PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10007312-B2
Application Number: US-201414532985-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Integrated inductive charging in protective cover

Abstract:
Accurate and reliable techniques for wirelessly powering a tablet device are disclosed.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method operable by a portable electronic device having a housing that includes a back-side having a radio frequency (RF) transmissive portion, the housing arranged to carry a first magnetic element, a battery, an inductive power receiver, and a display assembly having a touch sensitive display that occupies substantially all of a front-side of the housing, the method comprising:
 in a presence of a charging device having a body (i) that is characterized as having a size and shape in accordance with the RF transmissive portion and (ii) that carries a second magnetic element and an inductive power transmitter that is coiled in accordance with a shape of the RF transmissive portion:
 creating a magnetic circuit between the first and second magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic circuit aligns and secures the body to the housing of the portable electronic device; and 
 receiving an operable amount of power from the inductive power transmitter by the inductive power receiver in accordance with a current battery state, 
 wherein the magnetic circuit is of sufficient strength such that, when the portable electronic device moves, the portable electronic device carries along the magnetically secured charging device while maintaining an inductive connection between the inductive power transmitter and the inductive power receiver. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the operable amount of power received at the inductive power receiver is passed to the battery when the current battery state is other than a full battery state. 
     
     
       3. The method as recited in  claim 1 , the charging device further comprising:
 an external power connector suitable for receiving external power from an external power supply. 
 
     
     
       4. The method as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the operable amount of power received by the inductive power receiver comprises at least some of the external power received from the external power connector. 
     
     
       5. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the RF transmissive portion is formed of a non-metallic material selected from a group consisting of ceramic, plastic, and glass. 
     
     
       6. The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the RF transmissive portion has a size and the shape in accordance with the inductive power receiver. 
     
     
       7. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing arranged to carry a display, a battery, a first magnetic element and an inductive power receiver, the housing having a back-side having a radio frequency (RF) transmissive portion, 
 wherein in a presence of a charging device having a body (i) that is characterized as having a size and a shape in accordance with the RF transmissive portion and (ii) that carries a second magnetic element and an inductive power transmitter, the portable electronic device is capable of coupling with the charging device such that:
 a magnetic circuit is created between the first and second magnetic elements, the magnetic circuit secures the body to the housing of the portable electronic device; the inductive power receiver receives an operable amount of power from the inductive power transmitter in accordance with a current battery state; and the magnetic circuit is of sufficient strength such that, when the portable electronic device moves, the portable electronic device carries along the magnetically secured charging device while maintaining an inductive connection between the inductive power transmitter and the inductive power receiver. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein when the current battery state is full, the inductive power receiver is not enabled to receive power from the inductive power transmitter. 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein at least some of the operable amount of power received at the inductive power receiver is passed to the battery when the current battery state is not full. 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the charging device further comprising:
 an external power connector suitable for receiving external power from an external power supply. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the inductive power transmitter is coiled in accordance with a shape of the RF transmissive portion. 
     
     
       12. An accessory device arranged to inductively provide power to a portable electronic device having a housing carrying a display, a battery, a first magnetic element, and an inductive power receiver unit, the housing having a back-side having a radio frequency (RF) transmissive portion, the accessory device comprising:
 a body characterized as having a size and a shape in accordance with the RF transmissive portion, the body carrying:
 (i) an inductive power transmitter arranged to inductively pass an operable amount of power in accordance with a current battery state of the battery to the portable electronic device by inductive coupling with the inductive power receiver unit, wherein the inductive power transmitter is coiled in accordance with a shape of the RF transmissive portion, and 
 (ii) a second magnetic element used to secure the body to the portable electronic device, wherein the second magnetic element is of sufficient strength such that, when the second magnetic element is coupled to the first magnetic element and when the portable electronic device moves, the portable electronic device carries along the magnetically secured accessory device while maintaining an inductive connection between the inductive power transmitter and the inductive power receiver unit. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein when the current battery state is full, the inductive power receiver unit is not enabled to receive the power from the inductive power transmitter. 
     
