PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10886769-B2
Application Number: US-201916557517-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Inductive charging between electronic devices

Abstract:
An electronic device and methods for inductively charging an electronic device using another external electronic device. The electronic device may include an enclosure, a battery positioned within the enclosure, and an inductive coil coupled to the battery. The inductive coil may have two or more operational modes, including a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power and a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power. The electronic device may also have a controller coupled to the inductive coil for selecting one of the operational modes.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure forming a back surface of the portable electronic device; 
 a display coupled to the enclosure and forming a front surface of the portable electronic device that is opposite from the back surface of the portable electronic device; 
 a battery within the enclosure and providing electrical power to the display and 
 a transmit inductive coil positioned within the enclosure and between the display and the back surface of the enclosure, the transmit inductive coil being configured to wirelessly transmit power through the back surface of the enclosure to an external device that is positioned proximate to the back surface of the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the transmit inductive coil is operatively coupled to the battery and is configured to wirelessly transmit power from the battery to the external device. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a receive inductive coil within the enclosure and configured to wirelessly receive power from the external device that is positioned proximate to the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the transmit inductive coil is an inner inductive coil; and 
 the portable electronic device further comprises an outer inductive coil surrounding the inner inductive coil. 
 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the portable electronic device is operable in two or more operational modes comprising a power receiving mode and a power transmitting mode and wherein:
 the power receiving mode includes activating both the inner inductive coil and the outer inductive coil to receive wireless power; and 
 the power transmitting mode includes activating only the inner inductive coil to transmit wireless power. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment magnet positioned adjacent to the transmit inductive coil, wherein the alignment magnet is configured to assist in positioning the external device relative to the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a touch sensor positioned external to the enclosure; 
 a speaker within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery; and 
 a microphone within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. 
 
     
     
       8. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure forming a back surface of the electronic device; 
 a display coupled to the enclosure and forming a front surface of the electronic device that is opposite from the back surface of the electronic device; 
 a battery within the enclosure; 
 an inductive coil coupled to the battery and positioned within the enclosure between the front surface and the back surface of the enclosure, the inductive coil configured to wirelessly transmit power through the back surface of the enclosure to an external device that is positioned proximate to the back surface of the enclosure, and operate in two or more operational modes comprising:
 a power receiving mode for wirelessly receiving power from the external device positioned proximate to the back surface; and 
 a power transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting power to the external device positioned proximate to the back surface; and 
 a controller coupled to the inductive coil and configured to select one of the operational modes of the inductive coil. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the inductive coil is an inner inductive coil; and 
 the electronic device further comprises an outer inductive coil surrounding the inner inductive coil. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the power receiving mode includes activating both the inner inductive coil and the outer inductive coil to receive wireless power; and 
 the power transmitting mode includes activating only the inner inductive coil to transmit wireless power. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising an alignment magnet positioned adjacent to the inductive coil, wherein the alignment magnet is configured to assist in positioning the external device relative to the electronic device. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a touch sensor disposed over the display; 
 a speaker within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery; and 
 a microphone within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. 
 
     
     
       13. A system comprising:
 a first electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure forming a back surface of the first electronic device; 
 a display coupled to the enclosure and forming a front surface of the first electronic device that is opposite from the back surface of the first electronic device; 
 a first battery positioned within the enclosure; 
 a first inductive coil coupled to the first battery and positioned within the enclosure between the front surface and the back surface of the enclosure; and 
 a first controller coupled to the first inductive coil for selecting an operational mode of the first inductive coil; and 
 a second electronic device positioned adjacent the first electronic device, the second electronic device comprising: 
 a second battery; 
 a second inductive coil coupled to the second battery; and 
 a second controller coupled to the second inductive coil for selecting an operational mode of the second inductive coil, wherein:
 the first inductive coil is configured to wirelessly transfer power with the second electronic device through the back surface of the first electronic device when the second electronic device is positioned proximate to the back surface of the first electronic device; 
 the first controller is configured to select a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power from the first battery to the second battery using the first inductive coil, and 
 the first controller is configured to select a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power from the second battery to the first battery using the first inductive coil. 
 
 
 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the first electronic device further comprises a first alignment magnet positioned adjacent to the first inductive coil; 
 the second electronic device further comprises a second alignment magnet positioned adjacent to the second inductive coil; and 
 the second alignment magnet is configured to attract the first alignment magnet to align the first inductive coil of the first electronic device with the second inductive coil of the second electronic device. 
 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the first electronic device further comprises an outer inductive coil surrounding the first inductive coil; and 
 the outer inductive coil is coupled to the first battery and the first controller. 
 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the second electronic device further comprises a second outer inductive coil surrounding the second inductive coil; and 
 the second outer inductive coil is coupled to the second battery and the second controller. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the first inductive coil of the first electronic device is configured to wirelessly transfer power with at least one of: 
 the second inductive coil of the second electronic device; and 
 the second outer inductive coil of the second electronic device; and 
 the outer inductive coil of the first electronic device is configured to wirelessly transfer power with at least one of: 
 the second inductive coil of the second electronic device; and 
 the second outer inductive coil of the second electronic device. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the first electronic device is configured to modify a graphical output of the display in response to the first electronic device being proximate to the second electronic device. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 18 , wherein the graphical output of the display indicates an alignment condition of the first electronic device with respect to the second electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the back surface of the first electronic device includes a flat surface upon which the second electronic device is positioned to enable wireless power transfer between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/731,280, filed Jun. 4, 2015 and titled “Inductive Charging Between Electronic Devices,” which is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/056,827, filed Sep. 29, 2014 and titled “Inductive Charging Between Electronic Devices,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, more specifically, to wirelessly charging a first electronic device using a second electronic device. 
     Some electronic devices include one or more rechargeable batteries that may require external power to recharge. Often, these devices may be charged using a common or standardized electrical connector or cable. For example, some devices may be charged using a universal serial bus (“USB”) connector or cable. However, despite having standardized connectors and cable, each device may require a separate or dedicated power supply to charge. In some cases, having separate power supplies for each device may be burdensome to use, store, and/or transport. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to an electronic device configured to inductively or wirelessly transfer power to a second, external electronic device. The wireless power transfer may be used to charge the battery of the first and/or second electronic device. The electronic devices may include inductive coils which may be configured to be in electrical communication with inductive coils of external electronic devices. In some embodiments, the electrically communicative inductive coils may act as transmitting coils and/or receiving coils capable of transmitting power between the electronic devices. This transmission of power may increase a charge of a battery of the electronic device receiving the power, while simultaneously decreasing the charge of a battery transmitting the power. The inductive coils of the electronic devices capable of transmitting power to external electronic devices may allow for the charging of the battery of an electronic device using only another electronic device. As such, only a single power cord or no power cords may be needed to charge one or more of a group of devices that include electrically communicative inductive coils. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to portable electronic device that include an enclosure defining an opening, a display positioned or disposed within the opening, a user input device positioned on an external surface of the display, and a battery positioned within or on the enclosure. The battery may be configured to provide electrical power to the display. The device may also include a transmit inductive coil within the enclosure and configured to wirelessly transmit power to an external device that is positioned proximate to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the transmit inductive coil is operatively coupled to the battery and is configured to wirelessly transmit power from the battery to the external device. In some embodiments, the device also includes a receive inductive coil that is positioned or disposed within the enclosure and configured to wirelessly receive power from the external device that is positioned proximate to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device includes a speaker within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. The portable electronic device may also include a microphone within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. In some cases, the user input device is a touch sensor or touch screen positioned on an exterior surface of the device. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to an electronic device, including an enclosure, a battery within the enclosure and an inductive coil within the enclosure and coupled to the battery. The inductive coil may be configured to operate in two or more operational modes that include: a power receiving mode for wirelessly receiving power from an external device; and a power transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting power to the external device. The device may also include a controller that is coupled to the inductive coil and configured to select the operational mode of the inductive coil. In some cases, the controller is in electronic communication with the battery and configured to monitor a charge of the battery. In some embodiments, the device may include a display, a touch sensor, a speaker disposed or positioned within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery, and a microphone disposed or positioned within the enclosure and electrically coupled to the battery. 
     In some embodiments, the inductive coil is an inner inductive coil and the device includes an outer inductive coil surrounding the inner inductive coil. In some cases, while in the power transmitting mode, both the inner and outer inductive coils are activated to transmit wireless power. In some cases, while in the power receiving mode, only the inner inductive coil is activated to receive wireless power. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an alignment magnet that is positioned adjacent the inductive coil. The alignment magnet may be configured to assist in positioning the external device relative to the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device is one of a first mobile phone, a first smart phone, a first tablet computer, or a first notebook computer and the external device is one of: a second mobile phone, a second smart phone, a second tablet computer, or a second notebook computer. 
