Also, an electronic device  550  is positioned in the receptacle  502 . The electronic device  550  includes wireless circuitry  564  that can provide information to, and receive information from, the wireless circuitry  522  of the accessory device  500 , in a manner similar to the previously described examples. 
     In some instances, the wireless circuitry  522  receives information from the wireless circuitry  564  and subsequently provides the information to the display  536 . As an example shown in  FIG.  7   , the electronic device  550  includes a display assembly  554  capable of presenting a message  568  on the display assembly  554 . As shown, message  568  includes a reminder that reminds a user to go to the grocery store. When the user provides the electronic device  550  with a list of grocery items stored on memory (either physical memory in the electronic device  550  or on a cloud-based network), the electronic device  550  can use the wireless circuitry  564  to transmit the grocery list information to the wireless circuitry  522 . The information can be transmitted by the wireless circuitry  522  to the display  536  of the accessory device  500 , and the display  536  can present the grocery list. 
     The display  536  of the accessory device  500  can provide several advantages. For example, in some instances, the display  536  includes an ink-based display that can present the information and subsequently transition to an inactive mode, while still presenting the information, in order to conserve power. As a result, a user need not access the display assembly  554  of the electronic device  550 , which is known to draw significantly more power than the display  536 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device  600  and an electronic device  650  that is compatible with the accessory device  600 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  600  may include a receptacle  602  that receives the electronic device  650 . The accessory device  600  further includes wireless circuitry  622  that can communicate with wireless circuitry  664  of the electronic device  650 . 
     The accessory device  600  is shaded to denote a particular appearance. For instance, the shading of the accessory device  600  denotes a color of the accessory device  600 , as a non-limiting example. The appearance information may be stored on a memory circuit  624  that can be accessed by the wireless circuitry  622 . Also, the electronic device  650  may include a display assembly  654  that is capable of present an image  658  on the display assembly  654 . The image  658  may include multiple different colors in the spectrum of visible light. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  600  and the electronic device  650  shown in  FIG.  8   , showing the electronic device  650  positioned in the accessory device  600 . When positioned in the accessory device  600 , the electronic device  650  can be placed in communication with the accessory device  600 . In particular, the wireless circuitry  622  of the accessory device  600  is in communication with the wireless circuitry  664  of the electronic device  650 . As a result, the wireless circuitry  622  may transmit information related to the accessory device  600 , such as the appearance of the accessory device  600 . In  FIG.  9   , the appearance information includes the color of the accessory device  600 . The electronic device  650  can alter the display assembly  654  by providing a filter to the image  658  presented on the display assembly  654 , thereby altering the appearance (i.e., color) of the image  658 . As a result, the appearance of the image  658  matches, or at least partially matches, the appearance of the accessory device  600  in terms of color. Moreover, while the original color scheme of the image  658  at least partially remains, the applied filter may tint the image  658  to include a color similar to that of the accessory device  600 . 
     In addition to providing information related to the appearance of the accessory device  600 , additional features are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the accessory device  600  includes information stored on the memory circuit  624  associated with a particular theme. The theme may include a user-preferred theme, such as a sport franchise, a college or university, or a particular location of interest, as non-limiting examples. In this regard, when the electronic device  650  is positioned in the accessory device  600 , information related to that particular theme can be transmitted to the electronic device  650  and presented on the display assembly  654 . For example, when theme is related to a sports franchise, the sport franchise information is transmitted from the accessory device  600  to the electronic device  650 . The electronic device  650  may use the sports franchise information to download customized information from a network (such as the Internet) and provide the customized information—such as the sports franchise&#39;s schedule, current opponent, current score, and/or statistical information—and subsequently provide the customized information for presentation on the display assembly  654  and/or through a speaker module (not shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   ) of the electronic device  650 . Accordingly, the accessory device  600  may be associated with one or more personal interests of the user. 