     
       14. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein at least some of the power passed from the inductive power transmitter to the inductive power receiver unit is sent to the battery when the current battery state is not full. 
     
     
       15. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , the body further comprising:
 an external power connector suitable for receiving external power from an external power supply. 
 
     
     
       16. The accessory device as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the operable amount of power received by the inductive power receiver unit comprises at least some of the external power received from the external power connector. 
     
     
       17. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the portable electronic device receives external power only from the inductive power transmitter. 
     
     
       18. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the inductive power transmitter has a annular shape. 
     
     
       19. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the body is capable of being secured to the housing of the portable electronic device at least in a first configuration and in a second configuration different than the first configuration, and the inductive connection is maintained in the first configuration and in the second configuration. 
     
     
       20. The accessory device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the body is capable of continuously rotate relative to the portable electronic device while the second magnetic element is coupled to the first magnetic element.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/230,574, filed Sep. 12, 2011, entitled “INTEGRATED INDUCTIVE CHARGING IN PROTECTIVE COVER,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,907,752 issued Dec. 9, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments generally relate to portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments describe use of multiple sensors in combination to confirm a status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There continues to be dramatic growth in the use of laptops and other portable electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, smart phone and portable media players. Recent advances in portable computing includes 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 display used for presenting visual content leaving little available space for an attachment mechanism that can be used for attaching an accessory device or a cord that can be used to provide power for that matter. 
     Although a variety of standards have been developed for providing wireless communication with electronic devices, these devices continue to be plagued with a need for corded power supplies. Typically, each electronic device requires a separate power supply cord. These cords are a burden to use, store and carrying around as needed. Cords can be unsightly and substantially hinder portable device mobility. 
     Therefore, a method of delivering useful power to a portable computing device, such as a tablet device, that is both efficient and does not distract from the inherent aesthetics of the tablet device is desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a system, method, and apparatus for wirelessly providing power to a tablet device. 
     A protective cover arranged to protect at least a display of a tablet device, is disclosed. The protective cover includes at least a body portion having a size and shape in accordance with the display. In the described embodiments, the body portion includes an inductive power transmitter arranged to wirelessly pass power to a corresponding inductive power receiver unit disposed within the tablet device by inductively coupling, at least a first magnetic element, and at least a second magnetic element used to secure the body portion to the display in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration the first magnetic element is detected by a sensor disposed within the tablet device, the detection altering a current operating state of the tablet device. The protective cover also includes an attachment mechanism for pivotally attaching the body portion to the tablet device. 
     In another embodiment, a method for wirelessly powering a tablet device is disclosed. The method can be performed by carrying out at least the following operations: determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, and wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover. 
     In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for wirelessly powering a tablet device is described. The apparatus includes at least means for determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, means for enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, and means for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover. 
     Non-transitory computer readable medium executable by a processor in a tablet device for wirelessly receiving power at the tablet device is also described. The non-transitory computer readable medium includes at least computer code for determining if a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, computer code for enabling a wireless power receiver circuit in the tablet device when it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, and computer code for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter associated with the protective cover. 
     In still yet another embodiment, a segmented protective cover used to protect a display of a tablet device is disclosed. The segmented protective cover includes at least an attachment mechanism arranged to provide a repeatable, high precision attachment with a cooperating attachment feature in the tablet device, a hinge portion connected to the attachment mechanism, a body portion, the body portion pivotally connected to the hinge portion, and an inductive power transmission element incorporated into the body portion arranged to combine with an inductive power reception element in the tablet device to form an inductive power transfer circuit configured to wirelessly pass power from the protective cover and the tablet device. 