     In some embodiments, the battery of the electronic device is configured to be charged by the external device in the power receiving mode. In some embodiments, the battery of the electronic device is configured to charge the external device in the power transmitting mode. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a method of inductively wirelessly coupling a first and a second electronic device. A first inductive coil of the first electronic device may be positioned relative to a second inductive coil of the second electronic device. Using a first controller of the first electronic device, an operational mode of the first inductive coil may be selected. The first inductive coil may be configured to operate in two or more modes, including: a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, and a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power. The method may also include transmitting power from one of: the first inductive coil to the second inductive coil, or the second inductive coil to the first inductive coil. In some embodiments, an operational mode of the second inductive coil of the second electronic device is selected using a second controller of the second electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the positioning of the first inductive coil relative to the second inductive coil includes positioning the first electronic device directly on the second electronic device, and aligning the first inductive coil of the first electronic device with the second inductive coil of the second electronic device. In some embodiments, the positioning of the first inductive coil relative to the second inductive coil includes coupling a first alignment magnet of the first electronic device to a second alignment magnet of the second electronic device. The first alignment magnet may be positioned adjacent to the first inductive coil, and the second alignment magnet may be positioned adjacent to the second inductive coil. 
     In some embodiments, selecting the operational mode of the first inductive coil includes: detecting a presence of the second electronic device, and selecting the operational mode of the first inductive coil in response to detecting the presence of the second electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, an outer inductive coil of the first electronic device is activated to wirelessly couple power with the second coil of the second electronic device, and the outer inductive coil may surround the first inductive coil. In some cases, when transmitting power from the first inductive coil of the first device to the second inductive coil of the second electronic device, a power coupling efficiency is estimated between the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil. In some cases, an outer inductive coil surrounding the first inductive coil is activated based on the estimation. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a system that includes a first electronic device and a second electronic device. The first electronic device may include a first battery, a first inductive coil coupled to the first battery, and a first controller coupled to the first inductive coil for selecting an operational mode of the first inductive coil. The second electronic device may be positioned adjacent the first electronic device. The second electronic device may include a second battery, a second inductive coil coupled to the second battery, and a second controller coupled to the second inductive coil for selecting an operational mode of the second inductive coil. In some cases, the first controller is configured to select a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power from the first battery to the second battery using the first inductive coil. The first controller may also be configured to select a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power from the second battery to the first battery using the first inductive coil. 
     In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes a first alignment magnet positioned adjacent to the first inductive coil. In some embodiments, the second electronic device includes a second alignment magnet positioned adjacent to the second inductive coil. The second alignment magnet may be configured to attract the first alignment magnet to align the first inductive coil of the first electronic device with the second inductive coil of the second electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes an outer inductive coil surrounding the first inductive coil. The outer inductive coil may be coupled to the first battery and the first controller. In some embodiments, the second electronic device includes a second outer inductive coil surrounding the second inductive coil. The second outer inductive coil may be coupled to the second battery and the second controller. In some cases, the first inductive coil of the first electronic device is configured to wirelessly transfer power with at least one of: the second inductive coil of the second electronic device, and the second outer inductive coil of the second electronic device. The outer inductive coil of the first electronic device may be configured to wirelessly transfer power with at least one of: the second inductive coil of the second electronic device and the second outer inductive coil of the second electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the first electronic device also includes a display and the first electronic device is configured to modify the graphical output of the display in response to the first electronic device being proximate to the second electronic device. In some cases, the graphical output of the display indicates an alignment condition of the first electronic device with respect to the second electronic device. 
    
    
     
       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  shows an illustrative front view of a first electronic device including an inductive coil, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  shows an illustrative view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  with a display removed, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  shows an illustrative back view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  show an illustrative side cross-sectional view of a portion of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line  4 - 4 , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 5A  shows an illustrative front view of a second electronic device including a group of inductive coils, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 5B  shows an illustrative back view of the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 6A  shows an illustrative front view of a third electronic device including an inductive coil, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 6B  shows an illustrative back view of the third electronic device of  FIG. 6A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 7A  shows an illustrative top view of a fourth electronic device including a group of inductive coils, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 7B  shows an illustrative top view of the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7A  in a closed configuration, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  shows an illustrative front view of a fifth electronic device, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 9A  shows an illustrative view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  being inserted into the fifth electronic device of  FIG. 8 , according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9B  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  positioned within the fifth electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  positioned adjacent the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  shows an illustrative side cross-sectional view of a portion of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A  taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  positioned adjacent the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to further embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the third electronic device of  FIG. 6A , positioned adjacent the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the third electronics device of  FIG. 6A , positioned adjacent the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the third electronic device of  FIG. 6A , positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7A , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the third electronic device of  FIG. 6A , positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7B , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , and the third electronic device of  FIG. 6A , positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7B , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1 , the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , and the third electronic device of  FIG. 6A  positioned adjacent the fourth electronic device of  FIG. 7B , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  shows an illustrative front view of a sixth electronic device including a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil, according to embodiments; 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  show illustrative schematic views of the first inductive coil and the second inductive coil of the sixth electronic device of  FIG. 21  in electrical communication with external inductive coils, according to embodiments; 
         FIGS. 23A-23C  show illustrative front views of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A  undergoing processes for device-to-device inductive charging, according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 24  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , undergoing processes for device-to-device inductive charging, according to additional embodiments; 
         FIG. 25  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  displaying app icons of the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to embodiments; 
         FIGS. 26A-26C  show illustrative front views of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  and the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A  undergoing processes for device-to-device inductive charging, according to further embodiments; 
         FIG. 27  shows an illustrative front view of the first electronic device of  FIG. 1  displaying app icons of the second electronic device of  FIG. 5A , according to another embodiment; and 
         FIG. 28  depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for inductively charging an electronic device using an external electronic device. The method may be performed on the electronic devices as shown in  FIGS. 1-27 . 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     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. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and more particularly to an electronic device configured to inductively charge at least one external electronic device and methods of inductively charging at least one electronic device using an external electronic device. 
     An electronic device may include an inductive coil, which may be configured to be in electrical communication with an external inductive coil of an external electronic device. In some cases, the inductive coils are wirelessly and inductively coupled. The wirelessly coupled inductive coils may act as transmitting coils and/or receiving coils capable of transmitting power between the two electronic devices. In some cases, the transmission of power may increase a charge of a battery of a first electronic device that is receiving the power, while simultaneously decreasing the charge of a battery of a second electronic device that is transmitting the power. Using the inductive coils, the battery of a first electronic device may be charged using the second external electronic device. As such, only a single power cord (connected to the second external electronic device) or no power cords may be needed to charge multiple devices that include inductive coils that are wirelessly coupled across the devices. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-28 . 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  shows an illustrative front view of one example of an electronic device  100  including at least one inductive coil  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, first electronic device  100  is implemented as a portable electronic device, in particular, a mobile phone. As discussed herein, other embodiments can implement first electronic device  100  differently, such as, for example, as a notebook or desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     First electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104  and one or more buttons  106  or other user input devices formed or positioned on a front surface  108  of first electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the device  100  includes multiple user input devices including the buttons  106  and a touch-sensitive display screen. The user input devices may be used to provide user input to an operating system or other software being executed on the device  100 . The user input devices may be operatively coupled to a battery or other power source 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  may also include one or more audio components, including, for example, a microphone and/or a speaker. The one or more audio components may be configured to produce an audio output and/or receive an audio input. In some embodiments, the speaker may be disposed or positioned within the enclosure  102  and electrically coupled to the battery  120  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Similarly, the microphone may be disposed or positioned within the enclosure  102  and electrically coupled to the battery  120 . 
     The enclosure  102  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the first electronic device  100  and may at least partially surround display  104 . In some cases, the enclosure  102  defines an opening in which the display  104  is positioned or disposed. The enclosure  102  can be formed from one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, enclosure  102  can be formed of a single piece connected to or coupled with the display  104 . Additionally, enclosure  102  may be formed from a variety of material including, but not limited to: plastic, glass, sapphire, metal, and/or any combination of various materials. Enclosure  102  may also include a frame  110  or bezel portion substantially surrounding and/or outlining display  104 . Frame  110  of enclosure  102  may indicate the interactive portion of the display  104  and may be opaque to hide internal components of the first electronic device  100 . 
