PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9645721-B2
Application Number: US-201313946756-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Device input modes with corresponding cover configurations

Abstract:
A method performed by a tablet device having a touch screen display and at least one sensor coupled to a processor includes using the at least one sensor to determine that a cover attached to the tablet device is in a partially open configuration, receiving a touch input gesture from an uncovered portion of the touch screen display when the cover is in the partially open configuration, identifying, based upon a type of the input gesture, an operating parameter of the device, determining, based upon the input gesture, a setting value for the operating parameter, and altering the operating parameter of the device based upon the setting value. For example, the gesture can be a swipe, the operating parameter can be a brightness of the display, and altering the operating parameter can include adjusting the brightness of the display based upon the value.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of using a computing device having a touch screen display for accepting input gestures, the touch screen display having portions capable of being rendered unviewable by an accessory device, the method comprising:
 by a processor of the computing device:
 wherein a first partially open cover configuration comprises the touch screen display having a first unviewable portion and a first viewable portion; 
 in the absence of presenting viewable content by the first viewable portion, accepting a first set of input gestures at the first viewable portion, wherein the first set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device; 
 wherein a second partially open cover configuration comprises the touch screen display having a second unviewable portion and a second viewable portion, the second viewable portion including the first viewable portion; and 
 in the absence of presenting viewable content by the second viewable portion, accepting a second set of input gestures at the second viewable portion, wherein the first set of input gestures is a proper subset of the second set of input gestures. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining that the accessory device is in the first partially open cover configuration when a first sensor does not detect a first magnet of the accessory device; and 
 determining that the accessory device is in the second partially open cover configuration when a second sensor does not detect a second magnet of the accessory device. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein each input gesture of the first set of input gestures and the second set of input gestures corresponds to a two-dimensional motion over an area of the touch screen display. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of input gestures includes at least three input gestures and the second set of input gestures includes at least four input gestures. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device independent of whether an input gesture is received at the touch screen display. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining a time period that has elapsed since a detection of the second partially open cover configuration of the accessory device, wherein the second set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device independent of whether an input gesture is received at the touch screen display; and 
 in response to the time period being greater than a threshold value, displaying a user interface having user interface components corresponding to the second set of gestures in the second viewable portion of the touch screen display, the user interface including at least one user interface component corresponding to a parameter adjustment control associated with at least one operating parameter. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining that an input gesture of the first set of input gestures is received when the accessory device is in the first partially open cover configuration and the touch screen display is not presenting viewable content. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 receiving the input gesture when the accessory device is in the first partially open cover configuration, wherein the input gesture causes the computing device to display user interface components. 
 
     
     
       9. The method as in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 using a camera to capture an image; 
 determining an overall luminance value of the captured image; and 
 determining that the accessory device is in the first partially open cover configuration when the overall luminance value is less than a threshold luminance value. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second viewable portion of the touch screen display presents user interface components in response to receiving an input gesture. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of input gestures includes an input gesture for locking the computing device and the second set of input gestures includes an input gesture for changing a resolution of the touch screen display. 
     
     
       12. A computing device, comprising:
 a touch screen display; 
 an accessory device; 
 a processor; and 
 a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to perform operations comprising:
 wherein a first partially open cover configuration comprises the touch screen display having a first unviewable portion and a first viewable portion; 
 in the absence of presenting viewable content by the first viewable portion, accepting a first set of input gestures at the first viewable portion, wherein the first set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device; 
 wherein a second partially open cover configuration comprises the touch screen display having a second unviewable portion and a second viewable portion, the second viewable portion including the first viewable portion; and 
 in the absence of presenting viewable content by the second viewable portion, accepting a second set of input gestures at the second viewable portion, wherein the first set of input gestures is a proper subset of the second set of input gestures. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The computing device of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a first magnet and a second magnet that are each disposed within different foldable flaps of the accessory device; and 
 a first sensor and a second sensor that are each configured to detect the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively. 
 
     
     
       14. The computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the first set of input gestures includes at least three input gestures and the second set of input gestures includes at least four input gestures. 
     
     
       15. The computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the second viewable portion presents user interface components in response to receiving an input gesture. 
     
     
       16. The computing device of  claim 12 , wherein the first set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device independent of whether an input gesture is received at the touch screen display. 
     
     
       17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium configured to store instructions that when executed by a processor in a computing device having a touch screen display and an accessory device, cause the computing device to perform steps that include:
 wherein a first partially open cover configuration comprises the touch screen display having a first unviewable portion and a first viewable portion; 
 in the absence of presenting viewable content by the first viewable portion, accepting a first set of input gestures at the first viewable portion, wherein the first set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device; 
 wherein a second partially open cover configuration comprises the touch screen display having a second unviewable portion and a second viewable portion, the second viewable portion including the first viewable portion; and 
 in the absence of presenting viewable content by the second viewable portion, accepting a second set of input gestures at the second viewable portion, wherein the first set of input gestures is a proper subset of the second set of input gestures. 
 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , wherein the steps further include:
 determining that the accessory device is in the first partially open cover configuration when a first sensor does not detect a first magnet of the accessory device; and 
 determining that the accessory device is in the second partially open cover configuration when a second sensor does not detect a second magnet of the accessory device. 
 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 18 , wherein each input gesture of the first set of input gestures and the second set of input gestures corresponds to a two-dimensional motion over an area of the touch screen display. 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , wherein the first set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device independent of whether an input gesture is received at a control element of the touch screen display. 
     
     
       21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , wherein the second viewable portion presents user interface components in response to receiving an input gesture. 