     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 top perspective view of an electronic device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a first perspective view of the electronic device in the form of a tablet device and the accessory device in the form of a protective cover. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a second perspective view of the electronic device in the form of a tablet device and the accessory device in the form of a protective cover. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a closed configuration of the cooperating system formed by the tablet device and protective cover shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
         FIG. 3B  shows an open configuration of the cooperating system shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of an embodiment of a segmented cover assembly. 
         FIG. 5  show another folded implementation of segmented cover in which triangular support structure can be used to support a tablet device in a viewing state. 
         FIG. 6  shows a top view of segmented cover in a closed configuration with respect to a tablet device showing more clearly inductive power transmitter. 
         FIG. 7  shows a front perspective view of a tablet device supported by triangular support structure. 
         FIG. 8  shows another embodiment of protective flap that includes single continuous element type inductive power transmitter. 
         FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of single continuous element type inductive power transmitter in the form of circular inductive power transmitter. 
         FIG. 10  shows a flowchart detailing process for wirelessly receiving power at a tablet device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an electronic device suitable for use with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     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 description relates in general to a mechanism that can be used to wirelessly provide power to a portable computing device. In one embodiment, the portable computing device can take the form of a tablet device such as the iPad® manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. More particularly, the tablet device can have associated with it a protective cover that can be attached and detached repeatedly and easily using magnetic attachment. The protective cover can take the form of a Smart Cover® also manufactured by Apple Inc. exclusively for use with the iPad line of tablet devices. In any case, the described embodiments relate specifically to the wireless supply of power to electronic devices using inductive coupling. More particularly, useful power can be supplied directly to a tablet device by way of a protective cover that can be placed in close proximity to a surface of the tablet device. The protective cover can include an inductive power transmitter that can take many forms such as inductive coils. The inductive coils can, in turn, receive power from an external power supply. In some cases, however, the protective cover can include an internal source of power such as a battery that can be used to store power that can subsequently be passed to the tablet device by way of the inductive power transfer circuit. In the described embodiment, the inductive power transfer circuit can be developed between the inductive power transmitter in the protective cover and an inductive power receiver in the tablet device. The power supplied through the inductive power transfer circuit can be used to power the tablet device and/or to charge the tablet device&#39;s internal batteries, if needed. 
     The protective cover can include an adaptive inductive power supply system capable of varying the amount of power supplied by the protective cover by way of inductive coupling based on the needs of the tablet device. The adaptive inductive power supply system can supply power to the tablet device at a proper magnitude at a beginning of an operation, as well as to continually monitor the power supply circuit and make adjustments in real-time as needed providing the adaptive power the ability to change in accordance with changes in the power requirements of the tablet device. For example, the adaptive power supply circuit can adjust characteristics, such as frequency, duty cycle and power magnitude, to accommodate various operating states (current power consumption, battery level, and so forth) of the tablet device. 
     More specifically, the protective cover can have a size and shape in accordance with the tablet device. In one embodiment, the protective cover can have a hinge portion and flap pivotally attached to the hinge portion. The flap can rotate about the hinge portion in one direction to bring the flap in substantial contact with the electronic device in a closed configuration. The flap can also include an inductive power transmitter unit. The inductive power transmitter unit can receive power from an external power supply by way of a detachable power cord or without the use of any power cords when power is stored internally such as in a battery incorporated into the flap. In still other embodiments, ambient power gathering devices, such as solar cells, can be used to gather ambient power (such as sunlight) to be stored internally in the flap for later inductive transfer. In the described embodiments, power can be wirelessly passed from the flap to the tablet device using an inductive power circuit formed when the inductive power transmitter in the flap inductively couples with an inductive power receiver incorporated into the tablet device. 