     Display  104  may be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology, light-emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some embodiments, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen or touch sensor may be incorporated with the display  104 . For example, a touchscreen or touch sensor may be positioned over or integrated with the display  104 . In a non-limiting example, a substantially transparent cover or sheet may be positioned above the display  104  and/or the touchscreen or touch sensor. In some embodiments, the cover may protect display  104  from contaminants, without significantly obstructing a user&#39;s view and/or significantly limit an ability to interact with the touchscreen or touch sensor of the first electronic device  100 . 
     Button  106  may be configured to function as a user input device for first electronic device  100 . In some cases, the button  106  may include an actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communication with the internal components of first electronic device  100 , to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of first electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the button  106  may be configured as a single button component surrounded by a portion of the frame  110  of the enclosure  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the button may be positioned relative to an exterior surface of first electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first electronic device  100  may also include at least one inductive coil  112  positioned or disposed within enclosure  102 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first electronic device  100  may include a single inductive coil  112  positioned substantially in the center of first electronic device  100  and within the enclosure  102 , such that inductive coil  112  is not exposed. Inductive coil  112  may also be positioned under or beneath display  104  of first electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , and discussed herein, inductive coil  112  may be positioned within enclosure  102 , and may be in electrical communication with an external inductive coil of an external electronic device through display  104  and/or front surface  108  of first electronic device  100 . Additionally as discussed herein, inductive coil  112  may be configured as a two-way coil, a transmit coil for transmitting power from first electronic device  100 , and a receive coil for receiving or obtaining power for first electronic device  100 . The phantom circle representing inductive coil  112  in  FIG. 1  may be merely an example location of the inductive coil  112  within first electronic device  100 . The position of the inductive coil  112  may vary within the enclosure  102  and, in some cases, multiple inductive coils  112  may be located within the enclosure  102 . As shown in  FIG. 1  and described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 2 , multiple alignment magnets  124  may also be positioned within the enclosure  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a front view of first electronic device  100  with display (item  104  of  FIG. 1 ) omitted to expose an internal cavity of enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , inductive coil  112  may be formed from a conductor, such as a wire that may be concentrically wrapped around to form a set of loops or a spiral shape. The wire may be positioned on or formed on an electrical substrate  118  (e.g., a circuit board), that may be utilized to electrically couple and/or connect the inductive coil  112  to other distinct components of first electronic device  100 . The wire forming inductive coil  112  may be formed from various conductive materials, for example metal. However, it is understood that inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be formed from any suitable material and may be configured in a variety of geometries to allow the transfer of power to or from first electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. 
     First electronic device  100  may also include a battery  120  positioned within enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, the battery  120  may be operatively coupled to components of first electronic device  100  to provide electrical power. In some embodiments, the battery  120  is operatively coupled to the display (item  104  of  FIG. 1 ) and/or the controller  122  of first electronic device  100 . The battery  120  may also be operatively coupled to a user input device, microphone, speaker, controller, or other component or subsystem of first electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , battery  120  may be positioned within enclosure  102  and may be in electrical communication with or otherwise operatively coupled to the inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, inductive coil  112  may be in electrical communication with battery  120  to transmit power to or from battery  120  to increase the charge of battery  120  or to decrease the charge of battery  120  in order to increase the charge in an external battery of an external electronic device in communication with first electronic device  100 . Battery  120  may be utilized to power various components or systems of first electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a controller  122  may also be positioned within enclosure  102  of first electronic device  100 . Controller  122  may be in electrical communication with inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  to control the operational mode of inductive coil  112 . That is, controller  122  may be in electrical communication with inductive coil  112  to adjust the operational mode between a power receiving mode or a power transmitting mode. When inductive coil  112  is adjusted to a power receiving mode, inductive coil  112  may be configured as a receiving coil and may receive power to increase a charge of battery  120 . In power transmitting mode, inductive coil  112  may be configured as a transmit coil, and may transmit power from first electronic device  100 , which may decrease the charge of battery  120  and/or draw power from an external source, such as a wall outlet. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , controller  122  may be coupled to or in electrical communication with battery  120  for monitoring the charge of battery  120 . Although not shown, controller  122  may be in electrical communication with distinct internal components of first electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example, controller  122  may be coupled to a larger computing or processing system that may control the functionality of first electronic device  100 . In another non-limiting embodiment, controller  122  may be integrated with and/or may be configured as a portion of a larger computing or processing system of first electronic device  100 . Controller  122  may be formed from any suitable electronic component that may be configured to adjust the operational mode of inductive coil  112  and/or may monitor the charge of battery  120 , such as, a microcontroller or a microprocessor. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , first electronic device  100  may also include at least one alignment magnet  124  positioned adjacent inductive coil  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , first electronic device  100  may include a group of alignment magnets  124  positioned adjacent to inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100 . Two alignment magnets  124  may be positioned on opposite sides or ends of inductive coil  112 . Additionally, an alignment magnet  124  may be positioned within the center of inductive coil  112 , such that the wires of inductive coil  112  substantially surround alignment magnet  124  of first electronic device  100 . Attractive forces between the alignment magnets  124  of first electronic device  100  and magnets of an external device may be used to align inductive coil  112  with an external inductive coil of the external electronic device, which may facilitate the transmission of power between inductive coil  112  and the external inductive coil. Alignment magnets  124  may be formed from any suitable material that has magnetic or electromagnetic properties. 
       FIG. 3  shows a back view of first electronic device  100 . First electronic device  100  may have a camera  126  positioned on back surface  128 . That is, camera  126  may be positioned on back surface  128  (opposite front surface  108  having display  104  of first electronic device  100 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 ). Camera  126  may include any suitable camera device and/or system that may take photos and/or videos using first electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 1 , inductive coil  112  may be positioned within enclosure  102 . As discussed herein, inductive coil  112  may be in electrical communication with an external inductive coil of an external electronic device through back surface  128  of first electronic device  100 . For example, the inductive coil  112 , positioned within enclosure  102 , may be configured to be wirelessly and inductively coupled with an external electronic device through back surface  128  of electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 3 , one or more alignment magnets  124  may also be disposed relative to back surface  128  of first electronic device  100 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  depict cross-sectional side views of first electronic device  100  including inductive coil  112 . Inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be positioned in a variety of positions within enclosure  102  of first electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be coupled directly to display  104  of first electronic device  100 , adjacent front surface  108 . When positioned adjacent front surface  108  and/or coupled to display  104 , inductive coil  112  may provide an increased power transmission to an external inductive coil in an external electronic device when front surface  108  is positioned directly adjacent to the external inductive coil, as discussed herein. However, it is understood that inductive coil  112  coupled to display  104  may still transmit power through back surface  128  of first electronic device  100 . 
     In another non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 4B , inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be coupled directly to enclosure  102  of first electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be coupled to enclosure  102  adjacent back surface  128 , and opposite display  104  and/or front surface  108 . Inductive coil  112  positioned adjacent back surface  128  may transmit power through display  104  of first electronic device  100 . However, inductive coil  112  may transmit an increased amount of power through back surface  128 , when compared to the power transmission through display  104  and/or front surface  108 . 
     In an additional non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 4C , inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be positioned between, and offset from, the front surface  108  and back surface  128 . In some embodiments, the inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be positioned on or relative to an internal structure, such as a mid plate  131  as shown in  FIG. 4C . In some cases, the inductive coil  112  and alignment magnets  124  may be positioned between front surface  108  and back surface  128  such that power transmission from and/or to inductive coil  112  may be approximately equal through front surface  108  and back surface  128 . 
     The examples of  FIGS. 4A-C  depict the alignment magnets  124  and the inductive coil  112  as being substantially aligned or planar. However, it is understood that alignment magnets  124  may be positioned within a portion of enclosure  102  that is distinct or non-planar with respect to inductive coil  112 . In a non-limiting example, not shown, inductive coil  112  may be directly adjacent to front surface  108  and/or display  104 , and alignment magnets  124  may be directly adjacent to back surface  128 . In the non-limiting embodiment, and as discussed herein, alignment magnets  124  may facilitate alignment of inductive coil  112  and an external inductive coil of an external electronic device to provide an optimum power transmission between first electronic device  100  and an external electronic device. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show front and back views, respectively, of second electronic device  200  including inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c . In a non-limiting example embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , second electronic device  200  may be formed as a tablet computing device. Second electronic device  200  may include substantially similar components as first electronic device  100 , such as enclosure  202 , display  204 , camera  226 , button  206  and other user input devices, and the like. Second electronic device  200  may also include an audio element, such as a speaker and/or a microphone. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     Second electronic device  200  may include a group of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c  positioned or disposed within enclosure  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the group of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b , and  212   c  may be positioned throughout enclosure  202 . In a non-limiting example, each of the group of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b , and  212   c  may be positioned within the boundaries of display  204 , and/or within frame  210  of electronic device  200 . Additionally, in a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the group of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b , and  212   c  may be evenly spaced and positioned substantially in the center of second electronic device  200  and inductive coil  212   b  may be positioned between inductive coils  212   a ,  212   c.    