     
     
       22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 17 , wherein the steps further include:
 determining a time period that has elapsed since a detection of the second partially open cover configuration of the accessory device, wherein the second set of input gestures control operating parameters of the computing device independent of whether an input gesture is received at an application interface of the touch screen display; and 
 in response to the time period being greater than a threshold value, displaying a user interface having user interface components corresponding to the second set of gestures in the second viewable portion of the touch screen display, the user interface including at least one parameter adjustment control associated with at least one operating parameter.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     The described embodiments generally relate to portable electronic devices and associated accessory devices. More particularly, the present embodiments describe an electronic device configured to perform defined operations in accordance with input received by a sensor and a spatial relationship between the device and a foldable accessory device attached thereto. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Recent advances in portable computing include the introduction of hand held electronic devices and computing platforms along the lines of the iPad™ tablet manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. These handheld computing devices can be configured such that a substantial portion of the electronic device takes the form of a touch screen display used for presenting visual content. Generally, information is displayed on the screen, and user input is received by a touch sensor that overlays a display portion of the screen and enables users to select objects displayed on the screen by touching the screen at or near the locations of the objects. To prevent receiving unintentional or unauthorized user input, these devices can have a lock mode, in which access to the device&#39;s features and resources is restricted until a particular input is received by the touch sensor. In lock mode, the screen displays one or more images that the user can touch to unlock the device or initiate an authentication process. For example, a device can display an image such as an icon in a particular location on the screen, and require that the user touch the location of the icon to gain access to other features and resources of the device. However, a user can control the speaker volume of the device using physical volume control buttons or switches, without unlocking the device. Such control of device features without unlocking the device increases user convenience, but is restricted to a very small number of features, since handheld computing devices often have few physical button or switches. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a system, method, and apparatus for controlling certain features of an electronic device in accordance with input received from a touch screen when certain conditions are true, such as a protective cover being in a partially-open configuration, user input being continuously received since the cover was opened, or the like. The device&#39;s ease of use can be increased by enabling access to certain resources or features without requiring the user to unlock the device. 
     An electronic device having a touch screen display, a movable cover, a sensor, and a processor coupled to the display and sensor is described. Sensors can be embedded in the device to determine that a cover attached to the device is in a partially open configuration, in which a portion of the display is covered and another portion is exposed. A user can touch the screen in a motion referred to as an input gesture. Examples of input gestures include touching a point on the screen, moving a finger across the screen in a swipe gesture, touching the screen simultaneously with two fingers and moving the fingers towards each other or away from each other in a pinch or zoom gesture, and so on. When an input gesture is received from the touch screen display and the cover is partially open, an operating parameter of the device can be changed in accordance with the input gesture. The operating parameter being altered can be, for example, display brightness. 
     In one or more embodiments, user interfaces presented on a touch screen display of a device can be changed as size of the region exposed by the cover changes in response to movement or folding of portions of the cover. The different user interfaces can present different levels of detail of an application&#39;s data, such as text, image, audio, or video content. In one aspect, a first user interface displaying a first content item, e.g., application data, can be presented on a first region of a touch screen display when a foldable a cover is in a first partially open configuration that exposes the first region. The first partially open configuration can occur, for example, when a first segment of the cover has been folded away from the display. A second user interface, such as an expanded version of the first user interface showing additional information and having additional features in addition to the first content item, can be presented in an expanded region of the display that includes the first region and a second region adjacent to the first region when the cover is in a second partially open configuration that exposes the expanded region. The second partially open configuration can occur, for example, when a second segment of the cover has been folded away from the display. The first user interface can be, for example, a first email interface configured to display information about an email message, and the second user interface can be a second email interface configured to display information about a plurality of email messages, including the message displayed in the first interface, and content of at least one email message. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention 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 a closed configuration of the cooperating system formed by the tablet device and protective cover. 
         FIG. 2  shows an open configuration of the cooperating system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a top view of an embodiment of a segmented cover. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  shows a foldable cover in varying spatial relationships with respect to tablet device. 
         FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  show representative peek mode functionality in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  show additional peek mode functionality in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a peek mode state diagram in accordance with the described embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a flowchart detailing a process for adjusting device configuration in accordance with input received in peek mode in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a flowchart detailing a process for adjusting device configuration in accordance with input received within a period of time after a device has been powered on or awoken from sleep mode in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a flowchart detailing a process for presenting different user interfaces in portions of a device display that are exposed in different peek modes. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show peek mode input gestures that can set device parameters in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10C and 10D  show peek mode user interfaces that can set device parameters in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  show different audio player user interfaces in different display regions in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  show different video player user interfaces in different display regions in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A-13C  show different electronic mail user interfaces in different display regions in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an arrangement of functional modules utilized by a portable media device. 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an electronic device suitable for use with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     An electronic device having a touch screen display, a movable cover, a sensor, and a processor coupled to the display and sensor is described. In one embodiment, sensors can be embedded in the device to determine that a cover attached to the device is in a partially open configuration, in which a portion of the display is covered and another portion is exposed. A user can touch the screen in a motion referred to as an input gesture. Examples of input gestures include touching a point on the screen, moving a finger across the screen in a swipe gesture, touching the screen simultaneously with two fingers and moving the fingers towards each other or away from each other in a pinch or zoom gesture, and so on. 
     When an input gesture is received from the touch screen display and the cover is partially open, an operating parameter of the device can be changed in accordance with the input gesture. The operating parameter being altered can be, for example, display brightness. In one example, the brightness can be increased in response to a swipe in a first direction, and decrease in response to a swipe in a second direction opposite the first direction. Properties of the gesture, such as the length of the swipe gesture, can be used to determine a setting value for the parameter. For example, if the gesture is a swipe between two points, the brightness can be set proportionally to the distance between the two points. Different types of gestures can correspond to different operating parameters so that the type of the gesture can be used to identify the operating parameter to be altered. For example, a vertical swipe or a pinch and zoom gesture can alter a different parameter, such as speaker volume. A circular swipe can be used to toggle an orientation lock between locked and unlocked values. A lookup table or similar mapping data structure can be defined to store an association between input gesture types and operating parameters. 
     As the device waits for and receives touch input, the display can remain blank or can produce visual feedback indicating the change in the parameter, e.g., by changing brightness in accordance with the brightness parameter as the input gesture is received. A user interface can optionally be displayed, with input controls that the user can adjust via the touch screen to set values of operating parameters associated with the controls. In one example, the visual feedback can be produced by displaying a solid color, pattern, or image, without necessarily displaying any user interface components, so that the user can touch the screen at any exposed portion to cause the parameter to be changed, without necessarily touching a location of a user interface component at a particular location on the display. 