     Generally speaking, since the efficiency of the inductive power transfer is highly dependent upon the distance between the inductive power transmitter and the inductive power receiver, this distance can be minimized by placing the respective inductive power circuit components as close together as possible when the protective cover is in the closed configuration. Therefore, the inductive power transmitter can be disposed within an interior layer of the flap while the inductive power receiver can be placed in a corresponding location beneath the display of the tablet device or any other appropriate location. In some embodiments, the inductive circuit elements can be located in a peripheral region of the flap and corresponding peripheral regions of the tablet device (such as beneath the display mask that borders an active portion of the display). In this way, power can be inductively transmitted between the flap and tablet device in any number of ways and using any number of configurations of inductive power transfer circuits. Therefore, one of the advantages to using magnetic attachment is the ability to repeatedly magnetically attach the protective cover and the tablet device in a precise location and orientation. In this way, the ability to easily and without much ado on the part of the end user to align the various components of the inductive power transfer circuit is greatly enhanced. 
     It should be noted, however, that in those cases where the protective cover is magnetically attached to the tablet device, that the relative positioning of the inductive power circuits and the magnetic elements used to support the magnetic attachment must be taken into consideration due to the potential for magnetic interference and subsequent degrading of the power transfer efficiency. Accordingly, the use of various placements, sizes and shapes of the inductive power circuit components (i.e., inductive power transmitter and receivers) can be widely varied in order to accommodate any magnetic attachment features, or any other magnetically sensitive circuit (such as a compass or Hall Effect sensor) present in the tablet device or the protective cover. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device can have a display that overlays an inductive receiving circuit arranged to inductively receive power from the protective cover via the inductive power transmitter included therein. In order to assure that none of the components of the inductive power transfer circuit is visible, the components can be placed beneath a display device. In those cases, however, where the display includes a display masking region used to hide various display components, the components of the inductive power transfer circuit can be located beneath the display mask. Of course, the corresponding inductive power transfer circuits incorporated into the protective cover must be similarly located in peripheral regions of the flap. 
     It should also be noted that magnetic materials included in the protective cover can affect the performance of the inductive power transfer circuit. The magnetic materials in the protective cover can include that use to activate a Hall Effect sensor or used to magnetically form a support structure by appropriate folding of one embodiment of the protective cover. Accordingly, inductive power transfer components are generally placed away from such magnetic materials in order to avoid any unnecessary reduction in inductive power transfer efficiency. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . 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. For the remainder of this discussion for simplicity and clarity, inductive power transfer between a protective cover and an associated electronic device is described. It should be noted, however, that any number and type of suitably configured objects that can be magnetically attached to each other in a precise and repeatable manner can be used. 
     The electronic device can take many forms. For the remainder of this discussion, the electronic device is described in terms of a handheld portable computing device. Accordingly,  FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of electronic device  10  in accordance with the described embodiments. Electronic device  10  can process data and more particularly media data such as audio, visual, images, etc. Electronic device  10  can be hand held. With regards to being handheld, electronic device  10  can be held in one hand while being operated by the other hand (i.e., no reference surface such as a desktop is needed). Hence, electronic device  10  can be held in one hand while operational input commands can be provided by the other hand. The operational input commands can include operating a volume switch, a hold switch, or by providing inputs to a touch sensitive surface such as a touch sensitive display device or a touch pad. 
     Electronic device  10  can include housing  12 . In some embodiments, housing  12  can take the form of a single piece housing formed of any number of materials such as plastic or non-magnetic metal which can be forged, molded, or otherwise formed into a desired shape. In those cases where electronic device  10  has a metal housing and incorporates radio frequency (RF) based functionality, a portion of housing  12  can include radio transparent materials such as ceramic, or plastic. Housing  12  can be configured to enclose a number of internal components. For example, housing  12  can enclose and support various structural and electrical components (including integrated circuit chips) to provide computing operations for electronic device  10 . The integrated circuits can take the form of chips, chip sets, or modules any of which can be surface mounted to a printed circuit board, or PCB, or other support structure. For example, a main logic board (MLB) can have integrated circuits mounted thereon that can include at least a microprocessor, semi-conductor memory (such as FLASH), and various support circuits and so on. Housing  12  can include opening  11  for placing internal components and as necessary can be sized to accommodate display assembly for presenting visual content, the display assembly being covered and protected by cover layer  16 . In some cases, the display assembly can be touch sensitive allowing tactile inputs that can be used to provide control signals to electronic device  10 . In some cases, the display assembly may be a large prominent display area that covers a majority of the real estate on the front of the electronic device. 