     In another embodiment, the accessory device  600 , using the wireless circuitry  622 , can retrieve specific information and store the specific information that can be accessed by a user. For example, the accessory device  600  may be purchased as a gift, with the intent that a recipient of the accessory device  600  becomes the user. The purchaser of the accessory device  600  can record and store a personal message (such as a birthday message), either on the accessory device  600  or on a cloud-based storage network. Then, when the recipient/user receives the accessory device  600  and installs the electronic device  650  (assumed to be owned by the recipient) in the receptacle  602 , the accessory device  600  can initiate a process in which the recipient/user receives the personal message from the accessory device  600  or through the cloud-based storage network, depending on which medium the purchaser chose to store the personal message. The personalized message is subsequently presented on the display assembly  654  and/or through a speaker module (not shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   ) of the electronic device  650 . Accordingly, the accessory device  600  can used to transmit person-to-person information generated by one person with the intent that the information is presented to another person. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a rear view of an electronic device  750  positioned in an accessory device  700 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  750  includes a camera module  772  designed to capture images, and also includes a flash module  774  that provides additional light during an image capture event by the camera module  772 . The accessory device  700  includes an opening  706  for the camera module  772  and the flash module  774 . 
     The accessory device  700  includes an appearance in terms of a color. In some instances during an image capture event, light provided by the flash module  774  reflects from an object (the image of which is captured by the camera module  772 ) toward the electronic device  750 . However, the reflected light may also reflect off of the accessory device  700  prior to receipt by the camera module  772 . When this occurs, the image may be distorted by imparting a color or tint to the image that matches the color of the accessory device  700 . 
     Some structural changes can be implemented to accessory device  700  and the electronic device  750  to mitigate these issues. However, this requires engineering changes to the accessory device  700  and the electronic device  750 . In order to overcome these image distortion issues and avoid design changes, the accessory device  700  may include wireless circuitry  722  in communication with wireless circuitry  764  in the electronic device  750 . The wireless circuitry  722  may provide information to the wireless circuitry  764  that is related to the accessory device  700 , such as the color and/or CIELAB color space values, which can be stored on a memory circuit (not shown in  FIG.  10   ) of the accessory device  700 . The information provided to the wireless circuitry  764  can subsequently be provided to processor circuitry (not shown in  FIG.  10   ) of the electronic device  750 . Using this information, the electronic device  750  can predict an amount of light absorption into the camera module  772  based on the color of the accessory device  700  and the light (initiated from the flash module  774 ) reflected from the accessory device  700  into the camera module  772 . The electronic device  750  can run a software application (not shown in  FIG.  10   ) that uses the predicted amount of light, and offsets or cancels the light absorption attributed to the accessory device  700 . The offset/cancel feature may include color alterations to an image file that stores the image of the object captured by the camera module  772 . Accordingly, the image distortion issues can be mitigated or prevented by means other than hardware design changes, while still using the flash module  774  of the electronic device  750 . 
     Accessory devices other than cases and folios may include wireless circuitry used to communicate with electronic devices. For example,  FIG.  11    illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  800  that is compatible with an electronic device  850 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  800  may include a head mounted device that can take the form of a virtual reality headset or an augmented reality headset. As shown, the accessory device  800  includes a receptacle  802  that is designed to receive an electronic device  850 . The accessory device  800  further includes a band  803  that can wrap around a user&#39;s head to secure the receptacle  802  (and the electronic device  850 ) with the user. The accessory device  800  further includes wireless circuitry  822  and a target  826 . When the electronic device  850  is positioned in the receptacle  802 , the target  826  can be detected by a detection mechanism  866 , and communication can subsequently be established between the wireless circuitry  822  in the accessory device  800  and wireless circuitry  864  in the electronic device  850 . Communication features previously described between accessory devices and electronic devices may occur between the accessory device  800  and the electronic device  850 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a plan view of multiple devices positioned on a charging station  970 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The charging station  970  may include a wireless charging station with multiple inductive charging stations capable of inductively charging the multiple devices. As shown, an electronic device  950   a  (“Phone A”), an electronic device  950   b  (“Phone B”), and an accessory case  980  (“Accessory”) are positioned on the charging station  970 . The electronic device  950   a  and the electronic device  950   b  are positioned in an accessory device  900   a  and an accessory device  900   b , respectively. The electronic devices and accessory devices may include features previously described for electronic devices and accessory devices, respectively. The accessory case  980  may include wireless earphones  982  (shown as dotted lines) positioned in an enclosure that is designed to inductively charge the wireless earphones  982 . 