     In one embodiment, a user interface can be displayed in the exposed portion of the display, and the user interface can present at least one parameter adjustment control that is linked to an associated parameter. Touch input can be used to select or move a portion of the parameter adjustment control to set the associated parameter to a value based on a state of the control (e.g., a numeric value that represents a slider control position). In another embodiment, the user interface can be displayed only after a determined time period has elapsed since the partially open configuration was detected, so that the display is not activated immediately upon partially opening the cover. If no input is received after the determined time period, however, the display is activated and the user interface is displayed, thereby informing the user of the controls available. In another embodiment, a time threshold can be applied to the user interface, so that the user interface is active for a period of time, but becomes inactive after the period of time has passed. 
     The cover can be a foldable flap having multiple segments, one of which can be lifted from the display while another covers the display to produce the partially open configuration. Multiple sensors can be used, so that, for example, the partially open configuration can be detected when with a first sensor does not detect an associated first segment of the cover while a second segment does detect a second segment of the cover. 
     In one or more embodiments, a user interface presented on a touch screen display of a device can be changed as the size of the region exposed by the cover changes in response to movement or folding of portions of the cover. The different user interfaces can present different levels of detail of an application&#39;s data, such as text, image, audio, or video content. In one aspect, a first user interface displaying a first content item, e.g., application data, can be presented on a first region of a touch screen display when a foldable a cover is in a first partially open configuration that exposes the first region. The first partially open configuration can occur, for example, when a first segment of the cover has been folded away from the display. A second user interface, such as an expanded version of the first user interface showing additional information and having additional features in addition to the first content item, can be presented in an expanded region of the display that includes the first region and a second region adjacent to the first region when the cover is in a second partially open configuration that exposes the expanded region. The second partially open configuration can occur, for example, when a second segment of the cover has been folded away from the display. 
     The first user interface can be, for example, a first email interface configured to display information about an email message, and the second user interface can be a second email interface configured to display information about a plurality of email messages, including the message displayed in the first interface, and content of at least one email message. The user interfaces can present different levels of detail of an application&#39;s data, such as text, image, audio, or video content. In another example, the user interfaces can present different portions of an application&#39;s data. In yet another example, the user interfaces can present components of different applications, e.g., the first interface can present summary data such as email message headers or media titles, whereas the second interface can present detailed data from a particular one of the applications represented in the first user interface. 
     In one embodiment, the cover is in the first partially-open configuration when a first segment of the cover is folded away from the first region of the display, a second segment of the cover adjacent to the first segment is in contact with the second region, and a third segment of the cover opposite the first segment and adjacent to the second segment is in contact with a third region of the display adjacent to the second region and opposite the first region. The cover is in the second partially-open configuration when the first and second segments of the cover are folded away from the second region of the display, and a third region of the display remains covered by a third segment of the cover. The determination of whether the cover is folded away from or in contact with the display can be made using at least one sensor, as described below. 
     An electronic device responsive to a spatial relationship between the electronic device and a moveable accessory device attached thereto is described. In one embodiment, the electronic device can take the form of a tablet device that can include at least a touch screen display configured to present visual content and receive input responsive to being touched, and at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the moveable accessory device can take the form of a cover or flap that can be pivotally attached to the tablet device, the flap having a size and shape in accordance with the display. The electronic device can determine a spatial relationship between the flap and the display using the sensor. 
     The flap can be configured to include any number of foldable segments. For example, the flap can include two segments or the flap can include three or more segments. For example, when the flap includes three or more segments, the electronic device can determine a spatial relationship between the first, second, and third segments and the display using a first, second, and third sensor disposed in the tablet device. The first, second, and third sensors can cooperate with each other by detecting magnetic fields generated by magnets and based upon the detection, a signal is provided to the tablet device that alters a current operating state of the tablet device in accordance with the detected spatial relationship between the segments and the display. 
     In one embodiment, when the first sensor detects the magnetic field from the first magnet in the first segment, then the tablet device disables the display. However, when the first sensor does not detect the magnetic field from the first magnet and the second sensor does detect the magnetic field from the second magnet, then the tablet device operates in a first peek mode by displaying visual content only in a first viewable portion of the display. The first viewable portion of the display corresponding to that portion of the display covered by the first segment when the flap fully covers the display in a closed configuration. In one embodiment, when the first sensor and the second sensor do not detect magnetic fields from the first magnet and the second magnet, respectively, and the third sensor does detect a magnetic field from the third magnet, and then the tablet device operates in a second peek mode in which a second viewable portion of the display presents visual content. The second viewable portion of the display corresponds to that portion of the display covered by the first and second segments when the flap covers the entire display in the closed configuration. 
     In one embodiment, the tablet device can present visual content in accordance with the current operating state of the tablet device. For example, in the first peek mode, the tablet device can operate to present visual content in only the first viewable portion of the display. Furthermore, the tablet device can execute an application in accordance with the current operating state of the tablet device. For example, in the first peek mode, the tablet device can execute a mail application by presenting visual content only in the first viewable portion of the display. The visual content can take the form of an icon indicating that unopened mail is available for viewing. The tablet device transitions from the first peek mode to the second peek mode, the tablet device can execute the mail application in accordance with the second peek mode. For example, in the first peek mode, the mail application can present a snippet of an email (such as a subject line). However, when the tablet device transitions from the first to the second peek mode by the second segment being lifted from the display (rendering the second magnet not detected by the second sensor), the tablet device can change the displayed email snippet (the subject line, for example) to a larger portion of the email message in accordance with the increased amount of display that is viewable. For example, if sufficient display resources are available, the entire email message can be displayed or the email message can be scrolled using, for example, a scrolling finger gesture applied to a touch sensitive layer corresponding to the viewable portion of the display. In another example, there can be a third peek mode having a viewable portion that is smaller than the full size of the display, but larger than the viewable portion of the second peek mode. In the third peek mode, additional email-related information can be displayed, such as a list of email messages, in addition to one or more entire email messages or scrollable portions of email messages, while still displaying less information than is displayed in the standard mode of operation. 