     Electronic device  10  can include a magnetic attachment system that can be used to magnetically attach electronic device  10  to at least one other suitably configured object. The magnetic attachment system can include a number of magnetic attachment features distributed within and in some cases connected to housing  12 . For example, the magnetic attachment system can include first magnetic attachment feature  18  and second magnetic attachment feature  20  located on different sides of electronic device  10 . In particular, first magnetic attachment feature  18  can be located in proximity to side wall  12   a  of housing  12 . Second magnetic attachment feature  20  can be located within opening  11  near side wall  12   b  of housing  12 . In those embodiments where electronic device  10  includes a display with cover glass substantially filling opening  11 , second attachment feature  20  can be placed beneath the display. In some embodiments, tablet device  10  can include various sensors  22  that can be used to detect external stimuli and respond by providing a signal that can be used by tablet device  10  to alter a current operating state. For example, when sensor  22  takes the form of a Hall Effect sensor, the external stimulus can take the form of a saturating magnetic field provided by an extrinsic magnetic element. 
       FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  show electronic device  100  presented in terms of tablet device  100  and accessory device  200  is shown as protective cover  200  each in perspective top views. These elements may generally correspond to any of those previously mentioned. In particular,  FIGS. 2A and 2B  shows two perspective views of tablet device  100  and protective cover  200  in the open configuration. For example,  FIG. 2A  shows device attachment feature  108  included in tablet device  100  and its relationship to tablet device  100 .  FIG. 2B , on the other hand, is the view presented in  FIG. 2A  rotated about 180° to provide a second view of attachment feature  202  and its relationship with protective cover  200 . 
     Tablet device  100  can take the form of a tablet computing device such as the iPad® manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Referring now to  FIG. 2A , tablet device  100  can include housing  102  that can enclose and support device attachment feature  108 . In order to not interfere with the magnetic field generated by device attachment feature  108 , at least that portion of housing  102  nearest device attachment feature  108  can be formed of any number of non-magnetic materials such as plastic or non-magnetic metal such as aluminum. 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 opening  104  for placing internal components and can be sized to accommodate a display assembly or system suitable for providing a user with at least visual content as for example via a display. In some cases, the display assembly can include touch sensitive capabilities providing the user with the ability to provide tactile inputs to tablet device  100  using touch inputs. The display assembly can be formed of a number of layers including a topmost layer taking the form of transparent cover glass  106  formed of polycarbonate or other appropriate plastic or highly polished glass. Using highly polished glass, cover glass  106  can substantially fill opening  104 . 
     Although not shown, the display assembly 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. The display assembly can be placed and secured within the cavity using a variety of mechanisms. In one embodiment, the display assembly is snapped into the cavity. It can be placed flush with the adjacent portion of the housing. In this way, the display can present 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) as well as receive user provided inputs. In some cases, displayed icons can be moved by a user to a more convenient location on the display. 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 device attachment feature  108  and securing attachment feature  20 . 
     Protective 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 . Protective cover  200  is shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  attached to tablet device  100  in an open configuration in which cover glass  106  is fully viewable. Protective cover  200  can include flap  202 . In one embodiment, flap  202  can have a size and shape in accordance with cover glass  106 . Flap  202  can be pivotally connected to accessory attachment feature  204  by way of hinge assembly  206  each shown in  FIG. 2B . The magnetic attachment force between attachment feature  204  and device attachment feature  108  can maintain protective 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 protective 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 between cover glass  106  and flap  202  is such that flap  202  covers substantially all of cover glass  106  when flap  202  is placed in contact with cover glass  106  as shown in  FIG. 3A . In one embodiment, flap  202  can be magnetically secured to cover glass  106  in the closed configuration by way of magnetic attachment between magnetic element  208  and securing attachment feature  20 . In some embodiments, magnetic element  208  can also be detected by sensor  22  providing an indication that protective cover  200  is in the closed configuration with respect to tablet device  100 . 