     Although not explicitly shown, the electronic device  950   a , the electronic device  950   b , and the accessory case  980  each include an inductive charging receiving coil. Also, although not explicitly shown, the charging station  970  includes inductive charging transmitting coils capable of inductively transferring electrical current to each of the respective inductive charging receiving coils the electronic device  950   a , the electronic device  950   b , and the accessory case  980  in order to provide inductive wireless charging to a respective battery located in the electronic device  950   a , the electronic device  950   b , and the accessory case  980 . 
     The accessory device  900   a , the accessory device  900   b , and the accessory case  980  include wireless circuitry  922   a , wireless circuitry  922   b , and wireless circuitry  922   c , respectively. Also, the electronic device  950   a , the electronic device  950   b , and the accessory case  980  include wireless circuitry  964   a , wireless circuitry  964   b , and wireless circuitry  964   c  capable of wireless communication with the wireless circuitry  922   a , the wireless circuitry  922   b , and the wireless circuitry  922   c , respectively. Further, the charging station  970  may include wireless circuitry  984   a , wireless circuitry  984   b , and wireless circuitry  984   c  capable of wireless communication with the wireless circuitry  922   a , the wireless circuitry  922   b , and the wireless circuitry  922   c , respectively. As a result, the charging station  970  may receive information from the accessory devices and the accessory case  980  and provide information to at least some of the devices, and the device with the received information may provide/present the received information on a display assembly of the device. For example, the wireless circuitry  922   b  of the accessory device  900   b  and the wireless circuitry  922   c  of the accessory case  980  can receive battery charge level information from respective batteries in the electronic device  950   b  and the accessory case  980  (and/or a battery in the wireless earphones  982 ), and transmit the battery charge level information to the wireless circuitry  984   b  and the wireless circuitry  984   c , respectively, of the charging station  970 . The wireless circuitry  984   b  and the wireless circuitry  984   c  can transmit the battery charge level information to the wireless circuitry  922   a  in the accessory device  900   a , which in turn, can transmit the battery charge level information to the electronic device  950   a  via the wireless circuitry  964   a . The electronic device  950   a  includes a display assembly  954  that can present the battery charge level information of a battery (not shown in  FIG.  12   ) not only in the electronic device  950   a , but also battery charge level information of a battery (not shown in  FIG.  12   ) of the electronic device  950   b  and in the wireless earphones  982 . Although not shown, the display assembly  954  can present the battery charge level information of a battery (not shown in  FIG.  12   ) in the wireless earphones  982 . Accordingly, the charging station  970  provides and promotes wireless communication between devices located on, and inductively charged by, the charging station  970 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  950   a  and the charging station  970  shown in  FIG.  12   , taken along line  13 - 13 , showing dimensional information of the accessory device  900   a . As shown, the accessory device  900   a  may include a dimension  905  associated with a thickness of the accessory device  900   a . The thickness information (defined by the dimension  905 ) may be transmitted from the wireless circuitry  922   a  (shown in  FIG.  12   ) of the accessory device  900   a  to the wireless circuitry  984   a  (shown in  FIG.  12   ) of the charging station  970 . The charging station  970  may use the thickness information to adjust the power transmitted by an inductive charging transmitter coil  971  in the charging station  970  in order to ensure adequate power is transmitted by the inductive charging transmitter coil  971  to an inductive charging receiver coil  951  in the electronic device  950   a . The inductive charging receiver coil  951  used to provide power to an internal power supply  953 , or battery, of the electronic device  950   a . The charging station  970  may increase or decrease the transmitted power by the inductive charging transmitter coil  971  based on the dimension  905  to not only ensure adequate power transmission but also to limit unnecessary/excessive power transmission. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device  1000  and an electronic device  1050  that is compatible with the accessory device  1000 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  1000  includes a receptacle  1002  than can receive the electronic device  1050 . Also, the accessory device  1000  includes wireless circuitry  1022 , and the electronic device  1050  includes wireless circuitry  1064  capable of wireless communication with the wireless circuitry  1022  when the electronic device  1050  is positioned in the receptacle  1002 . 