     In one embodiment, control elements used to control applications can be presented in the viewable area. The control elements can include elements of a user interface that can be used to control volume; media item selection, video selection, and so forth. In one embodiment, the tablet device can present visual media in the viewable area. The visual media can take the form of still images. The visual media can also take the form or moving images and/or video. In one embodiment, the visual media can be presented in accordance with the current operating state of the tablet device. For example, when the display is completely uncovered, then an image (or video) can be presented in a native format and or aspect ratio. However, when the tablet device transitions from a standard operating mode (with the display completely uncovered) to a first peek operating mode, then the image (or video) can be presented in accordance with the first viewable portion of the display. For example, the aspect ratio and or resolution of the image (or video) can be altered to fit the available display area. In another example, in a first peek mode with a relatively small viewable portion, the audio content of a video can be played through the device&#39;s speakers. In a second peek mode with a larger viewable portion, the video images can be displayed in a reduced-size format that fits the larger viewable portion. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-15 . For example, embodiments that involve changing the presentation and elements of user interfaces as movement of the cover causes the size of the viewable area to change are described in further detail below. 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. 
     The remainder of this discussion will describe particular embodiments of electronic devices that can operate in accordance with a spatial relationship between the device and an accessory device attached thereto. In particular,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show electronic device  100  presented in terms of tablet device  100  and accessory device  200  in the form of foldable cover  200 .  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of tablet device  100  and foldable cover  200  in an open configuration whereas  FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of tablet device  100  and foldable cover  200  in a closed configuration. Tablet device  100  can take the form of a tablet computing device such as the iPad™ manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
       FIG. 1  shows foldable cover  200  in an open configuration. Tablet device  100  can include housing  102  that can enclose and support a magnetic attachment feature that provides magnetic surface suitable for magnetically attaching foldable cover  200  and tablet device  100 . Housing  102  can also enclose and support internally various structural and electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for tablet device  100 . Housing  102  can include display assembly  104  for presenting visual content at a display layer (not shown). The visual content that can include visual, still images, as well as icons such as graphical user interface (GUI) that can provide information the user (e.g., text, objects, graphics). Display assembly  104  underlying cover glass  106  can be used to display images using any suitable display technology, such as LCD, LED, OLED, electronic or e-inks, and so on. 
     Display assembly  104  can include a number of other layers such as a touch sensitive layer providing a mechanism for receiving a tactile event at tablet device  100  using a touch input. In the described embodiment, display assembly  104  is protected by a topmost layer taking the form of transparent cover glass  106  formed of polycarbonate or other appropriate plastic or highly polished glass that fully covers display assembly  104 . In some embodiments, a display mask can be applied to, or incorporated within or under cover glass  106 . The display mask can be used to accent an unmasked portion of the display used to present visual content and can be used to make less obvious the magnetic attachment feature disposed within housing  102 . 
     Tablet device  100  can include various sensors that can be placed in any number of suitable locations. In one embodiment, sensors  108 ,  110 ,  111  can be placed on edge  112  and edge  114 , respectively, of tablet device  100 . It should be noted, however, that the number of sensors and their placement can be widely varied. Sensors  108 ,  110 , and  11  can take many forms and can be configured to detect any number and type of external stimulus. For example, sensor  108  can take the form of a Hall Effect sensor (HFX) that can detect an external magnetic field and respond by providing a signal to a processor in tablet device  100 . The processor can, in turn, respond to the signal from HFX sensor  108  by altering a current operating state of tablet device  100 . Similarly, sensor  110  can also be an HFX sensor that can cooperate with HFX sensor  108 . It should be noted, however, the sensors  108 ,  110  can be any sensor (optical, tactile, etc.) and any combination of sensors deemed appropriate. Other sensors can include optical sensors. For example, when tablet device  100  includes an image capture device such as camera  116 , then camera  116  can be used to determine if flap  202  is in a closed position. Camera  116  can periodically capture an image and based upon the image, provide information that can be used to determine if flap  202  is in the closed, partially open, or open configuration. For example, a uniformly blank image can indicate that the cover is closed, an image that includes an image of the portion of the cover can indicate that the cover is partially open, and an image that is not blank and does not include the cover can indicate that the cover is fully open. In some instances, using camera  116  can be adverse to battery operation. In those situations, an optical sensor such as ambient light sensor (ALS)  118  can be used to sense an amount of ambient light. Clearly, if flap  202  is covering ALS  118 , then ALS will not detect any ambient light and that information can be used to deduce the position of flap  202  with respect to tablet device  100 . 
     Accessory device  200  can take the form foldable cover  200 . Foldable cover  200  can have a look and feel that complements that of the tablet device  100  adding to overall look and feel of tablet device  100 . Foldable cover  200  can include flap  202 . Flap  202  can be formed from a single piece of foldable or pliable material. In some embodiments, flap  202  can also be divided into segments separated from each other by a folding region. In this way, the segments can be folded with respect to each other and tablet device  100  at the folding regions. In one embodiment, flap  202  can be formed of layers of material attached to one another forming a laminate structure. Each layer can take the form of a single piece of material that can have a size and shape in conformance with flap  202 . Each layer can also have a size and shape that correspond to only a portion of flap  202 . For example, in the case of a segmented flap, a layer of rigid or semi-rigid material about the same size and shape of a segment can be attached to or otherwise associated with the segment. In another example, a layer of rigid or semi-rigid material having a size and shape in accordance with flap  202  can be used to provide foldable cover  200  as a whole with a resilient foundation. It should be noted that the layers can each be formed of materials having desired properties. Flap  202  can also include magnets  204  and  206  detectable by sensors  108  and  110  respectively. 