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , second electronic device  200  may also include a group of alignment magnets  224  positioned adjacent each of the group of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c . Similar to  FIGS. 1-3 , inductive coils  212   a ,  212   c  may have two alignment magnets  224  positioned on opposite sides of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   c , and an alignment magnet  224  positioned within and/or surrounded by inductive coils  212   a ,  212   c . As shown in  FIG. 5A , alignment magnets  224  in second electronic device  200  may be positioned on opposite sides of the inductive coils  212   a ,  212   c.    
     In a non-limiting example, the inductive coil  212   b  may include four distinct alignment magnets  224 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , four distinct alignment magnets  224  may substantially surround inductive coil  212   b  on four sides. As discussed herein, the inclusion of four distinct alignment magnets  224  in second electronic device  200  may allow an external electronic device to be coupled to second electronic device  200  and/or alignment magnets  224  in multiple orientations or positions. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a top and bottom view, respectively, of a third electronic device  300 . Third electronic device  300  may be a portable or wearable electronic device  300 , including a health monitoring device (hereafter, “third electronic device”). Third electronic device  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , may be configured to provide health-related information or data such as but not limited to heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-related data. Third electronic device  300  may optionally convey the health-related information to a separate electronic device such as a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. Additionally or alternatively, the third electronic device  300  may provide additional information, such as, but not limited to, time, date, health, statuses, or externally connected or communicating devices, and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device in addition to other communications). 
     Third electronic device  300  may include an enclosure  302  at least partially surrounding a display  304  and one or more buttons  306 , crowns  308  or input devices. The enclosure  302  may form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of third electronic device  300 , and may at least partially surround the display  304 . The enclosure  302  may include an opening in which the display  304  is positioned or disposed. The enclosure  302  may be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure  302  may be formed of a single piece connected to or coupled with the display  304 . Enclosure  302  may be formed from one or more materials including, but not limited to: plastic, glass, sapphire, metal, and/or other various materials or combinations of materials. 
     Third electronic device  300  may also have a wearable band  310  (partially shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) coupled to enclosure  302 . Wearable band  310  may be used to secure third electronic device  300  to a user, or any other object capable of receiving electronic device  300 . In a non-limiting example where third electronic device  300  is a watch, wearable band  310  may secure the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In other non-limiting examples, third electronic device  300  may secure the watch to or within another part of a user&#39;s body. 
     Display  304  may be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology, light-emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some embodiments, the display  304  may also include a multi-touch sensing touchscreen and/or a touch sensor that is configured to receive touch input from the user. In some embodiments, the touch screen or touch sensor is incorporated with the display  304  and may be, for example, disposed above or integrated with the display  304 . 
     The third electronic device  300  also includes one or more user input devices, including button  306 , crown  308 , and/or a touch sensor disposed relative to or positioned on an exterior surface of third electronic device  300 . In some cases, the button  306  and/or crown  308  may include an actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communication with the internal components of third electronic device  300  to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of third electronic device  300 . Button  306  may likewise include a sensor, such as a biometric sensor, touch sensor, or the like. Crown  308  may be a rotatable and/or actuated input device for interacting with third electronic device  300 . Third electronic device  300  may also include other forms of user I/O including an audio element, such as a speaker and/or a microphone. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , third electronic device  300  may also include an inductive coil  312 . Third electronic device  300  may include a single inductive coil  312  positioned within enclosure  302 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  and as discussed herein, inductive coil  312  may be in electrical communication (e.g., wirelessly coupled) through display  304  (see,  FIG. 6A ) and/or through the back charging plate  330  (see,  FIG. 6B ) of third electronic device  300 . 
     Third electronic device  300  may also include a single alignment magnet  324 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the single alignment magnet  324  may be positioned within and/or may be substantially surrounded by inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300 . As a result of the size of third electronic device  300 , only a single alignment magnet  324  may be included within electronic device  300 . However, it is understood that third electronic device  300  may include a group of alignment magnets  324 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a top view of a fourth electronic device  400 . In a non-limiting example embodiment as shown in  FIG. 7A , fourth electronic device  400  may be formed as a portable computing device, such as a notebook computer. Fourth electronic device  400  may have an enclosure or top case  440  for housing and/or protecting the internal components of fourth electronic device  400 . Fourth electronic device  400  may also have a group of keys  442  protruding through top case  440  forming a keyboard user input device. The group of keys  442  may be utilized to allow a user to interact with fourth electronic device  400 . A track pad  444  may also be positioned within top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . Track pad  444  may be positioned adjacent the group of keys  442  of fourth electronic device  400 . Track pad  444 , like the group of keys  442 , may allow a user to interact with fourth electronic device  400 . Fourth electronic device  400  may also include other components for performing user I/O including an audio element, such as a speaker and/or a microphone. 
     Fourth electronic device  400  may also include a display  404  and a display case  446 . Display case  446  may form an exterior housing and/or protective enclosure for display  404  of fourth electronic device  400 . Display  404  may provide a visual output to a user of fourth electronic device  400 . 
     Fourth electronic device  400  may also include a group of inductive coils  412   a ,  412   b ,  412   c  positioned within top case  440 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the group of inductive coils  412   a ,  412   b ,  412   c  may be evenly spaced within top case  440 , adjacent the group of keys  442 . Inductive coils  412   a ,  412   c  may be positioned on either side of track pad  444  and inductive coil  412   b  may be positioned below and/or aligned with track pad  444 . Each of the group of inductive coils  412   a ,  412   b , and  412   c  may be in electrical communication with external inductive coils of an external electronic device through top case  440 , as discussed herein. 
       FIG. 7B  shows a top view of fourth electronic device  400  in a closed configuration. In a closed configuration, display case  446  may be coupled to top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400  and may substantially cover the group of keys  442 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , display case  446  may also include a group of inductive coils  412 . The inductive coils  412  positioned within display case  446  may be positioned between display  404  (see,  FIG. 7A ) and the outer surface of display case  446 . The group of inductive coils  412  positioned within display case  446  may be evenly distributed through display case  446 . As similarly discussed herein, each of the group of inductive coils  412  within display case  446  may be in electrical communication with external inductive coils of an external electronic device through display case  446 , as discussed herein. 
     Fourth electronic device  400  may or may not include alignment magnets. In the non-limiting embodiments shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , fourth electronic device  400  does not include alignment magnets. In other non-limiting examples, not currently depicted, each of the inductive coils  412  of fourth electronic device  400  may include at least one alignment magnet. As discussed herein, the alignment magnets that may be formed within fourth electronic device  400  may be utilized to align external inductive coils of an external electronic device with inductive coils  412  of fourth electronic device  400 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a front view of a fifth electronic device  500 . Fifth electronic device  500  may be a protective case or cover for a mobile phone or other portable electronic device. Fifth electronic device  500  may be configured to at least partially surround an enclosure of a portable electronic device and provide additional protection against physical impact, abrasive contact, exposure to water, and/or other potentially damaging events. Thus, fifth electronic device  500  is typically used as an accessory and paired with another, separate portable electronic device to provide protection. 
     Fifth electronic device  500  may include an enclosure  502  that is configured to at least partially surround another, separate portable electronic device. The enclosure  502  may form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of fifth electronic device  500  and the separate portable device that is installed or positioned within fifth electronic device  500 . The enclosure  502  may include one or more coupling features  504  that are configured to engage with the separate portable device that is installed or positioned within fifth electronic device  500 . The coupling features  504  may include spring-loaded or compliant clips that are configured to attach a separate portable device to fifth electronic device  500 . The coupling features  504  may also provide an alignment or fixed positioning of the two devices with respect to each other. 