     The electronic device  1050  includes a button  1058   a  and a button  1058   b . Each of the buttons, when depressed, allows a user to provide an input to the electronic device  1050 . The accessory device  1000  includes a button  1012   a  and a button  1012   b  that can be depressed to actuate the button  1058   a  and the button  1058   b , respectively, when the electronic device  1050  is positioned in the receptacle  1002 . The accessory device  1000  may include additional buttons, such as a button  1012   c  and a button  1012   d . While the button  1012   a  and the button  1012   b  of the accessory device  1000  correspond to the button  1058   a  and the button  1058   b , respectively, of the electronic device  1050 , the button  1012   c  and the button  1012   d  do not correspond to any additional buttons of the electronic device  1050 . 
     The button  1012   c  and the button  1012   d  of the accessory device  1000  can nonetheless be depressed and provide an input to the electronic device  1050  by passing information to the wireless circuitry  1022 , which in turn provide the information over wireless communication with the wireless circuitry  1064 . The button  1012   c  and the button  1012   d  can be pre-programmed to provide specific user inputs, such as activating a camera module (not shown in  FIG.  14   ) of the electronic device  1050  to capture an image, as a non-limiting example. Alternatively, the button  1012   c  and/or the button  1012   d  may be programmed by a user to provide flexibility in terms of functionality. Regarding the latter, the programming may be communicated between the electronic device  1050  and the accessory device  1000  by way of their respective wireless circuitry. It should be noted that the button  1012   c  and the button  1012   d  may be in communication with the wireless circuitry  1022  by, for example, flexible circuitry (not shown in  FIG.  14   ) that is embedded in the accessory device  1000 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a plan view of an accessory device  1100  and an electronic device  1150  positioned in the accessory device  1100 , showing the electronic device in communication with a terminal  1188 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  1100  includes a receptacle (not labeled) that receives the electronic device  1150 . Also, the accessory device  1100  includes wireless circuitry  1122 , and the electronic device  1150  includes wireless circuitry  1164  that can communicate with the wireless circuitry  1122  when the electronic device  1150  is positioned in the receptacle. Also, the accessory device  1100  may include a target  1126  that can be detected by a detection mechanism  1166  located in the electronic device  1150 . In some instances, detection of the target  1126  by the detection mechanism  1166  provides at least some form of authentication, or at least some determination that the accessory device  1100  is an authorized accessory device for use with the electronic device  1150 . Also, in instances when the wireless circuitry  1122  is inactive, the detection mechanism  1166  may provide an input signal, when the target  1126  is detected, to the electronic device  1150 , which in turn causes the electronic device  1150  to signal to the wireless circuitry  1164  to provide an activation, or “wake,” command to the wireless circuitry  1122 . 
     In some embodiments, the terminal  1188  includes a payment terminal used for processing payment transactions. However, it should be noted that the terminal  1188  may include other forms of wireless communication terminals. In these embodiments, the electronic device  1150 , using the wireless circuitry  1164 , is capable of performing a wireless payment transaction with the terminal  1188 , as the terminal  1188  include wireless circuitry  1190 . In some instances, however, certain wireless payment protocols do not permit a payment transaction when the terminal  1188  detects wireless communication from more than one wireless circuit a time. This may occur unintentionally when, for example, both the wireless circuitry  1122  and the wireless circuitry  1164  each provide wireless commination that is detected by the terminal  1188 . This may result in the cancellation of the wireless payment transaction between the electronic device  1150  and the terminal  1188 . 