       FIG. 2  shows foldable cover  200  in closed configuration. More specifically, flap  202  can be pivotally connected to tablet device  100  by way of a hinge assembly  208 . Hinge assembly  208  can include magnets or a magnetically attractable element that creates a magnetic circuit with corresponding magnets in tablet device  100 . In this embodiment, the magnetic attachment force between hinge assembly  208  and tablet device  100  can maintain foldable cover  200  and tablet device  100  in a proper orientation and placement vis-a-vis flap  202  and cover glass  106 . By proper orientation it is meant that foldable cover  200  can only properly attach to tablet device  100  having flap  202  and cover glass  106  aligned in a mating engagement. The mating arrangement is such that flap  202  covers substantially all of cover glass  106  when flap  202  is placed in contact with cover glass  106  in the closed configuration. In one embodiment, tablet device  100  can include a sensor, or sensors, that can detect whether or not foldable cover  200  is attached to tablet device  100 . For example, when the attachment mechanism is magnetic in nature, then the sensor can be a HFX sensor that can detect the presence of a magnetic field from magnets disposed in the hinge assembly. In one embodiment, flap  202  can include magnets positioned in such a way as to be detectable by HFX sensors in tablet device  100  when foldable cover  200  is in the closed configuration or a partially open configuration described below. For example, magnet  204  can be detectable by HFX  108  whereas magnets  206  and  207  can be detectable by HFX sensors  110  and  111 , respectively. An arrangement of magnets (or other objects that can be detected by an appropriate sensor) along an edge  114  can facilitate the determination of a spatial relationship between tablet device  100  and flap  202 . This is particularly true in those situations where flap  202  is segmented in such a way that at least two segments include at least one detectable object (such as a magnet) each that can be readily detected by corresponding sensors (such as HFX sensors) in tablet device  100 . A specific example of a segmented flap is described below with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of a specific embodiment of foldable cover  300  in the form of segmented cover  300 . Segmented cover  300  can include flap  302 . In a specific embodiment, flap  302  can be partitioned into a number of segments  304 - 310  interspersed with thinner, foldable portions  312 . Each of the segments  304 - 310  can include one or more inserts disposed therein. Segments  304 - 310  can each include inserts that can be used to provide structural support for segmented flap  302 . That is, the inserts can provide stiffness to foldable cover  300 . Flap  302  can include a number of magnets. For example, segment  304  can include magnet(s)  314 , segment  306  can include magnet(s)  316 , and segment  308  can include magnet(s)  318 . In the described embodiment, the magnets in segmented flap  302  are detectable by sensors in tablet device  100 . The sensors in tablet device  100  can cooperate to determine a spatial relationship between cover assembly  300  and tablet device  100  and more particularly, cover glass  106 . Cover assembly  300  can pivotally attach to tablet device  100  using hinge assembly  320  that can provide one or more pivots to allow cover assembly  300  to fold over on display assembly  104  while cover assembly  300  is attached to tablet device  100 . Hinge assembly  208  can include magnetically attractable elements (such as magnets) disposed with hinge span  322 . The magnets can interact with magnetic surface  101  to releasably attach cover assembly  300  and tablet device  100 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  shows foldable cover  300  in varying spatial relationships with respect to tablet device  100 . For example,  FIG. 4A  shows foldable cover  300  in the closed configuration completely covering cover glass  106 . In this arrangement, tablet device  100  can operate in what can be referred to as standard mode in which in one embodiment, display assembly  104  is not active and does not present any visual content. 
     However, when segment  304  is lifted from cover glass  106 , sensor  108  in tablet device  100  can no longer detect magnet  204  in foldable cover  300 . In contrast, sensor  110  can detect magnet  206  since segment  306  remains in contact with cover glass  106  and the magnetic field from magnet  206  remains detectable by sensor  110 . In this way, tablet device  100  can evaluate signals from sensors  108  and  110  to deduce that segment  304  and only segment  304  has been lifted from cover glass  106  revealing exposed portion  402 . Accordingly, tablet device  100  can change a current operating state to a first peek mode in which display assembly  104  presents visual content only at exposed portion  402 . For example, tablet device  100  can display indicator  404  showing an amount of display resources (in this case the number of pixels) available for display. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 4C  when segment  306  is not lifted to reveal an additional portion  406  of cover glass  106 , neither sensor  108  nor sensor  110  can detect a magnetic field. In this situation, another sensor (such as an optical sensor or an additional HFX sensor) to confirm that only segments  304  and  306  are lifted from cover glass  106 . In this case, tablet device  100  can deduce that only segments  304  and  306  are lifted and respond by entering what is referred to as a second peek mode in which extended portion  402  of display assembly  104  presents visual content. In this case, indicator  404  can be modified to reflect the larger amount of display resource (256 pixels) now available for presenting visual content. Hence, information in the form of visual content such as time of day, notes, and so forth can be presented for viewing on only that portion of display viewable. 
     For example, when Hall Effect sensor  108  detects that cover assembly  300  is in contact with cover glass  106  indicating that the display is not viewable, then the signal sent by Hall Effect sensor  108  can be interpreted by a processor in tablet device  100  to change the current operating state to sleep state. On the other hand, when segment  304  is lifted from cover glass  106 , Hall Effect sensor  108  can respond to the removal of the magnetic field from magnet  204  by sending another signal to the processor. The processor can interpret this signal by again altering the current operating state. The altering can include changing the operating state from the sleep state to an active state. In another embodiment, the processor can interpret the signal sent by Hall Effect sensor  108  in conjunction with other sensors by altering the operating state of tablet device  100  to a peek mode in which only that portion of the display exposed by the lifting of segment  304  is activated and capable of displaying visual content and/or receiving (or sending) tactile inputs. 
     In some cases, when segment  306  is lifted from cover glass  106  at the same time that Hall Effect sensor  108  indicates that segment  304  is also lifted, the presence of sensors in addition to Hall Effect sensor  108  can cause the processor to enter into an extended peek mode in which additional display resources corresponding to the additional exposed portion of the display are also activated. For example, if tablet device  100  includes other sensors (such as optical sensors) that can detect the presence of a particular segment, then signals from Hall Effect sensor  108  in combination with other sensor signals can provide an indication to the processor that a particular portion or portions of the display assembly are currently viewable and can thus be enabled to present visual content. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5A , when tablet device  100  has determined that only segment  304  has been lifted, then tablet device  100  can change operating state to “first peek” state in which only the exposed portion  402  of the display actively presents visual content in the form of icons  502 . Hence, information in the form of visual content such as time of day, notes, and so forth can be presented for viewing on only that portion of display viewable. Once the sensors detect that segment  304  has been placed back on glass layer  106 , tablet device  100  can return to the previous operational state such as a sleep state. Furthermore, in another embodiment, when an icon arranged to respond to a touch is displayed, then that portion of a touch sensitive layer corresponding to the visible portion of the display can also be activated. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5B , when additional segments (such as segment  306 ) are lifted from cover glass  106  to further expose portions of cover glass  106 , second portion  406  of display assembly  104  can present visual content. In this way, in the “extended” or second peek mode, additional visual information, such as icons  504  (in addition to or in place of icons  502 ), can be presented in extended portion  506  of display assembly  104 . It should be noted that as segments are lifted from cover glass  106 , the current operating state of tablet device  100  can change such that additional segments of the display can present visual content. 
       FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  shows a situation where the spatial relationship between foldable cover  300  and tablet device  100  can result in tablet device  100  operating in a peek mode in accordance with the described embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 6A  illustrates the spatial relationship between foldable cover  300  and tablet device  100  can cause tablet device  100  to operate in the first peek mode. In the described embodiments, tablet device  100  operates in the first peek mode when segment magnet  206  is not detected by sensor  108  and magnet  204  is detected by sensor  110  indicating that only segment  304  is lifted thereby uncovering portion  402  of cover glass  106 . Accordingly, in first peek mode, icons  602  or other visual elements can be displayed only in viewable portion  604  of display assembly  104  of tablet device  100 . Icons  602  can be simply display type icons or in some instances, some or all of icons  602  can be user interactive. For example, icon  602 - 1  can display a clock showing the current time whereas icon  602 - 2  can represent graphical user interfaces in the form of a control panel used to modify operations of a media player function performed by tablet device  100 . Other icons can include, icon  602 - 3  representing current weather conditions, icon  602 - 4  representing a stock market result, and so on. 
       FIG. 6B , on the other hand, illustrates second (or extended) peek mode in which additional functionality can be enabled when it is determined that more than a portion  402  of display assembly  104  is viewable in the form of portion  406  when segment  306  and segment  304  are each lifted. Tablet display  100  can deduce that only segments  304  and  306  are lifted when neither sensor  108  nor  110  can detect magnets  204  and  206 . In order to distinguish from the open configuration, a third sensor (possible in the form of an additional HFX sensor) can be used to determine that segment  308  remains in contact with cover glass  106 . Therefore, in second peek mode, additional information available in portions of foldable cover  300  in contact with display assembly  104  can cause tablet device  100  to alter its operating state along the lines disclosed. For example, in second peek mode, an additional display area that can be rendered viewable can be used to present video  606 - 2  (with overlaid user interface  602 - 2  or equivalent), textual data  606 - 1  and so on. 
     It should be noted that tablet device  100  can transition directly from the first peek mode to the open configuration and from the open configuration directly to the first peek mode. In these situations, an application (such as an email application) can be set to display visual information in accordance with the operating state of tablet device  100 . For example, if tablet device  100  is in the open configuration and is displaying desktop icons consistent with a standard operating mode, if tablet device  100  determines that foldable cover  300  is now positioned in a manner consistent with the first peek mode, then the email application will immediately transition from the standard mode of operation to a mode of operation in accordance with the first peek mode. For example, the email application can present a full email in the standard mode but can transition to presenting only a subject line (or other visual information) consistent with the available display resources. 
       FIG. 7  shows state peek mode state diagram  700  in accordance with the described embodiments. It should be noted that although peek mode state diagram shows three tablet device operating states (standard, first peek, second peek), the number of operating states can be related in some embodiments to the number of foldable segments. For example, if n represents the number of foldable segments, then there can be n−1 peek modes available (assuming that there are adequate sensor resources for the tablet device). As shown in  FIG. 7 , tablet device  100  can operate in a standard operating mode at  702  when tablet device  100  determines that foldable cover  300  is in either the open configuration or the closed configuration. In the open configuration ( 704 ), display assembly  104  is able to present visual content without restriction. In the closed configuration ( 706 ), display assembly  104  is prevented from presenting any visual content (in order to preserve battery resources) since all of cover glass  106  is unviewable. 
     When tablet device  100  is in the standard mode ( 702 ) and segment  304  (represented as “S 1 ”) is lifted, then tablet device  100  determines that only segment  304  is lifted and changes to first peek mode operating state ( 708 ). In the first peek mode operating state, any visual content presented by display assembly  104  is limited to that portion of display assembly  104  that is determined to be viewable consistent with segment  304  being lifted. In first peek mode, when segment  304  is no longer lifted from tablet device  100 , then tablet device  100  returns to standard mode ( 702 ) and more particularly, the closed configuration. However, when tablet device  100  is in the first peek mode ( 708 ) and segment  306  (“S 2 ”) is determined to be lifted by tablet device  100 , then tablet device  100  changes to a second peek mode ( 710 ). In the second peek mode, visual content is presented by display assembly  104  in only that portion determined to be viewable. 
     When tablet device  100  determines that segment  306  is not lifted, and then tablet device  100  transitions from the second peek mode to the first peek mode. Also, when tablet device is in the second peek mode and tablet device  100  determines that both segments are not lifted, and then tablet device  100  transitions directly from second peek mode to standard mode consistent with foldable cover being in the closed configuration. Conversely, tablet device  100  can transition directly from the standard mode consistent with the closed configuration when segments  304  and  306  are both lifted concurrently. Also in the second peek mode, tablet device  100  can transition directly to the standard mode consistent with foldable cover being in the open configuration when all remaining segments of foldable cover  300  are lifted. 
     It should also be noted, that applications can be executed in accordance with the current operating state of tablet device  100 . For example, an application running in first peek mode can immediately transition to a second peek mode (and vice versa). In the case of an email application, a full version of an email message can be presented in the standard mode, a smaller version (possibly just a pre-defined summation) in the second peek mode, and only a subject line in the first peek mode. It should be appreciated that a user can provide peek mode settings which can determine how tablet device  100  responds to foldable cover  300  being positioned in a manner consistent with a peek mode. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a flowchart detailing a process  800  for adjusting device configuration in accordance with input received in peek mode in accordance with the described embodiments. The process  800  begins at block  802 , which determines whether the cover is partially open. The partially-open configuration can be detected using the sensor-based techniques described elsewhere herein. Block  804  optionally determines whether to display a user interface in a region of the display screen exposed by the partially open cover. The user interface can be, for example, one of the interfaces  1052 ,  1062  shown in  FIGS. 10C and 10D . In one embodiment, the user interface is not displayed, in which case blocks  804  and  806  are not used. In another embodiment, the user interface is displayed after a period of time has elapsed, e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or the like, so that the display is not initially activated, thereby saving battery power and providing less intrusive operation in darkness or other situations in which illuminating the display is not desired. In still another embodiment, the user interface is always displayed at block  806 , in which case the conditional check at block  804  is not used. 