     The enclosure  502  may be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. The one or more components of the enclosure  502  may form a cavity or recess in which the internal components are positioned. Fifth electronic device  500  may be formed from materials and components that are particularly suited for withstanding a drop event when another portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, is installed or inserted into fifth electronic device  500 . Enclosure  502  may be formed from a group of distinct materials including, but not limited to: plastic, elastomer, carbon composite, metal, and/or other various materials or combinations of materials. 
     Fifth electronic device  500  may also include one or more user input devices, including buttons, keys, or a touch sensor disposed relative to or positioned on an exterior surface of the enclosure  502 . Fifth electronic device  500  may also include one or more mechanical actuators that are configured to translate user input to an actuator or user-input device located on the separate electronic device that is installed or held within fifth electronic device  500 . In some alternative embodiments, fifth electronic device  500  includes a keyboard or other user input device similar to the group of keys  442  of the keyboard of fourth electronic device  400  depicted in  FIG. 7A . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , fifth electronic device  500  may also include an inductive coil  512  that is configured to transmit and/or receive wireless power to/from another device. The inductive coil  512  is positioned within enclosure  502  and may be operatively coupled to an internal battery and/or other electronic circuitry. The inductive coil  512  may be in electrical communication (e.g., wirelessly coupled) through the surface  528  of fifth electronic device  500 . 
     Although not shown in  FIGS. 5A-8 , it is understood that each of electronic devices  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  may include a controller and a battery as similarly discussed herein with respect to first electronic device  100  in  FIG. 2 . That is, second electronic device  200 , third electronic device  300 , fourth electronic device  400 , and fifth electronic device  500  may also include a controller for adjusting the operational mode of the inductive coil(s) in the electronic device and battery for powering the electronic device. 
       FIGS. 9A-21  depict various embodiments of at least two electronic devices in electrical communication for transmitting power between the electronic devices and/or for inductively charging one electronic device by another electronic device. In the following examples, reference may be made to two (or more) inductive coils that are aligned or substantially aligned with each other. In some cases, only a single outline or shape may be depicted in a corresponding figure, which may represent the two (or more) inductive coils. In these cases, multiple item numbers may refer to the same outline or shape, although it is understood that there are actually the two (or more) inductive coils in the same aligned position but positioned in different planes of their corresponding devices. Multiple concentric or overlapping shapes that may correspond to the separate inductive coils are omitted for clarity. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict first electronic device  100  and fifth electronic device  500  which may be coupled to wirelessly exchange power with each other using a pair of inductive coils. In the examples of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , fifth electronic device  500  may form a protective cover or case for a separate portable device, such as first electronic device  100 .  FIG. 9A  depicts first electronic device  100  being installed or positioned within fifth electronic device  500 . In some implementations, first electronic device  100  may be installed by pressing the first electronic device  100  into the coupling features  504  of fifth electronic device  500 . The coupling features  504  may secure the two devices together as well as provide alignment between the devices. 
       FIG. 9B  depicts a top view of first electronic device  100  positioned within fifth electronic device  500 . First electronic device  100  may be in electrical communication with fifth electronic device  500 . Back surface  128  (see  FIG. 3 ) of first electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact the surface  528  of fifth electronic device  500 . When positioned on the surface  528  of fifth electronic device  500 , inductive coils  112  of first electronic device  100  may be aligned with and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil  512  of fifth electronic device  500 . When in electrical communication, the respective inductive coils  112 ,  512  may transmit power between the electronic devices  100 ,  500 . 
     In order to transmit power between electronic devices  100 ,  500 , the operational modes of the electrically communicative inductive coils  112 ,  512  may be distinct from one another. In the non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 9B , electronic device  500  may transmit power to electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example, inductive coil  112  of electronic device  100  may be in power receiving mode, and may act as a receiving coil. Additionally, inductive coil  512  of electronic device  500 , in electrical communication with inductive coil  112 , may be in a power transmitting mode, and may act as a transmitting coil. Once in electrical communication via inductive coils  112 ,  512 , fifth electronic device  500  may provide power to first electronic device  100 . As a result of providing power from fifth electronic device  500  to first electronic device  100 , a charge of battery  120  of first electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 2 ) may increase while a charge of the battery of fifth electronic device  500  (not shown) may decrease. The power provided to first electronic device  100  for charging battery  120  may be provided from the battery of fifth electronic device  500 . 
     In another non-limiting embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , first electronic device  100  may be in electrical communication with second electronic device  200 . Back surface  128  (see  FIG. 3 ) of first electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact front surface  208  of second electronic device  200 . When positioned on front surface  208  of second electronic device  200 , inductive coils  112  of first electronic device  100  may be aligned with and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   b  of second electronic device  200 . When in electrical communication, the respective inductive coils  112 ,  212   b  may transmit power between electronic devices  100 ,  200 . 
     In order to transmit power between electronic devices  100 ,  200 , the operational modes of the electrically communicative inductive coils  112 ,  212   b  may be distinct from one another. In the non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , electronic device  200  may transmit power to electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example, inductive coil  112  of electronic device  100  may be in power receiving mode, and may act as a receiving coil. Additionally, inductive coil  212   b  of electronic device  200 , in electrical communication with inductive coil  112 , may be in a power transmitting mode, and may act as a transmitting coil. Once in electrical communication via inductive coils  112 ,  212   b , second electronic device  200  may provide power to first electronic device  100 . As a result of providing power from second electronic device  200  to first electronic device  100 , a charge of battery  120  of first electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 2 ) may increase while a charge of the battery of second electronic device  200  (not shown) may decrease. The power provided to first electronic device  100  for charging battery  120  may be provided from the battery of second electronic device  200 . 
     Prior to transmitting power between electronic devices  100 ,  200 , the respective inductive coils  112 ,  212   b  may be aligned using alignment magnets  124 ,  224 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , alignment magnet  124  of first electronic device  100  may be magnetically attracted to and/or may be magnetically coupled to alignment magnets  224  positioned adjacent inductive coil  212   b  of second electronic device  200 . The magnetic coupling of the alignment magnets  124 ,  224  of respective electronic devices  100 ,  200  may provide a desired coupling and/or alignment for inductive coils  112 ,  212   b  when transmitting power. 
       FIG. 12  shows another non-limiting example of two electronic devices in electrical communication for transmitting power or data between the electronic devices and/or for inductively charging one electronic device using another electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 12 , inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be coupled to inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200 . As a result of being coupled to inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200  and/or the position of alignment magnets  124 ,  224  within respective electronic devices  100 ,  200  (see,  FIGS. 1-3, 5A ), first electronic device  100  may be oriented sideways with respect to second electronic device  200  when inductive coil  112  is in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   a . That is, the position of alignment magnets  124 ,  224  within respective electronic devices  100 ,  200  may determine the orientation of first electronic device  100  when positioned on or in contact with second electronic device  200 . As discussed herein, by positioning first electronic device  100  on second electronic device  200  such that inductive coil  112  is in electrical communication with  212   a , the majority of display  204  of second electronic device  200  may still be visible and/or interacted with by the user. 
     In the non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 12 , first electronic device  100  may transmit power to second electronic device  200 . Inductive coil  112  of electronic device  100  may be in a power transmitting mode and may act as a transmitting coil. Additionally, inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200  in electrical communication with inductive coil  112  may be in a power receiving mode and may act as a receiving coil. Once in electrical communication via inductive coils  112 ,  212   a , first electronic device  100  may provide power to second electronic device  200 . As a result of providing power from first electronic device  100  to second electronic device  200 , a charge of battery  120  of first electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 2 ) may decrease while a charge of the battery of second electronic device  200  (not shown) may increase. The power provided to second electronic device  200  for charging the battery of second electronic device  200  may be provided from the battery of first electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 13  shows another, non-limiting example embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 13 , multiple electronic devices may be positioned on and/or in contact with second electronic device  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , first electronic device  100  and third electronic device  300  may be positioned on or adjacent to second electronic device  200 . First electronic device  100  and third electronic device  300  may be positioned on back surface  228  of second electronic device  200 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , first electronic device  100  may be positioned substantially in the center of second electronic device  200 , such that inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  is in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   b  of second electronic device  200 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 13 , third electronic device  300  may be positioned on second electronic device  200  such that inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300  may be in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200 . As similarly discussed herein, inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300  may be aligned with inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200  using alignment magnets  224 ,  324 . However, as a result of third electronic device  300  having only a single alignment magnet  324  positioned within and/or substantially surrounded by inductive coil  312 , inductive coils  312 ,  212   a  may be aligned only using a single, respective alignment magnet  224 ,  324  of respective electronic devices  200 ,  300 . 