     In order to overcome this issue, the wireless circuitry  1122  can be selectively deactivated through communication from the wireless circuitry  1164  initiated by the electronic device  1150 . The initiation by the electronic device  1150  may occur automatically when the electronic device  1150  is in a “payment mode,” in which the electronic device  1150  is attempting to perform a wireless payment transaction with the terminal  1188 . Alternatively, a user of the electronic device  1150  and accessory device  1100  may initiate a deactivation command by depressing a button  1112  of the accessory device  1100 , corresponding to a depression of a button (not shown in  FIG.  15   ) of the electronic device  1150 . Alternatively, a user can depress a display assembly  1154  (corresponding to a touch input to the display assembly  1154  that is detectable by the display assembly  1154 ) to initiate deactivation of the wireless circuitry  1122 . Either process can deactivate the wireless circuitry  1122  of the accessory device  1100  in order for the wireless circuitry  1164  of the electronic device  1150  to perform a wireless payment transaction with the terminal  1188 . Accordingly, the wireless circuitry  1122  of the accessory device  1100  can be selectively deactivated in order to comply with established wireless standards and protocols. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device  1200 , showing the accessory device  1200  with wireless circuitry  1222  that can be selectively activated and deactivated by a button of the accessory device  1200 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  1200  includes a receptacle  1202  that can receive an electronic device (not shown in  FIG.  16   ). The accessory device  1200  further includes a button  1212   a  and a button  1212   b  that can be depressed in order to depress a respective button (not shown in  FIG.  16   ) of an electronic device. 
     The accessory device  1200  further includes a button  1212   c  in communication with the wireless circuitry  1222  by way of flexible circuitry  1292  that is embedded in the accessory device  1200 . The button  1212   c  can be used to selectively activate or deactivate the wireless circuitry  1222 . For example, the button  1212   c  can be depressed to send an input signal to a controller  1230  (with necessary executable software and/or algorithms), which in turn, activates the wireless circuitry  1222  when the wireless circuitry  1222  is inactive, or deactivates the wireless circuitry  1222  when the wireless circuitry  1222  is active. Accordingly, the accessory device  1200  may include internal hardware and software that can control the wireless circuitry  1222 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a flowchart  1300  showing a method for communicating with an electronic device using an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The processes in the flowchart  1300  indicated as being carried out by the accessory device can be carried out other accessory devices described herein. 
     In step  1302 , the electronic device is received by the accessory device. For example, the electronic device can be received by the accessory device by positioning the electronic device a receptacle of the accessory device. The receptacle may carry wireless circuitry and a memory circuit that stores information in accordance with the accessory device. In some embodiments, the accessory device includes a folio having both a receptacle and a cover. In these embodiments, the wireless circuitry and the memory circuit may be carried by the receptacle or the cover. Further, when the accessory device includes a folio, one of the wireless circuit and the may be carried by the receptacle and the remaining component may be carried by the cover. 
     In step  1304 , the accessory device receives communication, from the electronic device, communication at the wireless circuitry. The communication may include an authentication request that requires (by the electronic device) the accessory device to identify itself to the electronic device. 
     In step  1306 , the accessory device provides, using the wireless circuitry, the information in response to the communication. The information may can be stored on the memory circuit, and may include authentication information, such as a validation key (as a non-limiting example). Once the accessory device is validated, the accessory device may provide additional information (stored on the memory circuit) to the electronic device, such as serial information (corresponding to the type of accessory device) or appearance (such as color and/or material of the electronic device), as non-limiting examples. In some embodiments, the validation step is not required. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a flowchart  1400  showing a method for interacting with an accessory device using an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. In step  1402 , the electronic device can monitor for a target in the accessory device. The target may include a magnet, or some other component (active or passive) that emits a detectable feature(s). Also, when the target includes a magnet, the sensor may include a magnetic field sensor. 
     At step  1404 , a determination is made whether the target is detected. When the sensor detects the target, the electronic device is positioned in a receptacle of the accessory device. 
     In step  1406 , the electronic device can provide an authentication request to the accessory device. As an example, the electronic device may include wireless circuitry that provides wireless communication to wireless circuitry in the accessory device. Also, the wireless communication protocol may include NFC protocols, as a non-limiting example. When the authentication request from the electronic device is provided to the accessory device, the accessory device may then respond, using wireless circuitry, with a validation response to the electronic device. 
     In step  1408 , a decision is made, by the electronic device, whether the accessory device is authenticated. If the validation response provided by the accessory device is determined not to be authentic, the flowchart  1400  returns to step  1402 . If, on the other hand, the validation response provided by the accessory device is determined to be authentic, the accessory device can be validated by the electronic device and the process can continue to step  1410  (an optional step) or directly to step  1412 . 