     If block  804  determines that the user interface is to be displayed, block  806  displays the user interface components on the touch screen. Block  808  determines whether a touch input gesture has been received. If not, control returns to block  802 , and the process waits for a touch input gesture while potentially continuing to check at block  804  whether sufficient time has elapsed to display the user interface. If block  808  determines that touch input has been received, block  810  identifies an operating parameter of the device based upon the type of the input gesture. As described above, a lookup table or other mapping can be queried for the operating parameter that corresponds to a particular input gesture. Block  812  determines a setting value for the operating parameter based upon the input gesture. For example, a magnitude or size of the input gesture can be used to determine a corresponding proportional value for the parameter. Block  814  alters the parameter based upon the determined setting value, e.g., by setting the parameter to the determined setting value. The setting value can be numeric, alphabetic, Boolean, or the like. The illustrated process ends after the value has been set and block  816  determines that no further touch input gesture has been received. Otherwise, if another touch input gesture has been received, block  816  transfers control back to block  802  to repeat the process  800 . The process  800  can be repeated as long as the cover is partially open, touch input is received, and, in one embodiment, as long as a predetermined time period has not elapsed since opening of the cover. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a flowchart detailing a process  850  for adjusting device configuration in accordance with input received within a period of time after a device has been powered on or awoken from sleep mode in accordance with the described embodiments. The process  850  begins at block  852  by receiving a first touch input subsequent to a power up (or wakeup) of the device from a powered-off or sleep state. Block  854  determines if the first touch input was received within a threshold time after the power on or wakeup. If not, then the process ends. If such input was received, block  854  identifies a gesture in the input. Block  858  identifies an operating parameter of the device based on the type of input gesture, as described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . Block  860  determines a setting value for the operating parameter based upon the input gesture, and block  862  alters the operating parameter, e.g., by setting the parameter to the setting value. Block  864  determines if another touch input gesture has been received, and, if so, transfers control back to block  856  to process the next input gesture. Otherwise, the process ends when block  864  determines that no further input gesture has been received. 
       FIG. 9  shows a flowchart  900  detailing a process for presenting different user interfaces in portions of a device display that are exposed in different peek modes. The process of  FIG. 9  begins at block  902  by determining whether a first portion of the display is uncovered. If so, block  904  activates only the first portion of the display, and block  906  presents a first user interface, including a first content item, in a first portion of the display, as described above. Block  908  determines if a second portion of the display has been uncovered, e.g., by a segment of the cover being folded away from the display. If so, block  910  activates a second portion of the display, such as the portion exposed by folding away of the cover. Block  912  presents a second user interface in an expanded portion of the display, which can include both the first portion and the second portion. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show peek mode input gestures that can set device parameters in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 10A  shows a first set of gestures  1010 - 1018 , each of which can be associated with an operational parameter and received by a touch input screen. No user interface components are displayed in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , so that the display screen can remain dark while touch input is provided, as described above with reference to  FIG. 8A . A display  1000  is divided into four logical portions or regions, including a first region  1002 , a second region  1003 , a third region  1004 , and a fourth region  1005 . A first segment of the cover corresponding to the first region  1002  has been folded up to expose the first region  1002 . A right swipe  1010  on the display screen can, for example, increase a brightness of the screen, and a left swipe  1012  can decrease the brightness of the screen. An upward swipe  1014  can increase the volume of the device&#39;s audio output, and a downward swipe  1016  can decrease the volume. A clockwise circular swipe  1018  can set a screen orientation lock to true, so that the orientation of the screen does not change as the device&#39;s orientation changes. These associations between gestures and parameters are examples, and other associations are possible. Gestures can be received similarly in other device orientations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10B , a second segment of the cover corresponding to region  1003  of a display  1001  has been folded up, so that both regions  1002  and  1003  are exposed. The expanded region  1006  included both regions  1002  and  1003 . A right upward angled swipe  1020  can increase screen brightness, and a left downward angled swipe  1022  can decrease screen brightness. An upward angled two finger swipe  1024  can, for example, cause functions to be performed such as increasing screen resolution, causing an audio player to advance to a next track, causing the user interface of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  to be displayed, or the like. A downward swipe  1026  can decrease the device volume. A circular swipe  1028  can toggle the orientation screen lock. A two-finger pinch gesture  1032  can cause the device to shut down and power off A two-finger zoom gesture  1030  can cause the device to switch to a standard operating mode, as if the display were completely uncovered. 