     Flap  202  can be pivotally connected to hinge assembly  206  that, in turn, can be connected to attachment feature  204 . Hinge assembly  206  can, in turn, be coupled to electronic device  100  by way of accessory attachment feature  204 . In this way, the flap  202  can be used as a protective cover to protect aspects of electronic device  100  such as a display cover  106 . Flap  202  can be formed of various materials such as plastic, cloth, and so forth. Flap  202  can be segmented in such a way that a segment of the flap can be lifted to expose a corresponding portion of the display. Flap  202  can also include a functional element that can cooperate with a corresponding functional element in electronic device  100 . In this way, manipulating flap  202  can result in an alteration in the operation of electronic device  100 . 
     Useful power can be wirelessly transferred from protective cover  200  to tablet device  100  by way of a wireless power transfer circuit. In one embodiment, the wireless power transfer circuit can include a wireless power transmitter unit wirelessly coupled to a wireless power receiver unit. In the embodiment shown, the wireless power transfer circuit can rely upon inductive coupling to provide the requisite wireless power transfer channel between flap  202  and tablet device  100 . In particular, flap  202  can include inductive power transmitter  210  and tablet device  100  can include inductive power receiver  212  each aligned with each other in the mating configuration mediated by accessory attachment feature  204 . In this way, the precise alignment required for efficient inductive power transfer can be automatically achieved merely by magnetically attaching protective cover  200  and tablet device  100  using the requisite magnetic attachment mechanism described herein. It should also be noted that the various components of the inductive power transfer circuit can be placed in almost any location in flap  202  and tablet device  100 . For example, display mask  211  can be used to obscure portions of inductive power receiver  212  that correspond with elements of inductive power transmitter  210  placed in peripheral regions of flap  202 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show protective cover  200  and tablet device  100  magnetically attached to each other.  FIG. 3A  shows a closed configuration in which cover glass  106  is fully covered by and in contact with flap  202 . Protective cover  200  can pivot about hinge assembly  206  from the closed configuration of  FIG. 3A  to an open configuration of  FIG. 3B . In the closed configuration, inner layer of flap  202  can come in direct contact with cover glass  106 . In this way, inductive power transmitter  210  and inductive power receiver  212  can be aligned with each other in such a way that useful power can be transferred between flap  202  and tablet device  100 . In one embodiment, a sensor in tablet device  100  can detect magnetic element  216  in flap  202  and in so doing can provide an indication to tablet device  100  that flap  202  is in a closed configuration with respect to tablet device  100 . The indication can be used by tablet device  100  to determine a tablet device power status and based upon that determination, enable an inductive power transfer between flap  202  and tablet device  100 . For example, the determination of the tablet device power status can indicate that tablet device  100  is in a portable mode (i.e., no power provided from an external power supply via a power cable). In the portable mode, tablet device  100  receives all power from an internal power supply, such as a battery. In this case, therefore, tablet device  100  would ascertain a current charge state of the battery, and based upon the current charge state, enable (or not) the inductive power transfer circuit. In this way, power can be wirelessly passed from inductive power transmitter  210  to inductive power receiver  212  that can, in turn, be used to power tablet device  100  directly, provide power to the battery. It should be noted that in the case where tablet device  100  is not active and the battery is fully charged, disable the power transfer circuit until needed. 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of a specific embodiment of protective cover  200  in the form of segmented cover  300 . Segmented cover  300  can include body  302 . Body  302  can have a size and shape in accordance with tablet device  100 . Body  302  can be formed from a single piece of foldable or pliable material. Body  302  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 at the folding regions. In one embodiment, body  302  can be formed 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 body  302 . Each layer can also have a size and shape that correspond to only a portion of body  302 . For example, 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 a specific embodiment, segmented body  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. By way of example, the segments can include a pocket region where the inserts are placed or alternatively the inserts may be embedded within the segments (e.g., insert molding). If pockets used, the pocket region can have a size and shape to accommodate corresponding inserts. The inserts can have various shapes but are most typically shaped to conform to the overall look of segmented body  302  (e.g., rectangular). The inserts can be used to provide structural support for segmented body  302 . That is, the inserts can provide stiffness to the cover assembly. In some cases, the inserts may be referred to as stiffeners. As such, the cover assembly is relatively stiff except along the foldable regions that are thinner and do not include the inserts (e.g., allows folding) making segmented cover  300  more robust and easier to handle. In one embodiment segments  304 ,  306 , and  310  can be related to segment  308  in size in the proportion of about 0.72 to 1 meaning that segments  304 ,  306  and  310  are sized in width to be about 72% of the width of segment  308 . In this way, a triangle having appropriate angles can be formed (i.e., about 75° for display stand and about 11° for keyboard stand discussed below). 