     In step  1410 , an optional step, subsequent to the electronic device determining the accessory device is authentic, the accessory device subsequently can provide an authentication request to the electronic device, by way of the wireless circuitry in the respective devices. When the authentication request from the accessory device is provided to the electronic device, the electronic device may then respond, using wireless circuitry, by providing authentication information that includes a validation response to the accessory device. If the validation response provided by the electronic device is determined to be authentic, the process can continue to step  1412 . 
     Step  1410  can define, in part, a mutual authentication process in which the electronic device and the accessory device can validate each other. While in some instance a single authentication step from the electronic device to the accessory device may limit or prevent use of a counterfeit or otherwise unauthorized accessory device, the addition of step  1410  can provide additional security and privacy. Mutual authentication requires that the accessory device must perform not only a validation response, but must also have its own hardware and software to provide an authentication. Further, the mutual authentication also provides an added step of ensuring the electronic device and the accessory device are compatible with each other, and are approved devices. 
     In step  1412 , the electronic device obtains information from the accessory device. As non-limiting examples, the information may include characteristics of the accessory device, such as the color, material(s), reflective properties of the material(s), and whether the accessory device includes a cover. In addition, the accessory device may store information related a theme, hobby, or something of particular interest to a user. This information can also be transmitted to the electronic device. By obtaining the information from the accessory device, the electronic device performs several operations. For example, when the electronic device receives color information pertaining to the accessory device, the electronic device can apply a filter to a display assembly of the electronic device, with the filter altering an appearance of an image presented by the display assembly to include a color that matches the color of the accessory device. In another example, when the electronic device receives the reflective properties of the material and the color information (of the accessory device), the electronic device can predict, using the processing circuitry, the color absorption into a camera module of the electronic device from the accessory device. The predicted amount of light can be used by a software application capable of offsetting light absorption issues related to the appearance/color of the accessory device. In yet another example, when accessory device provides information related to a theme, the theme information is transmitted from the accessory device to the electronic device. The electronic device may use the theme information to download from a network (such as the Internet) and provide customized information related to the theme, and subsequently present on customized information on the display assembly and/or through a speaker module of the electronic device. In yet another example, when accessory device provides information related to a stored message (e.g., customized message) by a person, the information is transmitted from the accessory device to the electronic device. The electronic device may subsequently present the customized message on the display assembly and/or through a speaker module of the electronic device. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a flowchart  1500  showing a method for activating wireless circuitry in an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The process steps in the flowchart  1500  indicated as being carried out by the electronic device and the accessory device can be carried out by electronic devices and the accessory devices, respectively, described herein. 
     In step  1502 , the wireless circuitry in the accessory device is configured in an inactive mode. The configuration can be initiated by a manufacturer of the accessory device, or may include a user-initiated deactivation of the wireless circuitry. 
     In step  1504 , the electronic device is received by the accessory device. The accessory device may include a receptacle that defines an internal volume having a size and shape in accordance with the electronic device, thereby allowing the electronic device to fit into the receptacle. The receptacle may further include a target, such as a magnet, that is detectable by a sensor, or detection mechanism, in the electronic device. 
     In step  1506 , the sensor in the electronic device is triggered. In this regard, the target is detected by the sensor, and the sensor initiates the triggering event. The sensor may include a magnetic field sensor when the target in the accessory device includes a magnet. 
     In step  1508 , the wireless circuitry in the accessory device is activated. The activation is based in part upon the sensor in the electronic device being triggered by detection of the target in the accessory device. 
     In step  1510 , information associated with the accessory device is provided to the electronic device. This may be performed between wireless circuitry in the respective devices. As non-limiting examples, the information may include characteristics of the accessory device, such as the color, material(s), reflective properties of the material(s), and whether the accessory device includes a cover. In addition, the accessory device may store information related a theme, hobby, or something of particular interest to a user. This information can also be transmitted to the electronic device. By obtaining the information from the accessory device, the electronic device performs several operations. For example, when the electronic device receives color information pertaining to the accessory device, the electronic device can apply a filter to a display assembly of the electronic device, with the filter altering an appearance of an image presented by the display assembly to include a color that matches the color of the accessory device. In another example, when the electronic device receives the reflective properties of the material and the color information (of the accessory device), the electronic device can predict, using the processing circuitry, the color absorption into a camera module of the electronic device from the accessory device. The predicted amount of light can be used by a software application capable of offsetting light absorption issues related to the accessory device. In yet another example, when accessory device provides information related to a theme, the theme information is transmitted from the accessory device to the electronic device. The electronic device may use the theme information to download from a network (such as the Internet) and provide customized information related to the theme, and subsequently present the customized information on the display assembly and/or through a speaker module of the electronic device. In yet another example, when accessory device provides information related to a stored message (e.g., customized message) by a person, the information is transmitted from the accessory device to the electronic device. The electronic device may subsequently present the customized message on the display assembly and/or through a speaker module of the electronic device. 