     In a non-limiting example, second electronic device  200  may transmit power to both first electronic device  100  and third electronic device  300 . As a result, inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b  of second electronic device  200  may transmit power and may act as a transmit coil and inductive coils  112 ,  312  of first and third electronic devices  100 ,  300 , respectively, may receive power and may act as receiving coils. 
     However, it is understood that the electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300  shown in  FIG. 13  may transmit power in various manners through all different electronic devices. In an additional non-limiting example, first electronic device  100  may transmit power to second electronic device  200  and second electronic device  200  may transmit power to third electronic device  300 . In the additional non-limiting example, inductive coils  112 ,  212   a  of first and second electronic device  100 ,  200 , respectively, may transmit power and may act as a transmit coils and inductive coils  212   b ,  312  of second and third electronic devices  200 ,  300  may receive power and may act as receiving coils. 
       FIG. 14  shows a further, non-limiting example of multiple electronic devices configured to inductively charge at least one of the electronic devices. As shown in  FIG. 14 , third electronic device  300  may contact and/or be positioned on front surface  108  of first electronic device  100 . First electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact front surface  208  of second electronic device  200 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 14 , inductive coils  112 ,  212   a ,  312  may all be aligned and in electrical communication with the adjacent inductive coil or with each of the aligned inductive coils. Inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300  may be in electrical communication with inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100 . In the example, inductive coil  312  may also be in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200 . Additionally, in the further, non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 14 , inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be in electrical communication with both inductive coil  312  and  212   a.    
     As a result of the electrical communication formed between first, second, and third electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 , power may be transmitted through the electronic devices in any manner. For example, second electronic device  200  may transmit power to increase the charge of battery  120  (see  FIG. 2 ) of first electronic device  100  and simultaneously increase the charge of the battery (not shown) of third electronic device  300 . In the example, first electronic device  100  may not only receive power, but may also transmit and/or leak a portion of the received power to third electronic device  300 . As such, inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200  may transmit power and act as a transmit coil and inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300  may receive power and act as a receiving coil. Inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may continuously alternate between a transmit coil for transmitting power to third electronic device  300  and a receive coil for receiving power from second electronic device  200 . 
       FIGS. 15-20  show a variety of non-limiting examples including fourth electronic device  400  and one or more external electronic devices in electrical communication for transmitting power between the electronic devices and/or for inductively charging one electronic device by another electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 15 , first electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . Inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be aligned with and in electrical communication with inductive coil  412   a  positioned within top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . As discussed herein, inductive coils  112 ,  412   a  may be in electrical communication to charge the battery for a respective electronic device  100 ,  400 . 
       FIG. 16  shows another, non-limiting example, where first electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact track pad  444  formed in top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . Inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be aligned with and in electrical communication with inductive coil  412   b  positioned below track pad  444  of fourth electronic device  400 . As discussed herein, inductive coils  112 ,  412   b  may be in electrical communication to charge the battery of respective electronic devices  100 ,  400 . Additionally, in the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 16 , as a result of first electronic device  100  substantially covering track pad  444  of fourth electronic device  400 , the touchscreen or touch sensor of the display  104  may be used as a substitute input for track pad  444 . In some embodiments, first electronic device  100  and fourth electronic device  400  may not only power but may also transmit data such that the touchscreen or touch sensor of the display  104  may receive touch input as a substitute for track pad  444  of fourth electronic device  400  (when inductive coil  112  is in electrical communication with inductive coil  412   b ). By configuring display  104  of first electronic device  100  to function as track pad  444 , first electronic device  100  and fourth electronic device  400  may be in electrical communication to inductively charge the battery of one of the respective devices while also allowing a user to interact with fourth electronic device  400  using track pad  444  functionality via the display  104 . 
       FIG. 17  shows an additional, non-limiting example of multiple electronic devices. As shown in  FIG. 17 , first electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . Inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be aligned with and in electrical communication with inductive coil  412   a  positioned within top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . Additionally, third electronic device  300  may be positioned on and contact top case  440 , opposite first electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300  may be aligned with and in electrical communication within inductive coil  412   c  positioned within top case  440  of fourth electronic device  400 . As discussed herein, inductive coils  112 ,  312 ,  412   a ,  412   c  may be in electrical communication to charge the battery for respective electronic devices  100 ,  300 ,  400 . 
       FIG. 18  shows multiple electronic devices  100 ,  300  positioned on and/or contacting display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400 . The electronic devices  100 ,  300  may be spaced apart and positioned on display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be in electrical communication with an inductive coil  412  positioned within display case  446 . Additionally, inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300  may be in electrical communication with an external, inductive coil  412  positioned within display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400 . 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show other non-limiting example embodiments of a multiple electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300  positioned on and/or contacting display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , first electronic device  100  may be positioned on and/or may contact fourth electronic device  400 , and third electronic device  300  may be positioned on and/or may contact first electronic device  100 . As similarly discussed herein, inductive coils  112 ,  312 ,  412  may be aligned and in electrical communication for transmitting power through at least one of electronic devices  100 ,  300 ,  400 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 19 , second electronic device  200  may be positioned on and/or may contact display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400  adjacent first electronic device  100  and/or third electronic device  300 . Either inductive coil  212   a  or  212   c  of second electronic device  200  may be aligned with and in electrical communication with an external inductive coil  412  positioned within display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400 . 
       FIG. 20  shows the electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  stacked on top of one another. As such, inductive coil  312  of third electronic device  300 , inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100 , inductive coil  212   b  of second electronic device  200 , and inductive coil  412  positioned in display case  446  of fourth electronic device  400  may be substantially aligned and in electrical communication with an adjacent inductive coil and/or all aligned inductive coils. As similarly discussed herein, each of the inductive coils  112 ,  212   b ,  312 , and  412  may be configured to transmit and/or receive power from an external electronic device. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 20 , fourth electronic device  400  may be electrically connected to a power cord  448  for charging fourth electronic device  400 . Power cord  448  may be electrically connected to fourth electronic device  400  for increasing the charge of the battery (not shown) of fourth electronic device  400 . In the non-limiting example as shown in  FIG. 20 , power cord  448  may increase the charge of the battery of fourth electronic device  400  while fourth electronic device  400  charges the battery of at least one of the first, second, and third electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 . So long as fourth electronic device  400  is receiving more power from power cord  448  than it is transmitting to the one or more external electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 , fourth electronic device  400  may increase the charge of its battery while simultaneously increasing the charge in the battery or batteries in first, second and/or third electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a front view of a sixth electronic device  600 . In a non-limiting example embodiment as shown in  FIG. 21 , sixth electronic device  600  may be formed as a smart phone substantially similar to first electronic device  100  discussed herein. As shown in  FIG. 21 , sixth electronic device  600  includes a pair of (concentric) inductive coils  650 ,  652 , which are described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 22A-B . Sixth electronic device  600  may also include one or more alignment magnets  624 . It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     In some embodiments, sixth electronic device  600  may include a first inductive coil  650  and a second inductive coil  652 . First inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may be positioned concentric to one another. In some embodiments, the first (outer) inductive coil  650  may substantially encompass and/or be positioned concentrically around the second (inner) inductive coil  652 . First inductive coil  650  may be spaced apart a distance from second inductive coil  652  to minimize and/or eliminate electrical interference and/or noise when one or both of first and second inductive coils  650 ,  652  are transmitting power. First inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may be formed from substantially similar materials, as discussed with respect to inductive coil  112  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  depict a simplified schematic diagram of a first (inner) inductive coil  650  and a second (outer) inductive coil  652  electrically communicating with one or more external inductive coils. In some cases, one or more outer inductive coils  652  may be activated to optimize or improve the wireless power transfer efficiency between the sets of coils. As shown in  FIG. 22A , first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may be in electrical communication or wirelessly coupled with a single, external inductive coil such as inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 1-3 ). The reference lines in  FIG. 22A  represent how first inductive coil  650  may be aligned with the inductive coil  112  when first inductive coil  650  is in electrical communication with inductive coil  112 . Additionally, the reference lines represent how second inductive coil  652  may be aligned with and may be substantially the same size as inductive coil  112 . 
     In some embodiments, coupling efficiency between pairs of inductive coils may be optimal or maximized when the size of the receiving coil is less than or equal to the size of the transmitting coil. Thus, the configuration depicted in  FIG. 22A  may correspond to a scenario in which the first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  together function as an inductive receiver and the inductive coil  112  functions as an inductive inductive. In some implementations, the second (outer) inductive coil  652  may be selectively operated depending on the predicted or measured coupling efficiency with an external coil, such as the inductive coil  112  depicted in  FIG. 22A . Conversely, the configuration depicted in  FIG. 22A  may also correspond to a scenario in which the first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  together function as an inductive inductive and the inductive coil  112  functions as an inductive receiver. In some implementations, the second (outer) inductive coil  652  may be selectively operated depending on the predicted or measured coupling efficiency with the inductive coil  112 . 