     Segments  306 ,  308 , and  310  can include inserts  311 ,  316 , and  318 , respectively (shown in dotted lines form). Inserts  311 - 318  can be formed of rigid or semi-rigid non-conductive or magnetic material adding resiliency to body  302 . Examples of materials that can be used include plastics, fiber glass, carbon fiber composites, and the like. Segment  304  can include insert  320  also formed of resilient material such as plastic but also arranged to accommodate magnetic elements  322  some of which can interact with magnetic elements in table device  100  and more specifically attachment feature  20 . Inserts  311 - 318  can also incorporate inductive power transmitter  210  each of which can be connected to an external power supply (not shown) by way of line  320  that can be connected to housing  12  of tablet device  100  when segmented cover  300  is attached to tablet device  100 . It should be noted that in some instances it may be preferable for inductive power transmitter  208  to be formed as a single continuous loop circuit shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     Due to the ability of segmented body  302  to fold and more particularly the various segments to fold with respect to each other, most of magnetic elements  322  can be used to magnetically interact with a magnetically active insert (not shown) embedded in insert  318 . By magnetically binding both active insert  324  and magnetic elements  322  various support structures can be formed some of which can be triangular in shape. The triangular support structures can aid in the use of tablet device  100 . For example, one triangular support structure can be used to support tablet device  100  in such a way that visual content can be presented at a desirable viewing angle of about 75° from horizontal. However, in order be able to appropriately fold segmented cover  300 , segment  308  can be sized to be somewhat larger than segments  304 ,  306  and  310  (which are generally the same size). In this way, the segments can form a triangle having two equal sides and a longer third side, the triangle having an interior angle of about 75°. 
       FIG. 5  show another folded implementation of segmented cover  300  in which triangular support structure  500  can be used to support tablet device  100  in a viewing state. By viewing state it is meant that visual content (visual, stills, animation, etc.) can be presented at a viewer friendly angle of about 75° from horizontal by tablet device  100 . In this “kickstand” state, visual content can be presented for easy viewing. A viewable area of tablet device  100  can be presented at an angle of about 75° which has been found to be within a range of viewing angles considered optimal for a good viewing experience. In this arrangement, inductive power transmitter  502  can be used to wirelessly transfer power to tablet device  100  by way of inductive power receiver  504 .  FIG. 6  shows a top view of segmented cover  300  in a closed configuration with respect to tablet device  100  showing more clearly inductive power transmitter  502 . It should be noted that the embodiment of inductive power transmitter  502  shown is for illustrative purposes only.  FIG. 7  shows a front perspective view of tablet  100  supported by triangular support structure  500 . In this way, tablet device  100  can present visual content at a user friendly manner. 
       FIG. 8  shows another embodiment  800  of protective flap  200  that includes single continuous element type inductive power transmitter  802 . Using a single continuous conductive element provides for a maximum amount of power being wirelessly transferred from inductive power transmitter  802  to a correspondingly sized and shaped inductive power receiver. Although shown protective cover  200  in this embodiment as particular embodiment is not segmented, it should be noted that inductive power transmitter  810  can be used in segmented cover  300  as long as the conductive material used to form inductive power transmitter  810  has sufficient flexibility to maintain conductive integrity throughout the anticipated useful life of segmented cover  300 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another embodiment  900  of single continuous element type inductive power transmitter  802  in the form of circular inductive power transmitter  902 . It should be noted that battery unit  904  can be connected to corresponding inductive power receiver  906 . In this way, battery unit  904  can be recharged as needed by power wirelessly received from inductive power transmitter  902 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a flowchart detailing process  1000  for wirelessly receiving power at a tablet device in accordance with the described embodiments. Process  1000  can be carried out by determining if the tablet device is in a portable mode at  1002 . By portable mode it is meant that the tablet device is not connected to an external power supply and therefore receives all operational power from an internal power source, such as a battery. If it is determined that the tablet device is not in the portable mode and therefore is receiving power from the external power supply by way of, for example, a