       FIG.  20    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  1600 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in the electronic device  1600  may be present in electronic devices described herein. The electronic device  1600  may include a portable electronic device, such as a mobile wireless communication device described herein. The electronic device  1600  may include one or more processors  1610  for executing functions of the electronic device  1600 . The one or more processors  1610  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. Also, the one or more processors  1610  can refer to application specific integrated circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1600  can include a display unit  1620 . The display unit  1620  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 that can be executed by the one or more processors  1610 . In some cases, the display unit  1620  includes a display layer (not illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), or the like. According to some embodiments, the display unit  1620  includes a touch input detection component and/or a force detection component that can be configured to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., capacitance value) when the user&#39;s appendage (acting as a capacitor plate) comes into proximity with the display unit  1620  (or in contact with a transparent cover layer that covers the display unit  1620 ). The display unit  1620  is connected to the one or more processors  1610  via one or more connection cables  1622 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1600  can include one or more sensors  1630  capable of detecting an orientation of the electronic device  1600 . In some examples, the one or more sensors  1630  may include an accelerometer, an electronic gyroscope, or some other orientation sensor. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors  1630  can determine whether the electronic device  1600  is positioned in a manner that a user can use certain features, such as an input mechanism of an accessory device (not shown in  FIG.  20   ). In response, the one or more processors  1610  can modify a notification that activates the display unit  1620 . The one or more sensors  1630  can also include magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors. The one or more sensors  1630  is/are connected to the one or more processors  1610  via one or more connection cables  1632 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1600  can include one or more input/output components  1640  that enable communication between a user and the electronic device  1600 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  1640  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. In some examples, the one or more input/output components  1640  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. When the one or more input/output components  1640  are used, the one or more input/output components  1640  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to the one or more processors  1610  via one or more connection cables  1642 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1600  can include a power supply  1650  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of the electronic device  1600 . In some examples, the power supply  1650  can refer to a rechargeable battery. The power supply  1650  can be connected to the one or more processors  1610  via one or more connection cables  1652 . The power supply  1650  can be directly connected to other devices of the electronic device  1600 , such as the one or more input/output components  1640 . In some examples, the electronic device  1600  can receive power from another power source (e.g., an external charging device). Further, the power supply  1650  may include an inductive charging coil for receiving an induced current used to charge the power supply  1650 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1600  can include memory  1660 , 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  1660 . In some cases, the memory  1660  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, or the like. The memory  1660  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  1600 . In some embodiments, the memory  1660  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (“OS”) is established at the memory  1660  that can be configured to execute software applications. The one or more processors  1610  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  1662  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  1660  and the one or more processors  1610 . 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1600  can include wireless communications components  1670 . A network/bus interface  1672  can couple the wireless communications components  1670  to the one or more processors  1610 . The wireless communications components  1670  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 components  1670  can communicate using NFC protocol. Similarly, an accessory device (not shown in  FIG.  20   ) may include a wireless communications component that communicates, under NFC protocol, with the wireless communications components  1670 . 
     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: 20210830
Publication Date: 20230613
Grant Date: 20230613
Priority Date: 20190328
Inventors: SCHOOLEY, STEPHEN T.
ARRIENS, ROSS D.
RUSIGNUOLO, SARA
OGDEN, CRAIG S.
CHUNG, HO CHEUNG
REDDY, VUSTHLA SUNIL
BATAILLOU, JEREMY D.
ZENG, XINPING
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/72454", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B2001/3866", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B2001/3866", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72454", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W12/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72412", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W12/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72454", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W12/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B2001/3866", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/385", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 72604652