     In general, the first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may function substantially similar to the inductive coils discussed herein. In a non-limiting example, first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may act as both a transmitting coil in a power transmitting mode and a receiving coil in a power receiving mode. First inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may both be activated in a transmit operation mode for transmitting power to inductive coil  112 . In some cases, first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may operate independently or separately. In the non-limiting example where first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  operate independently, controller (not shown) of electronic device  600  may determine or estimate a coupling efficiency between the inductive coils between the devices. For example, the controller may estimate the coupling efficiency by comparing the estimated amount of power being transmitted/emitted by one device with the actual or estimated amount of power being received by the other device. In some cases, the controller may be used to activate or deactivate the second (outer) inductive coil  652  based on the estimated coupling efficiency. 
     In some cases, the transmitting device includes multiple outer coils that surround the first coil. Each outer coil may be independently activated based on an estimated coupling efficiency. This allows a single transmit coil to efficiently wirelessly couple power with a wide range of receive coils that may vary in size. The estimated coupling efficiency may be based on an estimate of the transmitted and received power. The estimated coupling efficiency may also be based on the manufacturing specifications of the devices. For example, if the receiving device is identified, the transmitting device may activate one or more outer coils based on the type or size of receiving coil that is specified to be in the identified device. Additionally or alternatively, the device  600  may be configured to activate one or more outer coils for two or more transmission modes and estimate the power coupling efficiency for each transmission mode. The transmission mode having the highest estimated coupling efficiency may be selected to wirelessly transfer power between the two devices. 
     With respect to  FIG. 22A , each of first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  may be configured as a transmitting coil or a receiving coil. In the non-limiting example, first inductive coil  650  may only operate as a transmitting coil for transmitting power to inductive coil  112  and second inductive coil  652  may only operate as a receiving coil for receiving power from inductive coil  112 , as discussed herein. When sixth electronic device  600  is in a power receiving mode, second inductive coil  652  may be operable and first inductive coil  650  may be disabled. Conversely, when sixth electronic device  600  is in a power transmitting mode, first inductive coil  650  may be operable and second inductive coil  652  may be disabled. 
       FIG. 22B  shows another non-limiting example of first inductive coil  650  and second inductive coil  652  in electrical communication with external first inductive coil  660  and external second inductive coil  662  of an external electronic device (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 22B , first inductive coil  650  may be aligned with and may be substantially similar in size to external first inductive coil  660 . Additionally first inductive coil  650  may be concentrically positioned around and/or may encircle external second inductive coil  662 . Also shown in  FIG. 22B , second inductive coil  652  may be concentrically surrounded by and/or encircled by external first inductive coil  660 , may be aligned with, and may be substantially similar in size to external second inductive coil  662 . 
     Similar to  FIG. 22A , first inductive coil  650 , second inductive coil  652 , external first inductive coil  660 , and external second inductive coil  662  may operate as both a transmitting coil and a receiving coil, or alternatively may function as a dedicated transmit or receive coil. Additionally, first inductive coil  650 , second inductive coil  652 , external first inductive coil  660  and external second inductive coil  662  may also be activated together when transmitting power between the inductive coils or only one inductive coil of each electronic device may be operational when transmitting power. Furthermore, and similar to  FIG. 22A , the controller of each electronic device may determine which inductive coil combination is likely to be most efficient when transmitting power and may activate a specified combination of inductive coils based on the efficiency determination. In one non-limiting example, sixth electronic device  600  may transmit power to the external electronic device (not shown) having external first and second inductive coils  660 ,  662 . The respective controllers in the electronic devices may measure or estimate the efficiency of the coupling and one or both of the controllers may either disable/deactivate or enable/activate one or more of the inductive coils to improve the efficiency of the coupling. In some cases, one or both of the controllers perform an iterative measurement and activation or deactivation of the coils to determine a configuration that provides the maximum efficiency given the hardware configuration of the respective devices and sets of inductive coils. 
     When utilizing the inductive charging systems and processes discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-22B  display features of the electronic devices may be altered or modified based on the inductive charging system. Turning to  FIGS. 23A-23C , a process of aligning first electronic device  100  with second electronic device  200  using display features is shown. As shown in  FIG. 23A , first electronic device  100  and second electronic device  200  may be operational. As a result, first electronic device  100  may include a group of interactive, computerized application icons  160 , referred to herein as “app icons,” visible on display  104 . The group of apps icons  160  may be arranged in rows and columns on display  104  of first electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 23A , second electronic device  200  may also include a group of apps icons  260  visible on display  204 . The app icons  160 ,  260  are provided by way of a non-limiting example only and other graphical objects or elements may be displayed and altered or manipulated in a similar way as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, inductive coils  112 ,  212   a - c  are used to detect the presence or proximity of the two devices  100 ,  200 . In some cases, as first electronic device  100  moves over second electronic device  200  in a direction (D), inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may briefly couple and/or electrically communicate with an inductive coil  212   a - c  of second electronic device  200 . In the non-limiting example, as shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B , when the brief coupling and/or communication is made between an inductive coil  112   a - c  of first electronic device  100  and an inductive coil  212   a - c  of second electronic device  200 , the presence or proximity of the devices are detected and one or both of electronic devices  100 ,  200  may enter into an inductive charging mode. In some embodiments, a proximity sensor or other sensing device is used to detect the presence or proximity of electronic devices  100 ,  200  and may be used to trigger an inductive charging mode in one or both of electronic devices  100 ,  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the graphical output of one or both of the displays of electronic devices  100 ,  200  may be altered or modified in response to a coupling between the inductive coils  112 ,  212   a - c .  FIG. 23B  shows first electronic device  100  and second electronic device  200  aligned in accordance with an inductive charging mode after first electronic device  100  has moved over and coupled and/or communicated with second electronic device  200  via inductive coils  112 ,  212   a - c . As shown in  FIG. 23B , the display of electronic devices  100 ,  200  may be modified such that apps icons  160 ,  260  (see  FIG. 23A ) may no longer be displayed or visible on one or both of first and second electronic devices  100 ,  200 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 23B , first electronic device  100  and second electronic device  200  may include device-charging graphical presentation visible on displays  104 ,  204 , respectively, in response to the coupling and/or communication between the inductive coils  112 ,  212   a - c . For example, an inductive coil graphic  162  may be presented on display  104  of first electronic device  100  for indicating the location of the inductive coil  112  within the enclosure  102  of first electronic device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, one or both of the displays  104 ,  204  may present a graphical output in response to first electronic device  100  being proximate to second electronic device  200 . In some instances, the graphical output may include or indicate an alignment condition between electronic devices  100 ,  200 , which may be used to assist or guide the alignment of the two electronic devices  100 ,  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 23B , the display  104  may also present an indicator box  164  which may provide a visual indicator to a user of the alignment between electronic devices  100 ,  200 . In some instances, the indicator box  164  may include text or a graphic which may relate to the alignment of first electronic device  100  with second electronic device  200  when attempting to align inductive coils  112 ,  212   b  to facilitate efficient power transmission between electronic devices  100 ,  200 , as discussed herein. In the example embodiment shown in  FIG. 23B , the indicator box  164  may present a graphic to a user indicating that first electronic device  100  is not properly aligned with second electronic device  200 , and thus, optimal inductive charging may not be achieved between electronic devices  100 ,  200 . In some cases, the indicator box  164  may indicate a degree of misalignment or provide a visual guide to assist the user in moving electronic devices  100 ,  200  into alignment. The indication may include a direction and/or magnitude of misalignment, which is updated as electronic devices  100 ,  200  move with respect to each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23B , display  204  of second electronic device  200  may include substantially similar display features as display  104  of first electronic device  100 . That is, display  204  may display to a user an inductive coil graphic  262  corresponding to a location of the inductive coil  212   b  and an indicator box  264 . In addition in the non-limiting example, display  204  of second electronic device  200  may also include a predicted device outline  266  to aid in the positioning of first electronic device  100  on second electronic device  200  for inductive charging between the devices. When inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  briefly communicates with inductive coil  212   b  of second electronic device  200 , second electronic device  200  may identify or determine that first electronic device  100  is a smart phone. As such, display  204  of second electronic device  200  may display device outline  266  for a smart phone to indicate to the user where first electronic device  100  may be positioned on second electronic device  200  for inductive charging. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23C , a user may position first electronic device  100  on second electronic device  200  within device outline  266 , which may result in first and second electronic devices  100 ,  200  being aligned for inductive charging. In the non-limiting example, when first electronic device  100  is positioned within device outline  266 , inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be aligned and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   b  of second electronic device  200 . Additionally, when first electronic device  100  is positioned within or substantially close to device outline  266 , the alignment magnets  124 ,  224  (see  FIGS. 2 and 5A ) of first and second electronic device  100 ,  200  may be magnetically attracted to each other, which may assist in positioning the first electronic device  100  such that inductive coil  112  may be aligned and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   b , as discussed herein. As shown in  FIG. 23C , when inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  is aligned and/or in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   b , indicator box  164  of first electronic device  100  and/or indicator box  264  of second electronic device  200  may provide or display a graphic or text to a user, indicating that power transmission between electronic devices  100 ,  200  is ready to begin or has already begun. 