power cord, process  1000  ends since there is no need for the tablet device to wirelessly receive power. On the other hand, if it is determined that the tablet device is in the portable mode, then at  1004  a determination is made by the tablet device is a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to the tablet device. This determination can be accomplished in many ways. For example, if the protective cover has an appropriately situated magnetic element that can be detected by a magnetically sensitive sensor (such as a Hall Effect sensor) in the tablet device, then the presence of a magnetic field associated with the magnetic element can indicate that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device. Other sensors that can be used to determine the positional status of the protective cover with regards to the tablet device can include an ambient light sensor (ALS), an image capture device (such as a camera) and so on. In any case, if it is determined that the protective cover is not in the close configuration with respect to the tablet device, then process  1000  ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the protective cover is in the closed configuration with respect to the tablet device, then at  1006  a determination is made if the battery in the tablet device is fully charged. If it is determined that the battery is fully charged, then process  1000  ends as it would preclude the possibility of overcharging the battery. 
     It should be noted, however, that in those cases where tablet device includes circuitry that prevents battery overcharging, then process  1000  can nonetheless continue. However, for sake of simplicity it is presumed that the table device has no such circuitry and when it is determined that the battery is not fully charged, and then at  1008 , the tablet device enables a wireless power receiver. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver can be an inductive power receiver arranged to receive useful power inductively from a corresponding inductive power transmitter located in the protective cover. Once the wireless power receiver is enabled, useful power can be wirelessly received at the tablet device at  1008 . 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an electronic device  1150  suitable for use with the described embodiments. The electronic device  1150  illustrates circuitry of a representative computing device. The electronic device  1150  includes a processor  1152  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  1150 . The electronic device  1150  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1154  and a cache  1156 . The file system  1154  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system  1154  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the electronic device  1150 . However, since the access time to the file system  1154  is relatively slow, the electronic device  1150  can also include a cache  1156 . The cache  1156  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1156  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1154 . However, the cache  1156  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1154 . Further, the file system  1154 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1156 . The power consumption is often a concern when the electronic device  1150  is a portable media device that is powered by a battery  1174 . The electronic device  1150  can also include a RAM  1170  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1172 . The ROM  1172  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1170  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1156 . 
     The electronic device  1150  also includes a user input device  1158  that allows a user of the electronic device  1150  to interact with the electronic device  1150 . For example, the user input device  1158  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  1150  includes a display  1160  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1152  to display information to the user. A data bus  1166  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1154 , the cache  1156 , the processor  1152 , and the CODEC  1163 . 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  1150  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, podcasts, etc.) in the file system  1154 . 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  1160 . Then, using the user input device  1158 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1152 , 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)  1163 . The CODEC  1163  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1164 . The speaker  1164  can be a speaker internal to the electronic device  1150  or external to the electronic device  1150 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the electronic device  1150  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The electronic device  1150  also includes a network/bus interface  1161  that couples to a data link  1162 . The data link  1162  allows the electronic device  1150  to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link  1162  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  1161  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  1176  can take the form of circuitry for detecting any number of stimuli. For example, sensor  1176  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: 20141104
Publication Date: 20180626
Grant Date: 20180626
Priority Date: 20110912
Inventors: WODRICH, Justin Richard
MCCLURE, STEPHEN ROBERT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J17/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J5/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/26", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/60", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F38/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47829672