       FIGS. 10C and 10D  show peek mode user interfaces that can set device parameters in accordance with the described embodiments. In  FIG. 10C , a display  1050  has four regions  1002 ,  1003 ,  1004 ,  1005 . A first user interface  1052  is displayed in the first region  1002  in response to the first segment of a cover being folded up to expose region  1002 . The user interface  1052  includes a brightness control slider  1054 , which can be adjusted by user input received from the touch screen. The user input can be a right swipe  1010  that starts on the round slider feature and continues to the right to cause the brightness to increase. An audio mute control  1056  can be tapped by the user to cause the audio to be muted.  FIG. 10D  shows a display  1051  in which two of the regions have been exposed to form an expanded region  1006 . A user interface is displayed in the expanded region  1006 . Since the expanded region  1006  is larger than the first region  1002 , the second user interface displays additional user interface components and information. A brightness slider  1064  can be used to alter the brightness of the display based on touch input. A volume control slider  1066  can similarly be used to alter the audio volume of the device. A mute control  1068  can mute the device volume and displays a line through the sound icon to indicate that the device volume is muted. An orientation lock control  1070  can toggle the display orientation lock in response to a tap or circular swipe gesture. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show different audio player user interfaces in different display regions in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 11A  shows a display  1100 , which includes four regions  1102 - 1105 . A first audio player user interface  1110  is displayed in the first region  1102 . The first audio player user interface  1110  includes a Now Playing text field  1112 , which indicates the name and other information describing a current audio track. A play button  1114  can be tapped to cause the audio to play or pause. A progress bar  1116  shows the percentage of time elapsed and remaining in the current track. A time  1116  indicates the total time of the audio track.  FIG. 11B  shows a second audio player user interface  1120  displayed in an expanded portion  1106  of the display  1101 , which can be displayed when a second segment of a cover is folded up to expose the portion  1106 . The second audio player user interface  1120  includes the Now Playing text field  1112 , the play button  1114 , the slider  1118 , and the time  1116 . An album artwork image  1122  shows artwork associated the current track. A track list  1124  lists the tracks of the album associated with the current track. A similar track list  1126  lists tracks similar to the current track. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  show different video player user interfaces in different display regions in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 12A  shows a display  1200  having four regions  1202 - 1205 . A first video player user interface  1210  is displayed in the first region  1202 , e.g., when only a first segment of a cover is lifted or folded up. A video player icon  1212  indicates that the video player is active, and can be tapped to cause a full screen video player or expanded video player user interface to appear. A video title  1214  indicates the title of a video for which the audio track is currently being played. A play button and progress bar  1216  shows the current position in the video.  FIG. 12B  shows a display  1201  in which two segments of the cover have been lifted or folded up to expose an expanded region  1206 . A second user interface  1220  is displayed in the expanded region  1206 , including the video title  1214 , video content  1222 , a related videos list  1224 , and player controls  1216 .  FIG. 12C  shows a display  1203  in which three segments of the cover have been lifted or folded up to expose an expanded region  1208 . A third user interface  1230  is displayed in the expanded region  1208 . The third user interface  1230  includes the video title  1214 , an enlarged video display  1232 , the playback controls  1216 , an expanded related video list  1234 , and social network sharing controls  1236 . 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  show different electronic mail user interfaces in different display regions in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 13A  shows a display  1300  having four regions  1302 - 1305 . A first email user interface  1310  is displayed in the first region  1302 , e.g., when only a first segment of a cover is lifted or folded up. An email icon  1312  indicates that the email user interface is active, and can be tapped to cause a full screen email interface or expanded email interface  1320 ,  1330  to be displayed. An email header  1314  is displayed in the user interface  1310 .  FIG. 13B  shows a display  1301  presenting a second email user interface  1320  displayed in an expanded region  1306 . The second email user interface  1320  includes a list of mail message headers  1322 , which can include the header  1314  from the first interface  1310 . The second interface  1320  also includes message text  1324  of a selected message.  FIG. 13C  shows a display  1303  presenting a third email user interface  1330  in a further expanded region  1308 . The third email user interface  1330  includes an expanded mail message list  1332 , an expanded message text  1334 , and summary information  1336  about the message list  1332 . 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of an arrangement  1400  of functional modules utilized by an electronic device. The electronic device can, for example, be tablet device  100 . The arrangement  1400  includes an electronic device  1402  that is able to output media for a user of the portable media device but also store and retrieve data with respect to data storage  1404 . The arrangement  1400  also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) manager  1406 . The GUI manager  1406  operates to control information being provided to and displayed on a display device. The arrangement  1400  also includes a communication module  1408  that facilitates communication between the portable media device and an accessory device. Still further, the arrangement  1400  includes an accessory manager  1410  that operates to authenticate and acquire data from an accessory device that can be coupled to the portable media device. 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an electronic device  1550  suitable for use with the described embodiments. The electronic device  1550  illustrates circuitry of a representative computing device. The electronic device  1550  includes a processor  1552  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  1550 . The electronic device  1550  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1554  and a cache  1556 . The file system  1554  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system  1554  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the electronic device  1550 . However, since the access time to the file system  1554  is relatively slow, the electronic device  1550  can also include a cache  1556 . The cache  1556  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1556  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1554 . However, the cache  1556  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1554 . Further, the file system  1554 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1556 . The power consumption is often a concern when the electronic device  1550  is a portable media device that is powered by a battery  1574 . The electronic device  1550  can also include a RAM  1570  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1572 . The ROM  1572  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1570  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1556 . 
     The electronic device  1550  also includes a user input device  1558  that allows a user of the electronic device  1550  to interact with the electronic device  1550 . For example, the user input device  1558  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the electronic device  1550  includes a display  1560  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1552  to display information to the user. A data bus  1566  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1554 , the cache  1556 , the processor  1552 , and the CODEC  1563 . 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  1550  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, podcasts, etc.) in the file system  1554 . When a user desires to have the electronic device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  1560 . Then, using the user input device  1558 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1552 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1563 . The CODEC  1563  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1564 . The speaker  1564  can be a speaker internal to the electronic device  1550  or external to the electronic device  1550 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the electronic device  1550  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The electronic device  1550  also includes a network/bus interface  1561  that couples to a data link  1562 . The data link  1562  allows the electronic device  1550  to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link  1562  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  1561  can include a wireless transceiver. The media items (media assets) can pertain to one or more different types of media content. In one embodiment, the media items are audio tracks (e.g., songs, audio books, and podcasts). In another embodiment, the media items are images (e.g., photos). However, in other embodiments, the media items can be any combination of audio, graphical or visual content. Sensor  1576  can take the form of circuitry for detecting any number of stimuli. For example, sensor  1576  can include a Hall Effect sensor responsive to external magnetic field, an audio sensor, a light sensor such as a photometer, and so on. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is defined as any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target 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. 
     The advantages of the embodiments described are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations can yield one or more of the following advantages. Many features and advantages of the present embodiments are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the embodiments should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents can be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130719
Publication Date: 20170509
Grant Date: 20170509
Priority Date: 20130719
Inventors: HORNE STEPHEN C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04847", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04883", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04883", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04803", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04847", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04803", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04803", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04847", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04883", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51660559