     In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 24 , second electronic device  200  may include a group of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b , and  212   c . As a result, when inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  briefly couples and/or communicates with inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c  of second electronic device  200 , the display  204  may display to a user a group of device outlines  266 . Each device outline  266  shown in  FIG. 24  may correspond to aligning and/or positioning inductive coil  112  of electronic device  100  with an external inductive coil  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c  of second electronic device  200 . Additionally, the orientation of each device outline  266  visible on display  204  of second electronic device  200  may correspond to the positioning of alignment magnets  224  (see  FIG. 5A ) of second electronic device  200 . These device outlines  266  may aid in aligning and/or configuring first inductive coil  112  in electrical communication with one or more of inductive coils  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c , as discussed herein. 
     In addition, when positioning first electronic device  100  on second electronic device  200  to transmit power between the electronic devices, the data and displays of the electronic devices may be transferred. That is, as shown in  FIG. 25  and similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 23C , first electronic device  100  may be positioned on second electronic device  200 , such that inductive coil  112  (see  FIG. 2 ) of first electronic device  100  may be in electrical communication with inductive coil  212   b  (see  FIG. 5A ) of second electronic device  200 . Additionally, as discussed herein, once in electrical communication, second electronic device  200  may transmit power to first electronic device  100  for increasing the charge of battery  120  of first electronic device  100 . In addition to transmitting power, inductive coils ( 112 ,  212   b ) may transmit data, as well. As shown in  FIG. 25 , second electronic device  200  may transmit data to first electronic device  100 , such that one or more app icons  260  of second electronic device  200  may be visible and/or interacted with on display  104  of first electronic device  100 . As a result, as first electronic device  100  increases the charge of battery  120  ( FIG. 2 ) by receiving power from second electronic device  200 , first electronic device  100  may also receive data from second electronic device  200 , which allows a user to interact with second electronic device  200  using first electronic device  100 . 
     In another non-limiting example, as shown in  FIGS. 26A-27 , the visible and interactive display area of the electronic devices may be modified when positioning first electronic device  100  on second electronic device  200  to transmit power between the electronic devices. As shown in  FIG. 26A , display area  268  of display  204  of second electronic device  200  may include the entire area of display  204  prior to moving first electronic device  100  over second electronic device  200  to induce a brief communication between inductive coils  112 ,  212   a - c . However, as shown in  FIG. 26B , once the brief coupling and/or communication is made between inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  and inductive coil  212   a  of second electronic device  200 , display area  268  of display  204  may be reduced in size. Display area  268  may be reduced in size by the dimensions of device outline  266  displayed on display  204  of second electronic device  200  used to align inductive coil  112  and inductive coil  212   a , as discussed herein. 
     As a result of the reduction in display area  268  of display  204 , app icons  260  of second electronic device  200  may be altered or shifted on display  204 . As shown by comparison in  FIGS. 26A-26C , app icons  260  may be reduced from 24 app icons  260  displayed on display  204  (see,  FIG. 26A ) to 20 displayed app icons  260  (see,  FIGS. 26B and 26C ). In a non-limiting example, all app icons  260  of second electronic device  200  may shift down, such that the row of app icons  260  positioned closest to button  206  ( FIG. 5A ) of second electronic device  200  may now be displayed on a distinct app icons page of electronic device  200 . In another non-limiting example, the row of app icons  260  positioned furthest from button  206  and may be covered by first electronic device  100  may be moved to a distinct app icons page of electronic device  200 . As shown in  FIG. 26C , although display area  268  of display  204  may be reduced when inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  is in electrical communication within inductive coil  212  of second electronic device  200 , the reduced display area  268  may still be interacted with by a user of second electronic device  200 . As shown in  FIG. 26C , the first electronic device  100  may also present an indicator box  164  on display  104  which may provide a visual indicator to a user of the alignment between electronic devices  100 ,  200 . 
     In an additional non-limiting embodiment and as discussed herein with respect to data transfer between electronic devices, first electronic device  100  may display app icons  260  of second electronic device  200  that may be otherwise covered by first electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 26A-C , inductive coil  112  of first electronic device  100  may be in electrical communication within inductive coil  212  of second electronic device  200  for receiving power from second electronic device  200 . Additionally, inductive coil  212  may transmit data to first electronic device  100 . The data transferred may include information associated with the app icons  260  that may be positioned in the row of app icons covered by first electronic device  100 . As similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 25 , first electronic device  100  may display the data transmitted by second electronic device  200 . In the example of  FIG. 27 , first electronic device  100  may display the row of app icons  260  positioned furthest from button  206 , and may allow a user to interact with these app icons  260 . When a user interacts with the app icons  260  displayed on first electronic device  100 , the app icon  260  may be opened in display area  268  of display  204  of second electronic device  200 . 
       FIG. 28  depicts an example process for inductively charging a battery of an electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 28  is a flowchart depicting one example process  700  for inductively charging at least one electronic device using an external electronic device. 
     In operation  702 , an inductive coil of a first electronic device may be positioned adjacent to an inductive coil of a second electronic device. The positioning may further include positioning the first electronic device directly on the second electronic device, and aligning the inductive coil of the first electronic device with the inductive coil of the second electronic device. The inductive coils may be aligned when the inductive coils are in electrical communication with one another. The positioning of the inductive coil of the first electronic device adjacent the inductive coil of the second electronic device may also include coupling a group of alignment magnets positioned within both the first electronic device and the second electronic device. 
     In operation  704 , the inductive coil of the first electronic device may be configured. The configuring of the inductive coil of the first electronic device may include selecting the operational mode of the inductive coil using a controller coupled to the inductive coil. The operational mode of the inductive coil of the first electronic device may include a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, which may be used to increase a charge of a battery of the first electronic device. The operational mode may also include a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, which may decrease the charge of the battery and/or draw power from an external power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     In operation  706 , the inductive coil of the second electronic device may be configured. The configuring of the inductive coil of the second electronic device may include selecting the operational mode of the inductive coil using a controller coupled to the inductive coil. The operational mode of the inductive coil of the second electronic device may include a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, which may be used to increase a charge of a battery of the first electronic device. The operational mode may also include a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly receiving power, which may decrease the charge of the battery and/or draw power from an external power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     In operation  708 , power may be wirelessly transmitted between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. More specifically, power may be transmitted from the inductive coil of the first electronic device to the inductive coil of the second electronic device, or from the inductive coil of the second electronic device to the inductive coil of the first electronic device. The transmission of power may be dependent on the operational mode of the inductive coil of the first electronic device and the second electronic device where the operational modes are distinct or different. As such, the transmitting of the power from the inductive coil of the first electronic device to the inductive coil of the second electronic device may further include determining if the inductive coil of the first electronic device is configured in a power transmitting operational mode, and determining if the inductive coil of the second electronic device is configured in a power receiving operational mode. Conversely, the transmitting of the power from the inductive coil of the second electronic device to the inductive coil of the first electronic device may further include determining if the inductive coil of the second electronic device is configured in a power transmitting operational mode, and determining if the inductive coil of the first electronic device is configured in a power receiving operational mode. 
     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 intended 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: 20190830
Publication Date: 20210105
Grant Date: 20210105
Priority Date: 20140929
Inventors: KASAR, DARSHAN R.
GRAHAM, Christopher S.
JOL, ERIC S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J2310/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/342", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/342", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2310/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J5/005", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J5/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/342", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2207/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55585502